bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐destructively characterizing sandstones, orthoquartzites, agates, and petrified wood for provenance research: Perspectives from the Southeastern Coastal Plain, United States
Authors: Sherman Simon P. , Parish Ryan M. , Kwon Youngsang , Meredith Steven , Johnson David
Published: July 2024

Siliceous sandstone (including quartzites), petrified wood, and agates located in Alabama and Mississippi were utilized as a toolstone resource during every recognized cultural period in the Lower Mississippi Valley region of the Southeastern United States. Regrettably, these materials have not been the focus of many provenance‐related investigations. Recent analyses of quartzite and sandstone from other regions in North America and from the Pyrenees were successful in discriminating sources using petrographic techniques. The current study examines the application of visible/near‐infrared reflectance and Fourier transform infrared reflectance (FTIR) spectroscopy on sourcing siliceous materials besides chert, particularly sandstones, orthoquartzites (quartz sandstone), petrified woods, and agates. This source characterization investigation focuses on a case study involving materials gathered from eight distinct collection sites, encompassing nine different siliceous resources collected in Alabama and Mississippi. These materials were sourced from two distinct geological formations: the Hattiesburg and Tallahatta. Results demonstrate the ability of non‐destructive reflectance spectroscopy and introduces a new outlier modeling method that detects, clusters, and separately models outliers with their own set of basis vectors. Principal component analyses, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, linear discriminant function analysis (LDA), and random forest classification are used in this paper to better identify outlier elements as well as discriminate for stone materials accurately (between 67% and 100%). Although this is the first reflectance spectroscopy investigation used to characterize these materials for provenance applications, the preliminary results compare favorably with other provenance techniques whose aim is to quantify between‐formation (inter) and within‐formation (intra) outcrop variation. The quantified and differentiated sources, based on the hyperspectral signatures of the material, will provide a better understanding of prehistoric reliance on these lithic resources and produces a proxy to determine mobility, social interaction, and other past behavior.
Continuous distribution pattern and the origin of the high‐velocity layer in the Pearl River Mouth Basin in the northern South China Sea: Constraints by gravity modelling
Authors: Zhu Qinglong , Zhu Junjiang , Chen Xingquan , Jiao Yuhan , Ding Xiaoxiao , Liu Zhengyuan , Li Sanzhong , Liu Yongjiang , Qiu Xuelin
Published: July 2024

The high‐velocity layer in the lower crust is widely distributed in the northern continental margin of the South China Sea. A detailed anatomy of the high‐velocity layer is crucial for understanding the continental rifting and crustal thinning. Based on three seismic reflection profiles across the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB) and the global free‐air gravity anomaly data in this study, by the gravity modelling we construct the crustal structure along three seismic reflection profiles across the depression and uplift zones. The free‐air gravity anomaly data within the uplift and depression zones indicates the distinct zonation, and the high and low values of free‐air gravity anomalies in the basin show the northeastward trend. Based on the gravity modelling along the three seismic profiles, the crustal thickness is of 12–23 km beneath the basin and thickness of the crust is gradually thinning from the continental shelf to the continental slope. The high‐velocity layer extends eastward to the Dongsha Uplift and terminates westward beneath the Baiyun Sag. The average thickness of the high‐velocity layer is 4–6 km and the maximum thickness is about 8 km at the Dongsha Uplift. The thickness variation of the high‐velocity layer suggests the continuous distribution of mantle underplating and intense magma activity. According to the isolated distribution and the continuous distribution of the high‐velocity layer found by previous studies in the northern South China Sea, we use gravity modelling to test which models of the high‐velocity layer within the PRMB are reasonable. According to testing models and preferred models of the crustal structure by gravity modelling, we propose that the continuous distribution pattern of the high‐velocity layer is the best model to interpret the crustal thinning characteristics and the gravity anomaly responses of the high‐velocity layer in the basin. We propose that the high‐velocity layer in the Pearl River Mouth Basin was formed by the long‐term underplating of the high‐temperature melted mantle.
Multisensory integration of speech and gestures in a naturalistic paradigm
Authors: Matyjek Magdalena , Kita Sotaro , Torralba Cuello Mireia , Soto Faraco Salvador
Published: July 2024

Speech comprehension is crucial for human social interaction, relying on the integration of auditory and visual cues across various levels of representation. While research has extensively studied multisensory integration (MSI) using idealised, well‐controlled stimuli, there is a need to understand this process in response to complex, naturalistic stimuli encountered in everyday life. This study investigated behavioural and neural MSI in neurotypical adults experiencing audio‐visual speech within a naturalistic, social context. Our novel paradigm incorporated a broader social situational context, complete words, and speech‐supporting iconic gestures, allowing for context‐based pragmatics and semantic priors. We investigated MSI in the presence of unimodal (auditory or visual) or complementary, bimodal speech signals. During audio‐visual speech trials, compared to unimodal trials, participants more accurately recognised spoken words and showed a more pronounced suppression of alpha power—an indicator of heightened integration load. Importantly, on the neural level, these effects surpassed mere summation of unimodal responses, suggesting non‐linear MSI mechanisms. Overall, our findings demonstrate that typically developing adults integrate audio‐visual speech and gesture information to facilitate speech comprehension in noisy environments, highlighting the importance of studying MSI in ecologically valid contexts.
Using patient feedback to predict effects of quality improvement initiatives
Authors: Han Sirou , Liang Zhanming
Published: July 2024

Background

Internationally, continuous efforts have been put into developing patient complaint channels to understand patients' experience and expectation of care, which can guide the improvement of health service quality. Despite agreement among the value of patient feedback, limited attention has been paid to using patient feedback to predict and promote the actual quality improvement initiatives.

Objective

To determine whether patient feedback collected from a public feedback hotline can be used to predict the effect of hospital quality service improvement initiatives.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patient complaint data of a tertiary hospital from 2018 to 2021 was performed. Patient complaints were first coded by the standard classification method of the Australian Hospital Patient Experience Question Set. The characteristics of patients' complaints were then analysed by frequency and contingency table analysis. Finally, through Nonparametric Mann‐Kendall test and Joinpoint regression model, the trends of each complaint characteristics were tested.

Results

Amongst the 771 complaints received against clinicians, approximately 75% of them were concerning doctors. ‘Harm and distress’ was the key reason of complaints, followed by ‘not cared for’, ‘lack of confidence’, ‘needs unmet’ and ‘not informed’. In 2021, the number of complaints received in relation to moderate ‘harm and distress’ caused by doctors increased by 667% from 2020. The categories of ‘not informed’, ‘not cared for’ and ‘harm and distress’ were also on the rise with statistical significance. In addition, complaints related to the lack of respect, bad attitude and unprofessional behaviour demonstrated by nurses (n = 83) and doctors (n = 121) were also recorded.

Conclusion

Patient feedbacks collected via a public feedback hotline provides a useful platform to gain insight into patient experience of care which are valuable to guide quality care improvement. To improve the care quality, clinicians need to participate in quality improvement strategies development at an early stage. Efforts in improving communication and interaction between doctors and patients are needed to improve patients' experience of care and developing patients' trust in both of the clinicians and the medical services. The study highlights the value of using public feedback hotline to generate evidence that can guide hospital service improvement.
Novel ectopic expression of zona pellucida 3 glycoprotein in lung cancer promotes tumor growth
Authors: Pulawska‐Moon Kamila , Ponikwicka‐Tyszko Donata , Lebiedzinska Weronika , Pilaszewicz‐Puza Agata , Bernaczyk Piotr , Koda Mariusz , Lupu Oana , Milewska Gabriela , Huang Chen‐Che Jeff , Zheng Huifei , Schiele Phillip , Na Il‐Kang , Frentsch Marco , Li Xiangdong , Toppari Jorma , Wolczynski Slawomir , Coelingh Bennink Herjan J. T. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Rahman Nafis A.
Published: July 2024

Zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) expression is classically found in the ZP‐layer of the oocytes, lately shown in ovarian and prostate cancer. A successful ZP3 ovarian cancer immunotherapy in transgenic mice suggested its use as an attractive therapeutic target. The biological role of ZP3 in cancer growth and progression is still unknown. We found that ~88% of the analyzed adenocarcinoma, squamous and small cell lung carcinomas to express ZP3. Knockout of ZP3 in a ZP3‐expressing lung adenocarcinoma cell line, significantly decreased cell viability, proliferation, and migration rates in vitro. Zona pellucida 3 knock out (ZP3‐KO) cell tumors inoculated in vivo in immunodeficient non‐obese diabetic, severe combined immunodeficient mice showed significant inhibition of tumor growth and mitigation of the malignant phenotype. RNA sequencing revealed the deregulation of cell migration/adhesion signaling pathways in ZP3‐KO cells. This novel functional relevance of ZP3 in lung cancer emphasized the suitability of ZP3 as a target in cancer immunotherapy and as a potential cancer biomarker.
Design, construction, and validation of obstetric risk classification systems to predict intensive care unit admission
Authors: Soares Fabiano Miguel , da Rocha Carvalho Rosa Lívia Ohana , Cecatti José Guilherme , Luz Adriana Gomes , Awe Oluwafunmilola Deborah , Laureano Estevão Esmi , de Carvalho Pacagnella Rodolfo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To develop and validate a support tool for healthcare providers, enabling them to make precise and critical decisions regarding intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for high‐risk pregnant women, thus enhancing maternal outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study involves secondary data analysis of information gathered from 9550 pregnant women, who had severe maternal morbidity (any unexpected complication during labor and delivery that leads to substantial short‐term or long‐term health issues for the mother), collected between 2009 and 2010 from the Brazilian Network for Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity, encompassing 27 obstetric reference centers in Brazil. Machine‐learning models, including decision trees, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were employed to create a risk prediction tool for ICU admission. Subsequently, sensitivity analysis was conducted to compare the accuracy, predictive power, sensitivity, and specificity of these models, with differences analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.

Results

The XGBoost algorithm demonstrated superior efficiency, achieving an accuracy rate of 85%, sensitivity of 42%, specificity of 97%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 86.7%. Notably, the estimated prevalence of ICU utilization by the model (11.6%) differed from the prevalence of ICU use from the study (21.52%).

Conclusion

The developed risk engine yielded positive results, emphasizing the need to optimize intensive care bed utilization and objectively identify high‐risk pregnant women requiring these services. This approach promises to enhance the effective and efficient management of pregnant women, particularly in resource‐constrained regions worldwide. By streamlining ICU admissions for high‐risk cases, healthcare providers can better allocate critical resources, ultimately contributing to improved maternal health outcomes.
Etiology and diagnostic approach of recurrent miscarriage at a reference center in Bucaramanga, Colombia
Authors: Corrales Dalia M. , Sepúlveda Janer , Contreras Gustavo A. , Barajas Silvia , Silva María P. , Jaimes Hermes
Published: July 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the etiologies of recurrent miscarriage in our hospital and whether its diagnostic approach followed the recommendations of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines published in 2012 and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in 2011.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. The medical records of 158 patients diagnosed with recurrent miscarriage between 2013 and 2018 at Santander University Hospital were reviewed. The Institutional Review Board of HUS approved the study in May 2020.

Results

The most common etiologies identified were protein S deficiency, thrombophilia, and cervical insufficiency, with incidence rates of 25.9%, 10.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. Moreover, the most frequently requested diagnostic tests were for protein S, protein C, and anti‐phospholipid IgG. Abnormal results for protein S were obtained in 49% of the patients, whereas lupus anticoagulant was abnormal in 12.8%, and Factor V Leiden gene mutations in 8.5% of the patients. Three substantial deviations from the recommended diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage by international guidelines were identified in our population: the lack of request for cytogenetic analysis of pregnancy tissue, request for cytogenetic analysis for the parents in only 0.6% of the study sample, and the request for imaging tests to assess uterine anatomy in only 6.3% of the studied population. Both the ASRM and NICE guidelines were only partially followed with a combined adherence rate of 66.5%.

Conclusion

The diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage poses important clinical challenges when compared to the recommendations of international guidelines. Therefore, the development of a local recurrent miscarriage assessment protocol is proposed in our institution.
Extraction of genomic DNA from wild boar (Sus scrofa) muscle tissue using hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvents
Authors: He Xingchen , Ma Yihan , Wang Hongyu , Ma Yani , Li Qian , Tang Xin , Mo Xiaoyang , Ding Xueqin
Published: July 2024

Extraction of high‐quality genomic DNA from wild boar tissue is of great significance for the study of its genetic information, population quantity, and distribution. In this work, a hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvent (HMDES) was synthesized. Based on the HMDES, a HMDES‐based vortexed extraction method was developed for extracting genomic DNA from wild boar muscle tissue. Compared to the traditional high salt‐extraction method, this approach is faster and embraces higher DNA extraction efficiency. Different pretreatment methods before extraction were evaluated. Single‐factor experiments were used to optimize the extraction condition, for example, extraction time, temperature, and HMDES volume. After extraction, the DNA can be quickly and easily recovered from the HMDES phase, and the HMDES can be reused. This work provides a simple and environmental‐friendly extraction method for DNA extraction from wild boar tissue.
Social inflation and health care risk management
Authors: Boisvert Sue , Lynch Jim , Moore David
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the concept of social inflation as it affects medical malpractice insurance claims, a phenomenon that warrants monitoring by risk managers in health care. The authors define social inflation as the growth in the cost of insurance claims that exceeds general inflation. The authors use data aggregated from insurance company Annual Statements and from a national database of malpractice reports to estimate that social inflation added $2.4 billion to $3.5 billion to booked losses over the 10 years ending in 2021, which is between 8% and 11% of total losses. The authors’ approach is to show growth in loss development factors, a metric that property/casualty actuaries use to estimate claim costs. This approach is explained in detail. The paper concludes with commentary on how risk managers can incorporate consideration of social inflation in their overall assessment of risk.
Assessment of urinary 6‐oxo‐pipecolic acid as a biomarker for ALDH7A1 deficiency
Authors: Khalil Youssef , Footitt Emma , Vootukuri Reddy , Wempe Michael F. , Coughlin Curtis R. , Batzios Spyros , Wilson Matthew P. , Kožich Viktor , Clayton Peter T. , Mills Philippa B.
Published: July 2024

ALDH7A1 deficiency is an epileptic encephalopathy whose seizures respond to treatment with supraphysiological doses of pyridoxine. It arises as a result of damaging variants in ALDH7A1, a gene in the lysine catabolism pathway. α‐Aminoadipic semialdehyde (α‐AASA) and Δ1‐piperideine‐6‐carboxylate (P6C), which accumulate because of the block in the lysine pathway, are diagnostic biomarkers for this disorder. Recently, it has been reported that 6‐oxo‐pipecolic acid (6‐oxo‐PIP) also accumulates in the urine, CSF and plasma of ALDH7A1‐deficient individuals and that, given its improved stability, it may be a more suitable biomarker for this disorder. This study measured 6‐oxo‐PIP in urine from a cohort of 30 patients where α‐AASA was elevated and showed that it was above the normal range in all those above 6 months of age. However, 6‐oxo‐PIP levels were within the normal range in 33% of the patients below 6 months of age. Levels increased with age and correlated with a decrease in α‐AASA levels. Longitudinal analysis of urine samples from ALDH7A1‐deficient patients who were on a lysine restricted diet whilst receiving supraphysiological doses of pyridoxine showed that levels of 6‐oxo‐PIP remained elevated whilst α‐AASA decreased. Similar to α‐AASA, we found that elevated urinary excretion of 6‐oxo‐PIP can also occur in individuals with molybdenum cofactor deficiency. This study demonstrates that urinary 6‐oxo‐PIP may not be a suitable biomarker for ALDH7A1 deficiency in neonates. However, further studies are needed to understand the biochemistry leading to its accumulation and its potential long‐term side effects.
Synthesis of concentric circular antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level by employing sine cosine optimization algorithm
Authors: Thadikamalla Nageswar Rao , Amara Prakasa Rao
Published: July 2024

The sine cosine algorithm (SCA), a meta‐heuristic optimization method, is used in this study to provide a precise linear and elliptical antenna array design for synthesizing the ideal far‐field radiation pattern in the fifth‐generation (5G) communication spectrum. The wireless communication system will undergo dramatic changes thanks to the forthcoming 5G technology, which offers exceptionally high data rates, increased capacity, reduced latency, and outstanding service quality. The most important component of 5G communications is an accurate antenna array design for an optimum far‐field radiation pattern synthesis with a suppressed sidelobe level (SLL) value and half power beam width (HPBW). While long‐distance communication necessitates a low HPBW, the entire side lobe area needs a suppressed SLL to prevent interference. The SCA is used in this case to the optimal feeding currents applied to each array member in the design examples of the concentric circular antenna arrays (CCAA) discussed in this article. It shows the litheness and attainment of the propound algorithm named SCA, chosen CCAAs with three rings and varying amounts of components or antenna array sets those are stated as follows: Set I (4, 6, 8 elements), Set II (8, 10, 12 elements), Set III (6, 12, 18 elements), Set IV (8, 14, 20 elements) with and without the center element are amalgamate. Apply the PSO, Jaya, and SCA optimization algorithms for all four Sets of antenna arrays and compare the attained results; the SLL values achieved by the SCA technique are contrasted with those of other current optimization techniques. The outcomes of all examinations reveal that the SCA algorithm achieved a superior SLL reduction over other optimization techniques.
Comparison of three reanalysis‐driven regional climate models over New Zealand: Climatology and extreme events
Authors: Campbell Isaac , Gibson Peter B. , Stuart Stephen , Broadbent Ashley M. , Sood Abha , Pirooz Amir A. S. , Rampal Neelesh
Published: July 2024

Three ~12‐km reanalysis‐driven regional climate models (RCMs) are evaluated in terms of capturing climatologies and extremes of precipitation, temperature and surface wind over Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). NZ provides an excellent case study for evaluating high‐resolution RCMs due to its coastal and complex terrain and isolated geographical position in the midlatitudes, exposed to both tropical and polar influences. Overall, we find that the RCMs faithfully reproduce the observed climate, with precipitation and temperature climatologies particularly well‐captured. However, the RCMs display significant differences from observations in capturing the surface wind climatology, highlighting a remaining key challenge. The excess “drizzle problem” is apparent to varying degrees, leading to a weaker representation in the length of meteorological drought in some regions. The RCMs also diverge in reproducing diurnal temperature range which appears partly related to cloud cover. Finally, we discuss the important role of observational uncertainty in the context of model evaluation.
Metabolism of quercitrin in the colon and its beneficial regulatory effects on gut microbiota
Authors: Meng Xia , Xia Chenlan , Wu Hongchen , Gu Qing , Li Ping
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Quercitrin is a dietary flavonoid widely found in plants with various physiological activities. However, whether quercitrin alters gut microbiota in vivo is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate metabolism of quercitrin in the colon and its regulation on gut microbiota in mice.

RESULTS

Herein, 22 flavonoids related to quercitrin metabolism were identified based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Gas chromatography and 16S rDNA gene sequencing were used to investigate short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) content and diversity of composition of gut microbiota, respectively. The results showed that quercitrin significantly alters the beta‐diversity of the gut microbiota, probiotics such as Akkermansia and Lactococcus were significantly increased, and the production of propanoate, isovalerate and hexanoate of the quercitrin group were enhanced significantly. The Spearman's association analysis provided evidence that Gardnerella and Akkermansia have obvious correlations with most of quercitrin metabolites and SCFAs.

CONCLUSION

Quercitrin and its metabolites in the colon altered the structure of the mice gut microbiota and increased the content of SCFAs. Our experiments provide valuable insights into quercitrin research and application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Beneficial effects of advanced chelate technology‐based 7‐minerals in aflatoxin‐B1 challenged broilers: toxin residue reduction, serum biochemical improvement and modulation of the mRNA expression of NF‐kB and Nrf2, and genes within their pathways
Authors: Mohammadi Zeynab , Taherpour Kamran , Ghasemi Hossein Ali , Fakharzadeh Saideh , Nooreh Zahra , Kalanaky Somayeh
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Organic trace minerals (TM) offer superior nutritional benefits because of their stable structure, making their addition to broiler diets potentially beneficial during challenging periods such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination. The present study evaluated the impacts of different replacement levels of inorganic TM (ITM) with advanced chelate technology‐based TM (ACTM) on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant indicators, and some inflammatory and immune parameters of broilers fed diets contaminated with AFB1. A 42‐day experiment involved randomly assigning 1‐day‐old broiler chickens (n = 480) to one of five dietary treatments, each with six replicates. The treatments were as follows: (1) NC: basal diet without AFB1 and recommended ITM levels; (2) PC: basal diet with 0.5 mg kg−1 AFB1 and recommended ITM levels; (3) TB: PC diet +1 g kg−1 toxin binder; (4) ACTM50: replacement of ITM with 50% ACTM in the PC diet; and (5) ACTM100: replacement of ITM with 100% ACTM in the PC diet.

RESULTS

Compared with PC treatment, ACTM100 treatment resulted in increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain, serum zinc and glutathione concentrations, immunoglobulin Y level, antioxidant enzyme activities, and hepatic gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2, glutathione peroxidase‐1, superoxide dismutase‐1 and transforming growth factor beta 1. The ACTM100 group also exhibited decreased AFB1 residue in the liver and kidney, serum alanine transaminase activity and malondialdehyde concentration, and hepatic gene expression levels of nuclear factor‐kappa B and interferon‐gamma (P < 0.05). These values were comparable to those recorded in the TB and NC treatments.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, completely replacing ITM with ACTM can benefit the metabolism and mitigate AFB1‐induced immunotoxicity and oxidative damage in chickens by altering the mRNA expression of nuclear factor‐kappa B and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2, and some genes downstream their signaling pathways. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Melatonin extends shelf life in postharvest okra via delaying fruit softening and reducing weight loss
Authors: Shi Liyu , Cao Mengze , Lu Xiaotian , Dong Wanqi , Lan Qingqing , Chen Wei , Yang Zhenfeng , Li Xuewen , Cao Shifeng
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Melatonin, a hormone present in animals and some plants, has garnered attention for its potential in preserving harvested produce. Softening due to changes in cell wall composition and wilting caused by weight loss are the major reasons for the loss of commercial value in postharvest okra. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of melatonin on the softening and weight loss of postharvest okra.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the application of melatonin had a significant influence on the maintenance of fruit firmness by inhibiting the breakdown and dissolution of cell wall polysaccharides by suppressing the expression of specific genes responsible for cell wall degradation in okra. Conversely, melatonin treatment positively influenced the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of cell wall components. Furthermore, the treatment exhibited notable benefits in reducing weight loss in okra, which was accomplished by promoting the closure of stomata – the tiny pores on the surface of the fruit.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin could serve as a novel approach to reduce water loss, delay fruit softening and extend the shelf life of okra. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association Between Limited English Proficiency and Hearing Healthcare Use in the United States
Authors: Halagur Akash S. , Megwalu Uchechukwu C.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To determine whether limited English proficiency (LEP) is associated with likelihood of prior audiogram and hearing aid use among US adults with hearing loss.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study of four merged National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles included 12,636 adults with subjective (self‐reported) or objective (audiometric) hearing loss. Subjects were classified as LEP if they completed the NHANES survey in a language other than English, or with the help of an interpreter. Likelihood of audiogram among participants with subjective and objective hearing loss, and likelihood of hearing aid use among participants with objective hearing loss were assessed using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression.

Results

Individuals with LEP were less likely to have undergone audiogram among subjects with subjective (odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.77), and objective (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.65–0.74) hearing loss. The association persisted for those with subjective hearing loss (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72–0.86), and objective hearing loss (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73–0.89) after adjusting for relevant covariates. Individuals with LEP were less likely to use hearing aids (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.93). This association disappeared (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95–1.04) after adjustment.

Conclusion

LEP is associated with lower utilization of hearing healthcare services. This may be due to the complex interplay of socioeconomic and language disparities, which may act as barriers to hearing healthcare utilization. Individuals with LEP should be prioritized when designing interventions to improve accessibility to hearing healthcare.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:5122–5130, 2024
Hidden seafloor hypoxia in coastal waters
Authors: Fredriksson Jonas Patrik , Attard Karl , Stranne Christian , Koszalka Inga Monika , Glud Ronnie N. , Andersen Thorbjørn Joest , Humborg Christoph , Brüchert Volker
Published: July 2024

The expansion of transient and permanent coastal benthic anoxia is one of the most severe problems for the coastal ocean globally. We report frequent, hidden hypoxia in the bottom 5 cm of the water column of a coastal site in the central Baltic Sea by continuous high‐resolution profiling of oxygen (O2) directly above the sediment surface. This hypoxia stood in stark contrast to 30‐yr O2 monitoring records at this site that suggest apparent continuous well‐oxygenated conditions. In situ measurements showed highly dynamic conditions in the bottom 30 cm recording frequent gradual and abrupt changes between normoxic (> 63 μmol L−1) and hypoxic (< 63 μmol L−1) conditions that would remain undetectable by conventional bottom water O2 monitoring. The temporal variability of these “hidden” hypoxia is tied to the dynamic current field and to changes in O2 consumption following resuspension events. Our observations suggest that transient benthic hypoxia is much more common than routine monitoring data indicate.
Colony‐forming and single‐cell picocyanobacteria nitrogen acquisition strategies and carbon fixation in the brackish Baltic Sea
Authors: Laber Christien P. , Alegria Zufia Javier , Legrand Catherine , Lindehoff Elin , Farnelid Hanna
Published: July 2024

Picocyanobacteria are widespread and globally significant primary producers. In brackish waters, picocyanobacterial populations are composed of diverse species with both single‐cell and colony‐forming lifestyles. Compared to their marine counterparts, brackish picocyanobacteria are less well characterized and the focus of research has been weighted toward single‐cell picocyanobacteria. Here, we investigate the uptake dynamics of single and colony‐forming picocyanobacteria using incubations with dual carbon‐13 and inorganic (ammonium and nitrate) or organic (urea and amino acids) nitrogen‐15 sources during August and September 2020 in the central Baltic Sea. Phytoplankton community and group‐specific uptake rates were obtained using an elemental analyzer isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA‐IRMS) and nano secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). Picocyanobacteria contributed greater than one third of the ammonium, urea, amino acids, and inorganic carbon community uptake/fixation in September but < 10% in August when phytoplankton biomass was higher. Overall, single‐cell ammonium and urea uptake rates were significantly higher for single‐celled compared to colonial picocyanobacteria. In a 6‐yr offshore central Baltic Sea time series (2015–2020), summer abundances of colonial picocyanobacteria reached up to 105 cells mL−1 and represented > 5% of the average phytoplankton biomass, suggesting that they are periodically important for the ecosystem. Colonial strain identification was not distinguishable using 16S rRNA gene amplicon data, highlighting a need for refined tools for identification of colonial forms. This study shows the significance of single‐celled brackish picocyanobacteria to nutrient cycling and the importance of considering uptake and lifestyle strategies when assessing the role of picocyanobacteria in aquatic ecosystems.
Greenness transformation, environmental awareness, and green product policy in spatial markets
Authors: Wang Leonard F. S. , Guo Wen‐Chung , Qi Haoxiang
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the transformation towards greenness, focusing on consumer environmental awareness within a circular city model characterized by elastic demand. Our findings reveal that the equilibrium investment in environmentally friendly initiatives falls short of the socially optimal level for a given market structure. The degree of excess or insufficient market entry is influenced by the level of environmental awareness. Further, we delve into the role of environmental delegation, demonstrating that heightened environmental awareness can mitigate underinvestment in the environment and reduce inefficiency in market entry. From a policy perspective, we expand our analysis to include the “Green Product Policy.” This extension aims to explore the impact of such a policy on environmental awareness and assess the applicability of the “excess entry theorem” in this context.
Stability and bifurcations in a model of chemostat with two inter‐connected inhibitions and a negative feedback loop
Authors: Ben Ali Nabil , Abdellatif Nahla
Published: July 2024

This paper deals with a model of chemostat with two cross‐feeding species and involving two inhibitions. The excess of hydrogen inhibits the growth of acetogenic bacteria which, in turn, inhibit the growth of methanogenic hydrogenotrophic bacteria. The model is described by a system of four ordinary differential equations. We established the conditions of existence and stability of equilibria with respect to the operating parameters which are the dilution rate and the input substrate concentrations of the species of the model, then we illustrate the operating and bifurcation diagrams. This technique makes it easy to interpret different regions of operating diagrams. Inhibitions let some regions of stability rise and others vanish.
Quantifying aluminum toxicity effects on corn phenotype using advanced imaging technologies
Authors: Szőke Lóránt , Tóth Brigitta , Javornik Tomislav , Lazarević Boris
Published: July 2024

Soil acidity (pH <5.5) limits agricultural production due to aluminum (Al) toxicity. The primary target of Al toxicity is the plant root. However, symptoms can be observed on the shoots. This study aims to determine the potential use of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, multispectral imaging, and 3D multispectral scanning technology to quantify the effects of Al toxicity on corn. Corn seedlings were grown for 13 days in nutrient solutions (pH 4.0) with four Al treatments: 50, 100, 200, and 400 μM and a control (0 μM AlCl3 L−1). During the experiment, four measurements were performed: four (MT1), six (MT2), 11 (MT3), and 13 (MT4) days after the application of Al treatments. The most sensitive traits affected by Al toxicity were the reduction of plant growth and increased reflectance in the visible wavelength (affected at MT1). The reflectance of red wavelengths increased more significantly compared to near‐infrared and green wavelengths, leading to a decrease in the normalized difference vegetation index and the Green Leaf Index. The most sensitive chlorophyll fluorescence traits, effective quantum yield of PSII, and photochemical quenching coefficient were affected after prolonged Al exposure (MT3). This study demonstrates the usability of selected phenotypic traits in remote sensing studies to map Al‐toxic soils and in high‐throughput phenotyping studies to screen Al‐tolerant genotypes.
Chía and its wild relatives: A superfood Salvia (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Lara‐Cabrera Sabina I. , Ramírez‐Amezcua Yocupitzia , Cárdenas Nadia Castro , Fisher Amanda E. , Alonso José Luis Fernández
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Alternative crops are a promising approach to address the global food shortage that is exacerbated by climate change and wealth disparities. Some of these alternative crops are traditional food plants that have been widely traded for centuries, whereas others have only recently become more popular. Chía is a traditional native “superfood” that is the fruit of three distinct mint species. Chía (Salvia hispanica) is commercially cultivated and shares nutritional properties with California thistle sage (Salvia carduacea) and desert chía (Salvia columbariae). These wild relatives of S. hispanica are adapted to arid conditions and have potentially valuable genetic variation for the development of chía agricultural varieties. The development of nutritious, drought‐tolerant crops such as chía will increase the resilience of people to the impact of climate upheaval.

In the Spanish language, the word chía refers to the nutlet fruits of several Salvia species native to Mesoamerica. The process of domestication of S. hispanica altered several traits, including the absence of shattering fruits, which makes harvest easier and mechanizable. S. hispanica is commercially cultivated in Mexico, South America, Australia, and less so in Europe and Africa. Other edible chía species are not commercially cultivated, including S. carduacea, and S. columbariae. These Californian chías are traditionally harvested by hand since the fruiting calices shatter and release the nutlets. Here we compare these three edible chía species, review their uses by native peoples, describe their morphology, summarize their natural distributions and cultivation, and provide an identification key. Native peoples in North America have traditionally used chías for food, medicine, and oil. S. hispanica naturally occurs throughout areas of Mexico that receive summer monsoonal rains. As such, it is a summer annual with an erect habit and cauline, simple leaves. In contrast, the Californian chía species are distributed through areas of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts that receive winter rains. They are winter annuals and their rosettes of lobed, pubescent leaves are typical adaptations to arid conditions. Nutlets in these chía species are similar when dry, but cultivated S. hispanica nutlets produce extensive mucilage when wetted, while the other chía produce mucilage to a lesser extent. As consumer interest grows in superfoods like chía, crop breeders may use wild chía to breed varieties appropriate for areas affected by drought or in desert agroecological systems.
“I eat chocolate milk for dinner because we just have nothing in our fridge”: The invisible burden and dire consequences of food insecurity for people with cystic fibrosis in the United States
Authors: Niranjan Soumya J. , Brown Georgia , Bailey Julianna , Geurs Robin , Robinson Keith J. , Schechter Michael S. , Powers Kate E. , Clemm Cristen , Reno Kim , Oates Gabriela R.
Published: July 2024

Background

One‐third of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) are food insecure, with profound negative implications for their health. This qualitative study explored lived experiences with food insecurity among pwCF or their caregivers and summarized their perspectives on food insecurity screening in the cystic fibrosis (CF) programs where they receive care.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with two groups: (1) adults with CF and (2) parents or caregivers of children with CF. PwCF or their caregivers with previously documented food insecurity were referred for participation by pediatric and adult CF programs across the United States. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were coded and analyzed by two independent coders using a content‐analysis approach with a constant comparative method to generate themes.

Results

A total of 26 participants from 22 CF programs were interviewed. The sample included 17 adults with CF and nine parents of children with CF. Participants were predominantly White (88%) and female (92%). Five overarching themes emerged: (1) food insecurity among CF patients and their families is onerous, (2) financial constraints imposed by the CF disease contribute to food insecurity, (3) federal and state programs provide limited food assistance, and other support is minimal, (4) shame and stigma engulf conversations around food insecurity with CF care teams, and (5) food insecurity screening in clinical settings is critical.

Conclusions

Food insecurity among pwCF is invisible, but its consequences are dire. Assistance is limited, screening is inconsistent, and stigma is widespread. There is an urgent need to normalize food insecurity screening, standardize the screening process, and expand food assistance programs for pwCF.
Cellular turnover and degradation of the most common missense cystathionine beta‐synthase variants causing homocystinuria
Authors: Mijatovic Ela , Ascenção Kelly , Szabo Csaba , Majtan Tomas
Published: July 2024

Homocystinuria (HCU) due to cystathionine beta‐synthase (CBS) deficiency is the most common inborn error of sulfur amino acid metabolism. Recent work suggests that missense pathogenic mutations—regardless of their topology—cause instability of the C‐terminal regulatory domain, which likely translates into CBS misfolding, impaired assembly, and loss of function. However, it is unknown how instability of the regulatory domain translates into cellular CBS turnover and which degradation pathways are involved in CBS proteostasis. Here, we developed a human HEK293‐based cellular model lacking intrinsic CBS and stably overexpressing wild‐type (WT) CBS or its 10 most common missense HCU mutants. We found that HCU mutants, except the I278T variant, expressed similarly or better than CBS WT, with some of them showing impaired oligomerization, activity and response to allosteric activator S‐adenosylmethionine. Cellular stability of all HCU mutants, except P49L and A114V, was significantly lower than the stability of CBS WT, suggesting their increased degradation. Ubiquitination analysis of CBS WT and two representative CBS mutants (T191M and I278T) showed that proteasomal degradation is the major pathway for CBS disposal, with a minor involvement of lysosomal‐autophagic and endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathways for HCU mutants. Proteasomal inhibition significantly increased the half‐life and activity of T191M and I278T CBS mutants. Lysosomal and ERAD inhibition had only a minor impact on CBS turnover, but ERAD inhibition rescued the activity of T191M and I278T CBS mutants similarly as proteasomal inhibition. In conclusion, the present study provides new insights into proteostasis of CBS in HCU.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of sufentanil in adult Korean patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery
Authors: Khaowroongrueng Vipada , Son Kuk Hui , Lee Sang‐Min , Lee JiYeon , Park Chun‐Gon , Lee Seok In , Shin Dongseong , Shin Kwang‐Hee
Published: July 2024

Sufentanil is frequently used as an anesthetic agent in cardiac surgery owing to its cardiovascular safety and favorable pharmacokinetics. However, the pharmacokinetics profiles of sufentanil in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery remain less understood, which is crucial for achieving the desired level of anesthesia and mitigating surgical complications. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of sufentanil in patients undergoing CPB surgery and elucidate the clinical factors affecting its pharmacokinetic profile. Adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB and were administered sufentanil for anesthesia were enrolled. Arterial blood samples were collected to quantify plasma concentrations of sufentanil and clinical laboratory parameters, including inflammatory cytokines. A population pharmacokinetic model was established using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. Simulations were performed using the pharmacokinetic parameters of the final model. Overall, 20 patients were included in the final analysis. Sufentanil pharmacokinetics were modeled using a two‐compartment model, accounting for CPB effects. Sufentanil clearance increased 2.80‐fold during CPB and warming phases, while the central compartment volume increased 2.74‐fold during CPB. CPB was a significant covariate affecting drug clearance and distribution volume. No other significant covariates were identified despite increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α during CPB. The simulation indicated a 30 μg loading dose and 40 μg/h maintenance infusion for target‐controlled infusion. Additionally, a bolus dose of 60 μg was added at CPB initiation to adjust for exposure changes during this phase. Considering the target sufentanil concentrations, a uniform dosing regimen was acceptable for effective analgesia.
Astragaloside IV protects renal tubular epithelial cells against oxidative stress‐induced injury by upregulating CPT1A‐mediated HSD17B10 lysine succinylation in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Qiurui , Wang Shang , Zuo Ling , Hai Yang , Yuan Su , Li Xuezhi , Huang Xuekuan , Yang Congwen , Yao Ling , Cao Wenfu , Zuo Guoqing , Wang Jianwei
Published: July 2024

Tubular injury and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Astragaloside IV (ASIV) is a natural antioxidant. The effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of ASIV on DKD have not been elucidated. The db/db mice and high‐glucose‐stimulated HK2 cells were used to evaluate the beneficial effects of ASIV in vivo and in vitro. Succinylated proteomics was used to identify novel mechanisms of ASIV against DKD and experimentally further validated. ASIV alleviated renal dysfunction and proteinuria, downregulated fasting blood glucose, and upregulated insulin sensitivity in db/db mice. Meanwhile, ASIV alleviated tubular injury, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, ASIV reversed downregulated 17beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (HSD17B10) lysine succinylation by restoring carnitine palmitoyl‐transferase1alpha (Cpt1a or CPT1A) activity in vivo and in vitro. Molecular docking and cell thermal shift assay revealed that ASIV may bind to CPT1A. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated K99 succinylation of HSD17B10 maintained mitochondrial RNA ribonuclease P (RNase P) stability. The K99R mutation of HSD17B10 induced oxidative stress and disrupted its binding to CPT1A or mitochondrial ribonuclease P protein 1 (MRPP1). Importantly, ASIV restored the interaction between HSD17B10 and MRPP1 in vivo and in vitro. We also demonstrated that ASIV reversed high‐glucose‐induced impaired RNase P activity in HK2 cells, which was suppressed upon K99R mutation of HSD17B10. These findings suggest that ASIV ameliorates oxidative stress‐associated proximal tubular injury by upregulating CPT1A‐mediated K99 succinylation of HSD17B10 to maintain RNase P activity.