bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL)/poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers loaded by nanoparticles‐containing TGF‐β1 with linearly arranged transforming structure as a scaffold in cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Kalvand Elham , Bakhshandeh Haleh , Nadri Samad , Habibizadeh Mina , Rostamizadeh Kobra
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to present a novel three‐dimensional nanocomposite scaffold using poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL), containing transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1)‐loaded chitosan‐dextran nanoparticles and poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA), to make use of nanofibers and nanoparticles simultaneously. The electrospinning method fabricated a bead‐free semi‐aligned nanofiber composed of PLLA, PCL, and chitosan‐dextran nanoparticles containing TGF‐β1. A biomimetic scaffold was constructed with the desired mechanical properties, high hydrophilicity, and high porosity. Transmission electron microscopy findings showed a linear arrangement of nanoparticles along the core of fibers. Based on the results, burst release was not observed. The maximum release was achieved within 4 days, and sustained release was up to 21 days. The qRT‐PCR results indicated an increase in the expression of aggrecan and collagen type Ι genes compared to the tissue culture polystyrene group. The results indicated the importance of topography and the sustained release of TGF‐β1 from bifunctional scaffolds in directing the stem cell fate in cartilage tissue engineering.
Accurate method for value assignment of carcinoembryonic antigen reference materials
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Zhenzhen , Zhao Rui , Fu Wenxuan , Song Yichuan , Wang Qingtao , Yue Yuhong
Published: July 2023

Background

In this study, we explored the commutability of reference materials (RMs) for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), selected the appropriate diluent matrix of the first International Reference Preparation (IRP) 73/601 of the World Health Organization (WHO 73/601) for CEA, and improved the comparability of CEA measurement results among different assay systems.

Methods

Forty serum samples were divided into five aliquots. WHO 73/601 was diluted into nine concentrations using five diluents with different components, and the candidate RMs for CEA at five concentrations (C1–C5) were prepared by the Beijing Clinical Laboratory Center (BCCL). The samples were analyzed via five automated CEA immunoassays.

Results

Carcinoembryonic antigen candidate RMs were commutable among all immunoassays based on the CLSI approach and among 7 of 10 assay combinations based on the IFCC approach. WHO 73/601 diluted in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was commutable among all assays based on the CLSI approach and among 5 of 10 pairwise comparisons based on the IFCC approach with correction of bias at diluted concentrations, except for the lowest concentration, which had the smallest variation among systems. The median percentage biases among assays were decreased after calibration.

Conclusion

The BCCL candidate RMs (C2–C5) for CEA were commutable among all immunoassays. WHO 73/601 RMs diluted in a PBS buffer matrix were selected as common calibrators for five immunoassays, which reduced bias, thereby effectively improving the harmonization of CEA detection; therefore, they could be used to assign values to CEA candidate RMs developed by BCCL. Our findings promote the harmonization of CEA detection in immunoassays.
Monocytic and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell differentiation in acute leukemia with KMT2A rearrangement
Authors: Xue Owen , Curry Choladda V. , Fang Hong , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

Acute leukemia with KMT2A rearrangement shows a spectrum of immunophenotypic presentation, but blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell differentiation is extremely rare. Here we present a case of KMT2A rearranged acute leukemia with a hybrid immunophenotype in which a single blast population showed both blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell and monocytic differentiation. This unusual case contributes to the diversity of the immunophenotypic spectrum in KMT2A rearranged acute leukemia and also sheds light on the cell of origin of plasmacytoid dendritic cells.
外傷を契機に両側に生じた総大腿動脈内膜損傷の1例(A case of bilateral common femoral artery intima injury triggered by trauma)
Authors: 晋也 上山 , 彰太 中尾 , 大資 根本 , 賢治 日下部 , 晋吾 安達 , 哲也 松岡
Published: July 2023

症例は18歳の男性。約1mの高さから800kgのH型の鉄骨が骨盤部へ落下し受傷，当院へ搬送となった。両側の足背動脈の触知は微弱であり，左下腿は変形・腫脹していた。とくに，左足関節以遠の皮膚の色調は不良，かつ冷感を伴っていた。精査すると，安定型骨盤骨折と左脛骨骨折に加え，両側大腿動脈の血管の一部に壁不整および途絶の所見を認めた。左側優位の阻血徴候に対して，骨折の関与も疑い，両側の大腿動脈損傷に対する血行再建術と，左脛骨骨折に対する創外固定術を同時並行で行う方針とした。術中，両側の総大腿動脈（common femoral artery: CFA）の外膜に明らかな損傷はなく，内膜は両側ともに約20mm離断していた。大伏在静脈グラフトを用いた血管置換術を行い，足背動脈の触知と左足関節以遠の阻血徴候はともに改善した。術後，急性期の合併症なく経過し，後日リハビリ目的に転院となった。鈍的外傷を契機に総大腿動脈損傷の症例はしばしば報告されるが，血管の内膜のみに限局した総大腿動脈損傷の報告例は少なく，両側同時に損傷した報告例は過去にない。大腿動脈の内膜損傷における治療戦略は，一定の見解を得られていない。しかし本例のように阻血徴候を伴う場合，内膜損傷部の残存による血流不全のリスクを回避するため，自家静脈や人工血管を用いた血管修復術や血管置換術が求められる。
VA ECMOを導入した重度低温曝露性低体温症における多様な心電図変化と神経学的転帰(Various electrocardiogram changes and neurological outcome in patients with severe cold–exposure hypothermia treated with veno–arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)
Authors: 将樹 長間 , 恒 鹿野 , 祐貴 安武 , 敬介 坂東 , 晃生 遠藤 , 広一 大西 , 秀明 吉原
Published: July 2023

【目的】体温28℃以下の重度偶発性低体温症は心停止で発見されることも多く，多彩な心電図波形変化を来すとともに搬送中に心停止に移行する救助時虚脱（rescue collapse）も発生しうる。これらの心電図波形変化とVA ECMO治療による転帰について検討した。【対象】2001年2月～2017年1月にVA ECMOを導入した低温曝露性低体温症34例を対象とし，低温曝露場所，初期心電図波形，rescue collapseの発生，搬入時体温，転帰を後方視的に調査した。【結果】34例中2例はbradycardiaの循環不安定であり，23例が心停止で発見され，rescue collapseを9例に認めた。VA ECMO離脱79%，生存68%，神経学的転帰良好59%で，rescue collapseの78%が神経学的転帰良好であった。発見時心停止症例の初期心電図波形別の神経学的転帰良好率はそれぞれVF 57%，PEA 100%，心静止 25%であった。【結語】重度低温曝露性低体温症ではrescue collapseを含め，多彩な心電図波形変化を呈するが，心電図波形がPEAや心静止でもVA ECMOを用いて救命されることも多い。rescue collapseを起こしうることを念頭において搬送し，低体温であることを意識した，平温時の心電図評価とは異なる視点での治療が必要と考えられた。
Impact of bowel space contouring variability on radiation dose and volume assessments in treatment planning for gynaecologic cancers
Authors: Kraja Fatjona , Kauweloa Kevin , Ganju Rohit G. , Hoover Andrew C.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Correlations between radiation dose/volume measures and small bowel (SB) toxicity are inconsistent in the medical literature. We assessed the impact of inter‐provider variation in bowel bag contouring technique on estimates of radiation dose received by the SB during pelvic radiotherapy.

Methods

Ten radiation oncologists contoured rectum, bladder and bowel bags on treatment planning computed tomography (CT) scans of two patients receiving adjuvant radiation for endometrial cancer. A radiation plan was generated for each patient and used to determine the radiation dose/volume for each organ. Kappa statistics were applied to assess the inter‐provider contouring agreement, and Levene test evaluated the homogeneity of variance for radiation dose/volume metrics, including the V45Gy (cm3).

Results

The bowel bag showed greater variation in radiation dose/volume estimates compared to the bladder and rectum. The V45Gy ranged from 163 to 384 cm3 for data set A and 109 to 409 cm3 for dataset B. Kappa values were 0.82/0.83, 0.92/0.92 and 0.94/0.86 for the bowel bag, rectum, and bladder on data sets A/B, demonstrating lower inter‐provider agreement for bowel bag compared with bladder and rectum.

Conclusion

Inter‐provider contouring variability is more significant for the bowel bag than the rectum and bladder, with an associated greater variability in dose and volume estimates during radiation planning.
COVID‐19 vaccination and decreased death rates: A county‐level study in Pennsylvania
Authors: Ramunno Maria , Savitz Ryan
Published: July 2023

In this paper we examine the relationship between vaccination against COVID‐19 and both the death rate from COVID‐19 and the rate of COVID‐19 spread. Our goal is determine if vaccination is associated with reduced death and/or spread of disease at the local level. This analysis was conducted at the county level in the state of Pennsylvania, United States of America, with data that were collected during the first half of 2022 from the state of Pennsylvania's Covid Dashboard (COVID‐19 Data for Pennsylvania (pa.gov). This study finds the vaccines to be highly effective in preventing death from Corona virus, even at a time when there was a mismatch between the vaccines and the prevalent variants. Specifically, a 1% increase in vaccination rate was found to correspond to a 0.751% decrease in death rate (95% confidence interval [0.236%, 1.266%]). Given that, during this time period, the vaccines being used were not geared specifically toward the common variants at that time, we found no statistically significant relationship between disease spread and vaccination rate at the county level. These results support previous findings from across the world that Covid vaccination is highly efficacious in preventing death from the disease. Even during a time when vaccine design was not optimally matched with the prevailing strains, vaccination was found to reduce death rate. Hence, improving global vaccine availability is vitally important, to achieve necessary outcomes.
Bacterial and fungal superinfections are detected at higher frequency in critically ill patients affected by SARS CoV‐2 infection than negative patients and are associated to a worse outcome
Authors: De Francesco Maria Antonia , Signorini Liana , Piva Simone , Pellizzeri Simone , Fumarola Benedetta , Corbellini Silvia , Piccinelli Giorgio , Simonetti Francesca , Carta Valentina , Mangeri Lucia , Padovani Michela , Vecchiati Daniela , Latronico Nicola , Castelli Francesco , Caruso Arnaldo
Published: July 2023

Patients with viral infections are at higher risk to acquire bacterial and fungal superinfections associated with a worse prognosis. We explored this critical point in the setting of patients with severe COVID‐19 disease. The study included 1911 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) during a 2‐year study period (March 2020–March 2022). Of them, 713 (37.3%) were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and 1198 were negative (62.7%). Regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with the presence of bacterial and/or fungal superinfections in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients and to evaluate predictors of ICU mortality. Of the 713 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, 473 (66.3%) had respiratory and/or bloodstream bacterial and/or fungal superinfections, while of the 1198 COVID‐19‐negative patients, only 369 (30%) showed respiratory and/or bloodstream bacterial and/or fungal superinfections (p < 0.0001). Baseline characteristics of COVID‐19 patients included a median age of 66 (interquartile range [IQR], 58–73), a predominance of males (72.7%), and the presence of a BMI higher than 24 (median 26; IQR, 24.5–30.4). Seventy‐four percent (527, 73.9%) had one or more comorbidities and 135 (18.9%) of them had received previous antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, most of them (473, 66.3%) exhibited severe radiological pictures and needed invasive mechanical ventilation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that 1 unit increment in BMI rises the risk of bacterial and/or fungal superinfections acquisition by 3% and 1‐day increment in ICU stays rises the risk of bacterial and/or fungal superinfections acquisition by 11%. Furthermore, 1‐day increment in mechanical ventilation rises the risk of bacterial and/or fungal superinfection acquisition by 2.7 times. Furthermore, patients with both bacterial and fungal infections had a significantly higher mortality rate than patients without superinfections (45.8% vs. 26.2%, p < 0.0001). Therefore, bacterial and fungal superinfections are frequent in COVID‐19 patients admitted to ICU and their presence is associated with a worse outcome. This is an important consideration for targeted therapies in critically ill SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients to improve their clinical course.
A fully human monoclonal antibody possesses antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against the H1 subtype of influenza A virus by targeting a conserved epitope at the HA1 protomer interface
Authors: Gao Rongyuan , Wang Zhao , Uprety Tirth , Sreenivasan Chithra C. , Sheng Zizhang , Hause Ben M. , Brunick Colin , Wu Hua , Luke Thomas , Bausch Christoph L. , Sullivan Eddie J. , Hoppe Adam D. , Huber Victor C. , Wang Dan , Li Feng
Published: July 2023

The DiversitabTM system produces target specific high titer fully human polyclonal IgG immunoglobulins from transchromosomic (Tc) bovines shown to be safe and effective against multiple virulent pathogens in animal studies and Phase 1, 2 and 3 human clinical trials. We describe the functional properties of a human monoclonal antibody (mAb), 38C2, identified from this platform, which recognizes recombinant H1 hemagglutinins (HAs) and induces appreciable antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in vitro. Interestingly, 38C2 monoclonal antibody demonstrated no detectable neutralizing activity against H1N1 virus in both hemagglutination inhibition and virus neutralization assays. Nevertheless, this human monoclonal antibody induced appreciable ADCC against cells infected with multiple H1N1 strains. The HA‐binding activity of 38C2 was also demonstrated in flow cytometry using Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells infected with multiple influenza A H1N1 viruses. Through further investigation with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay involving the HA peptide array and 3‐dimensional structural modeling, we demonstrated that 38C2 appears to target a conserved epitope located at the HA1 protomer interface of H1N1 influenza viruses. A novel mode of HA‐binding and in vitro ADCC activity pave the way for further evaluation of 38C2 as a potential therapeutic agent to treat influenza virus infections in humans.
Genetic characteristics of classical astroviruses in Shenzhen, China, 2016–2019
Authors: Hu Xiaofeng , Wang Xin , He Yaqing , Hu Mingda , Jin Lianqun , Zhang Hailong , Jin Yuan , Wang Boqian , Yue Junjie , Liang Shengnan , Zhang Chuanfu , Li Kexin , Peng Zhixi , Tian Sai , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin , Ren Hongguang
Published: July 2023

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA virus and is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis. However, despite its prevalence, astroviruses still remain one of the least studied enteroviruses. In this study, we sequenced 11 classical astrovirus strains from clinical samples collected in Shenzhen, China from 2016 to 2019, analyzed their genetic characteristics, and deposited them into GenBank. We conducted phylogenetic analysis using IQ‐TREE software, with references to astrovirus sequences worldwide. The phylogeographic analysis was performed using the Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis Sampling Trees program, through Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling. We also conducted recombination analysis with the Recombination Detection Program. The newly sequenced strains were categorized as HAstV genotype 1, which is the predominant genotype in Shenzhen. Phylogeographic reconstruction indicated that HAstV‐1 may have migrated from the United States to China, followed by frequent transmission between China and Japan. The recombination analysis revealed recombination events within and across genotypes, and identified a recombination‐prone region that produced relatively uniform recombination breakpoints and fragment lengths. The genetic analysis of HAstV strains in Shenzhen addresses the current lack of astrovirus data in the region of Shenzhen and provides key insights to the evolution and transmission of astroviruses worldwide. These findings highlight the importance of improving surveillance of astroviruses.
New‐onset neurodegenerative diseases as long‐term sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon , Lee Seung Won , Soysal Pinar , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Li Yusheng , Park Jong Mi , Kim Yong Wook , Shin Jae Il , Smith Lee
Published: July 2023

The association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with increased risk for new‐onset neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aims to elucidate whether new‐onset neurodegenerative diseases are long‐term sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles published up to January 10, 2023. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to calculate the pooled effect size, expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of each outcome. Twelve studies involving 33 146 809 individuals (2 688 417 post‐COVID‐19 cases and 30 458 392 controls) were included in the present meta‐analysis. The pooled analyses compared with control groups showed a significant association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and increased risk for new‐onset Alzheimer's disease (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.22–1.85, I2 = 97%), dementia (HR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.42–1.94, I2 = 91%), and Parkinson's disease (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.06–1.95, I2 = 86%) among COVID‐19 survivors. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may be associated with a higher risk for new‐onset neurodegenerative diseases in recovered COVID‐19 patients. Future studies are warranted to determine the biological mechanisms underlying the neurodegenerative consequences of COVID‐19 as long‐term sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Accelerating pandemic response with the emergency Omicron RT‐PCR test: A comprehensive solution for COVID‐19 diagnosis and tracking
Authors: Chung Hsing‐Yi , Jian Ming‐Jr , Chang Chih‐Kai , Lin Jung‐Chung , Yeh Kuo‐Ming , Chen Chien‐Wen , Hsieh Shan‐Shan , Hung Kuo‐Sheng , Chen Chi‐Sheng , Tang Sheng‐Hui , Perng Cherng‐Lih , Chang Feng‐Yee , Wang Chih‐Hung , Hung Yi‐Jen , Shang Hung‐Sheng
Published: July 2023

The Omicron variant of concern (VOC) has surged in many countries and replaced the previously reported VOC. To identify different Omicron strains/sublineages on a rapid, convenient, and precise platform, we report a novel multiplex real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method in one tube based on the Omicron lineage sequence variants' information. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) subvariants were used in a PCR‐based assay for rapid identification of Omicron sublineage genotyping in 1000 clinical samples. Several characteristic mutations were analyzed using specific primers and probes for the spike gene, del69–70, and F486V. To distinguish Omicron sublineages (BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5), the NSP1:141–143del in the ORF1a region and D3N mutation in membrane protein occurring outside the spike protein region were analyzed. Results from the real‐time PCR assay for one‐tube accuracy were compared to those of whole genome sequencing. The developed PCR assay was used to analyze 400 SARS‐CoV‐2 positive samples. Ten samples determined as BA.4 were positive for NSP1:141–143del, del69–70, and F486V mutations; 160 BA.5 samples were positive for D3N, del69–70, and F486V mutations, and 230 BA.2 samples were without del69–70. Screening these samples allowed the identification of epidemic trends at different time intervals. Our novel one‐tube multiplex PCR assay was effective in identifying Omicron sublineages.
CEO ethical leadership as a unique source of substantive and rhetorical ethical signals for attracting job seekers: The moderating role of job seekers' moral identity
Authors: Ogunfowora Babatunde , Andiappan Meena , Stackhouse Madelynn , Varty Christianne
Published: July 2023

Research suggests that CSR is increasingly becoming an ambiguous signal of ethical information for external stakeholders. This is because a variety of firms—including those that are morally responsible and those that have been implicated in corporate scandals—routinely adopt CSR policies and invest in CSR initiatives. Not surprisingly, this trend has contributed to rising public skepticism of CSR. In the current research, we examine the unique role of CEO ethical leadership (i.e., relative to CSR) as an alternate source of substantive and rhetorical ethical signals for an important stakeholder group: job seekers. Integrating signaling theory, and the elaboration likelihood model, we argue that CEO ethical leadership substantively signals how fairly an organization treats its employees and its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. We further propose that ethical CEOs serve as a source of rhetorical signal that triggers moral elevation in job seekers. Using a policy capturing methodology in Study 1, we find that real job seekers place significantly greater weight on CEO ethical leadership in making job pursuit decisions compared to CSR. CEO ethical leadership also uniquely predicts job pursuit intentions relative to traditional factors such as salary, person‐job fit, and person‐organization fit. In a second, quasi‐experimental field study (Study 2), we find support for the three hypothesized signaling mechanisms through which CEO ethical leadership influences job seekers. In a third, quasi‐experimental field study (Study 3), we find that job seekers with strong (versus weak) moral identities are more likely to weigh the nuanced ethical information signaled by CEO ethical leadership compared to CSR. We discuss the implications of proactively advertising CEO ethical leadership during the recruitment process.
Improved methods to construct prediction intervals for network meta‐analysis
Authors: Noma Hisashi , Hamura Yasuyuki , Sugasawa Shonosuke , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: July 2023

Network meta‐analysis has played an important role in evidence‐based medicine for assessing the comparative effectiveness of multiple available treatments. The prediction interval has been one of the standard outputs in recent network meta‐analysis as an effective measure that enables simultaneous assessment of uncertainties in treatment effects and heterogeneity among studies. To construct the prediction interval, a large‐sample approximating method based on the t‐distribution has generally been applied in practice; however, recent studies have shown that similar t‐approximation methods for conventional pairwise meta‐analyses can substantially underestimate the uncertainty under realistic situations. In this article, we performed simulation studies to assess the validity of the current standard method for network meta‐analysis, and we show that its validity can also be violated under realistic situations. To address the invalidity issue, we developed two new methods to construct more accurate prediction intervals through bootstrap and Kenward–Roger‐type adjustment. In simulation experiments, the two proposed methods exhibited better coverage performance and generally provided wider prediction intervals than the ordinary t‐approximation. We also developed an R package, PINMA (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/PINMA/), to perform the proposed methods using simple commands. We illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods through applications to two real network meta‐analyses.
Clinical outcomes and cost of open, laparoscopic, and percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Vega Eduardo A. , Agudile Emeka , Salirrosas Oscar , Chirban Ariana M. , Brauner Eran , Crocker Andrew , Freeman Richard , Sorescu George P. , Odisio Bruno C. , Conrad Claudius
Published: July 2023

Background

Open (OA), laparoscopic (LA), and percutaneous (PA) ablation are all ablation approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) utilized in the United States today. However, it remains unclear today which approach is (A) most effective, (B) cost‐efficient, and (C) nationally practiced.

Methods

In‐hospital mortality and cost were collected from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for patients undergoing liver ablation from 2011 to 2018. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, disposition, and perioperative composite complications. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust for differences in patient and hospital baseline characteristics.

Results

One thousand and one hundred and twenty‐five LA, 1221 OA, and 1068 PA liver ablations were analyzed. After IPTW, in‐hospital mortality risk was significantly lower in PA versus OA cohorts (0.57% vs. 2.90%, p < 0.001) and reduced among PA patients, yet not significantly different from the LA cohort (0.57% vs. 1.64%, p = 0.056). The median length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the PA and LA group compared to OA (2 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). The median hospitalization costs were significantly lower for PA ($44,884 vs. $90,187, p < 0.001) and LA ($61,445 vs. $90,187, p < 0.001) compared to OA. Moreover, we found significant regional differences regarding the use of each ablation approach, with the Midwest having the lowest rates of PA and LA.

Conclusions

Among patients hospitalized after ablation for HCC, PA leads to the lowest hospital cost. Both PA and LA result in lower peri‐operative morbidity and mortality relative to OA. Despite these reported advantages, there are significant regional differences with respect to ablation availability suggesting the need to promote the standardization of best practices.
Alu Retrotransposition Event in SPAST Gene as a Novel Cause of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: Chen Yi‐Jun , Wang Meng‐Wen , Qiu Yu‐Sen , Yuan Ru‐Ying , Wang Ning , Lin Xiang , Chen Wan‐Jin
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To diagnose the molecular cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) observed in a four‐generation family with autosomal dominant inheritance.

Methods

Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), whole‐exome sequencing (WES), and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) of peripheral blood leukocytes were performed. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Sanger sequencing were used to characterize target regions of SPAST.

Results

A 121‐bp AluYb9 insertion with a 30‐bp poly‐A tail flanked by 15‐bp direct repeats on both sides was identified in the edge of intron 16 in SPAST that segregated with the disease phenotype.

Conclusions

We identified an intronic AluYb9 insertion inducing splicing alteration in SPAST causing pure HSP phenotype that was not detected by routine WES analysis. Our findings suggest RNA‐seq is a recommended implementation for undiagnosed cases by first‐line diagnostic approaches. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Nursing student learning of evidence‐based nursing through case‐based learning and flipped learning: A mixed study
Authors: Yao Jiannan , Yuan Hua , Zhu Mingyue , Wang Jia , Wang Qiuchen , Chen Zhiming , Chen Yahong , Zhang Xiuying
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate a teaching experience in evidence‐based nursing learning through case‐based learning (CBL) and flipped learning (FL).

Design

Embedded mixed methods study.

Methods

In the first phase, a questionnaire on utility, satisfaction and perceived competency development is used to collect quantitative data, and the open question instrument is used to collect qualitative data. After the first phase, an in‐depth semi‐structured interview is used.

Results

Five themes are identified: the enhancement of learning content, knowledge integration and transfer, the development of teamwork competency, the didactic support of FL and the difficulties and challenges faced by students. Regarding utility, ‘combine theory and practice’ and ‘select the best evidence from what is found in the search’ have the highest values. The most developed skills are communication and critical thinking ability. Finally, most participants are satisfied.

Conclusions

The combination of CBL and FL is an innovative strategy for learning evidence‐based nursing courses.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Applying a co‐design approach with key stakeholders to design interventions to reduce illegal wildlife consumption
Authors: Hu Sifan , Liang Zhijian , Zhou Kaiwen , Veríssimo Diogo , Lee Tien Ming , Ruan Xiangdong , Hinsley Amy
Published: July 2023

Co‐design, an approach that seeks to incorporate the experiences and perspectives of different stakeholders, is increasingly being used to develop audience‐oriented behaviour change interventions.

The complexity of wildlife consumption behaviour makes the co‐design approach an important potential tool for the design of conservation interventions that aim to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Yet, little is known about how to adapt and apply the co‐design approach to the wildlife trade sector.

Here, we applied a co‐design approach to develop interventions aimed at reducing illegal animal‐based medicine consumption in China. We conducted three workshops with key stakeholders: consumers of animal‐based medicines, pharmacy workers who sell them and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors who prescribe them. We then developed a theory of change to ensure the relevance of the co‐designed intervention prototypes.

Our co‐design process identified five main pathways of interventions, including two inclusive solutions that may have been previously overlooked in behaviour change work in this context. These were an intervention to promote the appropriate use of TCM and one to increase consumers' capacity to identify the legality of products. Our prototype interventions also enhanced existing views related to the role of medical practitioners in health‐risk communication.

We used our co‐design process and reflections on its application to this specific market to provide guidelines for future conservation program planning in the broader wildlife trade context. Some intervention prototypes produced during co‐design may need wider stakeholder involvement to increase their feasibility for implementation.

We show that the co‐design process can integrate multiple stakeholders' perspectives in the ideation stage, and has the potential to produce inclusive intervention designs that could drive innovation in conservation efforts to reduce illegal consumption of a range of wild species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Protect aramid materials from UV‐induced damage by ANF and ANF/light stabilizer composites
Authors: Nie Jingyi , Liao Jianfei , Wang Danni , Zhang Meiyun , Lu Zhaoqing , Yang Bin
Published: July 2023

Aramid materials have been applied in many important civil and military fields. But a major drawback to aramid materials is the susceptibility to UV‐induced damage. In this work, aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and ANF/nano‐ZnO composites were used to protect aramid materials from UV‐induced damage. ANF protective layer was created on the surface of aramid fibers, and the ANF‐coated aramid fibers could be further prepared to aramid paper. Moreover, ANF/nano‐ZnO composites were synthesized and used for stronger UV‐blocking ability. ANFs provided effective protection to aramid material. The properties after UV exposure (about 9.3 years in the natural environment) were largely improved: ANFs improved the retention rate of strength by 17.96% for aramid fibers and by 16.93% for aramid paper. ANFs also showed synergistic effect with UV‐absorbing inorganic nanoparticles. After UV exposure, the tensile strength of aramid paper with ANF/nano‐ZnO composites was even higher than the initial value (121.55%), and the retention rate of strength was 2.43 times higher than the original aramid paper.
Fabrication of pH‐sensitive double cross‐linked sodium alginate/chitosan hydrogels for controlled release of amoxicillin
Authors: Feyisa Zerihun , Gupta Neeraj Kumar , Edossa Gemechu Deressa , Sundaramurthy Anandhakumar , Kapoor Ashish , Inki Leta Guta
Published: July 2023

This research aims to fabricate a potent pH‐sensitive double network sodium alginate/chitosan hydrogel cross‐linked by calcium chloride (CaCl2) and glutaraldehyde for the controlled release of amoxicillin (AMX) to mitigate gastrointestinal tract bacterial infection. The effect of polymer ratios and CaCl2 concentration is investigated by the developing porosity, gel fraction, and swelling ratios in simulated physiological fluids of different pH and in vitro biodegradation at pH 7.4. Interaction between the polymers with the formation of cross‐linked structures, amorphous phase nature, good thermal stability, and transition from porous, fibrous structures to highly densified structures of the hydrogels is revealed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Based on structure–property relationships, a sodium alginate/chitosan hydrogel (weight ratio 75:25) cross‐linked with 2% CaCl2 and soaked in 2% (25 wt/v% solutions) glutaraldehyde is chosen for the incorporation of 200 mg of the drug. The percent cumulative AMX release in physiological fluids and the drug release kinetics using different models reveal that the most appropriate Korsmeyer–Peppas model suggests AMX release from the matrix follows diffusion coupled with swelling‐regulated time‐dependent non‐Fickian transport process related to hydrogel erosion. Excellent antibacterial against Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli is exhibited by this composition.
Design of TDI modified oil‐in‐water emulsion and its application in explosive ink
Authors: Han Kai , Xie Zhanxiong , Deng Lingyu , Li Shijiao , Li Chenyang , Liu Yi , An Chongwei , Wang Jingyu
Published: July 2023

In order to solve the short stabilization time of the water‐in‐oil emulsion binder system and the shortcomings of the critical blast size of the explosive ink molding sample, a water‐in‐oil emulsion binder was designed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solution as the aqueous phase, fluorocarbon resin (FEVE) ethyl acetate solution as the oil phase, and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) added to modify the water‐in‐oil emulsion binder. The hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane(CL‐20)based explosive ink was made by incorporating submicron CL‐20 into the binder system, and the print‐formed samples were tested for microscopic morphology, crystallographic analysis, mechanical susceptibility, and detonation transmission performance. The results showed that the explosive ink‘s viscosity was moderate and suitable for direct printing, and the formed sample‘s surface particles were uniformly dispersed and had a honeycomb structure. The crystal form of CL‐20 explosive in the explosive ink did not change, the molded sample‘s impact and frictional sensitivities were 1 J and 32 N lower than those of submicron CL‐20, respectively, and the detonation velocity of the molded sample was 6655 m/s. The critical detonation size and critical detonation thickness were 1×0.0078 mm and 0.1 mm, respectively, and a critical detonation corner turning of 90°–160° could be achieved. The results show that the prepared binder system is stable for a long time, and the explosive ink molding samples have excellent blast transmission performance.
Multicomponent and mat Pilates training increased gait speed in individuals with Parkinson's disease when walking and carrying a load: A single‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Faria Júlia , Sousa Lucas Resende , Dorásio Ana Cláudia Pamplona , Pereira Miriam Pimenta , Moraes Renato , Crozara Luciano Fernandes , Hallal Camilla Zamfolini
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Gait disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease (IwPD) are among the most disabling symptoms. Physical exercise has been proposed for the treatment of IwPD because it shows positive effects on gait variables. Given the importance of physical activity in the rehabilitation process of IwPD, the assessment of interventions to identify those most promising for improving or maintaining gait performance is of great relevance. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of Mat Pilates Training (MPT) and Multicomponent Training (MCT) on the spatiotemporal variables of gait in situations of daily dual‐task performance in IwPD. Gait analysis in a daily dual‐task context allows the simulation of real‐life conditions where individuals have a higher risk of falling than in single‐task walking.

Methods

We conducted a single‐blinded randomized controlled trial with 34 mild‐to‐moderate IwPD (Hoehn‐Yahr stage 1–2). They were randomized to one of two interventions: MPT or MCT. All participants performed the training for 60 min, three times per week, for 20 weeks. Spatiotemporal gait variables were evaluated in a daily life situation to increase the ecological validity of the measurements, which included gait speed, stride time, double support time, swing time, and cadence. The individuals walked on a platform holding two bags with a load corresponding to 10% of their body mass.

Results

After the intervention, there was a significant improvement in gait speed in both groups: MPT (p = 0.047) and MCT (p = 0.015). The MPT group reduced the cadence (p = 0.005) and the MCT group increased the stride length (p = 0.026) after the intervention.

Discussion

Both groups had positive effects on gait speed with load transport resulting from the two proposed interventions. However, the MPT group showed a spatiotemporal adjustment of speed and cadence that can increase gait stability, which was not found in the MCT group.
Assessment of the socio‐economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya
Authors: Constantine Kate L. , Makale Fernadis , Mugambi Idah , Chacha Duncan , Rware Harrison , Muvea Alexander , Kipngetich Vincent K. , Tambo Justice , Ogunmodede Adewale , Djeddour Djami , Pratt Corin F. , Rwomushana Ivan , Williams Frances
Published: July 2023

Background

In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small‐scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80–88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production.

Results

Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (~14%) and net rice income (~60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision‐making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area‐wide apple snail management.

Conclusion

Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi‐Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Improved Characteristics of Fluorene‐Type Polymer Light‐Emitting Devices Based on Multilayer Formation from Polymers and Solution‐Processable Wide‐Bandgap Inorganic Copper(I) Thiocyanate with p‐Type Conduction and High Refractive Index
Authors: Kajii Hirotake , Takayama Yuto , Yamada Shinsei , Huang Maowei , Kondow Masahiko
Published: July 2023

The functional solution‐processable multilayer formation is a significant factor in the improved characteristics of polymer light‐emitting devices. The improved characteristics of direct current and alternating current (AC)‐driven fluorene‐type polymer light‐emitting devices based on multilayer structures utilizing polymers and solution‐processable inorganic wide‐bandgap semiconductor, copper(I) thiocyanate, CuSCN, which exhibits p‐type conduction and high refractive index, are investigated. For the polymer light‐emitting diodes based on poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐benzothiadiazole), F8BT with CuSCN, the plateau of current efficiency indicates the carrier injection and transport to be balanced at lower current density and the balance to be maintained through the wide current range. CuSCN acts as the hole transport and electron‐blocking layer, although CuSCN acts as a fluorescence quencher for F8BT. The introduction of inorganic/organic hybrid dielectric mirrors, which consists of the alternating layers of inorganic CuSCN and insulating poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene), P(VDF‐TrFE), into the AC voltage‐driven polymer electroluminescent device (ACEL) structure, is an effective way to achieve both the spectral narrowing and color tunability. Using high‐refractive‐index CuSCN, the color‐tunable emission for ACEL with distributed Bragg reflector mirrors and the electroluminescent (EL) emission from a weak microcavity effect are achieved.
Extension of Spin Dephasing Time of Continuously Excited Ensemble Nitrogen Vacancy Centers by Double‐Quantum Ramsey Magnetometry with Spin Bath Driving
Authors: Fujisaki Ikuya , Araki Yuta , Hatano Yuji , Sekiguchi Takeharu , Kato Hiromitsu , Onoda Shinobu , Ohshima Takeshi , Shibata Takayuki , Iwasaki Takayuki , Hatano Mutsuko
Published: July 2023

Quantum magnetic sensors based on nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are expected to be used for various biological and medical applications. Continuously excited (CE) Ramsey magnetometry is one of the most sensitive measurement protocols and has the potential to improve the sensitivity of sensors using additional quantum manipulations to extend the spin dephasing time. In a typical ensemble NV measurement, the spin dephasing time is limited by inhomogeneous coupling. To overcome this limitation, a magnetometry that extends the CE Ramsey protocol with a double‐quantum (DQ) Ramsey sequence and spin bath driving is developed. It is demonstrated that the electric noise due to the spatial inhomogeneity of the crystal strain is cancelled out by the DQ Ramsey, and the magnetic noise due to the P1 centers was suppressed by spin bath driving. Compared to the conventional CE Ramsey, the CE‐DQ Ramsey with spin bath driving effectively doubles the gyromagnetic ratio and yields a twofold extension of , corresponding to a fourfold enhancement of the photon‐shot‐noise limited sensitivity.
Ameliorative effect ofLuffa cylindricafruits onCaenorhabditis elegansand cellular models of Alzheimer's disease‐related pathology via autophagy induction
Authors: Long Tao , Chen Xue , Qin Da‐Lian , Zhu Yun‐Fei , Zhou Yu‐Jia , He Yan‐Ni , Fu Hai‐Jun , Tang Yong , Yu Lu , Huang Fei‐Hong , Wang Long , Yu Chong‐Lin , Law Betty Yuen‐Kwan , Wu Jian‐Ming , Wu An‐Guo , Zhou Xiao‐Gang
Published: July 2023

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder without an effective cure. Natural products, while showing promise as potential therapeutics for AD, remain underexplored.

Aims

This study was conducted with the goal of identifying potential anti‐AD candidates from natural sources usingCaenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans) AD‐like models and exploring their mechanisms of action.

Materials & Methods

Our laboratory's in‐house herbal extract library was utilized to screen for potential anti‐AD candidates using theC. elegansAD‐like model CL4176. The neuroprotective effects of the candidates were evaluated in multipleC. elegansAD‐like models, specifically targeting Aβ‐ and Tau‐induced pathology. In vitro validation was conducted using PC‐12 cells. To investigate the role of autophagy in mediating the anti‐AD effects of the candidates, RNAi bacteria and autophagy inhibitors were employed.

Results

The ethanol extract of air‐dried fruits ofLuffa cylindrica(LCE), a medicine‐food homology species, was found to inhibit Aβ‐ and Tau‐induced pathology (paralysis, ROS production, neurotoxicity, and Aβ and pTau deposition) inC. elegansAD‐like models. LCE was non‐toxic and enhanced C. elegans' health. It was shown that LCE activates autophagy and its anti‐AD efficacy is weakened with the RNAi knockdown of autophagy‐related genes. Additionally, LCE induced mTOR‐mediated autophagy, reduced the expression of AD‐associated proteins, and decreased cell death in PC‐12 cells, which was reversed by autophagy inhibitors (bafilomycin A1 and 3‐methyladenine).

Discussion

LCE, identified from our natural product library, emerged as a valuable autophagy enhancer that effectively protects against neurodegeneration in multiple AD‐like models. RNAi knockdown of autophagy‐related genes and cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors weakened its anti‐AD efficacy, implying a critical role of autophagy in mediating the neuroprotective effects of LCE.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the potential of LCE as a functional food or drug for targeting AD pathology and promoting human health.
Seed biopriming at different concentrations to assess the effects of Cyanobacteria on germination and seedling performance of keystone arid species
Authors: Machado‐de‐Lima Nathali M. , Charlesworth James , Stewart Jana , Ooi Mark K. J. , Muñoz‐Rojas Miriam
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Biocrust cyanobacteria have a large potential as biofertilizers for restoring degraded ecosystems because of their ability to improve soil nutrition and stabilisation, and to produce metabolites such as phytohormones to enhance plant growth. However, important aspects regarding the effects of cyanobacteria on native plants, such as metabolite production or concentration of inoculants, remain unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of cyanobacteria, on the germination and seedling growth of keystone plant species used in dryland restoration. We hypothesised that the studied inoculant would improve germination and seedling growth rates, with specific effects associated with the inoculant's concentration and metabolomic profiles.

Methods

We bioprimed seeds of four native plant species, using a cyanobacterial inoculant with different proportions of Nostoc and Leptolyngbya at two different concentrations. We recorded germination, measured seedling growth, and determined the corrected vigour for each treatment and species. Metabolites produced by the cyanobacterial inoculant were assessed to identify plant growth hormones potentially driving any effects.

Results

There was a clear positive effect on the total germination of Triodia epactia and Triodia wiseana, but negative impacts for Senna notabilis and Grevillea wickhamii. There were also positive effects on root growth, but only for T. epactia, with negative or neutral impacts on the root and shoot growth of other species tested. We detected phytohormones, salicylic acid and indole‐3‐acetic acid, that were produced by our cyanobacteria inoculant, which are strongly linked to positive effects in early plant growth stages, but also known to inhibit growth when in higher concentrations.

Conclusion

The positive effects of the biopriming protocol used are not uniform and highlight the need to improve our understanding of the effects provided both from different consortia and the concentrations applied when inoculating. There is a very high value in improving restoration outcomes for native vegetation communities in arid and semi‐arid regions.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Assays of Novel N,N1‐Disubstituted 2,2′‐Dithiodianiline Derivatives
Authors: Skrickus Karolis , Šiugždaitė Jūratė , Lelešius Raimundas , Anusevičius Kazimieras , Grybaitė Birutė , Vaickelionienė Rita , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: July 2023

A series of novel 1,2‐bissubstituted disulfanes bearing beta‐amino acid, dihydropyrimidine‐2,4‐(1H,3H)‐dione, hydrazide, hydrazone and azole moieties were synthesized. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining minimum inhibition (by broth microdilution) and minimum bactericidal (by growth on agar) concentrations. The assessment revealed that MIC values for L. monocytogenes varied between 3.9 and 62.5 μg/mL as well as for S. aureus ranged between 7.8 and 250 μg/mL, with the exception of one compound with much weaker MIC of 500 μg/mL. The MBC values for L. monocytogenes have been found to be of 7.8–250 μg/mL, while S. aureus demonstrated the higher resistance and MBCs varied in the range of 7.8–500 μg/mL. The determined MBC/MIC ratios showed that eleven compounds were classified bactericidal agents for all tested bacteria.