bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of prone trunk‐extension on lumbar and lower limb muscle stiffness
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Chen Mengtong , He Yanan , Guo Zhenzhen , Li Yuanchao , Yu Suiqing , Liang Hongying , Yin Junxiao , Sun Pengtao , Zhang Zhijie , Liu Chunlong
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effect of the prone trunk extension test (PTE) on lumbar and lower limb muscle stiffness to explore the optimal angle for lumbar muscle training, understand the peripheral muscle force transmission effect, and determine the modulation strategy and interaction mode of different muscles during PTE. Twenty healthy young females were recruited for this study, and the stiffness of the erector spinae (ES), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), medial head of the gastrocnemius (MG), and lateral head of the gastrocnemius (LG) was measured by MyotonPRO under four angular PTE conditions (0° horizontal position, 10°, 20°, and 30°). With the increasing angle, the stiffness of ES decreased gradually, while ST and BF increased first and then decreased. The stiffness of MG and LG increased first, then decreased, then increased. There was a moderate to strong negative correlation between ES stiffness variation and ST (r = −0.819 to −0.728, p < 0.001), BF (r = −0.620 to −0.527, p < 0.05), MG (r = −788 to −0.611, p < 0.01), and LG (r = −0.616 to −0.450, p < 0.05). Horizontal PTE maximizes the activation of ES. There is a tension transfer between the ES, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius, mainly between the ES, ST, and LG. The study provides data to explore the effect of peripheral muscle force transmission and the modulation strategies of different muscles during trunk extension.
Upregulation by duloxetine of the transforming growth factor‐α‐induced migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via enhancement of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activity
Authors: Matsushima‐Nishiwaki Rie , Kamoi Shota , Kozawa Osamu
Published: July 2023

Duloxetine, a selective reuptake inhibitor for serotonin and norepinephrine, is a medication widely used for major depression. Currently, duloxetine is also recommended for pain related to chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy or cancer. Previously, we showed that transforming growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) induces the migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐derived HuH7 cells through the activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT. In the present study, we investigate whether duloxetine affects cell migration and its mechanism. Duloxetine significantly enhanced the TGF‐α‐induced migration of HuH7 cells. Fluvoxamine and sertraline, specific inhibitors of serotonin reuptake, also upregulated the TGF‐α‐induced cell migration. On the contrary, reboxetine, a specific norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, failed to affect cell migration. Duloxetine significantly amplified the TGF‐α‐stimulated phosphorylation of JNK, but not p38 MAPK and AKT. In addition, fluvoxamine and sertraline, but not reboxetine, enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK. SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, suppressed the enhancement by duloxetine, fluvoxamine, or sertraline of TGF‐α‐induced migration of HuH7 cells. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that duloxetine strengthens the TGF‐α‐induced activation of JNK via inhibition of serotonin reuptake in HCC cells, leading to the enhancement of cell migration.
Formation of a Hexaphosphido Cobalt Complex through P−P Condensation
Authors: Hoidn Christian M. , Trabitsch Karolina , Schwedtmann Kai , Taube Clemens , Weigand Jan J. , Wolf Robert
Published: July 2023

The reaction between diphosphorus derivatives [(ClImDipp)P2(Dipp)]OTf (1[OTf]) and [(ClImDipp)P2(Dipp)Cl] (1[Cl]) with the cyclotetraphosphido cobalt complex [K(18c‐6)][(PHDI)Co(η4‐cyclo‐P4)] (2) leads to the formation of complex [(PHDI)Co{η4‐cyclo‐P6(Dipp)(ClImDipp)}] (3), which features an unusual hexaphosphido ligand [ClImDipp=4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐yl, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl, 18c‐6=18‐crown‐6, PHDI=bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)phenanthrene‐9,10‐diimine]. Complex 3 was obtained as a crystalline material with a moderate yield at low temperature. Upon exposure to ambient temperature, compound 3 slowly transforms into two other compounds, [K(18c‐6)][(PHDI)Co(η4‐P7Dipp)] (4) and [(PHDI)Co{cyclo‐P5(ClImDipp)}] (5). The novel complexes 3–5 were characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. To shed light on the formation of these compounds, a proposed mechanism based on 31P NMR monitoring studies is presented.
Drogen und andere Genussgifte
Authors: Strey Karsten
Published: July 2023

Die Neurotransmitter Dopamin und Serotonin spielen eine zentrale Rolle für das Glücksempfinden. Im Laufe der Menschheitsgeschichte gelang es immer wieder, neue chemische Stoffe des Glücks in immer höheren Konzentrationen und Mengen herzustellen. Alle sogenannten Glücksstoffe haben, vor allem bei langfristigem Einsatz Nachteile und bringen nur trügerisches Glück. Dabei fordern die akut giftigeren Stoffe keineswegs die meisten Opfer. Mit natürlichen Glückshormonen wird versucht, die künstlich zugesetzten Glücksdrogen und Genussmittel zu meiden oder den Konsum zu reduzieren und durch körpereigene Stoffe zu ersetzen.
Impact of dementia and drug compliance on patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lee Wonjae , Kang Si‐Hyuck , Kim Sun‐Hwa , Lee Seung‐Yeon , Myung Woojae , Jheon Ki‐Hyun , Yoon Chang‐Hwan , Suh Jung‐Won , Youn Tae‐Jin , Chae In‐Ho
Published: July 2023

Background

In South Korea, the number of people with dementia is rising at a worrisome rate, and many of them also have acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a disease with a high mortality rate.

Hypothesis

We speculated that dementia and drug compliance have significant impact on the mortality of patients with AMI.

Methods

The study derived data from the National Health Insurance Service‐Senior for a retrospective cohort study. The total number of patients diagnosed with AMI for the first time between 2007 and 2013 was 16 835, among whom 2021 had dementia. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was used to assess medication adherence.

Results

AMI patients with dementia had unfavorable baseline characteristics; they had significantly higher risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.34−2.66; p < .001) and lower MPR (aspirin: 21.9% vs. 42.8%; p < .001). AMI patients were stratified by presence of dementia and medication adherence, and the survival rate was the highest among those with no dementia and good adherence, followed by those with no dementia and poor adherence, those with dementia and good adherence, and those with dementia and poor adherence. The multivariable analysis revealed that dementia (HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.53−1.75; p < .001) and poor adherence to medication (HR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.49−1.71; p < .001) had a significant association with all‐cause mortality in AMI patients.

Conclusions

AMI patients with dementia have a higher mortality rate. Their prognosis is negatively affected by their poorer medication adherence than patients without dementia.
The emergence of the environmental color design praxis framework
Authors: McLellan Galyna , Franz Jill , Guaralda Mirko
Published: July 2023

Over the last four decades, development in the environmental color design field challenged the prevailing designer's attitude towards selecting architectural and urban color palettes. Examining praxiological issues in environmental color design is necessary to reveal influential conditions that can facilitate or obstruct a shift in the design paradigm. This research article presents a qualitative study of environmental color design praxis (ECDP) in urban contexts. The study sought to understand how designers constructed their perspectives on contemporary ECDP, how these perspectives influenced their design approaches and the conditions under which designers can change their attitude and practices in environmental color design. The conceptual model of ECDP emerged from the grounded theory analysis of the interviews with Brisbane designers and the interpretation of relevant texts written by prominent designers and scholars. This article describes the core components of the ECDP model and provides interpretations of how educational, pragmatic and socio‐psychological factors influence dynamic changes in ECDP. The underlying research concludes that a holistic understanding of ECDP can inform the advanced and socially responsive environmental color design paradigm; the ECDP model provides a frame of reference for developing color design praxis theory.
Correlation between Interfacial Structures and Device Performance: The Double‐Edged Sword Effect of Lead Iodide in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tian Bingchu , Shang Yanbo , Tu Yi , Hu Jun , Han Dong , Xu Qian , Yang Shangfeng , Ye Yifan , Ding Honghe , Li Yu , Zhu Junfa
Published: July 2023

The interfacial electronic structure of perovskite layers and transport layers is critical for the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The device performance of PSCs can generally be improved by adding a slight excess of lead iodide (PbI2) to the precursor solution. However, its underlying working mechanism is controversial. Here, we performed a comprehensive study of the electronic structures at the interface between CH3NH3PbI3 and C60 with and without the modification of PbI2 using in situ photoemission spectroscopy measurements. The correlation between the interfacial structures and the device performance was explored based on performance and stability tests. We found that there is an interfacial dipole reversal, and the downward band bending is larger at the CH3NH3PbI3/C60 interface with the modification of PbI2 as compared to that without PbI2. Therefore, PSCs with PbI2 modification exhibit faster charge carrier transport and slower carrier recombination. Nevertheless, the modification of PbI2 undermines the device stability due to aggravated iodide migration. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of the CH3NH3PbI3/C60 interfacial structure from the perspective of the atomic layer and insight into the double‐edged sword effect of PbI2 as an additive.
T‐cell subsets in allergy and tolerance induction
Authors: Suhrkamp Ina , Scheffold Alexander , Heine Guido
Published: July 2023

Antigen‐specific T lymphocytes are the central regulators of tolerance versus immune pathology against otherwise innocuous antigens and key targets of antigen‐specific immune therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of T cells in tolerance and allergy resulted from improved technologies to directly characterize allergen‐specific T cells by multiparameter flow cytometry or single‐cell sequencing. This unravelled phenotypically and functionally distinct populations, such as Type 2a T helper cells (Th2a), follicular Th cells (Tfh), regulatory T cells (Treg), Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1), and follicular T regulatory cells. Here we will discuss the role of the different Th‐cell subsets in the healthy state, during sensitization and development of allergy, and in tolerance induction by allergen immunotherapy (AIT). To date, the mechanisms of AIT as the only causal treatment of allergy are not completely understood. The analyses of allergen‐specific T cells directly ex vivo during AIT support the concept of specific‐Th2(a) cell deletion rather than an expansion of allergen‐specific Tr1 or Treg cells as underlying mechanism.
Surgical margin status and role of adjuvant therapy in human papillomavirus‐positive oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Park Young Min , Lim Jae‐Yol , Koh Yoon Woo , Choi Eun Chang , Kim Se‐Heon
Published: July 2023

Background

We analyzed the difference in treatment results according to safety margin range and studied the role of adjuvant therapy in patients with human papillomavirus‐positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Materials and methods

A total of 279 patients with HPV+ OPSCC were included in this study.

Results

Surgical margin and T classification were significant prognostic factors related to death. The difference in locoregional recurrence was analyzed by dividing the safety margin into groups of <1, 1–5, and >5 mm. There was no significant difference in local‐regional recurrence for T1–T2 lesions between the three groups. Adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce disease recurrence in HPV+ OPSCC patients with risk factors.

Conclusions

In T1–T2 lesions without other risk factors, even with a safety margin ≥1 mm, adjuvant therapy can potentially be omitted. Adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce disease recurrence in HPV+ OPSCC patients with risk factors.
‘Nih Waangkiny Kaadatjiny’: ‘Listening, learning and knowing’: Stakeholders' perspectives about barriers and enablers to delivering a successful physical activity program for older Aboriginal people
Authors: Gidgup Margaret J. R. , Kickett Marion , Francis‐Coad Jacqueline , Hill Keith , Umbella Josephine , Coombes Julieann , Ivers Rebecca , Bowser Nicole , Palacios Vilma , Hill Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2023

There is limited evidence about how physical activity (PA) programs should be provided for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Recently two groups of Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodja (Country) in Western Australia participated in the Ironbark PA program.

Issue Addressed

The objective of this study was to explore the views of key stakeholders about the barriers and enablers to delivering a successful PA program and provide feedback for future program delivery.

Methods

The research took a ‘Nih (listening), Waangkiny (learning), Kaadatjiny (knowing)’ approach. The lead researcher, a Noongar Wadjuk woman, conducted semi‐structured interviews (n = 17) with key stakeholders: Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal workers who assisted to deliver the program, and family and local members of the communities. Data were also collected through weekly program notes and researcher diary entries. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

The overarching theme highlighted that stakeholders felt a sense of building a PA program that was culturally appropriate. They reflected that the program attracted older Aboriginal people because it was designed to make them feel welcomed with a sense of belonging. Five major themes were identified: Relationships, Belonging, Program structure, Benefits of the program and Future planning. Positive changes observed in Elders' health and well‐being were a source of inspiration for team workers.

Conclusions

Key enablers to delivering a PA program for older Aboriginal people are building a culturally strong program that creates a sense of belonging for the participants.

So What?

Practitioners who are planning PA programs for older Aboriginal people should prioritise the development of cultural safety and security.
Sustainable finance research: Review and agenda
Authors: Singhania Monica , Chadha Gurmani , Prasad Renuka
Published: July 2023

Amidst increased climatic disasters, persisting social evils, and governance concerns, sustainable finance and its new and innovative financial instruments have gained prominence across stakeholders globally. Green, social sustainability, sustainability‐linked, and transition (collectively GSS+) debt have a market worth USD 3.9 trillion since 2007 (Climate Bonds Initiative, 2018). We provide a comprehensive review of the evolution and future research directions of the sustainable finance research field by analysing overall publication trends, subject categories, co‐authorship networks, keywords, countries and institutions, journal co‐citation, and cluster analysis. Findings include the emergent need for greater collaboration among authors globally. Future research directions include research questions for themes such as carbon emission trading, financial inclusion, reporting of proceeds related to sustainable finance to prevent greenwashing, the impact of climate change and climate finance on sustainable finance, mobilisation of sustainable finance through green bonds, and technological interactions between sustainable finance and blockchain and artificial intelligence. The study also provides implications for the stakeholders.
The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence's New Award for the Societal Benefits of Artificial Intelligence — An Interview with Richard Tong
Authors: Goel Ashok
Published: July 2023

In this interview, conducted in early 2020 by Ashok Goel, Richard Tong, the chief architect and general manager of Squirrel AI Learning's US operations, discusses adaptive learning, challenges facing AI in education, and the Squirrel AI Award for Artificial Intelligence to Benefit Humanity.
Reimagining the English Language Arts canon: A case for inclusive and empowering instruction
Authors: Hunt Tracy E.
Published: July 2023

This paper explores the possible negative implications of teacher selected whole‐class reads rooted within the traditional canon of English Language Arts instruction and possible solutions for re‐engaging the disengaged adolescent reader through choice reading and the implementation of more culturally relevant texts. Historically, English Language Arts educators assign required readings to the entire class without taking into account the lens through which students view the texts. This paper identifies how texts deemed historically valuable and enabling by the educator can actually be disabling and disengaging to the learner. Additionally, this paper offers insights regarding the positive shifts that can stem from reimagining the traditional canon utilizing a whole‐class read scenario into a more democratic and culturally responsive English Language Arts canon. Assigned whole‐class reads are defined as selections of text chosen by the teacher with the understanding that every student is required to engage in the text. These are not chosen by students and they are not part of independent reading. The goal of this paper is to first, inform educators concerning the disabling effects of choosing whole‐class texts inside the traditional canon without viewing the texts through the varied interests, abilities, socio‐economic backgrounds, integration of students' cultural knowledge and experiences, and maturity levels of the students served. Furthermore, this paper will provide a basis for increasing educator knowledge regarding the traditional canon, disabling and enabling texts, and culturally responsive ELA practices along with particular scaffolds in hopes of re‐engaging the disengaged adolescent reader.
Role of EGFL7 in human cancers: A review
Authors: de Oliveira Cristiane , Gonçalves Paola Gyuliane , Bidinotto Lucas Tadeu
Published: July 2023

EGFL7 is a proangiogenic factor. It has been widely described with having a vital role in tubulogenesis and regulation of angiogenesis, mainly during embryogenesis and organogenesis. It has been mainly associated with NOTCH pathway, but there are reports showing association with MAPK and integrin pathways. Given its association with angiogenesis and these other pathways, there are several studies associating EGFL7 with carcinogenesis. In fact, most of the studies have pointed to EGFL7 as an oncogene, and some of them suggest EGFL7 expression as a possible biomarker of prognosis or use for a patient's follow‐up. Here, we review the molecular pathways which EGFL7 is associated and highlight several studies describing the role of EGFL7 in tumorigenesis, separated by tumor type. Besides its role on angiogenesis, EGFL7 may act in other pathways as oncogene, which makes it a possible biomarker and a candidate to targeted therapy.
Task shifting of medical office works: A preliminary questionnaire survey for generalists
Authors: Otsuka Yuki , Hagiya Hideharu , Sunada Naruhiko , Otsuka Fumio
Published: July 2023

To reduce physician burden, task shifting of clerical work from physicians to medical assistants is being promoted; however, it depends on hospitals. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 40 general physicians at Okayama University Hospital in December 2022 to investigate physicians' preferences toward task shifting. Compared to other tasks, most physicians thought that ordering examinations (14, 47%), replying to referral letters (19, 63%), and prescriptions (21, 70%) and medical record entries (22, 73%) should not be task shifted. Physicians' controversial opinions on task shifting maybe the reason behind the slow progress in task shifting.
Carbon 14 and stable isotope synthesis of two potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitors
Authors: Latli Bachir , Hrapchak Matt J. , Tampone Thomas G. , Frutos Rogelio P. , Lee Heewon
Published: July 2023

(R)‐2‐(4‐(Benzo[d]oxazol‐2‐yl)piperazin‐1‐yl)‐4‐((tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐4‐yl)amino)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine 5‐oxide (1) and (R)‐2‐(4‐(4‐chlorophenoxy)piperidin‐1‐yl)‐4‐((tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐4‐yl)amino)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine 5‐oxide (2) are two potent and selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4). In this manuscript, we report the detailed synthesis of these two compounds labeled with carbon 14 and with stable isotopes. The core (R)‐4‐((tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐4‐yl)amino)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine 5‐oxide is common in both inhibitors. In the radioactive synthesis, the carbon 14 atom was introduced in the benzoxazole moiety using [14C]carbon disulfide to obtain [14C]‐1 in five steps at a 55% overall yield. [14C]Urea was used to incorporate the carbon 14 atom in two steps in the dihydrothieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine intermediate, which was then transformed in four more steps to [14C]‐2 at a 30% overall yield. Both compounds were isolated with specific activities higher than 54 mCi/mmol, radio‐ and chemical‐purities higher than 99%, and with excellent enantiomeric excess. In the stable isotope synthesis, [2H8]piperazine was used to prepare [2H8]‐1 in three steps in 72% overall yield, while [13C6]phenol was used to prepare [13C6]‐2 in four steps in 18% overall yield.
Differential growth of the adductor muscles, eyeball, and brain in the chick Gallus gallus with comments on the fossil record of stem‐group birds
Authors: Cerio Donald G. , Llera Martín Catherine J. , Hogan Aneila V. C. , Balanoff Amy M. , Watanabe Akinobu , Bever Gabriel S.
Published: July 2023

The avian head is unique among living reptiles in its combination of relatively large brain and eyes, coupled with relatively small adductor jaw muscles. These derived proportions lend themselves to a trade‐off hypothesis, wherein adductor size was reduced over evolutionary time as a means (or as a consequence) of neurosensory expansion. In this study, we examine this evolutionary hypothesis through the lens of development by describing the jaw‐adductor anatomy of developing chickens, Gallus gallus, and comparing the volumetric expansion of these developing muscles with growth trajectories of the brain and eye. Under the trade‐off hypothesis, we predicted that the jaw muscles would grow with negative allometry relative to brain and eyes, and that osteological signatures of a relatively large adductor system, as found in most nonavian dinosaurs, would be differentially expressed in younger chicks. Results did not meet these expectations, at least not generally, with muscle growth exhibiting positive allometry relative to that of brain and eye. We propose three, nonmutually exclusive explanations: (1) these systems do not compete for space, (2) these systems competed for space in the evolutionary past, and growth of the jaw muscles was truncated early in development (paedomorphosis), and (3) trade‐offs in developmental investment in these systems are limited temporally to the perinatal period. These explanations are considered in light of the fossil record, and most notably the skull of the stem bird Ichthyornis, which exhibits an interesting combination of plesiomorphically large adductor chamber and apomorphically large brain.
Redirecting the JAK‐STAT signal blocks the SARS‐CoV‐2 replication
Authors: Augustine George , Sisila Valappil , Indhu Mohan , Gupta Divya , Tandel Dixit , Harshan Krishnan Harinivas , Shanmugam Ganesh , Padmapriya Padmanabhan , Sivasubramanian Srinivasan , Kaveri Krishnaswamy , Ramudu Kamini Numbi , Ayyadurai Niraikulam
Published: July 2023

The distinct disease progression patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus clade 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) indicate diverse host immune responses. SARS‐CoV‐2 severely impairs type I interferon (IFN) cell signaling, resulting in uncontrolled late‐phase lung damage in patients. For better pharmacological properties, cytokine modifications may sometimes result in a loss of biological activity against the virus. Here, we employed the genetic code expansion and engineered IFN‐β, a phase II clinical cytokine with 3‐amino tyrosine (IFN‐β‐A) that reactivates STAT2 expression in virus‐infected human cells through JAK/STAT cell signaling without affecting signal activation and serum half‐life. This study identified that genetically encoded IFN‐β‐A might stabilize the protein‐receptor complex and trigger JAK‐STAT cell signaling, which is a promising modality for controlling SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Comparison of Si‐GA‐PLS and Si‐CARS‐PLS build algorithms for quantitation of total polyphenols in black tea using the spectral analytical system
Authors: Zareef Muhammad , Arslan Muhammad , Hassan Md Mehedi , Ahmad Waqas , Chen Quansheng
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to compare two machine learning approaches for the quantification of total polyphenols by choosing the optimal spectral intervals utilizing the synergy interval partial least squares (Si‐PLS) model. To increase the resilience of built models, the genetic algorithm (GA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were applied to a subset of variables.

RESULTS

The collected spectral data were divided into 19 sub‐interval selections totaling 246 variables, yielding the lowest root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV). The performance of the model was evaluated using the correlation coefficient for calibration (RC), prediction (RP), RMSECV, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) value. The Si‐GA‐PLS model produced the following results: PCs = 9; RC = 0.915; RMSECV = 1.39; RP = 0.8878; RMSEP = 1.62; and RPD = 2.32. The performance of the Si‐CARS‐PLS model was noted to be best at PCs = 10, while RC = 0.9723, RMSECV = 0.81, RP = 0.9114, RMSEP = 1.45 and RPD = 2.59.

CONCLUSION

The build model's prediction ability was amended in the order PLS < Si‐PLS < CARS‐PLS when full spectroscopic data were used and Si‐PLS < Si‐GA‐PLS < Si‐CARS‐PLS when interval selection was performed with the Si‐PLS model. Finally, the developed method was successfully used to quantify total polyphenols in tea. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Behavioral state‐specific resource selection of northern bobwhite chicks
Authors: Hill Justin N. , Terhune Theron M. , Martin James A.
Published: July 2023

Determining resource selection rates across life stages of a species is important to enable a comprehensive management approach that focuses on bolstering populations. Moreover, tying these selection rates to specific life‐history needs (e.g., foraging, roosting, loafing) can provide information for management practices. We studied northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) chick resource selection on a private property in Brunswick County, North Carolina, USA, to better understand foraging and roosting habitat selection. We tested 2 hypotheses (resource selection is influenced by predator avoidance, resource selection is influenced by food availability) to understand what influences specific resource use. The site was managed intensively for bobwhites using prescribed fire, seasonal mowing and disking, meso‐mammal control, and supplemental feeding. We radio‐tagged 156 chicks between 11–15 days of age from 29 unique brood captures and collected location data of roost sites and daily movement tracks for individual chicks from 2018–2019. We modeled roosting and foraging habitat selection using mixed‐effects conditional logistic regression models under a Bayesian framework. Burned upland pine (Pinus spp.) stands were selected by chicks for foraging and roosting sites. Fallow fields, unburned uplands (1 yr post‐burn), and areas closer to supplemental feed were selected by chicks as foraging habitat. We observed a negative interaction between age and fallow field selection as roosting habitat and age and areas closer to supplemental feed as foraging habitat. Our study results shed light on how circadian habitat use can vary and illustrate that one specific land cover type may not provide ideal diurnal and nocturnal habitat for bobwhite chicks.
Branding with music: How can music contour and tonality enhance perceived brand innovativeness and brand evaluations?
Authors: Zoghaib Alice , Luffarelli Jonathan , Feiereisen Stéphanie
Published: July 2023

A large and growing number of brands use music in their marketing communications to influence consumer perceptions. This article offers an answer to how brands can leverage the characteristics of music pieces to convey an innovative image and boost brand evaluations among consumers. The authors bridge prior research in psychology, marketing, and musicology to demonstrate that using music pieces with an irregular contour or unstable tonality in communications can make brands appear more innovative. The difficulty that consumers experience in cognitively processing music pieces with these characteristics (disfluency) mediates these effects. Additionally, this research shows that branding with music that has an irregular contour or unstable tonality can either positively or negatively impact brand evaluations. This is contingent on whether brand communication includes information about brand innovativeness or brand liking. This article identifies the characteristics of music that influence perceived brand innovativeness and brand evaluations and offers a theoretical lens for understanding these effects. It also reveals which brands can benefit from using music pieces with an irregular contour or unstable tonality, as well as when they can benefit from it. Additionally, it provides practical recommendations for music selection.
Multidisciplinary molecular consultation increases the diagnosis of pediatric epileptic encephalopathy and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Zhang Liping , Li Xu‐Ying , Xu Fanxi , Gao Lehong , Wang Zhanjun , Wang Xianling , Li Xian , Liu Mengyu , Zhu Junge , Yao Tingyan , Ye Jing , Qi Xiao‐Hong , Wang Yaqing , Zhao Guoguang , Wang Chaodong ,   The Xuanwu Molecular Counselling Group for Neurogenetic Diseases
Published: July 2023

Background

Epilepsy (EP) is a common neurological disease in which 70–80% are thought to have a genetic cause. In patients with epilepsy, neurodevelopmental delay (NDD) was prevalent. Next generation of sequencing has been widely used in diagnosing EP/NDD. However, the diagnostic yield remains to be 40%–50%. Many reanalysis pipelines and software have been developed for automated reanalysis and decision making for the diseases. Nevertheless, it is a highly challenging task for smaller genetic centers or a routine pediatric practice. To address the clinical and genetic “diagnostic odyssey,” we organized a Multidisciplinary Molecular Consultation (MMC) team for molecular consultation for 202 children with EP/NDD patients referred by lower level hospitals.

Methods

All the patients had undergone an aligned and sequential consultations and discussions by a “triple reanalysis” procedure by clinical, genetic specialists, and researchers.

Results

Among the 202 cases for MMC, we totally identified 47 cases (23%) harboring causative variants in 24 genes and 15 chromosomal regions after the MMC. In the 15 cases with positive CNVs, 3 cases harbor the deletions or duplications in 16p11.2, and 2 cases for 1p36. The bioinformatical reanalysis revealed 47 positive cases, in which 12 (26%) were reported to be negative, VUS or incorrectly positive in pre‐MMC reports. Additionally, among 87 cases with negative cases, 4 (5%) were reported to be positive in pre‐MMC reports.

Conclusion

We established a workflow allowing for a “one‐stop” collaborative assessments by experts of multiple fields and helps for correct the diagnosis of cases with falsenegative and −positive and VUS genetic reports and may have significant influences for intervention, prevention and genetic counseling of pediatric epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Compound heterozygous variants in CFTR with potentially reducing ATP‐binding ability identified in Chinese infertile brothers with isolated congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens
Authors: Shengjia Shi , Lei Wang , Tianwei Wang , Hongmei Wang , Juanzi Shi , Sen Qiao
Published: July 2023

Background

Isolated congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (iCBAVD) in men results in obstructive azoospermia and is mainly caused by pathogenic variants in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) or adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor G2 (ADGRG2).

Methods

The next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was used to screen the mutations in the proband, and Sanger sequencings were performed to validate the compound heterozygous variant of CFTR in his family members. Protein structure simulation was performed to discover the potential pathological mechanism.

Results

This study reported novel compound heterozygous CFTR mutations (NM:000492.4, Intron: 5T; c.3965_3969dupTTGGG: p.R1325Gfs*5) in two brothers with obstructive azoospermia. The compound heterozygous CFTR mutations were first screened out by NGS in an infertile male patient who exhibited iCBAVD from a nonconsanguineous Chinese family. Histological analysis of the testicular biopsy from this patient revealed normal spermatogenesis and mature spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules. Surprisingly, the same compound heterozygous CFTR mutations were also observed in his brothers who also exhibited iCBAVD, with their parents being a heterozygous carrier for the mutations, as verified by Sanger sequencing. Protein structure simulation revealed that these mutations potentially led to impaired ATP‐binding ability of CFTR.

Conclusion

We identified novel compound heterozygous CFTR mutations in two brothers and summarized the literature regarding CFTR mutation and male infertility. Our study may contribute to the genetic diagnosis of iCBAVD and future genetic counseling.
Microstructured optical beams with azimuthal polarization in stratified absorbent media
Authors: Lourenço‐Vittorino Grazielle de A. , Zamboni‐Rached Michel
Published: July 2023

We present an analytical method to achieve highly nonparaxial, azimuthally polarized structured beams that, when propagating through an absorbing stratified media, can assume in the last semi‐infinite layer approximately any desired longitudinal intensity pattern within spatial regions few times larger than the wavelength. The possibility of managing the properties of a highly nonparaxial beam under adverse conditions, such as multiple reflections in stratified structures and energy loss to the material media, may be of great importance in many different optical applications, like, trapping and micromanipulation, remote sensing, thin films, medical devices, medical therapies, and so on.
Patient perspective on barriers in type 2 diabetes self‐management: A qualitative study
Authors: Tuobenyiere Justin , Mensah Gwendolyn Patience , Korsah Kwadwo Ameyaw
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore the perceived barriers in Type 2 Diabetes care among patients with diabetes. Design The study adopted a qualitative exploratory‐descriptive design.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview guide was used to collect data from fifteen (15) purposively sampled patients with Type 2 Diabetes at a primary level health facility in the Bono East region. Participants' ages ranged between 42–72 years. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes encountered a range of barriers in diabetes care. These barriers included lack of knowledge of diabetes dietary management strategies, financial constraints, non‐compliance to treatment, lack of glucometers, lack of social support, and increased waiting time at health care facilities. The findings indicate that more education on diabetes and dietary management is required as well as social support from peers, family, and non‐governmental organizations.

Patient or public contribution

Diabetes self‐management barriers as revealed by the patients who were participants of this study requires nurses and midwives to ensure that self‐management education is well understood by patients and their relatives. This would empower the patients and bring clarity to their confusion about self‐care practices.
Efficiency of subnational government expenditure towards elementary education and nutrition: Bootstrap data envelopment analysis for India
Authors: Dixit Vikas , Singh Jyoti , Sardar Satchidananda
Published: July 2023

The need of translating increasing outlays into better outcomes on various public programmes has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide to focus more on the quality of public spending, often assessed in terms of its efficiency. The present article is a contribution to the existing literature on the subject in that it assesses the efficiency of government expenditure of Indian states for two most basic social services—elementary education and nutrition during 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 using data envelopment analysis and Malmquist productivity index techniques, in both input‐oriented as well as output‐oriented settings under variable returns to scale assumption; it constructs the average performance index for children at elementary education and malnutrition index for women and children to utilise them as output indicators; and it adopts a robust bootstrap truncated regression procedure to avoid various econometric issues while estimating the impact of selected environmental factors on bias‐corrected inefficiency scores. The major findings of this article seem to suggest that, while states should be provided greater flexibility in their fiscal operations, they have to complement their fiscal autonomy with good governance to improve the efficiency of their spending on basic social services. Towards this end, states like Bihar, Jharkhand and those belonging to North‐Eastern and Himalayan regions need special attention with a different set of development policies.
Children's Oncology Group blueprint for research: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Raetz Elizabeth A. , Bhojwani Deepa , Devidas Meenakshi , Gore Lia , Rabin Karen R. , Tasian Sarah K. , Teachey David T. , Loh Mignon L.
Published: July 2023

Cure rates for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer have steadily improved over the past five decades. This is due to intensifying systemic therapy, recognizing and treating the central nervous system as a sanctuary site, and implementing modern risk stratification to deliver varying intensities of therapy based on age, presenting white blood count, sentinel somatic genetics, and therapy response. Recently, numerous Children's Oncology Group trials have demonstrated the lack of benefit of intensifying traditional chemotherapy, providing evidence that new approaches are needed to cure the patients for whom cure has been elusive. Distinguishing those who require intensive or novel therapeutic approaches from others who will be cured with minimal therapy is key for future trials. Incorporating new genomic biomarkers and more sensitive measures of minimal/measurable residual disease provide opportunities to achieve these goals.
Application of effect‐directed analysis using TLC–bioautography for rapid isolation and identification of antidiabetic compounds from the leaves of Annona cherimola Mill.
Authors: Galarce‐Bustos Oscar , Obregón Camilo , Vallejos‐Almirall Alejandro , Folch Christian , Acevedo Francisca
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a globally prevalent chronic disease characterised by hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress. The search for new natural bioactive compounds that contribute to controlling this condition and the application of analytical methodologies that facilitate rapid detection and identification are important challenges for science. Annona cherimola Mill. is an important source of aporphine alkaloids with many bioactivities.

Objective

The aim of this study is to isolate and identify antidiabetic compounds from alkaloid extracts with α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activity from A. cherimola Mill. leaves using an effect‐directed analysis by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC)–bioautography.

Methodology

Guided fractionation for α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitors in leaf extracts was done using TLC–bioassays. The micro‐preparative TLC was used to isolate the active compounds, and the identification was performed by mass spectrometry associated with web‐based molecular networks. Additionally, in vitro estimation of the inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity was performed in the isolated compounds.

Results

Five alkaloids (liriodenine, dicentrinone, N‐methylnuciferine, anonaine, and moupinamide) and two non‐alkaloid compounds (3‐methoxybenzenepropanoic acid and methylferulate) with inhibitory activity were isolated and identified using a combination of simple methodologies. Anonaine, moupinamide, and methylferulate showed promising results with an outstanding inhibitory activity against both enzymes and antioxidant capacity that could contribute to controlling redox imbalance.

Conclusions

These high‐throughput methodologies enabled a rapid isolation and identification of seven compounds with potential antidiabetic activity. To our knowledge, the estimated inhibitory activity of dicentrinone, N‐methylnuciferine, and anonaine against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase is reported here for the first time.
Prenatal detection of congenital heart disease: Recent experience across the state of Arizona
Authors: Mattia Donald , Matney Chelsea , Loeb Sophie , Neale Morgan , Lindblade Christopher , Scheller McLaughlin Ericka , Rao Rashmi
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine the prenatal detection rate (PDR) of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Arizona as well as describe various factors that may influence detection rates.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and Phoenix Children's Fetal Cardiology databases. We included all cases of CHD requiring surgery <1 year of age between 2013 and 2018. A total of 1137 patients met the criteria, and various demographic, socioeconomic, and patient outcome data were collected.

Results

The overall PDR was 58% with an improving detection rate over the course of our study, with the final year having a PDR of 67%. Over time, PDR improved in urban communities, but this was not seen in rural communities. Rural address, public insurance, and Native American ethnicity were associated with lower PDR. Postnatal outcomes, including Apgars, initial pH, and lactate, did not differ with the presence of a prenatal diagnosis. Diagnoses typically identified with the outflow tract and 3‐vessel views on the fetal echocardiogram were less likely to be detected prenatally.

Conclusions

The PDR of CHD continues to improve with evolving technologies and guidelines. We highlight a discrepancy between urban, rural, and Native American populations. Additionally, by supplying descriptors of missed diagnosis and associated echocardiography views, we hope to provide data for future interventions.
Amphiphilic star copolymers composed of curcumin core for bacterial inactivation
Authors: Santos Madson RE , Fidelis Clara LB , Zandonadi Flávia S , Giacomelli Fernando C , Felisberti Maria Isabel
Published: July 2023

Polymeric materials with antimicrobial properties hold the potential to be the next generation of therapeutics. This work reports the preparation of amphiphilic and star‐like copolymers through arm‐first and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The copolymers composed of poly(dimethylamine ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) as the arms and poly(curcumin dimethacrylate) (PCDMA) as the crosslinked core presented a well‐controlled amphiphilic structure with low dispersity values (Ð = 1.15). Varying the [CDMA]:[PDMAEMA] molar ratios (4, 6 and 8) led to a significant increase in the molar mass (153, 688 and 1550 kDa), particle size (33, 90 and 105 nm) and the average number of PDMAEMA arms anchored to the curcumin‐based core (12, 52 and 125 arms), as determined by dynamic and static light scattering. The antimicrobial activity of cationic PDMAEMA40‐co‐PCDMAcore was tested against Escherichia coli in the absence of light and under white light to investigate the photodynamic activity of the copolymers. The results demonstrated a concentration dependence but no additional effect under light irradiation. SEM imaging and live/dead assays revealed extensive membrane damage, evidencing a membrane‐disruption mechanism. HeLa viability assays demonstrated that at 1 mg mL−1, 80 ± 10% of the cells demonstrated metabolic activity after 24 h. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Towards deciphering glioblastoma intra‐tumoral heterogeneity: The importance of integrating multidimensional models
Authors: Sajid Rifat Shahriar , van Winden Lennart J. , Diamandis Phedias
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and severe form of brain cancer among adults. Its aggressiveness is largely attributed to its complex and heterogeneous biology that despite maximal surgery and multimodal chemoradiation treatment, inevitably recurs. Traditional large‐scale profiling approaches have contributed substantially to the understanding of patient‐to‐patient inter‐tumoral differences in GBM. However, it is now clear that biological differences within an individual (intra‐tumoral heterogeneity) are also a prominent factor in treatment resistance and recurrence of GBM and will likely require integration of data from multiple recently developed omics platforms to fully unravel. Here we dissect the growing geospatial model of GBM, which layers intra‐tumoral heterogeneity on a GBM stem cell (GSC) precursor, single cell, and spatial level. We discuss potential unique and inter‐dependant aspects of the model including potential discordances between observed genotypes and phenotypes in GBM.
A 3D printable and self‐healing polydimethylsiloxane elastomer
Authors: Wei Zi‐Xing , Wang Hong‐Qin , Li Cheng‐Hui
Published: July 2023

Silicone elastomers are broadly used in various fields because of their unique properties, such as flexibility, durable dielectric insulation, and excellent stability in hash environments. As a result, three‐dimensional (3D) printing of silicone elastomers is frequently required to construct personalized structures. However, existing 3D‐printing of silicone elastomers are less accurate, difficult to maintain shape, or require doping modification with thixotropic agents. Moreover, common 3D‐printable silicone elastomers do not have self‐healing capability, so they have to be discarded upon damaging. Herein, by introducing hydrogen bonds to improve the shape retention ability and induce network reversibility, we have developed a self‐healing polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, which can be readily 3D‐printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. We believe that this new silicone elastomer would be useful in the field of biomedical materials, flexible electronics, medical inserts, soft robots and so on.