bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiautomated design and soluble expression of a chimeric antigen TbpAB01 from Glaesserella parasuis
Authors: Chen Jin‐Ping , Zhou Lin , Gong Jin‐Song , Wang Nan‐Kai , Miao Fen‐Fang , Su Chang , Gao Xin‐Le , Xu Guo‐Qiang , Shi Jin‐Song , Xu Zheng‐Hong
Published: April 2024

Pathogenic bacterial membrane proteins (MPs) are a class of vaccine and antibiotic development targets with widespread clinical application. However, the inherent hydrophobicity of MPs poses a challenge to fold correctly in living cells. Herein, we present a comprehensive method to improve the soluble form of MP antigen by rationally designing multi‐epitope chimeric antigen (ChA) and screening two classes of protein‐assisting folding element. The study uses a homologous protein antigen as a functional scaffold to generate a ChA possessing four epitopes from transferrin‐binding protein A of Glaesserella parasuis. Our engineered strain, which co‐expresses P17 tagged‐ChA and endogenous chaperones groEL‐ES, yields a 0.346 g/L highly soluble ChA with the property of HPS‐positive serum reaction. Moreover, the protein titer of ChA reaches 4.27 g/L with >90% soluble proportion in 5‐L bioreactor, which is the highest titer reported so far. The results highlight a timely approach to design and improve the soluble expression of MP antigen in industrially viable applications.
Assessment of the botanical origin of Saudi Arabian honey samples to identify pollen with chromatographic tools and packing and storage
Authors: AlNadhari Saleh , Abbasova Gunay , Al‐Qahtani Wahidah H. , Zengin Gokhan , Islamov Sokhib , Mammadova Afat O. , Azad Abul Kalam , Mammadova Shakar , Jaradat Nidal , Babayeva Ulkar , Humbatov Mahmud , Ganbarov Dashgin , Beylerli Ozal , Beilerli Aferin , Toker Ömer Said , Biturku Jonida , Kiren Ifrah
Published: April 2024

The increasing demand for honey purification and authentication necessitates the global utilization of advanced processing tools. Common honey processing techniques, such as chromatography, are commonly used to assess the quality and quantity of valuable honey. In this study, 15 honey samples were authenticated using HPLC and GC–MS chromatographic methods to analyze their pollen spectrum. Various monofloral honey samples were collected, including Acacia, Hypoestes, Lavandula, Tamarix, Trifolium, and Ziziphus species, based on accurate identification by apiarists in 2023 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Honey analysis revealed the extraction of pollen from 20 different honeybee floral species. Pollen identified from honey samples using advanced chromatographic tools revealed dominant vegetation resources: Ziziphus species (23%), Acacia species (25%), Tamarix species (34%), Lavandula species (26%), Hypoestes species (34%), and Trifolium species (31%). This study uses HPLC to extract phenolic compounds, revealing dominant protocatechuic acid (4.71 mg g−1), and GC–MS to analyze organic compounds in honey pollen. Specifically, 2‐dodecanone was detected with a retention time of 7.34 min. The utilization of chromatographic tools in assessing honey samples for pollen identification provides a reliable and efficient method for determining their botanical origins, thereby contributing to the quality control and authentication of honey products.
A pilot study examining hemomania behaviors in psychiatry outpatients engaged with nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Kandeger Ali , Uygur Omer Faruk , Ataslar Emine Yavuz , Cınar Furkan , Selvi Yavuz
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aims to conduct the first‐ever evaluation of our previously proposed behaviors of “hemomania” in individuals engaged with nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI).

Methods

The study encompassed 130 outpatients engaged with NSSI who applied at the psychiatry outpatient clinic. NSSI behaviors were assessed using the Inventory of Statements About Self‐Injury, while psychiatric diagnoses were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 Disorders‐Clinician Version. Subsequently, participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 and Short Form of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale.

Results

The prevalence of at least one hemomania behavior including seeing blood, tasting blood, bloodletting, and blood‐drinking was observed to be 43.1% in individuals with NSSI. When participants were divided into two groups, individuals with hemomania exhibited: (1) a higher incidence of psychiatric comorbidities, increased suicide attempts, and more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity, (2) higher comorbidity rates of borderline personality disorder, body‐focused repetitive behaviors, and dissociative disorders, and (3) elevated frequencies of certain NSSI behaviors, including cutting, biting, needle‐ticking, and carving, compared to those without.

Conclusion

Hemomania could be considered a specific impulse control disorder, characterized by heightened impulsivity and a persistent urge to obtain one's own blood. However, further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
Microalgae Octapeptide IIAVEAGC Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity in 6‐OHDA‐Induced SH‐SY5Y Cells by Regulating the Nrf2/HO‐1and Jak2/Stat3 Pathways
Authors: Liu Yi , Lin Liyuan , Zheng Haiyan , Huang Huixue , Qian Zhong‐Ji
Published: April 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of selectively vulnerable populations of neurons, and many factors are involved in its causes. Neurotoxicity and oxidative stress, are the main related factors. The octapeptide Ile‐Ile‐Ala‐Val‐Glu‐Ala‐Gly‐Cys (IEC) was identified from the microalgae Isochrysis zhanjiangensis and exhibited potential anti‐oxidative stress activity. In this study, the stability of α‐synaptic protein binding to IEC was modeled using molecular dynamics, and the results indicated binding stabilization within 60 ns. Oxidative stress in neurons is the major cause of α‐synaptic protein congestion. Therefore, we next evaluated the protective effects of IEC against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in 6‐ohdainduced Parkinson's disease (PD) model SH‐SY5Y cells in vitro. In oxidative stress, IEC appeared to increase the expression of the antioxidant enzymes HO‐1 and GPX through the antioxidant pathway of Nrf2, and molecular docking of IEC with Nrf2 and GPX could generate hydrogen bonds. Regarding apoptosis, IEC protected cells by increasing the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, inhibiting the caspase cascade, acting on p53, and modulating the Jak2/Stat3 pathway. The results indicated that IEC exerted neuroprotective effects through the inhibition of α‐synaptic protein aggregation and antioxidant activity. Therefore, microalgal peptides have promising applications in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Inhibition of neuronal pentraxin 2 relieved epileptic seizure via reducing GluA1 phosphorylation
Authors: Xing Mengnan , Yang Xinlei , Jin Sinan , Xu Xiangping
Published: April 2024

Neuronal pentraxin 2 (Nptx2), a member of the synaptic protein family linked to excitatory synaptic formation, is found to be upregulated in epileptic mice, yet its role in epilepsy has been unclear. In vivo, we constructed a mouse model of epilepsy by using kainic acid induction. In vitro experiments, a Mg2+‐free medium was used to induce epileptiform discharges in neurons. The results showed that the Nptx2 was upregulated in epileptic mice. Moreover, Nptx2 knockdown reduced the number of seizures and seizure duration. Knocking down Nptx2 not only reduced the number and duration of seizures but also showed a decrease in electroencephalogram amplitude. Behavioral tests indicated improvements in learning and memory abilities after Nptx2 knockdown. The Nissl staining and Timms staining revealed that Nptx2 silencing mitigated epilepsy‐induced brain damage. The immunofluorescence staining revealed that Nptx2 absence resulted in a reduction of apoptosis. Nptx2 knockdown reduced Bax, cleaved caspase3, and cleaved caspase9 expression, while increased Bcl‐2 expression. Notably, Nptx2 knockdown inhibited GluA1 phosphorylation at the S831 site and reduced the GluA1 membrane expression. The PSD95 expression declined in the epilepsy model, while the Nptx2 knockdown reversed it. Collectively, our study indicated that Nptx2 silencing not only alleviated brain damage and neuron apoptosis but also improved learning and memory ability in epileptic mice, suggesting Nptx2 as a promising target for epilepsy treatment.
Finite element modeling with patient‐specific geometry to assess clinical risks of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation
Authors: Donahue Carly L. , Westman Claire L. , Faanes Brittany L. , Qureshi Athar M. , Barocas Victor H. , Aggarwal Varun
Published: April 2024

Background

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is a non‐surgical treatment for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. During PPVI, a stented valve, delivered via catheter, replaces the dysfunctional pulmonary valve. Stent oversizing allows valve anchoring within the RVOT, but overexpansion can intrude on the surrounding structures. Potentially dangerous outcomes include aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) from aortic root (AR) distortion and myocardial ischemia from coronary artery (CA) compression. Currently, risks are evaluated via balloon angioplasty/sizing before stent deployment. Patient‐specific finite element (FE) analysis frameworks can improve pre‐procedural risk assessment, but current methods require hundreds of hours of high‐performance computation.

Methods

We created a simplified method to simulate the procedure using patient‐specific FE models for accurate, efficient pre‐procedural PPVI (using balloon expandable valves) risk assessment. The methodology was tested by retrospectively evaluating the clinical outcome of 12 PPVI candidates.

Results

Of 12 patients (median age 14.5 years) with dysfunctional RVOT, 7 had native RVOT and 5 had RV‐PA conduits. Seven patients had undergone successful RVOT stent/valve placement, three had significant AVI on balloon testing, one had left CA compression, and one had both AVI and left CA compression. A model‐calculated change of more than 20% in lumen diameter of the AR or coronary arteries correctly predicted aortic valve sufficiency and/or CA compression in all the patients.

Conclusion

Agreement between FE results and clinical outcomes is excellent. Additionally, these models run in 2–6 min on a desktop computer, demonstrating potential use of FE analysis for pre‐procedural risk assessment of PPVI in a clinically relevant timeframe.
Effect of Ag Addition to Au Catalysts for the Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid
Authors: de Boed Ewoud J. J. , Nolten Hidde L. , Masoud Nazila , Vogel Robin , Wang Fei , Xu Zhuoran , Doskocil Eric J. , Donoeva Baira , de Jongh Petra E.
Published: April 2024

The addition of Ag to Au nanocatalysts is known to improve several catalytic reduction and oxidation reactions. Until now, bimetallic AuAg catalysts have not been studied in detail in liquid phase oxidation reactions. We investigated the activity, selectivity, and stability of silica supported Au, Ag and AuAg catalysts in the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), an important reaction to produce bio‐based polymers. We demonstrate that addition of an optimum amount of inactive Ag to the active Au catalyst substantially increases the overall selectivity and yield of the desired FDCA. Interestingly, Ag addition decreased the conversion rate of the reactant HMF to the intermediate HMFCA, but improved (up to 10–20 % Ag addition) much the conversion of the intermediate product to the desired final product. This is probably due to tuning the electronic properties of the nanoparticles to achieve an optimum adsorption strength of the intermediate on the surface of AuAg catalysts. Moreover, particle growth was suppressed by the bimetallic AuAg catalyst, ultimately leading to superior stability compared to its monometallic counterparts.
Atypia of undetermined significance and ThyroSeq v3–positive call rates as quality control metrics for cytology laboratory performance
Authors: Mejia‐Mejia Odille , Bravo‐Gonzalez Andres , Sanchez‐Avila Monica , Tjendra Youley , Santoscoy Rodrigo , Drews‐Elger Katherine , Zuo Yiqin , Arias‐Abad Camilo , Gomez Carmen , Garcia‐Buitrago Monica , Nadji Mehrdad , Jorda Merce , Velez‐Torres Jaylou M. , Ruiz‐Cordero Roberto
Published: April 2024

Background

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) recommends an upper limit of 10% for atypia of undetermined significance (AUS). Recent data suggest that this category might be overused when the rate of cases with molecular positive results is low. As a quality metric, the AUS and positive call rates for this facility’s cytology laboratory and each cytopathologist (CP) were calculated.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all thyroid cytology cases in a 4.5‐year period was performed. Cases were stratified by TBSRTC, and molecular testing results were collected for indeterminate categories. The AUS rate was calculated for each CP and the laboratory. The molecular positive call rate (PCR) was calculated with and without the addition of currently negative to the positive results obtained from the ThyroSeq report.

Results

A total of 7535 cases were classified as nondiagnostic, 7.6%; benign, 69%; AUS, 17.5%; follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm, 1.4%; suspicious for malignancy, 0.7%; and malignant, 3.8%. The AUS rate for each CP ranged from 9.9% to 36.8%. The overall PCR was 24% (range, 13%–35.6% per CP). When including cases with currently negative results, the PCR increased to 35.5% for the cytology laboratory (range, 13%–42.6% per CP). Comparison analysis indicates a combination of overcalling benign cases and, less frequently, undercalling of higher TBSRTC category cases.

Conclusions

The AUS rate in the context of PCR is a useful metric to assess cytology laboratory and cytopathologists’ performance. Continuous feedback on this metric could help improve the overall quality of reporting thyroid cytology.
Temperature‐driven homogenization of an ant community over 60 years in a montane ecosystem
Authors: Paraskevopoulos Anna W. , Sanders Nathan J. , Resasco Julian
Published: April 2024

Identifying the mechanisms underlying the changes in the distribution of species is critical to accurately predict how species have responded and will respond to climate change. Here, we take advantage of a late‐1950s study on ant assemblages in a canyon near Boulder, Colorado, USA, to understand how and why species distributions have changed over a 60‐year period. Community composition changed over 60 years with increasing compositional similarity among ant assemblages. Community composition differed significantly between the periods, with aspect and tree cover influencing composition. Species that foraged in broader temperature ranges became more widespread over the 60‐year period. Our work highlights that shifts in community composition and biotic homogenization can occur even in undisturbed areas without strong habitat degradation. We also show the power of pairing historical and contemporary data and encourage more mechanistic studies to predict species changes under climate change.
Modulation of S‐Centered Reactivity: Impact of Terminal Ligands on Alkynyl Addition in [Fe2(μ‐S2)(CO)4L2] Complexes
Authors: Bennour Ines , Chatelain Lucile , Schollhammer Philippe
Published: April 2024

The reactivity of complexes [Fe2(μ‐S2)(CO)4L2] (L=CO (1), PPh3 (2)), with lithium alkynylide reagents generated in situ, was investigated. The behavior of the S2‐bridge in these compounds depends on the substitution at the diiron core. The reaction with the hexacarbonyl derivative 1 leads to the formation of the 1,2‐dithiolene bridged complex [Fe2(μ‐SCH=C(R)S)(CO)6] (3R) while the molecule [Fe2(μ‐SH)(μ‐SC≡CR)(CO)4(PPh3)2] (5R), with an open butterfly structure, is isolated when reacting the disubstituted derivative 2. The disubstituted dithiolene complex [Fe2(μ‐SCH=C(Ph)S)(CO)4(PPh3)2] (4Ph) can only be obtained by substitution of carbonyls with PPh3 in 3R. In the presence of piperidine, 5R isomerizes into the 1,1’‐dithiolene bridged derivative 6Ph. The novel compounds 4–6 were synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies. X‐ray crystallographic studies of the dithiolene complexes 3Ph–4Ph allowed their structural analysis.
Development and characterization of stable proanthocyanidin‐loaded PLAROsomes as a potential drug carrier system for augmenting anticancer activity
Authors: Bhinge Somnath D. , Kamalakar Smita P. , Randive Dheeraj S. , Bhutkar Mangesh A. , Patil Kiran S. , Merekar Abhijit N. , Patil Abhinandan R.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present study was to develop potential drug carrier system formulations, namely PLAROsomes for the delivery of Proanthocyanidin (PACY), isolated from the extract of dried grape seeds. The PLAROsomes loaded with PACY were prepared using the thin film hydration method. The influence of various process parameters and material attributes was investigated using the design of experiments (DoE). The PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes were characterized using hyphenated tools. The in‐vitro anticancer activities of PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes were confirmed using the Trypan blue method, MTT method, and flow cytometric analysis on MCF‐7 cells. The polymer‐to‐lipid ratio, among various process parameters and material attributes, significantly influenced the average particle size. Additionally, it played a crucial role in determining the percentage of PACY released from PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes. The size of the PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes ranged from 40 to 300 nm, and the optimized batch demonstrated a drug entrapment efficiency of 86.38±0.22%. PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes exhibited improved in vitro anticancer activities against MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines compared to PACY. PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes showed greater activity at lower concentrations in cytotoxicity studies, as supported by apoptosis analysis. Therefore, PLAROsomes could present a promising drug carrier system for delivering PACY in breast cancer treatment, offering a sustained release effect.
Active quasi circulator: Comprehensive review and performance comparison
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Chowdhury Sujan , Zaman Hasan U.
Published: April 2024

Designing circulator as an antenna interface device becomes a daunting task, particularly active‐quasi circulator. This article focuses on demonstrating the basic operation principle, design methods, technical parameters, and performance metrics of active quasi‐circulator. In addition, the study provides an analogy of the circuits and structures proposed by the researchers to enhance certain performance metrics. Active signal cancellation and passive signal cancellation are identified as the major design approaches. Tunable, wideband, and wideband‐tunable are the major types of circulators found in existing literature. Moreover, this article provides a performance comparison of the active‐quasi circulators available in existing literature. Several active quasi‐circulators were able to operate in high frequencies such as 60 GHz with acceptable isolation levels. On the other hand, several designs have over 30 dB isolation, which is a highly desired parameter. At last, the future design challenges associated with active‐quasi circulators have been discussed to provide insight into future research.
Bayesian Markov switching model for BRICS currencies' exchange rates
Authors: Kumar Utkarsh , Ahmad Wasim , Uddin Gazi Salah
Published: April 2024

Exchange rate modeling has always fascinated researchers because of its complex macroeconomic dynamics. This study documents the exchange rate dynamics of major emerging economies after accounting for their macroeconomic cycles and explores the Bayesian Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Markov Regime switching model, which uses time‐varying transition probabilities. The main objective is to study the exchange rate dynamics of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) vis‐à‐vis the US dollar. The Bayesian setup uses two hierarchal shrinkage priors, the normal‐gamma (NG) prior and the Litterman prior, for parameters' estimation. These shrinkage priors allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the regime‐specific coefficients. The model performed well in differentiating between the two regimes for all currencies. The Russian ruble was identified to be the most depreciated currency, whereas the African Rand was the most appreciated. The evaluation of model features revealed that many regime‐specific coefficients differed significantly from their common mean. A forecasting exercise was then performed for the out‐of‐sample period to assess the model's performance. A significant improvement was observed over the basic random walk (RW) model and the linear Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) model.
Communication Approaches and Specialists that Can Improve Fisheries Management
Authors: Robison Vaughn , Jones Megan S. , Erickson Brian , Biedenweg Kelly
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to expand fisheries managers' understanding of how the science of communication can facilitate effective fisheries management. We offer context-specific definitions of four communication approaches that are commonly performed by fisheries managers but poorly defined and can easily be confused or conflated. These are as follows: Outreach,Education,Social Marketing, andEngagement.Further, we explain key evidence-based principles that support each communication approach and offer practical examples of their application. Finally, we highlight different communication research fields that produce social science for communication practitioners to use in the context of fisheries management. These explanations support our claim that effective communication is required to meet the professional needs of fisheries managers and encompasses meeting the needs of their audiences.
Commodity premia and risk management
Authors: Fan John Hua , Zhang Tingxi
Published: April 2024

We examine the role of risk management in the context of commodity factor premia. Stopping losses in individual commodities effectively improves the average returns of long‐short commodity premia through persistent reduction in the frequency and severity of drawdowns. The magnitude of improvement is related to the quality of the signal, commodity return volatility, and autocorrelations, as well as transaction costs. The efficacy of a stop‐loss strategy can be enhanced by dynamically calibrating loss thresholds in accordance with realized volatility, and it performs best in high conviction weighting schemes. Overall, we highlight the pivotal role of risk management beyond volatility targeting and risk‐parity in harnessing commodity risk premia.
Controlled Release of Volatile Enones from Monomeric and Dimeric Thioether, Sulfoxide and Sulfone Profragrances
Authors: Trachsel Alain , Leocata Sabine , de Saint Laumer Jean‐Yves , Herrmann Andreas
Published: April 2024

Thioether (sulfide) profragrances are readily prepared by 1,4‐addition of alkanethiols to enones (thia‐Michael reaction). Under ambient conditions, they slowly release the parent enones, thus generating a long‐lasting perfumery effect. The fragrance release of profragrances obtained by 1,4‐addition of S, O and N nucleophiles to enones was compared on cotton and on a hard surface for monomeric and dimeric structures. To avoid the uncontrolled generation of volatile sulfur compounds from thioethers, we investigated the extent to which different side reactions occurred next to the expected formation of enones and alkanethiols. Headspace analyses on cotton showed that enones and aldehydes were the major reaction products, whereas none or only traces of β‐mercaptoketones, diketones or alkanethiols were detected. The absence of alkanethiols indicated that 1,4‐elimination of thioethers was not a major pathway for fragrance release. Extraction of the cotton sheets after analysis showed that thioethers were oxidised to sulfoxides, which then can generate enones by 1,4‐elimination. Thioethers, sulfoxides and sulfones were shown to efficiently release enones in practical applications.
Analyzing the risk factors for disease progression within 2 years and histological transformation in patients treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone as first‐line treatment: A 15‐year follow‐up of patients with advanced follicular lymphoma in JCOG0203
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Wakabayashi Masashi , Maruyama Dai , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Kubota Nobuko , Shimada Kazuyuki , Asagoe Kohsuke , Yamaguchi Motoko , Ando Kiyoshi , Ogura Michinori , Kuroda Junya , Suehiro Youko , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Tobinai Kensei , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: April 2024

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent lymphoma that becomes aggressive due to histological transformation (HT), leading to reduced survival. Patients with FL have different clinical courses and various treatment options. Some patients exhibit shorter survival and experience disease progression within 24 months of diagnosis/treatment (POD24); the optimal treatment remains an unmet needs. Thus, identifying factors that predict shorter survival is essential to stratify treatment and prolong the survival of patients with FL. To analyze risk factors for POD24 and HT in patients treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP) as first‐line treatment, we performed this post‐hoc analysis of patients with advanced indolent B‐cell lymphoma in a randomized clinical trial wherein six cycles of R‐CHOP were administered every 2–3 weeks. The primary analysis showed no differences in outcomes, which enabled the analysis of 248 patients with FL, assigned to two arms. All histopathological specimens from the 300 enrolled patients were reviewed by three expert hematopathologists. Multivariable analysis implicated Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) intermediate (odds ratio [OR] 2.531, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.676–9.466) and high‐ (OR 2.236, 95% CI 0.160–31.226) risks, B symptoms (OR 2.091, 95% CI 0.747–5.851), and grade 3A (G3A) (OR 1.833, 95% CI 0.634–5.299) as risk factors for POD24. Furthermore, multivariable analysis through a median follow‐up of 15.9 years implicated G3A (OR 2.628, 95% CI 0.806–8.575) and high‐risk FLIPI (OR 4.401, 95% CI 0.186–104.377) as risk factors for HT. However, an analysis limited to the first 10 years revealed that the prognostic factors elucidated from the longer‐term analysis had a greater impact on HT. G3A and high‐risk FLIPI may independently predict POD24 and HT, thereby informing treatment stratification of patients with untreated advanced‐stage FL in future trials, particularly to address the unmet needs of patients with POD24.
Effects of ambient temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity on risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China
Authors: Di Wenyi , Yu Jiamin , Zong Dan , Ge Yizhi , Zhang Yujie , Chen Xin , He Xia
Published: April 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique geographic distribution. It is unknown whether meteorological factors are related to the incidence of NPC. To investigate the effect of ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) on the incidence of NPC, we collected the incidence rate of NPC in 2016 and meteorological data from 2006 to 2016 from 484 cities and counties across 31 provinces in China. Generalized additive models with quasi‐Poisson regression and generalized linear models with natural cubic splines were employed respectively to elucidate the nonlinear relationships and specify the partial linear relationships. Subgroup and interactive analysis were also conducted. Temperature (R2 = 0.68, p < .001), RH (R2 = 0.47, p < .001), and AH (R2 = 0.70, p < .001) exhibited nonlinear correlations with NPC incidence rate. The risk of NPC incidence increased by 20.3% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: [18.9%, 21.7%]) per 1°C increase in temperature, by 6.3% (95% CI: [5.3%, 7.2%]) per 1% increase in RH, and by 32.2% (95% CI: [30.7%, 33.7%]) per 1 g/m3 increase in AH, between their the 25th and the 99th percentiles. In addition, the combination of low temperature and low RH was also related to increased risk (relative risk: 1.60, 95% CI: [1.18, 2.17]). Males and eastern or rural populations tended to be more vulnerable. In summary, this study suggests that ambient temperature, RH, and particularly AH are associated with the risk of NPC incidence.
Optimal decisions of retailer's loans from bank
Authors: Yan Bo , Liang Mengru , Liu Lifeng
Published: April 2024

This study employs the Stackelberg game model to explore an innovative financing model where the retailer directly borrows from the bank under conditions of symmetric information. Diverging from traditional research, this study uniquely incorporates the concept of the margin rate into the decentralised decision analysis among retailer, supplier, and bank. The finding indicates that the capital of the retailer and margin rate significantly influence financing decisions within the supply chain, thereby impacting profitability for all stakeholders. Specifically, we find that the margin rate plays a crucial role in optimising retailer financing decisions, supplier pricing strategies, and bank risk management. These insights offer a fresh perspective for banks to establish appropriate margin rates and loan interest rates, effectively managing loan risks and maximising supply chain profitability.
Toxicology and safety study of L‐tryptophan and its impurities for use in swine
Authors: Park Ji‐Eun , Ko Soo Min , Han Hyo‐Jeong , Lee Ji‐Young , Jeong Da Som , Lee Dong Hyun , Heo In Kyung , Shin Yong Uk , Kim Yang Hee , Son Woo‐Chan
Published: April 2024

L‐tryptophan, an essential amino acid for physiological processes, metabolism, development, and growth of organisms, is widely utilized in animal nutrition and human health as a feed additive and nutritional supplement, respectively. Despite its known benefits, safety concerns have arisen due to an eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome (EMS) outbreak linked to L‐tryptophan consumed by humans. Extensive research has established that the EMS outbreak was caused by an L‐tryptophan product that contained certain impurities. Therefore, safety validations are imperative to endorse the use of L‐tryptophan as a supplement or a feed additive. This study was conducted in tertiary hybrid [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] pigs to assess general toxicity and potential risks for EMS‐related symptoms associated with L‐tryptophan used as a feed additive. Our investigation elucidated the relationship between L‐tryptophan and EMS in swine. No mortalities or clinical signs were observed in any animals during the administration period, and the test substance did not induce toxic effects. Hematological analysis and histopathological examination revealed no changes in EMS‐related parameters, such as eosinophil counts, lung lesions, skin lesions, or muscle atrophy. Furthermore, no test substance‐related changes occurred in other general toxicological parameters. Through analyzing the tissues and organs of swine, most of the L‐tryptophan impurities that may cause EMS were not retained. Based on these findings, we concluded that incorporating L‐tryptophan and its impurities into the diet does not induce EMS in swine. Consequently, L‐tryptophan may be used as a feed additive throughout all growth stages of swine without safety concerns.
Short‐term immunotoxicity induced by florpyrauxifen‐benzyl herbicide exposure in the spleen of male albino mice
Authors: Morsi Dalia S. , Abu Quora Hagar A. , AboShabaan Hind S. , El‐Garawani Islam M. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Hathout Heba M. R.
Published: April 2024

Florpyrauxifen‐benzyl (FPB) is a new arylpicolinate systemic herbicide that has been used to control or suppress the majority of herbicide‐resistant biotype weeds in rice. To our knowledge, the impact of FPB on the immune system remains undetected thus far. Hence, this work aimed to address the toxic effects of FPB and the possible related mechanisms on the spleen of exposed mice. Initially, an acute toxicological test was performed to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD50) of FPB for 24 h which was found to be 371.54 mg/kg b.wt. For mechanistic evaluation of FPB toxicity, three sublethal doses (1/20th, 1/10th, and 1/5th LD50) were orally administered to mice for 21 consecutive days. Changes in spleen relative weight, oxidative status, apoptotic and inflammatory markers, histopathological alterations were evaluated. Following the FPB exposure, significant (p < 0.05) decline in spleen index, apoptotic features, histolopathological changes were observed. Additionally, excessive oxidative stress in spleen tissues was monitored by downregulating antioxidant enzymes and upregulating the oxidant parameters. Furthermore, exposure to FPB resulted in notable activation of the NF‐қB signaling pathway, accompanied by elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (namely, IL‐1β and TNF‐α) as well as CD3 and CD19 levels have decreased significantly in spleen tissues. Collectively, FPB exposure exhibited apoptosis, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and inflammatory response in a dose‐dependent manner, leading to spleen tissue damage and immunotoxicity. Further studies on FPB is recommended to outstand its hazards on ecosystems.
Metagenomic insights into fungal community composition of the nasopharyngeal region of COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis patients from India
Authors: Arunan Bharathi , Talukdar Daizee , Swain Satish , Varadarajan Ashwin , Sarda Radhika , Singh Gagandeep , Nischal Neeraj , Soneja Manish , Bakshi Susmita , Jana Pradipta , Tanwar Subhash , Sikka Kapil , Verma Hitesh , Subramanian Arulselvi , Xess Immaculata , Wig Naveet , Das Bhabatosh , Ray Animesh
Published: April 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) associated mucormycosis (CAM) was reported predominantly from India during the second wave of COVID‐19  and has a high mortality rate. The present study aims to understand the fungal community composition of the nasopharyngeal region of CAM‐infected individuals and compare it with severe COVID‐19 patients and healthy controls. The fungal community composition was decoded by analyzing the sequence homology of the internal transcribed spacer‐2–(ITS‐2) region of metagenomic DNA extracted from the upper respiratory samples. The alpha‐diversity indices were found to be significantly altered in CAM patients (p < 0.05). Interestingly, a higher abundance of Candida africana, Candida haemuloni, Starmerella floris, and Starmerella lactiscondensi was observed exclusively in CAM patients. The interindividual changes in mycobiome composition were well supported by beta‐diversity analysis (p < 0.05). The current study provides insights into the dysbiosis of the nasal mycobiome during CAM infection. In conclusion, our study shows that severe COVID‐19 and CAM are associated with alteration in mycobiome as compared to healthy controls. However, the sequential alteration in the fungal flora which ultimately leads to the development of CAM needs to be addressed by future studies.
Employing machine learning to enhance fracture recovery insights through gait analysis
Authors: Rezapour Mostafa , Seymour Rachel B. , Sims Stephen H. , Karunakar Madhav A. , Habet Nahir , Gurcan Metin Nafi
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to explore the potential of gait analysis coupled with supervised machine learning models as a predictive tool for assessing post‐injury complications such as infection, malunion, or hardware irritation among individuals with lower extremity fractures. We prospectively identified participants with lower extremity fractures at a tertiary academic center. These participants underwent gait analysis with a chest‐mounted inertial measurement unit device. Using customized software, the raw gait data were preprocessed, emphasizing 12 essential gait variables. The data were standardized, and several machine learning models, including XGBoost, logistic regression, support vector machine, LightGBM, and Random Forest, were trained, tested, and evaluated. Special attention was given to class imbalance, addressed using the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). Additionally, we introduced a novel methodology to compute the post‐injury recovery rate for gait variables, which operates independently of the time difference between the gait analyses of different participants. XGBoost was identified as the optimal model both before and after the application of SMOTE. Before using SMOTE, the model achieved an average test area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.90, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [0.79, 1.00], and an average test accuracy of 86%, with a 95% CI of [75%, 97%]. Through feature importance analysis, a pivotal role was attributed to the duration between the occurrence of the injury and the initial gait analysis. Data patterns over time revealed early aggressive physiological compensations, followed by stabilization phases, underscoring the importance of prompt gait analysis. χ2 analysis indicated a statistically significant higher readmission rate among participants with underlying medical conditions (p = 0.04). Although the complication rate was also higher in this group, the association did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06), suggesting a more pronounced impact of medical conditions on readmission rates rather than on complications. This study highlights the transformative potential of integrating advanced machine learning techniques like XGBoost with gait analysis for orthopedic care. The findings underscore a shift toward a data‐informed, proactive approach in orthopedics, enhancing patient outcomes through early detection and intervention. The χ2 analysis added crucial insights into the broader clinical implications, advocating for a comprehensive treatment strategy that accounts for the patient's overall health profile. The research paves the way for personalized, predictive medical care in orthopedics, emphasizing the importance of timely and tailored patient assessments.
A rhPDGF‐BB/bovine type I collagen/β‐TCP mixture for the treatment of critically sized non‐union tibial defects: An in vivo study in rabbits
Authors: Nayak Vasudev Vivekanand , Costello Joseph P. , Ehlen Quinn T. , Slavin Blaire V. , Mirsky Nicholas A. , Kelly Sophie , Suarez Camila , Daunert Sylvia , Witek Lukasz , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: April 2024

Non‐union during healing of bone fractures affects up to ~5% of patients worldwide. Given the success of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐B chain homodimer (rhPDGF‐BB) in promoting angiogenesis and bone fusion in the hindfoot and ankle, rhPDGF‐BB combined with bovine type I collagen/β‐TCP matrix (AIBG) could serve as a viable alternative to autografts in the treatment of non‐unions. Defects (~2 mm gaps) were surgically induced in tibiae of skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits. Animals were allocated to one of four groups—(1) negative control (empty defect, healing for 8 weeks), (2 and 3) acute treatment with AIBG (healing for 4 or 8 weeks), and (4) chronic treatment with AIBG (injection 4 weeks post defect creation and then healing for 8 weeks). Bone formation was analyzed qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively through histology. Samples were imaged using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and computed tomography for defect visualization and volumetric reconstruction, respectively. Delayed healing or non‐healing was observed in the negative control group, whereas defects treated with AIBG in an acute setting yielded bone formation as early as 4 weeks with bone growth appearing discontinuous. At 8 weeks (acute setting), substantial remodeling was observed with higher degrees of bone organization characterized by appositional bone growth. The chronic healing, experimental, group yielded bone formation and remodeling, with no indication of non‐union after treatment with AIBG. Furthermore, bone growth in the chronic healing group was accompanied by an increased presence of osteons, osteonal canals, and interstitial lamellae. Qualitatively and semiquantitatively, chronic application of AI facilitated complete bridging of the induced non‐union defects, while untreated defects or defects treated acutely with AIBG demonstrated a lack of complete bridging at 8 weeks.
Prevalence and clinical features of chronic uveitis in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: A nationwide study
Authors: Maniscalco Valerio , Scarallo Luca , Aloi Marina , Alvisi Patrizia , Norsa Lorenzo , Zuin Giovanna , Simonini Gabriele , Lionetti Paolo
Published: April 2024

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) encompass a group of chronic inflammatory disorders primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract but capable of impacting various organs, including the eye, with uveitis being the most common ocular condition. We assessed uveitis prevalence and clinical features in a nationwide cohort of pediatric IBD. Among 4229 cases, six patients (four Crohn's disease, one ulcerative colitis, and one unclassified IBD) were identified, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 141.8 per 100,000 patients. Uveitis onset varied: two before IBD, two after, and two concomitantly. Symptomatic uveitis occurred in 2/6 patients, with anterior involvement in all cases. Median follow‐up was 3 years (interquartile range 2–4.75 years). At the last follow‐up, 5/6 patients exhibited quiescent IBD, while 4/6 had inactive uveitis. One patient had ocular complications. Uveitis is a rare but potentially complicating manifestation of pediatric IBD.
Delayed sowing and its ramifications: biophysical, yield and quality analysis of wheat cultivars in the northwest Indo‐Gangetic plains
Authors: Roy Debasish , Vashisth Ananta , Krishnan Prameela , Mukherjee Joydeep , Meena Mahesh Chand , Biswakarma Niraj , Rathore Pooja , Bag Koushik , Kumari Sweta
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The continuous cultivation of rice–wheat in the same field is a key element of double‐cropping systems in the Indo‐Gangetic plains. Yields of such cropping systems are increasingly challenged as climate change drives increases in temperature, terminal stress and uneven rainfall, delaying rice harvesting and subsequently delaying sowing of wheat. In this paper, we evaluate the optimum sowing dates to achieve high grain yield and quality of wheat cultivars in northwest India. Three cultivars of wheat, HD‐2967, HD‐3086 and PBW‐723, were sown on three different dates at the research farm of ICAR‐IARI, New Delhi, to generate different weather conditions at different phenological stages. Different biophysical attributes, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, were measured at different phenological stages. Yield and grain quality parameters such as protein, starch, amylopectin, amylose and gluten were measured in different cultivars sown on different dates.

RESULTS

Biophysical parameters were found to be higher in timely sown crops followed by late‐sown and very late‐sown crops. Further, the different sowing dates had a significant (P < 0.05) impact on the grain quality parameters such as protein, starch, amylopectin, amylose and gluten content. Percentage increases in the value of starch and amylose content under timely sown were ~7% and 11.6%, ~5% and 8.4%, compared to the very late‐sown treatment. In contrast, protein and amylopectin contents were found to increase by ~9.7% and 7.5%, ~13.8% and 16.6% under very late‐sown treatment.

CONCLUSION

High‐temperature stress during the grain‐filling periods significantly decreased the grain yield. Reduction in the grain yield was associated with a reduction in starch and amylose content in the grains. The protein content in the grains is less affected by terminal heat stress. Cultivar HD‐3086 had higher growth, yield as well as quality parameters, compared to HD‐2967 and PBW‐723 in all treatments, hence could be adopted by farmers in northwest India. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pronounced Olfactory Habituation with Age
Authors: Hintschich Constantin A. , Ma Cindy , Hähner Antje , Hummel Thomas
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Olfactory habituation is a transient decrease in olfactory sensitivity caused by prolonged odor exposure, aiding in the discernment of new olfactory stimuli against the background. We explored the impact of subclinical olfactory impairment on odor habituation using age as a proxy.

Methods

Before the actual experiment, the individual olfactory threshold for the rose‐like odorant phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) was assessed separately for the left and right nostril using the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test, and ratings for odor intensity and pleasantness were collected. After applying a nasal clip continuously delivering PEA odor to one nostril for 10 min and 2 h, respectively, threshold, intensity, and pleasantness were reassessed immediately after clip removal.

Results

In the group of 80 participants (younger adults‐mean age 27.7 ± 4.5 years; older adults‐mean age 61.5 ± 4.7 years), olfactory thresholds were already significantly elevated after just 10 min, and this habituation was even more pronounced after 2 h. This effect could be observed bilaterally even though significantly more distinct on the exposed side. Older participants generally exhibited a more pronounced habituation on the exposed side after 2 h compared to the younger participants.

Conclusion

The results indicate that older people experience more notable habituation after extended exposure to odors. This is most likely due to the compromised olfactory function in age. Although older and younger subjects scored in the normosmic range when tested with standardized olfactory tests, the stress on the system after exposure to an odor clearly revealed the lower functionality of the aging sense of smell.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3765–3768, 2024
‘Death of the Journal’: An editor's view
Authors: Naxera Vladimír
Published: April 2024

Key points

Many academic journals are discontinued; however, there is little discussion of this.

Based on one specific case, this essay shows how changes in the systems of evaluation and funding science impact a journal.

A lack of quality submissions and of publishers' will to support and/or pay a journal can lead to its discontinuation.
The Production of Polysarcosine‐Containing Nanoparticles by Ring‐Opening Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Morrell Anna H. , Warren Nicholas J. , Thornton Paul D.
Published: April 2024

N‐carboxyanhydride ring‐opening polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (NCA ROPISA) offers a convenient route for generating poly(amino acid)‐based nanoparticles in a single step, crucially avoiding the need for post‐polymerization self‐assembly. Most examples of NCA ROPISA make use of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrophilic stabilizing block, however this non‐biodegradable, oil‐derived polymer may cause an immunological response in some individuals. Alternative water‐soluble polymers are therefore highly sought. This work reports the synthesis of wholly poly(amino acid)‐based nanoparticles, through the chain‐extension of a polysarcosine macroinitiator with L‐Phenylalanine‐NCA (L‐Phe‐NCA) and Alanine‐NCA (Ala‐NCA), via aqueous NCA ROPISA. The resulting polymeric structures comprise of predominantly anisotropic, rod‐like nanoparticles, with morphologies primarily influenced by the secondary structure of the hydrophobic poly(amino acid) that enables their formation.