bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes released from macrophages infected with Talaromyces marneffei activate the innate immune responses and decrease the replication
Authors: Ji Guangquan , Feng Shan , Ren Hong , Chen Wenhao , Chen Renqiong
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomes play roles in pathogenesis and in the treatment of various diseases. We explored the influence of exosomes released from Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei)‐infected macrophages on human macrophages to determine whether they play a role in the pathogenesis of T. marneffei infection.

Methods

Exosomes derived from macrophages infected with T. marneffei were extracted and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and western blot. Moreover, we examined exosomes that modulated IL‐10 and TNF‐α secretion and activation of p42 and p44 extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and activation of autophagy.

Results

We found that exosomes promoted activation of ERK1/2 and autophagy, IL‐10 and TNF‐α secretion in human macrophages. Further, exosomes decreased the multiplication of T. marneffei in T. marneffei‐infected human macrophages. Interestingly, exosomes isolated from T. marneffei‐infected but not from uninfected macrophages can stimulate innate immune responses in resting macrophages.

Conclusion

Our studies are the first to demonstrate that exosomes isolated from T. marneffei‐infected macrophages can modulate the immune system to control inflammation, and we hypothesize that exosomes play significant roles in activation of ERK1/2 and autophagy, the replication of T. marneffei and cytokine production during T. marneffei infection.
Circ_0035292 knockdown alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced WI‐38 cell apoptosis and inflammatory injury
Authors: Guo Ying , Li Zhouzhen , Cheng Chen
Published: June 2023

Background

Circular RNAs have emerged as important regulators in the pathogenesis of human diseases, including infantile pneumonia (IP). In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of circ_0035292 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated Wistsar Institute (WI)‐38 cells.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were executed to detect the levels of circ_0035292, microRNA‐370‐3p (miR‐370‐3p) and transducin β‐like 1X related protein 1 (TBL1XR1). Cell counting kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, and flow cytometry assessed cell proliferation and apoptosis. Concentrations of inflammatory factors were examined with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were adopted to analyze binding between miR‐370‐3p and circ_0035292 or TBL1XR1.

Results

Circ_0035292 level was increased in IP patients and LPS‐triggered WI‐38 cells. Circ_0035292 knockdown rescued LPS‐mediated WI‐38 cell proliferation suppression and WI‐38 cell apoptosis and inflammation promotion. Circ_0035292 interacted with miR‐370‐3p and miR‐370‐3p directly targeted TBL1XR1. Moreover, miR‐370‐3p overexpression alleviated LPS‐induced WI‐38 cell apoptosis and inflammatory injury, which was abrogated via TBL1XR1 upregulation. Circ_0035292 absence inhibited the NF‐κB pathway.

Conclusion

Knockdown of circ_0035292 rescued LPS‐triggered WI‐38 cell injury via miR‐370‐3p/TBL1XR1 axis and NF‐κB pathway.
RhoA/ROCK signalling activated by ARHGEF3 promotes muscle weakness via autophagy in dystrophic mdx mice
Authors: You Jae‐Sung , Kim Yongdeok , Lee Soohyun , Bashir Rashid , Chen Jie
Published: June 2023

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by dystrophin deficiency, leads to progressive and fatal muscle weakness through yet‐to‐be‐fully deciphered molecular perturbations. Emerging evidence implicates RhoA/Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) signalling in DMD pathology, yet its direct role in DMD muscle function, and related mechanisms, are unknown.

Methods

Three‐dimensionally engineered dystrophin‐deficient mdx skeletal muscles and mdx mice were used to test the role of ROCK in DMD muscle function in vitro and in situ, respectively. The role of ARHGEF3, one of the RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), in RhoA/ROCK signalling and DMD pathology was examined by generating Arhgef3 knockout mdx mice. The role of RhoA/ROCK signalling in mediating the function of ARHGEF3 was determined by evaluating the effects of wild‐type or GEF‐inactive ARHGEF3 overexpression with ROCK inhibitor treatment. To gain more mechanistic insights, autophagy flux and the role of autophagy were assessed in various conditions with chloroquine.

Results

Inhibition of ROCK with Y‐27632 improved muscle force production in 3D‐engineered mdx muscles (+25% from three independent experiments, P < 0.05) and in mice (+25%, P < 0.001). Unlike suggested by previous studies, this improvement was independent of muscle differentiation or quantity and instead related to increased muscle quality. We found that ARHGEF3 was elevated and responsible for RhoA/ROCK activation in mdx muscles, and that depleting ARHGEF3 in mdx mice restored muscle quality (up to +36%, P < 0.01) and morphology without affecting regeneration. Conversely, overexpressing ARHGEF3 further compromised mdx muscle quality (−13% vs. empty vector control, P < 0.01) in GEF activity‐ and ROCK‐dependent manner. Notably, ARHGEF3/ROCK inhibition exerted the effects by rescuing autophagy which is commonly impaired in dystrophic muscles.

Conclusions

Our findings uncover a new pathological mechanism of muscle weakness in DMD involving the ARHGEF3‐ROCK‐autophagy pathway and the therapeutic potential of targeting ARHGEF3 in DMD.
Low prevalence of anti‐Orthopoxvirus neutralizing antibodies in an urban population of Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Jaqueline Silva , Barbosa Costa Galileu , Stoffella Dutra Ana Gabriella , Domingos Iago José da Silva , Costa Pedro Starling Pereira Martins da , Silva Pedro Henrique Bastos e , Kroon Erna Geessien , de Oliveira Danilo Bretas , Trindade Giliane de Souza
Published: June 2023

Since 1999, Vaccinia virus (VACV) has been described as a causative agent of bovine vaccinia (BV), a zoonotic disease that occurs mainly in rural areas of Brazil. However, the circulation of VACV in urban environments and its associated burden has been poorly explored. Moreover, the current monkeypox (mpox) outbreak has raised questions regarding the immune status of the worldwide population previous vaccinated against smallpox. Hence, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to better understand the prevalence of anti‐OPV neutralizing antibodies (NA) and related exposure factors in a susceptible urban population of Brazil. A total of 372 individuals were sampled, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 16.9% (CI95% = 13.4–21.1), and antibodies titers ranging from 100 to 800 neutralizing units/mL. The prevalence of NA among individuals potentially vaccinated against smallpox (≥36 years old [yo]) was 24.9% (IC 95% = 19.5–31.2), and among those unvaccinated (<36yo) was 6.7% (IC 95% = 3.7–11.8). Interestingly, contact with horses was pointed out as an exposure factor for the presence of NA, however, the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥36yo and the presence of vaccine take were independently associated with the presence of anti‐OPV NA. Our findings suggest that vulnerable populations could be subclinically exposed to VACV in urban areas, drawing attention to alternative routes of zoonotic VACV exposure. Our data is also important for better strategies to mitigate zoonotic OPV infections mainly among vulnerable populations.
Clinical efficacy of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir combination for treating diabetic patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Wu Jheng‐Yan , Liu Mei‐Yuan , Liu Ting‐Hui , Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Huang Po‐Yu , Tsai Ya‐Wen , Kuo Chia‐Yin , Yeh Chun‐Ting , Lai Chih‐Cheng
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (NMV‐r) for treating COVID‐19 in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX research network to identify adult diabetic patients with COVID‐19 between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Propensity score matching was used to match patients who received NMV‐r (NMV‐r group) with those who did not receive NMV‐r (control group). The primary outcome was all‐cause hospitalization or death during the 30‐day follow‐up period. Two cohorts comprising 13 822 patients with balanced baseline characteristics were created using propensity score matching. During the follow‐up period, the NMV‐r group had a lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization or death than the control group (1.4% [n = 193] vs. 3.1% [n = 434]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.497; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.420–0.589). Compared with the control group, the NMV‐r group also had a lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization (HR, 0.606; 95% CI, 0.508–0.723) and all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.076; 95% CI, 0.033–0.175). This lower risk was consistently observed in almost all subgroup analyses, which examined sex (male: 0.520 [0.401–0.675]; female: 0.586 [0.465–0.739]), age (age 18–64 years: 0.767 [0.601–0.980]; ≥65 years: 0.394 [0.308–0.505]), level of HbA1c (<7.5%: 0.490 [0.401–0.599]; ≥7.5%: 0.655 [0.441–0.972]), unvaccinated (0.466 [0.362–0.599]), type 1 DM (0.453 [0.286–0.718]) and type 2 DM (0.430 [0.361–0.511]). NMV‐r can help reduce the risk of all‐cause hospitalization or death in nonhospitalized patients with DM and COVID‐19.
Clinical isolates of hepatitis B virus genotype C have higher in vitro transmission efficiency than genotype B isolates
Authors: Li Jing , Li Jisu , Chen Shiqi , Xu Weicheng , Zhang Jiming , Tong Shuping
Published: June 2023

Serum samples were collected from 54 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive Chinese patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype B2 or C2. They were compared for transmission efficiency using same volume of samples or infectivity using same genome copy number. Adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) during inoculation did not increase infectivity of fresh samples but markedly increased infectivity following prolonged sample storage. Differentiated HepaRG cells infected without PEG produced more hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and higher HBsAg/HBeAg ratio than sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP)‐reconstituted HepG2 cells infected with PEG. They better supported replication of core promoter mutant in contrast to wild‐type (WT) virus by HepG2/NTCP cells. Overall, subgenotype C2 samples had higher viral load than B2 samples, and in general produced more HBeAg, HBsAg, and replicative DNA following same‐volume inoculation. Precore mutant was more prevalent in subgenotype B2 and had reduced transmission efficiency. When same genome copy number of viral particles was inoculated, viral signals were not necessarily higher for three WT C2 isolates than four WT B2 isolates. Using viral particles generated from cloned HBV genome, three WT C2 isolates showed slightly reduced infectivity than three B2 isolates. In conclusion, subgenotype C2 serum samples had higher transmission efficiency than B2 isolates in association with higher viral load and lower prevalence of precore mutant, but not necessarily higher infectivity. PEG‐independent infection by HBV viremic serum samples is probably attributed to a labile host factor.
SARS‐CoV‐2 NSP13 interacts with host IRF3, blocking antiviral immune responses
Authors: Feng Kuan , Zhang Hui‐Jiao , Min Yuan‐Qin , Zhou Min , Deng Fei , Wang Hua‐Lin , Li Pei‐Qing , Ning Yun‐Jia
Published: June 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), poses an unprecedented threat to human health since late 2019. Notably, the progression of the disease is associated with impaired antiviral interferon (IFN) responses. Although multiple viral proteins were identified as potential IFN antagonists, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we firstly demonstrate that SARS‐CoV‐2 NSP13 protein robustly antagonizes IFN response induced by the constitutively active form of transcription factor IRF3 (IRF3/5D). This induction of IFN response by IRF3/5D is independent of the upstream kinase, TBK1, a previously reported NSP13 target, thus indicating that NSP13 can act at the level of IRF3 to antagonize IFN production. Consistently, NSP13 exhibits a specific, TBK1‐independent interaction with IRF3, which, moreover, is much stronger than that of NSP13 with TBK1. Furthermore, the NSP13‐IRF3 interaction was shown to occur between the NSP13 1B domain and IRF3 IRF association domain (IAD). In agreement with the strong targeting of IRF3 by NSP13, we then found that NSP13 blocks IRF3‐directed signal transduction and antiviral gene expression, counteracting IRF3‐driven anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activity. These data suggest that IRF3 is likely to be a major target of NSP13 in antagonizing antiviral IFN responses and provide new insights into the SARS‐CoV‐2–host interactions that lead to viral immune evasion.
Structure–activity relationship between gluten and dough quality of sprouted wheat flour based on air classification‐induced component recombination
Authors: Guo Jia , Qi Xiaoxiao , Liu Yuanxiao , Guan Erqi , Wen Jiping , Bian Ke
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Air classification can separate sprouted wheat flour (SWF) into three types: coarse wheat flour (F1), medium wheat flour (F2) and fine wheat flour (F3). The gluten quality of SWF can be indirectly improved by removing inferior parts (F3). In order to reveal the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon, the composition and structural changes of gluten, as well as the rheological properties and fermentation characteristics of gluten in recombinant dough in the process of air classification of all three SWF types, were analyzed in this study.

RESULTS

Overall, sprouting significantly reduced the content of high‐molecular‐weight subunits, such as glutenin subunit and ω‐gliadin. It also destroyed the structural content, such as disulfide bonds, α‐helix and β‐turn contents, which maintained the stability of gluten gel. Air classification made the above changes in F3 more severe but reversed them in F1. Moreover, rheological properties were more affected by gluten composition, whereas fermentation characteristics were more affected by gluten structure.

CONCLUSION

After air classification, particles rich in high molecular weight subunits from SWF are enriched in F1, and the gluten of F1 has more secondary structure that maintain gel stability, which ultimately lead to improved rheology properties and fermentation characteristics. F3 relatively exhibits the opppsite phenomenon. These results further reveal the potential mechanism of improvement of SWF gluten by air classification. Moreover, Thus, this study provides new perspectives for the utilization of SWF. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improvement in growth performance and digestive function from amniotic injections of N‐acetylglutamate in broiler chickens
Authors: Wang Jiguang , Xu Changchun , Song Zhigang , Wu Shugeng , Wang Jing , Qi Guanghai , Zhang Haijun
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

N‐acetylglutamate (NAG) is the initial and essectial substrate in the process of de novo arginine synthesis, plays an important role in intestinal development. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of in ovo feeding of NAG, 1.5 mg/egg at 17.5 days of incubation (DOI) via amnion, on hatching performance, early intestinal histomorphometry, jejunal barrier, digestive function, and growth performance of broiler chickens between 1 and 14 days of age.

RESULTS

Amniotic injection of NAG had no significant effect on hatching characteristics compared with the non‐injected control group (NC group). Birds in the NAG solution‐injected group (NAG group) exhibited lower average daily feed intake and better feed efficiency during a period of 1–14 days. In comparison with the NC group, the NAG group had decreased crypt depth (CD) in the ileum and increased villus height (VH) / CD in the jejunum at 7 days, and decreased CD in duodenum and significantly increased VH in the jejunum at 14 days. However, the effects of in ovo supplementation with NAG on the density of goblet cells, and gene expression of mucin 2 and alkaline phosphatase were not significant. Chicks in the NAG group had a significantly higher mRNA expression level of trypsin and maltase in jejunum at 7 days than the NC group but not at 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Amniotic injections of NAG (1.5 mg/egg) at 17.5 DOI could improve early growth performance of broilers during 1–14 days after hatching by accelerating the development of the intestine and enhancing jejunal digestive function. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recognition of suitable small watersheds for check dam construction on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Chen Yulan , Bai Leichao , Jiao Juying , Wang Nan , Li Jianjun , Xu Qian , Yan Xiqin , Tang Bingzhe
Published: June 2023

Check dams are used for soil and water conservation worldwide, especially on the Chinese Loess Plateau, which has suffered from severe soil and water loss. To promote ecological conservation and high‐quality development in the Yellow River basin, considerable effort should be devoted to building check dams in the small watersheds where the conditions permit on the Loess Plateau. Therefore, suitable small watersheds must be identified for constructing new check dams. In this study, the weighted overlay method (WOM) of the multi‐criteria decision‐making analysis method, the random forest (RF), and the support vector machine (SVM) of machine learning methods were first applied to simulate the suitability of small watersheds for check dam construction in the Ganguyi upstream area of the Yanhe River basin on the Loess Plateau. Accuracy assessment showed that the accuracy of the three models was almost perfect and RF had the highest accuracy of 0.95, followed by SVM (0.87), and WOM (0.83). Meanwhile, the impacts of topographic factors and soil erodibility were found to be generally higher than those of the other factors, and 56% of small watersheds had high and very high suitability for check dam construction, 67% of these small watersheds have already been built as check dams. Finally, a total of 108 small watersheds were found to be suitable in the study area when considering their environmental characteristics. The methodology developed in the study can be used as a preliminary planning step for check dam construction and as a foundation for detailed field investigations in the future, which help to realize the sustainable use of soil and water resources.
Selective logging and shifting agriculture may help maintain forest biomass on the Yucatán peninsula
Authors: Hernández Gómez Irving Uriel , Ellis Edward A.
Published: June 2023

Evaluation and monitoring of forest biomass are important to help combat global warming and conserve biodiversity. Above ground biomass (AGB) mapping has been effectively used to assess forest loss, degradation, and recovery in the tropics. In this study, temporal (2007, 2010, and 2015) AGB maps were developed for the Mayan Zone of the Yucatan Peninsula, México integrating vegetation data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data (ALOS PALSAR). We assess if degradation could be attributed to the land use categories present in the study area: selectively logged forest, shifting agriculture, permanent commercial cultivation, and conservation forest. Spatial autoregressive models are applied to determine differences in AGB dynamics between land use categories, compared to baselines of mature conserved forest. We find that forest biomass remains stable in the study area. AGB does not differ in selectively logged areas compared to conserved mature forests. Biomass losses are observed due to deforestation for commercial cropping and pasture. AGB in shifting agriculture areas, however, fluctuates and shows a slight gain from 2007 to 2015. AGB mapping using NFI data and SAR imagery has the potential for monitoring forest loss and degradation on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Attempted treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis with one session of either Neodymium YAG laser or Intense Pulsed Light: A within patient randomized trial of treated versus untreated contralateral axilla
Authors: Taudorf Elisabeth H. , Henning Mattias , Olsen Jonas , Thorlacius Linnea , Christensen Robin , Jemec Gregor
Published: June 2023

Background

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH) affects 1−5% of the world's population who has an unmet need for improved treatments. The heating of sweat glands with specific microwave therapy has shown promising results, yet, treatment with widely available devices such as long‐pulsed Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, diode lasers or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) may serve as pragmatic alternatives.

Objectives

To compare sweat secretion of treated versus untreated contralateral control axilla 1−3 months after one session of Nd:YAG laser or IPL in patients with PAH.

Methods

A within‐person randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive either one session of Nd:YAG laser or IPL in one axilla with the contra‐lateral serving as control. Sweat production was assessed by gravimetry, trans‐epidermal water loss, hyperhidrosis disease severity scale and dynamic optical coherence tomography. Mixed‐effects models were used to handle the within‐person design, containing both fixed effect factors (side, group, and subgroup), and random effects (patients), while also adjusting for the level at baseline.

Results

A total of 20 patients were enrolled. At follow‐up 1−3 months after treatment, sweat secretion was not affected in the treated axilla when compared to the control axillae (0.01 [95%CI: −0.04 to 0.05]; p = 0.68). In the Nd:YAG subgroup (10 patients), least squares means for sweat secretion was 0.18 mg/5 min in the treated versus 0.15 mg/5 min in the control axilla, respectively, corresponding to a statistically insignificant mean difference of 0.02 mg/5 min (95% CI: −0.06 to 0.11; p = 0.54). In the IPL subgroup (10 patients), sweat secretion was 0.06 mg/5 min in the treated axilla versus 0.07 mg/5 min in the control axilla with a statistically insignificant difference of –0.01 points (95% CI: −0.03 to 0.02; p = 0.46). Likewise, none of the secondary outcomes were significantly affected by treatment. However, both treatments appeared safe and well tolerated with no adverse effects reported at follow‐up.

Conclusions

One treatment with external 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser or 640 nm IPL at commercially available settings, failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in treating PAH, with narrow confidence intervals implying that this was not due to a type‐2 error.
Enhanced surface properties and contact fatigue performance of Cr4Mo4V bearing steel subjected to ultrasonic surface rolling processing
Authors: Gao F. , Duan H. , Ding Z. , Tian L.
Published: June 2023

The paper presents the experimental studies on the enhanced comprehensive properties of Cr4Mo4V bearing steel using ultrasonic surface rolling process. Considerable improvements in mechanical properties and rolling contact fatigue performance are achieved in the present study, accompanied by the characterization of surface microstructures. The ultrasonic surface rolling process promotes the formation of fine nanocrystalline structures and nano‐sized elongated grains with severe deformation, leading to the increasing residual stress, micro‐hardness and high temperatures hardness. The crack propagation and delamination pit in the surface after ultrasonic surface rolling process is inhibited, further enhancing the rolling contact fatigue life of Cr4Mo4V bearing steel.
Effect of thermal ageing on microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture behaviour of 50 % cold rolled duplex stainless steel (alloy 2507)
Authors: Ghosh S. K. , Yadav M.
Published: June 2023

The paper deals with cold rolling and ageing on microstructure and mechanical properties of 2507 duplex stainless steel. Microstructure depicts acicular/Widmanstätten austenite and δ‐ferrite with dissimilar volume fraction (∼0.55 for ferrite and ∼0.45 for austenite). Cold rolling and ageing at 950 °C, 1000 °C and 1050 °C result in equiaxed austenite for samples solution treated at 1040 °C and elongated at 1300 °C. By lowering ageing temperature from 1050 °C to 950 °C, structure becomes finer from ∼20 μm to <10 μm grain size. The sigma (σ) phase appears after ageing at 950 °C. Micro‐hardness reveals maximum hardness for the hot rolled, solutionized (1040 °C) water quenched, and cold rolled (50 %) sample (380 HVδF 100 and 430 HVγ 100), whereas the tensile results reveal the hot rolled, solution treated (1300 °C, 1040 °C), cold rolled and aged at 950 °C samples show higher strength (yield strength=625 MPa, 567 MPa and ultimate tensile strength=892 MPa, 826 MPa) and lower ductility (23 %, 32 %) due to the σ‐phase. The solution treated (1040 °C), cold rolled, aged at 1050 °C sample exhibits attractive strength and ductility combination (∼30 GPa %). Fractography supports the tensile results.
Wear processes and performance of blade pair in small‐scale single‐shaft plastic shredder machine
Authors: Wong J. H. , Karen W. M. J. , Bahrin S. A. , Chua B. L. , Melvin G. J. H. , Siambun N. J.
Published: June 2023

Shredder blades and fixed blades were used as a set of blade pair to perform the shredding action. Comparable research was performed on the blade pair to understand its wear mechanism and shredding performance. The loading distribution along the two‐edge shredder blades in helix configuration was identified. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x‐ray, x‐ray diffractometer analysis, and hardness tests were used to characterise the surface, elemental composition, microstructure, and hardness of the worn blade pair. The shredder blades’ wear mechanism was categorised as progressive wear which dominant by abrasive, following by adhesive and oxidation wear. The shredding efficiency of the two‐edge shredder blades in helix configuration was 69.24 %, recycling efficiency at 96.83 % and retention of 3.17 % after the shredding process.
Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion Delivery of Apomorphine in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kukkle Prashanth Lingappa , Garg Divyani , Merello Marcello
Published: June 2023

Background

Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) is one of the advanced therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

A systematic review of all published articles in English on CSAI for PD till January 30, 2022 was conducted.

Results

A total of 82 articles met the search criteria. Publications included retrospective or prospective open‐label observational studies, with a limited number of randomized control trials (RCT). Publications were highly heterogeneous and focused on different aspects of CSAI and included clinical audits, effects on cognition/behavior, axial symptoms, nocturnal issues, adverse events/reasons for discontinuation and comparison with other continuous dopaminergic therapies. CSAI was used in patients who presented severe motor fluctuations not resolved by oral therapy, poor candidates for deep brain stimulation (DBS) due to cognitive/behavioral issues or in those with DBS weaning effect. Recent studies have also shown that CSAI was useful for nocturnal usage in advanced PD, in addition to daytime utilization. Adverse effects were common and include skin lesions, sedation and nausea. Pump management difficulties and patient decisions were common reasons for therapy dropout, predominantly during the initial stages of the CSAI.

Conclusion

There is consistent agreement on the benefits of CSAI in reducing OFF periods and improving ON periods without troublesome dyskinesia and specific motor and non‐motor symptoms. Although there is a paucity of RCTs, current data from almost 30 years of use suggests CSAI to be beneficial in advanced cases of PD.
Defect of the Endogenous Inhibitory Pain System in Idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome: A Laser Evoked Potentials Study
Authors: Antelmi Elena , Squintani Giovanna Maddalena , Sandri Angela , Lippolis Marianna , Segatti Alessia , Tinazzi Michele
Published: June 2023

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a complex sensorimotor disorder. Symptoms worsen toward evening and at rest and are temporarily relieved by movement. Symptoms are perceived as painful in up to 45% of cases, and nociception system may be involved.

Objectives

To assess the descending diffuse noxious inhibitory control in RLS patients.

Methods

Twenty‐one RLS patients and twenty age and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) underwent a conditioned pain modulation protocol. Cutaneous heat stimuli were delivered via laser evoked potentials (LEPs) on the dorsum of the right hand (UL) and foot (LL). N2 and P2 latencies, N2/P2 amplitude and pain ratings (NRS) were recorded before (baseline), during, and after a heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation (HNCS) application. The baseline/HNCS ratio was calculated for both UL and LL.

Results

N2 and P2 latencies did not vary between groups at each condition and limbs. Both groups showed a physiological N2/P2 amplitude and NRS reduction during the HNCS condition in UL and LL in comparison to baseline and post conditions (all,P < 0.003). Between‐groups comparisons revealed a significant lower amplitude reduction in RLS at the N2/P2 amplitude during the HNCS condition only for LL (RLS, 13.6 μV; HC, 10.1 μV;P = 0.004). Such result was confirmed by the significant difference at the ratio (RLS, 69%, HC, 52.5%;P = 0.038).

Conclusions

The lower physiological reduction during the HNCS condition at LL in RLS patients suggests a defect in the endogenous inhibitory pain system. Further studies should clarify the causal link of this finding, also investigating the circadian modulation of this paradigm. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The effects of a 24‐week interactive text message‐based mobile health intervention for enhancing self‐care behaviours of patients with heart failure: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Kim Sang‐Wook , Lee Wang‐Soo , Won Hoyoun , Cho Jun Hwan , Hong Joonhwa , Choi Hong‐Jae , Kim Da‐Young , Lim Arum , Kim Hyue Mee
Published: June 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a 24‐week interactive text message‐based mobile health intervention (called) on enhancing the self‐care behaviours of patients with heart failure.

Background

Whether text message‐based mobile health intervention can be used to improve long‐term adherence to self‐care behaviours among heart failure patients remains unclear.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study with a pretest–post‐test design and repeated measures.

Methods

Data from 100 patients (mean age, 58.78 years; 83.0% men) were analysed. The intervention group (n = 50) used the program over 24 weeks, which consisted of weekly goal setting and interactive text messaging, while the control group (n = 50) received usual care. Trained research assistants collected data using self‐reported Likert questionnaires. Primary (self‐care behaviours) and secondary (health literacy, eHealth literacy, and disease knowledge) outcome variables were measured at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after intervention for follow‐up.

Results

The findings showed that the intervention group demonstrated significantly better self‐care behaviours than the control group during the 6 months. Notably, the trajectory of self‐care behaviours of the patients in the intervention group showed a steep rise between the first‐ and third‐month follow‐up, followed by high stability between the third‐ and sixth‐month follow‐up. In addition, the intervention group had significantly higher disease knowledge than the control group at the first‐ and sixth‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

We found that the program, as an interactive text messaging service, may be an optimal strategy for improving long‐term adherence to self‐care behaviours through motivating and providing social support.

Relevance to the Nursing Practice

The WithUs program can help nurses and other healthcare professionals to track patients' health indicators such as symptom severity, diet and physical activity. In addition, nurses can take an important role in evaluating the efficacy of the app in relation to patients' health outcome.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients have completed a self‐reported questionnaire after providing informed consent.
The Impact of Sinonasal Symptoms in Relation to Potentially Life‐Threatening Comorbidities
Authors: Zhou Allen S. , Prince Anthony A. , Maxfield Alice Z. , Corrales Carleton Eduardo , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: June 2023

Objective

While general health may be influenced by sinonasal symptoms, their effects may be overshadowed by comorbid states which may be more serious. To assess the validity of this postulate, we measured the extent to which sinonasal symptoms and concurrent conditions influenced general health.

Study Design

Observational outcomes study.

Setting

Academic medical center, community care sites.

Methods

Adults with sinonasal symptoms completed the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test, along with the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System global health short form. Comorbidities were categorized with the Deyo modification of the Charlson comorbidity index. Multivariate regression analyses were utilized to determine the relative impact of sinonasal symptoms and concurrent comorbid conditions on general health.

Results

Data from 219 consecutive patients demonstrated that sinonasal symptoms were associated with significantly diminished general physical (β = −1.431, p < .001), mental (β = −1.000, p < .001), overall (β = −1.026, p < .001), and social health (β = −0.872, p = .003), regardless of the presence of potentially life‐threatening comorbid conditions. Comorbid conditions included cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, connective tissue disease, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, and hepatic disease. The effect of sinonasal symptoms was neither subsumed nor overshadowed by the effects of comorbid states. Nasal, ear, sleep, and psychological domain scores were also associated with general physical, mental, and global health while adjusting for the impact of comorbidities.

Conclusion

Sinonasal symptoms have a substantial effect on general health which is not subsumed by the presence of potentially life‐threatening concurrent comorbidities. These data may help support the importance of funding and resource allocation for conditions causing sinonasal symptoms.
Impact of Sternothyroid Muscle Division on Patient‐Reported Voice Outcomes After Thyroid Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Barron Christine , Hamberis Alex , Gold Brandon , Yun Jun , Chai Raymond L.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Division of the sternothyroid muscle during thyroidectomy is a widely accepted surgical technique to provide improved exposure of the thyroid gland, thus facilitating the ligation of superior pole vessels and identification of the laryngeal nerves. However, few have examined the impact on voice outcomes. We evaluate the impact of sternothyroid muscle division on patient‐perceived voice outcomes after thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic institution.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted comparing pre‐ and postoperative voice outcome data after thyroidectomy, measured using Voice Handicap Index‐10. The cohort of 109 patients underwent lobectomy or total thyroidectomy by a single surgeon at 1 institution. The sternothyroid muscle was fully divided in all surgeries. The integrity of the recurrent laryngeal and external branches of the superior laryngeal nerve was assessed using intraoperative nerve monitoring and postoperative laryngoscopy. Pre‐ and postoperative Voice Handicap Index‐10 scores were compared.

Results

No statistically significant difference was found between total pre‐ and postoperative Voice Handicap Index‐10 scores (μpreop = 1.92, μpostop = 1.83, p = .87). There were no questions yielding statistically significant responses between pre‐ and postoperative groups. This was consistent regardless of whether the sternothyroid muscle was cut unilaterally or bilaterally. Men showed a statistically significant improvement in score after surgery.

Conclusion

These findings support no difference in postoperative voice outcomes after the intraoperative division of the sternothyroid muscle. This supports the usage of this technique as a safe means to facilitate exposure during thyroid surgery and will serve as important information to guide intraoperative surgical decision‐making.
Assessing internalizing disorders and sleep in school‐age children: A new parent report Behavioral Health Screen
Authors: Ruan‐Iu Linda , Winston‐Lindeboom Payne , Rivers Alannah Shelby , Atte Tita , Tien Allen
Published: June 2023

Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance are common among school‐age children and can impair functioning. Schools are in a unique position to assess and refer these children for intervention services, but standardized screening is underutilized. One challenge with screening is the lack of psychometrically strong mental health screening tools that can be efficiently and effectively administered in school settings. The Behavioral Health Works program provides a web‐based platform and a multidimensional screening tool (the Behavioral Health Screen [BHS]) that can help overcome implementation barriers. Because parents have unique, valuable perspectives on reporting the mental health concerns of their children, a parent report version for younger children was developed. This study examines the psychometric properties of the internalizing and sleep scales of the BHS parent report version for assessing children (BHS‐PRC). Participants included 420 parents of children ages 6–12, who completed the BHS‐PRC. Results supported evidence of good internal structure, partial measurement equivalence (across race, gender, age, and education groups), discrimination in item response theory analysis, classification accuracy, and convergent and discriminant validity. Overall, the BHS‐PRC demonstrates strong psychometric characteristics and has the potential to assist schools' mental health screening as part of a multitiered system of support.
Social media governance and strategies to combat online hatespeech in Germany
Authors: Stockmann Daniela , Schlosser Sophia , Ksatryo Paxia
Published: June 2023

Concerns over online hatespeech have prompted governments to strengthen social media governance. However, claims by policy‐makers and political activists regarding the effectiveness and likely consequences of legal regulations remain largely untested. We rely on qualitative interviews and two expert surveys to examine the behavior of public relations professionals in response to online hatespeech when having the option of using the new user‐complaint mechanism under the German Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG). Our findings reveal that strategies depend on whether professionals work at public sector institutions, business, or civil society organizations and political parties. Public sector institutions are likely to report to the platform, but not under NetzDG. Civil society organizations are likely to choose content moderation, counterspeech, and other forms of intervention. Businesses deploy a wide range of strategies. In practice, Germany's procedural approach relying on user‐complaint mechanisms to deal with online hatespeech is not used by experts as a means to combat online harassment.
Witnessing Quantum Correlations in a Hybrid Qubit‐Qutrit System Under Intrinsic Decoherence
Authors: Benabdallah Fadwa , El Anouz Khadija , Rahman Atta ur , Daoud Mohammed , El Allati Abderrahim , Haddadi Saeed
Published: June 2023

Studying qubit‐qutrit systems is crucial to harnessing their quantum advantages, especially in quantum secure technologies. In this regard, the present work consists of considering a qubit‐qutrit system under intrinsic decoherence. For this hybrid‐spin system, the relationship between negativity, local quantum uncertainty, and local quantum Fisher information is discussed. The results show that it is possible to generate and preserve the maximally correlated states by tuning the system parameters to certain fixed values. It is also demonstrated the occurrence of the sudden death/birth phenomenon by examining the behavior of quantum correlation functions.
Impact of urbanization factors considering artificial water dissipation on extreme precipitation: A numerical simulation of rainfall in Shanghai
Authors: Luo Zhuoran , Liu Jiahong , Zhang Shanghong , Shao Weiwei , Zhou Jinjun , Zhang Li
Published: June 2023

Climate change and rapid urbanization have jointly altered the climate characteristics of cities, including rainfall, humidity, and temperature, and have resulted in an increase of extreme precipitation. In this study, to identify the hydrothermal driving factors responsible for extreme precipitation in urban areas, sensitivity experiments were carried out on two extreme precipitation events in Shanghai, China, using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the artificial water dissipation urban canopy model (AWDUCM). The simulation results from the WRF model and observations from 35 weather stations across Shanghai were compared. The results showed that WRF could simulate the spatial distribution and precipitation intensity of extreme rainfall more accurately when integrated with the AWDUCM. With the AWDUCM incorporated, the root‐mean‐square errors of the two simulated precipitation events were 9.1 and 9.9 mm respectively (accounting for approximately 20% of the total rainfall). The near‐surface temperature and specific humidity in the AWDUCM simulation were approximately 0.5°C and 1 g·kg−1 higher than in the NON simulation (that did not invoke the AWDUCM) respectively. Urbanization factors increase the near‐surface temperature and specific humidity in urban and built‐up land, and the results of this study indicate that these are two of the driving forces affecting precipitation. Increased water vapor and urban heat island effects caused by urbanization are enhancing the intensity of extreme precipitation in Shanghai.
Observer‐based security control for distributed cyber‐physical systems under replay attacks
Authors: Li Xiao‐Meng , Xiao Wenbin , Lin Guohuai , Li Hongyi , Lu Renquan
Published: June 2023

This paper considers the security control problem over a finite horizon for distributed cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) under replay attacks and switching topologies. A more reasonable attack model is established to describe the randomly occurring replay attacks, where the measurement information is maliciously replaced by previous unnecessary information. Under the Markovian switching communication network, a distributed observer‐based control protocol is developed to mitigate the influence on system performance resulting from disturbances and replay attacks. Then, by using recursive linear matrix inequality method and stochastic analysis technique, two sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the consensus of the closed‐loop system while satisfying the prescribed performance index. Gain matrices of observer and controller are derived by resorting to the matrices inequalities that are reality solvable. Finally, simulated examples are presented to compare the control performance under different attack strategies, and explore the relationship between the number of consecutive attacks and the performance index.
Nonlinear model predictive control for hydrobatics: Experiments with an underactuated AUV
Authors: Bhat Sriharsha , Panteli Chariklia , Stenius Ivan , Dimarogonas Dimos V.
Published: June 2023

Hydrobatic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can be efficient in range and speed, as well as agile in maneuvering. They can be beneficial in scenarios such as obstacle avoidance, inspections, docking, and under‐ice operations. However, such AUVs are underactuated systems—this means exploiting the system dynamics is key to achieving elegant hydrobatic maneuvers with minimum controls. This paper explores the use of model predictive control (MPC) techniques to control underactuated AUVs in hydrobatic maneuvers and presents new simulation and experimental results with the small and hydrobatic SAM AUV. Simulations are performed using nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) on the full AUV system to provide optimal control policies for several hydrobatic maneuvers in Matlab/Simulink. For implementation on AUV hardware in robot operating system, a linear time varying MPC (LTV‐MPC) is derived from the nonlinear model to enable real‐time control. In simulations, NMPC and LTV‐MPC shows promising results to offer much more efficient control strategies than what can be obtained with PID and linear quadratic regulator based controllers in terms of rise‐time, overshoot, steady‐state error, and robustness. The LTV‐MPC shows satisfactory real‐time performance in experimental validation. The paper further also demonstrates experimentally that LTV‐MPC can be run real‐time on the AUV in performing hydrobatic maneouvers.
Elucidation of Molecular‐level Mechanisms of Oxygen Atom Reactions with Chlorine Ion in NaCl Solutions using Molecular Dynamics Simulations Combined with Density Functional Theory
Authors: Xu Shaofeng , Jirasek Vit , Lukes Petr
Published: June 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations combined with density functional theory were performed to investigate the reaction mechanisms for oxygen atom and chlorine ion in NaCl solutions. Considering the ground and first excited states of the oxygen atom, four bulk systems, O(3P)‐NaCl‐63H2O, O(1D)‐NaCl‐63H2O, O(3P)‐4NaCl‐63H2O, and O(1D)‐4NaCl‐63H2O were studied. The main reaction pathway depended on the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution. For a dilute solution with a 1 : 64 ratio of NaCl to H2O, the singlet oxygen atom first attached a water molecule to produce a neutral OH radical, and then the OH radical and chlorine ion approach each other to form an intermediate structure [Cl…OH]−. Synchronously, the intermediate transferred charge to the solvated OH radical by accessing the hydrogen bond network. Finally, neutral HOCl and OH− ions were formed. For a dense solution with a 4 : 64 ratio of NaCl to H2O, a singlet oxygen atom was directly combined with Cl− to produce ClO− via an oxygen transfer reaction. The subsequent ab‐initio energy computations indicated the most probable mechanism, where the O atom directly combines with Cl− ion to OCl−. This study provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms of the behavior of dissolved oxygen radicals in aqueous electrolyte solutions.
Iodine Mediated One‐Pot Synthesis of Polyarylated‐Oxazoles from Internal Alkynes
Authors: Adhikary Saswati , Banerji Biswadip
Published: June 2023

An environmentally benign, efficient, practically applicable and C(sp3)−H functionalization of primary amines for the synthesis of highly substituted oxazoles from easily available internal alkynes was developed. This synthesis is toxic chemicals, transition‐metal free as well as mild and regioselective. This one‐pot methodology with broad substrate scope unlocks a green avenue for the synthesis of highly functionalized oxazole derivatives with excellent yields.