bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMMUNICATIONS AND LEADERSHIP: NOT ONLY ENTWINED, BUT INSEPARABLE
Authors: Susman Sally
Published: May 2023

The author, the chief corporate affairs officer at the multinational pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, writes about the strong connection between leadership and communication. She notes that companies must be clear about their policies, and how those policies are communicated to the general public, while taking into account “fast‐moving public opinion.” She discusses examples from accomplished executives and how they handled sensitive communications on behalf of their company and its stakeholders: current Pfizer chairman and CEO Albert Bourla, and retired American Express CEO Ken Chenault. Their work points to the author's contention that “communications can no longer be considered a soft skill. The ability to lead and drive the public conversation is a rock‐hard competency.” She lists ten leadership and communications tenets that I have refined and practiced over decades working in the field: 1. Channel Your Intention; 2. Muster the Courage for Candor; 3. Stay Curious, Be Creative; 4. The Strength of Being Gracious and Kind; 5. Take Time to Pause and Prepare; 6. Perfect Your Pitch; 7. Disarm with Humility; Empower with Truth; 8. Delight with Humor; 9. Reflect with Honor; 10. Seek Harmony. The author contends that “Now that I'm leading the team, teaching moments are my greatest pleasure.”
A Versatile Assembly Approach toward Multifunctional Supramolecular Poly(Ionic Liquid) Nanoporous Membranes in Water
Authors: Xu Luyao , Hu Yingyi , Zhao Dongbing , Zhang Wangqing , Wang Hong
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen (H)‐bonding‐integration of multiple ingredients into supramolecular polyelectrolyte nanoporous membranes in water, thereby achieving tailor‐made porous architectures, properties, and functionalities, remains one of the foremost challenges in materials chemistry due to the significantly opposing action of water molecules against H‐bonding. Herein, a strategy is described that allows direct fusing of the functional attributes of small additives into water‐involved hydrogen bonding assembled supramolecular poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) nanoporous membranes (SPILMs) under ambient conditions. It discloses that the pore size distributions and mechanical properties of SPILMs are rationally controlled by tuning the H‐bonding interactions between small additives and homo‐PIL. It demonstrates that, benefiting from the synergy of multiple noncovalent interactions, small dye additives/homo‐PIL solutions can be utilized as versatile inks for yielding colorful light emitting films with robust underwater adhesion strength, excellent stretchability, and flexibility on diverse substrates, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. This system provides a general platform for integrating the functional attributes of a diverse variety of additives into SPILMs to create multifunctional and programmable materials in water.
Geographic proximity to socially dominant partners and firms' innovation outcomes: Empirical evidence from the medical device industry
Authors: Park Kiwon , Choi Hyundo
Published: May 2023

Socially dominant partners offer key innovation resources as actors with socially legitimate power, and firms can utilise the geographic proximity to such partners to increase partnership benefits. We examine the impact of geographic proximity to socially dominant partners on firms' innovation outcomes when firms collaborate with partners under varying partnership conditions (i.e., partners' capabilities, partner portfolio size and the presence of local intermediaries) using the Korean implantable medical device industry as a case study. The study found that firms' innovation outcomes increase when teaming up with nearby socially dominant partners if firms collaborate with strongly capable partners and many of them. In contrast, if firms collaborate with less‐capable partners and only a few of them, firms' innovation outcomes increase when partnering with distant socially dominant partners. Moreover, such outcomes also increase when they collaborate with distant socially dominant partners and intermediaries are present in the firms' regions. The study offers theoretical contributions to the extant literature on power imbalance and economic geography regarding inter‐organisational relations.
New insights from trio whole‐exome sequencing in the children with kidney disease: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhang Yuanzhen , Huang Jun , Zeng Yugui , Qian Yifang , Chen Junyan , Chen Guangming , Xia Guizhi , Wang Chengfeng , Feng Ai , Li Zheng , Chen Li , Zheng Sirui , Li Fenrong , Weng Zengfeng , Zhang Chuanyin , Yang Yuen , Lin Jinfeng , Wu Jinrong , Zhang Hannan , Ouyang Wenhua , Nie Xiaojing
Published: May 2023

Background

Kidney disease of children markedly affects their health and development. Limited clinical data of early‐stage kidney disease render a tremendous challenge for the accurate diagnosis. Trio whole‐exome sequencing (Trio‐WES) is emerging as a first‐line diagnostic strategy in pediatric kidney disease, and shows important implications for the precision medicine strategies of children with kidney disease.

Methods

Trio‐WES was performed in 133 Chinese children with kidney disease and their parents. The results for casual variants in genes known to cause kidney disease were analyzed. We further assessed the genetic diagnostic yield and the clinical implications of genetic testing.

Results

An overall diagnostic yield of 52.63% (70/133) was found, and the diagnostic rates ranged from 44.74% to 59.62% in different clinical phenotypes. The diagnostic yield of the three groups of simple proteinuria, renal insufficiency, and “other” was 50%, 50%, and 54.55%, respectively. Eight‐seven diagnostic variants were identified in 70 probands with variants spanning 30 genes. The top 7 genes with diagnostic variants were COL4A5 (23, 26.44%), COL4A4 (13, 14.94%), ADCK4 (7, 8.05%), CLCN5 (3, 3.45%), ACE (3, 3.45%), PKD1 (3, 3.45%), and SLC12A3 (3, 3.45%), accounting for 63.22% of all variations in the cohort.

Conclusions

The retrospective cohort study summarized the clinical utility of genetic testing in 133 probands, and expanded the phenotypic and genetic profiles of kidney disease in children. Trio‐WES is an efficient diagnostic tool for children with kidney disease, which facilitates the clinical diagnosis and treatment. Our findings have important implications for the precise diagnosis of childhood nephropathy and may provide clinical guideline for disease management.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Short-Term Survival of Two Age-0 Rainbow Trout Strains in Colorado Streams
Authors: Avila Brian W. , Winkelman Dana L. , Fetherman Eric R.
Published: May 2023

Both biotic and abiotic factors can influence the survival and growth of age-0 salmonids. Diseases, such as whirling disease, can also affect salmonid demographics and population dynamics. Here, we conducted a supplementary analysis and evaluated specific stream characteristics that may have been responsible for the differences in growth and survival of two whirling disease resistant Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss strains observed by Avila et al. (2018). We used regression modeling to analyze the influence of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of nine streams on the short-term apparent survival and growth of two Rainbow Trout strains, 5,000 German Rainbow Trout and 5,000 German Rainbow Trout × Colorado River Rainbow Trout in each stream. Akaike's information criterion (AICc) model selection was used to identify the factors that most affected short-term survival and growth. Average stream temperature had the largest (positive) effect, βtemp = 0.060, on short-term survival. Rainbow Trout strain, average stream temperature (βtemp = 1.55), competitor biomass (βcompetitor biomass = −0.002), and predator number (βpredator number = 0.01) additively affected short-term growth. Our results indicate that both biotic and abiotic factors are important short-term determinants of Rainbow Trout poststocking performance and may account for the differences in survival and growth that we observed among stocking locations.
Assessing the quality of nursing clinical placement: A quantitative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Baghdadi Nadiah A. , Alotaibi Taghreed , Abdelaliem Sally Mohammed Farghaly
Published: May 2023

Aim

To evaluate the quality of nursing clinical placement among nursing students.

Design

This is a descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Two hundred eighty two nursing student completed self‐administered, online questionnaires. The questionnaire assessed participants' socio‐demographic data, and the quality of their clinical placement.

Results

The students had a high mean score for the overall satisfaction of their clinical training placement with high mean score for the item of “patient safety was fundamental to the work of the units” and the item of “I anticipate being able to apply my learning from this placement,” while the lowest mean score was related to “This placement was a good learning environment” and “Staff were willing to work with students.” Patient or Public Contribution: Quality of clinical placement is critical for improving the everyday quality of care for patients who are in desperate need of caregivers with professional knowledge and skills.
Admissibility and robust H∞ controller design for uncertain 2D singular discrete systems with interval time‐varying delays
Authors: Chelliq El Hafid , Alfidi Mohammed , Chalh Zakaria
Published: May 2023

Admissibility and robust controller design is considered here as uncertain 2‐D discrete singular systems with interval time‐varying delays and norm‐bounded parameter uncertainties. By employing an augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii's functional and then using a new version of Jensen inequality combined with an improved reciprocally convex approach, a new delay‐dependent admissibility condition is obtained, consequently the robust controller is designed in terms of linear matrix inequality. Numerical examples are proposed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Dielectric properties of iPP and aPS nanocomposites with core‐shell particles obtained by treatment in transition metal salt solutions
Authors: Petronijević Ivan M. , Dudić Duško A. , Cerović Dragana D. , Maletić Slavica B. , Marinković Filip , Pergal Marija V. , Andjelković Ljubica
Published: May 2023

The dielectric properties of nanocomposites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and atactic polystyrene (aPS) obtained by novel, simple, and environmentally friendly treatment technique have been analyzed in this study. The best treatment conditions to obtain nanocomposites with embedded core‐shell particles with enhanced dielectric properties were considered. Treatment of polymer matrices in water solution iron(II)‐chloride had the most pronounced precipitation effect, that was directly related to the appearance of higher transition metal concentrations in the iPP and aPS matrices, in comparison to treatments in the other two transition metal salts, MnCl2 and NiCl2. Relative dielectric constant and loss tangent have been studied in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 9 MHz. Embedded core‐shell nanoparticles (from 15 to 150 nm in diameter) in a very small amount (1.72E‐8 mol/cm3 to 1.17E‐5 mol/cm3) resulted in significant improvement (2.5% up to 9.1%) and stabilization of relative dielectric constant value toward higher frequencies and also lowering loss tangent in compare to starting polymer matrices. These properties indicate that materials obtained with the presented treatment technique can be applied as microelectronic packing and with further development of the method in order to obtain a higher concentration of metal ions as energy storage devices.
Humoral profiling of pediatric patients with cancer reveals robust immunity following anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination superior to natural infection
Authors: Martin Samantha D , Nziza Nadège , Miozzo Pietro , Bartsch Yannic , Farkas Eva J , Kane Abigail S , Boal Lauren H , Friedmann Alison , Alter Galit , Yonker Lael M
Published: May 2023

Background

Pediatric patients with cancer infected with COVID‐19 may be at higher risk of severe disease and may be unable to mount an adequate response to the virus due to compromised immunity secondary to their cancer therapy.

Procedure

This study presents immunologic analyses of 20 pediatric patients with cancer, on active chemotherapy or having previously received chemotherapy, and measures their immunoglobulin titers and activation of cellular immunity response to acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 vaccination compared with healthy pediatric controls.

Results

Forty‐three patients were enrolled, of which 10 were actively receiving chemotherapy, 10 had previously received chemotherapy, and 23 were healthy controls. Pediatric patients with cancer had similar immunoglobulin titers, antibody binding capacity, and effector function assay activity after vaccination against COVID‐19 compared with healthy controls, though more variability in response was noted in the cohort actively receiving chemotherapy. Compared with acute infection, vaccination against COVID‐19 produced superior immunoglobulin responses, particularly IgA1, IgG1, and IgG3, and elicited superior binding capacity and effector function in children with cancer and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy and those who had previously received chemotherapy had adequate immune activation after both vaccination and acute infection compared to healthy pediatric controls, although there was a demonstrated variability in response for the patients on active chemotherapy. Vaccination against COVID‐19 produced superior immune responses compared to acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pediatric patients with cancer and healthy children, underscoring the importance of vaccination even in previously infected individuals.
Experimental and theoretical study on an innovative energy absorption structure comprised of composite materials with necked‐down section subject to axial compressive load
Authors: Li Songyan , Zhi Xudong , Shan Zhiwei
Published: May 2023

Energy absorption structure with necked‐down section possesses great application prospect owing to superior energy absorption ability. However, rare studies on this innovation structures were conducted. Therefore, an innovative energy absorption structure which consists of a composite tube and a trigger structure was proposed. In the trigger structure, necked‐down section is included. To investigate effect of thickness of composite tube, diameter variation and angle variation of the necked‐down section on energy absorption performance, 56 kinds of parameter configuration were generated, each of which was repeatedly tested three times. From the results of comprehensive experimental study, it can be concluded there were five different energy dissipation patterns for the proposed energy absorption structure. Different energy dissipation patterns were related to different failure modes. Brittle failure was featured by energy dissipation pattern I and II at stable energy dissipation stage while energy dissipation pattern III and IV played important role in progressive failure. Compared to the brittle failure mode, the SEA and force fluctuation ratio of the progressive failure mode increased and decreased by 48% and 52%, respectively. Energy absorption ability can be described by average compressive load capacity at stable energy dissipation stage, for which the theoretical model was developed. Effectiveness of proposed theoretical model was validated by comparing predicted average compressive load capacity with that obtained from experiment.
Synergistic dispersion and tribo‐film formation of liquid metal @graphene oxide/epoxy coating: Toward improved mechanical and anti‐wear properties
Authors: Nie Yuxiang , Zhou Xiaoyao , Dong Lisong , Wang Zhangzhong , Feng Xin , Zhu Jiahua , Lu Xiaohua , Mu Liwen
Published: May 2023

A series of epoxy composite coatings filled with liquid metal (LM) and graphene oxide (GO) are successfully prepared as the self‐lubricating material in this work. The dispersion of LM and GO (LM@GO) in epoxy coating and its effect on the thermal, tribological, and mechanical properties of epoxy coating are systematically studied by using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical and friction, and wear tester. The LM@GO filler has been proved to be an effective composite filler, which can be uniformly dispersed in epoxy coating, reduce the wear volume, and improve its mechanical properties of epoxy coating. When the filler content is 0.5 wt% LM and 0.03 wt% GO, the wear volume of epoxy composite coating is dramatically reduced by 91.7% and the elastic modulus is increased by 16.3% compared with pure epoxy. The synergistic effect of the friction reduction of LM and the mechanical support of GO makes the composite coating form a uniform and stable transfer film, which improves its wear resistance. And through chemical stability experiments, the composite coating has a strong resistance to acid and alkali. This work will render the epoxy‐LM@GO have the potential of application on the mechanical molds, electronic components.
Idiopathic remitting type 1 diabetes: a case report
Authors: Morrison Deborah , Evans Robyn , Maitland Rahat , Jones Greg
Published: May 2023

We describe a case of diabetes remission in a 17‐year‐old male initially diagnosed and treated as having type 1 diabetes, who has since stopped insulin and remained off all diabetes treatments since December 2017.

This individual, a Caucasian male, presented aged 17 years with symptoms of polyuria and polydipsia in 2015. His BMI was 23kg/m2. Type 1 diabetes was diagnosed based on a formal laboratory glucose of 32.7mmol/L and an HbA1c of 86mmol/mol (10%). Blood ketones were 2.4mmol/L with a normal venous blood gas and a bicarbonate of 27nmol/L. A positive family history of type 1 diabetes in a maternal aunt was noted.

The insulin requirements consistently fell from 21 months post‐diagnosis, with persistent normal range HbA1c (30mmol/mol, 4.9%). At 28 months, insulin was stopped due to increasing frequency of hypoglycaemic events. Initially, a honeymoon period was suspected; however, he has remained off all treatment, for almost five years.

To our knowledge this is the first case report meeting the diagnostic criteria for idiopathic remitting diabetes first published in 2014. Further reports of individuals meeting these criteria are essential to provide information about the natural history of idiopathic remitting diabetes and answer questions about rates of relapse and possible underlying aetiology. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Patient safety outcomes for continuous infusion vancomycin as outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Benefield Russell J. , McDonald Joshua , Newman Michael , Tritle Brandon , Certain Laura K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Administration of vancomycin as a continuous infusion has been associated with reduced nephrotoxicity. Given limited published experience with continuous infusion vancomycin in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs, we reviewed outcomes from our center.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single‐center study of adult patients receiving vancomycin OPAT as continuous or intermittent infusion for an intended treatment duration of at least 7 days. The primary outcome was time to nephrotoxicity with continuous versus intermittent infusion vancomycin while on OPAT; additional outcomes included time to any vancomycin‐associated adverse event, time to 60‐day death or readmission, and time to 60‐day emergency department encounter. Proportional hazards modeling was used to identify variables independently associated with outcomes, as well as assess the strength of association of continuous infusion with each outcome.

Results

Four‐hundred ninety‐two patients were included: 118 treated with continuous and 374 with intermittent vancomycin infusion. Continuous infusion was not associated with lower rates of nephrotoxicity compared to intermittent infusion (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.72, 95% CI: 0.35–1.50). There were no advantages of continuous over intermittent infusion in the rates of any adverse event (aHR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.56–1.53), 60‐day death or readmission (aHR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.68–1.61), or 60‐day emergency department encounter (aHR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.68–1.99). Vancomycin area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) at discharge was the only modifiable factor identified that was independently associated with patient safety outcomes.

Conclusion

There was no appreciable benefit of continuous infusion vancomycin on outpatient safety outcomes. AUC‐centered dosing approaches warrant further investigation as strategies to improve vancomycin safety in OPAT programs.
Thiol redox proteomics: Characterization of thiol‐based post‐translational modifications
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Gluth Austin , Zhang Tong , Qian Wei‐Jun
Published: May 2023

Redox post‐translational modifications on cysteine thiols (redox PTMs) have profound effects on protein structure and function, thus enabling regulation of various biological processes. Redox proteomics approaches aim to characterize the landscape of redox PTMs at the systems level. These approaches facilitate studies of condition‐specific, dynamic processes implicating redox PTMs and have furthered our understanding of redox signaling and regulation. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool for such analyses which has been demonstrated by significant advances in redox proteomics during the last decade. A group of well‐established approaches involves the initial blocking of free thiols followed by selective reduction of oxidized PTMs and subsequent enrichment for downstream detection. Alternatively, novel chemoselective probe‐based approaches have been developed for various redox PTMs. Direct detection of redox PTMs without any enrichment has also been demonstrated given the sensitivity of contemporary MS instruments. This review discusses the general principles behind different analytical strategies and covers recent advances in redox proteomics. Several applications of redox proteomics are also highlighted to illustrate how large‐scale redox proteomics data can lead to novel biological insights.
Honokiol inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition and hepatic fibrosis via activation of Ecadherin/GSK3β/JNK and inhibition of AKT/ERK/p38/β‐catenin/TMPRSS4 signaling axis
Authors: Seo Jae Hwa , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Sim Deok Yong , Park Ji Eon , Ahn Chi‐Hoon , Park Su‐Yeon , Cho Ah‐Reum , Koo Jinsuk , Shim Bum Sang , Kim Bonglee , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: May 2023

Though Honokiol was known to have anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antithrombotic, anti‐viral, metabolic, antithrombotic, and neurotrophic activities, the underlying mechanisms of Honokiol on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated liver fibrosis still remain elusive so far. Anti‐EMT and antifibrotic effects of Honokiol were explored in murine AML‐12 hepatocyte cells by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, wound healing assay, Western blotting and also in CCl4‐induced liver injury mouse model by immunohistochemistry. Honokiol significantly suppressed transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced EMT and migration of AML‐12 cells along with decreased EMT phenotypes such as loss of cell adhesion and formation of fibroblast like mesenchymal cells in TGF‐β1‐treated AML‐12 cells. Consistently, Honokiol suppressed the expression of Snail and transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), but not p‐Smad3, and activated E‐cadherin in TGF‐β1‐treated AML‐12 cells. Additionally, Honokiol reduced the expression of β‐catenin, p‐AKT, p‐ERK, p‐p38 and increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and JNK in TGF‐β1‐treated AML‐12 cells via TGF‐β1/nonSmad pathway. Conversely, GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the ability of Honokiol to reduce Snail, β‐catenin and migration and activate E‐cadherin in TGF‐β1‐treated AML‐12 cells. Also, Honokiol suppressed hepatic steatosis and necrosis by reducing the expression of TGF‐β1 and α‐SMA in liver tissues of CCl4 treated mice. These findings provide scientific evidence that Honokiol suppresses EMT and hepatic fibrosis via activation of E‐cadherin/GSK3β/JNK and inhibition of AKT/ERK/p38/β‐catenin/TMPRSS4 signaling axis.
P3CPenT as an organic hole transport layer for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Pindolia Grishma , Shinde Satyam , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: May 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) are the third‐generation solar cells, which have a low production cost and have achieved similar laboratory scale efficiencies as the first‐generation silicon solar cells. In the present work, we performed density functional theory calculations on the organic material, poly[3‐(5‐carboxypentyl) thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] regioregular (P3CPenT). The ground state and excited state properties of P3CPenT are calculated. The HOMO‐LUMO levels and electronic bandgap obtained from the calculations are compared with the experimental values for validation of the theory. A high electron reorganization energy and low hole reorganization energy ensures that P3CPenT aids the flow of holes and hinders the flow of electrons. The optical bandgap and low exciton binding energy indicates its potential as a hole transport layer (HTL). The ease of fabrication of P3CPenT is established by showing that the oligomer is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is the most commonly utilized solvent for the fabrication of PSCs. The hydrophobic nature of P3CPenT as established by the present work shows that it is stable with moisture and would thus protect the underlying MAPbI3 perovskite layer from decomposing and hence improve its lifetime and stability. Fill factor (FF) of 78.07% and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.88% has been obtained for PSC with P3CPenT HTL.
River fragmentation in the northern Sandomierz Basin (SE Poland)
Authors: Bednarek Piotr , Mołoniewicz Lara
Published: May 2023

River fragmentation is a process highly detrimental for fish survival by impeding their migrations. Although fragmentation by big dams has been studied, there is still a big deficiency of data related to small barriers. This study was designed as a detailed, local‐scale analysis of several chosen river stretches in the Sandomierz Basin, Poland. It aimed to: (1) map all natural and artificial barriers in the study area, (2) assess the impacts of these barriers on fish migration, (3) compare findings to existing databases, and (4) make recommendations for improved barrier management. Ten lowland rivers covering a total 424 km length were surveyed by river walkovers and kayak surveys, with all the barriers mapped and all the artificial structures assessed for fish migration using the ICE protocol protocol for ecological continuity. There were 67 beaver dams and 89 artificial barriers recorded, with only 24% of the latter being included in national databases. The average artificial barrier density in all the surveyed rivers was 0.2 barriers/km and varied from 0.75 barriers/km in first order streams to 0.01 barriers/km in sixth order river. The findings revealed that 18% of the barriers were passable for all fish species, with 35% totally impassable. The analysis of specific barrier parameters indicated that water depth at the barrier had a greater influence on fish passability than the barrier height. Several barriers were proposed for removal to specifically improve the potential for fish migration.
Semiparametric pseudo‐score and pseudo‐likelihood for evaluating correlate of protection in vaccine trials
Authors: Ma Wanying , Liu Mengya , Zhu Jian , Li Qing , Hoffman Elaine , Lin Jianchang
Published: May 2023

In vaccine clinical trials, vaccine efficacy endpoint analysis is usually associated with in high cost or extended study duration, due to the generally low infection rate. Correlate of protection (CoP), which refers to surrogate endpoint, usually immunological response, that can reliably predict the treatment effect, provides a more efficient and less costly approach to evaluate the vaccine. To handle the challenge of the missingness in the unobserved surrogate immune biomarker, the pseudo‐score (PS) method, semiparametric method and pseudo‐likelihood (PL) method demonstrated their advantages on different aspects. In this article, we propose new methodologies to combine the advantages of PS and PL with semiparametric methods respectively, to achieve higher estimate efficiency, allow continuous baseline predictor variable, and handle multiple surrogate markers. The advantage of our methodologies are demonstrated by a simulation study in different settings and applied to a case study, which eventually can improve the chance of a successful trial.
A dynamic, multilevel approach to conceptualising and designing resilience research in the context of military stress
Authors: Polusny Melissa A. , Erbes Christopher R.
Published: May 2023

Challenges in conceptualising resilience have impeded advancements in resilience science. In response, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) developed a general framework for harmonising the conceptualisation of resilience as a dynamic process determined by multiple systems and levels of analysis. Consistent with the NIH Resilience Framework, this paper presents a conceptual model of resilience applied to military service members. This model encompasses four core components necessary for resilience research: (1) the presence of significant challenge, (2) successful adaptation in response to the challenge, (3) the capacity for resilience (i.e., protective factors), and (4) the processes (i.e., mechanisms) by which protective factors exert positive effects on an individual's response. Guided by this conceptual model, we outline key methodological recommendations to advance resilience research and illustrate each using the Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience study as an exemplar. We emphasise the need for future research to examine resilience as a dynamic process and apply a multilevel approach. We hope to provide a basic road map to those interested in improving the rigour of future research on resilience in a military context, the results of which can inform the development of interventions.
A review of frequently used Kampo prescriptions: Part 2—Hangekobokuto
Authors: Suzuki Tomoko , Kikuchi Akiko , Kaneko Akiyo , Arita Ryutaro , Nogami Tatsuya , Saito Natsumi , Takayama Shin
Published: May 2023

Background

The origin of hangekobokuto (HKT) is from Jin Gui Yao Lue (Kinkiyōryaku in Japanese), and it has been indicated for treating throat discomfort in women.

Key Findings

HKT consists of five crude drugs. Clinical studies have shown that HKT can improve the swallowing reflex by increasing the substance P level in saliva; improve the cough reflex; reduce pneumonia in patients with dementia, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease; reduce postoperative aspiration pneumonia in patients who undergo cardiovascular surgery; and improve depression and anxiety scores in patients with globus hystericus. Furthermore, HKT has been reported to increase serotonin (5‐HT) and noradrenaline levels in the hypothalamus, and dopamine (DA) levels in the striatum in a healthy rodent model; improve 5‐HT levels in the striatum and hippocampus, and ameliorate 5‐HT and DA reductions in the whole brain in an acute stress model; improve 5‐HT levels in the striatum, and ameliorate 5‐HT and DA reductions in the prefrontal cortex in a chronic stress model; and decrease corticosterone and corticotropin‐releasing factor levels in a chronic stress model. Reported adverse events of HKT include interstitial pneumonia (0.38 per 100 000 cases) and liver damage (0.89 per 100 000 cases), which are rare.

Conclusion

HKT is widely used and shows a low rate of adverse events. Several clinical studies have reported its effects in reducing aspiration pneumonia and improving depression and anxiety, some of which may be explained by the regulation of monoamines and stress hormones in the brain and substance P levels in the oral cavity.
Planning the foodshed: Rural and peri‐urban factors in local food strategies of major cities in Canada and the United States
Authors: Schreiber Kerstin , Winkler Klara J. , Abellon Killian , MacDonald Graham K.
Published: May 2023

Many North American cities seek to increase access to locally sourced foods. But to what degree are cities planning for and supporting peri‐urban and rural food production? We examined this question by analyzing 25 documents from 22 major United States and Canadian cities (>300,000 residents) with local food strategies or action plans, focusing on social, ecological, and technological factors relevant to local food production. Our review suggests that the following topics are often overlooked: farmland access and quality, farm viability, agricultural training and workforce, environmental and public health, processing infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and particular needs pertinent to those concerns among marginalized groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Just under half of the cities defined how success or progress toward reaching their food‐related goals would be monitored and measured. Many municipalities considered collaboration as an important governance tool for realizing their strategies toward local food systems, including with actors from within the city and beyond, as cities’ governance scope, resources, and power are often limited. Besides illustrating ongoing municipal efforts to enhance local food systems, our study identifies focus areas in food policy and planning to avoid overlooking social and environmental trade‐offs in local foodsheds, including potentially overestimating self‐sufficiency capacity.
Evaluation of the short‐term echocardiographic effects of two loop diuretics, furosemide and torsemide, in a group of dogs
Authors: Hosseini Farzaneh , Mahmoudi Filabadi Zeinab , Hill Peter B , Hosseininejad Morteza
Published: May 2023

Background

Two loop diuretics, torsemide and frusemide, can affect the urinary system and consequently the cardiordiovascular haemodynamics in different ways.

Objectives

This study compared a number of echocardiographic parameters and systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP) changes following administration of furosemide or torsemide.

Methods

Five shelter dogs underwent transthoracic two‐dimensional M‐mode echocardiography to obtain the following measurements: left ventricular internal dimension at end‐systole (LVIDs), left ventricular internal dimension at end‐diastole (LVIDd), fractional shortening (FS), heart rate (HR) and the distance between the mitral valve socket and the ventricle wall (septal to E Point, SEP). Arterial blood pressure was measured using the oscillometric method. Measurements recorded before treatment (baseline data) were compared to those after the dogs received furosemide (5 mg/kg) or torsemide (0.5 mg/kg).

Results

Torsemide significantly reduced blood pressure 1 h after administration, but this was not seen with furosemide. Fractional shortening, LVIDd and SEP decreased following both treatments, but there were no significant differences between the treatment groups. Torsemide increased heart rate above that seen in the furosemide groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that 1 h after administration, torsemide increases heart rate and decreases blood pressure when compared to furosemide, but both drugs have similar effects on measured cardiovascular indices.
Association between neurofilament light chain concentration and lesion size in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin
Authors: Yun Taesik , Koo Yoonhoi , Chae Yeon , Lee Dohee , Kim Hakhyun , Yang Mhan‐Pyo , Kang Byeong‐Teck
Published: May 2023

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is an axonal cytoplasmic protein in neurons. Recently, NfL has shown potential as a diagnostic biomarker in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). However, there have been no studies on the biomarkers of lesion progression and resolution in MUO.

Objectives

To identify the potential of NfL as a biomarker for predicting changes in lesions.

Methods

Seven dogs with MUO who had undergone two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were included. The serum NfL levels were measured using a single‐molecule array. The relationship between the rate of change in lesion size and the rate of change in serum NfL level was analysed using simple linear regression. To investigate the effect of changes in lesion size on NfL levels, the dogs were divided into two groups depending on the change in lesion size: decreased lesion size group (n = 5) and increased lesion size group (n = 2). Trends in lesion size change were identified in the second MRI compared with the first MRI.

Results

A significant positive relationship between the rate of lesion size change and the rate of NfL level change was identified (R2 = 0.9239, p = 0.0006). In the decreased lesion size group (n = 5), all NfL levels in each dog decreased, and in the increased lesion size group (n = 2), all NfL levels in each dog increased.

Conclusions

This preliminary study showed a positive relationship between the rate of change in lesion size and rate of change in serum NfL levels. Therefore, the serum NfL level may be a promising biomarker of lesion progression and resolution in MUO.
Cranial cruciate ligament avulsion due to osteochondrosis dissecans of the stifle joint in a golden retriever dog
Authors: Chernev Chavdar , Walsh Bernard , Kluczny Adam , Schwarz Tobias
Published: May 2023

An 8‐month‐old, entire, male, 32‐kg golden retriever dog was presented with a grade 4/5 right hindlimb lameness. No history of trauma or injury was noted and the clinical symptoms had appeared suddenly. A computed tomography examination of the hindlimbs was performed, and changes in the right stifle joint included moderate joint effusion, synovial thickening, a detached fragment from the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and concurrent changes of the condylar bone. The cortical bone of that area appeared damaged and had lost its smooth margins A cranial cruciate ligament avulsion was later confirmed by arthroscopy. Osteochondrosis dissecans was confirmed histopathologically, based on chondral necrosis and a clear fissure evident in the fragment. Osteochondrosis dissecans is associated with cartilage and bone changes in growing animals. There are known anatomical predilection sites for development of osteochondrosis, one of which is the lateral condyle of the femur. This is the first reported case where the dislodged bone fragment is also the point of origin for the cranial crucial ligament.
On the definition and effect of optimum gear microgeometry modifications for the gearbox of an offshore 10‐MW wind turbine
Authors: Blanco Blas , Escalona José Luís , Lambert Robert , Ling Robert , Balling Ole
Published: May 2023

This work develops an optimization algorithm for the definition of gear microgeometry modifications (MGM) on a gearbox belonging to an offshore 10‐MW wind turbine. Subsequently, the impact of the gear microgeometry on the performance of gears and bearings is quantified: First, under rated load conditions and, second, accounting for the environmental conditions to estimate the long‐term damage. To fulfil this task, a high‐fidelity numerical model of the drivetrain is used, which meets the design requirements of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) 10‐MW reference offshore wind turbine. The optimization achieves a uniform distribution of the contact stress along the tooth flank, shifts its maximum value to the central position, and eliminates edge contact. These enhancements increase the gear safety factors. Nevertheless, the most significant improvement concerns planetary bearings, for which optimum gear MGM achieve a homogeneous share of the load among bearings. Moreover, deviations of the microgeometry with respect to the defined optimum are also addressed. In gears, lead slope deviations are counteracted by crowning modifications to restrain the increase of the load offset. Concerning planetary bearings, slope deviations can be beneficial or detrimental depending on whether they overload downwind or upwind planetary bearings, respectively. Finally, accumulated damage to planetary bearings after 20 years of service is assessed. Before MGM, results predict a premature failure of planetary bearings, while optimum MGM extend their predicted life above 20 years by achieving a reduction of the maximum accumulated fatigue damage by a factor of 4.4.
Nanotechnology‐empowered therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wang Zhiren , Gonzalez Karina Marie , Cordova Leyla Estrella , Lu Jianqin
Published: May 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases are posing pressing health issues due to the high prevalence among aging populations in the 21st century. They are evidenced by the progressive loss of neuronal function, often associated with neuronal necrosis and many related devastating complications. Nevertheless, effective therapeutical strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases remain a tremendous challenge due to the multisystemic nature and limited drug delivery to the central nervous system. As a result, there is a pressing need to develop effective alternative therapeutics to manage the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. By utilizing the functional reconstructive materials and technologies with specific targeting ability at the nanoscale level, nanotechnology‐empowered medicines can transform the therapeutic paradigms of neurodegenerative diseases with minimal systemic side effects. This review outlines the current applications and progresses of the nanotechnology‐enabled drug delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Aging and oocyte competence: A molecular cell perspective
Authors: Ferreira Ana Filipa , Soares Maria , Almeida‐Santos Teresa , Ramalho‐Santos João , Sousa Ana Paula
Published: May 2023

Follicular microenvironment is paramount in the acquisition of oocyte competence, which is dependent on two interconnected and interdependent processes: nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Extensive research conducted in human and model systems has provided evidence that those processes are disturbed with female aging. In fact, advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with a lower chance of pregnancy and live birth, explained by the age‐related decline in oocyte quality/competence. This decline has largely been attributed to mitochondria, essential for oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development; with mitochondrial dysfunction leading to oxidative stress, responsible for nuclear and mitochondrial damage, suboptimal intracellular energy levels, calcium disturbance, and meiotic spindle alterations, that may result in oocyte aneuploidy. Nuclear‐related mechanisms that justify increased oocyte aneuploidy include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, loss of chromosomal cohesion, spindle assembly checkpoint dysfunction, meiotic recombination errors, and telomere attrition. On the other hand, age‐dependent cytoplasmic maturation failure is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, altered mitochondrial biogenesis, altered mitochondrial morphology, distribution, activity, and dynamics, dysmorphic smooth endoplasmic reticulum and calcium disturbance, and alterations in the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, reproductive somatic cells also experience the effects of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, compromising the crosstalk between granulosa/cumulus cells and oocytes, also affected by a loss of gap junctions. Old oocytes seem therefore to mature in an altered microenvironment, with changes in metabolites, ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, and lipids. Overall, understanding the mechanisms implicated in the loss of oocyte quality will allow the establishment of emerging biomarkers and potential therapeutic anti‐aging strategies.

This article is categorized under:

Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Estimation of Height Anomalies from Gradients of the Gravitational Potential Using a Spectral Combination Method
Authors: Pitoňák Martin , Šprlák Michal , Novák Pavel
Published: May 2023

In this study, we apply a spectral combination method for estimation of height anomalies from gradients of the gravitational potential measured by satellites. The spectral combination method is used for solving over-determined problems within gravity field modelling when multiple types of gravity data are collected and used for recovery of unobservable quantities (typically the gravitational potential). The method applies solutions to geodetic boundary-value problems formulated in spherical approximation for gradients of the gravitational potential of up to the third order. Spectral forms of the solutions are combined using spectral weights defined under the condition of minimizing the global mean-square error of the estimators. Mathematical models are implemented and tested using gradients synthesized from a global geopotential model which allows for closed-loop testing of the estimators. The tests reveal among others that horizontal derivatives of the gravitational potential influence recovered values more than their vertical counterparts.
Impact of Coordinate- and Tropospheric Ties on the Rigorous Combination of GNSS and VLBI
Authors: Herrera-Pinzón Iván Darío , Rothacher Markus
Published: May 2023

In this work, we study the impact of the use of site coordinate and tropospheric ties between VLBI telescopes and GNSS antennas at co-location sites during the CONT17 campaign. We perform the rigorous estimation of all parameter types common to these two techniques: station coordinates, troposphere zenith delays and gradients, and the full set of Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs) and their rates, including their full variance-covariance information. The core element of our processing scheme is the combination of the techniques via coordinate and tropospheric ties, the later being essential especially for the height estimates. By using and evaluating different weighting schemes, to obtain a unique set of consistent parameters, we analyse coordinate repeatabilities and the behaviour of the EOPs, to discuss the impact of the accuracy and weighting of the coordinate and troposphere ties on the estimation of geodetic parameters. Our work shows that the combined solution with coordinate and troposphere ties generally improves the precision of all the estimated geodetic parameters. In particular, the repeatabilities of the height component, the polar motion estimates, and the LOD, show improvements up to 19%, 35% and 48%, respectively, with respect to the single-technique solutions. These results provide enough evidence of the benefits of our approach.
Geoid or Quasi-Geoid? A Short Comparison
Authors: Sjöberg Lars E. , Abrehdary Majid
Published: May 2023

This article is a short introduction to the debate on choosing the geoid and orthometric heights or the quasi-geoid and normal heights as the vertical coordinate system. It mainly compiles some more or less already known facts for comparing the two systems.
Correction to: Spinal Cord Stimulation to Enable Leg Motor Control and Walking in People with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Seáñez Ismael , Capogrosso Marco , Minassian Karen , Wagner Fabien B.
Published: May 2023

Chapter 18 (Spinal Cord Stimulation to Enable Leg Motor Control and Walking in People with Spinal Cord Injury) was previously published non-open access. It has now been changed to open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder updated to ‘The Author(s)’. The book has also been updated with this change.