bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein and matrix metalloproteinase 9 for prediction of type A aortic dissection patient survival
Authors: Huang Minjie , Lian Yujie , Zeng Zhongyan , Li Jiahong
Published: October 2023

Aims

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life‐threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Surgery is an effective treatment for ATAAD, but the in‐hospital mortality rate in the 30 day perioperative period is still as high as 9–30%. It is critical to identify biological factors for preoperative assessment of post‐operative survival in patients with ATAAD.

Methods and results

This is a retrospective study, investigating the association of combined measurements of d‐dimer, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) for 1 year of survival in patients with ATAAD. Data from 247 patients who underwent surgery were analysed, including 89 patients who did not survive and 158 patients who survived within 1 year after surgery. Pearson's correlation analysis was carried out to determine the correlations between CRP in whole blood, d‐dimer in plasma, and CRP in whole blood. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to analyse the value of preoperative whole blood CRP, plasma d‐dimer, and serum MMP9 concentration and the combined detection model in predicting death of patients with ATAAD. Deceased patients with ATAAD exhibited higher age, hypertension prevalence, systolic blood pressure, white blood cell count, whole blood CRP, plasma d‐dimer, and serum MMP9 levels compared with survivors. Preoperative CRP, d‐dimer, and MMP9 levels were significantly higher in patients with ATAAD compared with healthy controls. Positive correlations were observed between CRP and d‐dimer, CRP and MMP9, and d‐dimer and MMP9 in patients with ATAAD. ROC analysis showed that the combined detection model of CRP, d‐dimer, and MMP9 had the highest predictive value for 1 year of survival (area under the curve = 0.88).

Conclusions

Combined measurement of CRP, d‐dimer, and MMP9 is associated with 1 year of survival in patients with ATAAD.
Exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with heart failure – 2023 Cochrane systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Molloy Cal D. , Long Linda , Mordi Ify R. , Bridges Charlene , Sagar Viral A. , Davies Edward J. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Dalal Hasnain , Rees Karen , Singh Sally J. , Taylor Rod S.
Published: October 2023

Aims

Despite strong evidence, access to exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) remains low across global healthcare systems. We provide a contemporary update of the Cochrane review randomized trial evidence for ExCR for adults with heart failure (HF) and compare different delivery modes: centre‐based, home‐based (including digital support), and both (hybrid).

Methods and results

Databases, bibliographies of previous systematic reviews and included trials, and trials registers were searched with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials, recruiting adults with HF, assigned to either ExCR or a no‐exercise control group, with follow‐up of ≥6 months were included. Two review authors independently screened titles for inclusion, extracted trial and patient characteristics, outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes of mortality, hospitalization, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were pooled across trials using meta‐analysis at short‐term (≤12 months) and long‐term follow‐up (>12 months) and stratified by delivery mode. Sixty trials (8728 participants) were included. In the short term, compared to control, ExCR did not impact all‐cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.21), reduced all‐cause hospitalization (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56–0.86, number needed to treat: 13, 95% CI 9–22), and was associated with a clinically important improvement in HRQoL measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHF) overall score (mean difference: −7.39; 95% CI −10.30 to −4.47). Improvements in outcomes with ExCR was seen across centre, home (including digitally supported), and hybrid settings. A similar pattern of results was seen in the long term (mortality: RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72–1.04; all‐cause hospitalization: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70–1.01, MLWHF: −9.59, 95% CI −17.48 to −1.50).

Conclusions

To improve global suboptimal levels of uptake for HF patients, global healthcare systems need to routinely recommend ExCR and offer a choice of mode of delivery, dependent on an individual patient's level of risk and complexity.
A spatially‐weighted AMH copula‐based dissimilarity measure for clustering variables: An application to urban thermal efficiency
Authors: Di Lascio F. Marta L. , Menapace Andrea , Pappadà Roberta
Published: October 2023

Investigating thermal energy demand is crucial for developing sustainable cities and the efficient use of renewable sources. Despite the advances made in this field, the analysis of energy data provided by smart grids is currently a demanding challenge due to their complex multivariate structure and high dimensionality. In this article, we propose a novel copula‐based dissimilarity measure suitable for analyzing district heating demand and introduce a procedure to apply it to high‐temporal resolution panel data. Inspired by the characteristics of the considered data, we explore the usefulness of the Ali‐Mikhail‐Haq copula in defining a new dissimilarity measure to cluster variables in the hierarchical framework. We show that our proposal is particularly sensitive to small dissimilarities based on tiny differences in the strength of the dependence between the involved random variables. Therefore, the measure we introduce is able to distinguish between objects with low dissimilarity better than standard rank‐based dissimilarity measures. Moreover, our proposal considers a weighted version of the copula‐based dissimilarity that embeds the spatial location of the involved objects. We investigate the proposed measure through Monte Carlo studies and compare it with an analogous dissimilarity measure based on Kendall's correlation. Finally, the application to real data concerning the Italian city Bozen‐Bolzano makes it possible to find clusters of buildings homogeneous with respect to their main characteristics, such as energy efficiency and heating surface. In turn, our findings may support the design, expansion, and management of district heating systems.
Experimental study of competitive heavy metals removal from multimetal solution using wheat bran as a biomaterial: Response surface methodology
Authors: Renu  , Agarwal Madhu , Singh Kailash
Published: October 2023

Batch and continuous adsorption studies were performed for heavy metal removal from the ternary metal system using wheat bran as an adsorbent. An adsorbent pellet was prepared using clay and chitosan as a binder. For batch adsorption experiments, the Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology was used to optimize the process parameters for adsorption. In our mixed metal continuous study, cadmium (70%–80%) and chromium (74%–80%) had shown a synergistic effect on copper removal leading to an increase in breakthrough and exhaustion time. In a continuous study, a higher breakthrough time was obtained for copper at a bed height of 0.15 cm, a flow rate of 5 mL/min and an initial metal concentration of 100 mg/L. The modeling and simulation of the continuous adsorption process were performed. The breakthrough curve obtained from the model and from experiments was compared and high R2 values up to 0.99 and low chi‐square and MAPE values up to 0.018% and 0.037% indicate good fitting of model and experimental data. Regeneration studies results show that good desorption efficiency is obtained using regenerated wheat bran. The adsorbent was regenerated and reused up to five cycles and it showed good desorption efficiency of up to 95% for copper, 79% for cadmium and 80% for chromium.
Anterior midcingulate epilepsy: When semiology is of paramount importance to find the needle in the haystack
Authors: Beltrán‐Corbellini Álvaro , Toledano Rafael , Budke Marcelo , García‐Morales Irene , Herráez Erika , Sánchez‐Miranda Román Irene , Gil‐Nagel Antonio
Published: October 2023

Content available: Video
The evolution of meandering rivers in sedimentary basins: Insights from the lower Drava (Hungary/Croatia)
Authors: Słowik Marcin , Dezső József , Salem Ali , Puhl‐Rezsek Marietta , Gałka Mariusz , Kovács János
Published: October 2023

Rivers flowing through sedimentary basins are subjected to a variety of controls. The main goal of our study was to identify the effect of external (e.g. climate changes, tectonics) and internal controls (e.g. sediment transport, deposition, vegetation cover) on the evolution of meandering rivers flowing through sedimentary basins using the example of the lower Drava River (Europe, Hungary/Croatia). Field research was conducted along a 50‐km‐long section of the valley. Sedimentary data from boreholes and corings, 35 km of ground‐penetrating radar surveys and analyses of digital maps were conducted to reconstruct channel planform changes. Traces of four meander belts were identified, and 39 AMS radiocarbon dates were used to distinguish the chronology of the fluvial events. The evolution of the lower Drava River comprised alternating periods of deposition (formation of aggrading meander belt) and avulsions. The channel belts were formed owing to upstream sediment delivery and floodplain storage. Changes in climate humidity and the occurrence of high flows influenced the planform of the meanders within particular channel belts. The oldest channel was active at least ~40 000 cal. BP before being reworked by subsequent meanders active between the Late Pleniglacial (30 000–14 700 cal. BP) and Late Glacial (~11 000 cal. BP) periods. The channel belts shifted to the south in the Holocene, between ~11 000 and 250 cal. BP due to the presence of a thrust fault situated diagonally to the Drava Valley. Results show channel width, channel belt width and the surface area of point bar deposits increased in the succeeding generations of meanders and that the style and sedimentary architecture of the channel belts were dominantly dependent on autogenic controls, that is, sediment delivery, aggradation and erosional events (e.g. formation of chute cut‐offs).
Further Limitations of Synthetic Fungicide Use and Expansion of Organic Agriculture in Europe Will Increase the Environmental and Health Risks of Chemical Crop Protection Caused by Copper-Containing Fungicides
Authors: Burandt Quentin C. , Deising Holger B. , von Tiedemann Andreas
Published: October 2023

Copper-containing fungicides have been used in agriculture since 1885. The divalent copper ion is a nonbiodegradable multisite inhibitor that has a strictly protective, nonsystemic effect on plants. Copper-containing plant protection products currently approved in Germany contain copper oxychloride, copper hydroxide, and tribasic copper sulfate. Copper is primarily used to control oomycete pathogens in grapevine, hop, potato, and fungal diseases in fruit production. In the environment, copper is highly persistent and toxic to nontarget organisms. The latter applies for terrestric and aquatic organisms such as earthworms, insects, birds, fish, Daphnia, and algae. Hence, copper fungicides are currently classified in the European Union as candidates for substitution. Pertinently, copper also exhibits significant mammalian toxicity (median lethal dose oral = 300–2500 mg/kg body wt in rats). To date, organic production still profoundly relies on the use of copper fungicides. Attempts to reduce doses of copper applications and the search for copper substitutes have not been successful. Copper compounds compared with modern synthetic fungicides with similar areas of use display significantly higher risks for honey bees (3- to 20-fold), beneficial insects (6- to 2000-fold), birds (2- to 13-fold), and mammals (up to 17-fold). These data contradict current views that crop protection in organic farming is associated with lower environmental or health risks. Further limitations in the range and use of modern single-site fungicides may force conventional production to fill the gaps with copper fungicides to counteract fungicide resistance. In contrast to the European Union Green Deal goals, the intended expansion of organic farming in Europe would further enhance the use of copper fungicides and hence increase the overall risks of chemical crop protection in Europe. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:19–30. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Intumescent fire‐retardant performance and small‐scale reaction mechanism on banana/bio‐epoxy composites
Authors: Melati Asih , Settar Abdelhakim , Chetehouna Khaled , Foucault Léo , Sahli Mounir , Baudron Christophe
Published: October 2023

The present work deals with the thermal degradation, the physical characterization, and kinetic mechanisms of green epoxy resin‐based biocomposites (BC) reinforced by banana leaf fiber (BLF). The two main samples have been manufactured using the vacuum bag resin transfer molding method. The first, BLF‐based BC, is used as a control sample, while the second sample is coated with 6% wt. of intumescent fire retardant (IFR), which contains APP and boric acid. The effect of IFR coating has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under inert and oxidative atmospheres and kinetic studies of model‐free and model‐based approaches have been applied for predicting the kinetic parameters of thermal degradation reactions. The TGA results show that the IFR coating delays the thermal degradation around 13–20 K of BLF‐based BC materials, which leads to an increase of 8% in the char residue under inert atmosphere. In addition, the sample has been characterized by SEM, EDS, and FTIR analysis (before and after the TGA test). The effectiveness of the IFR protective role is displayed on the SEM micrographs by showing the hole of the char enclosed and built the foam layer. The kinetic parameters from model‐free and model‐based curve fitting of BLF‐based BC and BLF‐based BC‐coated IFR are obtained, while the effect of IFR on the kinetic parameter increased the activation energy (model‐free and model‐based) under inert atmosphere. The fitting methods and optimization procedure gave excellent results for kinetic parameters, showing a particularly good correspondence with the TGA experimental data.
Neo‐Antigen‐Reactive T Cells Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: A More Personalized Cancer Therapy Approach
Authors: Chen Guan‐Liang , Kong De‐Xia , Lin Yan
Published: October 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common malignancy in women and the third most frequent cancer in men. Evidence has revealed that the survival of patients with metastatic CRC is very low, between one and three years. Neoantigens are known proteins encoded by mutations in tumor cells. It is theorized that recognizing neoantigens by T cells leads to T cell activation and further antitumor responses. Neoantigen‐reactive T cells (NRTs) are designed against the mentioned neoantigens expressed by tumor cells. NRTs selectively kill tumor cells without damage to non‐cancerous cells. Identifying patient‐specific and high immunogen neoantigens is important in NRT immunotherapy of patients with CRC. However, the main challenges are the side effects and preparation of NRTs, as well as the effectiveness of these cells in vivo. This review summarized the properties of neoantigens as well as the preparation and therapeutic outcomes of NRTs for the treatment of CRC.
Test–retest reliability and predictive utility of a macroscale principal functional connectivity gradient
Authors: Knodt Annchen R. , Elliott Maxwell L. , Whitman Ethan T. , Winn Alex , Addae Angela , Ireland David , Poulton Richie , Ramrakha Sandhya , Caspi Avshalom , Moffitt Terrie E. , Hariri Ahmad R.
Published: October 2023

Mapping individual differences in brain function has been hampered by poor reliability as well as limited interpretability. Leveraging patterns of brain‐wide functional connectivity (FC) offers some promise in this endeavor. In particular, a macroscale principal FC gradient that recapitulates a hierarchical organization spanning molecular, cellular, and circuit level features along a sensory‐to‐association cortical axis has emerged as both a parsimonious and interpretable measure of individual differences in behavior. However, the measurement reliabilities of this FC gradient have not been fully evaluated. Here, we assess the reliabilities of both global and regional principal FC gradient measures using test–retest data from the young adult Human Connectome Project (HCP‐YA) and the Dunedin Study. Analyses revealed that the reliabilities of principal FC gradient measures were (1) consistently higher than those for traditional edge‐wise FC measures, (2) higher for FC measures derived from general FC (GFC) in comparison with resting‐state FC, and (3) higher for longer scan lengths. We additionally examined the relative utility of these principal FC gradient measures in predicting cognition and aging in both datasets as well as the HCP‐aging dataset. These analyses revealed that regional FC gradient measures and global gradient range were significantly associated with aging in all three datasets, and moderately associated with cognition in the HCP‐YA and Dunedin Study datasets, reflecting contractions and expansions of the cortical hierarchy, respectively. Collectively, these results demonstrate that measures of the principal FC gradient, especially derived using GFC, effectively capture a reliable feature of the human brain subject to interpretable and biologically meaningful individual variation, offering some advantages over traditional edge‐wise FC measures in the search for brain–behavior associations.
Multicity comparative assessment and optimized management path of sustainability of the economy–energy–environment system: A case study of core cities in China's three major economic circles
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Ma Haichao , Wang Qingsong , Xu Yue , Tian Shu , Yuan Xueliang , Ma Qiao , Xu Yuan , Yang Shuo , Liu Chengqing
Published: October 2023

Coordinated and stable development of economy–energy–environment (3E) systems represents a long-term strategy for the sustainable development of humankind. Following the research idea of “indicator system construction—3E system evaluation—obstacles identification—optimization management,” this article innovatively constructs a multiangle and comparable methodology system for evaluation and optimized management of the 3E system and considers the core cities of three economic circles in China as cases for empirical research. The results show that all the coordination degree levels were of good or high quality, which was at the highest level in the country. The sustainability degree of the three cities showed an upward trend; of these, Beijing had the highest sustainability degree, followed by Guangzhou and Shanghai. Obstacle degree analysis shows that technology investment and energy factors were common factors hindering sustainable development of the 3E systems of the three cities, and each city also had its own unique factors that acted as obstacles. On this basis, this article formulates region-specific policy recommendations in order to provide a useful reference for top-level design for the government. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:875–887. © 2023 SETAC
Sclareol induces cell cycle arrest and ROS‐mediated apoptosis and ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Rah Bilal , Shafarin Jasmin , Hamad Mawieh , Muhammad Jibran Sualeh
Published: October 2023

Sclareol (SC) has shown significant anticancer activity against breast and colon cancers among others. However, its ability to precipitate similar anticancer effects in lung cancer has yet to be investigated. To address this issue, SC‐treated lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) were assessed for viability and functional competence as well as the expression of genes related to apoptosis and cell cycling. Our results demonstrated that SC treatment inhibited A549 cell clonogenic features and reduced their migration and invasion potential in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, SC treatment downregulated the expression of cyclin D1 and survivin and upregulated that of p21 and p16, which was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of SubG0 cells. SC treatment is also associated with the induction of both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as evidenced by the increased expression and splitting of PARP1 and procaspases 3 and 9 and the reduced expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL. Increased cell death in SC‐treated cells is likely to have resulted from the induction of ferroptosis as suggested by the reduced expression of FPN and the inhibition of the anti‐ferroptosis regulator GPX4. In conclusion, the data presented here suggest that SC can reduce lung carcinoma cell growth and metastasis and promote cell death.
Associations between therapeutic working alliance, meaningful experiences, and affective distress
Authors: Cook Ryan M. , Sackett Corrine R. , Fye Heather J.
Published: October 2023

We used structural equation modeling to test client meaningful experiences in counseling and the therapeutic working alliance (TWA) as predictors of affective distress, controlling for clients’ age, gender, race and ethnicity, and length of counseling relationship. In a sample of 306 adult clients engaging in counseling, we a found statistically significant relationship between client meaningful experiences in counseling and the TWA (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). There was a significant and negative direct effect from client meaningful experiences in counseling to affective distress (β = −0.45, p < 0.001). However, we did not find a significant direct effect of the TWA on affective distress (β = −0.00, p = 0.97). Implications for counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators are discussed.
Association between body roundness index and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease detected by Fibroscan in America
Authors: Jiang Ningning , Zhang Shengguo , Chu Jinguo , Yang Naibin , Lu Mingqin
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity is worldwide on the rise. Body roundness index (BRI), as a newly developed anthropometric indicator, has been recently reported to identify obesity. However, it is still unclear whether BRI is associated with the prevalence of NAFLD.

Methods

Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. NAFLD was diagnosed based on hepatic steatosis defined by CAP values ≥274 dB/m. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to detect the association between BRI and the odds of NAFLD. Subgroup analysis stratified by age, gender, BMI, and race was further conducted. To explore the potential ability of BRI in predicting NAFLD, the area under the curve (AUC) of BRI was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Among the 4467 study participants, 1718 (38.5%) were diagnosed with NAFLD. Compared to the non‐NAFLD group, participants with NAFLD had a higher level of BRI. The positive associations between BRI and NAFLD were detected in all three models (mode 1: OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.65–1.78, p < 0.0001; mode 2: OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.71–1.86, p < 0.0001; mode3: OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.11–1.35, p < 0.0001). The positive association steadily existed in different subgroups after stratified by age, gender, and BMI. Moreover, the non‐linear association between BRI and NAFLD was detected, presenting inverted U‐shaped curves. Furthermore, BRI had a high predictive value (AUC = 0.807) in identifying NAFLD.

Conclusions

BRI was positively associated with the prevalence of NAFLD among individuals in America, regardless of age, gender, and BMI. Besides, BRI presented a high ability for identifying NAFLD.
Complex genotypes in family with metachromatic leukodystrophy: Effect of trans and cis mutations distribution on the phenotype variability
Authors: Ben Issa Abir , Kamoun Fatma , Bouchaala Wafa , Charfi Triki Chahnez , Fakhfakh Faiza
Published: October 2023

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a severe metabolic disorder caused by the deficient activity of arylsulfatase A due to ARSA gene mutations. According to the age of onset, MLD is classified into three forms: infantile, juvenile, and adult. In our study, we aimed to perform a genetic analysis for two siblings with juvenile MLD for a better characterization of the molecular mechanisms behind the disease. A consanguineous family including two MLD patients (PII.1 and PII.2) was enrolled in our study. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical and neuroimaging investigations. The sequencing of ARSA gene was performed followed by in silico analysis. Besides, the cis/trans distribution of the variants was verified through a PCR‐RFLP. The ARSA gene sequencing revealed three known variants, two exonic c.1055A > G and c.1178C > G and an intronic one (c.1524 + 95A > G) in the 3′UTR region. All variants were present at heterozygous state in the two siblings and their mother. The assessment of the cis/trans distribution showed the presence of these variants in cis within the mother, while PII.2 and PII.2 present the c.1055A > G/c.1524 + 95A > G and the c.1178C > G in trans. Additionally, PII.1 harbored a de novo novel missense variant c.1119G > T, whose pathogenicity was supported by our predictive results. Our genetic findings, supported by a clinical examination, confirmed the affection of the mother by the adult MLD. Our results proved the implication of the variable distribution of the found variants in the age of MLD onset. Besides, we described a variable severity between the two siblings due to the de novo pathogenic variant. In conclusion, we identified a complex genotype of ARSA variants within two MLD siblings with a variable severity due to a de novo variant present in one of them. Our results allowed the establishment of an adult MLD diagnosis and highlighted the importance of an assessment of the trans/cis distribution in the cases of complex genotypes.
A team‐based approach to cardiogenomic education
Authors: Edelman Emily A. , Logan Kalisi , Ingram Nissen Therese , Reed E. Kate , Wicklund Catherine , Duquette Debra , Dellefave‐Castillo Lisa
Published: October 2023

While many genetic professionals are involved in the education of lay and professional audiences, most do not have formal training in education theory and program design. Partnerships with adult education experts can provide additional resources and improve the level of instruction, thereby increasing the impact of an educational intervention. This report discusses the experience of a multidisciplinary team of educators, clinicians, and researchers partnering to develop evidence‐based education for cardiology practitioners. It includes practical advice for how clinicians and educators can develop more effective education through collaboration, needs assessment, instructional design, and iterative content development.
Identification of SGMS2 as a molecule involved in natural killer cell recruitment and its in‐deep analysis in the liver cancer microenvironment: Evidence from large populations cohort
Authors: Tang Wenqing , Meng Fansheng , Li Miao , Li Yuqin , Xiong Wujun , Zhang Danying , Yang Biwei
Published: October 2023

Background

Liver cancer, a common malignancy within the digestive system, presents with a particularly grim prognosis. Within the immune microenvironment, the role of natural killer (NK) cells in liver cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We sourced data on clinical parameters and gene expressions for liver cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program database and carried out all analyses using R software and its relevant codes.

Results

In our research, we delved into the genes intertwined with NK cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Leveraging the QUANTISEQ and MCPCOUNTER algorithms to quantify NK cells, we spotlighted genes vital to the recruitment of NK cells. Among these genes, GDE1, WDFY3, DNAJB14, PKD2, DGAT2, SGMS2 and MKNK2 showed a strong correlation with patient outcomes. We also mapped out the single‐cell expression trajectories of these genes within the HCC milieu. From our findings, SGMS2 emerged as a key gene warranting further scrutiny. Our in‐depth analysis of SGMS2 shed light on its influence over specific biological pathways, its contribution to the immune landscape and its role in genomic instability within HCC. Drawing from this, we formulated a predictive model rooted in SGMS2‐associated genes. This model showcased remarkable precision across both training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

Overall, our investigation underscored the profound implications of SGMS2, a gene pivotal to NK cell infiltration, in the landscape of HCC, thereby positioning it as a potential linchpin in oncological strategies.
Findings from the Tushirikiane mobile health (mHealth) HIV self‐testing pragmatic trial with refugee adolescents and youth living in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Okumu Moses , Berry Isha , Hakiza Robert , Baral Stefan D. , Musoke Daniel Kibuuka , Nakitende Aidah , Mwima Simon , Kyambadde Peter , Loutet Miranda , Batte Shamilah , Lester Richard , Neema Stella , Newby Katie , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Urban refugee youth remain underserved by current HIV prevention strategies, including HIV self‐testing (HIVST). Examining HIVST feasibility with refugees can inform tailored HIV testing strategies. We examined if HIVST and mobile health (mHealth) delivery approaches could increase HIV testing uptake and HIV status knowledge among refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a three‐arm pragmatic controlled trial across five informal settlements grouped into three sites in Kampala from 2020 to 2021 with peer‐recruited refugee youth aged 16–24 years. The intervention was HIVST and HIVST + mHealth (HIVST with bidirectional SMS), compared with standard of care (SOC). Primary outcomes were self‐reported HIV testing uptake and correct status knowledge verified by point‐of‐care testing. Some secondary outcomes included: depression, HIV‐related stigma, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) stigma at three time points (baseline [T0], 8 months [T1] and 12 months [T2]). We used generalized estimating equation regression models to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios comparing arms over time, adjusting for age, gender and baseline imbalances. We assessed study pragmatism across PRECIS‐2 dimensions.

Results

We enrolled 450 participants (50.7% cisgender men, 48.7% cisgender women, 0.7% transgender women; mean age: 20.0, standard deviation: 2.4) across three sites. Self‐reported HIV testing uptake increased significantly from T0 to T1 in intervention arms: HIVST arm: (27.6% [n= 43] at T0 vs. 91.2% [n= 135] at T1; HIVST + mHealth: 30.9% [n= 47] at T0 vs. 94.2% [n= 113] at T1]) compared with SOC (35.5% [n= 50] at T0 vs. 24.8% [ = 27] at T1) and remained significantly higher than SOC at T2 (p<0.001). HIV status knowledge in intervention arms (HIVST arm: 100% [n= 121], HIVST + mHealth arm: 97.9% [n= 95]) was significantly higher than SOC (61.5% [n= 59]) at T2. There were modest changes in secondary outcomes in intervention arms, including decreased depression alongside increased HIV‐related stigma and adolescent SRH stigma. The trial employed both pragmatic (eligibility criteria, setting, organization, outcome, analysis) and explanatory approaches (recruitment path, flexibility of delivery flexibility, adherence flexibility, follow‐up).

Conclusions

Offering HIVST is a promising approach to increase HIV testing uptake among urban refugee youth in Kampala. We share lessons learned to inform future youth‐focused HIVST trials in urban humanitarian settings.
Comparison of direct effects of rice‐thickened formula vs routine feeds on symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux indices: A crossover cohort study
Authors: Njeh Minna , Sultana Zakia , Plumb Toni , Alshaikh Enas , Jadcherla Sudarshan R.
Published: October 2023

Background

We compared the direct effects of routine vs rice‐thickened formula on 24‐h pH‐impedance and symptom characteristics and then examined if dietary effects were modified by acid reflux index severity in infants.

Methods

Forty infants under consideration for gastroesophageal reflux disease and therapies were evaluated at 43 ± 1 weeks postmenstrual age. Each infant was equally fed routine diet and thickened formula during evaluations. Postprandial sessions were analyzed for acid reflux index, reflux events, clearance times, distal baseline impedance, and symptoms.

Results

Thickened formula has no effect (P ≥ 0.05) on acid reflux events’ characteristics or overall symptom frequency. However, refluxate height and frequency of weakly acidic events and cough were decreased (P < 0.05). Prolonged bolus clearance and a decrease in distal baseline impedance were noted with thickened feeds (vs routine feeds) when acid reflux index was >7 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our pH‐impedance testing protocol identifies direct effects of potential therapies at the point of care. Acutely, thickened formula does not impact acid‐specific reflux indices but decreases full‐column reflux and cough reflexes. In those with an acid reflux index of >7, thickened formula prolongs the distal esophageal bolus clearance (the mechanisms of which are uncertain). Clinical trials are needed to clarify objective indications and therapeutic use of thickened formulas for infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease, along with short‐ and long‐term side effects.
Strawberry fruit quality: Impacts of the harvest date with a breeding perspective
Authors: Pedrozo Paula , Vicente Esteban , Moltini Ana Inés , Ibáñez Facundo , Lado Bettina , Fariña Laura , Ares Gastón , Lado Joanna
Published: October 2023

Background

The sensory, nutritional, and organoleptic characterization of strawberry genotypes is a useful strategy to guide breeding efforts on filling consumer's expectations. This work was focused on evaluating the fruit quality of six strawberry genotypes. We aimed to highlight key clues for breeders regarding the relative contribution of different techniques for fruit characterization and consumer perception, with a special focus on contrasting harvest moments.

Results

Results showed that coloration resulted less variable compared with free sugars, firmness, or volatile compounds. There was an absence of correlation between external/internal color and anthocyanin content or between soluble solids and individual sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose). Oxygen radical absorbance capacity and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl methods showed to be complementary for antioxidant capacity determination. The predominance of esters and terpenes seems to contribute to typical strawberry flavor while a fine balance between aldehydes, terpenes, lactones, and esters found in similar proportions contributes to typical smell perception.

Conclusions

There is an important variability in fruit quality harvested fully ripe in different dates from the same harvest season and genotypes showed contrasting behaviors. Fruit color resulted more stable than other quality variables such as sugars or firmness while volatile profile showed significant changes. From a breeding perspective, it is crucial to consider many harvest moments throughout the reproductive cycle to assure a more representative fruit quality evaluation. Genotypes showing greater stability between harvests would be interesting for assuring a reproducible product during the season.
Use of shrimp farming waste in the production of biomaterials for sustainable agriculture and mitigation of environmental damage
Authors: Lima Bomfim Jôse Raymara Alves , da Costa Cunha Graziele , Botero Wander Gustavo , Romão Luciane Pimenta Cruz
Published: October 2023

Background

Due to the environmental degradation caused by shrimp farming in Brazilian mangrove ecosystems, it is of great importance to develop techniques capable of inserting waste into the production chain, strengthening the premise of sustainable shrimp farming development due to its economic and social impact. In this work, solid residues from shrimp farming were used as a slow‐release fertilizer (SRF) in formulations that also contain chitosan, montmorillonite, and urea.

Results

Fertilizer granules produced without (FERT A) and with additional layers (FERT B) were characterized by elemental analysis (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen), obtaining values of 14.4%–18.4% for carbon, 5.6%–6.9% for hydrogen, and 12.3%–19.3% for nitrogen. The fertilizers had low C/N ratios of around 1.0–1.50, compared to a value of 0.87 for urea, the nitrogen fertilizer most widely used in Brazilian agriculture. Release tests in water showed the same release pattern in the first 5 min for FERT A and FERT B, with <10% urea release. After 30 min, the release from the fertilizers progressively increased, reaching >60% after 1 day and a maximum of 95%–97% after 15 days. In the first 3 days of incubation in the soil, the releases of nitrogen from FERT A, FERT B, and conventional urea presented different patterns, with values of 32%, 10%, and 90%, respectively. After incubation for 25 days, FERT A and FERT B presented nitrogen releases lower than 78%, confirming the slow release of the nutrient from these fertilizers. Degradation experiments showed that the fertilizers were biodegradable in the soil, with degradation exceeding 60% after 30 days, indicating that they could be applied to the soil without leaving residues.

Conclusions

The fertilizer granules produced are SRFs that have the potential to increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization, reducing the frequency of applications and minimizing nitrogen losses in the soil. In addition, they enable the reuse of shrimp farming waste, producing a new material of agricultural interest.
The effect of apple pomace powder and calcium ions on selected physicochemical properties of freeze‐dried carrot‐orange‐ginger snacks
Authors: Karwacka Magdalena , Galus Sabina , Janowicz Monika
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effect of various amounts of dried apple pomace (AP) powder and calcium ions on selected physicochemical properties of restructured freeze‐dried snacks in comparison with products obtained with low‐methoxyl pectin (LMP). The material was prepared using frozen carrot, orange concentrate, ginger, water, and various concentrations of AP (1, 3, 5%) and calcium lactate (0, 0.01, 0.05%). The reference samples were without additives, and with 0.5 or 1.5% of LMP combined with 0.01% of calcium lactate.

RESULTS

The material was studied in terms of water content and activity, hygroscopic properties, structure, texture, color, and polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. The addition of AP resulted in reducing water activity and porosity. As a consequence of the increasing density of the structure, the reduction of hygroscopic properties by up to 16% followed the increasing amount of AP. Apple pomace and calcium ions strengthened the structure. The addition of 3% and 5% of AP gave a hardening effect close to or better than 0.5% LMP. Because of the pigment dilution, LMP caused significantly greater total color change than AP. The incorporation of AP also increased TPC and enhanced antioxidant activity in comparison with the reference materials by up to 18%.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that dried AP powder can be applied successfully as an additive enhancing stability, texture and bioactive compound content, thus fortifying the physicochemical properties of restructured freeze‐dried fruit and vegetable snacks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
M1 macrophage‐derived oncostatin M induces osteogenic differentiation of ligamentum flavum cells through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Yang Jun , Chen Guanghui , Fan Tianqi , Qu Xiaochen
Published: October 2023

Background

M1 macrophages (Mφs) are involved in osteogenic differentiation of ligamentum flavum (LF) cells and play an important role in heterotopic ossification. However, the mechanism by which M1 Mφs influence osteogenic differentiation of LF cells has not been studied.

Methods

The effect of conditioned medium including secretions of M1 Mφs (CM‐M1) on LF cells was analyzed by GeneChip profiling and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). THP‐1 cells were polarized into M1 Mφs and CM‐M1 was used to induce LF cells. In addition, LF cells were induced by CM‐M1 in the presence of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibitors or oncostatin M (OSM)‐neutralizing antibodies. Based on the presence of OSM, knockout of OSMR or GP130 receptors, or addition of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor AZD1480 or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor Stattic were examined for effects on osteogenic differentiation of LF cells. OSM secretion was quantified by ELISA, while qPCR and western blot were used to evaluate expression of osteogenic genes and receptor and signaling pathway‐related proteins, respectively.

Results

GeneChip and IPA results indicate that the OSM signaling pathway and its downstream signaling molecules JAK2 and STAT3 are significantly activated. ELISA results indicate that OSM is highly expressed in cells treated with CM‐M1 and lowly expressed in cells treated with CM‐M1 and a COX‐2 inhibitor. Besides, CM‐M1 induces osteogenic differentiation of LF cells, which is weakened when COX‐2 inhibitors or OSM‐neutralizing antibody are added to it. Recombinant OSM could induce osteogenic differentiation of LF cells and upregulate expression of OSMR, GP130, phosphorylated (P)‐JAK2, and P‐STAT3. Upon knockdown of OSMR or GP130, or the addition of AZD1480 or Stattic, P‐JAK2 and P‐STAT3 expression were decreased and osteogenic differentiation was reduced.

Conclusion

M1 Mφ‐derived OSM induces osteogenic differentiation of LF cells and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an important role.
Organic carbon storage and accumulation characteristics of peatlands in the Changbai Mountains, China
Authors: Liu Zigang , Ma Xuehui , Yang Fei , Diao Hongwei , Li Yun
Published: October 2023

Peatlands are important carbon pools and stable carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems. Studying carbon storage and accumulation characteristics can provide a scientific basis for the conservation and restoration of peatlands. Based on the 2014–2015 survey of the Jilin Provincial Forestry Department on the carbon storage of peatlands in the Changbai Mountains, the surveyed 865 peatlands have a total area of 22,900 hm2 and carbon storage of 18,753,300 tons. There are 275 medium‐sized organic carbon (OC) stocks of peatlands (10000–100,000 tons) in this area, and their carbon storage accounts for 41.3% of the total reserves. The peatland carbon in this area is mainly distributed in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, valleys and the lava platform are the most important geomorphological basis for peatland deposits. The Mudanjiang River Basin has the largest carbon storage and it is dominated by a nutrient‐rich peatland. Peatlands in the Changbai Mountains formed and developed since the Holocene, and the carbon accumulation intensity is different in each stage. The average carbon density of peatlands in this area was 69.74 kg/m3 with an average value of 81.77 kg/m2 for OC accumulation per unit area. The average value of the carbon cumulative intensity of peatlands was 164.43 ton/km2 and the carbon accumulation rate of peatlands was 38.96 g/(a m2).
FRANCES HESSELBEIN: A DEEP SOURCE OF WISDOM, INSPIRATION, AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Authors: Austin Lloyd J.
Published: October 2023

The author, the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defense, writes about his long history with “my trusted mentor Frances Hesselbein.” As he notes, “Every one of Frances’s 107 years was a gift. And as I continue to mourn her passing, I also continue to draw inspiration from her life and her service. Of course, to Frances, there was never a distinction between the two. As she would say, To serve is to live.” He recalls that he “first met Frances in 2003 when, as the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, I attended a leadership seminar for senior leaders at West Point.” In a roomful of generals, “Frances articulated something profound and true. Character is what counts. And before you can talk to anyone about values like bravery, integrity, and respect for all, you have to live those values. I’ve seen this lesson play out many times over my career. When you live and lead with character, your teammates will follow your example.”
Evolution of the Deformation‐ and Flow‐Induced Crystallization and Characterization of the Microstructure of a Single Spherulite, Lamella, and Chain of Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Sharaf Mohammed A. , Kloczkowski Andrzej
Published: October 2023

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is a frequently used polymer in industrial processing and scientific research, used as a model material. This review highlights some current and forefront issues in polymer science and engineering. This review alludes to classical deformation schemes to interpret the complicated deformation in isotactic polypropylene as a semicrystalline polymer. Also, due to the complex hierarchical structures of crystallized polymers, the progress on the multiscale and multistage microstructural evolution covering each deformation stage from the initiation of plasticity until failure is mainly concerned, particularly in terms of crystalline morphology changes. Specifically, the characterization of the microstructure evolution of a single spherulite, lamella, and chain of isotactic polypropylene will be emphasized and mentioned. Here, the authors are most interested in the results obtained from stretching (strain‐induced) orientation and crystallization studies accompanied by the in situ scattering and spectroscopy techniques offering a detection window from nano to micrometer scale, which should be able to reflect the microstructural changes at different length scales of interest. During polymer processing, the melts are frequently subjected to shear or/and elongation flow fields, producing flow‐induced molecular chain orientation in the melt. The oriented molecular chains crystallize differently than those encountered under quiescent conditions. Thus, orientation‐induced crystallization has long been an object of intense interest. A vast body of research is reported about the effects of preorientation on the crystallization of various polymers. Among them, iPP is most frequently studied since its diversified structure and morphology are very sensitive to changes in processing conditions and molecular parameters.