bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory immune thrombocytopenia in adults: Towards a new definition
Authors: Arnold Donald M. , Clerici Bianca , Ilicheva Ekaterina , Ghanima Waleed
Published: August 2023

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune haematological disorder characterized by immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and a variable risk of bleeding. Despite the availability of multiple treatment options, some patients are considered refractory since they do not achieve a platelet count response to multiple treatments and are at risk of bleeding. The term ‘refractory’ has been used to identify this patient group; however, with the advent of multiple lines of treatment, its meaning has become ambiguous. To address this issue, we reviewed previous definitions of refractory ITP, solicited the views of ITP experts and collected data from registries to inform a definition. Twenty ITP experts who attended the 7th Expert Meeting of the Intercontinental Cooperative ITP Study Group in September 2022 answered a web‐based survey: 95% felt that there was a need for a new definition of refractory ITP for clinical and research purposes. The use of the term refractory, accompanied by a clear indication of the type and timing of failed treatments, was supported by 85% of respondents. Preliminary data on the frequency of refractory patients from the McMaster and Norwegian ITP Registries demonstrated that the proportion of adult ITP patients who had failed first‐line therapy, rituximab, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, any immune suppressant medication and splenectomy ranged from 0.4% to 3.8%. We propose a definition of refractory ITP that could be evaluated in future studies.
Synthesis of N‐aminophalimides derived from α‐amino acids: Theoretical study to find them as HDAC8 inhibitors by docking simulations and in vitro assays
Authors: Guzmán Ramírez José Eduardo , Mancilla Percino Teresa
Published: August 2023

Phthalimides are valuable for synthesis and biological properties. New acetamides 3(a–c) and 4(a–c) were synthesized and characterized as precursors for novel N‐aminophalimides 5(a–c) and 6(a–c). Structures of 4a, 5(a–b), and 6(a–b) were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray. Docking studies identified compounds with favorable Gibbs free energy values for binding to histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8), an enzyme targeted for anticancer drug development. These compounds bound to both the orthosteric and allosteric pockets of HDAC8, similar to Trichostatin A (TSA), an HDAC8 inhibitor. 6(a–c) contain hydroxyacetamide moiety as a zinc‐binding group, a phthalimide moiety as a capping group, and aminoacetamide moiety as a linker group, which are important for ligand‐receptor binding. ΔG values indicated that compounds 5b, 6b, and 6c had higher affinity for HDAC8 in the allosteric pocket compared to TSA. In vitro evaluation of inhibitory activities on HDAC8 revealed that compounds 3(a–c) and 5(a–c) showed similar inhibitory effects (IC50) ranging from 0.445 to 0.751 μM. Compounds 6(a–c) showed better affinity, with 6a (IC50 = 28 nM) and 6b (IC50 = 0.18 μM) showing potent inhibitory effects slightly lower than TSA (IC50 = 26 nM). These findings suggest that the studied compounds hold promise as potential candidates for further biological investigations.
Aberrant expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) molecules contributes to the development of allergic diseases
Authors: Jafarzadeh Abdollah , Chauhan Prashant , Nemati Maryam , Jafarzadeh Sara , Yoshimura Akihiko
Published: August 2023

Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins bind to certain cytokine receptors, Janus kinases and signalling molecules to regulate signalling pathways, thus controlling immune and inflammatory responses. Dysregulated expression of various types of SOCS molecules was indicated in multiple types of allergic diseases. SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, SOCS5, and cytokine‐inducible SH2 domain protein (CISH) can differentially exert anti‐allergic impacts through different mechanisms, such as suppressing Th2 cell development and activation, reducing eosinophilia, decreasing IgE production, repressing production of pro‐allergic chemokines, promoting Treg cell differentiation and activation, suppressing Th17 cell differentiation and activation, increasing anti‐allergic Th1 responses, inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization, modulating survival and development of mast cells, reducing pro‐allergic activity of keratinocytes, and suppressing pulmonary fibrosis. Although some anti‐allergic effects were attributed to SOCS3, it can perform pro‐allergic impacts through several pathways, such as promoting Th2 cell development and activation, supporting eosinophilia, boosting pro‐allergic activity of eosinophils, increasing IgE production, enhancing the expression of the pro‐allergic chemokine receptor, reducing Treg cell differentiation, increasing pro‐allergic Th9 responses, as well as supporting mucus secretion and collagen deposition. In this review, we discuss the contrasting roles of SOCS proteins in contexts of allergic disorders to provide new insights regarding the pathophysiology of these diseases and possibly explore SOCS proteins as potential therapeutic targets for alleviating allergies.
High jugular bulb in patients with non‐thrombotic internal jugular venous and transverse sinus stenosis: Clues to pathogenesis
Authors: Wang Zhongao , Dandu Chaitu , Guo Yibing , Gao Meini , Wang Zixiang , Lan Duo , Pan Liqun , Zhou Da , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: August 2023

Aims

Conventional theories for jugular bulb (JB) formation are insufficient to explain the high proportion of high JB in adult patients. We aimed to study features of high JB in patients with non‐thrombotic internal jugular venous stenosis (IJVS) and/or transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) to explore the pathogenesis of high JB formation.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with the diagnosis of non‐thrombotic IJVS and/or TSS. The relationship between IJVS and/or TSS and high JB was explored. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential independent risk factors for high JB.

Results

A total of 228 patients were included in the final analyses. The proportions of IJVS, dominant‐side IJVS, and non‐TSS in dominant‐side high JB subgroup were higher than those in nondominant‐side high JB subgroup (83.3% vs. 62.5%, p < 0.001; 72.2% vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001; 43.5% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.02). Heights of JBs on dominant sides in IJVS subgroup and non‐TSS subgroup were higher than those in non‐IJVS subgroup and TSS subgroup (12.93 ± 2.57 mm vs. 11.21 ± 2.76 mm, p < 0.001; 12.66 ± 2.71 mm vs. 11.34 ± 2.73 mm, p = 0.003). Multivariate logistic regression indicated an independent association between dominant‐side IJVS and dominant‐side high JB (odds ratio, 29.40; 95% confidence interval, 11.04–78.30; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

IJVS and asymmetric transverse sinus were independently and positively associated with high JB, especially dominant‐side IJVS with dominant‐side high JB, indicating a potential hemodynamic relationship between IJVS and high JB formation. Conversely, TTS might impede high JB formation.
The cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein—Thioredoxin 1 pathway ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial dynamin‐related protein 1 level in the hippocampus of aged mice with perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction
Authors: Huang Jingyao , Zhu Yongliang , Liu Yongxin , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhenjiang , Liu Jie , Zhang Zhihao , Liang Yingxia , Ma Baoyu
Published: August 2023

Background

As a multi‐disease model, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress might be involved in the pathogenic process of perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND). Dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) could mediate mitochondrial fission and play important roles in mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis and mitochondria function. The Drp1 may be involved in PND development. The cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (Cirbp) could bind to the 3’‐UTR of the thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) mRNA, control oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function. In this study, we hypothesized that the Cirbp‐Trx1 pathway could ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction and Drp1 levels in PND mice.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database GSE95426 and validated using PCR. Eighteen‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice were subjected to tibial fracture surgery to generate a PND model. Cirbp was upregulated by hippocampal stereotaxic injections of over‐Cirbp plasmid according to the manufacturer's instructions for the in vivo DNA transfection reagent. Cirbp expression was measured using western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess cognitive function. After behavioral testing, the hippocampal tissue was extracted to examine changes in mitochondrial Drp1, mitochondrial function, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.

Results

Differential gene screening showed that Cirbp expression was significantly downregulated (fold change >1.5, p = 0.003272) in the PND model. In this study, we also found that Cirbp protein levels were downregulated, accompanied by an impairment of cognition, a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, mitochondrial Drp1 levels, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. Cirbp overexpression increased Trx1 protein levels and reversed the damage. However, this protective effect was abolished by PX‐12 treatment with a Trx1 inhibitor.

Conclusions

The Cirbp‐Trx1 pathway may regulate mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial Drp1 expression in the hippocampus of PND mice to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction.
Inhibition of HDAC6 promotes microvascular endothelial cells to phagocytize myelin debris and reduces inflammatory response to accelerate the repair of spinal cord injury
Authors: Wu Chengjie , Pan Yalan , Wang Lining , Liu Mengmin , Tu Pengcheng , Chen Sixian , Shi Lei , Yan Danqing , Ma Yong , Guo Yang
Published: August 2023

Aims

To identify an effective strategy for promoting microvascular endothelial cells (MECs) to phagocytize myelin debris and reduce secretion of inflammatory factors following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

We established a coculture model of myelin debris and vascular‐like structures. The efficiency with which MECs phagocytize myelin debris under different conditions was examined via ELISA, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. Tubastatin‐A was used to interfere with the coculture model. The anti‐inflammatory effects of Tubastatin‐A were observed by HE staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA.

Results

MECs phagocytized myelin debris via IgM opsonization, and phagocytosis promoted the secretion of inflammatory factors, whereas IgG‐opsonized myelin debris had no effect on inflammatory factors. Application of the HDAC6 inhibitor Tubastatin‐A increased the IgG levels and decreased the IgM levels by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of B cells. Tubastatin‐A exerted a regulatory effect on the HDAC6‐mediated autophagy‐lysosome pathway, promoting MECs to phagocytize myelin debris, reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors, and accelerating the repair of SCI.

Conclusions

Inhibition of HDAC6 to regulate the immune‐inflammatory response and promote MECs to phagocytize myelin debris may represent a novel strategy in the treatment of SCI.
Foraging mode affects extinction risk of snakes and lizards, but in different ways
Authors: Baeckens Simon , Meiri Shai , Shine Richard
Published: August 2023

What factors render a species more vulnerable to extinction? In reptiles, foraging mode is a fundamental ecological dimension: some species actively search for immobile prey, whereas others ambush mobile prey. Foraging mode is linked to diet, morphology, movement ecology, and reproductive output, and hence plausibly might affect vulnerability to threatening processes. Our analyses of data on 1543 taxa revealed links between foraging mode and (IUCN) conservation status, but in opposite directions in the two main squamate groups. Ambush‐foraging snakes were more threatened and with declining populations than were active searchers, whereas lizards showed the reverse pattern. This divergence may be linked to differing consequences of foraging mode for feeding rates and reproductive frequency in snakes versus lizards. Our findings underscore the need for taxon‐specific conservation management, particularly in groups such as reptiles that have been neglected in global conservation prioritization.
CYP2C19 genotypes and osteoporotic fractures in long‐term users of proton pump inhibitors: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Liao Yi‐Ju , Chen Yu‐Ting , Hsiao Tzu‐Hung , Lin Ching‐Heng , Wu Ming‐Fen , Hsu Chiann‐Yi , Chen Yi‐Ming , Hsu Chun‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed medications. The existing data suggest that individuals at a high risk of fractures have been exposed to high doses of PPIs for prolonged durations. CYP2C19 plays a pivotal role in metabolism of PPIs and thereby influences their pharmacokinetic profile. Hence, we hypothesize that CYP2C19 genotypes may be associated with fragility fracture among PPIs users due to PPI exposure. This study aimed to investigate the association between CYP2C19 genotypes, bone mineral density (BMD), and osteoporotic fracture in a hospital‐based population. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who were prescribed long‐term PPIs at Taichung Veterans General Hospital using data extracted from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative between January 2010 and April 2021. Associations between CYP2C19 phenotypes, comorbidities, and fractures in PPI users were analyzed. We enrolled 1518 long‐term PPI users; 571 (38%), 727 (48%), and 220 (14%) CYP2C19 normal metabolizers (NMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), and poor metabolizers (PMs), respectively. Among them, 49 (3.2%) patients developed fractures within the 1‐year follow‐up period; 20 (3.5%) fractures in NMs, 24 (3.3%) in IMs, and 5 (2.3%) in PMs, respectively. No significant difference was observed among CYP2C19 genotypes and fracture. Additionally, BMD measurements during the 1‐year follow‐up period were made available among 75 participants. No significant difference in BMD between CYP2C19 PMs and non‐PMs was found. This real‐world, hospital‐based study concludes that CYP2C19 PMs/IMs are not associated with an increased risk for fractures or reduced BMD in individuals on long‐term PPI therapy.
Heart rate variability and cardiovascular diseases: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yu Hangtian , Gong Angwei , Zhang Shuaidan , Xiao Bing
Published: August 2023

Background

The causal relationship between heart rate variability and cardiovascular diseases and the associated events is still unclear, and the conclusions of current studies are inconsistent. We aimed to explore the relationship between heart rate variability and cardiovascular diseases and the associated events with the Mendelian randomization study.

Methods

We selected normal‐to‐normal inter‐beat intervals (SDNN), root mean square of the successive differences of inter‐beat intervals (RMSSD) and peak‐valley respiratory sinus arrhythmia or high‐frequency power (pvRSA/HF) as the three sets of instrumental variables for heart rate variability. The outcome for cardiovascular diseases included essential hypertension, heart failure, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, nonischemic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. Cardiac arrest, cardiac death and major coronary heart disease event were defined as the related events of cardiovascular diseases. The data for exposures and outcomes were derived from publicly available genome‐wide association studies. Inverse variance weighted was used for the main causal estimation. Analyses of heterogeneity and pleiotropy were conducted using the Cochran Q test of Inverse variance weighted and MR‐Egger, leave‐one‐out analysis, and MR‐Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier methods.

Results

The Inverse variance weighted method indicated that genetically predicted pvRSA/HF was associated with the increased risk of cardiac arrest (odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.25–3.28, p = .004). The results were free of heterogeneity and pleiotropy. There were no outliers and the leave‐one‐out analysis proved that the results were reliable.

Conclusions

This study provides genetic evidence that pvRSA/HF is causally related to cardiac arrest.
A novel class of adaptive observers for dynamic nonlinear uncertain systems
Authors: Alkhayyat Ahmed , Zalzala Ali Mahdi , AL‐Salih Asaad A. M. , Jawad Anwar Ja'afar Mohamad , Abdul‐Adheem Wameedh Riyadh , Iqbal Jamshed , Ibraheem Ibraheem K. , Ibrahim Waleed K. , Jaber Mustafa Musa , Hameed Asaad Shakir
Published: August 2023

Numerous techniques have been proposed in the literature to improve the performance of high‐gain observers with noisy measurements. One such technique is the linear extended state observer, which is used to estimate the system's states and to account for the impact of internal uncertainties, undesirable nonlinearities, and external disturbances. This observer's primary purpose is to eliminate these disturbances from the input channel in real‐time. This enables the observer to precisely track the system states while compensating for the various sources of uncertainty that can influence the system's behaviour. So, in this paper, a novel nonlinear higher‐order extended state observer (NHOESO) is introduced to enhance the performance of high‐gain observers under noisy measurement conditions. The NHOESO is designed to observe the system states and total disturbance while eliminating the latter in real time from the input channel. It is capable of handling disturbances of higher‐order derivatives, including internal uncertainties, undesirable nonlinearities, and external disturbances. The paper also presents two innovative schemes for parametrizing the NHOESO parameters in the presence of measurement noise. These schemes are named time‐varying bandwidth NHOESO (TVB‐NHOESO) and online adaptive rule update NHOESO (OARU‐NHOESO). Numerical simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes, using a nonlinear uncertain system as a test case. The results demonstrate that the OARU technique outperforms the TVB technique in terms of its ability to sense the presence of noise components in the output and respond accordingly. However, it is noted that the OARU technique is slower than the TVB technique and requires more complex parameter tuning to adaptively account for the measurement noise.
Attention based hybrid parametric and neural network models for non‐stationary time series prediction
Authors: Gao Zidi , Kuruoğlu Ercan Engin
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates non‐stationary time series analysis and forecasting techniques for financial datasets. We focus on the use of a popular non‐stationary parametric model namely GARCH and neural network model LSTM, with an attention mechanism to capture the complex temporal dynamics and dependencies in the data. We propose a hybrid GARCH‐ATT‐LSTM model where the GARCH model is employed for volatility forecasting, attention mechanism is applied to capture the more important parts of the data sequence and enhance the interpretability of the model, and the LSTM model is used for price forecasting. Our experiments are conducted on real‐world financial datasets, that is, Apple stock price, Dow Jones index, and gold futures price. We compare the performance of GARCH‐ATT‐LSTM against the sole LSTM model, ATT‐LSTM model, and LSTM‐GARCH model. Our results show that GARCH‐ATT‐LSTM outperforms the baseline methods and achieves high accuracy in price forecasting. It implies the effectiveness of the attention mechanism in improving the interpretability and stability of the model and the success of combining parametric models with neural network models. The findings suggest that GARCH‐ATT‐LSTM can be a valuable tool for non‐stationary time series analysis and forecasting in financial applications.
Patient engagement during the transition from nondialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease to dialysis: A meta‐ethnography
Authors: Liu Jinjie , Zhou Yujun , Tang Yanyao , Chen Jieling , Li Jianying
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patient engagement, encompassing both patient experience and opportunities for involvement in care, has been associated with increased patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care. Despite its importance, there is limited knowledge regarding patient engagement in the transition from nondialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) to dialysis‐dependent treatment. This systematic review employs meta‐ethnography to synthesize findings from qualitative studies examining patients' experiences of engagement during this transition, with the aim of developing a comprehensive theoretical understanding of patient engagement in the transition from nondialysis‐dependent CKD to dialysis.

Methods

A systematic search of six databases, namely the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science was conducted to identify eligible articles published between 1990 and 2022. Meta‐ethnography was utilized to translate and synthesize the findings and develop a novel theoretical interpretation of ‘patient engagement’ during the transition to dialysis.

Results

A total of 24 articles were deemed eligible for review, representing 21 studies. Patient engagement during a transition to dialysis was found to encompass three major domains: psychosocial adjustment, decision‐making and engagement in self‐care. These three domains could be experienced as an iterative and mutually reinforcing process, guiding patients toward achieving control and proficiency in their lives as they adapt to dialysis. Additionally, patient engagement could be facilitated by factors including patients' basic capability to engage, the provision of appropriate education, the establishment of supportive relationships and the alignment with values and resources.

Conclusions

The findings of this review underscore the necessity of involving patients in transitional dialysis care, emphasizing the need to foster their engagement across multiple domains. Recommendations for future interventions include the provision of comprehensive support to enhance patient engagement during this critical transition phase. Additional research is warranted to explore the effects of various facilitators at different levels.

Patient or Public Contribution

The studies included in our review involved 633 participants (547 patients, 14 family members, 63 healthcare providers and 9 managers). Based on their experiences, views and beliefs, we developed a deeper understanding of patient engagement and how to foster it in the future.
Switch to a raltegravir‐based antiretroviral regimen in people with HIV and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shengir Mohamed , Lebouche Bertrand , Elgretli Wesal , Saeed Sahar , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V. , Giannakis Andreas , De Pokomandy Alexandra , Cox Joseph , Costiniuk Cecilia , Routy Jean‐Pierre , Klein Marina B. , Sebastiani Giada
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART), particularly integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of switching non‐INSTI backbone antiretroviral medications to raltegravir on NAFLD and metabolic parameters.

Materials and Methods

This was a single‐centre, phase IV, open‐label, randomized controlled clinical trial. People living with HIV with NAFLD and undetectable viral load while receiving a non‐INSTI were randomized 1:1 to the switch arm (raltegravir 400 mg twice daily) or the control arm (continuing ART regimens not containing INSTI). NAFLD was defined as hepatic steatosis by controlled attenuation parameter ≥238 dB/m in the absence of significant alcohol use and viral hepatitis co‐infections. Cytokeratin 18 was used as a biomarker of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Changes over time in outcomes were quantified as standardized mean differences (SMDs), and a generalized linear mixed model was used to compare outcomes between study arms.

Results

A total of 31 people with HIV (mean age 54 years, 74% male) were randomized and followed for 24 months. Hepatic steatosis improved between baseline and end of follow‐up in both the switch (SMD −43.4 dB/m) and the control arm (−26.6 dB/m); the difference between arms was not significant. At the end of follow‐up, aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased in the switch arm compared with the control arm (SMD −9.4 vs. 5.5 IU/L). No changes in cytokeratin 18, body mass index, or lipids were observed between study arms.

Discussion

Switching to a raltegravir‐based regimen improved aspartate aminotransferase but seemed to have no effect on NAFLD, body weight, and lipids compared with remaining on any other ART.
Functional traits drive the fate of Orthoptera in urban areas
Authors: Ancillotto Leonardo , Labadessa Rocco
Published: August 2023

The replacement of natural areas due to urbanisation represents a major threat to wildlife. Wild species may be classified according to their response towards urban areas. Such responses lead to persistence (exploiters and tolerant) or local extinction (avoiders) of species within cities, which in turn contributes to shaping the assemblages found therein, usually according to specific sets of ecological and morphological traits.

Here, we focus on Orthoptera as a model group to test hypotheses on the relationships between species' traits and persistence in urban environments, using the city of Rome, Italy, as study area. By compiling and comparing species checklists for two distinct time frames, we assessed assemblage variation across the last three decades and revealed that local extinction of Orthoptera in urban areas is trait‐biased.

Species with low mobility and fertility, and narrower—more specialised—climatic niches showed higher probability of local extinction.

Our results point at both climate and land use changes as potentially major drivers of orthopterans' local extinction in urban areas, suggesting that strategies to increase natural habitat preservation and connectivity, and mitigate climate‐change induced events, may both prove effective in sustaining richer insect communities within urban areas.
Functionality of pre‐cooked whole‐grain corn, rice and sorghum flours for gluten‐free bread
Authors: Comettant‐Rabanal Raúl , Hidalgo Chávez Davy William , Ascheri José Luis Ramírez , Elías‐Peñafiel Carlos , Carvalho Carlos W. Piler
Published: August 2023

Extruded whole grain flours of corn, sorghum, and parboiled brown rice (PBR) and their blends were used to produce gluten‐free (GF) multigrain bread. To determine the functionality of the flours, paste viscosity, farinography and oscillatory rheometry were evaluated as rheological methods, and for the bread, the texture profile, baking loss and specific volume of the breads were determined. The paste properties evidenced changes in the starch structure of the extruded samples, but these were not severe due to the absence of cold viscosity (CV) and formation of peak viscosity (PV), which evidenced the swelling capacity of the starch granules. The functionality of the samples was demonstrated by the increase in water absorption and farinographic consistency (PM), as well as by the development of dough viscoelasticity with continuous elastic (G′) and viscous (G′′) moduli when measured by oscillatory rheometry. The GF breads produced showed specific volume increases from 53.8 to 91.7% compared to the control, as well as high crumb hardness. However, the cereal blends did not generate significant increases in specific volume between samples (P < 0.05), but those made with higher proportions of extruded sorghum flour and its blend with corn had better crumb softness and lower baking loss (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the regression models for most of the dough rheological and bread textural variables were significant and presented good coefficients of determination (R2 Adj = 0.60–0.99) with linear and quadratic fits, thus allowing prediction of the behaviours of these variables for future applications.
Achieving combinatory “soft” and “hard” piezoelectric properties in textured ceramics via exploring single‐crystal‐like electrostriction
Authors: Liu Xin , Tang Mingyang , Wang Yike , Ren Xiaodan , Xu Zhuo , Geng Liwei D. , Yan Yongke
Published: August 2023

Design of a projecting‐receiving dual‐purpose transducer is challenging due to the difficulty of synthesizing piezoelectric materials with combinatory “soft” properties (high piezoelectric coefficient d) and “hard” properties (low dielectric loss and high mechanical quality factor Qm). In this study, we provide a different perspective to address this challenge via exploiting single‐crystal‐like electrostriction coefficient Q33 through the fabrication of grain oriented or textured “hard” piezoelectric ceramics. Mn‐doped 0.27Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.41Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.32PbTiO3 (Mn:PIN–PMN–PT) piezoelectric ceramics with a high [0 0 1]c texture fraction of 99% were synthesized, which exhibit three times greater piezoelectric properties (d33 ∼ 828 pC/N) than random counterparts (d33 ∼ 251 pC/N), while maintaining low loss (tan δ ∼ 0.5%, Qm = 443). According to the formula , the large improvement of d33 in textured ceramics is mainly due to a doubling increase in dielectric constant ε33 and Q33 (∼0.057 m4/C2). Notably, the Q33 exhibits remarkable similarity to that of PMN–PT single crystals, further contributing to the enhanced piezoelectric performance of textured ceramics. Phase field model of ferroelectrics was performed to understand the texturing on Q33 and elucidate the underlying mechanism at the domain level. The textured ceramics exhibit excellent combinatory “soft” and “hard” properties, which are the promising materials for developing projecting‐receiving dual‐purpose transducers with high efficiency and high sensitivity.
Thermochemically synthesized α‐Al2O3 composite coating with high bonding strength and deuterium permeation resistance
Authors: Li Heping , Zheng Zhongyang , Liu Shiquan , Zhao Zirui , Yan Youwei , Wang Xinyun
Published: August 2023

Hydrogen isotope permeation in structural steels can cause severe issues, including steel brittleness, fuel loss, and radioactive pollution in fusion reactors. To tackle this issue, we report a simple synthesis of α‐Al2O3/AlPO4 composite coating by the thermochemical reaction method to serve as an effective barrier hampering hydrogen isotope permeation. This coating was formed at 500°C and composed of α‐Al2O3 and AlPO4 phases. A relatively uniform and compact structure with thickness of ∼35 μm made its corrosion resistance reaching above 3000 times that of the 321 steel substrate. With just one‐side coated, the α‐Al2O3/AlPO4 coating achieved a considerable deuterium permeation reduction factor of 1935 at 450°C, three orders of magnitude higher than 321 steels. What's more, after the deuterium permeation test, no pores or cracks were generated. The excellent bonding between the coating and the substrate was resulted from the formation of CrxPy at their interface induced by Cr diffusion from the substrate. The results obtained from the current study shed new light on seeking reliable and viable ceramic coatings to tackle hydrogen permeation issues.
Increasing catches of adult moth pests (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in pome fruit with low‐intensity LED lights added to sex pheromone/kairomone lure‐baited traps
Authors: Knight Alan Lee , Preti Michele , Basoalto Esteban , Fuentes‐Contreras Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Studies of moth pests (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) of pome fruit in Washington State, USA, evaluated the addition of low‐intensity light‐emitting diode (LED) lights to traps baited with sex pheromone or kairomone lures. Species included codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.), oriental fruit moth (OFM), Grapholita molesta (Busck), oblique banded leafroller (OBLR), Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and eye‐spotted budmoth (ESBM), Spilonota ocellana (Denis and Schiffenmüller). Lures included (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (codlemone) plus (E,Z)‐2,4‐ethyl decadienoate (pear ester) and acetic acid (AA) (Combo) and a blend of pear ester, (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene, pyranoid linalool oxide, and AA (4K) for CM; a three‐component OFM sex pheromone ((E)‐8‐dodecen‐1‐yl‐acetate, (Z)‐8‐dodecen‐1‐yl acetate, and (Z)‐8‐dodecen‐1‐ol) plus codlemone and terpinyl acetate plus AA for OFM; and 2‐phenylethanol and AA for OBLR and ESBM. Traps baited with only LEDs were not attractive for any of these tortricids. The addition of a LED to lure‐baited traps increased male and female catches 2‐12‐fold across the four pest species. The proportional increase in CM catches with the LEDs was similar with both the Combo and 4K lures. Traps baited with the 4K lure caught significantly more CM with a UV LED than with either blue or green LEDs. The proportion of females caught in traps that were mated did not change with the use of the lights across species. Significantly more CM of both sexes were caught in the adhesive on the side of the liner nearest the LED. The addition of LEDs sometimes increased the by‐catch of minute insects, but liners' saturation was never a factor impacting targeted moth catch. Adding the LED light significantly increased the catch of ESBM in CM‐baited traps and CM in OFM‐baited traps, respectively. The development of inexpensive, dual‐modality traps that add a light stimulus to a kairomonal‐based lure may improve direct control of these key orchard pests via female removal.
Measuring empathic behaviour among undergraduate dietetics students
Authors: Ng Shi Hui , Babar Muneer Gohar , Ahmed Syed Imran , Hasan Syed Shahzad , Yang Wai Yew
Published: August 2023

Aim

Empathic behaviour has a direct link to the positive clinical outcomes. Health professionals, which include dietitians, are increasingly expected to demonstrate the impact of their care on patient outcomes. To date, there is limited research exploring the empathic behaviour of dietetics students.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study evaluated the psychometric properties of Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Healthcare Provider Student (JSE‐HPS) and empathic behaviour of dietetics students.

Results

Undergraduate dietetics students from one private and two public universities in Malaysia participated (n = 455). Item and scale psychometric properties were examined using principal component analysis and differences in mean empathy scores for students were assessed across years of study and types of universities. A 3‐factor solution emerged in the results, accounting for 26.76%, 10.75% and 6.3% of the variance. The JSE‐HPS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.83). Despite students enroled at public universities scoring higher mean empathy scores than students enroled at the private university, the difference was not significant. The only significant difference was between the empathy level of first and third year students (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

As empathy underpins patient‐centred management in the nutrition care process, it should be well integrated into curriculum delivery so that appropriate levels of empathy can be developed to prepare work‐ready healthcare professionals.
Non‐specific phospholipase C4 hydrolyzes phosphosphingolipids and phosphoglycerolipids and promotes rapeseed growth and yield
Authors: Yang Bao , Li Jianwu , Yan Jiayu , Zhang Ke , Ouyang Zhewen , Lu Yefei , Wei Huili , Li Qing , Yao Xuan , Lu Shaoping , Hong Yueyun , Wang Xuemin , Guo Liang
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus is a major nutrient vital for plant growth and development, with a substantial amount of cellular phosphorus being used for the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids. Here, we report that NON‐SPECIFIC PHOSPHOLIPASE C4 (NPC4) in rapeseed (Brassica napus) releases phosphate from phospholipids to promote growth and seed yield, as plants with altered NPC4 levels showed significant changes in seed production under different phosphate conditions. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 (Cas9)‐mediated knockout of BnaNPC4 led to elevated accumulation of phospholipids and decreased growth, whereas overexpression (OE) of BnaNPC4 resulted in lower phospholipid contents and increased plant growth and seed production. We demonstrate that BnaNPC4 hydrolyzes phosphosphingolipids and phosphoglycerolipids in vitro, and plants with altered BnaNPC4 function displayed changes in their sphingolipid and glycerolipid contents in roots, with a greater change in glycerolipids than sphingolipids in leaves, particularly under phosphate deficiency conditions. In addition, BnaNPC4‐OE plants led to the upregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, phosphate release, and phosphate transport and an increase in free inorganic phosphate in leaves. These results indicate that BnaNPC4 hydrolyzes phosphosphingolipids and phosphoglycerolipids in rapeseed to enhance phosphate release from membrane phospholipids and promote growth and seed production.
Impact of home‐visit nursing service use on costs in the last 3 months of life among older adults: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sakano Tomomi , Anzai Tatsuhiko , Takahashi Kunihiko , Fukui Sakiko
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Considering Japan's aging society, the number of older individuals who die at home is expected to increase. In Japan, there are challenges in utilizing and promoting home‐visit nursing services at the end of life for community‐dwelling older adults. We examined the use of home‐visit nursing services at the end of patients' lives and the recommended use patterns of this service (utilization, timing of initiation, and continuity) that contribute to reducing the medical care and long‐term care costs (total costs) in the last 3 months of life.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We examined 33 municipalities in Japan, including depopulated areas. The analysis included 22,927 people aged 75 or older who died between September 2016 and September 2018. We used monthly medical care and long‐term care insurance claims data. Participants were classified into five groups based on their history of home‐visit nursing service use: (1) early initiation/continuous use, (2) early initiation/discontinued or fragment use, (3) not‐early initiation/continuous use, (4) not‐early initiation/fragment use, and (5) no use. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between total costs in the last 3 months of life and patterns of home‐visit nursing service use.

Results

Overall, the median age was 85, and 12,217 participants were men (53.3%). In the last half year before death, 5424 (23.7%) older adults used home‐visit nursing services. Multivariable linear regression analysis of the log10‐transformed value of total costs revealed that compared with the no use group, the early initiation/continuous use group was estimated to have 0.88 times (95% confidence interval: 0.84, 0.93) the total costs in the last 3 months of life (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Early initiation use of home‐visit nursing services may contribute to reducing total costs in the last 3 months of life for Japanese people aged 75 years or older living at home as they approach the end of life.

Clinical relevance

When approaching the end of life, many older adults require daily life care and palliative care. Policymakers are strengthening end‐of‐life care for community‐dwelling older adults in Japan. Although the current results do not demonstrate the effectiveness of home‐visit nursing services, they provide a perspective from which to assess the use of home‐visit nursing services and its impact on older adults. The findings can be helpful in considering how to provide nursing care in home‐care settings for older adults who prefer to spend their final days at home.
Low income is associated with impaired jaw function via anxiety and depression in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Zheng Yunhao , Zhou Xueman , Huang Yi , Lu Jinjin , Cheng Qiaoyu , Fan Peidi , Xiong Xin
Published: August 2023

Objective

The association between jaw function and income in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore this association and its relationship with anxiety and depression.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 451 TMD patients, including 361 males and 90 females, participated in this study. The sociodemographic information of patients and their questionnaires including the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9‐item (PHQ‐9), and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale‐8 (JFLS‐8) were collected. Patients were divided into the high‐income and low‐income groups based on a household per capita income of 6000 RMB per month. Multiple regression and mediation analysis were used to explore the association between variables. The bootstrap method was applied to estimate confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Higher JFLS‐8 scores were significantly correlated with higher GAD‐7 scores (r = 0.361, p < .001), PHQ‐9 scores (r = 0.339, p < .001). Females and patients with low income had statistically higher JFLS‐8 scores (p < .01, p < .001). Mediation analysis with 10 000 bootstrap simulations revealed a significant direct association between JFLS‐8 scores and income (−2.920, 95% CI [−4.757, −1.044], p = .002). A significant indirect association of JFLS‐8 scores with income via GAD‐7 scores and PHQ‐9 scores was also observed (−0.889, 95% CI [−1.728, −0.164], p = .025), accounting for 23.3% of the total association.

Conclusions

Low income is associated with impaired jaw function via anxiety and depression in patients with TMD. Clinicians may need to pay more attention to the psychological status of low‐income TMD patients in clinical practice.
Tailoring cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia across contexts, conditions, and individuals: What do we know, where do we go?
Authors: Crowther Meagan E. , Saunders William J. , Sletten Tracey L. , Drummond Sean P. A. , Bei Bei
Published: August 2023

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) is considered the front‐line treatment for insomnia. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of CBT‐I, it is necessary to consider how CBT‐I may be tailored to different individuals. The purpose of the present review is to provide a summary of literature on tailoring CBT‐I to different individuals and provide directions for future research. This review focused on the following domains of adaptation: (i) tailoring CBT‐I components to individuals with comorbid mental or physical health conditions such as comorbid depression and pain; (ii) adapting CBT‐I delivery for different contexts in which individuals exist, such as inpatient, educational, and different social/cultural settings, (iii) adapting CBT‐I to specific individuals via case‐formulation in clinical settings. We highlight current gaps in the exploration of tailored CBT‐I, including a lack of research methodology to evaluate tailored interventions, a need for the integration of ongoing individualised assessment to inform treatment, and the necessary involvement of consumers and stakeholders throughout the research and treatment development process. Together, this review showed abundant adaptations in CBT‐I already exist in the literature. Future research is needed in understanding when and how to apply adaptations in CBT‐I and evaluate the benefits of these adaptations.
Lost in Translation: A Preliminary Examination of Phonological Processing, Language, and Reading in Childhood Epilepsy
Authors: Bailey Katharine , Im‐Bolter Nancie
Published: August 2023

Children with epilepsy are at increased risk for language and reading difficulties. Phonological processing and language underlie reading success, yet their association with reading achievement in children with epilepsy is unknown. We assessed phonological processing, oral language, and reading in children (ages 6 to 12) with epilepsy (EP; n = 6), language problems (LP; n = 14), and typical development (TD; n = 15). The EP and LP group had lower scores on all measures compared with the TD group, with the EP group scoring the lowest on reading comprehension. Phonological processing followed by epilepsy diagnosis predicted reading decoding. Language followed by epilepsy diagnosis predicted reading comprehension. Thus, reading problems in children with epilepsy are not fully explained by their phonological processing or language deficits. Further research that considers other cognitive processes important for reading (e.g., executive function) in this population may help inform our understanding of their reading success.
Observed trends in scavenging by common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus truncatus) in for‐hire fisheries in the eastern U.S. Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Grewal Corie E. , Powell Jessica R. , Horstman Stacey C. , Farmer Nicholas A. , Ayala Oscar , Read Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

Interactions between bottlenose dolphin and recreational rod and reel fisheries are a complex issue for resource managers in the United States, which may impact anglers' catch and lead to dangerous situations for scavenging or depredating dolphins. To examine this issue, we analyzed data collected by observers on for‐hire fishing vessels off the eastern U.S. Gulf Coast from 2009 to 2020. A generalized additive model indicated number of anglers, number of discarded fish, proximity to shore, prior scavenging events, type of released fish, and area fished were all significant predictors of scavenging by dolphins. The Florida panhandle had the highest odds of scavenging, while scavenging in the Big Bend and Tampa Bay has increased through time. The Florida panhandle is a well‐known area for illegal feeding of dolphins, suggesting human behavior may be influencing fisheries interactions. Model outputs indicate that dolphins are primarily cuing on fishing activity rather than number of discards, but are more likely to scavenge discards from the family Lutjanidae (snappers), which comprised 40% of observed discards but 80% of scavenging events. This study highlights factors influencing the frequency of dolphin scavenging events, guiding managers and scientists on additional studies and mitigation measures needed to address this issue.
The Phlebotomine sand fly fauna of Switzerland revisited
Authors: Schaffner Francis , Silaghi Cornelia , Verhulst Niels O. , Depaquit Jérôme , Mathis Alexander
Published: August 2023

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae; Newstead, 1911) are widespread in Europe, being particularly common in the Mediterranean region but rare north of the Alps. Thus, Switzerland is an opportune place to investigate the sand fly fauna on both sides of the Alpine crest, in southern sub‐Mediterranean climate and northern oceanic temperate climate. We reinvestigated the Swiss sand fly fauna with the aim to assess changes in composition, altitudinal distribution, abundance and seasonality. Thirty‐eight sites were investigated with light traps and/or interception sticky traps in 4 years. Ninety and 380 specimens were caught by light traps and sticky traps, respectively, at 15 collecting sites. Four species were identified. Phlebotomus mascittii (Grassi, 1908), Phlebotomus perniciosus (Newstead, 1911) and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843) were confirmed in Ticino, and P. mascittii for the first time in neighbouring Grisons. Also, Phlebotomus neglectus (Tonnoir, 1921) is for the first time reported, though at a very low density compared to P. perniciosus at the same site. Its presence in Ticino supports the northward spread observed in Italy. Sand flies were detected north of the Alps at one site only, endorsing a historical report. Overall, the low density of P. perniciosus and very low density of P. neglectus suggest that canine leishmaniosis may not be an important disease risk in Switzerland.