bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and analysis of a joint diagnostic model of machine learning for cryptorchidism based on single‐cell sequencing
Authors: Chen Yuehua , Zhou Xiaomeng , Ji Linghua , Zhao Jun , Xian Hua , Xu Yunzhao , Wang Ziheng , Ge Wenliang
Published: March 2024

Background

Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both of a baby's testicles do not fully descend into the bottom of the scrotum. Newborns with cryptorchidism are at increased risk of developing infertility later in life. The aim of this study was to develop a novel diagnostic model for cryptorchidism and to identify new biomarkers associated with cryptorchidism.

Methods

The study data were obtained from RNA sequencing data of cryptorchid patients from Nantong University Hospital and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis was used to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control and cryptorchid groups. These DEGs were analyzed for their functions by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment using GSEA software. Random Forest algorithm was used to screen central genes based on these DEGs. Neuralnet software package was used to develop artificial neural network models. Based on clinical data, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to validate the models. Single‐cell sequencing analysis was used for the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism.

Results

We obtained a total of 525 important DEGs related to cryptorchidism, which are mainly associated with biological functions such as supramolecular complexes and microtubule cytoskeleton. Random forest approach screening obtained eight hub genes. A neural network based on the hub genes showed a 100% success rate of the model. Finally, single‐cell sequencing analysis validated the hub genes.

Conclusion

We developed a novel diagnostic model for cryptorchidism using artificial neural networks and validated its utility as an effective diagnostic tool.
Stigma in marketing and consumer research: A literature review and research agenda
Authors: Rocha Rodolfo Rodrigues , Veloso Andres Rodriguez
Published: March 2024

Stigma is a discrediting attribute that emerges in social interactions, playing different roles in different contexts. Several fields (e.g., sociology and psychology) have dedicated special attention to this phenomenon as it significantly impacts people's lives. Although there is some interest in the idiosyncrasies of stigma in marketing and consumer behavior, the literature investigating such a concept is still fragmented. This systematic literature review addresses the stigma concept in marketing and consumer behavior studies by analyzing 82 articles directly approaching stigma in empirical studies. As to the contributions of our study: (1) it synthesizes the literature on stigma in marketing and consumer research, presenting the state‐of‐the‐art in this domain; (2) our two‐step thematic analyses combine a descriptive assessment of our sample by using consolidated models from socio‐psychology and an examination of the articles from the perspective of the dynamic nature of stigma in the marketplace and the processes of stigmatization and destigmatization; (3) it put forward a future research agenda suggesting research avenues worth exploring by marketing and consumer behavior researchers to advance knowledge on marketplace stigma. We found that stigma is a topic that fits in a wide range of theories, contexts, and methods in marketing and consumer behavior literature.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of 1,8‐Naphthyridine Based Scaffolds: Design, Synthesis and in Silico Simulation Studies within Topoisomerase II
Authors: Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Hrichi Hajer , Muqbil Alsirhani Alaa , Bakr Rania B.
Published: March 2024

A series of spiro β‐Lactams (4 a–c, 7 a–c) and thiazolidinones (5 a–c, 8 a–c) possessing 1,8‐naphthyridine moiety were synthesized in this study. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds has been confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against various strains. The antimicrobial data showed that most of the compounds displayed good efficacy against both bacteria and fungi. The structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies suggested that the presence of electron‐withdrawing chloro (3 b, 4 b, and 5 b) and nitro groups (7 b, 8 b) at the para position of the phenyl ring improved the antimicrobial activity of the compounds. The free radical scavenging assay showed that all the synthesized compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity on DPPH. Compounds 8 b (IC50=17.68±0.76 μg/mL) and 4 c (IC50=18.53±0.52 μg/mL) showed the highest antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid (IC50=15.16±0.43 μg/mL). Molecular docking studies were also conducted to support the antimicrobial and SAR results.
Cells in the liver microenvironment regulate the process of liver metastasis
Authors: Wang Pei , Jie Yu , Yao Lin , Sun Yi‐meng , Jiang Da‐peng , Zhang Shi‐qi , Wang Xiao‐yan , Fan Yu
Published: March 2024

The research of liver metastasis is a developing field. The ability of tumor cells to invade the liver depends on the complicated interactions between metastatic cells and local subpopulations in the liver (including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and immune‐related cells). These interactions are mainly mediated by intercellular adhesion and the release of cytokines. Cell populations in the liver microenvironment can play a dual role in the progression of liver metastasis through different mechanisms. At the same time, we can see the participation of liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells in the process of liver metastasis of different tumors. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the relationship between cellular components of liver microenvironment and metastasis and emphasize the importance of different cells in the occurrence or potential regression of liver metastasis.
Rituximab‐induced psoriasis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ghadirzade Arani Leila , Moslemi Haghighi Shima , Nasiri Soheila , Dadkhahfar Sahar
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Rituximab which is established as a main treatment for pemphigus vulgaris can be a potential causative factor for development of psoriasis in some patients. It is preferred to avoid using rituximab in patients who had a history of psoriasis. Acquainting medical doctors about rituximab‐related cutaneous complications will help them in detection and management.

Rituximab is a human/murine monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B‐lymphocytes surface. Although it is used as promising treatment for pemphigus, nowadays it is also a new therapy for other autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and others like non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although there is increasing evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of rituximab in these diseases, many cutaneous adverse effects have been reported. Here, we describe a 48‐years‐old patient affected with pemphigus vulgaris who developed psoriatic lesions on her on scalp, trunk, and extremities, 4 months after the second course of rituximab.
Peritoneal tuberculosis masquerading as an ovarian malignancy in a young female: A case report
Authors: Oppong Bright , Gyabaah Solomon , Amponsah Gorden Manu , Quansah Ato , Darkwa Eric Amoako
Published: March 2024

The clinical manifestations of peritoneal tuberculosis are quite variable, nonspecific and mimic many diseases and pathological conditions such as lymphoma, and ovarian malignancy. Due to this clinical overlap and limited accuracy of diagnostic tests, more awareness of this disease is required to enable early diagnosis and prompt treatment. This is a case of a 25‐year‐old female with no known chronic illness who presented with worsening generalized abdominal pains and distension of 2 months duration. There was an associated significant weight loss of 17 kg. She was initially diagnosed with ovarian malignancy based of ultrasound findings and elevated CA‐125 levels. However, further evaluation later was consistent with peritoneal tuberculosis for which she was treated. Her symptoms resolved completely after 6 months of anti‐tuberculosis treatment. Diagnosis of abdominal TB remains challenging as it is non‐specific. Its features and clinical manifestation overlap with other conditions such as ovarian malignancy. A high index of suspicions and judicious application of the available diagnostic test is need for prompt diagnosis. No single test can effectively diagnose peritoneal TB, but a combination of history, and radiological, immunologic, molecular, and cytologic tests are important.
Hair removal laser‐induced Fox–Fordyce disease emerging on the axillary and pubic areas: Report of a case and review of literature
Authors: Sepaskhah Mozhdeh , Hamedpour Rahil , Sari Aslani Fatemeh
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Fox–Fordyce disease is a recognized adverse effect of depilating lasers. It should be considered among the differential diagnoses of the pruritic perifollicular papules that occur at the hair removal laser treatment site, including Alex/Diode laser.

Fox–Fordyce disease (FFD) is an uncommon skin disorder affecting the apocrine sweat glands and presents as pruritic skin‐colored papules, mainly on the axillary and pubic areas. Some predisposing factors are proposed, including hormonal changes. A few cases of FFD have been reported after hair removal by light‐ and laser‐assisted devices. Herein, we report FFD in some areas (axillary and pubic areas) treated with Alex/Diode hair removal laser.
Initial spinal epidural hematoma symptoms mimic artery dissection
Authors: Yabuki Shunya , Hirai Hiroyuki , Miyajima Masayuki , Moro Takatomo
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

An elderly patient with upper back pain and hypertension was diagnosed as having spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) after excluding artery dissection. The initial symptoms of SSEH mimic those of artery dissection, and the symptoms of spinal damage frequently appear later. Physicians should, therefore, be mindful of SSEH.
Transhepatic approach of patent foramen ovale closure in the setting of congenital inferior vena cava anomaly
Authors: Soodi Deepa , Nwaedozie Somto , Shah Milind , Girotra Sudhakar
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common interatrial septal abnormality. The indications for PFO device closure are still being evaluated, with the most common reason being to prevent cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) caused by paradoxical embolism of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities. This procedure is usually performed through percutaneous intervention using femoral vein access. Here, we present a case of PFO closure using a transhepatic approach, as femoral vein access was not feasible due to an interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC). The patient had a prominent left‐sided IVC, larger than the right‐sided IVC, and the left‐sided IVC served as the main draining conduit via the hemiazygous system, which then connected to the azygous vein and emptied into the right atrium (RA). Cardiac MRI confirmed these findings, including the continuation of the suprahepatic IVC to the right atrium. With the assistance of interventional radiologist, transhepatic access was achieved, and the PFO was successfully closed. Hemostasis was achieved using coil embolization, and there were no post‐procedural complications.
Distal penile pyogenic granuloma: A case report
Authors: Mwasakyalo Gideon Safiel , Bright Frank , Mbwambo Orgenes Jasper , Ngowi Bartholomeo Nicholaus , Mwakibibi Daniel , Mbwambo Jasper Saidi , Majura Musa Raymond , Sanga Evans Azina , Mremi Alex
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

The mainstays of treatment for granuloma pyogenicum include careful evaluation of any penile growth, thorough excision of the polypoid, histological examination, and close monitoring to check relapse and management.

Pyogenic granuloma is an acquired noncancerous vascular proliferation that arises from the mucosa and skin, seldom subcutaneously or intravascularly. It is also referred to as telangiectasis granuloma or lobular capillary haemangioma. The risk factors include vascular abnormalities, medicines, hormones, and microtrauma. We discussed the case of a 24‐year‐old man who had a poorly managed ventral distal penile polypoid lesion at a peripheral hospital. Upon further histopathological examination, the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma was made. Histopathologically speaking, the term “pyogenic granuloma” is misleading because the illness is not linked to the production of granulomas. Pyogenic granuloma's etiopathogenesis is still unknown; true hemangioma is thought to be a reactive hyperproliferative of the vasculature brought on by a variety of stimuli; pyogenic granuloma may be caused by uneven angiogenic factor production in response to minor local trauma or cutaneous disease. Histopathological analysis and surgical excision are the methods used for diagnosis and treatment. The mainstay of treatment for granuloma pyogenic granuloma includes careful evaluation of any penile growth, thorough excision of the polypoid, histological examination, close follow‐up to check for relapse, and early management.
Effect of cation addition on silica scale on glass surfaces
Authors: Hayashi Shogo , Hatano Shota , Kobayashi Tomoki , Saito Noritaka , Nakashima Kunihiko
Published: March 2024

Mineral components in tap water generally contaminate sanitary ware. In this study, various cations (Mg, Ca, and Al) were added to an aqueous solution containing silica to prevent water stains on sanitary ware. The particle size in the aqueous solution was measured and observed to increase for all cations. To create artificial water stains, a solution containing the cations and silica was dropped onto glass and allowed to dry. When these water stains were removed by sliding, the removal rate was higher for the water stains that contained the cations. This trend was attributed to the formation of precipitates owing to the reaction of silica with the added cations in the aqueous solution. The formation of these precipitates possibly increased the particle size and brittleness of water stains owing to their sparse structure. These findings provide insights into silica‐scale removal, which can improve the cleanliness of sanitary ware and reduce the frequency of maintenance.
On the Specificity of Nanozymes: A Perspective
Authors: Wei Gen , Liu Shujie , Peng Yung‐Kang , Wei Hui
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

We have compiled eight promising strategies for enhancing the specificity and selectivity of nanozymes, as depicted in the comprehensive summary above. Enzymes exhibit intricate and sophisticated structures, including substrate channels and active sites, which can inform the design of nanozymes. Replication of these structural features and the application of facet engineering/doping techniques can significantly enhance the catalytic specificity of nanozymes. Alternatively, the use of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) to coat nanozymes represents an effective approach to impart substrate specificity. Furthermore, several straightforward stopgap strategies have been devised to improve nanozyme specificity for analytical applications, such as the integration of biorecognition elements and nanozyme sensor arrays through surface modification.

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Targeted Redox Balancing through Pulmonary Nanomedicine Delivery Reverses Oxidative Stress Induced Lung Inflammation
Authors: Ghosh Ria , Das Monojit , Mondal Susmita , Banerjee Amrita , Roy Lopamudra , Das Anjan Kumar , Pal Debasish , Bhattacharya Siddhartha Sankar , Bhattacharyya Maitree , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: March 2024

Non‐invasive delivery of drugs is important for the reversal of respiratory diseases essentially by‐passing metabolic pathways and targeting large surface area of drug absorption. Here, we study the inhalation of a redox nano medicine namely citrate functionalized Mn3O4 (C−Mn3O4) duly encapsulated in droplet evaporated aerosols for the balancing of oxidative stress generated by the exposure of Chromium (VI) ion, a potential lung carcinogenic agent. Our optical spectroscopic in‐vitro experiments demonstrates the efficacy of redox balancing of the encapsulated nanoparticles (NP) for the maintenance of a homeostatic condition. The formation of Cr‐NP complex as an excretion of the heavy metal is also demonstrated through optical spectroscopic and high resolution transmission optical microscopy (HRTEM). Our studies confirm the oxidative stress mitigation activity of the Cr‐NP complex. A detailed immunological assay followed by histopathological studies and assessment of mitochondrial parameters in pre‐clinical mice model with chromium (Cr) induced lung inflammation establishes the mechanism of drug action to be redox‐buffering. Thus, localised delivery of C−Mn3O4 NPs in the respiratory tract via aerosols can act as an effective nanotherapeutic agent against oxidative stress induced lung inflammation.
Strain Engineering for Electrocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Guo Wenxin , Chai Dong‐Feng , Li Jinlong , Yang Xue , Fu Shanshan , Sui Guozhe , Zhuang Yan , Guo Dongxuan
Published: March 2024

Strain engineering is a novel method that can achieve superior performance for different applications. The lattice strain can affect the performance of electrochemical catalysts by changing the binding energy between the surface‐active sites and intermediates and can be affected by the thickness, surface defects and composition of the materials. In this review, we summarized the basic principle, characterization method, introduction strategy and application direction of lattice strain. The reactions on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are focused. Finally, the present challenges are summarized, and suggestions for the future development of lattice strain in electrocatalytic overall water splitting are put forward.
Algorithmic Identification of Treatment‐Emergent Adverse Events From Clinical Notes Using Large Language Models: A Pilot Study in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Silverman Anna L. , Sushil Madhumita , Bhasuran Balu , Ludwig Dana , Buchanan James , Racz Rebecca , Parakala Mahalakshmi , El‐Kamary Samer , Ahima Ohenewaa , Belov Artur , Choi Lauren , Billings Monisha , Li Yan , Habal Nadia , Liu Qi , Tiwari Jawahar , Butte Atul J. , Rudrapatna Vivek A.
Published: March 2024

Outpatient clinical notes are a rich source of information regarding drug safety. However, data in these notes are currently underutilized for pharmacovigilance due to methodological limitations in text mining. Large language models (LLMs) like Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) have shown progress in a range of natural language processing tasks but have not yet been evaluated on adverse event (AE) detection. We adapted a new clinical LLM, University of California – San Francisco (UCSF)‐BERT, to identify serious AEs (SAEs) occurring after treatment with a non‐steroid immunosuppressant for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We compared this model to other language models that have previously been applied to AE detection. We annotated 928 outpatient IBD notes corresponding to 928 individual patients with IBD for all SAE‐associated hospitalizations occurring after treatment with a non‐steroid immunosuppressant. These notes contained 703 SAEs in total, the most common of which was failure of intended efficacy. Out of eight candidate models, UCSF‐BERT achieved the highest numerical performance on identifying drug‐SAE pairs from this corpus (accuracy 88–92%, macro F1 61–68%), with 5–10% greater accuracy than previously published models. UCSF‐BERT was significantly superior at identifying hospitalization events emergent to medication use (P < 0.01). LLMs like UCSF‐BERT achieve numerically superior accuracy on the challenging task of SAE detection from clinical notes compared with prior methods. Future work is needed to adapt this methodology to improve model performance and evaluation using multicenter data and newer architectures like Generative pre‐trained transformer (GPT). Our findings support the potential value of using large language models to enhance pharmacovigilance.
Reconceptualising the school curriculum to address global challenges: Marrying aims‐based and ‘powerful knowledge’ approaches
Authors: Markwick Andy , Reiss Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Today's school students are inheriting complex and harmful global challenges that are potentially irreversible and which they will need to address. The ability to think critically and creatively, to work in interdisciplinary teams and to understand the importance of a healthy planet for all life will be needed for success. Education has a major role in helping humanity achieve this. This article argues that transformations in both curriculum and pedagogy are required. It offers a potential conceptualisation and examples of what learning might look like to achieve these aims, exemplified by school science education as science will need to play a significant role if these global challenges are to be successfully met. This new conceptualisation draws upon Young's (2012, 2013) ‘powerful knowledge’ and the rather different approach found in Reiss and White's (2013) arguments for an ‘aims‐based’ curriculum to propose curricula and associated pedagogies that can potentially address the global challenges of our times.
Analysis of changes in the action potential morphology of the mouse sinoatrial node true pacemaker cells during ontogenetic development in vitro and in silico
Authors: Ryvkin Alexander , Furman Arseniy , Lebedeva Elena , Gonotkov Mikhail
Published: March 2024

Background

Maturation of the mouse is accompanied by the increase in heart rate. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. We performed an action potentials (APs) recordings in mouse sinoatrial node (SAN) true pacemaker cells and in silico analysis to clarify the mechanisms underlying pre–postnatal period heart rate changes.

Results

The APs of true pacemaker cells at different stages had similar configurations and dV/dtmax values. The cycle length, action potential duration (APD90), maximal diastolic potential (MDP), and AP amplitude decreased, meanwhile the velocity of diastolic depolarization (DDR) increased from E12.5 stage to adult. Using a pharmacological approach we found that in SAN true pacemaker cells ivabradine reduces the DDR and the cycle length significantly stronger in E12.5 than in newborn and adult mice, whereas the effects of Ni2+ and nifedipine were significantly stronger in adult mice. Computer simulations further suggested that the density of the hyperpolarization–activated pacemaker сurrent (If) decreased during development, whereas transmembrane and intracellular Ca2+ flows increased.

Conclusions

The ontogenetic decrease in IK1 density from E12.5 to adult leads to depolarization of MDP to the voltage range in which calcium currents are activated, thereby shifting the balance from the “membrane‐clock” to the “calcium‐clock.”
Differentiating anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa with absolute weight cut‐offs results in a skewed distribution for premorbid weight among youth
Authors: Matthews Abigail , Lin Jessica , Jhe Grace , Peters Triinu , Sim Leslie , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: March 2024

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN are conceptualized as distinct illnesses, despite similar characteristics and sequelae. Whereas DSM‐5 differentiates youth with AN and atypical AN by the presence of clinical ‘underweight’ (i.e., 5th BMI percentile for age‐and‐sex (BMI%)), we hypothesized that using this weight cut‐off to discern diagnoses creates a skewed distribution for premorbid weight.

Method

Participants included hospitalized youth with AN (n = 165, 43.1%) and atypical AN (n = 218, 56.9%). Frequency analyses and chi‐square tests assessed the distribution of premorbid BMI z‐scores (BMIz) for diagnosis. Non‐parametric Spearman correlations and Stepwise Linear regressions examined relationships between premorbid BMIz, admission BMIz, and weight loss in kg.

Results

Premorbid BMIz distributions differed significantly for diagnosis (p < .001), with an underrepresentation of ‘overweight/obesity’ (i.e., BMI% ≥ 85th) in AN. Despite commensurate weight loss in AN and atypical AN, patients with premorbid ‘overweight/obesity’ were 8.31 times more likely to have atypical AN than patients with premorbid BMI% < 85th. Premorbid BMIz explained 57% and 39% of the variance in admission BMIz and weight loss, respectively.

Discussion

Findings support a homogenous model of AN and atypical AN, with weight loss predicted by premorbid BMI in both illnesses. Accordingly, premorbid BMI and weight loss (versus presenting BMI) may better denote the presence of an AN‐like phenotype across the weight spectrum. Findings also suggest that differentiating diagnoses with BMI% < 5th requires that youth with higher BMIs lose disproportionately more weight for an AN diagnosis. This is problematic given unique treatment barriers experienced in atypical AN.

Public significance

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN are considered distinct conditions in youth, with differential diagnosis hinging upon a presenting weight status of ‘underweight’ (i.e., BMI percentile for age‐and‐sex (BMI%) < 5th). In our study, youth with premorbid ‘overweight/obesity’ (BMI% ≥ 85th) disproportionately remained above this threshold, despite similar weight loss. Coupled with prior evidence for commensurate characteristics and sequelae in both diagnoses, we propose that DSM‐5 differentiation of AN and atypical AN inadvertently reinforces weight stigma and may contribute to treatment disparities in atypical AN.
Excess renin is attributed to the combination of forward and backward failure in HFrEF
Authors: Arfsten Henrike , Heitzinger Gregor , Prausmüller Suriya , Weidenhammer Annika , Goliasch Georg , Bartko Philipp E. , Spinka Georg , Hülsmann Martin , Pavo Noemi
Published: March 2024

Aims

Regulation of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) still raises questions, as a large proportion of patients show normal renin levels despite manifest disease. Experimental venous congestion results in reduced renal perfusion pressure and stimulates renin secretion. We hypothesized that excess renin levels are mainly a result of right ventricular failure as a sequalae of left ventricular dysfunction. The study aimed to link right ventricular function (RVF) with renin levels and to investigate further contributors to excess RAS activation.

Methods and results

Three hundred thirty‐two chronic HFrEF patients undergoing routine ambulatory care were consecutively enrolled in a prospective, registry‐based, observational study. Laboratory parameters, including cardiac‐specific markers renin, aldosterone, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), echocardiographic examination (n = 247), and right heart catheterization (n = 85), were documented. The relationship between renin and its respective parameters was analysed. Renin concentration was not associated with the New York Heart Association class or NT‐proBNP. Systolic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, serum sodium, aldosterone, and lactate dehydrogenase were associated with increased renin levels (P < 0.035 for all). Renin levels similarly increased with worsening of RVF parameters such as fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tissue Doppler imaging, and inferior vena cava diameter (P < 0.011 for all), but not with pulmonary pressure. Excess renin levels were observed when worsening RVF was combined with reduced renal perfusion {625 μIU/mL [interquartile range (IQR): 182–1761] vs. 67 μIU/mL [IQR: 16–231], P < 0.001}, which was associated with worse survival.

Conclusions

While unrelated to classical indices of HF severity, circulating renin levels increase with the worsening of RVF, especially in the combined presence of forward and backward failure. This might explain normal renin levels in HFrEF patients but also excess renin levels in poor haemodynamic conditions.
Carbon screen‐printed electrodes modified with SiO2‐CuO‐glucose oxidase film for toxicity assessment using bacteria as indicator systems
Authors: Kuznetsov Marko , Tananaiko Oksana , Gelinsky Michael , von Witzleben Max , Kilian David , Lunyo Anastasia , Saska Vita , Dzhihirei Katerina , Lisnyak Vladyslav , Grischenko Liudmyla , Kondratenko Serhiy , Rieznichenko Liudmyla , Gruzina Tamara , Dybkova Svitlana
Published: March 2024

A portable voltammetric sensor for toxicity assessment was developed based on a screen‐printed carbon electrode modified with SiO2‐CuO‐glucose oxidase (GOx) film. The method is based on the detection of the metabolic activity of E. coli towards glucose as an indicator systems in the presence of antiseptic drugs as model toxic compounds. CuO particles exhibited catalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide produced by the GOx‐induced oxidation of glucose. A well‐defined reduction peak was registered at E=−0.50 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The metabolism of glucose by E. coli resulted in a decrease in analytical signal of glucose with the increasing bacteria content in the range of 0.8×109–5.0×109 CFU mL−1 with a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.59×109 CFU mL−1. To evaluate the effect of antiseptics the biosensor was tested in E. coli solution with chlorhexidine (CHD) or decamethoxine (DMT). A linear dependence of glucose consumption by E. coli solution on the antiseptic concentration was obtained in the range of 3.0–12.0 μg mL−1 for CHG and 1.0–12.0 μg mL−1 for DMT, respectively. The developed third generation biosensor showed satisfactory stability and reproducibility of the analytical response. A modified electrode can be used for at least two months.
Characterization workflow for fragments detected in capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate analysis of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Fei Mengdan , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yueze , Wang Lingyu , Zhao Yiman , Zhang Zhongli
Published: March 2024

Product‐related fragments in monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can have a significant impact on the efficacy and safety of the product. Capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE‐SDS) is a commonly used method for fragment quantification, but it has challenges in peak identification due to the inability to enrich components and the incompatibility of SDS with mass spectrometry (MS). This article presents a workflow for identifying peaks in CE‐SDS analysis. The workflow involves comparing the migration time of peaks with that of standards and utilizing MS analysis to identify fragments. By employing this innovative systematic workflow, we successfully identified the CE‐SDS impurity peaks of seven antibody products. Among them, four products exhibited characteristic fragments associated with disulfide bonds (light chain [LC], heavy–light [HL] chain, heavy–heavy [HH] chain, and HH–LC) and a glycosylation‐related fragment non‐glycosylated heavy chain. Additionally, one product showed a fragment formed by the connection of HC_C130 and HC_C130, which is associated with a thioether bond. Furthermore, two other products displayed amino acid backbone breakage, with one product showing clipping at the HC region of A233–G285 and the other product showing clipping at the HC regions of A97–S158 and N342–T366. This workflow can be applied in early drug research, process development, or during the biologics license application stage to characterize fragments in therapeutic mAbs analyzed by CE‐SDS.
Electricity Load Demand Prediction for Microgrid Energy Management System Using Hybrid Adaptive Barnacle‐Mating Optimizer with Artificial Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Indira Gomathinayagam , Bhavani Munusamy , Brinda Rajamony , Zahira Rahiman
Published: March 2024

In recent years, one of the primary causes of high electricity consumption is the growing global population and the availability of power‐demanding smart devices. As a result, accurate load forecasting tools are required for effective energy conservation in microgrids. Various simulation tools and artificial intelligence (AI)‐based methods have been used to make the best forecasts of electricity demand. Furthermore, conventional systems are static and based solely on historical data. To address this practical need, this work aims to create a machine learning (ML) model for short‐term load forecasting based on feature selection and parameter optimization. This research proposes a hybrid short‐term load demand prediction approach that combines an adaptive barnacle‐mating optimizer (ABMO) and an artificial neural network (ANN). When compared to the regression tree (RT), support vector machine (SVM), ANN, and particle swarm optimization‐based ANN (PSO‐ANN) algorithms, the proposed ABMO‐ANN algorithm reduces mean absolute percentage errors by 67.69%, 64.58%, 59.18%, and 42.02%, respectively. Compared to conventional RT, SVM, ANN, and PSO‐ANN algorithm, the hybrid ABMO with ANN outperforms them based on mean absolute percentage error, root mean square error, correlation coefficient , symmetric mean absolute percentage error, and agreement index (d).
Improved Power Production in Reverse Electrodialysis Stacks with Ion‐Permselective Woven Net Spacers
Authors: Li Mei , Zhang Nianchun , Zheng Hongbo , Guo Jiabin , Xiang Zheyu , Lu Xu , Long Xinyang , Li Xiaoliang
Published: March 2024

In traditional reverse electrodialysis (RED) stacks, the output power is severely lost due to the shadow effect caused by the nonpermselective spacers. To inhibit the spacer shadow effect, a design on ion‐permselective woven net spacer is proposed. By combining the linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods, the effectiveness of permselective woven net spacer is validated together with the shadow effect and concentration polarization measured quantitatively. Additionally, their influence on stack resistance and power production is investigated under various factors. When contrasted to nonpermselective spacers, the use of permselective woven net spacers reduces the spacer shadow effect by 90% whereas also exacerbating the concentration polarization. This results in a higher power density due to a dramatic reduction in resistance. However, compared with permselective spacers, the permselective woven net spacers increase the power density due to its weaker concentration polarization. The factors including the solution concentration, temperature, and spacer thickness have a considerable influence on the power production of stack. Especially, increasing the concentration of concentrated solution alone is most beneficial to improving the output power while the impact of spacer thickness is the weakest.
The effect of training to target cognitive biases towards social rejection in eating disorders
Authors: An Zhen , Kwag Kyung Hwa , Kim Mirihae , Yang Jae‐Won , Moon Jung‐Joon , Treasure Janet , Kim Youl‐Ri
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study examined the effect of cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM‐I) training in Korean women with eating disorders (EDs).

Method

Sixty‐three women with EDs participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group where they received six sessions of CBM‐I training (n = 31) in addition to treatment‐as‐usual or were put on a waiting list (n = 32). Participants' interpretation and attention biases, emotion regulation, affect, and ED psychopathology were assessed at baseline, end‐of‐intervention (4 weeks), and follow‐up (8 weeks).

Results

Participants who completed the CBM‐I training displayed greater reductions in negative interpretation bias (Δη2 = 0.107) and emotion dysregulation (Δη2 = 0.085) with medium to large effect sizes compared to the control group, which were maintained from baseline to follow‐up. Disengagement from negative faces and a focus on positive faces was found in the intervention group with a moderate effect size at the end‐of‐intervention (Δη2 = 0.090). Both intervention and control groups showed improvements in ED psychopathology. Baseline neuroticism was positively correlated with CBM‐I effect.

Discussion

The results suggest that modifying interpretation bias towards ambiguous social stimuli might be an effective adjuvant treatment to reduce negative expectations of social situations and improve emotion regulation in women with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.
An improved NSGA‐II for the dynamic economic emission dispatch with the charging/discharging of plug‐in electric vehicles and home‐distributed photovoltaic generation
Authors: Wu Peifeng , Zou Dexuan , Zhang Guoyun , Liu Hao
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates four energy utilization scenarios with or without home‐distributed photovoltaic generation (HDPG) to reduce the generation cost and pollutant emission of the dynamic economic emission dispatch with the charging/discharging of plug‐in electric vehicles (DEED‐PEV). The first scenario considers valley filling for the charging of PEVs. The second scenario combines valley filling and peak shaving for the charging and discharging of PEVs. The third scenario adds peak shaving of HDPG to the first scenario, followed by the peak shaving with the discharging of PEVs. The fourth scenario rearranges the distribution of photovoltaic (PV) power for the third scenario, and the PV power in the afternoon is stored by a photovoltaic energy storage system (PESS) and consumed in the evening. A universal procedure is designed for the valley filling and peak shaving of the four scenarios, which is beneficial for determining the filled and shaved loads with respect to certain time intervals. An NSGA‐II method based on a modified crossover and an elimination of individuals (NSGA‐II‐MCEI) is proposed for the multiobjective optimization of DEED‐PEV. The modified crossover can improve the convergence of NSGA‐II‐MCEI, and the elimination operator can maintain the evenness of the nondominated solutions. According to experimental results, scenario 4 achieves cost savings of 95386.62 $, 85636.87 $, and 6776.85 $, respectively, for Scenarios 1, 2, and 3, and it reaches emission reductions of 27617.64 kg, 17252.71 kg, and 220.98 kg, respectively, for scenarios 1, 2, and 3. Also, scenario 4 outperforms the other three scenarios for three weather conditions such as sunny day, cloudy day, and rainy day.
Probiotics: Health benefits, food application, and colonization in the human gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Lau Li Ying Jessie , Quek Siew Young
Published: March 2024

Probiotics have become increasingly popular over the past two decades due to the continuously expanding scientific evidence indicating their beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, they have been applied in the food industry to produce functional food, which plays a significant role in human health and reduces disease risk. However, maintaining the viability of probiotics and targeting the successful delivery to the gastrointestinal tract remain two challenging tasks in food applications. Specifically, this paper reviews the potentially beneficial properties of probiotics, highlighting the use and challenges of probiotics in food application and the associated health benefits. Of foremost importance, this paper also explores the potential underlying molecular mechanisms of the enhanced effect of probiotics on gastrointestinal epithelial cells, including a discussion on various surface adhesion‐related proteins on the probiotic cell surface that facilitate colonization.
Cuminaldehyde downregulates folate metabolism and membrane proteins to inhibit growth of Penicillium digitatum in citrus fruit
Authors: Reymick Okwong Oketch , Liu Dazhao , Tan Xiaoli , OuYang Qiuli , Tao Nengguo
Published: March 2024

In our previous study, cuminaldehyde triggered oxidative stress to inhibit growth of Penicillium digitatum in citrus fruit. Here, we examined the molecular mechanism by which it inhibited growth of P. digitatum. Results revealed a decline in content of glutathione and catalase activity from 10 and 20 min, respectively. Transcriptome and proteome data disclosed downregulation of proteins integral to mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) complexes I, IV, V, and transmembrane transporters. Catalase, regulators of transcription and replication, and biosynthesis of glutathione and folate were also downregulated. These were confirmed by RT‐qPCR analysis. Reduced expression of proteins integral to mETC complexes signaled possible damage to inner mitochondrial membrane. This was confirmed by decline in mitochondrial membrane potential with a concomitant decline in cellular ATP levels. mETC Complex I activity increased from 10 min which corresponded to the onset of rise in superoxide dismutase activity. The results suggest that cuminaldehyde instigated superoxide anion radicle production initially from mitochondrial complex I, while limiting the ability of the cells to scavenge the accumulating ROS by reducing the expression of glutathione and catalase. This was possibly achieved by downregulation of folate metabolism with the associated reduced expression of transcription regulators and proteins involved in glutathione biosynthesis.
Folate supplementation as a beneficial add‐on treatment in relieving depressive symptoms: A meta‐analysis of meta‐analyses
Authors: Gao Shan , Khalid Awais , Amini‐Salehi Ehsan , Radkhah Nima , Jamilian Parsa , Badpeyma Mohaddeseh , Zarezadeh Meysam
Published: March 2024

The results of meta‐analyses investigating the role of folate on depression are conflicting. The aim of this umbrella meta‐analysis was to obtain an overall effect and give a concise and resolving conclusion. International scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to Oct 2023. All observational and interventional meta‐analyses investigating the role of folate in depression were included in the study. Random‐effects model was employed to obtain pooled results. I2 statistics and Cochrane Q test were used to assess the between‐study heterogeneity. The quality of included meta‐analyses was evaluated using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) questionnaire. Overall 11 studies were included, of which 8 studies went under quantitative evaluation. The results indicated that folate supplementation significantly relieved depression symptoms [(SMD: −0.42; 95% CI: −0.57, −0.27, p < .001; I2 = 0.0%, p‐heterogeneity = 0.554) (WMD: −3.20; 95% CI: −4.00, −2.41, p < .001, I2 = 14.8%, p‐heterogeneity = 0.318)] with low levels of heterogeneity. Also, based on observational studies, folate insufficiency significantly increased the odds ratio of depression by 35% (OR:1.35; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.42, p < .001, I2 = 8.7%, p‐heterogeneity = 0.350). The findings support the fact that folate supplementation could be suggested as an efficacious and adjuvant agent in the alleviation of depression symptoms along with routine medications.
Novel MED15::ATF1 fusion in a pediatric melanoma with spitzoid features and aggressive presentation
Authors: Furtado Larissa V. , Cardenas Maria , Santiago Teresa , Ruiz Robert E. , Shi Zonggao , Pappo Alberto , Kacar Marija
Published: March 2024

Childhood melanoma is a rare and biologically heterogeneous pediatric malignancy. The differential diagnosis of pediatric melanoma is usually broad, including a wide variety of spindle cell or epithelioid neoplasms. Different molecular alterations affecting the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, tumor suppressor genes, and telomerase reactivation have been implicated in melanoma tumorigenesis and progression. Here, we report a novel MED15::ATF1 fusion in a pediatric melanoma with spitzoid features and an aggressive clinical course.
Can personality disorder be accurately assessed in older age? A differential item functioning analysis of ICD‐11 inventories
Authors: Rossi Gina , van Alphen Sebastiaan P. J. , Videler Arjan C. , Diaz‐Batanero Carmen
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The contested categorical personality disorder (PD) criteria are not well suited to inform PD diagnoses in older adults. Yet, the classification of PDs is undergoing a critical transition phase with a paradigm shift to a dimensional approach for diagnosing PDs. No special attention was given to the expression of PDs in older age when the dimensional ICD‐11 model was developed. Given that PDs are highly prevalent in older adults, there is an urgent need to examine if ICD‐11 related instruments are able to adequately assess for PDs in older adults.

Methods

The age‐neutrality of ICD‐11 measures was examined in a sample of 208 Dutch community‐dwelling adults (N = 208,Mage = 54.96,SD = 21.65), matched on sex into 104 younger (age range 18–64) and 104 older (age range 65–93) adults. An instrument is considered not to be age‐neutral if a collective large level of differential item functioning (DIF) exists in a group of items of an instrument (i.e., 25% or more with DIF). We therefore set out to detect possible DIF in the following ICD‐11 self‐report measures: the Standardized Assessment of Severity of Personality Disorder (SASPD), the Personality Inventory for ICD‐11 (PiCD), and the Borderline Pattern Scale (BPS).

Results

DIF analyses using a non‐parametric odds ratio approach demonstrated that SASPD, PiCD, and BPS were age‐neutral with less than 25% of items showing DIF. Yet, impact of DIF at scale level, examined by way of differential test functioning (DTF), indicated a DTF effect on the SASPD total score.

Conclusions

These results of age‐neutrality of the PiCD and BPS are promising for measuring ICD‐11 traits and the borderline pattern. Yet, the age‐neutral measurement of PD severity requires further research. With a rapidly aging population, its accurate assessment across the entire adult life span, including older age, is a prerequisite for an adequate detection of PDs.
A Targeted Approach for the Metabolome Analysis of E. coli Biofilms
Authors: Rockstroh Jan , Gerschler Sandy , Schultze Nadin , Schulze Christian , Wurster Martina , Methling Karen , Guenther Sebastian , Lalk Michael
Published: March 2024

Biofilms of pathogenic bacteria are responsible for persistent infections in humans, therefore investigations of biofilm formation and treatment strategies are required. The gram‐negative enterobacterium Escherichia (E.) coli is the most common pathogen causing chronic or recurring urinary tract infections. Metabolomics approaches targeted the bacterium to investigate specific metabolic patterns of biofilms and regulatory influences on biofilm formation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the metabolome of biofilms formed by the multidrug‐resistant extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing (ESBL) E. coli PBIO729. For this purpose, a protocol for fast sampling of the macrocolony biofilms and efficient extraction of metabolites was optimized. Validation of an LC‐MS/MS method confirmed its usability for the analysis of nucleotides and other phosphorylated metabolites. A GC‐MS approach was used to monitor nutrient uptake from the medium in addition to the analysis of amino acid content and metabolites of glycolysis and TCA cycle in E. coli biofilms.