bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced structural brain aging in preclinical autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease
Authors: Millar Peter R , Gordon Brian A , Wisch Julie K , Schultz Stephanie A , Benzinger Tammie LS , Cruchaga Carlos , Hassenstab Jason J , Ibanez Laura , Karch Celeste , Llibre-Guerra Jorge J , Morris John C , Perrin Richard J , Supnet-Bell Charlene , Xiong Chengjie , Allegri Ricardo F , Berman Sarah B , Chhatwal Jasmeer P , Chrem Mendez Patricio A , Day Gregory S , Hofmann Anna , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Jucker Mathias , Lee Jae-Hong , Levin Johannes , Lopera Francisco , Niimi Yoshiki , Sánchez-González Victor J , Schofield Peter R , Sosa-Ortiz Ana Luisa , Vöglein Jonathan ,   for the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, Bateman Randall J , Ances Beau M , McDade Eric M
Published: December 2023

Background

“Brain-predicted age” estimates biological age from complex, nonlinear features in neuroimaging scans. The brain age gap (BAG) between predicted and chronological age is elevated in sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD), but is underexplored in autosomal dominant AD (ADAD), in which AD progression is highly predictable with minimal confounding age-related co-pathology.

Methods

We modeled BAG in 257 deeply-phenotyped ADAD mutation-carriers and 179 non-carriers from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network using minimally-processed structural MRI scans. We then tested whether BAG differed as a function of mutation and cognitive status, or estimated years until symptom onset, and whether it was associated with established markers of amyloid (PiB PET, CSF amyloid-β-42/40), phosphorylated tau (CSF and plasma pTau-181), neurodegeneration (CSF and plasma neurofilament-light-chain [NfL]), and cognition (global neuropsychological composite and CDR-sum of boxes). We compared BAG to other MRI measures, and examined heterogeneity in BAG as a function of ADAD mutation variants, APOE ε4 carrier status, sex, and education.

Results

Advanced brain aging was observed in mutation-carriers approximately 7 years before expected symptom onset, in line with other established structural indicators of atrophy. BAG was moderately associated with amyloid PET and strongly associated with pTau-181, NfL, and cognition in mutation-carriers. Mutation variants, sex, and years of education contributed to variability in BAG.

Conclusions

We extend prior work using BAG from sporadic AD to ADAD, noting consistent results. BAG associates well with markers of pTau, neurodegeneration, and cognition, but to a lesser extent, amyloid, in ADAD. BAG may capture similar signal to established MRI measures. However, BAG offers unique benefits in simplicity of data processing and interpretation. Thus, results in this unique ADAD cohort with few age-related confounds suggest that brain aging attributable to AD neuropathology can be accurately quantified from minimally-processed MRI.
Microglial APOE4: more is less and less is more
Authors: Eskandari-Sedighi Ghazaleh , Blurton-Jones Mathew
Published: December 2023

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the single greatest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Yet, the cell-specific effects of APOE on microglia function have remained unclear. Fortunately, two comprehensive new studies published in the latest issue of Nature Immunology have employed complementary gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches to provide critical new insight into the impact of microglial APOE on AD pathogenesis.
Adherence to dental home care in dogs with periodontitis: a post-treatment survey
Authors: Svärd John , Enlund Karolina Brunius
Published: December 2023

Background

Periodontitis is a common disease in dogs, and daily dental home care in the form of tooth brushing is essential for prevention and treatment. Despite this, many studies reveal low adherence to tooth brushing advice. This study aimed to assess compliance with dental home care among dogs with periodontitis and understand the factors influencing brushing routines. A questionnaire survey was emailed to 63 dog owners whose dogs had been diagnosed with periodontitis, received dental cleaning at the University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and were given tooth brushing instructions. The survey was supplemented by telephone interviews, resulting in a 57% response rate.

Results

The study presents dog owners' routines, experiences, attitudes, and motivation regarding tooth brushing. Approximately 42% brushed their dogs' teeth daily while others did so less frequently or not at all. Reported challenges, such as uncooperative dogs and difficulty establishing a routine, may explain infrequent brushing.

Conclusions

While the study suggests that owners of dogs with periodontitis tend to follow dental care recommendations better than the general dog owner population, it also reveals that preventive care is inadequate for more than half of the dogs. Given the high prevalence of periodontitis, there's a need for resources to address infrequent tooth brushing. Understanding dog owners' needs can help establish daily brushing as a routine, improving canine oral health and overall well-being.
Understanding context of violence against healthcare through citizen science and evaluating the effectiveness of a co-designed code of conduct and of a tailored de-escalation of violence training in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq: a study protocol for a stepped wedge randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ferrari Giovanfrancesco , Lwamushi Samuel Makali , Balaluka Ghislain Bisimwa , Lafta Riyadh K. , Schindler Christian , Bugugu Daniella , Lurhangire Emmanuel , Tediosi Fabrizio , Mendoza Jessica Ramirez , Merten Sonja
Published: December 2023

Background

Violence against health care workers (HCWs) is a multifaceted issue entwined with broader social, cultural, and economic contexts. While it is a global phenomenon, in crisis settings, HCWs are exposed to exceptionally high rates of violence. We hypothesize that the implementation of a training on de-escalation of violence and of a code of conduct informed through participatory citizen science research would reduce the incidence and severity of episodes of violence in primary healthcare settings of rural Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and large hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq.

Methods

In an initial formative research phase, the study will use a transdisciplinary citizen science approach to inform the re-adaptation of a violence de-escalation training for HCWs and the content of a code of conduct for both HCWs and clients. Qualitative and citizen science methods will explore motivations, causes, and contributing factors that lead to violence against HCWs. Preliminary findings will inform participatory meetings aimed at co-developing local rules of conduct through in-depth discussion and input from various stakeholders, followed by a validation and legitimization process. The effectiveness of the two interventions will be evaluated through a stepped-wedge randomized-cluster trial (SW-RCT) design with 11 arms, measuring the frequency and severity of violence, as well as secondary outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), job burnout, empathy, or HCWs’ quality of life at various points in time, alongside a cost-effectiveness study comparing the two strategies.

Discussion

Violence against HCWs is a global issue, and it can be particularly severe in humanitarian contexts. However, there is limited evidence on effective and affordable approaches to address this problem. Understanding the context of community distrust and motivation for violence against HCWs will be critical for developing effective, tailored, and culturally appropriate responses, including a training on violence de-escalation and a community behavioral change approach to increase public trust in HCWs. This study aims therefore to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different interventions to reduce violence against HCWs in two post-crisis settings, providing valuable evidence for future efforts to address this issue.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT05419687. Prospectively registered on June 15, 2022.
Four ways of implementing robustness quantification in strain characterisation
Authors: Torello Pianale Luca , Caputo Fabio , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: December 2023

Background

In industrial bioprocesses, microorganisms are generally selected based on performance, whereas robustness, i.e., the ability of a system to maintain a stable performance, has been overlooked due to the challenges in its quantification and implementation into routine experimental procedures. This work presents four ways of implementing robustness quantification during strain characterisation. One Saccharomyces cerevisiae laboratory strain (CEN.PK113-7D) and two industrial strains (Ethanol Red and PE2) grown in seven different lignocellulosic hydrolysates were assessed for growth-related functions (specific growth rate, product yields, etc.) and eight intracellular parameters (using fluorescent biosensors).

Results

Using flasks and high-throughput experimental setups, robustness was quantified in relation to: (i) stability of growth functions in response to the seven hydrolysates; (ii) stability of growth functions across different strains to establish the impact of perturbations on yeast metabolism; (iii) stability of intracellular parameters over time; (iv) stability of intracellular parameters within a cell population to indirectly quantify population heterogeneity. Ethanol Red was the best-performing strain under all tested conditions, achieving the highest growth function robustness. PE2 displayed the highest population heterogeneity. Moreover, the intracellular environment varied in response to non-woody or woody lignocellulosic hydrolysates, manifesting increased oxidative stress and unfolded protein response, respectively.

Conclusions

Robustness quantification is a powerful tool for strain characterisation as it offers novel information on physiological and biochemical parameters. Owing to the flexibility of the robustness quantification method, its implementation was successfully validated at single-cell as well as high-throughput levels, showcasing its versatility and potential for several applications.

Graphical Abstract
Combined clinical and radiological remission of rectovaginal fistulas using fractional CO2 vaginal laser: a case series and medium-term follow-up
Authors: Drumond Denise Gasparetti , Condé Camila de Moraes Sarmento , Chebli Júlio Maria da Fonseca , Chebli Liliana Andrade , Esperança Samuel Drumond , Speck Neila Maria de Góis
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Despite the advances in surgical and clinical approaches, there is no consensus regarding the best line of treatment from rectovaginal fistula (RVF). Faced with a challenging scenario in the approach of RVF, the fractional CO2 laser receives attention as a possible form of treatment.

Objectives

A single-center, prospective, open-label study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy for RVF treatment.

Subjects and methods

The total of 15 patients was recruited at the Juiz de Fora University Hospital between August 2018 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria were presence of clinically suspects RVF of any etiology confirmed by pelvic magnetic resonance image (MRI) and gynecological examination. Five fractional CO2 laser sessions with monthly interval followed by complete evaluation through clinical examination and pelvic MRI were performed for all patients after the completion of treatment. Analysis of sexual function before and after the treatment was performed using Female Sexual Quotient (FSQ).

Results

The evaluation through physical examination showed no persistent inflammatory signs in the vagina for all patients. Additionally, 10 of out 15 (67.7%) patients achieved clinical remission of RVF symptoms, while 33.3% patients reported significant improvement. Of note, five patients who did not have previous sexual activity returned to regular sexual activity while seven patients who have baseline sexual activity had improvement in their sexual function as assessed by the FSQ. Three out of four ostomized patients had their ostomy reversed and remained without complains. All six patients with RVF secondary to Crohn’s disease reported a marked improvement in symptoms and sexual function. In seven (47%) patients radiological remission was confirmed by pelvic MRI.

Conclusion

CO2 fractional laser can be considered a promising and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of RVF.
Centriolin interacts with HectD1 in a cell cycle dependent manner
Authors: Salas Jesus , Garcia Alexander , Zora Vancy , Dornbush Sean , Mousa-Ibrahim Fady , Fogg Hanna , Gromley Zeynep , Gromley Adam
Published: December 2023

Objective

The centrosome is universally recognized as the microtubule organizing center of animal cells, but emerging evidence suggests that it has other important functions including primary cilia formation, DNA damage checkpoints, and cell cycle progression. Despite this, the role of individual components of the centrosome remains unclear. Previous studies suggest that one component, centriolin, has an important function in cytokinesis and cell cycle progression, although its exact role in these processes is not known. To determine how centriolin influences the progression through the cell cycle, we sought to identify interacting partners that may be involved in regulating its function.

Results

This study provides evidence that the ubiquitin E3 ligase HectD1 binds to centriolin and that this association likely accounts for our observation that HectD1 co-localizes with centriolin at the centrosome during mitosis. In addition to its centrosomal localization, we also show that the expression of HectD1 fluctuates throughout the cell cycle, with the highest levels during mitosis, coinciding with a marked reduction in centriolin expression. We propose that the interaction between HectD1 and centriolin may be necessary for normal cell cycle progression and we speculate that this function may involve HectD1-mediated degradation of centriolin.
Cerebellar metastasis of ovarian cancer: a case report
Authors: Cabitza Eleonora , Pirola Marta , Baldessari Cinzia , Bernardelli Giuditta , Zunarelli Elena , Pipitone Stefania , Vitale Maria Giuseppa , Nasso Cecilia , Molinaro Eleonora , Oltrecolli Marco , D’Agostino Elisa , Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Palicelli Andrea , Dominici Massimo , Sabbatini Roberto
Published: December 2023

Background

Ovarian cancer is metastatic at presentation in about 62% of cases, but brain metastases are rare, reported in 3.3–4% of patients. Brain metastasis seems to be more frequent in advanced stages at diagnosis and in patients with BRCA1/2 mutation.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 47-year-old Caucasian woman, BRCA wild type, with an ovarian cancer that started with single cerebellar metastasis.

Conclusion

Brain metastases in ovarian cancer are rare and complex for diagnosis and management. This case focuses both on diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of a multimodal approach in a multidisciplinary team.
Restoring skeletal muscle mass as an independent determinant of liver fat deposition improvement in MAFLD
Authors: Zhou Ting , Ye Junzhao , Luo Ling , Wang Wei , Feng Shiting , Dong Zhi , Zhuo Shuyu , Zhong Bihui
Published: December 2023

Aims

Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated the association of skeletal muscle mass with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), while longitudinal data are scarce. We aimed to explore the impact of changes in relative skeletal muscle mass on the MAFLD treatment response.

Methods

MAFLD patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction for liver fat content (LFC) assessments and bioelectrical impedance analysis before and after treatment (orlistat, meal replacement, lifestyle modifications) were enrolled. Appendicular muscle mass (ASM) was adjusted by weight (ASM/W).

Results

Overall, 256 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: with an ASM/W increase (n=166) and without an ASM/W increase (n=90). There was a great reduction in LFC in the group with an ASM/W increase (16.9% versus 8.2%, P < 0.001). However, the change in LFC in the group without an ASM/W increase showed no significant difference (12.5% versus 15.0%, P > 0.05). △ASM/W Follow-up-Baseline [odds ratio (OR)=1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.07, P = 0.024] and △total fat mass (OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.12-1.87, P = 0.004) were independent predictors for steatosis improvement (relative reduction of LFC ≥ 30%). The subgroup analysis showed that, despite without weight loss, decrease in HOMA-IR (OR=6.21, 95% CI 1.28-30.13, P=0.023), △total fat mass Baseline -Follow-up (OR=3.48, 95% CI 1.95-6.21, P <0.001 and △ASM/W Follow-up-Baseline (OR=2.13, 95% CI 1.12-4.05, P=0.022) independently predicted steatosis improvement.

Conclusions

ASM/W increase and loss of total fat mass benefit the resolution of liver steatosis, independent of weight loss for MAFLD.
Heterologous expression in E. coli and functional characterization of the tomato CPR enzymes
Authors: Choi Won , Park Seo Young , Kim Hyun Min , Mai Thanh Dat , Do Ju Hui , Jang Hye Min , Hwang Hyeon Bae , Song Eun Gyeong , Shim Jae Sung , Joung Young Hee
Published: December 2023

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is a key enzyme transferring electrons to cytochrome P450. In tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), two CPR genes, SlCPR1 and SlCPR2, were identified. In all the tested tomato tissues, SlCPR2 showed higher expression levels than SlCPR1. SlCPR2 expression increased significantly with jasmonic acid treatment. No significant changes were observed with salicylic acid or drought stress treatment. The cDNA of SlCPRs were expressed in Escherichia coli without any amino acid modification. And the heterologously expressed SlCPR enzymes were reacted with several protein and chemical substrates. SlCPR2 was more active than SlCPR1. Both SlCPR1 and SlCPR2 exhibited strong activity across a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0, with peak activity at pH 8.0. The study opens possibilities for CPR control, biocatalyst development, and exploring oxidase enzyme functions.
Selenium biofortification improves bioactive composition and antioxidant status in Plantago ovata Forsk., a medicinal plant
Authors: Dey Sankalan , Raychaudhuri Sarmistha Sen
Published: December 2023

Background

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, but its deficiency as well as toxicity affects large number of people worldwide. Plantago ovata, a commercially important medicinal plant, is mainly cultivated in western regions of India, where elevated levels of Se have been found in soil. Thus, we evaluated the potential of Se biofortification in P. ovata via phytoremediation and its effect on the bioactive composition.

Results

The results showed a significant alteration in various morphological and physiological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The 10 µM Se dose improved seedling height, biomass and total chlorophyll content. There was a gradual increase in total Se content, with highest accumulation of 457.65 µg/g FW at 500 µM Se treatment. Se positively affected the antioxidative metabolism which was measured from the change in total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity and Metallothionein 2 expression. Increasing levels of Se also affected the PAL activity, total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid and Rutin were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds.

Conclusions

Low levels of selenium (below 50 µM) can successfully improve Se accumulation and elicit production of various polyphenols without hampering plant growth. Thus, Se fortification of P. ovata seedlings via phytoremediation appears to be a feasible and efficient way to enhance its nutraceutical value in dietary products.
Guided bone regeneration in long-bone defect with a bilayer mineralized collagen membrane
Authors: Peng Fuli , Zhang Xuelei , Wang Yilei , Zhao Rui , Cao Zhiwei , Chen Siyu , Ruan Yunxuan , Wu Jingjing , Song Tianxi , Qiu Zhiye , Yang Xiao , Zeng Yi , Zhu Xiangdong , Pan Jian , Zhang Xingdong
Published: December 2023

Bone regeneration for large, critical-sized bone defects remains a clinical challenge nowadays. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a promising technique for the repair of multiple bone defects, which is widely used in oral and maxillofacial bone defects but is still unsatisfied in the treatment of long bone defects. Here, we successfully fabricated a bilayer mineralized collagen/collagen (MC/Col)-GBR membrane with excellent osteoinductive and barrier function by coating the MC particles prepared via in situ biomimetic mineralization process on one side of a sheet-like pure collagen layer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and biological functions of the MC/Col film, and to further evaluate its bone regeneration efficiency in large bone defect repair. Fourier-transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of both hydroxyapatite and collagen phase in the MC/Col film, as well as the chemical interaction between them. stereo microscope, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope showed the uniform distribution of MC particles in the MC/Col film, resulting in a rougher surface compared to the pure Col film. The quantitative analysis of surface contact angle, light transmittance and tensile strength demonstrated that the MC/Col film have better hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, light-barrier properties, respectively. In vitro macrophage co-culture experiments showed that the MC/Col film can effectively inhibit macrophage proliferation and fusion, reducing fibrous capsule formation. In vivo bone repair assessment of a rabbit critical segmental radial defect proved that the MC/Col film performed better than other groups in promoting bone repair and regeneration due to their unique dual osteoinductive/barrier function. These findings provided evidence that MC/Col film has a great clinical potential for effective bone defect repair.

Graphic abstract
A monster into the heart: an unusual presentation of cardiac leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Cruz Palomera Raul , Valencia Gonzalez Jose Dario , Guzmán Olea Juan , Gutiérrez Castañeda Rosa Elena , Rodríguez Alvarado Juan Francisco , Camacho Huembes Juan , Arenas Fonseca Jorge Guillermo , Carcaño Cuevas Alejandro , Guzman Olea Gabriel
Published: December 2023

Background

Malignant primary cardiac tumors are infrequent and can lead to an unfavorable prognosis if not identified and treated promptly. Early detection and prompt treatment of malignant primary cardiac tumors are crucial for a better prognosis. This article presents a case of primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma and reviews the literature on this topic.

Case presentation

Female patient that developed recurrent pericardial effusion and hemodynamic instability caused by a cardiac tumor, later identified as leiomyosarcoma. Multidisciplinary treatment was administered to the patient.

Conclusions

The initial approach to this type of pathology should include multimodality imaging to establish a prompt diagnosis leading to complete standard treatment, to minimize risks to the patient's heart function which may include resection with complete margins of the neoplasm, otherwise the prognosis may be poor.
Comparison of massage and prone position on heart rate and blood oxygen saturation level in preterm neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: El-sayd Hanan Mostafa , El-Mashad Ghada Mohamed , Mohamed Mohamed Zakaria Elsaied , Abouzouna Zeinab Sabri
Published: December 2023

Background

Many years ago, it was proposed that prone positioning and infant massage would benefit preterm and babies with low birth weight.

Aim of the work

Evaluating the effectiveness of massage therapy and the neonatal prone position on the heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation level (SPO2) of premature neonates in neonatal intensive care units.

Subject and methods

Our study was conducted as a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial at the NICUs of Menoufia University Hospital. After enrollment, the (240) cases were divided into group A: (80) infants with prone position, group B: (80) infants with massage therapy (as intervention groups), group C: (80) infants as a control group (without intervention).

Results

Regarding group A, there was a significant difference between the first and last days of intervention regarding HR and SPO2 at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Regarding group B, there was a significant difference between the first and last days of intervention regarding HR and SPO2 at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Regarding group C, there was no significant difference between the First and last days of intervention regarding HR at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min.

Conclusion

Prone position and infant’s massage equally reduce Heart Rate and increase preterm babies' blood oxygen saturation level neonates admitted in NICU.
Novel Selective Quantification of Zinpentraxin Alfa Biotherapeutic in the Presence of Endogenous Isomer in Plasma Samples of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Using Immunoaffinity LC–MS
Authors: Li Maoyin , Arjomandi Audrey , Sun Xiaowei , Lu Erhu , Tyagi Tulika , Lin WeiYu , Fischer Saloumeh K. , Kaur Surinder , Xu Keyang
Published: December 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fatal interstitial lung disease that affects three million patients worldwide and currently without an effective cure. Zinpentraxin alfa, a recombinant human pentraxin-2 (rhPTX-2) protein, has been evaluated as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of IPF. Clinical pharmacokinetic analysis of zinpentraxin alfa has been challenging historically due to interference from serum amyloid P component (SAP), an endogenous human pentraxin-2 protein. These molecules share an identical primary amino acid sequence and glycan composition; however, zinpentraxin alfa possesses α2,3-linked terminal sialic acid residues while SAP is an α2,6-linked isomer. By taking advantage of this only structural difference, we developed a novel assay strategy where α2,3-sialidase was used to selectively hydrolyze α2,3-linked sialic acid residues, resulting in desialylated zinpentraxin alfa versus unchanged sialylated SAP, following an immunoaffinity capture step. Subsequent tryptic digestion produced a unique surrogate asialo-glycopeptide from zinpentraxin alfa and allowed specific quantification of the biotherapeutic in human plasma. In addition, a common peptide shared by both molecules was selected as a surrogate to determine total hPTX-2 concentrations, i.e., sum of zinpentraxin alfa and SAP. The quantification methods for both zinpentraxin alfa and total hPTX-2 were validated and used in pharmacokinetic assessment in IPF patients. The preliminary results suggest that endogenous SAP levels remained largely constant in IPF patients throughout the treatment with zinpentraxin alfa. Our novel approach provides a general bioanalytical strategy to selectively quantify α2,3-sialylated glycoproteins in the presence of their corresponding α2,6-linked isomers.

Graphical Abstract
Fat Accumulation and Elevated Free Fatty Acid Are Associated With Age-Related Glucose Intolerance: Bunkyo Health Study
Authors: Naito Hitoshi , Kaga Hideyoshi , Someya Yuki , Tabata Hiroki , Kakehi Saori , Tajima Tsubasa , Ito Naoaki , Yamasaki Nozomu , Sato Motonori , Kadowaki Satoshi , Sugimoto Daisuke , Nishida Yuya , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka , Tamura Yoshifumi
Published: December 2023

Context

Older adults have a high prevalence of new-onset diabetes, often attributed to age-related decreases in insulin sensitivity and secretion. It remains unclear whether both insulin sensitivity and secretion continue to deteriorate after age 65.

Objective

To investigate the effects of aging on glucose metabolism after age 65 and to identify its determinants.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 1438 Japanese older adults without diabetes. All participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Body composition and fat distribution were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were divided into 4 groups by age (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80-84 years) to compare differences in metabolic parameters.

Results

Mean age and body mass index were 73.0 ± 5.4 years and 22.7 ± 3.0 kg/m2. The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes increased with age. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, the area under the curve (AUC)-insulin/AUC-glucose and insulinogenic index were comparable between groups. AUC-glucose and AUC-insulin during OGTT were significantly higher and Matsuda index and disposition index (Matsuda index · AUC-insulin/AUC-glucose) were significantly lower in the age 80-84 group than in the age 65-69 group. Age-related fat accumulation, particularly increased visceral fat area (VFA), and elevated free fatty acid (FFA) levels were observed. Multiple regression revealed strong correlations of both Matsuda index and disposition index with VFA and FFA.

Conclusion

Glucose tolerance declined with age in Japanese older adults, possibly due to age-related insulin resistance and β-cell deterioration associated with fat accumulation and elevated FFA levels.
A Call to Action: Why Anesthesiologists Must Train, Prepare, and Be at the Forefront of Disaster Response for Mass Casualty Incidents
Authors: Gangadharan Meera , Hayanga Heather K. , Greenberg Robert , Schwengel Deborah
Published: December 2023

Disasters, both natural and man-made, continue to increase. In Spring 2023, a 3-hour workshop on mass casualty incidents was conducted at the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia-American Academy of Pediatrics Annual conference. The workshop used multiple instructional strategies to maximize knowledge transfer and learner engagement including minididactic sessions, problem-based learning discussions in 3 tabletop exercises, and 2 30-minute disaster scenarios with actors in a simulated hospital environment. Three themes became evident: (1) disasters will continue to impact hospitals and preparation is imperative, (2) anesthesiologists are extensively and comprehensively trained and their value is often underestimated as mass casualty incident responders, and (3) a need exists for longitudinal disaster preparedness education and training over the course of a career. In this special article, we have sought to further define the problem and evidence, the capacity of anesthesiologists as leaders in disaster preparedness, and the rationale for preparation with current best practices to guide how best to move forward.
Fertile Grounds
Authors: Bottiger Patrick
Published: December 2023

From 300 CE to 1800 CE, Indigenous North Americans initiated a great material and cosmological transformation. Indigenous peoples moved away from their more nomadic lifestyles by mastering hydrology to manage crop cycles, engineering building systems to house their growing populations and food stores, and developing innovative political confederacies to harness the transformative and spiritual power of the Three Sisters. Through an examination of traditional ecological knowledge—what Gregory Cajete calls the “original instructions for how to care for and relate to the land”—this essay argues that the cultivation and spread of corn, beans, and squash radically remade Indigenous North America into a world bound by a set of relationships and reciprocal responsibilities between humans and plants. These plants were far more than commodities. They were kin—or, as plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer says, “sovereign persons.” As Indigenous women spread the Three Sisters across the continent, these plants and the attendant corn cosmologies provided narratives to explain human ancestry and evolution. Such creation stories attracted Indigenous immigrants to Cahokia, Indigenous traders to the Mandan and Hidatsa rendezvous, and helped precipitate the rise of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Powhatan confederacies.
Non-canonical odor representation and learning in Dipteran brains
Authors: Rauscher Michael J , Wolff Gabriella H
Published: December 2023

For decades, the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster has provided a window into the structure and function of the insect olfactory system, revealing a remarkable organizational correspondence between insects and vertebrates. In both clades, olfactory sensory neurons expressing the same class of sensory receptor proteins exclusively target a dedicated neuropil known as a glomerulus. Here, we review recent evidence from Drosophila and other Dipteran taxa that challenges this canonical view, showing widespread co-expression of olfactory sensory proteins within the same neurons. We discuss the potential consequences of co-expression for early sensory processing in the insect olfactory system. As well, we situate these findings within the broader framework of olfactory learning, highlighting recent findings that suggest a wider importance of the antennal lobe than has been previously appreciated.
The effect of feeds containing different protein levels on growth and survival rates of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) juveniles grown in freshwater
Authors: Gamsız Kutsal , Korkut Ali Yıldırım , Kop Aysun
Published: December 2023

In this study, the effect of the use of feeds containing different protein ratios on the growth performance of juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) reared in freshwater was investigated. Sea bass fry with an average body weight of 1.0 ± 0.03 g were stocked in 120 liter tanks in triplicate after their adaptation to freshwater. The feeds used in the study had different protein/similar fat content. Accordingly, the experimental groups were named as 45CP (45% CP / 18% CF), 50CP (50% CP / 18% CF) and 55CP (55% CP / 18% CF). At the end of the experiment, the highest body weight gain was 5.84 ± 0.03 g in the 55CP group, while the other groups were 5.73 ± 0.09 g (45CP) and 5.8 ± 0.08 g (50CP). SGR rates were similar for all three groups and there was no statistical difference between the groups (P>0.05). SGR values of the groups were calculated as 1.94 ± 0.04 (45CP), 1.89 ± 0.01 (50CP), 1.91 ± 0.02 (55CP), respectively. There was no statistical difference between the 45CP and 55CP groups, while the 50CP group showed a statistically lower FCR rate than the other groups (P<0.05). FCR values were calculated as 1.36 ± 0.05, 1.29 ± 0.03, 1.37 ± 0.04, respectively. There was no difference between the survival rates of the groups. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that sea bass fish can be raised in freshwater, especially in the fry stage, and that it is more effective than the commercial feeds currently used.
THEORETICAL GENERALIZATION OF THE PROGRAM FOUNDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLIGENCE OF FUTURE OFFICERS IN THE CONDITIONS OF A MILITARY UNIVERSITY
Authors: Naumov Petr Y.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. The development of the intelligence of a future officer in the educational environment of a military educational institution of higher education presupposes, among other things, the appropriate organization of the pedagogical process. This is necessary to achieve the desired results of training, education and development of personality traits of a cadet. To achieve the effective construction of the specified pedagogical process, it is necessary: firstly, not to overload the cadet with educational and educational activities, since the process of obtaining education in a military university is already quite intense; secondly, to use the potential of the educational subjects and educational events already built into the pedagogical process in the development of the intelligence of future officers; thirdly, to organically integrate author’s developments (program, courses, conditions) into the pedagogical process in order to solve problems of developing the intelligence of the future officer.

Materials and methods. In preparing and conducting the study, the methodological principles of a systematic, activity and subjective approach were applied. These approaches in this study perform organizational, epistemological, explanatory-content, structural-logical and prognostic functions. Within the framework of these approaches, various types of analysis and synthesis (systemic and functional, conceptual and structural-component), analogy and comparison, abstraction, hypothetical-deductive method are applied.

Results of the study. It has been established that the construction of a pedagogical process for the development of the intelligence of a future officer is based on the principles of consistency, complexity, continuity, dynamism, purposefulness, plasticity, algorithm city, cyclicality and is carried out in the following areas: organizational and programmatic; regulatory and legal; subject-communicative; meaningful; emotional and intellectual; valuable; activity-functional. The implementation of these areas involves the optimal combination of traditional and innovative forms of organization of the pedagogical process and the effective application of methods for its implementation, which correspond to the modern development of psychological and pedagogical science. When implementing the pedagogical process, taking into account diagnostic data, it is necessary to optimize and improve it. The design and implementation of the author’s features of the organization and implementation of the pedagogical process will make it possible to purposefully develop the psychological properties of the intelligence of the future officer in the educational environment of a military university.
POSSIBILITIES OF DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AS A WAY OF ORGANIZING A DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Alekseeva Elena E.
Published: December 2023

The article reveals the concepts of digital technologies and digital educational technologies as a way of organizing a digital educational environment and a means of forming students’ universal skills that will be applicable in their future professional and personal growth.

The purpose of the article is to identify the possibilities of digital educational technologies, as well as the classification of digital resources and tools that contribute to improving the effectiveness of schoolchildren’s learning.

Methodology. The basis of the research is formed by the methods of studying and analyzing scientific publications that study aspects of the problem under study, summarizing one’s own experience in the use of digital educational technologies in the educational process, as well as systematizing the studied information.

Results. The possibilities of digital educational technologies in the educational process are described as a way of organizing a digital educational environment. It was revealed that digital educational technologies in close connection with digital educational resources in the educational process give the educational process dynamism, activating mental, cognitive, communicative and educational functions in the classroom.

Practical implications. The results obtained can be applied in the didactics of higher and secondary schools.
Technical Note—Risk Sensitivity and Firm Power: Price Competition with Mean2-Variance Profit Objective Under Multinomial Logit Demand
Authors: Li Hongmin , Webster Scott
Published: December 2023

Risk Sensitivity and Firm Power: Price Competition with Mean2-Variance Profit Objective Under Multinomial Logit Demand

Firms with varying degrees of risk sensitivity perceive the same stochastic profit prospect differently. It is important to understand the equilibrium pricing behaviors under risk aversion and their implications on firms’ survival and market health. The authors identify a power index, which is the ratio of product attractiveness to risk sensitivity, and show that the set of profitable firms is power index ordered. Firms with a favorable power index value earn a positive profit in a price competition, and others are driven to zero profit. Interestingly, although high risk aversion handicaps a firm, this paper shows that moderate risk aversion may give a firm an advantage over an otherwise equivalent competitor that is less risk sensitive. The authors also establish that in an equilibrium with market entry and exit, the power index is generalized to the ratio of product attractiveness and an entry cost-adjusted risk sensitivity measure.
Improving Hotels’ Operational Efficiency Through ESG Investment: A Risk Management Perspective
Authors: Chung Kyunghwa , Nguyen Lan Thi Mai , Nguyen Dung Thi Thuy
Published: December 2023

Though environment-social-governance (ESG) practices are increasingly prevalent in the business world, academic research about the impact of ESG on firms’ efficiency remains in its infancy. In this study sampling 24 international hotel firms during the period of 2013–2019, we examine how ESG standards improve these hotels’ operational efficiency obtained via data envelopment analysis (DEA). We further investigate how ESG can help manage a crisis by examining the period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results reveal that ESG can indeed enhance hotels’ efficiency. Specifically, the social and environmental aspects are the most important factors that contribute to the operational efficiency of hotel firms. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, hotel firms with the best ESG practice can be more efficient than others, especially those that have very high environmental and social scores. Overall, our findings suggest that hotel firms should consider ESG investment, not only as an effective and sustainable strategy during normal times but also as a crisis management strategy to overcome unexpected crises that may arise in the future.

Funding: This work was supported by the Seed fund of Vin University [Grant IO 400043].
A spotlight on early childhood caries: The health visitor role
Authors: Jenkins Olwyn
Published: December 2023

Despite the well documented risk factors for dental caries, the condition is common, affecting just under a quarter of 5-year-old children in England. Dental caries can have a significant impact on a child's oral health and general wellbeing. However, the condition is largely preventable, and healthy dietary choices and good oral hygiene practices are key to preventing development of dental caries. Often, risk factors are well established prior to a child being seen by a dental professional. Promoting healthy choices from infancy is key in reducing prevalence of the condition. However, with difficulty accessing dental care in the UK increasingly reported, other health professionals, such as health visitors, have a pivotal role in raising awareness of the condition, providing advice and signposting to dental care.
Development of a sandy soil water content monitoring system for greenhouses using Internet of Things
Authors: Ali Mohammod , Ali Md Razob , Gulandaz Md Ashrafuzzaman , Haque Md Asrakul , Kabir Md Sazzadul , Chung Sun-Ok
Published: December 2023

Precision water management is crucial for greenhouse agriculture to maximize crop yields in sandy soil. Due to the low water holding capacity, it is necessary to monitor the water movement in different depths of sandy soil to ensure effective irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a data acquisition (DAQ) system for sandy soil water content monitoring in an experimental soil bin inside a greenhouse, utilizing the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT). A drip irrigation system was implemented, arranged in four pipelines, spaced 60 cm apart, with drippers placed at 30 cm intervals along the pipeline. The overall system was installed in a sandy soil testing bin. A DAQ system was comprised of three basic units: sensor interfacing and circuit board, programming and sensor data acquisition, and data storage and monitoring. A microprocessor was used by interfacing a set of soil water content sensors, ambient temperature, and humidity sensors. The water content sensors were placed in the soil at different depths of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm, respectively. A microcontroller was used to collect and send the sensor data to monitor and store in memory. During the test, the maximum and minimum average of soil water content, ambient temperature, and humidity values were observed at 33.91±2.5 to 26.95±1.3%, 21.39±2.1 to 42.84±1.7°C, and 48.73±2.3 to 99.90±0.3%, respectively. The water content percentages were varied at different depths of sandy soil due to low water holding capacity. The developed automatic DAQ system would help with remote monitoring and control of greenhouse irrigation, considering the different crop characteristics and environmental conditions.
Antenna Synthesis by Levin’s Method using Reproducing Kernel Functions
Authors: Sener Goker
Published: December 2023

An antenna synthesis application is presented by solving a highly oscillatory Fourier integral using a stable and accurate Levin’s algorithm. In antenna synthesis, the current distribution is obtained by the inverse Fourier integral of the antenna radiation pattern. Since this integral is highly oscillatory, the Levin method can be used for its solution. However, when the number of nodes or the frequency increases, the Levin method becomes unstable and ineffective due to the large condition number of the interpolation matrix. Thus, an improved scheme of the method is used in an antenna synthesis application in which reproducing kernel functions are used as the basis of the approximation function. The accuracy of the new method is verified by a log-periodic antenna example. The error and stability analysis results show that the new method is more stable and accurate than other well-known kernels, especially for a large number of nodes.
Analysis and Design of Broadband OAM Array Antenna
Authors: Zhang Yunqi , Zhao Shiliu , Li Xuping , Wang Leying
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a Uniform Circular Array (UCA) antenna of crossed-dipole that can excite vortex waves in a wide frequency range from 3.5 GHz to 8.4 GHz. In the design process, the theoretical derivation of the influence on the Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) when the antenna elements are arrayed in Co-directional Antenna Array (CAA) and Rotational Antenna Array (RAA) is given respectively. The fixed mode of the dipoles CAA is achieved by feeding each element with equal amplitude and 90∘ phase difference produced by the broadband feeding network. Furthermore, the proposed broadband OAM array antenna has been fabricated and measured to verify the predicted properties. The vortex electromagnetic wave with +1 mode could be excited in the bandwidth of 82.35%. Simulated and measured results are in good agreement. The proposed OAM array antenna is simple in design principle, compact in structure and low in profile, making this array antenna an excellent candidate for broadband OAM communication systems.
Residual Flux Measurement of Single-phase Transformers based on Equivalent Resistance
Authors: Wang Qingkun , Ren Yuzhan , Wang Youhua , Liu Chengcheng , Wu Shipu
Published: December 2023

Due to the presence of transformer residual flux, the magnetic flux of the core rapidly reaches saturation, thus causing an inrush current when the no-load transformer is directly connected to the grid, which affects the safe operation of the grid. Therefore, it is necessary to study the residual flux in the core to reduce the inrush current. However, the residual flux estimation has a large error. In this paper, a method is proposed to measure the residual flux of the transformer core by solving equivalent resistance and determining the direction of residual flux by the difference between the forward and reverse transient currents. In addition, the relationship between residual flux and equivalent resistance is established, and the empirical formula is obtained for calculating the residual flux. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the residual flux of the square core is measured on the constructed experimental platform. Compared with the experimental results, the relative error of the residual flux of the core calculated by the proposed method is within 6%, which has higher accuracy and provides a reference for residual flux estimation.