bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating potential immune mechanisms of trilaciclib administered prior to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Tan Antoinette R. , O’Shaughnessy Joyce , Cao Subing , Ahn Sarah , Yi John S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In a phase II trial in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC; NCT02978716), administering trilaciclib prior to gemcitabine plus carboplatin (GCb) enhanced T-cell activation and improved overall survival versus GCb alone. The survival benefit was more pronounced in patients with higher immune-related gene expression. We assessed immune cell subsets and used molecular profiling to further elucidate effects on antitumor immunity.

Methods

Patients with mTNBC and ≤ 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for locally recurrent TNBC or mTNBC were randomized 1:1:1 to GCb on days 1 and 8, trilaciclib prior to GCb on days 1 and 8, or trilaciclib alone on days 1 and 8, and prior to GCb on days 2 and 9. Gene expression, immune cell populations, and Tumor Inflammation Signature (TIS) scores were assessed in baseline tumor samples, with flow cytometric analysis and intracellular and surface cytokine staining used to assess immune cell populations and function.

Results

After two cycles, the trilaciclib plus GCb group (n = 68) had fewer total T cells and significantly fewer CD8+ T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells compared with baseline, with enhanced T-cell effector function versus GCb alone. No significant differences were observed in patients who received GCb alone (n = 34). Of 58 patients in the trilaciclib plus GCb group with antitumor response data, 27 had an objective response. RNA sequencing revealed a trend toward higher baseline TIS scores among responders versus non‑responders.

Conclusion

The results suggest that administering trilaciclib prior to GCb may modulate the composition and response of immune cell subsets to TNBC.
Antibacterial properties of functionalized cellulose extracted from deproteinized soybean hulls
Authors: Tummino Maria Laura , Laurenti Enzo , Bracco Pierangiola , Cecone Claudio , Parola Valeria La , Vineis Claudia , Testa Maria Luisa
Published: July 2023

Soybean hulls (SBHs) are one of the main by-products of soybean crushing, usually destined for animal feeding or to become a putrescible waste. In this work, we upgraded the SBHs to materials with antimicrobial properties. After the extraction of soybean peroxidase from SBHs, an enzyme applicable in different technological sectors and naturally present in soybean hulls, the exhausted biomass was subjected to an acid–base treatment to isolate cellulose. The obtained material was, in turn, functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to achieve new hybrids with antimicrobial properties. The synthetic procedure was optimized by varying the solvent type (ethanol or toluene) and APTES amount. Overall, the amino-functionalization process was effective and the activity was outstanding against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, reaching complete disinfection practically in all cases. The samples were studied by means of several characterization techniques, demonstrating that the solvent and cellulose types had a significant influence on the physical–chemical features, together with the eco-sustainability of the process. In particular, the use of greener ethanol and waste cellulose (with respect to a commercial one) resulted in a higher APTES immobilization efficiency and superior thermal stability of the final materials. Interestingly, the presence of various unremoved compounds from the lignocellulosic SBH matrix, although in small quantities, emerged as a crucial factor, also in terms of antibacterial activity, hypothesizing a role of residual phytochemicals.
A branch-and-prune algorithm for discrete Nash equilibrium problems
Authors: Schwarze Stefan , Stein Oliver
Published: July 2023

We present a branch-and-prune procedure for discrete Nash equilibrium problems with a convex description of each player’s strategy set. The derived pruning criterion does not require player convexity, but only strict convexity of some player’s objective function in a single variable. If satisfied, it prunes choices for this variable by stating activity of certain constraints. This results in a synchronous branching and pruning method. An algorithmic implementation and numerical tests are presented for randomly generated instances with convex polyhedral strategy sets and convex quadratic as well as non-convex quadratic objective functions.
Genetic insights into pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) reproduction in South Africa
Authors: Glennon K. L. , Le Roux J. J. , Thompson D. I.
Published: July 2023

Genetic diversity in over-exploited and threatened species has important, but often neglected, implications for conservation. In South Africa, the bark of the regionally endangered pepper-bark tree, Warburgia salutaris, is extensively harvested for subsistence medicine. We developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers to examine the genetic diversity and structure among 227 W. salutaris individuals sampled from across much of its range in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (KNP) and 31 trees growing in local nurseries. We also tested the cross-amplification success of these markers in two closely related species, Warburgia elongata (IUCN listed as Endangered) and W. stuhlmannii (IUCN listed as Vulnerable). Contrary to our expectations, we found evidence of clonality and for high genetic diversity in all wild KNP sub-populations of W. salutaris. We identified between 114 and 149 unique multi-locus genotypes in the 258 individuals included in our analyses. Bayesian assignment tests identified three distinct genetic clusters that are represented by the sampled KNP sub-population of W. salutaris, with minimal geographic structure and some admixture. Three genetic clusters were also identified among all sampled individuals, i.e., KNP and nursery trees. Nursery W. salutaris germplasm comprised unique genotypes with similar levels of observed heterozygosity to the wild population. High levels of clonality and reported self-incompatibility, along with short distance pollination, likely explain the lack of recent sexual recruitment (i.e., reduced fruit set and lack of seedlings) in the wild population. These findings will be useful to identify sub-populations where genets may be sampled to maximize genetic diversity within subpopulations for restoration throughout KNP.
Round- and context-bounded control of dynamic pushdown systems
Authors: Bollig Benedikt , Lehaut Mathieu , Sznajder Nathalie
Published: July 2023

We consider systems with unboundedly many processes that communicate through shared memory. In that context, simple verification questions have a high complexity or, in the case of pushdown processes, are even undecidable. Good algorithmic properties are recovered under round-bounded verification, which restricts the system behavior to a bounded number of round-robin schedules. In this paper, we extend this approach to a game-based setting. This allows one to solve synthesis and control problems and constitutes a further step towards a theory of languages over infinite alphabets.
Identifying the circularization opportunities for organic wastes generated in a Mediterranean region
Authors: García-Rández A. , Marks E. A. N. , Martínez-Sabater E. , Sáez-Tovar J. A. , Andreu-Rodríguez J. , Orden L. , Bustamante M. A. , Pérez-Murcia M. D. , Moral R.
Published: July 2023

Understanding the extent and characteristics of biomass resources is important for managing it effectively within the bioeconomy and leveraging biomass towards the highest value uses or those which are most appropriate. To this end, a large regional study was conducted to characterize the main physicochemical characteristics of common biomasses and identify potential limitations to use or opportunities for. Valencia is fourth most populous autonomous region of Spain, having a large importance for the European vegetable and citrus product markets, among others. Across 164 municipalities, 625 samples were characterized for contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH, electrical conductivity, and polyphenol contents, and 224 samples were characterized for metal and metalloid contents. The different biomass types included in the study were expert-classified into a total of 54 biomass subcategories. Overall, nutrient contents were the parameter most associated with waste type, while electrical conductivity had the highest variability within groups. Considering all the samples, nutrient contents were sufficient to reach established minimums for marking as an EU-labelled fertilizing product in 479/625 cases, and pertinent limits on heavy metal contents were exceeded in 20/224 cases. The highest polyphenol contents were found in the pomegranate and citric wastes, which were substantially higher than in the organic wastes from olive oil and wine production. Machine learning techniques (k-means and hierarchical clustering analysis) applied to the datasets showed that biomasses were best classified into two groups based on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and N, P, and Na contents, and three groups based on metal and metalloid contents. The summary data are presented in appendices for regional and European nutrient budgeting and modelling use. Based on the analyzed properties, the most appropriate uses can be identified, whether for transformation in biological processes, energy generation, recovery of critical elements, or extraction of high value compounds.
Nanosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscopy for the study of electron transfer in photosystem I
Authors: Mäusle Sarah M. , Agarwala Neva , Eichmann Viktor G. , Dau Holger , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Hastings Gary
Published: July 2023

Microsecond time-resolved step-scan FTIR difference spectroscopy was used to study photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynechococcus vestitus BP-1 (T. vestitus, formerly known as T. elongatus) at 77 K. In addition, photoaccumulated (P700+–P700) FTIR difference spectra were obtained at both 77 and 293 K. The FTIR difference spectra are presented here for the first time. To extend upon these FTIR studies nanosecond time-resolved infrared difference spectroscopy was also used to study PSI from T. vestitus at 296 K. Nanosecond infrared spectroscopy has never been used to study PSI samples at physiological temperatures, and here it is shown that such an approach has great value as it allows a direct probe of electron transfer down both branches in PSI. In PSI at 296 K, the infrared flash-induced absorption changes indicate electron transfer down the B- and A-branches is characterized by time constants of 33 and 364 ns, respectively, in good agreement with visible spectroscopy studies. These time constants are associated with forward electron transfer from A1– to FX on the B- and A-branches, respectively. At several infrared wavelengths flash-induced absorption changes at 296 K recover in tens to hundreds of milliseconds. The dominant decay phase is characterized by a lifetime of 128 ms. These millisecond changes are assigned to radical pair recombination reactions, with the changes being associated primarily with P700+ rereduction. This conclusion follows from the observation that the millisecond infrared spectrum is very similar to the photoaccumulated (P700+–P700) FTIR difference spectrum.
Detection of Endometriosis Lesions Using Gd-Based Collagen I Targeting Probe in Murine Models of Endometriosis
Authors: Talebloo Nazanin , Bernal Maria Ariadna Ochoa , Kenyon Elizabeth , Mallett Christiane L. , Fazleabas Asgerally , Moore Anna
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by high fibrotic content and affecting about 10% of women during their reproductive years. Yet, no clinically approved agents are available for non-invasive endometriosis detection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a gadolinium-based collagen type I targeting probe (EP-3533) to non-invasively detect endometriotic lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previously, this probe has been used for detection and staging of fibrotic lesions in the liver, lung, heart, and cancer. In this study we evaluate the potential of EP-3533 for detecting endometriosis in two murine models and compare it with a non-binding isomer (EP-3612).

Procedures

For imaging, we utilized two GFP-expressing murine models of endometriosis (suture model and injection model) injected intravenously with EP3533 or EP-33612. Mice were imaged before and after bolus injection of the probes. The dynamic signal enhancement of MR T1 FLASH images was analyzed, normalized, and quantified, and the relative location of lesions was validated through ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the harvested lesions were stained for collagen, and their gadolinium content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Results

We showed that EP-3533 probe increased the signal intensity in T1-weighted images of endometriotic lesions in both models of endometriosis. Such enhancement was not detected in the muscles of the same groups or in endometriotic lesions of mice injected with EP-3612 probe. Consequentially, control tissues had significantly lower gadolinium content, compared to the lesions in experimental groups. Probe accumulation was similar in endometriotic lesions of either model.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for feasibility of targeting collagen type I in the endometriotic lesions using EP3533 probe. Our future work includes investigation of the utility of this probe for therapeutic delivery in endometriosis to inhibit signaling pathways that cause the disease.
The changes in the maize root cell walls after exogenous application of auxin in the presence of cadmium
Authors: Šípošová Kristína , Labancová Eva , Hačkuličová Diana , Kollárová Karin , Vivodová Zuzana
Published: July 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is a transition metal and hazardous pollutant that has many toxic effects on plants. This heavy metal poses a health risk for both humans and animals. The cell wall is the first structure of a plant cell that is in contact with Cd; therefore, it can change its composition and/or ratio of wall components accordingly. This paper investigates the changes in the anatomy and cell wall architecture of maize (Zea mays L.) roots grown for 10 days in the presence of auxin indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Cd. The application of IBA in the concentration 10−9 M delayed the development of apoplastic barriers, decreased the content of lignin in the cell wall, increased the content of Ca2+ and phenols, and influenced the composition of monosaccharides in polysaccharide fractions when compared to the Cd treatment. Application of IBA improved the Cd2+ fixation to the cell wall and increased the endogenous concentration of auxin depleted by Cd treatment. The proposed scheme from obtained results may explain the possible mechanisms of the exogenously applied IBA and its effects on the changes in the binding of Cd2+ within the cell wall, and on the stimulation of growth that resulted in the amelioration of Cd stress.
Potential side effects of climate change mitigation on poverty and countermeasures
Authors: Fujimori Shinichiro , Hasegawa Tomoko , Oshiro Ken , Zhao Shiya , Sasaki Katsuya , Takakura Junya , Takahashi Kiyoshi
Published: July 2023

Many countries have set ambitious long-term emissions reduction targets for reaching the goal in alignment with the Paris Agreement. However, large-scale emission reduction efforts may influence poverty by various economic channels. Here, we show the extent to which climate change mitigation, excluding climate change impacts, has the potential to increase poverty, and have identified its factors such as income, price changes, and direct and indirect carbon pricing impacts. We found that the global poverty headcount could increase by 69 million (19%) in 2030 relative to the baseline for climate change mitigation with global uniform carbon prices. Moreover, our decomposition analysis revealed that both price and income change effects were major factors that could increase the poverty headcount, which are 55% and 40%, respectively. This adverse side effect could be mitigated by various measures, such as emission regulations and an enhancement of energy efficiency standards beyond the typical simple carbon tax. Our results imply that global climate change mitigation policy should place more attention on economic development in poor countries.
Bithiophene-naphthalene chalcone as a fluorescent pigment in eco-friendly security ink formulation
Authors: Jain Rakshitha K. , Muthamma Kashmitha , Sunil Dhanya , Kulkarni Suresh D. , Anand P. J. , Dey Nilanjan
Published: July 2023

Approaches to prevent document/product forgery using eco-friendly printing inks and security printing techniques on flexible substrates are two vital areas of research that demand coherent advancements. In this context, a new bithiophene-naphthalene chalcone (BTNP) was synthesized and characterized as a fluorescent pigment for use in security ink. BTNP exhibited good solid-state and solution phase fluorescence with intramolecular charge transfer confirmed using theoretical studies and emission spectra collected in THF/THF–hexane mixtures. The aggregation-induced emission of BTNP was established using solution phase studies in THF/THF–water mixtures. The strong solid-state yellow emission of BTNP prompted its use as a pigment in the preparation of an environment-friendly UV fluorescent formulation, devoid of any volatile organic compounds or hazardous air pollutants. The screen prints obtained on a UV dull paper substrate utilizing BTNP ink revealed good fluorescence, photostability, colorimetric, densitometric, and rub resistance characteristics, which showcase the potential applicability of the BTNP formulation in security printing. The low cytotoxic nature of the chalcone as observed in the MTT assay could also be exploited for the use of formulation in inkpads.

Graphical abstract
Extension of value stream mapping 4.0 for comprehensive identification of data and information flows within the manufacturing domain
Authors: Bega Maximilian , Sapel Patrick , Ercan Furkan , Schramm Thomas , Spitz Martin , Kuhlenkötter Bernd , Hopmann Christian
Published: July 2023

The main driver of industry 4.0 is data and information for realizing resilient manufacturing systems through data-based decision-making. This requires the data flow from different machinery and its processing. Therefore, a methodical survey on the logical and technical requirements for enabling an efficient data flow can be beneficial since it fastens the process of establishing the data flow and gives production and software engineers a common understanding of the data’s meaning. Hence, data, related metadata like the unit or the frequency of recordings, and technical information, e.g., the machine’s interface or the communication protocol, are necessary. Based on the classical value stream mapping (VSM) as a lean management tool, the first approach for a methodical gathering of data, value stream mapping 4.0, was established in 2016. Since VSM 4.0 provides technical properties for specifying the data flow, some shortcomings were identified, particularly related to technical information. This contribution introduces the VSM 4.0 plus that solved the identified shortcomings by adding new properties. Compared to VSM 4.0, VSM 4.0 plus offers detailed specifications of data points, includes technical information, e.g., used communication protocols, adds information regarding data processing, and enhances the storage and usage dimension by providing more details. Through the added properties, VSM 4.0 plus allows domain and software engineers more efficient collaboration since all required information for establishing the data flow and its processing are united in one methodology. To verify the practicability, the VSM 4.0 plus was applied within several manufacturing-related use cases.
Transformational leadership and emotional intelligence: allies in the development of organizational affective commitment from a multilevel perspective and time-lagged data
Authors: Pulido-Martos Manuel , Gartzia Leire , Augusto-Landa José María , Lopez-Zafra Esther
Published: July 2023

In the business context, models are needed to facilitate our understanding on the emergence of processes that transcend the individual level. In the case of affective organizational commitment, such models are even more necessary, due to the benefits associated with affective organizational commitment at the organizational level. From a time-lagged multilevel perspective, a model to explain the emergence of affective organizational commitment was tested by integrating the contribution of group processes. In this study, at two time points, 63 work teams from different organizations and sectors in Spain (n = 233 employees) were evaluated for transformational leadership, workgroup emotional intelligence and affective organizational commitment. The data were analyzed by a multilevel structural equation modelling (MSEM). The results showed that supervisors’ transformational leadership style to both directly and indirectly (through workgroup emotional intelligence levels) mediates the development of affective organizational commitment at the individual level. The results are replicated at the team level but a direct relationship between transformational leadership and affective organizational commitment was not found. In conclusion, the results of this multilevel analysis of the relationships between transformational leadership, workgroup emotional intelligence, and affective organizational commitment contribute to the development of so-called “hybrid theories of homology” in the search for the generalization of relationships between variables across levels.
Membrane Cholesterol Interactions with Proteins in Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Fancher Ibra S. , Levitan Irena
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

The goal of this review is to highlight work identifying mechanisms driving hypercholesterolemia-mediated endothelial dysfunction. We specifically focus on cholesterol-protein interactions and address specific questions related to the impact of hypercholesterolemia on cellular cholesterol and vascular endothelial function. We describe key approaches used to determine the effects of cholesterol-protein interactions in mediating endothelial dysfunction under dyslipidemic conditions.

Recent Findings

The benefits of removing the cholesterol surplus on endothelial function in models of hypercholesterolemia is clear. However, specific mechanisms driving cholesterol-induced endothelial dysfunction need to be determined. In this review, we detail the latest findings describing cholesterol-mediated endothelial dysfunction, highlighting our studies indicating that cholesterol suppresses endothelial Kir2.1 channels as a major underlying mechanism.

The findings detailed in this review support the targeting of cholesterol-induced suppression of proteins in restoring endothelial function in dyslipidemic conditions. The identification of similar mechanisms regarding other cholesterol-endothelial protein interactions is warranted.
Protective Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Kelada Melad N. , Elagawany Amany , El Sekily Nancy Mohamed , El Mallah Mona , Abou Nazel Maha W.
Published: July 2023

Cisplatin is a potent antineoplastic drug that is used for treatment of many solid tumors. It has a wide range of adverse effects. Nephrotoxicity is the most common one of them. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous human plasma that activates the tissue regeneration through cell proliferation and differentiation. Study the role of PRP in amelioration of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity on the kidney of adult male albino rats by biochemical, morphometric, histological, and immunohistochemical studies. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were used. Thirty rats were included as experimental group and five were used to obtain the PRP. The experimental group was classified into as follows: control group which received 1mL of sterile saline by intraperitoneal injection (IP), cisplatin-treated group which received cisplatin 7.5 mg/kg IP in a single dose and cisplatin and PRP-treated group rats received cisplatin 7.5 mg/kg single IP dose followed by 1ml of PRP IP after 24 h of cisplatin injection. There was a significant increase in urea and creatinine levels in cisplatin-treated group in comparison to the control and the PRP groups. The kidneys of cisplatin-treated group showed distorted renal structure, where specimens of PRP-treated group revealed restoration of the classical appearance of the renal tissue similar to the control group. PRP has protective effects on renal structure and functions and it helps to ameliorate the histological changes induced by cisplatin.
SEOM-GECP Clinical guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) (2022)
Authors: García-Campelo Rosario , Sullivan Ivana , Arriola Edurne , Insa Amelia , Juan Vidal Oscar , Cruz-Castellanos Patricia , Morán Teresa , Reguart Noemí , Zugazagoitia Jon , Dómine Manuel
Published: July 2023

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy comprising approximately 15% of lung cancers. Only one-third of patients are diagnosed at limited-stage (LS). Surgical resection can be curative in early stages, followed by platinum–etoposide adjuvant therapy, although only a minority of patients with SCLC qualify for surgery. Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy is the standard of care for LS-SCLC that is not surgically resectable, followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for patients without progression. For extensive-stage (ES)-SCLC, a combination of platinum and etoposide has historically been a mainstay of treatment. Recently, the efficacy of programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy has become the new front-line standard of care for ES-SCLC. Emerging knowledge regarding SCLC biology, including genomic characterization and molecular subtyping, and new treatment approaches will potentially lead to advances in SCLC patient care.
Self-help management of patients undergoing chemotherapy: analysis of the online forum of the women’s self-help association against cancer
Authors: Colditz C. , Keinki C. , Huebner J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine threads on chemotherapy in the largest German self-help forum regarding content and emotions.

Methods

All threads on the subject of chemotherapy that were published by February 6th, 2022 were included in the category “drug therapy”. A total of 50 threads were analyzed. A quantitative analysis was carried out with regard to content, emotions, number of replies, number of hits, duration of the conversation, duration of access in days, number density of replies, and hits per day.

Results

16 threads are about side effects and in 18 threads, the emotion is fear. Threads in which the emotion fear was expressed have the highest number of replies at 3367. Shared therapy successes are posted with pleasure and achieved a higher mean value for the duration of conversation with 1374.25 days.

Conclusion

An online self-help forum is a very important source of psychosocial support for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The impact of COVID-19 on supply chains: systematic review and future research directions
Authors: Younis Hassan , Alsharairi Malek , Younes Hammad , Sundarakani Balan
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research is to investigate how COVID-19 impacted supply chains and to develop future research directions from thereof. Using a systematic literature review methodology, this study analyzes publications on Google Scholar and Scopus that explored the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains. The research thoroughly reviews and analyzes a total of 95 studies that were found relevant and significant. COVID-19 had a significant impact on supply chains and organizations a like and therefore the study has revealed the following findings. Although some scholars claim that the pandemic revealed the fragility of supply chains, brought many logistical activities to standstill, and completely disrupted markets, but other researchers found that it has also created unlimited opportunities for organizations and industries. This review concluded that extant of literature falls into four themes; those who believe that COVID-19 was a complete threat, researchers who believe that it was both a threat and opportunity, those who believe it created enormous opportunities and lastly scholars who proposed a model that can help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on supply chains. This study opens the door wide for other researchers to explore how COVID-19 pandemic impacted supply chains positively and negatively across many industries and contexts. The study also provides an easy reference for business managers who are interested in knowing what would be the consequences of such pandemic on their organizations and how to take the right decisions that can help mitigate the many threats while at the same time maximize any opportunities created.
New species and new records of bryozoan species from fouling communities in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic)
Authors: Souto Javier , Ramalhosa Patrício , Ferrario Jasmine , Png-Gonzalez Lydia , Álvarez Soledad , Gestoso Ignacio , Nogueira Natacha , Canning-Clode João
Published: July 2023

Hull fouling is considered to be the most significant vector of introduction of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic) because these islands provide a vital passage route for many ships. The transfer of species between boat hulls and artificial substrates in marinas is known to be high. Bryozoans are among the most common groups of marine invertebrates growing on this type of substrate. In recent years, significant advances have been made in our knowledge about the biodiversity of bryozoans in the Madeira Archipelago. Nonetheless, the currently recognized numbers remain far from reflecting the actual bryozoan species richness. In this context, we examine bryozoan samples stemming from NIS monitoring surveys on artificial substrates along the southern coast of the Madeira Archipelago, in four recreational marinas and in two offshore aquaculture farms. This has yielded new information about ten bryozoan species. Two of them, Crisia noronhaisp. nov. andAmathia maderensissp. nov., are described for the first time, although at least the first one was previously recorded from Madeira but misidentified.Bugula ingens,Cradoscrupocellaria insularis,Scruparia ambigua, andCelleporaria brunneaare recorded for the first time in Madeira. Moreover, the material ofC. brunneawas compared with the type, and a biometric analysis was performed with material from the Atlantic and Mediterranean. All samples identified asC. brunneain both regions are the same species, and the variations described in the literature apparently reflect high intracolonial variability. Finally, we provide new information for the descriptions of 4 additional bryozoans, namely,Crisiasp. aff. elongata,Cradoscrupocellaria bertholletii,Scrupocaberea maderensis, andTricellaria inopinata.
Influence of Recycled Concrete Aggregates on the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Granular Sub-bases
Authors: Salcedo Fontalvo José Eduardo , Vega Araujo Daniela Lucia , Ariza Polo Lucia , Padilla Quiroz Justin , Castro Cabeza Andrea
Published: July 2023

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) have a high potential to be used as replacements for natural aggregates in the construction of pavements with similar or even better characteristics. This paper evaluates the influence of RCA as a partial replacement in a granular sub-base of 37.5 mm nominal maximum size (GSB38). Specifically, two replacement percentages of RCA by weight of the coarse aggregate of the GSB38 were evaluated: 10 and 15. To estimate the influence on the mechanical behavior, abrasion tests were carried out in the Los Angeles (LA) abrasion and California bearing ratio (CBR) methods. For GSB38, the average abrasion results were 30.54%. The CBR for the same material at a penetration of 0.254 cm was 26.90, 61.00 and 76.20% and at a penetration of 0.508 cm was 33.00, 65.70 and 82.00% for 10, 25 and 56 blows per layer, respectively. For GSB38 with 10% RCA, similar and even better behavior than natural GSB38 was found in terms of LA abrasion, with an average result of 38.68%. The CBR for the same alternative at a penetration of 0.254 cm was 13.20, 52.80 and 57.70% and at a penetration of 0.508 cm was 18.00, 61.30 and 68.90% for 10, 25 and 56 blows per layer, respectively. But GSB38 with 15% RCA showed an average abrasion of 45.51%, indicating a decrease compared with natural GSB38 and GSB38 with 10% RCA. The CBR for the same alternative also shows a decreasing trend.
Investigations on the influence of manufacturing and curing effects on the properties of structural-glazing adhesives subjected to tensile stresses
Authors: Müller Paul , Schuler Christian , Siebert Geralt
Published: July 2023

Demand for structural glazing joints has increased considerably in recent years due to the ever-increasing loads resulting from growing dimensions, especially in spectacular glass structures. Within the scope of planning and production monitoring, existing influences are analyzed based on the standard H-sample from the current structural glazing guidelines. These guidelines do not define any specific methodology or guidance for manufacturing test specimens. For determining load-bearing properties, various parameters, such as specimen age and curing condition, have a relevant influence during and after manufacturing. This study aims to investigate the manufacturing process for H-specimens systematically to identify and minimize the interfering influences. On this basis, the influence of the curing of modified H-specimens was investigated in detail for specimens under tensile load. Next to curing at room temperature, tempering at 40 °C was investigated for two different H-joint geometries. Thereby, a relevant influence of specimen age and different curing conditions on the strength as well as stiffness properties could be determined. As one result of the study, the curing time can be shortened by tempering the specimens in relation to the specified 28 days by ETAG 002-1. For calculation methods used in practice, like the structural spring method, suggestions for statistically validated strength and stiffness parameters representing the load-bearing behavior are proposed, considering the adhesive’s curing state and the joint’s nominal stress.
The Gut Microbiota: a Novel Player in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids
Authors: K Vineetha K , Bhat Rajeshwari G , Rao Bhamini Krishna , R Archana P
Published: July 2023

Uterine fibroid is a common gynecological disorder that affects women of reproductive age and has emerged as a major public health concern. The symptoms have a negative influence on both their physical health and quality of life. The cost of treatment has a significant impact on the disease’s burden. Even though its origin is uncertain, estrogen is thought to be a key player in fibroid pathophysiology. Many theories, including those based on genetic and environmental factors, explain what causes hyper-estrogenic condition in fibroid patients. One such possibility that is currently being explored is the hypothesis that an altered gut microbiome can contribute to the development of diseases characterized by estrogen dominance. Gut dysbiosis is often a “hot area” in the health sciences. According to a recent study, uterine fibroid patients have altered gut microbiome. A variety of risk factors influence both fibroid development and gut homeostasis. Diet, lifestyle, physical activity, and environmental contaminants have an impact on estrogen and the gut flora. A better understanding of uterine fibroids’ pathophysiology is required to develop effective preventative and treatment options. A few ways by which the gut microbiota contributes to UF include estrogen, impaired immune function, inflammation, and altered gut metabolites. Therefore, in the future, while treating fibroid patients, various strategies to deal with changes in the gut flora may be advantageous. For developing suggestions for clinical diagnosis and therapy, we reviewed the literature on the relationship between uterine fibroids and the gut microbiota.
Impact of the interface on the fatigue life of steel-based explosively welded heterostructured plates
Authors: Derda Szymon , Karolczuk Aleksander , Robak Grzegorz , Prażmowski Mariusz , Paul Henryk , Łagoda Tadeusz , Gupta Munish Kumar
Published: July 2023

Melted zones, microcracks, shear bands, and elastic incompatibility of explosively welded materials are features that may initialize cracks at the interface and reduce fatigue strength. This study aims to determine the effect of interfacial defect-like structures on the fatigue strength of explosively welded corrosion-resistant plates. Cyclic axial loading was applied to seven distinct layer-by-layer compositions of Ti Gr 1, Zr 700 alloys, and carbon steels. The interfacial wave height as a metric of potential fatigue life influencing factors along with measured strain amplitude was applied as the input quantities for the Machine Learning based model, i.e. the Gaussian process for regression (GPR). This is a novel and successful application of GPR to estimate the effect of interfacial wave height on the fatigue life of explosively welded plates. For the first time, the effect of the interface feature on fatigue life was estimated quantitatively. The Digital Image Correlation technique was applied to measure the field of cyclic strain for the purpose of verifying if a single strain amplitude is representative of a heterostructured plate. It was found that interfacial wave height is an important feature and its increase by 100 µm reduces the fatigue life of analysed plates by 36%. Additionally, to validate the applicability of explosively welded plates to engineering structures under cyclic loading, the experimental fatigue lives were compared with the design curve of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code.
Cefepime extended infusion versus intermittent infusion: Clinical and cost evaluation
Authors: Khole Aalok V. , Dionne Emily , Zitek-Morrison Emily , Campion Maureen
Published: July 2023

Background:

Extended infusion cefepime (1 gram every 6 hours administered over 3 hours) achieves pharmacodynamic efficacy against bacteria with a MIC of ≤8 mg/L in Monte Carlo simulations. This regimen has not been evaluated in clinical practice.

Objective:

Compare clinical and economic outcomes for cefepime by intermittent infusion and by extended infusion in the acute-care setting.

Design:

Single-center, retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Tertiary-care academic medical center.

Patients:

Hospitalized adults who received cefepime between August 2016 and July 2018 with a diagnosis of sepsis or pneumonia.

Methods:

Clinical and economic outcomes were compared for patients who received empiric cefepime via intermittent infusion (30-minute infusion of 2 g every 8 hours) or extended infusion (3-hour infusion of 1 g every 6 hours). Clinical outcomes analyses were carried out using appropriate statistical methods.

Results:

Overall, 111 patients received intermittent infusion and 93 patients received extended infusion. Approximately half of the included patients had a positive culture for a bacterial pathogen (intermittent infusion 45.9% vs extended infusion 47.3%). Median hospital length of stay (intermittent infusion 6 days vs extended infusion 6 days; P = .67) and 90-day readmission rates (intermittent infusion 61.3% vs extended infusion 67.7%; P = .34) did not differ between the groups. Mortality was infrequent in both groups (intermittent infusion 2.9% vs extended infusion 1.5%; P = .45). Cefepime cost per patient was lower with cefepime by extended infusion: average total daily cost $86.06 for intermittent infusion versus $43.39 for extended infusion.

Conclusions:

Cefepime via extended infusion (4 grams/day) did not differ in clinical outcomes compared to intermittent infusion (6 grams/day) but reduced drug expenditure. Prospective, multicenter, high-quality studies should be conducted to evaluate a mortality difference between these regimens.
Downstream Human Rights Due Diligence: Informing Debate Through Insights from Business Practice
Authors: Hogan Benn F. , Reyes Joanna
Published: July 2023

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights conceive of human rights due diligence (HRDD) as covering potential impacts across value chains, including downstream. The proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the revision process of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises have sparked renewed discussion on how and whether companies should conduct HRDD downstream to identify and prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts. Whilst some debate has occurred previously on downstream HRDD, this has predominantly centred on specific sectors, products and services where the links to egregious human rights harms may be more readily identifiable. This piece seeks to inform the current debate by broadening the examples of sectors, products and services and current business practice which demonstrate the critical need for, and ability of, companies to consider human rights risks downstream.
Sensory Modality and Perceptual Reasons
Authors: Grzankowski Alex , Schroeder Mark
Published: July 2023

Perception can provide us with a privileged source of evidence about the external world – evidence that makes it rational to believe things about the world. In Reasons First, Mark Schroeder offers a new view on how perception does so. The central motivation behind Schroeder's account is to offer an answer to what evidence perception equips us with according to which it is what he calls world-implicating but non-factive, and thereby to glean some of the key advantages of both externalism and internalism, respectively. He answers this motivation by developing a more specific view that he calls the Apparent Factive Attitude view, which pairs an answer to what evidence is provided by a perceptual experience with an answer to why having that perceptual experience provides you with that evidence. In this paper, we advance two interconnected problems for Schroeder's Apparent Factive Attitude view. A traditional intuitive judgment that often motivates internalists is the idea that internal duplicates must necessarily be equally rational in whatever beliefs they have. Schroeder's arguments rely on a weaker claim – that people who are both internal and historical external duplicates but differ only in the veridicality of a single perceptual experience must be equally rational in whatever beliefs they have. In this way he preserves what he argues to be a more compelling internalist intuition. But our arguments will show that Schroeder's view is committed to denying an even more compelling internalist intuition yet – that internal duplicates must have the same phenomenology.
Impact of mandatory nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) testing approval on hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) rates: A diagnostic stewardship intervention
Authors: McCormick Winston L. , Jackson Gail , Andrea Sarah B. , Whitehead Valerie , Chargualaf Tiffany L. , Touzard-Romo Francine
Published: July 2023

Misclassification of Clostridioides difficile colonization as hospital-onset C. difficile infection (HO-CDI) can lead to unnecessary treatment of patients and substantial financial penalties for hospitals. We successfully implemented mandatory C. difficile PCR testing approval as a strategy to optimize testing, which was associated with a significant decline in the monthly incidence of HO-CDI rates and lowering of our standardized infection ratio to 0.77 (from 1.03) 18 months after this intervention. Approval request served as an educational opportunity to promote mindful testing and accurate diagnosis of HO-CDI.
The low FODMAP diet in clinical practice: where are we and what are the long-term considerations?
Authors: Lomer Miranda C. E.
Published: July 2023

A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) improves functional bowel symptoms and is a second-line dietary management strategy for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The diet is complex and involves three stages: restriction, reintroduction and personalisation and clinical effectiveness is achieved with dietitian-led education; however, this is not always available. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the evidence for using the low FODMAP diet, with a focus on the impact of FODMAP restriction and reintroduction considering long-term management of IBS in a clinical setting. Randomised controlled trials have assessed symptom response, quality of life, dietary intake and changes to the gut microbiota during FODMAP restriction. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses consistently report that FODMAP restriction has a better symptom response compared with control diets and a network analysis reports the low FODMAP diet is superior to other dietary treatments for IBS. Research focused on FODMAP reintroduction and personalisation is limited and of lower quality, however common dietary triggers include wheat, onion, garlic, pulses and milk. Dietitian-led delivery of the low FODMAP diet is not always available and alternative education delivery methods, e.g. webinars, apps and leaflets, are available but remove the personalised approach and may be less acceptable to patients and may introduce safety concerns in terms of nutritional adequacy. Predicting response to the low FODMAP diet using symptom severity or a biomarker is of great interest. More evidence on less restrictive approaches and non-dietitian-led education delivery methods are needed.
Testing the efficacy of different molecular tools for parasite conservation genetics: a case study using horsehair worms (Phylum: Nematomorpha)
Authors: De Vivo Mattia , Chen Wei-Yun , Huang Jen-Pan
Published: July 2023

In recent years, parasite conservation has become a globally significant issue. Because of this, there is a need for standardized methods for inferring population status and possible cryptic diversity. However, given the lack of molecular data for some groups, it is challenging to establish procedures for genetic diversity estimation. Therefore, universal tools, such as double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), could be useful when conducting conservation genetic studies on rarely studied parasites. Here, we generated a ddRADseq dataset that includes all 3 described Taiwanese horsehair worms (Phylum: Nematomorpha), possibly one of the most understudied animal groups. Additionally, we produced data for a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) for the said species. We used the COXI dataset in combination with previously published sequences of the same locus for inferring the effective population size (Ne) trends and possible population genetic structure.

We found that a larger and geographically broader sample size combined with more sequenced loci resulted in a better estimation of changes in Ne. We were able to detect demographic changes associated with Pleistocene events in all the species. Furthermore, the ddRADseq dataset for Chordodes formosanus did not reveal a genetic structure based on geography, implying a great dispersal ability, possibly due to its hosts. We showed that different molecular tools can be used to reveal genetic structure and demographic history at different historical times and geographical scales, which can help with conservation genetic studies in rarely studied parasites.