bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closed‐form expression of long‐range modulated massive multiple‐input multiple‐output fractional Fourier transform‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system under two‐wave with diffuse power fading channel
Authors: Chawla Tanvi , Kansal Ankush
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the massive multiple‐input multiple‐output fractional Fourier transform‐based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO FrFT‐OFDM) system is investigated using the Long Range (LoRa) modulation technique. The conventional system relies on quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) modulation technology; high‐power amplifiers are needed to transmit the QAM signal. The LoRa modulation technique produces long‐range and low power signals. The two‐wave with diffused power (TWDP) fading channel is used to examine the system's performance. The expression of the bit‐error rate (BER) of the proposed system is also represented in a unique closed form. The proposed system is applied to a state‐of‐the art hospital, one of the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. As the problem of heart stroke is common, it needs to be monitored every second. The electrocardiogram (ECG) data are used to evaluate how well the proposed system is working. Using the proposed model, the physicians get the patient's ECG data while moving in the hospital, getting it at a high data rate, at a low cost because of the extended battery life, a long range, and a low BER. The data considered are from the MIT‐BIH Arrhythmia Database. The result displays that the proposed model achieves a BER of
at 10 dB of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and the conventional model achieves the same BER at 15 dB of SNR. The BER performance of the proposed system is improved by nearly 5 dB.
Examining the impact of several factors including COVID‐19 on thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Deniz Muzaffer Serdar , Dindar Merve
Published: October 2023

Objective

The study explores various factors, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) history and vaccination status, that influence the classification value of ultrasonography‐guided thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB) by comparing non‐diagnostic (Bethesda‐I) and diagnostic (Bethesda II–VI) results.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study in a high‐volume tertiary care center involving patients who underwent TFNAB from November 2022 to April 2023. The study retrospectively analyzed the cytopathology of 482 thyroid nodules. Patients were categorized into non‐diagnostic (n = 136) and Diagnostic groups (n = 346) based on TFNAB. A comprehensive set of parameters was examined, including demographic, anthropometric and clinical data, thyroid ultrasonography findings, COVID‐19 history and immunization status.

Results

The mean age was 55.1 ± 12.1 years in the non‐diagnostic group and 53.5 ± 13 years in the Diagnostic group (p = .223). 75.7% (n = 103) of the non‐Diagnostic group and 82.9% (n = 287) of the Diagnostic group were male (p = .070). The mean nodule longitudinal diameter of the Diagnostic group was significantly higher than that of the non‐diagnostic group (p = .015). The TIRADS score of the nodules showed a statistical difference between the groups (p = .048). The groups had no significant differences regarding other ultrasonographic parameters and COVID‐19‐related variables.

Conclusion

It can be assumed that when the longitudinal diameter of the thyroid nodule is small and in TIRADS categories other than the TIRADS3 category, TFNAB is less likely to be diagnostic. However, future research may be needed to confirm these findings and uncover any long‐term effects of COVID‐19 or vaccines on thyroid nodule diagnostics.
Surgical resection identified pseudo‐invasion with submucosal dense fibrosis in early colorectal cancer existing beyond the planned endoscopic submucosal dissection line: A case report
Authors: Hada Yu , Ohno Akiko , Miyoshi Jun , Kaji Ryosuke , Fujikawa Yasue , Horikoshi Tomoki , Hiratsuka Tomoya , Miyamoto Naohiko , Kusuhara Mitsunori , Jinbo Yoko , Fujiwara Masachika , Shibahara Junji , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: October 2023

Pseudoinvasion is a phenomenon in which adenomatous tissue deviates into the submucosa with the mucosal lamina propria in colorectal epithelial tumors. A relatively large, stalked, neoplastic lesion of the sigmoid colon is considered at high risk of pseudoinvasion. A few reports have described endoscopic mucosal resection or polypectomy for colorectal tumors with pseudoinvasion, but the vertical margins were not sufficiently assessed. Because a positive margin can be a risk factor for recurrence, endoscopic treatment for pseudoinvasion should be carefully considered. We herein report a case in which even endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was not adequate for curative resection of pseudoinvasion in early colorectal cancer. The endoscopic findings of a 25‐mm Type 0‐Is lesion in the sigmoid colon suggested a low possibility of carcinoma invasion into the deep submucosa. Although ESD was considered to be indicated in this case, laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection was eventually performed because we observed a broadly pulled muscle layer and an almost undetectable submucosal layer during ESD. The surgical specimen showed that the tumor glands of pseudoinvasion existed beyond the planned ESD dissection line, indicating that the vertical margin would have been positive if we had continued ESD. Whether pseudoinvasion was associated with the infeasibility of ESD remains unclear. This case indicates that diagnosing the presence and depth of pseudoinvasion by magnified endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging is challenging and that preoperative examinations, such as endoscopic ultrasound, may be needed for a tumor with a high risk of pseudoinvasion.
Interventions in the management of diabetes‐related foot infections: A systematic review
Authors: Peters Edgar J. G. , Albalawi Zaina , van Asten Suzanne A. , Abbas Zulfiqarali G. , Allison Geneve , Aragón‐Sánchez Javier , Embil John M. , Lavery Lawrence A. , Alhasan Majdi , Oz Orhan , Uçkay Ilker , Urbančič‐Rovan Vilma , Xu Zhang‐Rong , Senneville Éric
Published: October 2023

The optimal approaches to managing diabetic foot infections remain a challenge for clinicians. Despite an exponential rise in publications investigating different treatment strategies, the various agents studied generally produce comparable results, and high‐quality data are scarce. In this systematic review, we searched the medical literature using the PubMed and Embase databases for published studies on the treatment of diabetic foot infections from 30 June 2018 to 30 June 2022. We combined this search with our previous literature search of a systematic review performed in 2020, in which the infection committee of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot searched the literature until June 2018. We defined the context of the literature by formulating clinical questions of interest, then developing structured clinical questions (Patients‐Intervention‐Control‐Outcomes) to address these. We only included data from controlled studies of an intervention to prevent or cure a diabetic foot infection. Two independent reviewers selected articles for inclusion and then assessed their relevant outcomes and methodological quality. Our literature search identified a total of 5,418 articles, of which we selected 32 for full‐text review. Overall, the newly available studies we identified since 2018 do not significantly modify the body of the 2020 statements for the interventions in the management of diabetes‐related foot infections. The recent data confirm that outcomes in patients treated with the different antibiotic regimens for both skin and soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis of the diabetes‐related foot are broadly equivalent across studies, with a few exceptions (tigecycline not non‐inferior to ertapenem [±vancomycin]). The newly available data suggest that antibiotic therapy following surgical debridement for moderate or severe infections could be reduced to 10 days and to 3 weeks for osteomyelitis following surgical debridement of bone. Similar outcomes were reported in studies comparing primarily surgical and predominantly antibiotic treatment strategies in selected patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis. There is insufficient high‐quality evidence to assess the effect of various recent adjunctive therapies, such as cold plasma for infected foot ulcers and bioactive glass for osteomyelitis. Our updated systematic review confirms a trend to a better quality of the most recent trials and the need for further well‐designed trials to produce higher quality evidence to underpin our recommendations.
Elevational patterns of microbial species richness and evenness across climatic zones and taxonomic scales
Authors: Huang Zhengyi , Su Yangui , Lin Sinuo , Wu Guopeng , Cheng Hao , Huang Gang
Published: October 2023

Understanding the elevational patterns of soil microbial diversity is crucial for microbial biogeography, yet the elevational patterns of diversity across different climatic zones, trophic levels, and taxonomic levels remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the elevational patterns of species richness, species evenness and the relationship between species richness and evenness (RRE) in the forest soil bacterial and fungal communities and individual phyla across three climatic zones (tropical, subtropical, and cold temperate). Our results revealed that soil bacterial richness (alpha diversity) decreased with elevation, while fungal richness exhibited a hump‐shaped pattern in the tropical and cold‐temperate forests. Elevational patterns of evenness in bacterial and fungal communities showed the hump‐shaped pattern across climatic zones, except for bacterial evenness in the tropical forest. Both bacterial and fungal richness and evenness were positively correlated in the subtropical and cold‐temperate forests, while negatively correlated for bacteria in the tropical forest. The richness and evenness of soil microorganisms across different regions were controlled by climatic and edaphic factors. Soil pH was the most important factor associated with the variations in bacterial richness and evenness, while mean annual temperature explained the major variations in fungal richness. Our results addressed that the varieties of elevational patterns of microbial diversity in climatic zones and taxonomic levels, further indicating that richness and evenness may respond differently to environmental gradients.
The different risk of new‐onset, chronic, worsening, and advanced heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Abou Kamar Sabrina , Malgie Jishnu , Kardys Isabella , Schaap Jeroen , de Boer Rudolf A. , van Mieghem Nicolas M. , van der Boon Robert M.A. , Brugts Jasper J.
Published: October 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive syndrome associated with a poor prognosis. While it may seem intuitive that the risk of adverse outcomes varies across the different stages of HF, an overview of these risks is lacking. This study aims to determine the risk of all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalizations associated with new‐onset HF, chronic HF (CHF), worsening HF (WHF), and advanced HF.

Methods and results

We performed a systematic review of observational studies from 2012 to 2022 using five different databases. The primary outcomes were 30‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality, as well as 1‐year HF hospitalization. Studies were pooled using random effects meta‐analysis, and mixed‐effects meta‐regression was used to compare the different HF groups. Among the 15 759 studies screened, 66 were included representing 862 046 HF patients. Pooled 30‐day mortality rates did not reveal a significant distinction between hospital‐admitted patients, with rates of 10.13% for new‐onset HF and 8.11% for WHF (p = 0.10). However, the 1‐year mortality risk differed and increased stepwise from CHF to advanced HF, with a rate of 8.47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.24–9.89) for CHF, 21.15% (95% CI 17.78–24.95) for new‐onset HF, 26.84% (95% CI 23.74–30.19) for WHF, and 29.74% (95% CI 24.15–36.10) for advanced HF. Readmission rates for HF at 1 year followed a similar trend.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis of observational studies confirms the different risk for adverse outcomes across the distinct HF stages. Moreover, it emphasizes the negative prognostic value of WHF as the first progressive stage from CHF towards advanced HF.
Nucleic acid strand displacement for indirect determination of foodborne bacteria by capillary electrophoresis and its application in antagonism and bacteriostasis studies
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Wang Qingqing , Ning Jinfeng , Wang Wei
Published: October 2023

Foodborne bacteria threaten human's health. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful separation means for the determination of bacteria. Direct separation of bacteria suffers from the shortages of low resolution, channel adsorption, and bacterial aggregation. In this work, a method of nucleic acid strand displacement was developed to indirect separate the bacteria by CE. DNA complexes, consisting of probes and aptamers, were mixed with the three bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aptamers could specifically bond with bacteria and release the probes. Through the separation of the probes, the bacteria could be indirectly determined by CE. This method avoided the shortages of direct separation of bacteria. Under the optimized conditions, the three probes for the bacteria could be separated and detected within 2.5 min by high‐speed CE with laser‐induced fluorescence detection. The limits of detection for the bacteria were in the range 4.20 × 106 to 1.75 × 107 CFU/mL. Finally, the developed method was applied on the study of antagonism of the coexistent bacteria to reveal the relationship between them. Furthermore, the efficiency of bacteriostasis of three traditional Chinese medicines, Coptis chinensis, Schisandra chinensis, and honeysuckle, was also studied by this method.
Chitosan as an organic amendment to improve soil properties and plant growth in the presence of polystyrene microplastics
Authors: Rassaei Farzad
Published: October 2023

The widespread usage and production of microplastics (MPs) products has resulted in a surge of plastic waste in the natural environment. Chitosan (CH) is a natural polymer derived from chitin, found in the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs and studied extensively for its potential use as an amendment. The dynamic interplay between plastic, specifically polystyrene (PS), and the potential of CH as a soil enhancer holds pivotal implications for soil health and crop vitality. While PS seems to wield minimal influence on soil pH, CH demonstrates a distinct ability to lower pH levels significantly. However, the synergy between CH and PS in altering soil pH is relatively limited. Importantly, CH emerges as a compelling countermeasure against the detrimental impact of PS on soil chemistry. Its application brings about promising changes, such as mitigating nutrient depletion and enhancing organic matter (OM). Shifting focus to crop growth, PS emerges as a growth inhibitor, substantially reducing maize biomass and chlorophyll content. Conversely, CH emerges as a growth stimulant, positively affecting root and shoot dry weights, leaf area, and plant height. The interplay between CH and PS manifests complex outcomes on these growth metrics, indicating interdependence. These findings resonate with sustainable soil management practices and the optimization of crop productivity. Further scrutiny is warranted to unravel the underlying mechanisms and long‐term consequences, offering a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between PS, CH, and the ecological landscape. Such insights pave the way for informed decisions in ecological preservation and agricultural sustenance.
Parameter optimization for pivot hysteresis model for reinforced concrete walls with different failure modes
Authors: Ling Yu‐Che , Mogili Srinivas , Hwang Shyh‐Jiann , Rojas‐León Matías , Wallace John W.
Published: October 2023

Reinforced concrete structural walls are major vertical lateral load‐resisting members in reinforced concrete structures located in seismic regions. It is important to understand and evaluate the hysteresis behavior of these members for an efficient earthquake‐resistant design. Among the various models available for estimating this hysteretic behavior, the Pivot hysteresis model, which models hysteretic behavior through parameters α and β, respectively, representing the unloading stiffness and pinching behavior, has been effective and efficient for use with columns. In this paper, an effort is made to extend the application of the Pivot hysteresis model to reinforced concrete walls. Key variabratiosuch as axial load ratio, wall height‐to‐length ratio, web reinforcement indices, boundary element reinforcement indices, and length‐to‐effective thickness ratio were considered to derive expressions for α and β suitable for walls. Equations for α and β were calibrated through the hysteretic test data of 108 wall specimens subjected to cyclic loading and exhibiting different failure modes. The calibration is based on the optimization of energy dissipation for specimens from the collated database—a numerically complex task achieved through a superior optimization technique known as Simulated Annealing. The proposed formulations showed reasonably good accuracy in predicting complex hysteretic responses when verified against an extensive database of wall test specimens with flexural and shear modes of failure.
Specialist psychotherapy with emotion for anorexia in Kent and Sussex: An intervention development and non‐randomised single arm feasibility trial
Authors: Oldershaw Anna , Basra Randeep Singh , Lavender Tony , Startup Helen
Published: October 2023

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder treated using psychological interventions, yet outcomes remain limited. Emotional difficulties are recognised as a treatment target. This research programme developed and evaluated feasibility of an emotion‐focused therapy for adults with AN.

Methods

Phase One intervention development utilised ‘intervention mapping’. Qualitative research drew on lived experience highlighting objectives for change. Empirical evidence was synthesised into hypotheses of core emotional difficulties and an associated model of change. Relevant psychotherapeutic theory‐based change methods were integrated to form the Specialist Psychotherapy with Emotion for Anorexia in Kent and Sussex (SPEAKS) intervention, guidebook and clinician training package. Phase Two tested SPEAKS in a single‐arm, multisite feasibility trial across two specialist services, utilising prespecified progression criteria, and embedded process evaluation.

Results

SPEAKS was 9–12 months (40 sessions) of weekly individual psychotherapy, drawing on a range of psychotherapeutic modalities, predominantly Emotion Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy. Forty‐six participants consented to feasibility trial participation; 42 entered the trial and 34 completed. Thirteen of 16 feasibility criteria were met at green level and three at amber, highlighting areas for improving model adherence.

Conclusions

A randomised controlled trial is indicated. Therapist training and guidebook adjustments to improve model adherence are suggested.
Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research
Authors: Keeler Johanna Louise , Kan Carol , Treasure Janet , Himmerich Hubertus
Published: October 2023

Objective

Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychotherapeutic strategies have variable efficacy. The investigation of evidence‐based treatments has so far been compounded by an underdeveloped understanding into the neurobiological changes associated with the acute stages of AN. There is converging evidence of deficiencies in neuroplasticity in AN.

Method

This paper provides an overview of neuroimaging, neuropsychological, molecular and qualitative findings relating to neuroplasticity in AN, translating these findings to the identification of novel biological and psychotherapeutic strategies.

Results

Novel psychopharmacological approaches that may ameliorate deficiencies in neuroplasticity include medications such as ketamine, psilocybin and human recombinant leptin. Anti‐inflammatory medications and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor mimetics may emerge as potential treatments following further research. Psychotherapeutic strategies that may target neuroplastic deficiencies, as well as having wider effects on identity, include imagery rescripting, memory specificity training, cognitive remediation therapy, exposure therapies, narrative therapies, cultural interventions (e.g. music and arts therapies) and yoga/mindfulness‐based interventions.

Conclusions

Treatments specifically targeted towards mitigating the neurobiological sequalae of AN are warranted, and emerging neurobiological and neuropsychological research utilising longitudinal designs and large sample sizes, as well as initial feasibility studies, are necessitated to bolster translational efforts.
An advanced check‐dam sedimentation module: Laboratory validation and implementation in a distributed sediment yield model for field application
Authors: Zhang Ga , Yu Bofu , Xu Xiangzhou , An Chenge , Fu Xudong
Published: October 2023

Check‐dams are structures used extensively around the world for soil and water conservation. However, existing models for check‐dams are unable to simulate the Sediment Trap Efficiency (STE) at the catchment scale. A numerical model was developed to simulate the SEdiment Deposition upstream of Check‐Dams (SEDCD) and integrated into a distributed sediment yield model, the Digital Yellow River Model (DYRIM). Two versions of the SEDCD model were evaluated: the SV version which used the Saint–Venant equation to simulate the unsteady flow, and the BW version, which used a modified backwater equation (based on a quasi‐steady approximation) to improve computational efficiency. Sediment deposition and the associated bed profile adjustment were simulated with the sediment conservation equation and the non‐equilibrium suspended sediment transport equation. The SEDCD model was first validated in the laboratory using experimental data from a scale‐down check‐dam. The bed profiles predicted using both versions of the SEDCD model showed good agreement with the observations, with NSE values over 0.9 in most profiles. When integrated into the DYRIM and applied to the Xiaoli River Basin (818 km2) on the Loess Plateau, which has 183 active check‐dams, the SEDCD‐DYRIM combination predicted the STE for an extreme rainstorm event in 2017 with good accuracy and high computational efficiency. The SEDCD‐BW‐DYRIM simulated the hourly discharge and sediment concentration with high accuracy (NSE values of 0.79 and 0.71, respectively) and provided single‐event STEs (R2 value of 0.99) comparable to those of the SEDCD‐SV model, with an approximately 30 times faster runtime efficiency than the SEDCD‐SV model. The SEDCD‐BW model is a powerful and efficient tool to assess the effect of check dams on sediment dynamics at the catchment scale.
Iron pools of the typical loess–palaeosol sequence and their environmental significance in northeastern China
Authors: Sun Zhong‐Xiu , Wang Shi‐Ning , Jiang Ying‐Ying , Wang Qiu‐Bing , Zhang Gan‐Lin
Published: October 2023

The iron content can be used as a proxy for the intensity of weathering and pedogenesis, which reflect long‐term climate cycles and short‐term climate fluctuations and events. In this study, a typical loess–palaeosol sequence for 19.85 m in thickness deposited since 423 ka BP in northeastern China was investigated, and its iron pools were determined. The results reveal that with increasing depth, the abundances of different forms of iron are consistent with the changes in the magnetic susceptibility. Iron (Fe) in all forms is more abundant in the palaeosol than in the loess. The silicate‐bound Fe pool (Fer = Fet − Fed) accounts for 60.4% of the total Fe (Fet), indicating weak pedogenesis. The Fe in the crystalline oxides (Fec = Fed − Feo) is predominantly free Fe (Fed), with a crystallinity [Fey = (Fed − Feo) × 100 / Fed] of as high as 97.2%. The coefficients of variation of the different forms of iron associated with the soil depth are as follows: Fec > Fed > poorly crystalline Fe (Feo) > Fer > Fet. The distribution of the forms of Fe throughout the profile is a clear indicator of the pedogenesis. The Fed, Fec, and Fe freeness (freeness = Fed × 100 / Fet) correlate with the magnetic susceptibility. The neoformation of iron (Fe) oxides was closely related to the degree of pedogenesis. More crystalline Fe oxides were found in the soil layers corresponding to warm interglacial periods. We detected variations in the abundance of the Fe pools for characterizing climate fluctuations that occurred in a short period of time. In this study, we demonstrated that when used in combination with dating techniques, morphological development indices, and magnetic susceptibility, the measurement of soil Fe pools can be extremely useful for tracing the iron evolution in the Earth's critical zone and reconstructing past climatic events in loess–palaeosol sequences.
A privacy‐sensitive data identification model in online social networks
Authors: Yi Yuzi , Zhu Nafei , He Jingsha , Jurcut Anca Delia , Ma Xiangjun , Luo Yehong
Published: October 2023

Privacy protection in online social networks (OSNs) has received a great deal of attention in recent years. One way of circumventing conventional privacy protection is privacy inference based on data that can be easily obtained in OSNs. Previous work on privacy inference has studied the issue mostly from the viewpoint of the attackers and methods thus designed were mostly aimed at pursuing the accuracy of the inference results with little regard on the causes of privacy breaches. To develop more effective privacy protection mechanisms that takes privacy inference into consideration, it is necessary to identify the information that plays a more important role in privacy breaches. In this paper, we propose a privacy‐sensitive data identification model in OSNs, which can identify key pieces of data that are most sensitive as far the privacy of the user is concerned. Firstly, a privacy inference method is proposed based on conditional random fields to infer the privacy of the target users. Then, a privacy‐sensitive data identification method is proposed by using the intermediate data of the proposed privacy inference method based on the targeted influence maximization algorithm. Thus, the key pieces of data in the form of user attributes and relationships on which the privacy of the target user depends can be determined to facilitate the implementation of privacy protection mechanisms. The effectiveness as well as the advantages of the proposed model is verified and demonstrated through experiment using real datasets. The impact of the key factors on privacy inference is also analyzed to guide the design of effective privacy protection strategies.
Flagship individuals in biodiversity conservation
Authors: Jarić Ivan , Normande Iran C , Arbieu Ugo , Courchamp Franck , Crowley Sarah L , Jeschke Jonathan M , Roll Uri , Sherren Kate , Thomas‐Walters Laura , Veríssimo Diogo , Ladle Richard J
Published: October 2023

Flagship species are an important tool for mobilizing support for conservation. Here, we extend this concept to include individual organisms, whose characteristics, fates, and connections to people can garner public attention, attract conservation support, and spur activism. Flagship individuals typically share a similar suite of characteristics, including (1) species‐level traits associated with charisma; (2) individual traits that are unique or distinctive; (3) a high degree of exposure to humans; and (4) a known, noteworthy life history or fate. The interplay between these characteristics and human agency establishes unique connections between flagship individuals and people, and generates widespread media attention. We discuss how the selection and promotion of flagship individuals can inspire empathy and, ultimately, conservation action. Finally, we identify the limitations of the flagship individual approach, while arguing that, if carefully and strategically implemented, it has the potential to produce substantial benefits for conservation policy and practice.
Comparative study on different extraction methods of oil extract from Mentha asiatica Boriss. and optimization of the extraction process by response surface methodology
Authors: Aimila Aoken , Xiao Xiangwen , Xin Xuelei , Sodik Numonov , Shen Jingshan , Maiwulanjiang Maitinuer
Published: October 2023

In the current study, the lipophilic solvent (n‐hexane) extraction, steam distillation (SD) and supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SC–CO2) methods were used to extract the volatile components of Mentha asiatica Boriss. Comparisons were made between the extraction yield, chemical component and biological activity. Gas chromatography quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC–QTOF–MS) and semi‐quantitative analysis of chemical contents by flame ionization detector (GC–FID) were used to study the chemical ingredients in Mentha asiatica Boriss. aromatic extract. The oil extract obtained from lipophilic solvent (n‐hexane) extraction (1.27 ± 0.03%, w/W) showed the highest yield, followed by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (1.15 ± 0.04%, w/W), the extraction rate of SD was (0.37 ± 0.01%，w/W). The oil extract of Mentha asiatica Boriss. contained a total of 70 components that were identified. In the following, the primary volatile compounds of the essential oil produced using the three extraction techniques: α‐thujene, camphene, sabinene, β‐pinene, β‐cymene, limonene, β‐terpinene, camphol, α‐terpinene, carvenone, carvone, piperitone oxide, thymol, myrtenyl acetate, dihydrojasmone, caryophyllene, germacrene D and caryophyllene oxide. Findings from this study indicate that the three methods of essential oil extraction produced oils with varying antioxidant capacities against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, all of the essential oils simultaneously showed clear inhibitory actions. Response surface methodology (RSM) and the Box–Benhnken design with three factors and three levels were both utilized to optimize the distillation process of essential oils. The appropriate extraction parameters were a 3 h extraction period, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10 and a 3 h soaking time. The highest yield of essential oil was 0.38%. The impact of extraction parameters on essential oil yield was examined using the SD method. The findings indicated that the main factors affecting the yield of volatile oil extracted by SD were soaking time > ratio of solid to liquid > extraction time.
Antibacterial activity of bioemulsifiers/biosurfactants produced by Levilactobacillus brevisS4 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarumS5 and their utilization to enhance the stability of cold emulsions of milk chocolate drinks
Authors: Tchakouani Galvany Franck Yamagueu , Mouafo Hippolyte Tene , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Nganou Nadège Donkeng , Mbawala Augustin
Published: October 2023

Chocolate milk drink, one of the most popular and widely consumed milk products among the population, independent of their age, has as its main challenge the problem of its physical instability. The aim of this study was to assess the stabilizing effect of bioemulsifiers/biosurfactants (BE/BS) from two lactobacilli strains in a cold chocolate milk drink. The strains Levilactobacillus brevis S4 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S5 isolated from pendidam were screened for their ability to produce BE/BS. The produced BE/BS were characterized, their antimicrobial activities were assessed, and their ability to stabilize cold chocolate milk drinks was determined. The results obtained showed BE/BS yields of 3.48 and 4.37 g/L from L. brevis S4 and L. plantarum S5, respectively. These BE/BS showed emulsifying and surface activities that remained stable after treatment at different temperatures, pH, and salinity. The emulsions formed using BE/BS were stable for 72 h at room temperature (25 ± 1°C). The BE/BS exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus S1 and Escherichia coli E1. When applied to cold chocolate milk drinks at 0.2% (w/v), the BE/BS from L. brevis S4 and L. plantarum S5 showed interesting solubility indexes and water absorption capacities, which led to the successful stabilization of the drinks. The results of this study demonstrate the stabilizer potential of BE/BS from L. brevis S4 and L. plantarum S5 and suggest their use in the dairy and food industries.
Quality specification of ice creams produced with different homofermentative lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Akarca Gökhan , Kilinç Mehmet , Denizkara Ayşe Janseli
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the changes in the physicochemical, microbiological, textural, and nutritional values of ice cream produced by various methods with the addition of different lactic acid bacteria. Adding lactic acid bacteria to the ice cream mix caused a decrease in firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, index of viscosity, pH, aw, first drop, complete melting, and overrun values (p < .05). These decreases were more pronounced in the samples to which lactic acid bacteria were added before mix maturation (p < .05). Firmness and consistency values varied between 15.11–16.26 (g) and 374.58–404.91 (g s), respectively, in the samples to which lactic acid bacteria were added before maturation. No significant effect of the addition of lactic acid bacteria to the ice cream mix on the L*, a*, and b* values of the bacteria before or after mix maturation was detected (p > .05). The L* values of the samples varied between 88.91 and 83.36, a* values between 0.76 and 1.32, and b* values between 6.57 and 8.38. An increase was detected in the amount of organic acid (excluding formic acid) in the samples produced with the addition of different lactic acid bacteria (p < .05). The number of fatty acids in the samples varied depending on the lactic acid addition and the production method; the rate of this change was generally higher in the samples with added lactic acid bacteria after mix maturation (p < .05). In particular, the amounts of short‐ and medium‐chain fatty acids increased in the samples with lactic acid bacteria added after mix ripening, compared to the control sample.
Time‐varying price discovery in regular and microbitcoin futures
Authors: Chen Yu‐Lun , Yang J. Jimmy
Published: October 2023

We investigate the dynamic price discovery in the regular bitcoin (BTC) and microbitcoin (MBT) futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The only difference between the two bitcoin futures is the contract size, with MBT representing 1/50th of BTC. In contrast to recent findings in the literature, we find that BTC dominates MBT futures in price discovery, which can be attributed to the relative liquidity and investor structure in the BTC and MBT futures. In addition, crypto hacking activities can affect price discovery in bitcoin futures as we find higher hack stolen funds reduce (enhance) the price discovery in BTC (MBT) futures. These findings provide practical implications for bitcoin investors and regulators.
Data‐adaptive and pathway‐based tests for association studies between somatic mutations and germline variations in human cancers
Authors: Chen Zhongyuan , Liang Han , Wei Peng
Published: October 2023

Cancer is a disease driven by a combination of inherited genetic variants and somatic mutations. Recently available large‐scale sequencing data of cancer genomes have provided an unprecedented opportunity to study the interactions between them. However, previous studies on this topic have been limited by simple, low statistical power tests such as Fisher's exact test. In this paper, we design data‐adaptive and pathway‐based tests based on the score statistic for association studies between somatic mutations and germline variations. Previous research has shown that two single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐set‐based association tests, adaptive sum of powered score (aSPU) and data‐adaptive pathway‐based (aSPUpath) tests, increase the power in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) with a single disease trait in a case–control study. We extend aSPU and aSPUpath to multi‐traits, that is, somatic mutations of multiple genes in a cohort study, allowing extensive information aggregation at both SNP and gene levels. ‐values from different parameters assuming varying genetic architecture are combined to yield data‐adaptive tests for somatic mutations and germline variations. Extensive simulations show that, in comparison with some commonly used methods, our data‐adaptive somatic mutations/germline variations tests can be applied to multiple germline SNPs/genes/pathways, and generally have much higher statistical powers while maintaining the appropriate type I error. The proposed tests are applied to a large‐scale real‐world International Cancer Genome Consortium whole genome sequencing data set of 2583 subjects, detecting more significant and biologically relevant associations compared with the other existing methods on both gene and pathway levels. Our study has systematically identified the associations between various germline variations and somatic mutations across different cancer types, which potentially provides valuable utility for cancer risk prediction, prognosis, and therapeutics.
Neural correlates of temporal recalibration to delayed auditory feedback of active and passive movements
Authors: Schmitter Christina V. , Kufer Konstantin , Steinsträter Olaf , Sommer Jens , Kircher Tilo , Straube Benjamin
Published: October 2023

When we perform an action, its sensory outcomes usually follow shortly after. This characteristic temporal relationship aids in distinguishing self‐ from externally generated sensory input. To preserve this ability under dynamically changing environmental conditions, our expectation of the timing between action and outcome must be able to recalibrate, for example, when the outcome is consistently delayed. Until now, it remains unclear whether this process, known as sensorimotor temporal recalibration, can be specifically attributed to recalibration of sensorimotor (action‐outcome) predictions, or whether it may be partly due to the recalibration of expectations about the intersensory (e.g., audio‐tactile) timing. Therefore, we investigated the behavioral and neural correlates of temporal recalibration and differences in sensorimotor and intersensory contexts. During fMRI, subjects were exposed to delayed or undelayed tones elicited by actively or passively generated button presses. While recalibration of the expected intersensory timing (i.e., between the tactile sensation during the button movement and the tones) can be expected to occur during both active and passive movements, recalibration of sensorimotor predictions should be limited to active movement conditions. Effects of this procedure on auditory temporal perception and the modality‐transfer to visual perception were tested in a delay detection task. Across both contexts, we found recalibration to be associated with activations in hippocampus and cerebellum. Context‐dependent differences emerged in terms of stronger behavioral recalibration effects in sensorimotor conditions and were captured by differential activation pattern in frontal cortices, cerebellum, and sensory processing regions. These findings highlight the role of the hippocampus in encoding and retrieving newly acquired temporal stimulus associations during temporal recalibration. Furthermore, recalibration‐related activations in the cerebellum may reflect the retention of multiple representations of temporal stimulus associations across both contexts. Finally, we showed that sensorimotor predictions modulate recalibration‐related processes in frontal, cerebellar, and sensory regions, which potentially account for the perceptual advantage of sensorimotor versus intersensory temporal recalibration.
Long‐term mental health cost of the Great Chinese Famine
Authors: Cheng Mingwang , Wang Zhouxiang , Yu Ning Neil
Published: October 2023

The Great Chinese Famine (1959–1961) claimed tens of millions of lives. This study aims to causally examine the long‐term mental health cost it imposed on those who survived. To estimate the nationwide total mental health cost, we use a novel dataset to measure the famine intensity of every prefecture‐level region, match it to a nationally representative survey, and then identify the long‐term effects of the famine on the depression of rural residents then in the early years of their lives. Difference‐in‐differences estimates reveal that a one‐standard‐deviation rise in the experienced famine intensity increased a standard measure of depression by about 0.039 and 0.064 if the individual experienced the famine at ages 0–2 and 3–5, respectively. This translates into roughly 7.99 million cases of severe depressive symptoms caused by the famine, which is likely an undercount. Examining the mechanisms behind the large effects, we find that important roles were played by starvation experience and childhood maltreatment, as well as the primary mediators including other health outcomes, economic status, and social relationship. Our findings shed light on how large‐scale food security failures impact the mental well‐being of the survivors.
Toxicities and clinical outcome of adjuvant dysphagia optimized versus standard intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for post‐operative oral cavity cancers: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Patni Ayushi , Rastogi Madhup , Gandhi Ajeet Kumar , Mishra Vachaspati Kumar , Srivastava Anoop Kumar , Sharma Vikas , Agarwal Akash , Khurana Rohini , Hadi Rahat , Sapru Shantanu , Mishra Surendra Prasad
Published: October 2023

Background

We prospectively assessed acute and late toxicity in post‐operative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (PO‐OCSCC) treated with adjuvant dysphagia optimized intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (Do‐IMRT) versus standard IMRT (S‐IMRT).

Material and methods

Fifty‐six patients of PO‐SCC without indications of concurrent chemotherapy were alternatively allocated to adjuvant Do‐IMRT (n = 28) versus S‐IMRT (n = 28) arms. High‐ and low‐risk planning target volume received 60 and 54 Gy, respectively, in 30 fractions over 6 weeks. Dysphagia aspiration‐related structures (DARS) were contoured in both arms. While dosimetric constraints were given in Do‐IMRT arm, doses to DARS were only observed without dose constraints in S‐IMRT arm. Acute and late toxicity were assessed by common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) v5.0 and RTOG criteria, respectively.

Results

The primary site of disease was buccal mucosa (64% vs. 53%) and oral tongue (21% vs. 32%), in Do‐IMRT and S‐IMRT, respectively. The mean doses to DARS was significantly less with Do‐IMRT (all p < 0.001) as compared to S‐IMRT. Median follow‐up was 24.2 months. Grade ≥2 oral pain was less in the Do‐IMRT arm (50% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.05). Grade ≥2 late dysphagia at 2 years were significantly less in Do‐IMRT arm (0% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.016). Two‐year locoregional control was 89.2% in Do‐IMRT and 78.5% in S‐IMRT (p = 0.261).

Conclusion

DARS can be spared in PO‐OCSCC patients treated with Do‐IMRT without compromising coverage of the target volumes. Limiting doses to DARS leads to lesser acute and late toxicity without compromising locoregional control.
A thalamo‐parietal cortex circuit is critical for place‐action coordination
Authors: Simmons Christine M. , Moseley Shawn C. , Ogg Jordan D. , Zhou Xinyu , Johnson Madeline , Wu Wei , Clark Benjamin J. , Wilber Aaron A.
Published: October 2023

The anterior and lateral thalamus (ALT) contains head direction cells that signal the directional orientation of an individual within the environment. ALT has direct and indirect connections with the parietal cortex (PC), an area hypothesized to play a role in coordinating viewer‐dependent and viewer‐independent spatial reference frames. This coordination between reference frames would allow an individual to translate movements toward a desired location from memory. Thus, ALT‐PC functional connectivity would be critical for moving toward remembered allocentric locations. This hypothesis was tested in rats with a place‐action task that requires associating an appropriate action (left or right turn) with a spatial location. There are four arms, each offset by 90°, positioned around a central starting point. A trial begins in the central starting point. After exiting a pseudorandomly selected arm, the rat had to displace the correct object covering one of two (left versus right) feeding stations to receive a reward. For a pair of arms facing opposite directions, the reward was located on the left, and for the other pair, the reward was located on the right. Thus, each reward location had a different combination of allocentric location and egocentric action. Removal of an object was scored as correct or incorrect. Trials in which the rat did not displace any objects were scored as “no selection” trials. After an object was removed, the rat returned to the center starting position and the maze was reset for the next trial. To investigate the role of the ALT‐PC network, muscimol inactivation infusions targeted bilateral PC, bilateral ALT, or the ALT‐PC network. Muscimol sessions were counterbalanced and compared to saline sessions within the same animal. All inactivations resulted in decreased accuracy, but only bilateral PC inactivations resulted in increased non selecting, increased errors, and longer latency responses on the remaining trials. Thus, the ALT‐PC circuit is critical for linking an action with a spatial location for successful navigation.
‘Looking forward’: An actionable framework for proactive health and well‐being behaviours in Australian midlife women
Authors: Kopanidis Foula Z. , Reid Mike
Published: October 2023

Issue Addressed

The health and well‐being of midlife women are not well‐researched. This study uses an actionable framework to demonstrate the influence of biosocial, psychological and cognitive factors on proactive health and well‐being behaviours (PHWB) of midlife women, including setting and evaluating their well‐being goals.

Methods

Quantitative cross‐sectional data from Australian middle‐aged women (N = 904) aged 40–65 residing in Australia was used. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations with three PHWB outcomes (low, medium and high) and biosocial, psychological and cognitive factors.

Results

Proactive health behaviours are influenced by a positive attitude towards ageing, a stronger sense of stoicism and self‐control, and a clearer life purpose. Compared to a high PHWB group, low proactiveness was associated with poor biosocial influences, fewer personal relations and less perceived behavioural control, but a higher level of self‐acceptance.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate how significant biosocial, psychological and cognitive determinants may empower midlife women to be proactive and to set and achieve a broader set of physical, mental, relationship and financial health and well‐being goals for positive health outcomes and healthy ageing.

So What?

The actionable framework provides directions for public health agencies to develop health and well‐being communication strategies and health promotion initiatives targeting women at both early and later midlife. The findings point to the importance of understanding and fostering proactiveness in the context of midlife women's health and well‐being.