bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher NT‐proBNP levels and the risk of intradialytic hypotension at hemodialysis initiation
Authors: Curtis Katherine A. , Waikar Sushrut S. , Mc Causland Finnian R.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Elevated N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is a potent predictor of adverse outcomes in hemodialysis initiation. These patients often experience intradialytic hypotension, which may partially reflect cardiac dysfunction, but the association of NT‐proBNP with intradialytic hypotension is not clear.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial that tested mannitol versus placebo in 52 patients initiating hemodialysis (NCT01520207). NT‐proBNP was measured prior to the first and third sessions (n = 87). Mixed‐effects models (adjusting for randomized treatment, sex, race, age, diabetes, heart failure, catheter use, pre‐dialysis systolic blood pressure, pre‐dialysis weight, ultrafiltration volume, serum sodium, bicarbonate, urea nitrogen, phosphate, albumin, hemoglobin, and session length) were fit to examine the association of NT‐proBNP with systolic blood pressure decline (pre‐dialysis minus nadir systolic blood pressure). Additionally, mixed‐effects Poisson models were fit to examine the association with intradialytic hypotension (≥20 mmHg decline in systolic blood pressure).

Findings

Mean age was 55 ± 16 years; 33% had baseline heart failure. The median NT‐proBNP was 5498 [25th‐75th percentile 2011, 14,790] pg/mL; 26 sessions (30%) were complicated by intradialytic hypotension. In adjusted models, each unit higher log‐NT‐proBNP was associated with 6.0 mmHg less decline in systolic blood pressure (95%CI −9.2 to −2.8). Higher pre‐dialysis NT‐proBNP, per log‐unit, was associated with a 52% lower risk of intradialytic hypotension (IRR 0.48, 95%CI 0.23–0.97), without evidence for effect modification by randomized treatment (P‐interaction = 0.17).

Discussion

In patients initiating hemodialysis, higher NT‐proBNP is associated with less decline in intradialytic systolic blood pressure and lower risk of intradialytic hypotension. Future studies should investigate if higher pre‐dialysis NT‐proBNP levels may identify patients who might tolerate more aggressive ultrafiltration.
Development and application of artificial intelligence‐based facial skin image diagnosis system: Changes in facial skin characteristics with ageing in Korean women
Authors: Park Hyeokgon , Park Sae‐ra , Lee Sangran , Hwang Joongwon , Lee Myeongryeol , Jang Sue Im , Jung Yuchul , Yeon Yeongmin , Kang Nayoung , Suh Byung‐Fhy , Kim Eunjoo
Published: October 2023

Objective

To develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based diagnostic system for analysing facial skin images using expert judgements and explore its feasibility for skin ageing research, specifically by evaluating facial skin changes in Korean women of various ages.

Methods

Our AI‐based facial skin diagnosis system (Dr. AMORE®) uses facial images of Korean women to analyse wrinkles, pigmentation, skin pores, and other skin red spots. The system is trained using clinical expert evaluations and deep learning. We assessed the system's precision and sensitivity by analysing the correlation between the diagnoses by the AI system and those of the experts. We used 120 images of Korean women aged 10–60 years to evaluate the changes in various facial skin characteristics with ageing.

Results

The precision and sensitivity of the developed system were excellent (>0.9%), and the diagnosis scores using the detected area and intensity of each item were correlated significantly higher with the visual evaluation results of the clinical experts (>0.8, p < 0.001). We also analysed facial images of Korean women aged 10–60 years to quantify changes in the scores of wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin pores with age. We identified the age group with the most significant changes as 20s to 30s. Analysis of the detailed skin characteristics of each item showed that wrinkles and pigmentation changed significantly in the 20s–30s, and skin pores increased significantly in the 10s–20s. There was no significant correlation with age or change according to the age group for skin red spots.

Conclusion

Developed AI‐based facial skin diagnosis system can automatically diagnose skin conditions based on clinical expert judgement using only photographic images and analyse various items in detail, quantitatively, and visually. This AI system can provide new and useful approaches in research areas that require a lot of resources and different characterizations, such as the study of facial skin ageing.
Return and volatility connectedness and net directional patterns in spillover transmissions: East and Southeast Asian equity markets
Authors: Mateus Cesario , Bagirov Miramir , Mateus Irina
Published: October 2023

In this article, we investigate the pattern and dynamics of return and volatility connectedness across East and Southeast Asian markets (referred to as the ASEAN5 + 5 group) by utilizing forecast‐error variance decompositions in a generalized VAR framework in conjunction with the Bai‐Perron procedure to control for structural breaks. Our analysis of the dynamics of return spillovers in static and time‐varying settings identifies that the stock markets of Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea act as constant and largest net transmitters of shocks throughout the period from January 2003 to July 2021. The Chinese stock market is found to have the lowest return connectedness with other regional markets, which could be due to the local foreign ownership regulations. Visualization of the net pairwise return spillover network shows that Singapore is the sole net transmitter of shocks to all other markets in the ASEAN5 + 5 group, whereas, China, despite its market size is the sole net recipient. Two other markets in the regional group are identified as the net receivers, Japan and the Philippines, with the former becoming a net recipient from 2007. Our analysis of structural breaks shows that return spillovers across the markets intensify during periods of economic turmoil, financial shocks and the health crisis (COVID‐19), however, return to the pre‐shock levels during stable market periods. Further analysis of time‐varying patterns revealed that the dynamic connectedness across the region is not symmetrical and the influence of negative returns is more pronounced. The investigation of volatility spillovers shows no substantial differences. The stock markets generally retain their roles. Importantly, the time‐varying volatility connectedness exhibits similar patterns and tends to reach peak levels during turbulent episodes.
The Communication Effects of Provocation in Print Advertising
Authors: De Pelsmacker Patrick , Van Den Bergh Joeri
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is twofold: (1) to draw up a scale for the measurement of the construct ‘provocation’, and (2) to study the communication effects of provocation in print advertisements. On the basis of an initial set of eighty‐nine print advertisements, a fifteen‐item internally consistent provocation scale is constructed. A set of twenty provocative and non‐provocative stimuli is extensively tested with a group of 170 respondents. Provocation seems to be a phenomenon which, overall, occurs to the same extent in all consumer segments. Provocation leads to less product category and brand name recognition and to a more negative attitude towards the advertisement (Aad), although it does not seem to affect the attitude towards the brand (Ab) nor the intention to buy the product. Negative attitudes towards the advertisements are not carried over into negative attitudes towards the brands, which can also be inferred from the weak correlation between Aad and Ab.
Channel Surfing, Brand Loyalty and Risk Propensity: A Segmentation Approach to Modelling Consumer Switching Behaviours in the USA
Authors: Massad Victor J. , Reardon James
Published: October 2023

This study explores North Americans' propensity for change in the context of consumer switching behaviours: channel surfing, brand loyalty and political loyalty. A proposed framework based on an adoption/diffusion explanation suggests that there is an inverse relationship between age and risk propensity, a positive relationship between males and risk propensity, and a positive relationship between risk propensity and the three switching behaviours mentioned above. A structural equation test of the adoption/diffusion model indicates that the framework is an acceptable basis for understanding the dynamics of demographics, risk and switching behaviours. A subsequent cluster analysis suggested that consumers may be categorized into four segments which we label Hotdoggers, Clamdiggers, Ho‐Daddies and Gremlins. A surprising finding was that young women appear to exhibit greater risk propensity and less brand loyalty than young males, though males tend to channel surf more. Several implications for marketers are discussed.
Canadian Advertising Agency Executives and their Ethical Concerns: A Cross‐National Replication
Authors: Hung Kineta , Rice Marshall D.
Published: October 2023

This study adopts the Hunt et al. (1984) framework to examine the ethical issues faced by advertising agency executives in English Canada. The results indicate that, while advertising professionals in the United States and English Canada encounter similar ethical issues, American professionals are more concerned with issues that affect the general public, while Canadian professionals are more concerned with issues that affect their clients. Further, this study examines Canadian advertising executives' perceived frequency of unethical behaviour, opportunities for unethical behaviour, and the relationship between success and unethical behaviour. The implications of the findings for the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards and future research on advertising ethics are addressed.
Formate dehydrogenase from methylotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. 101: gene cloning and expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Tishkov VI , Galkin AG , Marchenko GN , Tsygankov YD , Egorov AM
Published: October 2023

Using two degenerate 20‐ and 23‐mer oligonucleotide probes, the gene encoding NAD(+)‐dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH) (EC 1.2.1.2) was shown to lie within a 3.5 kb PstI fragment of the chromosomal DNA of methylotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. 101. A phasmid library was prepared in the lambda pSL5 vector with partial EcoRI‐digested DNA from Pseudomonas sp. 101. The 12 clones selected contained three types of phasmid: lambda pFDH1, lambda pFDH2 and lambda pFDH3 (with inserts of 15, 17.6 and 18.5 kb respectively). The inserts contained the same 15 kb EcoRI and 3.5 kb PstI fragments and included the complete FDH gene. Further subcloning of the insert resulted in plasmid pFDH2 and a 2.32 kb HindIII‐BgIII fragment. Active enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli TG1 (pFDH2) strain under control of a lac promoter.
Effects of 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose on selected glucose‐metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Taguchi T. , Haruna M. , Okuda J.
Published: October 2023

It was verified, by n.m.r. and fast‐atom‐bombardment‐m.s. studies, that the C‐2 position of 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose, which was prepared by the reaction of immobilized glucose 2‐oxidase from Coriolus versicolor (with 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol), is hydrated to the acetal form in water. The effects of 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose on several glucose‐metabolizing enzymes were compared with those of 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol. Glucose 1‐oxidase from Aspergillus niger was inhibited by 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose (Ki 6.6 mM) more effectively than 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol (Ki 82.5 mM). Yeast and rat brain hexokinases phosphorylated 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose (Km, yeast 2.3 mM: Km, rat 0.79 mM) and 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol (Km, yeast 3.9 mM; Km, rat 0.83 mM). The phosphorylated forms of these compounds inhibited D‐glucose phosphorylation by yeast hexokinase (Ki of phosphorylated 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose 0.11 mM; Ki of phosphorylated 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol 0.38 mM) and rat brain hexokinase (Ki of phosphorylated 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose 0.07 mM; Ki of phosphorylated 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol 0.04 mM). Glucokinase phosphorylated neither 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose nor 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol, and the phosphorylation of D‐glucose by glucokinase was inhibited by them. Mutarotase was slightly inhibited by 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐fructose, as well as by 1,5‐anhydro‐D‐glucitol.
Large‐scale immunoaffinity purification of recombinant soluble human antigen CD4 from Escherichia coli cells
Authors: Wells PA , Beiderman B. , Garlick RL , Lyle SB , Martin JP , Herberg JT , Meyer HF , Henderson SL , Eckenrode FM
Published: October 2023

A large‐scale immunoaffinity (IA) purification process was developed for the isolation of recombinant soluble antigen CD4 (sCD4) from Escherichia coli fermentations. The monoclonal antibody used for IA purification of sCD4 recognized a conformation‐dependent epitope on the surface of domain 1 of CD4. IA chromatography was used to purify both sCD4‐183, consisting of the N‐terminal 183 amino acids of human CD4, and sCD4‐PE40, a fusion protein consisting of the N‐terminal 178 amino acids of CD4 and amino acids 1–3 and 253–613 of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE40). sCD4‐183 was purified from E. coli cell pellets using cell disruption, protein solubilization, oxidation, Q‐Sepharose anion‐exchange and IA chromatography steps. sCD4‐PE40 was purified from cell pellets using cell disruption, protein solubilization, oxidation, Cu(2+)‐immobilized metal‐affinity chromatography, anion‐exchange and IA chromatography steps. The IA‐purified sCD4 analogues demonstrated the correct apparent molecular masses on SDS/PAGE. The immobilized monoclonal antibody appeared to select for correctly folded CD4 protein, since sCD4‐183 and sCD4‐PE40 purified by the IA method bound human‐immunodeficiency‐virus glycoprotein gp120 (HIV gp120) in vitro. sCD4‐PE40 purified by IA chromatography also inhibited protein synthesis in CV‐1 cells expressing HIV gp120/160 at the cell surface. Relatively high recoveries of sCD4‐183 and sCD4‐PE40 were observed in the IA step of the purification process (71 and 79% recovery respectively). The results demonstrate that immobilized monoclonal antibodies directed against conformational epitopes may be used for rapid purification of gram amounts of correctly folded protein from mixtures of oxidized E. coli proteins.
Long‐term maintenance of liver‐specific functions in three‐dimensional culture of adult rat hepatocytes with a porous gelatin sponge support
Authors: KH Lin , Maeda S. , Saito T.
Published: October 2023

The three‐dimensional culture of adult rat hepatocytes with a porous gelatin sponge (gelfoam) support was investigated. Hepatocytes were immobilized on the surface as well as within the pores of the support. The morphology of the hepatocytes immobilized on the support was close to that observed in vivo. In some parts of the support the spheroids of hepatocytes could be observed. To examine the liver‐specific functions of the hepatocytes in the culture, the levels of serum albumin and bile acids secreted into the medium were assessed. The secretion of albumin and bile acids was stable over the course of 12 days, longer than that in collagen‐gel culture. To elucidate further the function of hepatocytes immobilized on gelfoam, the metabolic activities of the hepatocytes, as measured by the competency of removal of NH4+ and the synthesis of urea nitrogen, were determined. The rates of ammonium removal and urea nitrogen synthesis were comparable with those in conventional monolayer culture. Albumin secretion was enhanced by the treatment of gelfoam with either heparin or acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), the gelfoam having a high affinity for these substances. DNA synthesis was also enhanced by aFGF. These results demonstrate that gelfoam is a suitable support for the in vitro culture of hepatocytes. Combined with its easy manipulation, it is suggested that the culture system described could be used for both basic and applied studies.
Lactate catabolism by enzyme‐loaded red blood cells
Authors: Garin M. , Rossi L. , Luque J. , Magnani M.
Published: October 2023

Two different enzymes that metabolize lactate in the presence of oxygen, either to acetate plus CO2 (lactate 2‐mono‐oxygenase; Lmox) or to pyruvate plus H2O2 (lactate oxidase; Lox) were encapsulated in human and murine red blood cells (RBCs). Lmox shows a low affinity for lactate (Km 22 mM) and thus works at a low rate at the lactate concentrations found in hyperlactataemia (5‐20 mM). Encapsulation of Lox provides a constant catabolic rate under the same range of blood lactate concentrations, but generates H2O2, which is toxic to the enzyme‐loaded RBCs. Co‐encapsulation of both enzymes at a ratio of 20 units of Lmox/unit of Lox results in significant rates of lactate metabolism over a wide range (1‐30 mM) of lactate concentrations with modest methaemoglobin formation (5‐8.5%) and normal cellular ATP concentrations (1.1‐1.23 mM). In vitro experiments with [1‐14C]glucose and [U‐14C]glucose have shown that Lmox/Lox‐loaded RBCs counteract the production of H2O2 by increasing the amount of glucose metabolized in the pentose phosphate pathway. In vivo attempts to prove the efficacy of these engineered RBCs in removal of blood lactate in mice have failed because of the high aerobic capacity and high lactate metabolism of these animals. However, the results obtained in vitro suggest that the encapsulation of lactate‐catabolizing enzymes may be useful in the treatment of hyperlactataemia.
Internalization and distribution of inositol hexakisphosphate in red blood cells
Authors: Boucher L. , Chassaigne M. , Ropars C.
Published: October 2023

Inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6), an allosteric effector of haemoglobin, is able to modify the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve. The rightwards shift of the curve increases the in vivo oxygen delivery to tissues. Such an exogenous substance may be internalized into red blood cells (RBC) using a reversed lysis‐resealing process following a hypoosmotic shock, resulting in InsP6‐RBC with modified oxygen transport capacity. The efficacy of the process depends on various physicochemical parameters which can be fixed during the experimental protocol. The variability of InsP6 internalization from one sample to another appeared to be mainly due to the natural variation in osmotic fragility of RBC. This factor was also modified during the storage of RBC units before the lysis‐resealing process. The separation of InsP6‐RBC on a density gradient revealed a wide heterogeneity of internalized InsP6 concentration, varying with the degree of osmotic shock. The control of these various parameters will result in resealed InsP6‐RBC in reproducible conditions suitable for in vivo use.
Production, purification and characterization of an anti‐(carcinoembryonic antigen) recombinant single‐chain Fv antibody fragment
Authors: Perez L. , JE Vazquez , Ayala M. , AG Siccardi , Tresoldi E. , de Lalla C. , JV Gavilondo , Sidoli A.
Published: October 2023

Specific targeting of radioactive agents to tumour cells has been the main objective of the in vivo use of monoclonal antibodies and their fragments. In particular, specific antibodies to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)‐expressing tumours can be used either for diagnosis or therapy, if targeting could be improved. The expression of antibody fragments in bacteria allows the preparation of engineered molecules with antigen‐binding properties and a better penetration into the tumour. A specific anti‐CEA single‐chain Fv fragment was produced in bacteria and purified. Its binding activity has been demonstrated in ELISA, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and the kinetic parameters determined by the plasmon surface resonance.
Life Events and Social Support in Suicide
Authors: Heikkinen Martti , Aro Hillevi , Lönnqvist Jouko
Published: October 2023

In a conceptual framework of suicide process, literature on life events and social support in suicide is reviewed. Few studies have centered on these issues, and the existing research has many methodological ambiguities. However, it can be concluded that life events play an important role in suicide process as risk and precipitating factors. The findings on disintegration of social networks and poor social support indicate lack of protective factors. Implications for future research are discussed. Further research focusing on more specific questions on the role of life events and social support as well as their interactions is needed.
Control Group Studies of Suicide Survivors: A Review and Critique
Authors: McIntosh John L.
Published: October 2023

Empirical studies of suicide survivors with designs that include control groups are reviewed. Investigations are discussed individually with respect to those in which participating survivors are friends or a combination of many different relationships to the deceased, parents of the deceased child, and spouses. Following the review is a brief discussion of the commonalities of the findings and the most frequent methodological difficulties. Concluding comments suggest methodological improvements as well as issues and groups for which additional investigations are needed.
Least Likely Suicide: The Search for My Father, Ross Lockridge, Jr., Author of Raintree County
Authors: Lockridge Larry
Published: October 2023

“Ross Lockridge, Jr. took his own life on March 6th, 1948, two months following publication of his best‐selling novel, Raintree County. The thirty‐three year old author from Indiana left his wife and four children. His second son, Larry Lockridge, five years old at that time, has undertaken a search for answers to what has been called the greatest single mystery in American letters. Here, he describes the psychology of survivorship as well as the convergence of factors that led to suicide—personality disorder (narcissistic), biological (possibly genetic) predisposition to depression, and cultural factors related to success in the United States. A merging of such interpretive methods may be more productive than a privileging of one over the other.”
A Historical Survey of Police Suicide in Queensland, Australia, 1843–1992
Authors: Cantor Christopher Henry , Tyman Ruth , Slater Penelope Joy
Published: October 2023

Police suicide research has yielded inconsistent results. An opportunity presented to survey Queensland police suicides in a historical context and add to the existing literature; the study describes changes in police suicide over time, the associated characteristics, and opportunities for intervention. Suicides were examined from the origins of police in Queensland in 1843 up to 1992. Suicide rates were higher earlier, around 60 per 100,000, declining to around 20 per 100,000 recently. The recent rate is lower than most other police studies but the same as the general community (employed). Most suicides were associated with psychological and physical ill health, alcohol abuse, and domestic problems, in keeping with general community surveys. However, occupational problems were more evident than is generally the case. The proximity in time of disciplinary events and suicides was striking. Future studies should explore the interactions between these factors.
Dimensions of Suicide: Perceptions of Lethality, Time, and Agony
Authors: Rhyne Clinton Ernest , Templer Donald I. , Brown Lillian G. , Peters Noel B.
Published: October 2023

Two hundred ninety‐one lay persons and 10 forensic pathologists rated the lethality, time, and agony for 28 methods of suicide for 4117 cases of completed suicide in Los Angeles County in the period 1988–1991. Whereas pathologists provided consistent ratings, lay persons demonstrated extreme variability and a tendency to inflate ratings of all three dimensions. Significant gender differences emerged, with females rating frequently used suicide methods more similarly to pathologists than the males did. Males who suicided used the most lethal and quickest methods whereas females selected methods varying in lethality, duration, and agony. African Americans were overrepresented in the use of the most lethal and quickest methods.
Serum Lipids in Suicide Attempters
Authors: Engström Gunnar , Alsén Margot , Regnéll Göran , Träskman‐Bendz Lil
Published: October 2023

As other studies have shown possible associations of low serum cholesterol concentrations as well as serotonin and corticosteroid deviances with suicide or depression, the present study was undertaken to investigate the serum lipid levels in subgroups of suicide attempters. Serum lipids were determined in 72 suicide attempters. Cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolites and plasma cortisol levels were measured, and dexamethasone suppression tests were performed. Hopelessness and suicidality were rated by the Hopelessness Scale (HS) and the Suicidal Intent Scales (SIS). The mean total serum cholesterol (TSC) level was 5.0 ± 1.2 mmol/L. We found no significant correlations between TSC and the monoamine metabolites. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol showed positive correlations with the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (r = 0.39, p = 0.04) and the serotonin metabolite 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (r = 0.34, p = 0.07). The SIS and HS scales did not correlate significantly with serum lipids. “Violent” attempters showed somewhat higher serum lipid levels than “nonviolent” attempters. We found no significant differences in serum lipid levels between the diagnostic subgroups. Hence, we could not find much support for the hypothesis of associations between low cholesterol levels and decreased serotonin activity in the brain. However, this field merits further investigation.
Regional Analyses of Alcohol and Suicide in Norway: Some Empirical Considerations
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg
Published: October 2023

The association between alcohol consumption and suicide was analyzed on aggregate‐level data from Norway, applying regional units in the analyses. Thereby two purposes could be served: to validate previous estimates derived from time series analyses, and to assess an empirical indication of alcohol and suicide as alternative solutions. The effect of alcohol consumption on suicide rates tended to be higher for women than for men, which is contrary to results from time series analyses and what might generally be expected. The results are discussed with reference to causal mechanisms and alcohol and suicide as alternative choices of action, and methodological considerations are outlined.
Clinicians' Attitudes Toward No‐Suicide Agreements
Authors: Davidson Michael W. , Wagner William G. , Range Lillian M.
Published: October 2023

Though no‐suicide agreements are widely used and often recommended for suicidal patients, their sparse empirical support leads to questions regarding their use with patients of various ages. To answer this question, 46 licensed psychologist members of a Southern state psychology association answered questions regarding their beliefs and attitudes about no‐suicide agreements. Such agreements were considered more appropriate for adults or adolescents than children. They were judged highly appropriate with moderately suicidal patients and were expected to help patients postpone suicide until after a crisis had past and to help reduce clinicians' anxiety.
Suicide: A Multidimensional Malaise
Authors: Leenaars Antoon A.
Published: October 2023

No one really knows why human beings commit suicide. The goal of this paper is to provide a psychological point of view on the topic, among the many other perspectives that are needed. It addresses the question by providing a theory of suicide, arguing that it is theory that allows us to sort out the booming buzzing mess of experience (Wm. James). Suicide is a multidimensional malaise. Metaphorically speaking, it is an intrapsychic drama on an interpersonal stage. As sound theory must be empirically observable, the theory is next applied to research of suicide notes, studying such factors as age, sex, and method of suicide, cross‐culture and cross‐time. Next, because all theory must have clinical applicability, a clinical case study of Goethe's Werther is provided. Overall, it is concluded that we need to continue to develop models to understand the suicidal mind.
Influence of vacancies on the optical and electronic properties of the rhombohedral In2O3 oxide
Authors: Pan Yong , Wen Ming
Published: October 2023

To study the vacancy mechanism of In2O3, we apply the first‐principles method to study the influence of vacancy on the structural stability, electronic and optical properties of the rhombohedral In2O3. Two vacancies: In‐vacancy (V‐In) and O‐vacancy (V‐O) are considered here. The calculated results show that the rhombohedral In2O3 with In‐vacancy and O‐vacancy are thermodynamic and dynamical stabilities based on the vacancy formation energy and phonon dispersion. In particular, In‐vacancy has better thermodynamic stability in comparison to the O‐vacancy. Importantly, the rhombohedral In2O3 exhibits ultraviolet properties. However, two vacancies lead to the peak migration from the ultraviolet region to the visible light region. Furthermore, it is found that the calculated band gap of In2O3 with In‐vacancy is 1.07 eV, which is wider than the parent In2O3 (0.841 eV). Naturally, the wide band gap of In‐vacancy is that the removed In atom aggravates the difficulty of the electronic interaction between the conduction band and the valence band near the Fermi level. On the contrary, O‐vacancy shows metallic behavior because O‐vacancy (V‐O) enhances the electronic interaction near the Fermi level.
Island area, isolation and climate effects upon flower traits in a megadiverse archipelago
Authors: Trethowan Liam A. , Jennings Laura , Bramley Gemma , Briggs Marie , Clark Ruth , Dawson Sally , Fontaine Max , Heatubun Charlie , Lewis Gwilym , Lucas Eve , Moore Alison , Pearce Laura , Puglisi Carmen , Utteridge Timothy M. A. , Wanma Jimmy , Rustiami Himmah
Published: October 2023

Aim

Flower traits are critical to the mutualistic networks that underpin ecosystem function. However, the broad‐scale drivers of flower traits are unclear. Using the megadiverse islands of Malesia, we test three hypotheses: (1) Flower size, openness and colourfulness (i.e. the trend from white to colourful flowers) will decrease with increasing temperature, but not with increasing precipitation seasonality. (2) Flower size, openness and colourfulness will increase with island area, and decrease with isolation. (3) Models parameterised by climate, rather than non‐climatic island characteristics will have the greatest predictive capacity as climate affects both pollinator communities and energetic/physiological constraints upon flower traits.

Location

Fourteen Malesian islands.

Taxon

Angiosperms.

Methods

We applied Bayesian phylogenetic models of occurrence for >2500 species in 400 m elevation bands, across islands, as a function of flower trait interactions with either climatic variables or islands characteristics. We compare predictive capacity of models based on climate versus island characteristics using Leave One Out‐Cross Validation.

Results

All six flower traits examined varied with at least temperature, precipitation seasonality, island area and isolation. Flowers are larger in cold environments. The lowland tropics are mostly inhabited by white flowered species. At cold high elevations, red and pink flowered species are more frequent whereas green and purple flowered species increase in the drought‐prone seasonally dry tropics. Flower openness declined with precipitation seasonality and increased with isolation. Models parameterised by climate performed best for perianth length, red and white flowers, whereas pink flowers and flower openness were better predicted using island characteristics.

Main Conclusions

There are relationships between flower traits and climatic gradients within Malesia. However, island characteristics have also left a legacy upon current flower trait distributions. These island biogeographical impacts are likely key for the eco‐evolutionary drivers of flower traits.
Integrating bulk and single‐cell data to predict the prognosis and identify the immune landscape in HNSCC
Authors: Yang Chunlong , Cheng Xiaoning , Gao Shenglan , Pan Qingjun
Published: October 2023

The complex interplay between tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment (TME) underscores the necessity for gaining comprehensive insights into disease progression. This study centres on elucidating the elusive the elusive role of endothelial cells within the TME of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite their crucial involvement in angiogenesis and vascular function, the mechanistic diversity of endothelial cells among HNSCC patients remains largely uncharted. Leveraging advanced single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐Seq) technology and the Scissor algorithm, we aimed to bridge this knowledge gap and illuminate the intricate interplay between endothelial cells and patient prognosis within the context of HNSCC. Here, endothelial cells were categorized into Scissorhigh and Scissorlow subtypes. We identified Scissor+ endothelial cells exhibiting pro‐tumorigenic profiles and constructed a prognostic risk model for HNSCC. Additionally, four biomarkers also were identified by analysing the gene expression profiles of patients with HNSCC and a prognostic risk prediction model was constructed based on these genes. Furthermore, the correlations between endothelial cells and prognosis of patients with HNSCC were analysed by integrating bulk and single‐cell sequencing data, revealing a close association between SHSS and the overall survival (OS) of HNSCC patients with malignant endothelial cells. Finally, we validated the prognostic model by RT‐qPCR and IHC analysis. These findings enhance our comprehension of TME heterogeneity at the single‐cell level and provide a prognostic model for HNSCC.
Analysis of the effectiveness of PDT with 5‐aminolevulinic acid in comparison to blue/red light combined with intralesional triamcinolone injection in treatment of severe inflammatory acne: A retrospective study
Authors: Hu Yi , Cheng Yang , Jie Wang
Published: October 2023

Objective

In this study, the therapeutic effect of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) in comparison to blue/red light combined with intralesional triamcinolone injection for severe inflammatory acne was evaluated and analyzed.

Methods

One hundred and four cases of severe inflammatory acne were analyzed in this study. They were divided into two groups as control and observation groups, 52 cases in each group. The control group (group A) received red and blue light combined with triamcinolone injection and lidocaine injection (1:4), while the observation group (Group B) was treated with ALA‐PDT. Finally, the therapeutic effect and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results

After 2, 4 and 6 weeks, the effectiveness rates of group B was 28.85%, 75.00%, and 86.54%, respectively while it was 9.62%, 51.92%, and 69.23%, respectively in group A. The difference between A and B was statistically remarkable (χ2 = 6.1905, 5.9713, 4.5217, p = 0.0128, 0.0145, 0.0335 at p < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions in B was 5.77%, lower than A (32.69%). This difference between A and B was statistically remarkable (χ2 = 12.1333, p = 0.0005). After 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment, the number of residual lesions in the group B group was remarkably lower than group A (p < 0.01). There was remarkable difference in the incidence of pain, burning sensation, pigmentation and erythema between the two groups.

Conclusions

The therapeutic effect of ALA‐PDT in the treatment of severe acne is better than red blue light combined with triamcinolone injection and lidocaine injection. In addition, ALA‐PDT has an ideal effect in the treatment of severe acne.
Aestheticizing the Pain: A Critical Analysis of Media Representation of Earthquake Victim Children in Turkey
Authors: Atalay Gül Esra , Muratoğlu Pehlivan Bahar
Published: October 2023

On February 6, 2023, earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6 struck southern and central Turkey. The disaster caused severe damage to buildings and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, leaving many children injured, traumatized, and without basic needs. One of the most sensitive issues was the news stories about children rescued from the rubble. These news stories were highly emotional and sensational, frequently describing the children as miracles. However, they often disregarded the reasons and negligence that caused their victimization. The journalism ethics related to the representation of children, disaster coverage, and interviewing victims are also ignored. This study uses a multimodal critical discourse analysis method to explore the discursive strategies employed in the media coverage of this topic. Three salient common themes were included in the study: “Miracles and hope”, “patriarchal state”, and “sensational/dramatic elements. The analysis shows that media representations of earthquake victim children in Turkey aestheticize their pain and suffering, reducing them to objects of pity or spectacle. By examining these representations critically, the study aims to raise awareness about the importance of ethical and responsible media practices in reporting on natural disasters and other humanitarian crises.
Affect in cross‐chronotope alignments in narrations about Aristides de Sousa Mendes and their subsequent circulations
Authors: Koven Michele
Published: October 2023

This article analyzes the role of emotion in narrations about the past, understandable as familial, intergenerational, or national. I examine how participants report and display affect in narratives about Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul of Bordeaux who issued thousands of lifesaving visas in June of 1940. Three sets of participants (descendants of visa recipients, Sousa Mendes' descendants, and Portuguese institutional representatives) each explicitly report and implicitly display how the Sousa Mendes story moves them emotionally. I then discuss how the emotion in these narratives may be circulated and taken up by broader audiences. Building on Irvine's discussion of the heteroglossia of affective expression (1990), participants may attribute emotion to others, signal emotion as occurring in the present or in a prior space–time, or merge emotional past and present in various types of emotional “reliving.” By treating emotion as eventlike, it can thus be considered chronotopic. I analyze the relationships between (re)presentation of emotion across multiple narrated and narrating chronotopes. This approach reveals how differently positioned participants' cross‐chronotope alignments yield particular types of affective displays and experiences that others can then take up and recontextualize.
Development of a colorimetric loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to facilitate monitoring of carbendazim‐resistant isolates of Colletotrichum truncatum based on the β‐tubulin E198A mutation
Authors: Poti Teeranai , Nalumpang Sarunya , Akimitsu Kazuya
Published: October 2023

Anthracnose, a disease mainly caused by Colletotrichum truncatum, is a serious threat to vegetable soybean production worldwide. Carbendazim, a methyl‐benzimidazole carbamate fungicide, has been frequently applied to control the disease. Unfortunately, carbendazim‐resistant isolates of C. truncatum have emerged, resulting in inefficient disease control. Therefore, a rapid and simple method for monitoring the fungicide‐resistant isolates in fungal populations is essential to select the most appropriate strategy to control the disease and to handle fungicide resistance in a timely manner. In this study, we developed a colorimetric loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect carbendazim‐resistant isolates by using the E198A mutation in the TUB2 gene as the marker. With the optimal primers, the developed LAMP assay could detect resistant isolates after incubation for 40 min at 67°C. The results could be simply observed with the naked eye, and the assay provided 10‐fold higher sensitivity than conventional PCR. Moreover, the specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility of the generated LAMP were shown in testing with 85 C. truncatum isolates from five locations in northern Thailand. Resistant isolates carrying the F200Y mutation were not detected with the LAMP assay. Thus, the developed colorimetric LAMP assay could be used as a rapid and simple detector of certain carbendazim‐resistant isolates of C. truncatum.
Tolerability of naso‐esophageal feeding tubes in dogs and cats at home: Retrospective review of 119 cases
Authors: Dumont Renaud , Lemetayer Julie , Desquilbet Loïc , Darnis Elodie
Published: October 2023

Background

The use of naso‐esophageal feeding tubes (NFT) at home could represent an alternative way to reduce the costs for owners and facilitate enteral feeding until recovery of a spontaneous appetite.

Objective

To describe the use of NFT at home in dogs and cats and evaluate the satisfaction of owners and their capacity to handle the device.

Animals

One hundred nineteen client‐owned animals (90 cats and 29 dogs) which remained anorexic during hospitalization and were discharged with NFT for at least 24 hours after placement.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and owners were contacted by telephone calls. Complications were reported according to their relative severity (minor and major). Owners were asked to report their experience and comfort with NFT management.

Results

Naso‐esophageal feeding tubes were kept in place at home for a median of 6 days (range, 1‐17) and 62.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.3‐70.7) of animals recovered a spontaneous appetite while wearing NFT, 60% (95% CI: 44.4‐75.6) of the remaining animals recovered a spontaneous appetite after removal. Overall complication rate was 65.5% (95% CI: 57.0‐74.0), but only 18.5% (95% CI: 11.5‐25.5) required a consultation and no life‐threatening complication occurred. Owners were satisfied in 94.1% (95% CI: 89.9‐98.3) of cases.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Although most animals discharged with NFT at home presented complications, no major adverse effects were reported and NFT were easily handled by owners. This study provides evidence that NFT can be well tolerated at home.
Al‐Cu‐Fe alloys in the solar system: Going inside a Khatyrka‐like micrometeorite (KT01) from the Nubian Desert, Sudan
Authors: Ma Chi , Hu Jinping , Suttle Martin D. , Guan Yunbin , Sharp Thomas G. , Asimow Paul D. , Steinhardt Paul J. , Bindi Luca
Published: October 2023

A recently described micrometeorite from the Nubian desert (Sudan) contains an exotic Al‐Cu‐Fe assemblage closely resembling that observed in the Khatyrka chondrite (Suttle et al., 2019; Science Reports 9:12426). We here extend previous investigations of the geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic characteristics of the Sudan spherule by measuring oxygen isotope ratios in the silicate components and by nano‐scale transmission electron microscopy study of a focused ion beam foil that samples the contact between Al‐Cu alloys and silicates. O‐isotope work indicates an affinity to either OC or CR chondrites, while ruling out a CO or CM precursor. When combined with petrographic evidence we conclude that a CR chondrite parentage is the most likely origin for this micrometeorite. SEM and TEM studies reveal that the Al‐Cu alloys mainly consist of Al metal, stolperite (CuAl), and khatyrkite (CuAl2) together with inclusions in stolperite of a new nanometric, still unknown Al‐Cu phase with a likely nominal Cu3Al2 stoichiometry. At the interface between the alloy assemblage and the surrounding silicate, there is a thin layer (200 nm) of almost pure MgAl2O4 spinel along with well‐defined and almost perfectly spherical metallic droplets, predominantly iron in composition. The study yields additional evidence that Al‐Cu alloys, the likely precursors to quasicrystals in Khatyrka, occur naturally. Moreover, it implies the existence of multiple pathways leading to the association in reduced form of these two elements, one highly lithophile and the other strongly chalcophile.
Prior selection of itraconazole in the treatment of recalcitrant Trichophyton indotineae infection: Real‐world results from retrospective analysis
Authors: Song Ge , Kong Xue , Li Xiaofang , Liu Weida , Liang Guanzhao
Published: October 2023

Background

The number of terbinafine‐resistant Trichophyton indotineae is increasing in recent years while the treatment is still a matter to discuss.

Objectives

To explore the best therapeutic approach, we present real‐world treatment of T. indotineae infection by analysing publicly available data.

Methods

We have reviewed all published articles, mainly including case reports and case series, on the drug‐resistant T. mentagrophytes complex by using the key search terms to search the databases.

Results

We enrolled 25 articles from 14 countries, including 203 times of treatment information for 113 patients. The cure rate of itraconazole 200 mg per day at the fourth, eighth and the twelfth week were 27.27%, 48.48% and 54.55%, respectively, which was significantly higher than terbinafine 250 mg per day (8.77%, 24.56% and 28.07%) and even 500 mg/d terbinafine. Griseofulvin 500–1000 mg for 2–6 months may be effective while fluconazole had no record of successful treatment. Voriconazole and ravuconazole had potential therapeutic efficacy. Topical therapy alone showed limited therapeutic efficacy, but the combination with oral antifungals can be alternative.

Conclusion

Oral itraconazole 200 mg per day for 4–8 weeks was the most effective treatment out of these commonly used antifungal drugs, and can be prior selection.
Labelling of intravenous drug delivery devices in critically ill patients: A scoping review
Authors: Nunes Geovane de Kassio , Antunes Lucas Malta Souza , da Silva Rodrigo Nogueira , da Silva Rafael Celestino
Published: October 2023

Background

Labelling is a strategy that contributes to the correct and faster identification of drugs, minimizing misidentification. There is a gap in knowledge on optimal labelling standards for intravenous (IV) devices applied to the care of critically ill patients.

Aim

The goal of this article was to map existing knowledge on the labelling of IV drug delivery devices in critically ill patients for the prevention of medication errors.

Study Design

This was a scoping review conducted according to the JBI methodology in the LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, IBECS, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases, and on the websites of specialized institutions. Searches were conducted up to December 2022 for scientific articles and grey literature that addressed the labelling of IV devices in intensive care units, emergency departments, and anaesthesia units. The data were collected using a structured form and were later classified, summarized, and aggregated to map the knowledge related to the review question.

Results

Twenty‐one documents were included, which demonstrated variability in label use with IV drug delivery devices. The following features of structure and design stood out: printed format, colour coding, letter size differentiation, and the use of sturdy material. In terms of information, the name of the drug, dose, date and time of preparation, identification of the patient, and who prepared it were found.

Conclusions

The identified patterns contributed to the reduction of drug misidentification and the development of timelier drug labelling and administration.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The evidence supports the development of standardized labels for the prevention of medication errors.