bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of depression phenotypes and antidepressant treatment with mortality due to cancer and other causes: a community-based cohort study
Authors: Vilalta-Lacarra Anna , Vilalta-Franch Joan , Serrano-Sarbosa Domènec , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Marrugat Jaume , Garre-Olmo Josep
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association of somatic depressive symptoms (SDS), cognitive/emotional depressive symptoms (C-EDS), and antidepressant treatment on mortality due to cancer and other causes in a community cohort.

Methods

A community-based sample recruited in 1995, 2000, and 2005 aged between 35 and 75 years was examined in two waves and followed for a median of 6.7 years. SDS and C-EDS phenotypes were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Medication used by participants was collected. Deaths and their causes were registered during follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models stratified by sex were performed to determine the association between depressive phenotypes and mortality.

Results

The cohort consisted of 5,646 individuals (53.9% women) with a mean age of 64 years (SD = 11.89). During the follow-up, 392 deaths were recorded, of which 27.8% were due to cancer. C-EDS phenotype was associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality in both men (HR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.11–4.44) and women (HR = 3.69; 95% CI = 1.69–8.09), and SDS was significantly associated with non-cancer mortality in men (HR = 2.16; 95 CI % = 1.46–3.18). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were significantly associated with both cancer (HR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.10–6.98) and non-cancer mortality (HR = 2.94; 95% CI = 1.76–4.90) only in the male population.

Conclusion

C-EDS phenotype was related to an increased risk of cancer mortality at 6 years. In addition, the use of SSRIs in the male population was associated with cancer and all-cause mortality.
Scoping review of dual-task interference in individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Pineda Roi Charles , Krampe Ralf Th , Vanlandewijck Yves , Van Biesen Debbie
Published: August 2023

Dual-task paradigms can provide insights on the structures and mechanisms underlying information processing and hold diagnostic, prognostic, and rehabilitative value for populations with cognitive deficits such as in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). In this paradigm, two tasks are performed separately (single-task context) and concurrently (dual-task context). The change in performance from single- to dual-task context represents dual-task interference. Findings from dual-task studies have been largely inconsistent on whether individuals with ID present with dual-task-specific deficits. The current review aimed to map the published literature on dual-task methods and pattern of dual-task interference in individuals with ID. A scoping review based on Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework was performed. Seventeen electronic databases and registries were searched to identify relevant studies, including gray literature. Charted data from included studies were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. PRISMA guidelines informed the reporting of this review. Twenty-two studies involving 1,102 participants (656 with ID and 446 without ID) met the review’s inclusion criteria. Participants in the included studies were heterogeneous in sex, age (range 3–59 years), etiology and ID severity. Included studies characterized their ID-sample in different ways, most commonly using intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Other measures of intellectual function (e.g., mental age, ID severity, verbal and/or visuospatial ability scores) were also used, either solely or in combination with IQ. Methods of dual-task testing varied across studies, particularly in relation to dual-task combinations, equation of single-task performance between groups, measurement and reporting of dual-task performance for each single-task, and task priority instructions. Thematic content of the included studies were: (1) structural interference to dual-tasking; (2) etiology-based differences in dual-tasking; (3) gait and balance dual-task performance; (4) testing executive function using dual-task paradigms; and (5) training effect on dual-task performance. Although the evidence consistently supported the intact dual-tasking ability of individuals with ID, the pattern of dual-task interference was inconsistent. Likewise, the evidence was inconclusive regarding dual-task deficit specific to individuals with ID because of heterogeneity in dual-task study designs among included studies.
What happened to parents’ views of school success for autistic children during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Cheng Sheng-Li , Cheng Sanyin , Liu Shushan , Li Yun
Published: August 2023

Background

The educational views of parents with autistic children directly impacts their children’s academic success. However, little research has been done on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted parents’ academic and social views.

Aim

This study analyzes parents’ views of school success for their autistic children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and examines the relationships among pandemic stress, parental involvement, and parents’ views of school success for autistic children in mainland China.

Methods

In this study, 713 parents of autistic children completed measures assessing their pandemic stress, parental involvement, and views of school success; linear regression and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.

Results

Parents’ views of school success were influenced by factors such as parents’ level of education, household income, parents’ gender, and children’s age. The effects of pandemic stress on views of school success for parents of autistic children are complex: physical and mental reaction has a negative direct effect on views of school success, a positive indirect effect mediated by parental involvement, and a net positive effect; risk perception and concern has a negative indirect effect; and both the direct and indirect effects of pragmatic hopefulness are positive. Education policymakers and practitioners need to seriously and carefully assess these results’ implications for modern, inclusive education.
A perspective on large-scale simulation as an enabler for novel biorobotics applications
Authors: Angelidis Emmanouil
Published: August 2023

Our understanding of the complex mechanisms that power biological intelligence has been greatly enhanced through the explosive growth of large-scale neuroscience and robotics simulation tools that are used by the research community to perform previously infeasible experiments, such as the simulation of the neocortex’s circuitry. Nevertheless, simulation falls far from being directly applicable to biorobots due to the large discrepancy between the simulated and the real world. A possible solution for this problem is the further enhancement of existing simulation tools for robotics, AI and neuroscience with multi-physics capabilities. Previously infeasible or difficult to simulate scenarios, such as robots swimming on the water surface, interacting with soft materials, walking on granular materials etc., would be rendered possible within a multi-physics simulation environment designed for robotics. In combination with multi-physics simulation, large-scale simulation tools that integrate multiple simulation modules in a closed-loop manner help address fundamental questions around the organization of neural circuits and the interplay between the brain, body and environment. We analyze existing designs for large-scale simulation running on cloud and HPC infrastructure as well as their shortcomings. Based on this analysis we propose a next-gen modular architecture design based on multi-physics engines, that we believe would greatly benefit biorobotics and AI.
Sleep, internalizing symptoms, and health-related quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a cross-sectional analysis of cohort data from three research programs in Canada
Authors: McPhee Patrick G. , Georgiades Stelios , Andrade Andrea , Corkum Penny V. , Vaccarino Anthony L. , Cheema Heena , Chepesiuk Rachel , Iaboni Alana , Gorter Jan Willem ,   The OBI Cross-integrated Discovery Program Sleep Team
Published: August 2023

Objective

The objectives of this study were to determine rates of sleep disturbances in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) within and across disorders and compared to typically developing (TD) children and to describe differences above and below the clinical cut-off for sleep disturbances. In addition, we explored the associations between demographic variables, severity of disorder, sleep disturbances, internalizing symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with NDDs.

Method

We conducted cross-sectional data analyses of an existing database with community-dwelling children with NDDs (n = 1438) and TD children (n = 140) aged 4–12 years. Parent-reported measures on sleep disturbances using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), internalizing symptoms using the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale, and HRQOL using the KINDL-R were assessed. Hierarchical linear regression examined the associations between demographic variables, severity of disorder, sleep disturbances, internalizing symptoms, and HRQOL in children with NDDs.

Results

Children with NDDs (8.5 ± 2.1 years, 69.9% M) had significantly greater total sleep disturbance index (TSDI) than TD children [(8.6 ± 2.3 years, 60.0% M) (mean difference = 6.88 [95% CI 5.37, 8.40]; p < 0.001) (n = 838 NDDs (58.3%); n = 120 TD (86.7%)]. Children with severe NDDs reported significantly greater TSDI above the clinical cut-off (i.e., ≥41; CSHQ) than those with less severe NDDs (p < 0.001). Internalizing symptoms (β = −0.082 [95% CI −0.144, −0.019]; p = 0.011) and TSDI (β = −0.226 [95% CI −0.380, −0.073]; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with HRQOL in children with NDDs.

Conclusion

Surveillance and management of sleep and internalizing symptoms are needed to improve HRQOL in children with NDDs. Commonalities in sleep disturbances for children with NDDs support transdiagnostic interventions to treat sleep.
Prolonged warm ischemia time increases mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and decreases perfusate cytokine levels in ex vivo rat liver machine perfusion
Authors: Kim Joohyun , Hong Seung-Keun , Yang Yongqiang , Lee Alice , Hoffmeister Karin M. , Gantner Benjamin N. , Park Jong-In
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Machine perfusion is increasingly being utilized in liver transplantation in lieu of traditional cold static organ preservation. Nevertheless, better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) during ex vivo perfusion is necessary to improve the viability of liver grafts after transplantation using machine perfusion technology. Since key cellular signaling pathways involved in hepatic IRI may allow a chance for designing a promising approach to improve the clinical outcomes from this technology, we determined how warm ischemia time (WIT) during procurement affects the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and perfusate concentration of cytokines in an ex vivo rat liver machine perfusion model.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent in situ hepatic ischemia with varying WIT (0, 10, 20, 30 min, n = 5 each), and subsequently 3 h of cold ischemia time and 2 h of machine perfusion prior to determining the degree of MAPK activation-phosphorylation and cytokine concentration in liver tissue and perfusates, respectively.

Results

Our data revealed a strong correlation between incremental WIT and a series of liver injury markers, and that prolonged WIT increases ERK1/2 and p54 JNK phosphorylation during machine perfusion. Notably, specific cytokine levels (MCP-1, MIP-2, GRO/KC, IL-10, and IL-5) were inversely correlated with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and p46/p54 JNK.

Discussion

These results suggest that MAPK activation, specifically ERK1/2 and p54 JNK phosphorylation, have potential as a biomarker for hepatic IRI pathophysiology during machine perfusion. Elucidation of their functional significance may lead to designing a novel strategy to increase the clinical benefit of machine perfusion.
Stroke among Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand and solutions to address persistent inequities
Authors: Ranta Anna , Jones Bernadette , Harwood Matire
Published: August 2023

Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa), experience stroke at a younger age and at a greater rate than New Zealanders of European ethnicity (NZ Europeans). These disparities have persisted for decades and recent evidence suggests that the gap is widening. Māori also experience reduced access to some key stroke-management interventions and consequently worse post-stroke outcomes compared to non-Māori counterparts. Reasons for the ethnic differences in stroke rates and outcomes include differential exposure to stroke risk factors, differential access to early diagnosis and treatment, and unequal treatment. Recent Aotearoa-based research has suggested that the root causes for these ethnic inequities, including unconscious bias and institutional racism, are likely attributable to Aotearoa's colonial past and related inter-generational sequalae. With recent reforms to the national health system there is now a new mandate to actively move toward a more bicultural approach which emphasizes Indigenous rights, values, priorities, and approaches in healthcare. This presents important opportunities to address the well-described inequities using a genuine partnership model. This paper will discuss the latest evidence around stroke related health disparities affecting Māori, describe existing approaches to address inequitable health outcomes, and present additional novel avenues that are currently being explored.
Feasibility and Performance Analysis of High-Energy-Density Hydrocarbon-Fueled Turboexpander Engine
Authors: Gao Jin , Kang Ziyi , Sun Weiheng , Wang Youyin , Zhang Junlong , Bao Wen
Published: August 2023

With the in-depth research on hypersonic aerodynamics and hypersonic propulsion technology, humans are growing closer to space travel. Recent studies have shown that the pre-cooled air-turborocket (ATR) or turboexpander engines are some of the potential propulsion methods for reusable space vehicles and single stage-to-orbit (SSTO) missions because they have a high specific impulse at low Mach numbers, which can overcome the problem of the “thrust gap” in turbine-based combined-cycle (TBCC) engines. The ATR engine needs an additional oxidizing agent and the turboexpander engine usually uses hydrogen as fuel, which has low energy density and poor safety. To address this problem, this paper proposed a high-energy-density (HED) hydrocarbon-fueled turboexpander engine, and its feasibility has been proven through a simplified thermodynamic model. Through detailed thermodynamic analysis based on the energy and pressure balance, this paper analyzed the performance characteristics of the engine to evaluate its capacity to work in a wide speed range at low Mach numbers. The results show that the endothermic hydrocarbon-fueled turboexpander engine has good specific impulse in Mach 0∼4 at an equivalence ratio of 0.7∼1.3, and the turboexpander engine can be combined with the dual-mode scramjet and become an efficient acceleration method for SSTO missions and the reusable spacecraft.
Development of a Web App to Convert Blood Insulin Concentrations among Various Immunoassays Used in Horses
Authors: Delarocque Julien , Feige Karsten , Carslake Harry B. , Durham Andy E. , Fey Kerstin , Warnken Tobias
Published: August 2023

The measurement of the blood insulin concentration, and comparison to cut-offs, is essential in diagnosing insulin dysregulation, a common equine endocrinopathy. However, different insulin assays provide disparate results. We aimed to ease comparison between assays by compiling original and published data into a web app to convert insulin measurements from one assay to another. Data were available for ADVIA Centaur insulin chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), Beckman Coulter insulin radioimmunoassay (RIA), Immulite 1000 CLIA, Immulite 2000 CLIA, Immulite 2000 XPi CLIA, Mercodia equine insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Millipore porcine insulin RIA. Linear models were fitted for 13 assay pairs using non-decreasing splines, and integrated into this app. Assay comparisons including data from several studies showed a lower performance. This indicates technical variation between laboratories, which has not been described before, but is relevant when diagnostic measurements and cut-offs are provided by different laboratories. Nevertheless, the models’ overall high performance (median r2 = 0.94; range 0.57–1.00) supports their use to interpret results from diagnostic insulin measurements when the reference assay is unavailable, and to compare values obtained from different assays.
Computerised Cardiotocography Analysis for the Automated Detection of Fetal Compromise during Labour: A Review
Authors: Mendis Lochana , Palaniswami Marimuthu , Brownfoot Fiona , Keenan Emerson
Published: August 2023

The measurement and analysis of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contraction (UC) patterns, known as cardiotocography (CTG), is a key technology for detecting fetal compromise during labour. This technology is commonly used by clinicians to make decisions on the mode of delivery to minimise adverse outcomes. A range of computerised CTG analysis techniques have been proposed to overcome the limitations of manual clinician interpretation. While these automated techniques can potentially improve patient outcomes, their adoption into clinical practice remains limited. This review provides an overview of current FHR and UC monitoring technologies, public and private CTG datasets, pre-processing steps, and classification algorithms used in automated approaches for fetal compromise detection. It aims to highlight challenges inhibiting the translation of automated CTG analysis methods from research to clinical application and provide recommendations to overcome them.
Correction: Shekarkar Azgomi et al. A Rapid and Simple Multiparameter Assay to Quantify Spike-Specific CD4 and CD8 T Cells after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Preliminary Report. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 1576
Authors: Shekarkar Azgomi Mojtaba , La Manna Marco Pio , Badami Giusto Davide , Ragonese Paolo , Trizzino Antonino , Dieli Francesco , Caccamo Nadia
Published: August 2023

In the original publication, there was a mistake in Figure 1A, as published [...]
Changes in Molar Tipping and Surrounding Alveolar Bone with Different Designs of Skeletal Maxillary Expanders
Authors: Echarri-Nicolás Javier , González-Olmo María José , Echarri-Labiondo Pablo , Romero Martín
Published: August 2023

This study compared the buccolingual angulation (BLA) of the upper and lower first permanent molars before and after using the different methods of microimplant-assisted expansion in adults and its influence on bone insertion loss. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography scans taken before and after the expansion in 36 patients (29.9 ± 9.4 years) were used to assess dental and periodontal changes and compare changes between the groups. Results: This research shows a statistically significant increase in the BLA of the upper first molars. An increase of the BLA of the lower molars is also observed in MARPE. Regarding the comparison between cases treated with MARPE (4.42° ± 10.25°; 3.67° ± 9.56°) and BAME (−0.51° ± 4.61°; 2.34° ± 4.51°), it was observed that upper molar torque increased significantly less in cases treated with BAME. In cases with CWRU < 96° at T0, a slight bone insertion gain was observed at T1, whereas if CWRU ≥ 96°, a slight bone insertion loss was observed. Regarding the labial cortical bone loss, a slight gain of CBW was observed in all cases. This labial cortical enlargement (T0–T1) is greater in cases where the CWRU < 96° at T0. Conclusions: Patients treated with MARPE show torque increase in the teeth selected to support the expansion appliance compared to cases treated with BAME. In cases where the BLA at T0 < 96°, an increase in thickness and cortical insertion is observed in the upper molars after treatment with disjunction appliances assisted with microscrews.
GABA Signaling: Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Cherubini Enrico , Ben-Ari Yehezkel
Published: August 2023

This Special Issue, “GABA Signaling: Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders”, focuses on a fundamental property of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), namely its capacity to shift, in particular conditions, from the hyperpolarizing to the depolarizing direction [...]
Mathematical Psychiatry: On Cortical Spreading Depression—A Review
Authors: Nsugbe Ejay
Published: August 2023

The concept of migraine with aura (MwA) is a widespread condition that can affect up to 30% of migraine patients and manifests itself as a temporary visual illusion followed by a prolonged headache. It was initially pitched as a neurological disease, and observed that the spread of accompanying electrophysiological waves as part of the condition, which came to be known as cortical spreading depression (CSD). A strong theoretical basis for a link between MwA and CSD has eventually led to knowledge of the dynamics between the pair. In addition to experiment-based observations, mathematical models make an important contribution towards a numerical means of expressing codependent neural-scale manifestations. This provides alternate means of understanding and observing the phenomena while helping to visualize the links between the variables and their magnitude in contributing towards the emanation and dynamic pulsing of the condition. A number of biophysical mechanisms are believed to contribute to the MwA-CSD, spanning ion diffusion, ionic currents of membranes, osmosis, spatial buffering, neurotransmission, gap junctions, metabolic pumping, and synapse connections. As part of this review study, the various mathematical models for the description of the condition are expressed, reviewed, and contrasted, all of which vary in their depth, perspective, and level of information presented. Subsequent to this, the review looked into links between electrophysiological data-driven manifestations from measurements such as EEG and fMRI. While concluding remarks forged a structured pathway in the area on sub-themes that need to be investigated in order to strengthen and robustify the existing models, they include an accounting for inter-personal variability in models, sex and hormonal factors, and age groups, i.e., pediatrics vs. adults.
The Measure of an Outcome: Comparing Norming and Stacking to Benchmark the Effectiveness of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Ramos Sara D. S. , Coetzer Rudi
Published: August 2023

Practitioners have a clinical, ethical, academic, and economic responsibility to dispassionately consider how effective their services are. Approaches to measure how “good” or “bad” healthcare is include clinical audit, satisfaction surveys, and routine outcome measurement. However, the process of comparing the clinical outcomes of a specific service against the ‘best’ services in the same specialism, also known as benchmarking, remains challenging, and it is unclear how it affects quality improvement. This paper piloted and compared two different approaches to benchmarking to assess clinical outcomes in neurorehabilitation. Norming involved comparing routine measures of clinical outcome with external validators. Stacking involved pooling and comparing internal data across several years. The analyses of routine clinical outcome data from 167 patients revealed significant differences in the patient characteristics of those admitted to the same service provider over time, but no differences in outcomes achieved when comparing with historical data or with external reference data. These findings illustrate the potential advantages and limitations of using stacking and norming to benchmark clinical outcomes, and how the results from each approach might be used to evaluate service effectiveness and inform quality improvement within the field of brain injury rehabilitation.
Role of Leptin and Adiponectin in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Bocian-Jastrzębska Agnes , Malczewska-Herman Anna , Kos-Kudła Beata
Published: August 2023

Hormones produced by adipocytes, leptin and adiponectin, are associated with the process of carcinogenesis. Both of these adipokines have well-proven oncologic potential and can affect many aspects of tumorigenesis, from initiation and primary tumor growth to metastatic progression. Involvement in the formation of cancer includes interactions with the tumor microenvironment and its components, such as tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinases. Furthermore, these adipokines participate in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and connect to angiogenesis, which is critical for cancer invasiveness and cancer cell migration. In addition, an enormous amount of evidence has demonstrated that altered concentrations of these adipocyte-derived hormones and the expression of their receptors in tumors are associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer. Therefore, leptin and adiponectin dysfunction play a prominent role in cancer and impact tumor invasion and metastasis in different ways. This review clearly and comprehensively summarizes the recent findings and presents the role of leptin and adiponectin in cancer initiation, promotion and progression, focusing on associations with the tumor microenvironment and its components as well as roles in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis.
Investigations Using Albumin Binders to Modify the Tissue Distribution Profile of Radiopharmaceuticals Exemplified with Folate Radioconjugates
Authors: Busslinger Sarah D. , Becker Anna E. , Vaccarin Christian , Deberle Luisa M. , Renz Marie-Luise , Groehn Viola , Schibli Roger , Müller Cristina
Published: August 2023

Introducing an albumin-binding entity into otherwise short-lived radiopharmaceuticals can be an effective means to improve their pharmacokinetic properties due to enhanced blood residence time. In the current study, DOTA-derivatized albumin binders based on 4-(p-iodophenyl)butanoate (DOTA-ALB-1 and DOTA-ALB-3) and 5-(p-iodophenyl)pentanoate entities (DOTA-ALB-24 and DOTA-ALB-25) without and with a hydrophobic 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid (AMBA) linker unit, respectively, were synthesized and labeled with lutetium-177 for in vitro and in vivo comparison. Overall, [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ALB-1 demonstrated ~3-fold stronger in vitro albumin-binding affinity and a longer blood residence time (T50%IA ~8 h) than [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ALB-24 (T50%IA ~0.8 h). Introducing an AMBA linker enhanced the albumin-binding affinity, resulting in a T50%IA of ~24 h for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ALB-3 and ~2 h for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ALB-25. The same albumin binders without or with the AMBA linker were incorporated into 6R- and 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate-based DOTA-conjugates (177Lu-RedFols). Biodistribution studies in mice performed with both diastereoisomers of [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-1 and [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-3, which comprised the 4-(p-iodophenyl)butanoate moiety, demonstrated a slower accumulation in KB tumors than those of [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-24 and [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-25 with the 5-(p-iodophenyl)pentanoate entity. In all cases, the tumor uptake was high (30–45% IA/g) 24 h after injection. Both diastereoisomers of [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-1 and [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-3 demonstrated high blood retention (3.8–8.7% IA/g, 24 h p.i.) and a 2- to 4-fold lower kidney uptake than the corresponding diastereoisomers of [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-24 and [177Lu]Lu-RedFol-25, which were more rapidly cleared from the blood (<0.2% IA/g, 24 h after injection). Kidney retention of the 6S-diastereoisomers of all 177Lu-RedFols was consistently higher than that of the respective 6R-diastereoisomers, irrespective of the albumin binder and linker unit used. It was demonstrated that the blood clearance data obtained with 177Lu-DOTA-ALBs had predictive value for the blood retention times of the respective folate radioconjugates. The use of these albumin-binding entities without or with an AMBA linker may serve for fine-tuning the blood retention of folate radioconjugates and also other radiopharmaceuticals and, hence, optimize their tissue distribution profiles. Dosimetry estimations based on patient data obtained with one of the most promising folate radioconjugates will be crucial to identify the dose-limiting organ, which will allow for selecting the most suitable folate radioconjugate for therapeutic purposes.
Long-Term Periodic and Conditional Survival Trends in Prostate, Testicular, and Penile Cancers in the Nordic Countries, Marking Timing of Improvements
Authors: Tichanek Filip , Försti Asta , Hemminki Akseli , Hemminki Otto , Hemminki Kari
Published: August 2023

Survival studies are important tools for cancer control, but long-term survival data on high-quality cancer registries are lacking for all cancers, including prostate (PC), testicular (TC), and penile cancers. Using generalized additive models and data from the NORDCAN database, we analyzed 1- and 5-year relative survival for these cancers in Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE) over a 50-year period (1971–2020). We additionally estimated conditional 5/1-year survival for patients who survived the 1st year after diagnosis. Survival improved early for TC, and 5-year survival reached 90% between 1985 (SE) and 2000 (FI). Towards the end of the follow-up, the TC patients who had survived the 1st year survived the next 4 years with comparable probability to the background population. For PC, the 90% landmark was reached between 2000 (FI) and after 2010 (DK). For penile cancer, 5-year survival never reached the 90% landmark, and the improvements in survival were modest at best. For TC, early mortality requires attention, whereas late mortality should be tackled for PC. For penile cancer, the relatively high early mortality may suggest delays in diagnosis and would require more public awareness and encouragement of patients to seek medical opinion. In FI, TC and penile cancer patients showed roughly double risk of dying compared to the other Nordic countries, which warrants further study and clinical attention.
Pyeloplasty in Children with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Associated Kidney Anomalies: Can a Robotic Approach Make Surgery Easier?
Authors: Cobellis Giovanni , Bindi Edoardo
Published: August 2023

Background: Robot-assisted pyeloplasty is widely used in pediatric surgery because of its well-known advantages over open or laparoscopic surgery. The aim is to explore our experience and evaluate the achievements we have made. Methods: We evaluated patients undergoing robotic pyeloplasty from January 2016 to November 2021, including those who presented with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with other anomalies of the kidney. The parameters examined were: age, weight, associated renal malformations, conversion rate, operative time, and intra- and postoperative complications. Results: Of 39 patients, 7 (20%) were included, of whom 5 (71%) were male and 2 (29%) were female. The mean age at surgery was 84 months (range 36–180 months), and the mean weight at surgery was 24.4 kg (range 11–40 kg). In five (71%) patients the ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was left-sided and in two (29%) it was right-sided. In four (57%) cases, UPJO was associated with a horseshoe kidney, right-sided in one (25%) patient, and left-sided in the other three (75%). A 180° rotation of the kidney was present in one (14%) patient. Nephrolithiasis was present in two (29%) patients. The mean operative time was 160 min (range 140–240 min). The average bladder catheter dwell time was 1 day (range 2–3 days), while the average abdominal drainage dwell time was 2 days (range 2–4 days). The mean hospitalization time was 4 days (range 3–9 days). On average, after 45 days (range 30–65) the JJ ureteral stent was removed cystoscopically. No intraoperative complications were reported, while one case of persistent macrohematuria with anemia requiring blood transfusion occurred postoperatively. Conclusions: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction might be associated with other congenital urinary tract anomalies such as a duplicated collecting system, horseshoe kidney, or pelvic kidney. These kinds of malformations can complicate surgery and require more attention and accuracy from the surgeon. Our experience shows that, with regards to the robotic learning curve required for pyeloplasty, the treatment of the ureteropelvic junction in these situations does not present insurmountable difficulties nor is burdened by complications. The application of robot-assisted surgery in pediatric urology makes difficult pyeloplasties easier.
Attendance-Based Adherence and Outcomes of Obesity Management Program in Arab Adolescents
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Amer Osama E. , Khattak Malak N. K. , Hussain Syed D. , Alkhaldi Ghadah , Alfawaz Hanan A. , Elsaid Mohamed A. , Sabico Shaun
Published: August 2023

Pediatric obesity has become a global pandemic in the last century, contributing to short and long-term medical conditions that heighten the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. The 12-month school-based obesity management educational program aims to assess the effect of adherence to the lifestyle educational program and target outcomes, obesity, and hypertension. A total of 363 (nonadherent, N = 179; adherent, N = 184) Saudi school adolescents aged 12–18 were recruited from 60 schools in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometrics, lipid profile, and blood glucose were measured at baseline and post-intervention. The level of adherence was based on the number of attended educational sessions, and participants were grouped accordingly into two groups: adherent group (attended ≥ 3 sessions) and nonadherent group (attended 1–2 sessions) out of a total of five sessions. Results demonstrated that significantly more participants in the adherent group achieved the primary program goal of reducing obesity indices [body weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI z-score] than the nonadherent group. Additionally, among adherent obese participants, BMI z-score significantly decreased after the 12-month intervention (post-intervention: 1.5 ± 0.7 vs. baseline: 1.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.05), while the trend in BMI z-score modestly increased in the nonadherent obese participants post-intervention (post-intervention: 1.8 ± 0.7 vs. baseline: 1.7 ± 0.6, p > 0.05). Moreover, there was a substantial reduction in hypertension prevalence only in the adherent group (p = 0.003) and among adherent obese participants in particular (p = 0.03). Furthermore, adherence to session attendance was higher in girls than boys, which led to better outcomes among girls than boys. For the secondary outcomes, lipid profile indices increased in both groups, while no changes were observed in the glycemic profile. In conclusion, greater adherence to educational sessions achieved modest but favorable weight changes and improved blood pressure among obese adolescents. Future intervention studies should take into consideration the need to improve attendance to enhance adherence to the program among adolescents at risk.
Supramolecular Assemblies of Melamine-2-Thiobarbiturate and Melamine-Barbiturate-2-Thiobarbiturate: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Moskalenko Ivan V. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Nesterov Pavel V. , Novikov Alexander S. , Omarova Malika , Sadovnichii Roman V. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Orekhov Nikita D. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: August 2023

In this work, we considered the formation of supramolecular assemblies of melamine-thiobarbiturate and melamine-barbiturate-thiobarbiturate. It is known that thiobarbituric acid can form many tautomers, as well as different motifs due to the change of C2=O to C2=S hydrogen bonds. We formed the crystal. The resulting crystals were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical fluorescence microscopy, single crystal and powder (PXRD) X-ray diffraction analyses, and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ss NMR). These systems were theoretically studied using density functional theory (DFT) and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Interestingly, just as in the case of melamine barbiturate, during the crystallization process, hydrogen from the C5 moiety of thiobarbituric acid migrates to the melamine molecule. In addition, the resulting melamine thiobarbiturate crystals exhibit fluorescence behavior in the red region (~565–605 nm), while the melamine barbiturate crystals are fluorescent in the green region (512–542 nm).
Competition–Innovation Nexus: Product vs. Process, Does It Matter?
Authors: Palikot Emil
Published: August 2023

I study the relationship between competition and innovation, focusing on the distinction between product and process innovations. By considering product innovation, I expand upon earlier research on the topic of the relationship between competition and innovation, which focused on process innovations. New products allow firms to differentiate themselves from one another. I demonstrate that the competition level that creates the most innovation incentive is higher for process innovation than product innovation. I also provide empirical evidence that supports these results. Using the community innovation survey, I first show that an inverted U-shape characterizes the relationship between competition and both process and product innovations. The optimal competition level for promoting innovation is higher for process innovation.
Compensatory Growth and Physiological Protective Mechanisms of Populus talassica Kom. × Populus euphratica Oliv. in Response to Leaf Damage
Authors: Su Meng-Xu , Han Zhan-Jiang , Liu Ying , Zhao Zhen , Wu Jia-Ju
Published: August 2023

The compensatory growth and defensive capabilities of woody plants after damage are crucial to their large-scale promotion and economic value. Here, Populus talassica × Populus euphratica were subjected to artificial defoliation treatments that simulated leaf damage [25% (D25), 50% (D50), and 75% (D75) leaf removal] to study the growth, anatomical, and physiological characteristics. The results showed that D25 and D50 treatments significantly increased the growth parameters, such as leaf length, leaf area, and specific leaf area, but did not affect the distributions of root and stem biomasses compared with the CK. However, the D75 treatment significantly decreased most growth parameters. The time required for the chlorophyll content to recover increased along with the damage intensity as follows: D25, high-flat-high; D50, low-high-flat; and D75, low-flat-high. Furthermore, leaf damage significantly reduced stomatal density, whereas the stomatal width, area, opening, and Pn significantly increased by 8.59%, 8.40%, 23.27%, and 31.22%, respectively, under the D50 treatment, generating a photosynthetic compensation response. The leaf anatomical parameters increased along with damage intensity, except spongy tissue thickness, which decreased, while the stem anatomical parameters showed trends of first increasing and then decreasing, reaching maxima under the D50 treatment. The enzymes showed an increasing and then decreasing trend as the damage time increased. After 1 d of treatment, CAT, POD, and PAL activities peak at D75, in contrast to a peak of SOD activity at D50. Overall, these findings indicate that it is advisable to keep the amount of leaf damage within 50%. The leaf damage can have an impact on the growth of P. talassica × P. euphratica. They adjusted their resource allocation strategy and physiological defense capacity by increasing the chlorophyll content, improving photosynthetic capacity, changing stem and leaf anatomy, and increasing defense enzyme activity levels, thereby improving their damage tolerance and adaptability.
Exploring the Potential of Non-Conventional Yeasts in Wine Fermentation with a Focus on Saccharomycopsis fermentans
Authors: Akan Madina , Gudiksen Andreas , Baran Yasemin , Semmler Heike , Brezina Silvia , Fritsch Stefanie , Rauhut Doris , Wendland Jürgen
Published: August 2023

Despite the increasing number of publications on non-conventional yeasts (NCYs), many areas in this field remain poorly understood, making the examination of these strains important for determining their potential in wine fermentations. The amino acid metabolic pathways involved, particularly the catabolic Ehrlich pathway but also anabolic pathways such as the leucine biosynthesis pathway, are crucial for producing high-value aroma compounds that contribute to the final flavour of wine. We examined the potential use of Saccharomycopsis fermentans in wine fermentations. We selected mutant strains resistant to the toxic compound trifluoro-leucine (TFL), verified mutations in the SfLEU4 gene, and characterized the ability of the resulting strains to contribute to fermentation bouquets. Resistance to TFL relieves feedback inhibition in the leucine biosynthesis pathway and resulted in increased leucine biosynthesis. Concomitantly, the S. fermentans TFL-resistant mutants generated increased amounts of isoamyl alcohol and isovalerate during wine fermentation. Selection of TFL-resistant strains thus provides a generally applicable strategy for the improvement in NCYs and their utilization in co-fermentation processes for different grape must varieties.
Process Sustainability Analysis of Biorefineries to Produce Biofertilizers and Bioenergy from Biodegradable Residues
Authors: Burbano-Cuasapud Johana Marisol , Solarte-Toro Juan Camilo , Restrepo-Serna Daissy Lorena , Cardona Alzate Carlos Ariel
Published: August 2023

The use of chemical fertilizers is essential for agricultural development when soils do not have the nutritional balance required for plants. The continuous use of chemical fertilizers has changed the soil physicochemical and biological properties. Biofertilizer production has been considered as an alternative to reduce chemical fertilizers dependence and the environmental impact. The aim of this study is the evaluation of three technologies for the production of biofertilizers and bioenergy at technical, economic, environmental, and social levels. Ammonium sulfate and digestate-based biofertilizers were obtained via anaerobic digestion; biochar was produced via gasification; and amino acids as plants biostimulants were obtained via protein hydrolysis. Different indicators were calculated for elucidating the sustainability of the processes. Technical, economic, environmental, and social analysis is performed for each of the biorefineries processing stage (complex and stand-alone) without considering the agronomic stage or other value chain links. Scenario 1 presented a positive impact on the economic, environmental, and social aspects since this process has a payback period of 10 years, a carbon footprint of 0.67 kg CO2-eq/kg product, and a potential to generate nine jobs in the Colombian context due to the products portfolio, in contrast with scenario 2 and 3. As conclusion, the integration of biofertilizers and bioenergy in biorefineries have the potential to expand the range of bioproducts and to increase the process sustainability.
Age, Growth, and Reproductive Biology of Euchiloglanis davidi in the Middle and Lower Yalong River, China
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhu Xiangyun , Yang Xin , Hu Xianqin , Lin Pengcheng , Xu Bin , Wei Kaijin , Ma Baoshan
Published: August 2023

In the present study, we investigated the age, growth, and reproductive characteristics of Euchiloglanis davidi, a species of Sisoridae fishes, from the Yalong River, China. Fish samples were collected from the tributaries of the middle and lower Yalong River in May 2013 and December 2015. Their standard length ranged from 67 to 190 mm, and the total weight ranged from 3.42 to 75.06 g. The age and growth pattern of E. davidi were determined using the vertebra. Furthermore, the sampled fish were categorized into 10 age groups (1–10 years old): the maximum age was 10 years and 9 years for male and female fish, respectively. The relationship between the standard length and weight was expressed as W = 6.744 × 10−5 L2.653, and the t-test showed allometric growth. The growth of E. davidi was defined by the von Bertalanffy growth function, described as Lt = 260.8(1−e−0.104(t+1.942)), Wt = 173.5(1−e−0.104(t+1.942))2.653, respectively. The growth inflection point was observed at 7.44 years, with corresponding length and weight values of 162.50 mm and 49.46 g. The fecundity ranged from 105 to 352 eggs, with an average of 205 eggs. The relative fecundity of weight (FW) ranged from 2.90 to 8.98 eggs/g, and the relative fecundity of length (FL) ranged from 0.71 to 2.11 eggs/mm. Altogether, these characteristics of slow growth and low fecundity demonstrated the vulnerability of E. davidi to exploitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yalong River.
Relating the Biogenesis and Function of P Bodies in Drosophila to Human Disease
Authors: Wilby Elise L. , Weil Timothy T.
Published: August 2023

Drosophila has been a premier model organism for over a century and many discoveries in flies have furthered our understanding of human disease. Flies have been successfully applied to many aspects of health-based research spanning from behavioural addiction, to dysplasia, to RNA dysregulation and protein misfolding. Recently, Drosophila tissues have been used to study biomolecular condensates and their role in multicellular systems. Identified in a wide range of plant and animal species, biomolecular condensates are dynamic, non-membrane-bound sub-compartments that have been observed and characterised in the cytoplasm and nuclei of many cell types. Condensate biology has exciting research prospects because of their diverse roles within cells, links to disease, and potential for therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss processing bodies (P bodies), a conserved biomolecular condensate, with a particular interest in how Drosophila can be applied to advance our understanding of condensate biogenesis and their role in disease.
An Enhanced Method for the Use of Reptile Skin Sheds as a High-Quality DNA Source for Genome Sequencing
Authors: Fu Yeyizhou , Zhuang Yan , Luo Shu-Jin , Xu Xiao
Published: August 2023

With the emergence of high-throughput sequencing technology, a number of non-avian reptile species have been sequenced at the genome scale, shedding light on various scientific inquiries related to reptile ecology and evolution. However, the routine requirement of tissue or blood samples for genome sequencing often poses challenges in many elusive reptiles, hence limiting the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies to reptile studies. An alternative reptilian DNA resource suitable for genome sequencing is in urgent need. Here, we used the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) as a reptile model species to demonstrate that the shed skin is a high-quality DNA source for genome sequencing. Skin sheds provide a noninvasive type of sample that can be easily collected without restraining or harming the animal. Our findings suggest that shed skin from corn snakes yields DNA of sufficient quantity and quality that are comparable to tissue DNA extracts. Genome sequencing data analysis revealed that shed skin DNA is subject to bacteria contamination at variable levels, which is a major issue related to shed skin DNA and may be addressed by a modified DNA extraction method through introduction of a 30 min pre-digestion step. This study provides an enhanced method for the use of reptile shed skins as a high-quality DNA source for whole genome sequencing. Utilizing shed skin DNA enables researchers to overcome the limitations generally associated with obtaining traditional tissue or blood samples and promises to facilitate the application of genome sequencing in reptilian research.