bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sicca syndrome during ipilimumab and nivolumab therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Segawa Takuya , Motoshima Takanobu , Yatsuda Junji , Kurahashi Ryoma , Fukushima Yumi , Murakami Yoji , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Sugiyama Yutaka , Yoshida Ryoji , Nakayama Hideki , Kamba Tomomi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Dry mouth is the main symptom of sicca syndrome, which rarely occurs as an immune‐related adverse event. Here we report a case of sicca syndrome caused by immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.

Case presentation

A 70‐year‐old man was diagnosed with left renal cell carcinoma after radical left nephrectomy. Nine years later, computed tomography revealed a metastatic nodule in the upper left lung lobe. Subsequently, ipilimumab and nivolumab were administered for recurrent disease. After 13 weeks of treatment, xerostomia and dysgeusia were noted. Salivary gland biopsy revealed lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration in the salivary glands. Sicca syndrome was diagnosed and pilocarpine hydrochloride was prescribed without corticosteroids, with continuation of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The symptoms alleviated after 36 weeks of treatment, with shrinkage of the metastatic lesions.

Conclusion

We experienced sicca syndrome caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. Sicca syndrome improved without steroids and the immunotherapy could be continued.
Role of cybersecurity and Blockchain in battlefield of things
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Sharma Deepak Kumar , Kumar Adarsh
Published: January 2023

The Internet of Things is an essential component in the growth of an ecosystem that enables quick and precise judgments to be made for communication on the battleground. The usage of the battlefield of things (BoT) is, however, subject to several restrictions for a variety of reasons. There is a potential for instances of replay, data manipulation, breaches of privacy, and other similar occurrences. As a direct result of this, the implementation of a security mechanism to protect the communication that occurs within BoT has turned into an absolute requirement. To this aim, we propose a blockchain‐based solution that is both safe and private for use in communications inside the BoT ecosystem. In addition, research is conducted on the benefits of integrating blockchain technology and cybersecurity into BoT application implementations. This work elaborates on the importance of integrating cybersecurity and blockchain‐based tools, techniques and methodologies for BoT.
Building a student learning‐focused assessment and grading system in dental school: One school's experience
Authors: Zubiaurre Bitzer Laureen A. , Dathatri Shubha , Fine James B. , Swan Sein Aubrie
Published: January 2023

Purpose/objectives

As health professions education moves toward competency‐based education, there has been increased focus on the structure of assessment systems that support student competency development and learning. This has been buoyed by a growing body of research supporting assessment for learning processes to promote student growth and learning rather than relying on assessment systems primarily to measure performance. This paper presents the rationale and evidence for moving to an assessment for learning system and the results of a quasi‐experimental interrupted time series study using data from 2015 to 2022 to evaluate the impacts of these changes.

Methods

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine faculty voted to implement assessment for learning system changes beginning in 2017 with the graduating class of 2021. These changes included moving from using a grading system for didactic courses with Honors, Pass, and Fail as available grades to a grading system with only Pass and Fail as available grades, as well as creating synthesis and assessment weeks, weekly problem sets, post‐exam review sessions, exam remediation opportunities, and formative progress exams throughout the curriculum. The revised assessment and grading system changes were communicated to residency program directors, and programmatic competency data about student performance across the curriculum were shared with programs in Dean's Letters.

Results

Once assessment system changes were implemented, it was found that student exam failure rates were lower, course exam scores were the same or higher, and performance on board exams improved compared to the national average. Students reported positive perceptions with regard to well‐being and learning climate that they associated with the adoption of Pass/Fail grading. Match outcomes, including student satisfaction and program director ratings, have remained consistently positive.

Conclusion

As dental educators, our goal is to nurture students to become life‐long learners. Adopting a grading structure that is Pass/Fail and an assessment system that fosters learning allows students to shape learning practices that favor long‐term retention and application of information, also enhancing the learning environment and student well‐being. These system changes may also facilitate the inclusion and support of students whose backgrounds are underrepresented in dentistry.
Special considerations for studies of extracellular vesicles from parasitic helminths: A community‐led roadmap to increase rigour and reproducibility
Authors: White Ruby , Sotillo Javier , Ancarola María Eugenia , Borup Anne , Boysen Anders Toftegaard , Brindley Paul J. , Buzás Edit I. , Cavallero Serena , Chaiyadet Sujittra , Chalmers Iain W. , Cucher Marcela A. , Dagenais Maude , Davis Chelsea N. , Devaney Eileen , Duque‐Correa Maria A. , Eichenberger Ramon Marc , Fontenla Santiago , Gasan Thomas A. , Hokke Cornelis H. , Kosanovic Maja , Kuipers Marije E. , Laha Thewarach , Loukas Alex , Maizels Rick M. , Marcilla Antonio , Mazanec Hynek , Morphew Russell M. , Neophytou Kyriaki , Nguyen Linh Thuy , Nolte‐‘t Hoen Esther , Povelones Michael , Robinson Mark W. , Rojas Alicia , Schabussova Irma , Smits Hermelijn H. , Sungpradit Sivapong , Tritten Lucienne , Whitehead Bradley , Zakeri Amin , Nejsum Peter , Buck Amy H. , Hoffmann Karl F.
Published: January 2023

Over the last decade, research interest in defining how extracellular vesicles (EVs) shape cross‐species communication has grown rapidly. Parasitic helminths, worm species found in the phyla Nematoda and Platyhelminthes, are well‐recognised manipulators of host immune function and physiology. Emerging evidence supports a role for helminth‐derived EVs in these processes and highlights EVs as an important participant in cross‐phylum communication. While the mammalian EV field is guided by a community‐agreed framework for studying EVs derived from model organisms or cell systems [e.g., Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV)], the helminth community requires a supplementary set of principles due to the additional challenges that accompany working with such divergent organisms. These challenges include, but are not limited to, generating sufficient quantities of EVs for descriptive or functional studies, defining pan‐helminth EV markers, genetically modifying these organisms, and identifying rigorous methodologies for in vitro and in vivo studies. Here, we outline best practices for those investigating the biology of helminth‐derived EVs to complement the MISEV guidelines. We summarise community‐agreed standards for studying EVs derived from this broad set of non‐model organisms, raise awareness of issues associated with helminth EVs and provide future perspectives for how progress in the field will be achieved.
The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators
Authors: Cahoon Glenn , Skehan Kate , Elwadia Doaa , Rai Robba
Published: January 2023

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven value in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast, and improves lesion detection, definition and extent, allowing for increased conformal treatment. Recent installation of dedicated MRI simulators and MRI‐guided linear accelerators (MR Linacs) within radiation oncology departments has led to a sudden and rapid expansion in the scope of practice for many radiation therapists and MRI radiographers. The lack of current recommendations, guidelines and credentialing for both MRI radiographers and radiation therapists working within these atypical MRI environments poses a significant challenge for the education and training of staff, and the safe operation of these units. This commentary discusses current pathways for radiographers and radiation therapists entering the emerging field of MRI‐guided radiation oncology, and the future role of the MRI radiographer in addressing the unique issues found in non‐standard MRI environments. The authors draw on their collective experience as MRI radiographers assisting the rollout of dedicated MRI simulators in radiation oncology departments across Australia and reflect on the need for close collaboration between radiographers, radiation therapists and their respective departments. There is also a critical role for professional bodies to play in supporting existing and future roles in MRI and recognising advanced practitioner scope of practice.
ACE2 PET to reveal the dynamic patterns of ACE2 recovery in an infection model with pseudocorona virus
Authors: Li Xiao , Yin Wei , Li Ao , Li Danni , Gao Xiaolong , Wang Ruizhi , Cui Bin , Qiu Shuang , Li Rou , Jia Lina , Zuo Changjing , Zhang Lan , Li Ming
Published: January 2023

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, a series of sequelae, such as fatigue, tachypnea, and ageusia, appeared in long COVID patients, but the pathological basis was still uncertain. The targeted radiopharmaceuticals were of potential to systemically and dynamically trace the pathological changes. For the key ACE2 protein in the virus‐host interaction, 68Ga‐cyc‐DX600 was developed on the basis of DX600 as a PET tracer of ACE2 fluctuation and maintained the ability in differentiating ACE and ACE2. In the temporary infection model inhaled with the radio‐traceable pseudovirus in the upper respiratory tract of male humanized ACE2 (hACE2) mice, organ‐specific ACE2 dysfunction in acute period and the following ACE2 recovery in a relatively long period was visualized and quantified by ACE2 PET, revealing a complex pattern of virus concentration‐dependent degree and time period‐dependent tendency of ACE2 recovery, mainly a sudden decrease of apparent ACE2 in the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and so on, but the liver was of a quick functional compensation on ACE2 expression after a temporary decrease. ACE2 expression of most organs has recovered to a normal level at 15 days post inhalation, with brain and genitals still of a decreased SUVACE2;  meanwhile, kidneys were of an increased SUVACE2. These findings on ACE2 PET were further verified by western blot. When compared with high‐resolution computed tomography on structural changes and FDG PET on glycometabolism, ACE2 PET was superior in an earlier diagnostic window during infection and more comprehensive understanding of functional dysfunction post‐infection. In the respective ACE2 PET/CT and ACE2 PET/MR scans of a volunteer, the repeatability of SUVACE2 and the ACE2 specificity were further confirmed. In conclusion, 68Ga‐cyc‐DX600 was developed as an ACE2‐specific tracer, and the corresponding ACE2 PET revealed the dynamic patterns of functional ACE2 recovery and provided a reference and approach to explore the ACE2‐related pathological basis of sequelae in long COVID.
Analysis of long noncoding RNAs and messenger RNAs expression profiles in the hearts of mice with acute viral myocarditis
Authors: Xue Yimin , Ke Jun , Zhang Jiuyun , Chen Mingguang , Zeng Lijuan , Fan Qiaolian , Zheng Chunfu , Chen Feng
Published: January 2023

Acute viral myocarditis (AVMC) is a common acute myocardial inflammation caused by viral infections, which can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction. Several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with aberrant expression have been identified in the pathogenesis of AVMC. However, the expression profiles and functions of lncRNAs in AVMC have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we constructed AVMC mouse models by intraperitoneal injection of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and performed RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) on heart tissues to investigate the differences in lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expression profiles. Based on the cutoff criteria of adjusted p‐values (padj) <0.05 and |log2FoldChange| >1, a total of 1122 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and 3186 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were screened, including 734 upregulated and 388 downregulated lncRNAs, 1821 upregulated and 1365 downregulated mRNAs. RT‐qPCR analysis validated that the expression patterns of 12 randomly selected genes (6 DElncRNAs and 6 DEmRNAs) were highly consistent with those in RNA‐seq, proving the reliability of the RNA‐seq data. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in metabolic and immune‐related processes. Furthermore, co‐expression networks between DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs in cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway were constructed to study the molecular interactions of these molecules. Our study, for the first time, reveals the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with AVMC, which may shed light on the roles of lncRNAs in disease pathogenesis and aid in discovering new therapeutic targets.
A vaccine delivery system promotes strong immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants
Authors: Lei Zhiwei , Zhu Leqing , Pan Pan , Ruan Zhihui , Gu Yu , Xia Xichun , Wang Shengli , Ge Weiwei , Yao Yangrong , Luo Fazeng , Xiao Heng , Guo Jun , Ding Qiang , Yin Zhinan , Li Yongkui , Luo Zhen , Zhang Qiwei , Chen Xin , Wu Jianguo
Published: January 2023

Global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemics highlight the need of developing vaccines with universal and durable protection against emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Here we developed an extended‐release vaccine delivery system (GP‐diABZI‐RBD), consisting the original SARS‐CoV‐2 WA1 strain receptor‐binding domain (RBD) as the antigen and diABZI stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist in conjunction with yeast β‐glucan particles (GP‐diABZI) as the platform. GP‐diABZI‐RBD could activate STING pathway and inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. Compared to diABZI‐RBD, intraperitoneal injection of GP‐diABZI‐RBD elicited robust cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. Using SARS‐CoV‐2 GFP/ΔN transcription and replication‐competent virus‐like particle system (trVLP), we demonstrated that GP‐diABZI‐RBD‐prototype vaccine exhibited the strongest and durable humoral immune responses and antiviral protection; whereas GP‐diABZI‐RBD‐Omicron displayed minimum neutralization responses against trVLP. By using pseudotype virus (PsVs) neutralization assay, we found that GP‐diABZI‐RBD‐Prototype, GP‐diABZI‐RBD‐Delta, and GP‐diABZI‐RBD‐Gamma immunized mice sera could efficiently neutralize Delta and Gamma PsVs, but had weak protection against Omicron PsVs. In contrast, GP‐diABZI‐RBD‐Omicron immunized mice sera displayed the strongest neutralization response to Omicron PsVs. Taken together, the results suggest that GP‐diABZI can serve as a promising vaccine delivery system for enhancing durable humoral and cellular immunity against broad SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Our study provides important scientific basis for developing SARS‐CoV‐2 VOC‐specific vaccines.
A locally weighted linear ridge regression framework for spatial interpolation of monthly precipitation over an orographically complex area
Authors: Zandi Omid , Nasseri Mohsen , Zahraie Banafsheh
Published: January 2023

This article aimed to investigate the potential of using three large‐scale precipitation products (PPs), including TRMM, ERA5‐Land, and MSWEP, and two land surface characteristics, including NDVI and Land Surface Temperature (LST), to improve the accuracy of an elevation‐based spatial non‐stationary, Locally Weighted Linear Regression (LWLR) method. A two‐step approach consisting of downscaling and merging was proposed and assessed across an orographically complex region in Iran to construct monthly precipitation maps for the 2001–2015 period. In the first step, three large‐scale PPs were downscaled to 1 km spatial resolution via the Area To Point Kriging (ATPK) method to address the spatial resolution discrepancy between the coarse pixels of PPs and pointwise gauge data. In the second step, five regression models with different combinations of predictors were developed and compared with the benchmark precipitation‐elevation regression model. The L2 regularization method was adopted to overcome the potential multicollinearity issue. The proposed framework could successfully diagnose the multicollinearity issues and dynamically estimate the regularization parameter in space and time. We utilized the holdout method to validate and compare the developed models, in which 50% of gauges were used for fitting the regression functions, and the remaining gauges were assigned to the validation dataset. The validation results showed that the overall monthly accuracy of the benchmark univariate elevation‐based model was improved where the MAE metric was decreased by 16.5%, and CC and KGE were increased by 3.4 and 5.8%, respectively. Also, the rBias was enhanced from −5.72 to 1.24%. Mean monthly precipitation maps of the 2001–2015 period generated by the model with the best combination of predictors and the benchmark model displayed the same spatial pattern consistent with the topography. Further analysis under different validation scenarios revealed that the contribution of PPs and auxiliary variables is the greatest when the training gauge network is sparse. Also, the developed multivariate model has a higher extrapolation ability and is more robust than the benchmark model.
Changing seasonality of daily and monthly precipitation extremes for the contiguous USA and possible connections with large‐scale climate patterns
Authors: Dhakal Nirajan , Tharu Bhikhari , Aljoda Ali
Published: January 2023

Temporal changes in the seasonality of extreme precipitation, and possible teleconnections between the seasonality of extreme precipitation and large‐scale climate patterns are not well understood. In this study, we investigated temporal changes in seasonality of annual daily maximum (ADM) and monthly maximum (MM) precipitation indices over the period 1951–2014 for 1,108 stations across the contiguous USA. We also examined seasonality of extreme precipitation during negative and positive phases of three major oscillations: the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Northern Atlantic Oscillation, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Our results show that many climate regions within the contiguous USA display distinct seasonality for both ADM and MM. Comparison of seasonality between two historical records of equal length, that is, before and after 1981, shows great spatial variability across the contiguous USA. While a spatial coherence of change in the mean date of occurrence of extreme precipitation across a large area is not visible, a cluster of stations showing decrease in strength of seasonality for the recent period is concentrated in the eastern Gulf Coast and coastal sites of Northeast and Northwest regions. Extreme precipitation seasonality during negative and positive phases of three climate indices revealed that large‐scale climate variabilities have a strong influence on the mean date of occurrence of extreme precipitation but generally weak influence on the strength of seasonality in the contiguous USA. Results from our study might be helpful for sustainable water resource management, flood risk mitigation, and prediction of future precipitation seasonality.
Let's Just See What Happens: A Qualitative Case Study of Risk and Uncertainty in the Creative Process
Authors: Ross Wendy , Groves Mike
Published: January 2023

Research in creativity often measures creativepotential: the number of ideas which can be generated, or the way a novel thought appears in the mind of the thinker. There is much less emphasis on creative thought during the realization of this potential. This paper uses focused cognitive ethnography to explore how creativity is manifest in a complex environment. We report four main findings: that creativity involves a form of “knowing through doing,” that creativity requires risk on different levels, that an embodied material sensitivity is required to make ideas appear in the world and that the form of the creative product is often unstable. We end with some reflections on the importance of detailed microgenetic work to expand our understanding of the embodied and responsive skills which are necessary for creativity.
Epigenetic dysregulation of articular cartilage during progression of hip femoroacetabular impingement disease
Authors: Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Shen Jie , Wu May , Brophy Robert H. , Clohisy John C. , O'Keefe Regis J. , Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia
Published: January 2023

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an important trigger of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Epigenetic changes in DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) attenuate catabolic gene expression in cartilage hemostasis. This study aimed to examine the articular chondrocyte catabolic state and DNMT3B and 4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase promoter (ABAT) expression during OA progression in FAI. Cartilage samples were collected from the impingement zone of 12 patients with cam FAI (early‐FAI) and 12 patients with advanced OA secondary to cam FAI (late‐FAI‐OA). Five healthy samples were procured from cadavers (ND: nondiseased). Explants were cultured under unstimulated conditions, catabolic stimulus (IL1β), or anabolic stimulus (TGFβ). Histology was performed with safranin‐O/fast‐green staining. Gene expression was analyzed via qPCR for GAPDH, DNMT3B, ABAT, MMP‐13, COL10A1. Methylation specific PCR assessed methylation status at the ABAT promoter. Cartilage samples in early‐FAI and late‐FAI‐OA showed a histological OA phenotype and increased catabolic marker expression (MMP13/COL10A1, ND vs. early‐FAI, p = 0.004/p < 0.001, ND vs. late‐FAI‐OA, p < 0.001/p < 0.001). RT‐PCR confirmed DNMT3B underexpression (ND vs. early‐FAI, p < 0.001, early‐FAI vs. late‐FAI‐OA, p = 0.016) and ABAT overexpression (ND vs. early‐FAI, p < 0.001, early vs. late‐FAI‐OA, p = 0.035) with advanced disease. End‐stage disease showed ABAT promoter hypomethylation. IL1β stimulus accentuated ABAT promoter hypomethylation and led to further ABAT and catabolic marker overexpression in early‐FAI and late‐FAI‐OA while TGFβ normalized these alterations in gene expression. Catabolic and epigenetic molecule expression suggested less catabolism in early‐stage disease. Sustained inflammation induced ABAT promoter hypo‐methylation causing a catabolic phenotype. Suppression of ABAT by methylation control could be a new target for therapeutic intervention to prevent OA progression in hip FAI.
Evaluation and relationship analysis of pea protein on structure and heat‐induced gel performance of myofibrillar protein
Authors: Chen Huimin , Wu Jiulin , Chen Meizhen , Cai Xixi , Chen Xu , Wang Shaoyun
Published: January 2023

Background

Surimi products occupy a large market in the food industry, and the gel performance is an important index to evaluate them. Thus, it is of great significance and practical value to find better food ingredients to regulate the structure and gel performance of surimi products. In this study, we used pea protein (PP) to restructure fish myofibrillar proteins (MPs) to achieve regulation of protein gel performance.

Results

PP could enhance MP gel performance in terms of compressive strength, water‐holding capacity, and some texture parameters. This may be the result of an increasing β‐sheet content and a decreasing trend in the α‐helix content, along with enhancements in hydrophobic interactions, nonspecific associations, and ionic bonds in a mixed PP–MP gel. The compressive strength, texture, and water‐holding capacity of MP gel were positively correlated with surface hydrophobicity, active sulfhydryl, turbidity, and β‐sheet of the mixed PP–MP system.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that PP can regulate the gel performance by remodeling the structure of MP. The regulation and correlation analysis between gel performance, structure, and physicochemical properties were explored and established to provide a theoretical basis for improving the quality of surimi products. This study will broaden the application of PP in the field of food processing and provide theoretical guidance for the manufacture of new surimi products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparative analysis of allergenicity and predicted linear epitopes in α and β parvalbumin from turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Huang Yuhao , Li Zhenxing , Wu Yeting , Li Yonghong , Pramod Siddanakoppalu , Chen Guanzhi , Zhu Wenjia , Zhang Ziye , Wang Hao , Lin Hong
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Parvalbumin (PV) can be subdivided into two phylogenetic lineages, αPV and βPV. The bony fish βPV is considered a major fish allergen. However, there is no available report on the immunological property and epitope mapping of bony fish αPV.

RESULTS

To characterize the allergenic property of bony fish αPV and investigate the difference in allergenic property of bony fish αPV and βPV, turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) αPV and βPV were identified by mass spectrometry and were expressed in Escherichia coli system in this study. Spectra analysis and three‐dimensional (3D) modeling showed the similar structure between αPV and βPV. However, αPV exhibited lower immunoglobulin E/immunoglobulin G (IgE/IgG) binding capacity than βPV. Three identified βPV epitopes possessed higher IgE reactivity and more hydrophobic residues than three identified αPV epitopes. In addition, less similarity in sequence homology of αPV epitopes was observed with allergen sequences in database.

CONCLUSION

These finding expanded information on fish PV epitopes and substantiated the difference in allergenicity and epitope mapping between fish αPV and βPV, which will improve the epitope‐based detection tools of PV and diagnostic of PV induced fish allergy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of microencapsulated inoculum of Pichia kudriavzevii on the fermentation and sensory quality of cacao CCN51 genotype
Authors: Criollo Nuñez Jenifer , Ramirez‐Toro Cristina , Bolivar German , Sandoval A. Angélica Piedad , Lozano Tovar María D.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Microencapsulated yeasts are a novel alternative as a delivery matrix for microbiological starters. This technology aims to protect the active compounds from adverse environmental conditions and prolong their useful life and could also improve the conditions of the starters for cocoa fermentation. The present study established the effective dose to apply the microencapsulated yeast Pichia kudriavzevii as a microbiological starter of fermentation and biotechnological strategy for promoting the biochemical dynamics and sensory expression of the cocoa variety CCN‐51. For this, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of microencapsulated P. kudriavzevii yeast insolated from the artisanal fermentation process of cocoa was added to the cocoa mass to be fermented and studied on a laboratory scale.

RESULTS

The partial least squares regression of fermentation was related in four quartiles, comprising the hedonic judgments of the sensory evaluation with the biochemical traits of the cocoa liquor, finding a high correlation between the physicochemical variables total phenols, percentage of insufficiently fermented grains, and percentage of total acidity, with a level of bitterness and defects found in liquors with the addition of 0.5% of microencapsulated starter. The treatments with the addition of 2% and 3% of the inoculum showed a high correlation between the variables pH, total anthocyanins, cocoa, fruity and floral aromas, sweet taste, and general aroma perception.

CONCLUSION

The higher presence of volatile compounds such as 2,3‐butanediol associated with cocoa aroma and 1‐phenyl‐2‐ethanol and acetophenone associated with aromatic descriptors of fruity and floral series allowed establishment in 2% of microencapsulated P. kudriavzevii yeast, comprising the effective dose for promoting the biochemical dynamics of laboratory‐scale fermentation and the development of cocoa, as well as the fruity and floral aromas of cocoa CCN‐51 liquor. The microencapsulation is suitable for cocoa starters. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rethinking strategic sourcing during disruptions: A resilience‐driven process contribution to knowledge on supply chains
Authors: Frederico Guilherme Francisco
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to present a structured perspective regarding the strategic sourcing process with the aim of enhancing supply chain resilience during disturbing events. For this purpose, it uses a descriptive approach, based on theoretical insights in order to provide a detailed strategic sourcing process, which adopts a risk‐based orientation. Each of the five main steps of the strategic sourcing process that are identified have aspects related to the supply chain resilience that need to be taken into consideration on the sourcing decision‐making. The framework that is presented provides relevant insights regarding on how to effectively conduct the strategic sourcing process with the prescription that decision‐making needs to be transparent. It is hoped that the constructs presented in this paper encourage researchers to conducting empirical studies in order to obtain evidence related to the strategic sourcing process and its relations with supply chain resilience. The proposed framework of this paper, can also potentially support practitioners involved in the procurement and strategic sourcing activities by providing an effective guidance as to how to appropriately engage in decision‐making with respect to strategic sourcing. The approach proposed is unique, bringing a timely and novel approach by relating strategic sourcing with supply chain resilience during disturbing events.
Controlling the Modal Confinement in Silicon Nanophotonic Waveguides through Dual‐Metamaterial Engineering
Authors: Dinh Thi Thuy Duong , Le Roux Xavier , Zhang Jianhao , Montesinos‐Ballester Miguel , Lafforgue Christian , Benedikovic Daniel , Cheben Pavel , Cassan Eric , Marris‐Morini Delphine , Vivien Laurent , Alonso‐Ramos Carlos
Published: January 2023

Flexible control of the modal confinement in silicon photonic waveguides is an appealing feature for many applications, including sensing and hybrid integration of active materials. In most cases, strip waveguides are the preferred solution to maximize the light interaction with the waveguide surroundings. However, the only two degrees of freedom in Si strip waveguides are the width and thickness, resulting in limited flexibility in evanescent field control. Here, a new strategy that exploits metamaterial engineering of the waveguide core and cladding is proposed and demonstrated to control the index contrast in the vertical and horizontal directions, independently. The proposed dual‐material geometry yields a substantially increased calculated bulk sensitivity in the air (0.35 RIU [refractive index unit]/RIU) compared to the best case scenario for a strip waveguide (0.3 RIU/RIU). To experimentally demonstrate the potential of this approach, dual‐metamaterial ring resonators operating with the transverse‐magnetic polarized mode in 220‐nm‐thick waveguides with air as upper‐cladding are implemented. Micro‐ring resonators implemented with strip and dual‐metamaterial waveguides exhibit the same measured quality factors, near 30 000. Having similar measured quality factors and better calculated bulk sensitivity than strip waveguides, the proposed dual‐metamaterial geometry stands as a promising approach to control modal confinement in silicon waveguides.
Molecular Simulation and Experimental Study on the Damping and Aging Properties of 4010NA/Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene/Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites
Authors: Song Meng , Wang Meng , Wang Chaole , Song Jihong , Li Yunan , Cao Fengyi , Yu Guomin , Qin Qi
Published: January 2023

The effects of N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐phenylenediamine (4010NA) content on the damping and aging properties of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) (abbreviated as H‐NBR) matrix are studied via molecular simulation and experiments. The effects of 4010NA addition on the damping and aging properties of H‐NBR are analyzed by molecular simulation using solubility parameters (δ), hydrogen bonds, free volume fraction (FFV), binding energy (Ebinding), hydrogen bond dissociation energy (ΔG), and mean square displacement (MSD). The damping, mechanical, and thermo‐oxygen aging properties of the 4010NA/H‐NBR composites are studied experimentally using infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results indicate that 4010NA has good compatibility with HNBR and NBR, and the addition of 4010NA can effectively improve the damping properties of H‐NBR. When 4010NA is added at 32 phr, the composite has better damping properties, mechanical properties, and aging resistance, which provides a new insight for the construction of high performance elastomer composites.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Misdiagnosed as Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Martin Nicholas B. , Koga Shunsuke , Appleby Brian S. , Sekiya Hiroaki , Dickson DennisW.
Published: January 2023

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by various combinations of autonomic failure, parkinsonism, and cerebellar syndromes. Although consensus criteria have been widely used to diagnose MSA, accurate clinical diagnosis remains challenging. Other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Lewy body disease, can mimic MSA.

Objectives

We described clinical and neuropathologic findings of two patients with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) who had antemortem clinical diagnoses of MSA.

Methods

The brain bank for neurodegenerative disorders was queried for cases with a clinical diagnosis of MSA, but neuropathologic findings of CJD.

Results

Case 1 was a 55‐year‐old man with a 6‐month history of orthostatic hypotension, parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, bradyphrenia, and memory impairment. Case 2 was a 65‐year‐old man who had a 5‐year history of cerebellar ataxia, parkinsonism, and cognitive impairment, as well as a 7‐year history of dream enactment behavior. Neither case had characteristic α‐synuclein immunoreactive neuronal or glial inclusions typical of MSA. Instead, they had spongiform encephalopathy with neuronal loss and gliosis with prion protein‐immunoreactive kuru‐like plaques. Genetic analyses in case 1 had wild‐type PRNP, whereas case 2 revealed a 4‐octapeptide repeat insertion in PRNP.

Conclusions

Even when clinical features suggest MSA, CJD should also be considered if the progression is rapid or the disease course is atypical, such as the absence of autonomic dysfunction for an extended period.
Bi‐allelic loss of function variant in the NRCAM gene is associated with motor‐predominant axonal polyneuropathy; the second report
Authors: Elahi Zohreh , Soveyzi Mohamad , Nafissi Shahriar , Nilipour Yalda , Goleyjani Moghadam Masoumeh , Keshavarz Elham , Kariminejad Ariana , Najmabadi Hossein , Fattahi Zohreh
Published: January 2023

Background

The role of biallelic variants in the NRCAM gene underlying a neurodevelopmental disorder has been defined recently. The phenotype is mainly recognized by varying severity of global developmental delay/intellectual disability, hypotonia, spasticity, and peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

Here, we describe a patient with an initial diagnosis of motor‐predominant axonal polyneuropathy or a form of distal SMA. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES), in parallel with WES‐based CNV detection and assessment of homozygosity runs, was performed to identify this patient's possible genetic cause.

Results

Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous variant, c.73C > T (p.Gln25*), in the NRCAM gene, while the patient manifests a mild range of phenotypes compared to NRCAM‐related disorder. He presented only motor‐predominant axonal polyneuropathy with no other signs of central nervous system involvement.

Conclusions

This study is the second report of an association between biallelic NRCAM gene variants and a Mendelian disorder. The obtained clinical data, together with the molecular findings in this patient, expands the clinical and molecular spectrum of NRCAM‐related disorder and highlights its phenotypic complexity. Although patients with loss of function variants in this gene have previously presented severe clinical features, we show that type of the pathogenic variant does not necessarily determine the severity of this phenotype.
New recovery model stresses life's meaning, purpose after suicidal episode
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2023

Observing limited research on a personal recovery approach for individuals who have attempted suicide, researchers have developed a therapeutic model that can help people find meaning and purpose in their life. Personal recovery approaches, they said, have been used to treat other mental health conditions, such as addiction and trauma; however, there is currently a critical gap in personal recovery‐oriented theory, research and care in the area of suicide.
Defective E2 electrode lead gives low‐amplitude compound muscle action potential
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Barkhaus Paul E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction/Aims

Low‐amplitude compound muscle action potential (CMAP) suggests a neuromuscular pathology. Low amplitude will also result from a defective E1 electrode or its lead, that is, a technical artifact. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a defective E2 electrode lead on the CMAP.

Methods

The CMAP was recorded using standard nerve conduction methodology and all electrode leads connected properly. Signals were then recorded when either the E1 or the E2 electrode lead was disconnected from the amplifier. This simulated a defective electrode lead. Studies were performed in four nerves of a healthy subject.

Results

CMAP amplitude was reduced as expected when E1 was disconnected. Surprisingly, the amplitude fell by more than 65% when the E2 lead was disconnected, although E1 was properly connected.

Discussion

E1 and E2 electrodes contribute to the CMAP. A defective recording electrode lead to E1 or E2 results in a low‐amplitude CMAP. The amplitude drop observed with a disconnected E2 lead was far greater than the signal recorded by the E2 electrode. This occurs due to the amplifier's inherent property to reduce the voltage difference between the E1 and E2 inputs. When E2 lead is defective, the CMAP will be an attenuated version of the signal recorded by the E1 electrode, and vice versa. When low‐amplitude CMAP amplitude is observed in all conduction studies, technical artifact should be considered before exploring the pathological basis for the abnormal results.
Modeling the Population Response of Alligator Gar in Texoma Reservoir to Harvest and Discard Mortality
Authors: Snow Richard S. , Stewart David R. , Smith Nathan G. , Porta Michael J.
Published: January 2023

The popularity of angling for Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula is an essential component of fisheries management and can affect population resilience. In most cases with Alligator Gar, development of biological assessment models to assess stocks is often unavailable. For this reason, we aimed at describing Alligator Gar demographic rates and population size in Texoma Reservoir, Oklahoma. We used these data to parameterize an age-structured simulation model to determine population responses of maximized yield, total catch, catch of trophy fish, and fishery sustainability to a range of instantaneous finite fishing mortality rates (FM) and discard mortality rates (D) in approximating ideal harvest strategies. Our simulations suggest that the Alligator Gar population is highly sensitive to increases in exploitation. Under the current management regulations, an FM of 0.00–0.05 would have a limited impact on sustainability, which would result in negligible growth as an effect of stochastic recruitment. If FM reaches or exceeds 0.06, the current regulations would not be effective at sustaining the population (spawning potential ratio <0.30). At FM values greater than 0.10, the probability of the population declining from the current population estimate (1,947 fish) to less than 500 individuals would increase from 20% to 100%, resulting in the collapse of the population over 100 years, especially if D is greater than 0.10. Use of a 1,524-mm minimum length limit had the potential to allow FM values of up to 0.10 while absorbing a low amount of D. The use of length limits may provide some options for sustaining the Alligator Gar population, although their efficacy is limited by D when FM exceeds 0.06. Given the sensitivity of long-lived, periodically recruiting fishes to exploitation and given the benefits that possible length-based regulations or a tag/lottery system can provide, we encourage managers to continue monitoring Alligator Gar populations, and when concerning trends are observed, managers should consider such regulations to increase resilience to FM and increase sustainability.
Analysis of the effect of brexpiprazole on sleep architecture in patients with schizophrenia: A preliminary study
Authors: Arai Yusuke , Sasayama Daimei , Kuraishi Kazuaki , Murata Shiho , Usuda Nobuteru , Tsuchida Mika , Nakajima Yuka , Washizuka Shinsuke
Published: January 2023

Background

Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic drug widely used in Japan for the treatment of schizophrenia. Previous studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of some antipsychotics on sleep variables; however, to our knowledge, the effects of brexpiprazole on sleep architecture have not been examined in patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, we aimed to exploratorily investigate the effect of brexpiprazole on sleep variables measured by polysomnography in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

This study included 10 patients with schizophrenia who were originally treated with haloperidol alone. Sleep variables of the participants were measured using polysomnography. After excluding those who did not meet the study criteria, seven patients (five men and two women; mean age [SD], 59.0 [10.0] years) were eligible for further analysis. Polysomnography was repeated at 4 weeks after the participants were prescribed brexpiprazole in addition to haloperidol. We compared the sleep architecture of the participants, measured using polysomnography, before and after taking brexpiprazole.

Results

Add‐on brexpiprazole significantly prolonged rapid eye movement latency, increased the duration and percentage of stage N2 and stage N3 sleep (min, %), and decreased the duration and percentage of stage rapid eye movement sleep (min, %) at a significance level of nominal p < 0.05.

Conclusion

Although not significant after correcting for multiple comparisons, the present results showed that add‐on brexpiprazole could alter the sleep architecture of patients with schizophrenia. Future studies are warranted to replicate these findings and to further investigate the beneficial influence of brexpiprazole on sleep.
Precision fluid and vasoactive drug therapy for critically ill patients
Authors: Bauer Seth R. , Gellatly Rochelle M. , Erstad Brian L.
Published: January 2023

There are several clinical practice guidelines concerning the use of fluid and vasoactive drug therapies in critically ill adult patients, but the recommendations in these guidelines are often based on low‐quality evidence. Further, some were compiled prior to the publication of landmark clinical trials, particularly in the comparison of balanced crystalloid and normal saline. An important consideration in the treatment of critically ill patients is the application of precision medicine to provide the most effective care to groups of patients most likely to benefit from the therapy. Although not currently widely integrated into these practice guidelines, the utility of precision medicine in critical illness is a recognized research priority for fluid and vasoactive therapy management. The purpose of this narrative review was to illustrate the evaluation and challenges of providing precision fluid and vasoactive therapies to adult critically ill patients. The review includes a discussion of important investigations published after the release of currently available clinical practice guidelines to provide insight into how recommendations and research priorities may change future guidelines and bedside care for critically ill patients.
Metabolic Profiling of Murine Macrophages Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles at Dose and Time Dependencies
Authors: Palomares Cristofher Victor Vivas , Barreto Yan Borges , Bexiga Natalia Marchesan , Toma Sergio Hiroshi , Julival dos Santos Jonnatan , Araki Koiti , Alencar Adriano Mesquita , Bloise Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2023

The macrophage time‐dependent metabolic profile changing basal metabolism triggered by nanoparticles can be obtained and used to improve wound healing treatments. Herein this study demonstrates that metabolic status responds systematically to cytotoxicity manipulation, providing an interesting way of cellular control. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolomics and cytotoxic assays are used to study RAW 264.7 cells exposed to AgNPs at different concentrations and incubation times. Cytotoxicity data show a slight decrease in cellular expansion rates accompanied by morphological changes in cells. Metabolomics show that despite the glycolytic activity of treated and non‐treated cells remains unchanged; however, only the treated cells present a rich Citrate environment signaling up‐regulation of Tricarboxylic‐Acid‐Cycle (TCA). Cells choose aerobic routes instead of anaerobic ones to produce energy and self‐regulate their amino acid metabolism to balance TCA. Choline metabolism is down‐regulated once its sub‐products, Betaine and Glycine, are reduced, thus compromising Creatine synthesis. Phospholipid metabolism is down‐regulated due to the decreasing of Phosphocholine and Sn‐Glycerol‐3‐PC, in agreement with the cytotoxicity results. Pyroglutamate decreases in treated cells, signaling different levels of oxidative stress. These analytical tools can characterize AgNPs‐treatments, even distinguishing dose and time dependencies. Therefore, the fine‐tuning of exposition parameters can modulate cellular activity to achieve better wound healing.
The human protein atlas—Integrated omics for single cell mapping of the human proteome
Authors: Digre Andreas , Lindskog Cecilia
Published: January 2023

Studying the spatial distribution of proteins provides the basis for understanding the biology, molecular repertoire, and architecture of every human cell. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) has grown into one of the world's largest biological databases, and in the most recent version, a major update of the structure of the database was performed. The data has now been organized into 10 different comprehensive sections, each summarizing different aspects of the human proteome and the protein‐coding genes. In particular, large datasets with information on the single cell type level have been integrated, refining the tissue and cell type specificity and detailing the expression in cell states with an increased resolution. The multi‐modal data constitute an important resource for both basic and translational science, and hold promise for integration with novel emerging technologies at the protein and RNA level.