bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streetwork at the crossroads: An evaluation of a street gang outreach intervention and holistic appraisal of the research evidence
Authors: Hureau David M. , Braga Anthony A. , Lloyd Tracey , Winship Christopher
Published: October 2023

Spurred by the success of public health violence interventions, and accelerated by policy pressure to reduce violence without exacerbating overpolicing and mass incarceration, streetwork programs—those that provide anti‐violence services by neighborhood‐based workers who perform their work beyond the walls of parochial institutions—have positioned themselves as the most important non–law‐enforcement violence prevention option available to urban policy makers. Yet despite their importance, the state of the field seems difficult to interpret for academics and practitioners alike. In this article, we make several contributions that bring forth new findings and deliver new perspectives on streetwork as a violence reduction strategy. First, we offer an extended analytic review of the streetwork evaluation literature that connects the study of contemporary public health violence interventions to a preceding tradition of criminologically inspired streetwork studies. Second, we present the results of an impact evaluation of StreetSafe Boston (SSB)—a multiyear streetwork intervention that served 20 Boston gangs. We find that the SSB intervention had no detectable effect on violence among the gangs that it served. We conclude by offering a framework for understanding a field at multiple crossroads: past and present, proclaimed successes and failures, help and harm.
Technology as a paradigm to investigate war
Authors: Lin Xi
Published: October 2023

Critiquing Paul Kelly's unsophisticated grouping of political thinkers into two broad camps of a pre‐state and (post‐)state era, this article attempts to use the paradigm of technology as an alternative narrative to examine the phenomena of war, conflict and revolution. Drawing on Heidegger and Stiegler, the technology in war is regarded as a way of not only revealing our being in the world, but unconcealing the way we interact and construct intersubjectivity. Five paradigms of technology in war can be discerned, namely the first paradigm of primitive tools (from classical times to 1500 A.D.), the second one of early sciences and machines (1500–1830), the third one of interconnected systems (1830–1945), the fourth one of instruments of automation (1945–2000), and the current fifth one of artificial intelligence. These paradigms offer us a logical (while not necessarily linear) way to (re)examine the history of political thoughts.
Risk factors for recurrent emergency care utilization for flares in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hassid Benjamin G. , Wei Julia , Sax Dana , Velayos Fernando S.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) need frequent emergency care due to flares of their disease. However, understanding which patients are most vulnerable to repeat emergency care due to recurrent flares of their disease remains poor.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plan members aged ≥18 years between 2009 and 2018. Our primary outcome was occurrence of repeat emergency department (ED) visits with a primary diagnosis code of IBD in the 6 months following their index ED visit. Baseline characteristics and clinical service use patterns were extracted. We used multivariable negative binomial regression analysis to measure the incident risk of a recurrent ED visit within 6 months.

Results

We found 2111 patients who met eligibility criteria, of whom 56.7% were female and 39.7% were non‐White. During the 6‐month observation period, 19.3% (n = 408) returned to the ED for a second IBD flare. In adjusted analyses, we found older age (incident risk ratio [IRR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31–0.62 for age 60+ compared to 18–30), higher neighborhood household income (IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.98 for income ≥$85,000), and diagnosis of alcohol use disorder were associated with a lower risk of repeat ED utilization (IRR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.93), while presence of mood disorder (IRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.58), history of opiate prescription (IRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.10–1.73), and corticosteroid prescription (IRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.27–1.95) were associated with increased risk of repeat ED utilization. Prompt outpatient follow‐up was not associated with a lower odds of recurrent ED utilization (IRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75–1.15).

Conclusions

Our study identified multiple patient characteristics associated with higher recurrent short‐term use of the ED for IBD care. Although we did not find prompt outpatient follow‐up after initial ED visit to be protective, targeted interventions directed at high‐risk individuals based on mood disorders, opiate use, or steroid use may help to optimize care and health care utilization.
The impact of long‐term storage conditions on the development of experimental dentinal microcracks
Authors: De‐Deus Gustavo , Arashiro Fabio Nakao , Souza Erick Miranda , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Guimarães Tiago de Mello , Maciel Ana Carolina de Carvalho , Oliveira Diogo da Silva , Belladonna Felipe Gonçalves , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Versiani Marco Aurélio
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated the impact of long‐term storage conditions (medium and time) on the development of experimental dentinal microcracks through micro‐computed tomography. Sixty freshly extracted premolars were stored in formalin, water, or dry conditions (n = 20) and scanned after 72 h, 30 days, 6 months and 3 years of extraction. The effect of the storage medium and time on the occurrence of dentinal defects was statistically evaluated. A total of 211 000 images were screened revealing the existence of 11 519 slices with dentinal defects. Dry conditions significantly contributed to the development of new defects in all time points. During the 3‐year follow‐up period, no new defects were detected in the teeth that were stored in water and, in a single tooth, in the formalin group, after 6 months of storage.
Welcoming the foreigner: Notes on the possibility of multispecies hospitality
Authors: Kavesh Muhammad A.
Published: October 2023

What do the welcome and the refusal mean when the one who arrives is not human? By examining the moral attitude created through the acceptance of European racing pigeons in Pakistan and the capture of Pakistani “spy pigeons” at the India‐Pakistan border, this article unknots multiple meanings of arrival and explores how shared values of hospitality and hostility emerge and interplay when a more‐than‐human Other arrives in a foreign land as an invited guest or an uninvited intruder. Drawing on Jacques Derrida's (2000) construction of hostpitality and Punjabi Sufi poet‐philosopher Waris Shah's discussion of badal (reciprocity), this article contends that in South Asia, reciprocal exchanges produce and sustain cooperative, competitive, or antagonistic bonds and propound an analytical avenue to critically rethink deconstruction of the home as a sovereign space.
The co‐benefits of biodiversity citizen science for well‐being and nature relatedness
Authors: Eichholtzer Anne C. , Driscoll Don A. , Patrick Rebecca , Galletta Lorenzo , Lawson Justin
Published: October 2023

Human well‐being is dependent on the health of our planet. Biodiversity‐related citizen science supports conservation research, and there is increasing interest in its potential as a health co‐benefits intervention.

This randomized controlled study investigates the health co‐benefits of biodiversity citizen science participation. Seventy participants were randomly assigned to a citizen science project or control group for an 8‐month period. Both groups completed pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys, evaluating nature relatedness, self‐efficacy related to biodiversity loss, subjective well‐being, and climate change anxiety. A subset (N = 13) of participants engaged in the citizen science project also took part in focus group discussions.

The intervention group reported a significant increase in nature relatedness and self‐efficacy to help address issues of biodiversity loss. Although no significant changes were observed for other well‐being or anxiety scales, most participants reported positive outcomes related to mental or physical well‐being in focus groups. There were stronger positive effects for participants without previous environmental volunteering experience.

These results suggest that citizen science participation has the potential to contribute to Planetary Health goals, with sustained co‐benefits for well‐being and nature relatedness. Future interventions evaluating co‐benefits should consider previous environmental volunteering experience and focus on participants with little experience to maximize health outcomes.
SPI1 activates TGF‐β1/PI3K/Akt signaling through transcriptional upregulation of FKBP12 to support the mesenchymal phenotype of glioma stem cells
Authors: Song Yifu , Zhang Yaochuan , Wang Xiaoliang , Han Xiaodi , Shi Mengwu , Xu Ling , Yu Juanhan , Zhang Li , Han Sheng
Published: October 2023

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) exhibit diverse molecular subtypes with the mesenchymal (MES) population representing the most malignant variant. The oncogenic potential of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1), an oncogenic transcription factor, has been established across various human malignancies. In this study, we explored the association between the SPI1 pathway and the MES GSC phenotype. Through comprehensive analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas glioma databases, along with patient‐derived GSC cultures, we analyzed SPI1 expression. Using genetic knockdown and overexpression techniques, we assessed the functional impact of SPI1 on GSC MES marker expression, invasion, proliferation, self‐renewal, and sensitivity to radiation in vitro, as well as its influence on tumor formation in vivo. Additionally, we investigated the downstream signaling cascades activated by SPI1. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between elevated SPI1 expression and the MES phenotype, which in turn, correlated with poor survival. SPI1 enhanced GSC MES differentiation, self‐renewal, and radioresistance in vitro, promoting tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistically, SPI1 augmented the transcriptional activity of both TGF‐β1 and FKBP12 while activating the non‐canonical PI3K/Akt pathway. Notably, inhibition of TGF‐β1/PI3K/Akt signaling partially attenuated SPI1‐induced GSC MES differentiation and its associated malignant phenotype. Collectively, our results underscore SPI1's role in activating TGF‐β1/PI3K/Akt signaling through transcriptional upregulation of FKBP12, thereby supporting the aggressive MES phenotype of GSCs. Therefore, SPI1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target in glioma treatment.
Impact of PmrB mutations on clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae with variable colistin‐susceptibilities: Structural insights and potent therapeutic solutions
Authors: Basu Soumya , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Anbarasu Anand
Published: October 2023

Carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections continue to impose high morbidity threats to hospitalized patients worldwide, limiting therapeutic options to last‐resort antibiotics like colistin. However, the dynamic genomic landscape of colistin‐resistant K. pneumoniae (COLR‐Kp) invoked ardent exploration of underlying molecular signatures for therapeutic propositions/designs. We unveiled the structural impact of the widespread and emerging PmrB mutations involved in colistin resistance (COLR) in K. pneumoniae. In the present study, clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae expressed variable susceptibilities to colistin (>0.5 μg/mL for resistant and ≤0.25 μg/mL for susceptible) despite mutations such as T157P, G207D and T246A. The protein sequences extracted from in‐house sequenced genomes were used to model mutant PmrB proteins and analyze the underlying structural alterations. The mutations were contrasted based on molecular dynamics simulation trajectories, free‐energy landscapes and structural flexibility profiles. The altered backbone flexibilities can be an essential factor for mutant selection by COLR K. pneumoniae and can provide clues to deal with emerging mutants. Furthermore, PmrB having high druggability confidence (>0.99), was explored as a potential target for 1396 virtually screened FDA‐approved drug candidates. Among the top‐10 compounds (scores >70), amphotericin B was found to be potential candidate with high affinity (Binding energy <−8 kcal/mol) and stable interactions (RMSF <0.7 Å) against PmrB druggable pockets, despite the mutations, which encourages future adjunct therapeutic research against COLR‐Kp.
Assessing prognostic factors of long‐term survival after surgery for colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Yang Songsoo , Maspero Marianna , Holubar Stefan D. , Hull Tracy L. , Lightner Amy L. , Valente Michael A. , Gorgun Emre , Kalady Matthew F. , Steele Scott R. , Liska David
Published: October 2023

Aim

Due to their rarity, the management of colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (CR GISTs) is still under debate. The aim of this study was to assess prognostic factors.

Method

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for CR GIST at our centre from 2002 to 2019. Factors associated with overall (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were analysed.

Results

Fifty‐six patients were included [median age 63 years, 29 (52%) female, 30 (54%) Miettinen high‐risk, 40 (71%) with rectal GIST]. Nineteen (34%) patients received perioperative (neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant) imatinib. All cases of colonic GIST had an R0 resection, compared with 28 (70%) of rectal GISTs. After a median follow‐up of 97 months (interquartile range 48–155 months), 14 (25%) deaths and 14 (25%) recurrences occurred. In the high‐risk cohort, factors associated with improved RFS were R0 resection (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.1–0.5, p = 0.002) and perioperative imatinib (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.42–0.97, p = 0.04). Patients who had received perioperative imatinib had longer RFS (60% vs. 11% at 5 years, p = 0.006) but not OS. In rectal GISTs, 5‐year OS was 85% for R0 and 70% for R1 resections (p = 0.164) and 5‐year RFS was 85% for R0 and 12% for R1 resection (p < 0.001). When stratifying patients by perioperative imatinib, there were no differences in OS or RFS in the R0 or R1 groups.

Conclusion

Perioperative imatinib and R0 resection were associated with improved RFS in high‐risk patients with CR GIST. In patients with rectal GIST, R1 resection was associated with worse RFS irrespective of perioperative imatinib treatment.
Synthesis and characterization of iron oxides and their application as inorganic pigments in white paint
Authors: Lemos Milena Z. , Jaerger Silvia , Balaba Nayara , Horsth Dienifer F. L. , Villalba Juan C. , Stefenon Felipe L. , González‐Borrero Pedro P. , Anaissi Fauze J.
Published: October 2023

The tones of iron oxide pigments range from yellow, red, brown and green to black. Iron oxide pigments are non‐toxic and have a nanometric particle size, which makes them ideal for use as pigments. The current study synthesised synthetic inorganic pigments based on iron oxides using the alkaline precipitation method. This approach to the synthesis of iron oxide pigments makes them less expensive for obtaining reproducible colours. Iron salts (iron (III) chloride, iron (III) nitrate, iron (II) sulphate [ferrous sulphate] and iron (III) sulphate) have been combined with alkaline solutions (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide) to form coloured iron oxides, which are widely known as natural inorganic pigments. The 12 samples produced in four different colours (red, yellow, brown and black) were left in aqueous suspension and dispersed in commercial real white estate paint, to evaluate their behaviour as pigments. Structural characterisation (X‐ray diffractometry), composition (X‐ray fluorescence by dispersive energy), thermal analysis (i.e. thermogravimetric analysis and the differential thermal analysis) and spectroscopy (FTIR and photoacoustic), as well as colorimetry, were performed. The phases indexed by X‐ray diffractometry were goethite, haematite, magnetite and lepidocrocite. The inorganic pigments produced are compatible with natural inorganic pigments. They also showed dispersion compatibility in commercial white paint without changing the surface coating powder and are therefore an alternative to synthetic inorganic pigments.
Uncovering antagonisms in recovery planning for species at risk: A diagnostic approach
Authors: Silver Daniel A. , Ahsan Tasfia , Mandrak Nicholas , Livingstone Stuart
Published: October 2023

Amid Earth's ongoing sixth mass extinction event, numerous measures have been proposed to recover the populations of species at risk of extinction. However, the methods and objectives of different species' recovery plans sometimes conflict with each other, causing a conundrum we refer to as recovery–action antagonism. Recovery–action antagonism reduces the cost‐effectiveness of conservation programs and can increase the extinction risk of nontarget species. We describe a method to identify interactions between recovery actions, including antagonisms proposed for different at‐risk species in a given location. The method includes a process to evaluate potential drivers of recovery‐action antagonism and other interaction types using principal coordinates analysis and distance‐based redundancy analysis. We illustrate various applications of the method through case studies performed in Pelee Island and Rouge National Urban Park, two biodiverse areas in Ontario, Canada. Potential antagonism was identified between 1.5% (Pelee) and 5% (Rouge) of the evaluated recovery actions. Although the rate of antagonism was low in our case studies, the method allows the identification of a variety of interactions, which can help to prioritize similar and complementary actions that will benefit a large number of species while minimizing actions that may have competing outcomes.
Modern diagnostics and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Weilandt Juliane , Peitsch Wiebke K.
Published: October 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation, the incidence of which has increased substantially during the last decades. Risk factors include advanced age, fair skin type, UV exposure, and immunosuppression. Pathogenetically, a type caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus is distinguished from a UV‐induced type with a high tumor mutational burden.

Clinically, MCC presents as a mostly painless, rapidly growing, reddish‐violet tumor with a shiny surface, which is preferentially localized in the head‐neck region and at the distal extremities. A reliable diagnosis can only be made based on histological and immunohistochemical features. At initial diagnosis, 20–26% of patients show locoregional metastases and 8–14% distant metastases, making staging examinations indispensable. If there is no clinical evidence of metastases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended.

Essential columns of therapy are surgery, adjuvant or palliative radiotherapy and, in advanced inoperable stages, medicamentous tumor therapy. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to a paradigm shift, as they provide a considerably longer duration of response and better survival rates than chemotherapy. The PD‐L1 inhibitor avelumab is approved for treatment of metastatic MCC in Germany, but the PD‐1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab are also used with success. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment concepts, immune combination therapies and targeted therapies as monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors are in the clinical trial phase.
Regulating the regulators: understanding miRNA biogenesis and decay in adult skeletal muscles
Authors: Pai Balagopal
Published: October 2023

Maintaining cellular homeostasis necessitates precise control of gene expression, a process that molds both the transcriptome and proteome to adapt to internal and external changes effectively. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs (~ 22nucleotides) belonging to a broad family of non‐coding RNAs and are important regulators of gene expression. While numerous studies have advanced our understanding of the common processes underlying miRNA biogenesis and function, individual cell types in diverse organisms have evolved distinct mechanisms for regulating them. In this current issue, Satoshi Oikawa and colleagues delve into the molecular dynamics of miRNAs in adult skeletal muscles. Their research introduces intriguing new inquiries for further investigations to uncover alternative mechanisms of miRNA biogenesis in skeletal muscle.
Pachydermodactyly: A Case Report
Authors: Pérez Bibiana , Gómez M. Isabel , Sánchez Enrique , Muñoz Ernesto , Ledo Antonio
Published: October 2023

Pachydermodactyly is an uncommon variant of digital fibromatosis that has previously been related to knuckle pads. It is a benign condition that needs no investigation for an underlying systemic disease. We present a new case of pachydermodactyly and comment on the available literature.
Pharmacogenetics of human erythrocyte thiopurine methyltransferase activity in a French population.
Authors: Tinel M , Berson A , Pessayre D , Letteron P , Cattoni MP , Horsmans Y , Larrey D
Published: October 2023

1. A genetic polymorphism in human erythrocyte thiopurine methyltransferase activity (RBC TPMT) resulting in a trimodal phenotypic distribution has been demonstrated both in a North American population and in British children. 2. We studied whether such a polymorphism may be also present in a white French population by testing RBC TPMT activity in 303 randomly selected blood donors. 3. We found a large inter‐individual variation in RBC TPMT activity which ranged from 2 to 40 nmol ml‐1 packed RBC h‐1, with a mean value of 15.4 +/‐ 7.0 nmol ml‐1 packed RBC h‐1. The enzyme activity was not significantly influenced by the sex and age of the subjects. 4. In our population sample, we found no subject with undetectable enzyme activity. However, the probit plot of the log RBC TPMT activity showed a highly significant change in slope at a TPMT activity of 7.5 nmol ml‐ 1 packed RBC h‐1. Thirty four subjects (11% of our population) had TPMT activities below 7.5 nmol ml‐1 packed RBC h‐1. 5. These data are consistent with the view that the genetic polymorphism of TPMT activity described in populations from North America and the United Kingdom is also present in a French population, with about 89% of subjects exhibiting a high activity and 11% an intermediate activity.
Glucose, the Key Substrate in the Microbiological Changes Occurring in Meat and Certain Meat Products
Authors: Nychas GJ , Dillon VM , Board RG
Published: October 2023

Hybrid enzymes which have two different enzyme activities linked together covalently may be useful reagents for various applications, such as the determination of complex biological structures. The present paper describes the preparation and purification of two such enzyme‐enzyme conjugates, namely, trypsin‐chymotrypsin and trypsin‐alkaline phosphatase. Whereas the former has been prepared by using the well‐known bifunctional reagent glutaraldehyde, the latter exploited the Schiff base formation between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of alkaline phosphatase and the free amino groups of trypsin.
Evaluation of Protein Hydrolysates Using the Fermentation Activity of Immobilized Yeast Cells
Authors: Tchorbanov B. , Lazarova G.
Published: October 2023

A rapid, easy, and reproducible method for evaluation of protein hydrolysates has been developed using the ethanol fermentation of immobilized yeast cells as a monitoring system. The method is sensitive to the origin, concentration, and degree of hydrolysis of the hydrolysates.
Microbial reduction of 1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐[4‐(5‐fluoro‐2‐pyrimidinyl)‐1‐ piperazinyl]butan‐1‐one
Authors: Patel RN , Banerjee A. , Liu M. , Hanson R. , Ko R. , Howell J. , Szarka LJ
Published: October 2023

Among various micro‐organisms screened for the stereoselective reduction of 4‐chloro‐1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)butan‐1‐one (1), Hansenula polymorpha [American Type Culture Collection (A.T.C.C.) 26012 and 86014], Nocardia salmonicolor [Squibb Culture (S.C.) 6370], Arthobacter simplex (A.T.C.C. 6949), Mycobacterium vaccae (A.T.C.C. 29678), Candida boidinii (A.T.C.C. 13821) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (A.T.C.C. 13792) reduced compound 1 to the corresponding (R)‐(+)‐alcohol (2). In contrast, Lactobacillus kefir (A.T.C.C. 35411), Pullularia pullulans (A.T.C.C. 16623), Trigonopsis variabilis (A.T.C.C. 10679) and Cunninghamella echinulata (A.T.C.C. 26269) reduced compound 1 to the (S)‐(‐)‐alcohol (2). When 1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐(1‐piperazinyl)butan‐1‐one (3) was used as substrate for the reduction, only Nocardia globerula (A.T.C.C. 12505) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (A.T.C.C. 13792) converted compound 3 into the corresponding (R)‐(+)‐alcohol (4). Organisms which reduced compound 1 were inactive for the reduction of compound 3. 1‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)‐4‐[4‐(5‐fluoro‐2‐ pyrimidinyl)butan‐1‐one (5) was reduced to the corresponding (R)‐(+)‐alcohol (6) by Mortierella ramanniana (A.T.C.C. 38191) and to the (S)‐(‐)‐alcohol (6) by Pullularia pullulans (A.T.C.C. 16623). (R)‐(+)‐compound 2 and compound 4 are key chiral intermediates in the total chemical synthesis of (R)‐(+)‐compound 6, an effective antipsychotic agent under development at Bristol‐Myers Squibb. A single‐stage (fermentation/biotransformation) process and two‐stage (fermentation and subsequent biotransformation by cell suspensions) process were developed for the stereoselective reduction of compound 5 to (R)‐(+)‐compound 6 by Mortierella ramanniana (A.T.C.C. 38191). In both processes, the reaction yield of 98% and the optical purity of 99.4% were obtained for (R)‐(+)‐compound 6. The enzyme which catalysed the reduction of compound 5 to (R)‐(+)‐compound 6 was purified to homogeneity. The purified protein consisted of a single polypeptide of 29 kDa.
Purification of basic fibroblast growth factor and alkaline phosphatase from human placenta
Authors: Costa MH , Ho PL , da AM Silva , Baptista GR , Leite LC , Crespo Cabrera J. , Venturini KM , Katz M. , Liberman C. , da AR Silva
Published: October 2023

Human placenta is an available hospital waste which is known to contain many valuable biochemicals that may be commercially exploited. Using placental tissue previously extracted for haemoderivatives, we purified basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a soluble protein, and placental alkaline phosphatase (PALP), a membrane‐linked protein, as a coupled process. bFGF purification comprises three steps: extraction and chromatographies on S‐Sepharose and heparin‐Sepharose. The final product includes a major 17 kDa and a minor 16 kDa component with a specific activity of 8.0 times 10(6) units/mg yielding 0.5‐1.0 microgram/kg of placenta. PALP purification comprises four steps: acidic butan‐1‐ol extraction and chromatographies on Q‐Sepharose, concanavalin A‐Sepharose and Q‐Sepharose. The purified PALP has a molecular mass of 70 kDa, a specific activity of 800 units/mg and yielded 50 micrograms/kg of placenta. The results show the possibility of purifying substances in placental haemolysed blood, soluble products from placental cellular mass and proteins from the cellular membrane in a one‐stream process.
D‐glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase: pre‐existent asymmetry of the tetramer and its functional implications
Authors: Nagradova NK , Kuzminskaya EV , Asryants RA
Published: October 2023

Modification of a single arginine residue per subunit of rabbit muscle D‐glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase stabilizes the tetramer in a conformation wherein only two active sites are capable of performing catalysis (oxidation of D‐glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate or hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl acetate). The modified enzyme exhibits half‐of‐the sites reactivity towards iodoacetate and iodoacetamide, known to be ‘all‐of‐the‐sites reagents’ with the native enzyme. Evidence is presented supporting the model of a built‐in asymmetry of the tetramer. The results obtained suggest that the arginine residue (probably Arg‐231) controls the conformational transition between the asymmetric and symmetric states of the tetramer.
Methanol detoxification by enzyme‐loaded erythrocytes
Authors: Magnani M. , Fazi A. , Mangani F. , Rossi L. , Mancini U.
Published: October 2023

Alcohol oxidase (AlOx) from Pichea pastoris (a methylotrophic yeast) was encapsulated into human and murine erythrocytes up to 2 units/ml of packed cells. This enzyme has a much higher affinity for methanol than for ethanol, thus making the loaded erythrocytes useful cellular bioreactors able to catabolize methanol. Enzyme‐loaded erythrocytes showed an increased rate of the hexose‐monophosphate‐shunt activity and a significant methaemoglobin production. However, the in vivo survival of these cells does not seem to be significantly affected by methanol catabolism. In vivo, mice receiving AlOx‐loaded erythrocytes were able to keep the blood methanol concentrations below values that were about 50% of those found in mice receiving unloaded cells and similar amounts of methanol. Thus AlOx‐loaded erythrocytes may add an important contribution to the detoxification protocol against methanol poisoning.
Suicidal Behavior in Jails and Prisons in The Netherlands: Incidence, Characteristics, and Prevention
Authors: Kerkhof Ad J. F. M. , Bernasco Wim
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: In most countries, the incidence of suicidal behavior in correctional institutions is higher than in the population at large. In the current study, information was processed on 44 completed suicides (that occurred during the period 1973–1984) and on 198 attempted suicides (1980–1984) by jail and prison inmates in The Netherlands. Demographic, legal, and medical data for victims were compared to similar data for nonsuicidal inmates. Twenty‐five inmates who had recently attempted suicide were interviewed, as well as 26 correctional officers and staff members. The majority of suicide completers died by hanging; most attempted suicides were performed impulsively by cutting wrists. Suicidal crises often occurred during the first period of confinement. Inmates born outside The Netherlands and long‐term prisoners were high‐risk groups. The incarceration of alcohol and/or drug abusers was a complicating issue. Correctional officers and prison staff often viewed suicide attempts as manipulative gestures, although this only partially reflected inmates' true intentions. Several preventive measures are discussed, with special consideration of the identification of suicide risk.
Correlates of Suicidal Ideation among Rural Adolescents
Authors: Meneese William B. , Yutrzenka Barbara A.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study examined potential predictors of suicidal ideation among a nonclinical, rural adolescent population. A sample of 76 male and female adolescents enrolled in a rural public high school completed a personal information form, a suicide information questionnaire, short forms of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Family Environment Scale, and the Life Events Checklist. A stepwise multiple regression suggested significant predictive relationships between magnitude of suicidal ideation and measures of family social climate (i.e., Organization, Conflict, Expressiveness, and Independence subscales from the Family Environment Scale—Short Form). Multivariate analyses of variance and a discriminant‐function analysis revealed no significant sex differences.
The Impact of a Suicide Prevention Program for Adolescents on Suicidal Tendencies, Hopelessness, Ego Identity, and Coping
Authors: Orbach Israel , Bar‐Joseph Hanna
Published: October 2023

Three‐hundred ninety‐three adolescents from six schools participated in a study aimed at examining the effectiveness of an experiential suicide prevention program with regard to suicidal tendencies, hopelessness, ego identity, and coping ability. The subjects were randomly divided into experimental (n = 215) and control (n = 178) groups. The experimental groups took part in seven weekly 2‐hour meetings. The program was based on the notion that a gradual, controlled confrontation and exploration of inner experiences and life difficulties related to suicidal behavior accompanied by an emphasis on coping strategies can immunize against self‐destructive feelings. In this pretest‐posttest design, the students completed questionnaires of suicidal tendencies, hopelessness, ego identity, and coping ability before and after the program. The statistical analyses showed that the experimental groups were superior to the controls, with at least some of the dependent measures pointing out the effectiveness of the program.
Double Jeopardy: Suicide Rates in Forensic Hospitals
Authors: Haycock Joel
Published: October 2023

While a number of studies have described high and increasing rates of completed suicide among psychiatric patients, the suicide risk of forensic hospital patients is virtually unknown. This paper reports on the suicides that have taken place in the country's oldest continually operating institution housing persons formerly labeled “criminally insane,” the Bridgewater State Hospital. The results show considerable variation in the suicide rate by historical period, with suicide prior to 1968 a considerably more infrequent event. By contrast, the post‐′68 rate of 232 per 100,000 is comparable to data reported in a series of studies of psychiatric suicides, and significantly higher than that found in U.S. studies of correctional populations. These differences are discussed. The results strongly suggest that forensic hospital populations have suicide rates broadly comparable to other psychiatric populations.
Inpatient Treatment Planning
Authors: Berman Alan L.
Published: October 2023

The inpatient treatment plan is the essential guide to coordinate the nursing and adjunctive therapeutic staff's approach to the multiple needs of hospitalized patients. The written plan, formulated within days of admission, articulates to the community of caregivers the link between the patient's presenting problems and those services available to alleviate them. As illustrated in the case of Steve, the complexities of patients and of care‐giving systems require careful thought in arriving at a workable approach.
Low‐temperature molten salt synthesis of ultrafine high‐entropy rare‐earth silicate powders
Authors: Wei Peng , Zhuang Lei , Yu Hulei , Qin Yexia , Chu Yanhui
Published: October 2023

Synthesis of ultrafine powders of high‐entropy rare‐earth silicates (HERESs) is critical for expanding their applications. Here, we report the synthesis of ultrafine HERES powders via a simple molten salt method for the first time. The results show that the single‐phase high‐entropy rare‐earth disilicates (HEREDs) and monosilicates (HEREMs) with monoclinic crystal structures can be successfully synthesized at 1073 and 1173 K, with the content ratios of raw rare‐earth oxides to SiO2 of 1:2.4 and 1:0.9, respectively. The average particle sizes of the as‐synthesized HEREDs and HEREMs powders are measured to be 1.32 and 1.64 μm, respectively. Meanwhile, uniform elemental distributions are confirmed in these powders without any element separation or segregation. In addition, a “dissolution–precipitation” mechanism is proposed to clarify the synthesis process of HERESs. This study not only provides a new synthesis methodology for HERES powders but also reveals a new insight into the growth mode for HERES powders.
Quality of life measurement in teledermatology. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Teledermatology
Authors: Chernyshov P. V. , Finlay A. Y. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Tognetti L. , Moscarella E. , Pasquali P. , Manolache L. , Pustisek N. , Svensson A. , Marron S. E. , Bewley A. , Salavastru C. , Suru A. , Koumaki D. , Linder D. , Abeni D. , Augustin M. , Blome C. , Salek S. S. , Evers A. W. M. , Poot F. , Sampogna F. , Szepietowski J. С.
Published: October 2023

Many events, including the COVID‐19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient‐oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health‐related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face‐to‐face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face‐to‐face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology‐specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease‐specific instruments.
Stainability and translucency of potassium aluminum sulfate applied computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing materials after coffee thermocycling
Authors: Sasany Rafat , Donmez Mustafa Borga , de Paula Marcella Silva , Kahveci Çiğdem , Ceylan Gözlem , Yilmaz Burak , Çakmak Gülce
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) application on the stainability and translucency of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) materials after coffee thermocycling (CTC).

Materials and Methods

Disk‐shaped specimens (Ø10 × 1 mm; N = 200) were fabricated by using additively (Crowntec [CT] and Varseo Smile Crown Plus [VS]) and subtractively manufactured (Brilliant Crios [RCR], CEREC Block [FC], and Vita Enamic [VE]) CAD‐CAM materials and polished. All specimens were randomly divided into two groups as alum applied and control (n = 10). All specimens were then subjected to CTC (10,000 cycles at 5–55°C) and color coordinates were measured at each time interval. Color differences (ΔE00) and relative translucency parameters (RTPs) were calculated and the data were statistically analyzed (a = 0.05).

Results

Among tested time intervals, alum applied specimens had their lowest ΔE00 after alum application (p ≤ 0.006), except for FC (p = 0.177). In addition, alum applied RCR had lower ΔE00 values than its control specimens (p = 0.029). Alum applied specimens had their lowest RTP after CTC (p < 0.001) and alum application decreased the RTP of CT (p = 0.010). CTC reduced the RTP of all materials in control groups (p < 0.001). Alum applied CT had higher RTP than its control specimens (p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Alum application's effect on color change varied depending on the material and alum mostly resulted in clinically acceptable changes in translucency. CTC led to unacceptable color and translucency changes based on previously reported threshold values.

Clinical Significance

Optical properties of CAD‐CAM materials and the sustainability of these properties over time is critical for longevity. Alum may improve the color stability of reinforced composite resin when subjected to long‐term coffee consumption.
Modelling 3D supramolecular structure from sparse single‐molecule localisation microscopy data
Authors: Curd Alistair , Cleasby Alexa , Baird Michelle , Peckham Michelle
Published: October 2023

Single‐molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) has the potential to reveal the underlying organisation of specific molecules within supramolecular complexes and their conformations, which is not possible with conventional microscope resolution. However, the detection efficiency for fluorescent molecules in cells can be limited in SMLM, even to below 1% in thick and dense samples. Segmentation of individual complexes can also be challenging. To overcome these problems, we have developed a software package termed PERPL: Pattern Extraction from Relative Positions of Localisations. This software assesses the relative likelihoods of models for underlying patterns behind incomplete SMLM data, based on the relative positions of pairs of localisations. We review its principles and demonstrate its use on the 3D lattice of Z‐disk proteins in mammalian cardiomyocytes. We find known and novel features at ~20 nm with localisations of less than 1% of the target proteins, using mEos fluorescent protein constructs.
Achieving the minimum pain experience by buccal nerve and superficial cervical plexus blocks in radiofrequency treatment
Authors: Chen Xihua , Han Changzhu , Li Dan , Zhu Feiling , Huang Ying
Published: October 2023

Background

Thermage is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF). It has become an indispensable part of facial and body youthful methods. Although the current device is constantly improving in epidermal cooling techniques and even automatically measures the local impedance value, applying surface anesthesia can take some of the pain away caused by thermage, and the patient's severe pain in the jaw and neck areas is still difficult to resolve.

Methods

The author describes how he uses the combination of the buccal nerve block (BNB) and the superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) to improve the comfort of the patient's face and neck treatment of patients. It can improve the quality, elasticity, and texture of the skin.

Results

According to the author's knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery, the combination of BNB and SCPB is applied to the neck and facial analgesia. Combining the BNB and SCPB effectively provides facial and neck anesthesia. The BNB in this technique provides pain relief to the facial skin in the mandibular area and SCPB offers pain relief to the skin of the neck. RF facial rejuvenation treatment often involves the junction of the face and neck to improve the contour of the mandibular margin. Therefore, Whether the RF treatment is aimed at the face or neck, or the treatment is performed simultaneously, we advocate the block both of the buccal nerve and the superficial cervical plexus nerves to achieve perfect analgesia. Still, the dosage of anesthetic medication for the nerve block can be adjusted according to the treatment area.

Conclusion

We applied these two nerve blocks and their combination to improve skin laxity with RF therapy for the first time.
Market Structure, Risk Preferences, and Forward Contracting Incentives*
Authors: Brown David P. , Sappington David E. M.
Published: October 2023

We examine the determinants of the levels of forward contracting preferred by generators and buyers of electricity. Increased forward contracting systematically reduces the variance of a generator's profit, so a generator prefers higher levels of forward contracting as market uncertainty or its aversion to risk increases. In contrast, increased forward contracting can either increase or reduce the variance of a buyer's profit. Consequently, a buyer can prefer either reduced or increased levels of forward contracting as market uncertainty or its aversion to risk increases.
Educator Perspectives on Grief‐Sensitive Training During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in US Public Schools
Authors: Lively‐Endicott Hannah R. , Naimi Kiana , Hudson Sharon M. , Schonfeld David J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Grief and loss are common experiences for children and adolescents, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Educators feel unprepared to support grieving students due to lack of training. We studied educator experiences receiving grief‐sensitive training as part of the grief‐sensitive schools initiative (GSSI), which provides grief‐sensitive training, online video‐based and print resources, and a financial grant to schools and school districts for use in supporting grieving students.

Methods

Fourteen New York and Florida educators who received GSSI training participated in small focus groups or semi‐structured interviews on their experiences receiving GSSI training and supporting grieving students during the pandemic. Transcripts were analyzed using grounded‐theory analysis.

Results

Emergent themes included increased confidence engaging grieving students, the desire for recurring trainings, the value of receiving training from an expert on pediatric grief and loss and the opportunity to ask questions, the need for grief‐sensitive training to reflect the cultural diversity of school communities, the unique losses experienced by students during the pandemic, and compassion fatigue and burnout in educators.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Policymakers should recognize the effects of grief on students' learning and development and collaborate with educators to develop resources.

Conclusions

Educators found GSSI training useful in supporting grieving students, particularly during the pandemic.
Association between voiding lower urinary tract symptoms and findings on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging with regard to pelvic organs and their supportive structures
Authors: Watanabe Shoutarou , Kinno Kurenai , Takeuchi Yasuharu , Sawada Yoshitomo , Sekido Noritoshi
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) causes voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (vLUTS). In the present study, we investigated the association between vLUTS and pelvic organ mobility (POM), including relevant supportive structures, on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI).

Methods

We included 118 patients who had POP of stage II or less before straining and stage III or more when straining during dMRI. The presence of vLUTS and overactive bladder (OAB) was determined by a voiding subscore of the International Prostate Symptom Score (vIPSS) ≥5 and the OAB symptom score, respectively. POM was measured by dMRI before and during straining, and patients with and without vLUTS as well as patients with and without vLUTS and/or OAB were compared. p < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

According to vIPSS, 42 patients (35.6%) had vLUTS. On dMRI, patients with vLUTS showed a significantly more ventral position and/or movement of the bladder and cervix. Moreover, patients with vLUTS and OAB had significantly more ventral movement of the uterine cervix and a larger strain on imaginary uterosacral and cardinal ligaments than those without these symptoms. In addition, patients with vLUTS and OAB had significantly higher vIPSS than those with vLUTS alone.

Conclusions

vLUTS may be associated with the proximity of the bladder and cervix to the pubic bone and consequent compression of the urethra by the prolapsed organs. vLUTS with OAB might indicate more advanced lower urinary tract dysfunction than vLUTS alone.