bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of spray drying process for recovery of onion–stevia leaf hot water extract powder using response surface methodology
Authors: Yang Hae‐Il , Ameer Kashif , Chung Young Bae , Min Sung‐Gi , Eun Jong‐Bang
Published: January 2023

It is important to optimize the drying process, along with the concentration of drying aid and the inlet air temperature, in order to obtain products with better physicochemical properties. Onion–stevia leaf hot extract powders were prepared using gum arabic (GA) and whey protein concentrate (WPC). Inlet air temperature and carrier concentrations were optimized using response surface methodology. The drying yield of powdered extracts was 14.39–74.32%, L*‐ value was 52.66–66.98, bulk density was 0.36–0.75 (g/cm3), moisture content was 2.40–11.57%, water solubility index was 30.32%–97.46%, and mean particle size D[4,3] was 9.13–88.01 (μm). For both GA‐ and WPC‐based powders, optimal inlet air temperatures and carrier concentrations were 148.81 and 144.62°C, and 11.58 and 12.03% (w/v), respectively. GA powders had a higher glass transition temperature (76.49°C) as compared to WPC powders (48.12°C) or maltodextrin as control (55.49°C). Sweetness (5.0/7.0) and overall acceptability (4.3/7.0) scores were higher for GA powders as compared to WPC powders (3.7/7.0 and 3.4/7.0), respectively. Conclusively, GA is a better carrier than whey protein for preparing spray‐dried onion–stevia powder that can be used as a natural sweetener.
Comprehensive assessment of the implementation of maternal immunization programs in Italy: A national survey across maternity care units
Authors: Vilca Luz Maria , Sala Valentina , Chiantera Antonio , Colacurci Nicola , Cetin Irene
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The authors aimed to assess the characteristics and integration of immunization services into the prenatal care provided by maternity care units (MCUs) in Italy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional nationwide study using a web‐based survey was conducted from June to August 2021. The study population consisted of 342 obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs), members of the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and heads of MCUs. The main outcome was to assess the performance of several vaccine‐related services among the surveyed MCUs.

Results

Overall, 112 of 342 MCUs completed the survey, for an overall response rate of 32.7%. Almost all MCUs (96.4%) provided vaccine information, but only 22% had an onsite vaccination clinic. Less than half (43.8%) offered vaccines during prenatal visits and 75% of those sites required women to set up an extra appointment for vaccination. Although 68% MCUs recorded vaccines administered, only 20% of them managed to record vaccines in their own medical records. The institutional‐logistic issues were the most voted vaccination barrier (40.2%).

Conclusions

Institutional barriers and lack of certain vaccine‐related services offered during prenatal care in Italian MCUs might be responsible for many missed vaccination opportunities. Embedding maternal immunization programs within the current prenatal care services might optimize vaccine coverage.
Managerial compensation and firm performance: The moderating role of managerial ownership and other governance factors
Authors: Adelopo Ismail , Adu‐Ameyaw Emmanuel , Cheung Kwok Yip , Bako Hajara Santali
Published: January 2023

This study looks at how executive compensation affects firm value and the extent to which this relationship is sensitive to managerial ownership and corporate governance factors. We use data from UK FTSE 100 firms for the period 2007–2012, generating a total of 578 firm‐year observations. Consistent with optimal compensation theory, we find that the managerial compensation –firm value is more sensitive to executives’ ownership levels and other corporate governance indicators. Our results remain robust to alternative econometric models. We contribute to the literature on corporate governance and firm value . While the paper builds on the executive bonus compensation literature, it also furthers our understanding on the extent to which managerial ownership, institutional ownership, board size and non‐executive ownership matter in the executive bonus compensation—corporate value relationship with specific emphasis on UK FTSE 100 firms. Our second contribution is related to the moderating role of managerial (executive) ownership. We show that as executives residual interests go up, managers become more conscious of the firm's idiosyncratic risk, and hence lessen their aggressive investment and financing strategies culminating in lower firm value.
Inactivation of Sufu in cementoblasts accelerates external tooth root resorption
Authors: Choi Hwajung , Yang Liu , Liu Yudong , Jeong Ju‐Kyung , Cho Eui‐Sic
Published: January 2023

Cementum has been empirically regarded as an antiresorptive barrier against tooth roots. However, little is known about the factors of homeostasis and resistant mechanisms of tooth roots against resorption. Here, we investigated cementum factors and their interaction against resorption using transgenic mice exhibiting external cervical root resorption (ECRR). Ectopically thickened cervical cementum caused by functional inactivation of ectonucleotide pyrophosphotase/phosphodiesterase 1 (Enpp1) was susceptible to ECRR with aging. In addition, the inactivation of the suppressor of fused (Sufu), a Hedgehog signaling inhibitor, in cementoblasts led to ECRR. Interestingly, concurrent inactivation of Sufu and Enpp1 in cementoblasts remarkably exacerbated ECRR with higher Rankl expression. Cellular and molecular analyses using cementoblasts and bone marrow‐derived macrophages indicated that Dickkopf‐related protein 1 (Dkk1) induced by the inactivation of Sufu in cementoblasts has roles in the acceleration of ECRR triggered by Enpp1 inactivation. Using compound mutant mice for concurrent Wntless and Enpp1 inactivation, this synergistic cooperation of Dkk1 and Npp1 for resorption found in double mutant Sufu and Enpp1 mice was confirmed by the reproduction of amplified ECRR. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that proper Npp1 function and sustained Wnt activity in the cervical cementum are essential for the homeostasis of tooth roots against resorption in a physiological state.
GALR2 and Y1R agonists intranasal infusion enhanced adult ventral hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant‐like effects involving BDNF actions
Authors: Alvarez‐Contino Jose Erik , Díaz‐Sánchez Estela , Mirchandani‐Duque Marina , Sánchez‐Pérez Jose Andrés , Barbancho Miguel A. , López‐Salas Alexander , García‐Casares Natalia , Fuxe Kjell , Borroto‐Escuela Dasiel O. , Narváez Manuel
Published: January 2023

Dysregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis is linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), with more than 300 million people diagnosed and worsened by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Accumulating evidence for neuropeptide Y (NPY) and galanin (GAL) interaction was shown in various limbic system regions at molecular‐, cellular‐, and behavioral‐specific levels. The purpose of the current work was to evaluate the proliferating role of GAL2 receptor (GALR2) and Y1R agonists interaction upon intranasal infusion in the ventral hippocampus. We studied their hippocampal proliferating actions using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on neuroblasts or stem cells and the expression of the brain‐derived neurothrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, we studied the formation of Y1R–GALR2 heteroreceptor complexes and analyzed morphological changes in hippocampal neuronal cells. Finally, the functional outcome of the NPY and GAL interaction on the ventral hippocampus was evaluated in the forced swimming test. We demonstrated that the intranasal infusion of GALR2 and the Y1R agonists promotes neuroblasts proliferation in the dentate gyrus of the ventral hippocampus and the induction of the neurotrophic factor BDNF. These effects were mediated by the increased formation of Y1R–GALR2 heteroreceptor complexes, which may mediate the neurites outgrowth observed on neuronal hippocampal cells. Importantly, BDNF action was found necessary for the antidepressant‐like effects after GALR2 and the Y1R agonists intranasal administration. Our data may suggest the translational development of new heterobivalent agonist pharmacophores acting on Y1R–GALR2 heterocomplexes in the ventral hippocampus for the novel therapy of MDD or depressive‐affecting diseases.
Outcomes of a contemporary credentialing and privileging program in a dental school
Authors: Robinson Fonda G. , Fields Henry W. , Marado Laura , Heinlein David J. , Larsen Peter E. , Kearney Rachel C.
Published: January 2023

The current credentialing and privileging (C&P) climate has evolved due to a risk reduction/management awareness of increased institutional legal liability. This recognition affects dental colleges and has caused the implementation of C&P processes. Contemporary best practices for methods, processes, and structure are reported here. Data reported from the process show how and what clinicians’ red flags were discovered during the process. Conclusions include the following: C&P is a significant process to introduce in terms of institutional resources and commitment. This process includes increased clinician and administrative burden that needs to have a governor. Attention to experiences of other institutions can reduce but not eliminate challenges from the clinician and some administrators. A primary data‐based verification process administered by a credentialing specialist can make the process valid and workable.
Integrative systems immunology uncovers molecular networks of the cell cycle that stratify COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Prado Caroline Aliane de Souza , Fonseca Dennyson Leandro M. , Singh Youvika , Filgueiras Igor Salerno , Baiocchi Gabriela Crispim , Plaça Desirée Rodrigues , Marques Alexandre H. C. , Dantas‐Komatsu Raquel Costa Silva , Usuda Júlia N. , Freire Paula Paccielli , Salgado Ranieri Coelho , Napoleao Sarah Maria da Silva , Ramos Rodrigo Nalio , Rocha Vanderson , Zhou Guangyan , Catar Rusan , Moll Guido , Camara Niels Olsen Saraiva , de Miranda Gustavo Cabral , Calich Vera Lúcia Garcia , Giil Lasse M. , Mishra Neha , Tran Florian , Luchessi Andre Ducati , Nakaya Helder I. , Ochs Hans D. , Jurisica Igor , Schimke Lena F. , Cabral‐Marques Otavio
Published: January 2023

Several perturbations in the number of peripheral blood leukocytes, such as neutrophilia and lymphopenia associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity, point to systemic molecular cell cycle alterations during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. However, the landscape of cell cycle alterations in COVID‐19 remains primarily unexplored. Here, we performed an integrative systems immunology analysis of publicly available proteome and transcriptome data to characterize global changes in the cell cycle signature of COVID‐19 patients. We found significantly enriched cell cycle‐associated gene co‐expression modules and an interconnected network of cell cycle‐associated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and genes (DEGs) by integrating the molecular data of 1469 individuals (981 SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients and 488 controls [either healthy controls or individuals with other respiratory illnesses]). Among these DEPs and DEGs are several cyclins, cell division cycles, cyclin‐dependent kinases, and mini‐chromosome maintenance proteins. COVID‐19 patients partially shared the expression pattern of some cell cycle‐associated genes with other respiratory illnesses but exhibited some specific differential features. Notably, the cell cycle signature predominated in the patients' blood leukocytes (B, T, and natural killer cells) and was associated with COVID‐19 severity and disease trajectories. These results provide a unique global understanding of distinct alterations in cell cycle‐associated molecules in COVID‐19 patients, suggesting new putative pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction based on a supramolecular solvent followed by high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis of lignans in Forsythiae Fructus
Authors: Qin Yu , Wang Run‐Qin , Xing Rong‐Rong , Yang Li , Chen Xuan , Hu Shuang
Published: January 2023

A supramolecular solvent‐based dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction was proposed for the extraction and determination of lignans in Forsythiae Fructus combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography. The supramolecular solvent, consisting of tetrabutylammonium bromide and n‐hexanol, was mixed with the sample solution to extract the analytes by a vortex. After accomplishing the extraction, the extraction phase was separated by centrifugation and collected for high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. In this work, the important extraction variables such as the type and amount of extraction solvent, pH and salt amount in the sample phase, and extraction time were optimized. The synthesis of supramolecular solvent was studied and its microstructure was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Under the optimal conditions, the analytes’ enrichment factors were between 6 and 170 for the proposed procedure. Satisfactory linear ranges (r ≥ 0.99), detection limits (0.025–0.4 ng/ml), precisions (< 9.2%), and accuracies (recoveries: 96.5%–104.8%) were obtained. The method has been successfully applied to the preconcentration of lignans in Forsythiae Fructus with simple and rapid operation, low cost, and environmental friendliness.
One model to rule them all: identifying priority bat habitats from multi‐species habitat suitability models
Authors: Gaulke Sarah M. , Cable Ashleigh B. , Hohoff Tara C. , Rogness Brittany A. , Davis Mark A.
Published: January 2023

Bats are important components of global ecosystems, providing essential ecosystem services with substantial economic benefit. Yet North American bat populations have been negatively affected by numerous factors (e.g., disease, habitat loss, wind energy development) with compounding effects. Bats use habitats at a variety of scales, from small, isolated patches to large, contiguous corridors. Landscape‐level research is necessary to identify important habitats, patches, and corridors to strategically target management interventions. We created habitat suitability models (HSMs) for hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red bats (L. borealis), and tri‐colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) across Illinois, USA, using species‐specific landscape and climate variables. With the 3 models from this study and a previously published HSM for Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis), we stacked binary HSMs, thereby identifying priority conservation areas across Illinois. Species exhibited different distributional patterns and habitat preferences across Illinois. Multi‐species HSMs highlight high quality habitat (i.e., ecologically important habitat that provides preferred resources for roosting, foraging, and raising young) in southern Illinois and along river riparian areas. This approach identified priority conservation areas mainly following hydrologic zones, which allows managers to strategically target restoration and conservation measures, invest funds in habitat likely to have high return‐on‐investment, and assist with decisions that affect bats (e.g., siting wind turbines, purchasing mitigation lands).
Spatial and temporal drivers of fluorescence quantum yield variability in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Ryan‐Keogh Thomas James , Bone Emma Lewis , Thomalla Sandy J. , Lain Lisl , Smith Marie E. , Bernard Stewart , Vichi Marcello
Published: January 2023

Fluorescence quantum yield is a powerful tool for assessing phytoplankton photophysiology and photosynthetic efficiency, but there is a paucity of in situ studies. Here we present the first wavelength‐specific fluorescence quantum yield data from high spatial and temporal resolution real‐time measurements made in the Southern Ocean. This dataset represents both winter and summer conditions across a broad latitudinal range of the Atlantic and Indian South Ocean and the presented analysis assesses the potential influence of a range of physical, chemical, and biological drivers of variability. The results indicate that both light history and potential iron limitation play significant roles in constraining the magnitude of fluorescence quantum yield on a seasonal basis, with links to specific pigment composition of carotenoids involved in fluorescence quenching. Whereas community structure and associated pigment content play a strong role in dictating the spectral shape of fluorescence quantum yield both seasonally and spatially, with larger diatom‐dominated communities fluorescing more in the blue region of the spectrum and smaller phycoerythrin‐containing phytoplankton fluorescing more in the green‐orange region of the spectrum. This study provides a better understanding of the drivers of variability of in situ fluorescence quantum yield, which is useful for informing interpretations of studies based on remotely sensed signals, which are essential for investigating spatial and temporal variability in photophysiological characteristics on longer time scales.
Hybrid Dispersion Engineering based on Chiral Metamirror
Authors: Li Jinxing , Yuan Yueyi , Yang Guohui , Wu Qun , Zhang Wei , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Zhang Kuang
Published: January 2023

Dispersion is one of the key performances of optical systems. As a man‐made device, metasurface is a notable alternative for dispersion manipulation and has been developed vigorously in recent years. However, the currently reported dispersion manipulation principle of meta‐atoms only relies on controlling the propagation phase in the operation frequency band or several working wavelengths. In this paper, the chirality‐assisted phase is introduced as an additional degree of freedom to engineer the dispersion characteristics of the meta‐atom, and the strategy is theoretically demonstrated. The dispersion characteristic of the chiral meta‐atom working in a reflective manner is discussed in detail within the working bandwidth. Then, two hybrid dispersion‐engineered metamirrors (HDEMs) are proposed and constructed to demonstrate versatile dispersion manipulation in the working frequency band, including achromatic focusing for the lower half band and hyper dispersive focusing for the upper half band, and hyper dispersive focusing and abnormal dispersive focusing in the lower and upper half band, respectively. Both full‐wave simulation and measured performances verify the validity and flexibility of the proposed strategy. This work exploits a new degree of freedom for dispersion manipulation, providing a new approach for dispersion‐engineered metasurfaces design.
On‐Demand Cell Sheet Release with Low Density Peptide‐Functionalized Non‐LCST Polymer Brushes
Authors: Schulte Anna , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Pola Robert , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Jiang Siyu , Romanenko Iryna , Singh Manisha , Sedláková Zdeňka , Schönherr Holger , Poręba Rafał
Published: January 2023

Cell sheet harvesting offers a great potential for the development of new therapies for regenerative medicine. For cells to adhere onto surfaces, proliferate, and to be released on demand, thermoresponsive polymeric coatings are generally considered to be required. Herein, an alternative approach for the cell sheet harvesting and rapid release on demand is reported, circumventing the use of thermoresponsive materials. This approach is based on the end‐group biofunctionalization of non‐thermoresponsive and antifouling poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p(HEMA)) brushes with cell‐adhesive peptide motifs. While the nonfunctionalized p(HEMA) surfaces are cell‐repellant, ligation of cell‐signaling ligand enables extensive attachment and proliferation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts until the formation of a confluent cell layer. Remarkably, the formed cell sheets can be released from the surfaces by gentle rinsing with cell‐culture medium. The release of the cells is found to be facilitated by low surface density of cell‐adhesive peptides, as confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, the developed system affords possibility for repeated cell seeding, proliferation, and release on previously used substrates without any additional pretreatment steps. This new approach represents an alternative to thermally triggered cell‐sheet harvesting platforms, offering possibility of capture and proliferation of various rare cell lines via appropriate selection of the cell‐adhesive ligand.
Effect of Topology on the Collapse Transition and the Instantaneous Shape of a Model Heteropolymer
Authors: Singh Thoudam Vilip , Shagolsem Lenin S.
Published: January 2023

The effect of topology on the collapse transition and instantaneous shape of an energy polydisperse polymer (EPP), a model heteropolymer is studied by means of computer simulations. In particular, three different chain topologies, namely, linear (L), ring (R), and trefoil knot (T), are considered. The heteropolymer is modeled by assigning each monomer an interaction parameter, εi, drawn randomly from a Gaussian distribution. Through chain size scaling, the transition temperature, θ, is located and compared among the chains of different topologies. The influence of topology is reflected in the value of θ and observed that θ(L) > θ(R) > θ(T) in a similar fashion to that of the homopolymer counterpart. Also studied chain size distributions, and the shape changes across the transition temperature characterized through shape parameters based on the eigenvalues of the gyration tensor. It is observed that, for the model heteropolymer, in addition to chain topology, the θ‐temperature also depends on energy polydispersity.
Susceptibility Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates with Glial Density and Tau in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta
Authors: Wang Ernest W. , Brown Gregory L. , Lewis Mechelle M. , Jellen Leslie C. , Pu Cunfeng , Johnson Melinda L. , Chen Hairong , Kong Lan , Du Guangwei , Huang Xuemei
Published: January 2023

Background

Susceptibility magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive to iron‐related changes in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), the key pathologic locus of parkinsonisms. It is unclear, however, if iron deposition in the SNc is associated with its neurodegeneration.

Objective

The objective of this study was to test whether susceptibility MRI metrics in parkinsonisms are associated with SNc neuropathologic features of dopaminergic neuron loss, gliosis, and α‐synuclein and tau burden.

Methods

This retrospective study included 27 subjects with both in vivo MRI and postmortem data. Multigradient echo imaging was used to derive the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*) and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in the SNc. Archived midbrain slides that were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, anti‐α‐synuclein, and anti‐tau were digitized to quantify neuromelanin‐positive neuron density, glial density, and the percentages of area occupied by positive α‐synuclein and tau staining. MRI‐histology associations were examined using Pearson correlations and regression.

Results

Twenty‐four subjects had postmortem parkinsonism diagnoses (Lewy body disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal degeneration), two had only Alzheimer's neuropathology, and one exhibited only mild atrophy. Among all subjects, both R2* and QSM were associated with glial density (r ≥ 0.67; P < 0.001) and log‐transformed tau burden (r ≥ 0.53; P ≤ 0.007). Multiple linear regression identified glial density and log‐transformed tau as determinants for both MRI metrics (R2 ≥ 0.580; P < 0.0001). Neither MRI metric was associated with neuron density or α‐synuclein burden.

Conclusions

R2* and QSM are associated with both glial density and tau burden, key neuropathologic features in the parkinsonism SNc. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Wideband high gain SIW horn antenna loaded with half Maxwell fish‐eye fabricated by 3‐D‐printing
Authors: Lei Siyuan , Wei Gao , Han Kangkang , Li Xianlei
Published: January 2023

This letter presents a wideband high gain substrate integrated waveguide horn antenna (SIWHA) loaded with half Maxwell fish‐eye (HMFE) fabricated by 3‐D‐Printing. The impedance bandwidth of the SIWHA is narrow, mainly caused by the discontinuity between the substrate with the air. By introducing the HMFE and a match layer between the SIWHA with HMFE, the impedance continuity can be realized, which can not only improve the impedance bandwidth but also enhance the antenna gain. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna can achieve more than 6 dBi gain and 60.9% relative impedance bandwidth with reflection coefficients lower than −10 dB.
Design of a circularly polarized printed open‐slot antenna using theory of characteristic modes
Authors: Ellis Mubarak S. , Owusu‐Achiaw Nana Afia , Osei Stephen Asante , Nakojah David
Published: January 2023

In this paper, modal analysis is used as a guide to design a circularly polarized open‐slot antenna. The design proposes an open wide slot that is fed electromagnetically by a modified feedline. Both open slot and feedline are asymmetrically placed to the edge of the substrate. The complete antenna without excitation is analyzed using characteristic mode theory to provide a physical insight into its circular polarization operation. The modal analysis proves that several nearly orthogonal modes can be generated at certain frequencies with 90° phase differences. The axial ratio (AR) corresponds to the modal analysis, which proves the validity of the modal analysis. An AR bandwidth from 3.2 to 6 GHz (61%) is achieved within an S11 bandwidth of 3.2–14 GHz (125%). The proposed antenna achieves a peak realized gain 4.3 dBi of within the AR band.
Balanced bandpass microstrip filter with high common‐mode rejection and extended stopband
Authors: Romero‐Ramirez Miguel‐Antonio , Olvera‐Cervantes Jose‐Luis , Kataria Tejinder K. , Corona‐Chavez Alonso
Published: January 2023

A balanced bandpass filter (BBPF) with high common‐mode rejection (CMR) and extended differential‐mode (DM) stopband is presented. It is based on miniaturized Pi‐network ring resonators with loaded inductors. This structure permits the design of the common‐mode (CM) and DM resonances independently, which gives plenty of flexibility when designing the filter. Stubs are added along the symmetry plane to improve the CMR. A microstrip BBPF is designed at 921.7 MHz with a fractional bandwidth of 8.4% and a DM stopband of 10.13  for S21 < −30 dB. The CMR is better than −20 dB up to 10 .
Technical note: Investigating the suitability of existing facilities for a new Lu‐177 prostate‐specific membrane antigen therapy program
Authors: Murtha N. , Morrison H. , Roumeliotis M. , Quirk S. , Smith W. , Blais A.
Published: January 2023

Background

177Lu prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) therapy prolongs survival for some prostate cancer patients. To adopt this technique, institutions may need to evaluate the suitability of existing infrastructure.

Purpose

Develop a methodology to determine whether existing facilities can accommodate a 177Lu‐PSMA therapy program.

Methods

Room suitability is defined by both the ability to accommodate 177Lu‐PSMA therapy workflow and to provide appropriate radiation shielding. Two methods of shielding calculation were performed: (1) National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements report 151 (NCRP‐151), with workload defined in terms of the activity of 177Lu administered, and (2) using the RadPro shielding calculator. This methodology was applied to 131I therapy, PET‐CT uptake, PET‐SPECT injection, and orthovoltage therapy rooms.

Results

131I therapy rooms were found to meet both shielding and workflow requirements. The shielding was found to be adequate for orthovoltage and PET‐SPECT facilities, neglecting patient transit between external washrooms. The workflow was the limiting factor for these rooms due to the requirement of dedicated washrooms that shield the patient and contain possible contamination. The PET‐CT facility did not meet either criteria. The NCRP‐151 method generally predicted a higher dose rate on the other side of shielding than did the RadPro calculator. The dose rate on the other side of concrete shielding as predicted by the NCRP‐151 method increased relative to the dose rate predicted by the RadPro calculator as shielding thickness increased. For lead shielding, the dose rate predicted by the NCRP‐151 method decreased relative to the result predicted by the RadPro calculator with increasing material thickness.

Conclusions

131I therapy, PET‐CT uptake, PET‐SPECT injection, and orthovoltage therapy rooms were considered. The 131I treatment rooms were the best candidate for 177Lu‐PSMA therapy, due to their shielding and capability to accommodate the necessary workflow.
Clinically significant anxiety as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease: Results from a 10‐year follow‐up community study
Authors: Gracia‐García Patricia , Bueno‐Notivol Juan , Lipnicki Darren M. , de la Cámara Concepción , Lobo Antonio , Santabárbara Javier
Published: January 2023

Objective

There is growing evidence for an association between anxiety and an increased risk of dementia, but it is not clear whether anxiety is a risk factor or a prodromic symptom. In this study, we investigated if clinically significant anxiety increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) up to 10 years later.

Methods

We used data from the longitudinal Zaragoza Dementia and Depression (ZARADEMP) Project. Excluding subjects with dementia at baseline left us with 3044 individuals aged >65 years. The Geriatric Mental State‐Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy (GMS‐AGECAT) package was used to identify cases and subcases of anxiety. AD was diagnosed by a panel of research psychiatrists according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM‐IV) criteria. Multivariate survival analysis with a competing risk regression model was performed.

Results

We observed a significant association between clinically significant anxiety at baseline and AD risk within a 10‐year follow‐up (SHR 2.82 [95% CI 1.21–6.58]), after controlling for confounders including depression. In contrast, isolated symptoms of anxiety were not significantly associated with an increased incidence of AD.

Conclusion

Our results support the hypothesis that clinically significant anxiety is an independent risk factor for AD and not just a prodromic symptom. Future studies should clarify if treating anxiety reduces the incidence of AD.
Comprehensive analysis of nonsurrounded nucleolus and surrounded nucleolus oocytes on chromatin accessibility using ATAC‐seq
Authors: Sun Xiaofan , Wang Dayu , Li Weijian , Gao Qian , Tao Jingli , Liu Honglin
Published: January 2023

Mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes are divided into surrounded nucleolus (SN) and nonsurrounded nucleolus (NSN) oocytes based on chromatin morphology. NSN oocytes spontaneously transform into SN oocytes after accumulating enough maternal transcripts. SN oocytes show transcriptional silencing. When oocyte maturation is abnormal or takes place in vitro, NSN oocytes do not go through SN stage before proceeding to MII. Nontransitive oocytes show developmental retardation, a low fertilization rate, and arrest at the two‐cell embryo stage in mice. Here, chromatin‐binding ribonucleic acid polymerase II (RNAP II) activity, newly synthesized RNA, and chromatin accessibility in GV oocytes were examined. In SN oocytes, RNAP II did not bind to DNA, neo‐RNA was not generated in nuclei, and the phosphorylation state of RNAP II did not affect the chromatin‐binding activity. The number of accessible genes in SN oocytes was remarkably lower than that in NSN oocytes. The accessibility of different functional genes was also different between the two types of oocytes. Thus, low chromatin accessibility leads to transcriptional silencing in SN oocytes.
Towards automated risk prediction of persistent pain: Exploring psychosocial factors from electronic health records after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Liukas Tanja , Rosio Riitta , Peltonen Laura‐Maria
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe what psychosocial factors associated with postoperative persistent pain can be found in electronic health records of patients with breast cancer, and which of these factors that may be used in the development of a decision‐support system algorithm to better support health professionals in their clinical work.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

A retrospective electronic health record review was done using manual semantic annotation. A set of 101 records of patients with breast cancer were selected by computerized random sampling. The data were analysed with deductive content analysis.

Results

A total of 337 different expressions describing psychosocial factors associated with postoperative persistent pain were identified from the documentation done in the electronic health records. These regarded psychological strength and resilience, social factors, emotional factors, anxiety, sleep‐related factors and depression. No records were found dealing with pain catastrophizing. Although psychosocial factors associated with postoperative persistent pain were documented in the electronic health records, documentation about such factors was not found in all patient's records, nor was the documentation done in a systematic manner.

Conclusions

The findings show that there is potential to use electronic health records as information source in the development of decision‐support system algorithms to better support nurses in the identification of patients at risk of developing postoperative persistent pain. However, the documentation quality needs to be acknowledged in the application of decision support systems, which are built on information extracted from electronic health records. Future work is needed to standardize documentation practices and assess the comprehensiveness of the documentation.
Association between health‐related quality of life and nonadherence to antihypertensive medication
Authors: Kim Ka Young
Published: January 2023

Aim

We aimed to examine the association between nonadherence to antihypertensive medications and Health‐related quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken.

Methods

This study was conducted using the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 6493 participants who diagnosed with hypertension, affected by hypertension at the time of survey, and took daily antihypertensive medications or never took this medication were included. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that influenced the patients' nonadherence to antihypertensive medications according to sex.

Results

Our results showed that anxiety/depression was positively associated with antihypertensive medication nonadherence, regardless of sex. According to sex, mobility was negatively associated with antihypertensive medication nonadherence in women. In men, living together was negatively related to antihypertensive medication nonadherence. This study showed the factors associated with antihypertensive medication nonadherence according to sex. HRQoL was associated with antihypertensive medication nonadherence.
Fourier spectral methods with exponential time differencing for space‐fractional partial differential equations in population dynamics
Authors: Harris Ashlin Powell , Biala Toheeb A. , Khaliq Abdul Q. M.
Published: January 2023

Physical laws governing population dynamics are generally expressed as differential equations. Research in recent decades has incorporated fractional‐order (non‐integer) derivatives into differential models of natural phenomena, such as reaction–diffusion systems. In this paper, we develop a method to numerically solve a multi‐component and multi‐dimensional space‐fractional system. For space discretization, we apply a Fourier spectral method that is suited for multidimensional partial differential equation systems. Efficient approximation of time‐stepping is accomplished with a locally one dimensional exponential time differencing approach. We show the effect of different fractional parameters on growth models and consider the convergence, stability, and uniqueness of solutions, as well as the biological interpretation of parameters and boundary conditions.
Spontaneous pneumorrhachis with pneumomediastinum, scrotal emphysema, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with pneumonia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Zou Jia lin , Huang Yu fu , Hu Dong xu , Shen Xing , Mao Xiao yan
Published: January 2023

Background

Spontaneous pneumorrhachis with pneumomediastinum, scrotal emphysema, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema caused by acute pneumonia are rarely observed in clinical practice.

Case Presentation

Herein, we report a case of a 12‐year‐old boy with spontaneous pneumorrhachis with pneumomediastinum, scrotal emphysema, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema caused by a severe cough due to mycoplasma pneumonia. This patient neither received invasive or noninvasive ventilator treatment nor surgical treatment before the onset of the disease. After treatment, the patient recovered smoothly and was discharged from the hospital.

Literature Review

We reviewed all cases of spontaneous pneumorrhachis in children and adolescents between 1988 and 2022 in the PubMed database. Twenty‐seven cases met our inclusion criteria, and the data on demographic information, triggers, comorbidities, symptoms, imaging findings, treatment, and prognosis were extracted and analyzed.

Conclusion

Although spontaneous pneumorrhachis is a rare condition, it has been reported in children. Computed tomography scanning is the gold standard for its detection. Spontaneous pneumorrhachis is typically a benign disease. This condition usually does not require any special treatment and should be monitored as common types of air leaks, such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum.
Transcriptomic profiling and genomic rearrangement landscape of Nigerian prostate cancer
Authors: Mavura Yusuph , Song Hanbing , Xie Jamie , Tamayo Pablo , Mohammed Abdullahi , Lawal Ahmad T. , Bello Ahmad , Ibrahim Sani , Faruk Mohammed , Huang Franklin W.
Published: January 2023

Background

Men of African ancestry have disproportionately high incidence rates of prostate cancer (PCa) and have high mortality rates. While there is evidence for a higher genetic predisposition for incidence of PCa in men of African ancestry compared to men of European ancestry, there have been few transcriptomic studies on PCa in men of African ancestry in the African continent.

Objective

We performed transcriptomic profiling and fusion analysis on bulk RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) samples from 24 Nigerian PCa patients to investigate the transcriptomic and genomic rearrangement landscape of PCa in Nigerian men.

Design

Bulk RNA‐seq was performed on 24 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embeded (FFPE) prostatectomy specimens of Nigerian men. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on 11 high‐quality samples. Arriba Fusion and STAR Fusion were used for fusion detection.

Results

4/11 (36%) of the samples harbored an erythroblast transformation‐specific (ETS) fusion event; 1/11 (9%) had a TMPRSS2‐ERG fusion; 2/11 had a TMPRSS2‐ETV5 fusion, and 1/11 had a SLC45A3‐SKIL fusion. Hierarchical clustering of normalized and mean‐centered gene expression showed clustering of fusion positive samples. Furthermore, we developed gene set signatures for Nigerian PCa based on fusion events. By projecting the cancer genome atlas prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGA‐PRAD) bulk RNA‐seq data set onto the transcriptional space defined by these signatures derived from Nigerian PCa patients, we identified a positive correlation between the Nigerian fusion signature and fusion positive samples in the TCGA‐PRAD data set.

Conclusions

Less frequent ETS fusion events other than TMPRSS2‐ERG such as TMPRSS2‐ETV5 and non‐ETS fusion events such as SLC45A3‐SKIL may be more common in PCa in Nigerian men. This study provides useful working transcriptomic signatures that characterize oncogenic states representative of specific gene fusion events in PCa from Nigerian men.
Decursin inhibits EGFR‐ERK1/2 signaling axis in advanced human prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Bhat Tariq A. , Dheeraj Arpit , Nambiar Dhanya K. , Singh Surya Pratap , Yim Dong Sool , Singh Rana P.
Published: January 2023

We have shown that decursin, a coumarin compound, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells (PCa); however, its molecular mechanisms are largely unexplored. We studied the mechanisms associated with its anticancer activity in advanced human prostate carcinoma cells. We found that decursin inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling by inhibiting its activating phosphorylation at tyrosine 1068 residue in DU145 and 22Rv1 cells. This inhibition of EGFR was associated with the downregulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both EGFR and ERK1/2 are known to be deregulated/activated in many human malignancies. Consistent with our earlier study, decursin (25–100 µM) treatment for 24–72 h inhibited DU145 cell proliferation by 49%–87% (p < 0.001) which was associated with strong G1 phase arrest and cell death. It also decreased (p < 0.001) the number of surviving colonies. Decursin moderately increased the expression of Rb‐related proteins p107 and p130 but decreased the levels of E2F family transcription factors including E2F‐3, E2F‐4 and E2F‐5. Further, decursin strongly inhibited the growth of androgen–dependent prostate carcinoma 22Rv1 cells from 61% to 79% (p < 0.001) and arrested these cells at G1 phase via induction of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27/Kip1 and downregulation of CDK2 and CDK4 protein expression. Additionally, EGFR inhibitor erlotinib‐ and EGF ligand‐modulated EGFR activation validated EGFR signaling as a target of decursin‐mediated cell growth inhibition and cytotoxicity. Decursin decreased EGF ligand‐induced phosphorylation of EGFR (Y‐1068) as well as activation of its downstream mediator, ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibitory targeting of EGFR‐ERK1/2 axis by combinatorial treatment of decursin and erlotinib further sensitized DU145 cells for the decursin‐induced growth inhibition and cell death. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that anticancer efficacy of decursin against human PCa involves inhibitory targeting of EGFR‐ERK1/2 signaling axis, a pathway constitutively active in advanced PCa.
Determination of elemental impurities in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry using oxygen reaction mode and study of their catalytic effect on photodegradation reaction
Authors: Xu Bingyong , Gao Jiarui , Li Ping , Zeng Hongxia , Su Weike , Wang Jian
Published: January 2023

Rationale

This study developed a method for the simultaneous determination of 12 element impurities in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) in accordance with the requirements of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Q3D. However, this product contains high concentrations of organic compounds such as glycerol and ethanol, and soluble carbon interference exists when it is determined by direct injection method. Therefore, we applied ICP‐MS using oxygen reaction mode to reduce the effect of high organic matter on plasma body. The catalytic effect of trace metal ions on the photodegradation of lomefloxacin hydrochloride was also investigated.

Methods

The sample was dissolved, diluted, and directly determined by direct injection using oxygen reaction mode of ICP‐MS with 45Sc, 73Ge, and 115In as internal standards. Direct injection using oxygen reaction mode was equipped with argon–oxygen mixer. To investigate the catalytic effect of metal ions on photodegradation, a series of combinations of lomefloxacin hydrochloride mixed with different metal ions were designed. After being irradiated under ultraviolet light for 10 days, the photodegraded impurities in combinations were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The linear relationships in the corresponding concentration range for 12 element impurities were good (r > 0.9993). Limits of detection were between 0.002 and 1.294 ng ml−1. The average recoveries were 93.7%–108.2%, and the precision relative standard deviation was 0.04%–0.55% (n = 6). The experimental results showed that metal ions had a certain catalytic effect on photodegradation of lomefloxacin when EDTA, Mg2+, and Cu2+ coexisted.

Conclusions

ICP‐MS using oxygen reaction mode is suitable for the direct determination of the sample rich in organic matter without digestion and can effectively eliminate the interference of high organic matter in this product. The established method was rapid, sensitive, and accurate and can be used for the quality control of elemental impurities in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate related signalling pathways manipulating virus replication
Authors: Zhang Lu , Liu Juan , Xiao Erya , Han Qingzhen , Wang Lin
Published: January 2023

Viruses can create a unique cellular environment that facilitates replication and transmission. Sphingosine kinases (SphKs) produce sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid molecule that performs both physiological and pathological effects primarily by activating a subgroup of the endothelial differentiation gene family of G‐protein coupled cell surface receptors known as S1P receptors (S1PR1‐5). A growing body of evidence indicates that the SphK/S1P axis is crucial for regulating cellular activities in virus infections like respiratory viruses, enteroviruses, hepatitis viruses, herpes viruses, and arboviruses replicate. Depending on the type of virus, pro‐ or anti‐viral activities of the SphK/S1P axis sometimes rely on the host immune system and sometimes directly through intracellular signalling pathways or cell proliferation. Recent research has shown novel roles of S1P and SphK in viral replication. Sphingosine kinase isoforms (SphK1 and SphK2) levels can be manipulated by several viruses to promote the effects that are expected. Regulation of cellular signalling pathways plays a significant role in the mechanism. The purpose of this review is to provide insight of the characters played by the SphK/S1P axis throughout diverse viral infection processes. We then assess potential therapeutic methods that are based on S1P signalling and metabolism during viral infections.
Fractional‐order fault‐tolerant containment control of multiple fixed‐wing UAVs via disturbance observer and interval type‐2 fuzzy neural network
Authors: Yu Ziquan , Xu Yiwei , Zhang Youmin , Jiang Bin , Su Chun‐Yi
Published: January 2023

This article investigates the fault‐tolerant containment control (FTCC) problem for a group of fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicles with simultaneous considerations of faults and collision avoidance. A fractional‐order (FO) FTCC scheme is established to steer all follower UAVs into the convex hull formed by the leader UAVs with the involvements of FO calculus, disturbance observers (DOs), and interval type‐2 fuzzy neural networks (IT2FNNs). In the proposed control protocol, FO sliding‐mode surfaces with artificial potential functions are first designed to revamp the filtered containment errors. Then, the DOs with FO calculus are constructed to estimate the FO lumped disturbances due to faults and external disturbances. Moreover, to compensate for the DO estimation errors, IT2FNN learning mechanisms are introduced to improve the FTCC capability. It is shown by Lyapunov stability analysis that all follower UAVs can successfully converge into the convex hull spanned by the leader UAVs without collisions even when a portion of UAVs is encountered by faults. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the developed control scheme.