bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application and effect evaluation of case management nursing practice mode in patients with precision radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Xu Dejing , Lou Shuchang , Li Jun
Published: March 2023

To explore the application and effect evaluation of case management nursing practice mode in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving precision radiotherapy. Fifty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosed for the initial treatment in our hospital from February 2020 to October 2020 were selected as the control group and 50 patients with the same condition in the same period were selected as the experimental group. The experimental group was trained by nurses to implement case management nursing practice mode for nasopharyngeal cancer patients; in the control group, nasopharyngeal cancer patients were treated with general nursing routine, such as health education and discharge guidance before chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Compared with the control group, self‐care ability and patient satisfaction of experimental group were improved to a certain extent, and the differences were statistically significant (p < .05). The nursing practice mode of case management is suitable for patients with cancer and chronic diseases. The mode can provide continuous and high‐quality nursing for patients, improve patients' self‐care ability, satisfaction with hospitalization, and so forth, and thus is worthy of clinical application.
Optimized genetic code expansion technology for time‐dependent induction of adhesion GPCR‐ligand engagement
Authors: Streit Marcel , Hemberger Mareike , Häfner Stephanie , Knote Felix , Langenhan Tobias , Beliu Gerti
Published: March 2023

The introduction of an engineered aminoacyl–tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair enables site‐specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids (uAAs) with functionalized side chains into proteins of interest. Genetic Code Expansion (GCE) via amber codon suppression confers functionalities to proteins but can also be used to temporally control the incorporation of genetically encoded elements into proteins. Here, we report an optimized GCE system (GCEXpress) for efficient and fast uAA incorporation. We demonstrate that GCEXpress can be used to efficiently alter the subcellular localization of proteins within living cells. We show that click labeling can resolve co‐labeling problems of intercellular adhesive protein complexes. We apply this strategy to study the adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor (aGPCR) ADGRE5/CD97 and its ligand CD55/DAF that play central roles in immune functions and oncological processes. Furthermore, we use GCEXpress to analyze the time course of ADGRE5‐CD55 ligation and replenishment of mature receptor‐ligand complexes. Supported by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments our results show that ADGRE5 and CD55 form stable intercellular contacts that may support transmission of mechanical forces onto ADGRE5 in a ligand‐dependent manner. We conclude that GCE in combination with biophysical measurements can be a useful approach to analyze the adhesive, mechanical and signaling properties of aGPCRs and their ligand interactions.
Leptosphaeria maculans isolates with variations in AvrLm1 and AvrLm4 effector genes induce differences in defence responses but not in resistance phenotypes in cultivars carrying the Rlm7 gene
Authors: Stotz Henrik Uwe , Ali Ajisa Muthayil , de Lope Lucia Robado , Rafi Mohammed Sajid , Mitrousia Georgia Konstantinou , Huang Yong‐Ju , Fitt Bruce David Ledger
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The phoma stem canker pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans is one of the most widespread and devastating pathogens of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in the world. Pathogen colonization is stopped by an interaction of a pathogen Avr effector gene with the corresponding host resistance (R) gene. While molecular mechanisms of this gene‐for‐gene interaction are being elucidated, understanding of effector function remains limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the action of L. maculans effector (AvrLm) genes on incompatible interactions triggered by B. napus noncorresponding R (Rlm) genes. Specifically, effects of AvrLm4‐7 and AvrLm1 on Rlm7‐mediated resistance were studied.

RESULTS

Although there was no major effect on symptom expression, induction of defence genes (e.g. PR1) and accumulation of reactive oxygen species was reduced when B. napus cv. Excel carrying Rlm7 was challenged with a L. maculans isolate containing AvrLm1 and a point mutation in AvrLm4‐7 (AvrLm1, avrLm4‐AvrLm7) compared to an isolate lacking AvrLm1 (avrLm1, AvrLm4‐AvrLm7). AvrLm7‐containing isolates, isogenic for presence or absence of AvrLm1, elicited similar symptoms on hosts with or without Rlm7, confirming results obtained with more genetically diverse isolates.

CONCLUSION

Careful phenotypic examination of isogenic L. maculans isolates and B. napus introgression lines demonstrated a lack of effect of AvrLm1 on Rlm7‐mediated resistance despite an apparent alteration of the Rlm7‐dependent defence response using more diverse fungal isolates with differences in AvrLm1 and AvrLm4. As deployment of Rlm7 resistance in crop cultivars increases, other effectors need to be monitored because they may alter the predominance of AvrLm7. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
No life‐history cost of tebufenozide resistance in the smaller tea tortrix moth
Authors: Lee Tingyat M , Smith R A , Nelson William A , Day Troy , Sato Yasushi
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Tebufenozide is widely used to control populations of the smaller tea tortrix, Adoxophyes honmai. However, A. honmai has evolved resistance such that straightforward pesticide application is an untenable long‐term approach for population control. Evaluating the fitness cost of resistance is key to devising a management strategy that slows the evolution of resistance.

RESULTS

We used three approaches to assess the life‐history cost of tebufenozide resistance with two strains of A. honmai: a tebufenozide‐resistant strain recently collected from the field in Japan and a susceptible strain that has been maintained in the laboratory for decades. First, we found that the resistant strain with standing genetic variation did not decline in resistance in the absence of insecticide over four generations. Second, we found that genetic lines that spanned a range of resistance profiles did not show a negative correlation between their LD50, the dosage at which 50 % of individuals died, and life‐history traits that are correlates of fitness. Third, we found that the resistant strain did not manifest life‐history costs under food limitation. Our crossing experiments indicate that the allele at an ecdysone receptor locus known to confer resistance explained much of the variance in resistance profiles across genetic lines.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the point mutation in the ecdysone receptor, which is widespread in tea plantations in Japan, does not carry a fitness cost in the tested laboratory conditions. The absence of a cost of resistance and the mode of inheritance have implications for which strategies may be effective in future resistance management efforts. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Phase Composition, Microstructure, and Optical Characteristics of Spin‐Coated La‐TiO2 and Fe–TiO2
Authors: Liboon Alfredo , Cabo Shena Ramyr , Unabia Romnick B. , Bagsican Filchito Renee G. , Candidato Rolando T.
Published: March 2023

Herein, TiO2, La‐added, and Fe‐added TiO2 coatings are synthesized by sol–gel spin coating using acid catalyst‐free titania precursors, and their microstructural and optical characteristics are studied. The possible reaction mechanism for synthesizing TiO2‐based coatings using catalyst‐free precursor is presented and correlated to their microstructural characteristic. TiO2 coatings are developed and found to be anatase in phases having submicron morphological features. The anatase composition of TiO2 coating decreases with increasing La or Fe ion concentrations. This manifests the inhibitory effect of increasing La and Fe ions to the formation of anatase TiO2. Moreover, the addition of La ions caused no significant changes in the reflectance spectra and bandgap energy of TiO2. In contrast, a remarkable red shift was observed with increasing Fe ion concentration. The calculated bandgap decreases from 3.261 to 2.096 eV with the addition of 7.5 mol% Fe ions, attributed to the formation of new energy states below the conduction band of TiO2 induced by the Fe ion. These results suggested that a low‐cost Fe added‐TiO2 material can be synthesized using an acid catalyst‐free precursor that could extend the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 to the visible light region.
Effect of the Electrodeposition Potential on the Physical Properties of Rapid Thermal Processing‐Annealed CuInSe2 Films
Authors: Saïdi Houda , Boujmil Mohamed Fethi , Bouaïcha Mongi
Published: March 2023

Herein, the effect of the bath reference potential during the one‐step electrodeposition process of chalcopyrite CuInSe2 (CIS) ﬁlms on “ITO‐coated glass” substrate is reported. Electrodeposited films are annealed by rapid thermal processing (RTP) under argon atmosphere. The deposition potential ranges between −0.85 and −0.65 V. The surface morphology and crystalline structure are investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Obtained results from XRD are supported by cyclic voltammetric measurements. Values of the extinction coefficient and refractive index are determined by fitting curves of theoretical reflectance and transmittance to experimental ones using the Fresnel matrix method. Results show that the deposition potential affects the physical properties of electrodeposited CIS films. Furthermore, using the Mott–Schottky analysis, it is shown it is possible to grow n‐ or p‐type CIS semiconductor by adjusting the cathodic voltage. This switching can be attributed to the effect of a metastable hole trap in CIS films.
Controlling In‐Plane Magnetic Anisotropy of Co Films on MgO Substrates using Glancing Angle Deposition
Authors: Frisk Andreas , Achinuq Barat , Newman David G. , Heppell Emily , Dąbrowski Maciej , Hicken Robert J. , van der Laan Gerrit , Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: March 2023

The ability to control the in‐plane magnetic anisotropy of a thin film is important for magnetic device applications. One way of accomplishing this task is by glancing angle deposition (GLAD). Herein, thin Co layers have been deposited using GLAD magnetron sputtering on MgO(001) and MgO(110) substrates. For Co films on MgO(001), the in‐plane anisotropy direction can be directly controlled via the deposition angle. In contrast, for Co on MgO(110), the anisotropy due to the deposition angle competes with the anisotropy induced by the substrate, while the growth parameters determine which contribution dominates. On the other hand, while on MgO(001) the deposition angle as well as the film thickness affect the strength of the Co in‐plane anisotropy, no influence of these parameters on the magnetic properties is found for films on MgO(110).
Vibrational Spectra and Electro‐Optic Effect of Ferroelectric LiNbO3Crystal
Authors: Li Rukang
Published: March 2023

Though being vitally important in telecommunications and modern technology, the basic optic and especially electro‐optic (EO) properties of ferroelectric LiNbO3crystal (LN) studied from high‐accuracy first‐principles calculation are still not satisfactory. Herein, the electronic structure and vibrational spectra of LN are calculated by the CRYSTAL program. With a hybrid B3LYP functional, the bandgap of 4.8473 eV, refractive indices ofno = 2.2339,ne = 2.1440, and nonlinear optical coefficients ofd11 = 2.1 pm V−1,d31 = −4.35 pm V−1, andd33 = −27.2 pm V−1are obtained. It is found that the phonon vibrations are asymmetric along especially the polar axis and the numerically calculated frequencies are strongly dependent on displacement parameters chosen. By averaging displacements to both the positive and negative directions, the obtained vibrational frequencies show excellent agreement to the measured ones except in the range of 320–370 cm−1where the assignments of the observed ones are in dispute due to extreme low spectral intensities. Based on the calculated vibrational spectra, the clamped dielectric constants of and and clamped EO coefficients of = 27.08 pm V−1, = 9.60 pm V−1,  = −5.14 pm V−1, and  = 16.90 pm V−1are obtained.
Adaptive control of nonlinear impulsively coupled complex networks with mismatching conditions
Authors: Li Liangliang , Jiang Wenlin , Tu Zhengwen
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the problem of the adaptive control of nonlinear impulsively coupled complex networks. Firstly, a class of adaptive controllers are designed for the nonlinear impulsive differential equations, where the nonlinear function can be decomposed into matching condition and mismatching condition. Secondly, combining with Lasalle invariant set theorem, Schur complement theorem and some inequality techniques, we consider the synchronization of impulsively coupled complex networks via the general adaptive control. Moreover, this paper proposes the pinning adaptive synchronization results for impulsive dynamical complex networks. Finally, the proposed results are verified by some examples in which simulations are available for comparison.
Mediation analysis in the presence of continuous exposure measurement error
Authors: Cheng Chao , Spiegelman Donna , Li Fan
Published: March 2023

The difference method is used in mediation analysis to quantify the extent to which a mediator explains the mechanisms underlying the pathway between an exposure and an outcome. In many health science studies, the exposures are almost never measured without error, which can result in biased effect estimates. This article investigates methods for mediation analysis when a continuous exposure is mismeasured. Under a linear exposure measurement error model, we prove that the bias of indirect effect and mediation proportion can go in either direction but the mediation proportion is usually be less biased when the associations between the exposure and its error‐prone counterpart are similar with and without adjustment for the mediator. We further propose methods to adjust for exposure measurement error with continuous and binary outcomes. The proposed approaches require a main study/validation study design where in the validation study, data are available for characterizing the relationship between the true exposure and its error‐prone counterpart. The proposed approaches are then applied to the Health Professional Follow‐up Study, 1986‐2016, to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) as a mediator for mediating the effect of physical activity on the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Our results reveal that physical activity is significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease incidence, and approximately half of the total effect of physical activity is mediated by BMI after accounting for exposure measurement error. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed approaches in finite samples.
Mussel‐Inspired, Underwater Self‐Healing Ionoelastomers Based on α‐Lipoic Acid for Iontronics
Authors: Gao Jiaxiang , Zhang Qing , Wu Bo , Gao Xiaodan , Liu Zhengyuan , Yang Haoyu , Yuan Jikang , Huang Jijun
Published: March 2023

Weak adhesion and lack of underwater self‐healability hinder advancing soft iontronics particularly in wet environments like sweaty skin and biological fluids. Mussel‐inspired, liquid‐free ionoelastomers are reported based on seminal thermal ring‐opening polymerization of a biomass molecule of α‐lipoic acid (LA), followed by sequentially incorporating dopamine methacrylamide as a chain extender, N,N′‐bis(acryloyl) cystamine, and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide (LiTFSI). The ionoelastomers exhibit universal adhesion to 12 substrates in both dry and wet states, superfast self‐healing underwater, sensing capability for monitoring human motion, and flame retardancy. The underwater self‐repairabilitiy prolongs over three months without deterioration, and sustains even when mechanical properties greatly increase. The unprecedented underwater self‐mendability benefits synergistically from the maximized availability of dynamic disulfide bonds and diverse reversible noncovalent interactions endowed by carboxylic groups, catechols, and LiTFSI, along with the prevented depolymerization by LiTFSI and tunability in mechanical strength. The ionic conductivity reaches 1.4 × 10−6–2.7 × 10−5 S m−1 because of partial dissociation of LiTFSI. The design rationale offers a new route for creating a wide range of LA‐ and sulfur‐derived supramolecular (bio)polymers with superior adhesion, healability, and other functionalities, and thus has technological implications for coatings, adhesives, binders and sealants, biomedical engineering and drug delivery, wearable and flexible electronics, and human–machine interfaces.
Fast number parsing without fallback
Authors: Mushtak Noble , Lemire Daniel
Published: March 2023

In recent work, Lemire (2021) presented a fast algorithm to convert number strings into binary floating‐point numbers. The algorithm has been adopted by several important systems: for example, it is part of the runtime libraries of GCC 12, Rust 1.55, and Go 1.16. The algorithm parses any number string with a significand containing no more than 19 digits into an IEEE floating‐point number. However, there is a check leading to a fallback function to ensure correctness. This fallback function is never called in practice. We prove that the fallback is unnecessary. Thus we can slightly simplify the algorithm and its implementation.
Resiliency of Apache Trout habitats in a warmer and drier climate future
Authors: Dauwalter Daniel C. , Gonzalez Rosalinda , Gatewood Tim , Beard Zachary S. , Jackson Zachary
Published: March 2023

Objective

The Southwest has the hottest and driest climate in the United States, and projections show that it will only get hotter and drier into the 2100s. The Apache Trout Oncorhynchus apache is native to the Southwest and is currently listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Our goals were to understand how climate factors influence the distribution of juvenile Apache Trout (<125 mm TL) and how climate change will influence the suitability of Apache Trout habitat into the 2080s.

Methods

We used a species distribution model to evaluate how climatic and other factors influence the distribution of juvenile Apache Trout. We used predictions from the model to evaluate how climate change might impact the suitability of streams designated for recovery of the species into the 2080s.

Result

Juvenile Apache Trout occurrence was predicted well by mean July stream temperature (°C), mean annual precipitation (dm), stream slope (%), and the presence of nonnative trout (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.85). Standardized parameter estimates showed that Rainbow Trout O. mykiss presence and annual precipitation influenced occupancy the most. Model predictions for the 2080s showed suitable habitat (occurrence probability ≥ 0.25) to increase for 11 (of 45) Apache Trout streams in the increased temperature (+3°C) only scenario (scenario 1), as headwater reaches that are currently too cold warmed to become more suitable. When we also included projected declines in annual precipitation (−5%) for the 2080s (scenario 2), the amount of suitable habitat decreased for eight Apache Trout streams and remained unchanged in all other streams.

Conclusion

Most Apache Trout populations are isolated upstream of barriers to nonnative trout in stream reaches that are currently thermally suitable with respect to mean July temperatures and would remain suitable into the 2080s. Cold headwater reaches are projected to warm, becoming more suitable in the 2080s. Thus, intentional isolation and the resultant truncated downstream distributions of Apache Trout populations in headwater streams explain the nominal effect of projected temperature increases due to climate change on this cold-adapted salmonid. Standardized model parameters suggest that future declines in precipitation, manifested through reduced snowpack and its influence on streamflows, will play a larger role than temperature in the suitability—and, thus, resiliency—of Apache Trout habitats at least into the 2080s.
A novel phytic acid based flame retardant to improve flame retardancy, hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of linear low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Feng Xi , Wang Zhengyu , Ma Hongli , Dang Bo , Li Jianxi
Published: March 2023

Exploiting high phosphorus content of phytic acid, it was grafted onto magnesium hydroxide (MH) by neutralization reaction to obtain MGPA, a flame retardant. A current study investigated the effect of MGPA on hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of MGPA‐linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites. The LLDPE composite with 50 parts of MGPA has the better flame retardancy and thermal stability with a limiting oxygen index of 23.3%, which is higher than that of neat LLDPE (17%). In addition, MGPA could effectively promoted LLDPE to form a continuous and compact char residue during combustion, which reduce the peak of heat release rate and total smoke production value of LLDPE composite by 70% and 36%, respectively, and the char residue rate increase to 67.5%. Furthermore, the maximum of loss‐rate showed by LLDPE composite with MGPA reduce to 1.25%/min while the value of LLDPE composite with MH is 1.8%/min. Meanwhile, the LLDPE composite with MGPA show remarkable elongation at break and hydrophobicity, which are 398% and 99°, respectively. In addition, this study presents a substantial flame retardancy and interfacial compatibility of MGPA for extending the applications of flame‐retardant LLDPE composites.
Introduction: The Digital Polis and Its Practices—Beyond Gated Communities
Authors: Chung Heewon , Kim Kon
Published: March 2023

This chapter introduces the concept of the ‘digital polis’ as the focus of this edited collection, which investigates the idea along the dimensions of subjectivity and reality as well as in terms of exclusion and cooperation in communities across physical and virtual urban spaces. Tracing back to Mumford’s description of the city as media and its development by Kittler, the chapter launches the ‘digital polis’ as a key concept underpinning a new theoretical framework that brings to the fore the (re)production of power, knowledge, and space by physically and virtually networked communities, thereby expanding the scope of research for Urban Humanities in contemporary urban environments. The questions we explore in the book revolve around how people, urban spaces, and technologies relate to and affect each other in an urban future. With the advent of a digital divide that produces cyberspace as a kind of gated community, what will our urban future be like? What is the ‘digital polis’ and what kinds of new subjectivity does it produce? How do digital technology and its virtuality reshape the city and our spatial awareness of it? What kinds of exclusion and cooperation are at work in communities and spaces in the digital age? This introduction helps readers navigate the following chapters to open avenues for research and to build new discourses on the ‘digital polis’ as the grounds for a genuinely humanizing urbanism in latent futures, or in other words, futures in the making that are ‘on the way’.
Newton-Like Components in the Chebyshev–Halley Family of Degree n Polynomials
Authors: Paraschiv Dan
Published: March 2023

We study the Chebyshev–Halley methods applied to the family of polynomials$$f_{n,c}(z)=z^n+c$$fn,c(z)=zn+c, for$$n\ge 2$$n≥2and$$c\in \mathbb {C}^{*}$$c∈C∗. We prove the existence of parameters such that the immediate basins of attraction corresponding to the roots of unity are infinitely connected. We also prove that, for$$n \ge 2$$n≥2, the corresponding dynamical plane contains a connected component of the Julia set, which is a quasiconformal deformation of the Julia set of the map obtained by applying Newton’s method to$$f_{n,-1}$$fn,-1.
Opportunities and barriers for prehospital emergency medical services research in the Netherlands; results of a mixed-methods consensus study
Authors: Vianen Niek J. , Maissan Iscander M. , den Hartog Dennis , Stolker Robert J. , Houmes Robert J. , Gommers Diederik A. M. P. J. , Van Meeteren Nico L. U. , Hoeks Sanne E. , Van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Van Vledder Mark G. ,   the Dutch Opportunities & Barriers in EMS research group, Alsma Jelmer , Baden David N. , Bevelander Timo , Bierens Joost , Bollen Jan , Bosch Jan , Dercksen Bert , Duvekot Johannes J. , Gaakeer Menno I. , van Geffen Geert-Jan , Geurts Dorien H. F. , van Grunsven Pierre M. , van Heijl Mark , van ’t Hof Arnoud , Hollmann Markus W. , Hoogerwerf Nico , Huig Isabelle C. , Kooij Fabian , de Leeuw Marcel A. , van der Marel Caroline D. , Morsink Marlies , Noordergraaf Gerrit J. , van de Pas Harm , Peters Joost H. , Poeze Martijn , Richelle Paul , Roozenbeek Bob , Schober Patrick , Schoonhoven Lisette , van Schuppen Hans , Siegers Arjen , Tibboel Dick , Tolsma Rudolf T. , Turner Nigel M. , de Visser Matthijs , Vloet Lilian C. M. , de Vos Ronald , van Wageningen Bas , van der Weerd Angelique
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Quality improvement in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) can only be achieved by high-quality research and critical appraisal of current practices. This study examines current opportunities and barriers in EMS research in the Netherlands.

Methods

This mixed-methods consensus study consisted of three phases. The first phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders. Thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from these interviews was used to identify main themes, which were subsequently discussed in several online focus groups in the second phase. Output from these discussions was used to shape statements for an online Delphi consensus study among relevant stakeholders in EMS research. Consensus was met if 80% of respondents agreed or disagreed on a particular statement.

Results

Forty-nine stakeholders participated in the study; qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews and focus group discussions identified four main themes: (1) data registration and data sharing, (2) laws and regulations, (3) financial aspects and funding, and (4) organization and culture. Qualitative data from the first two phases of the study were used to construct 33 statements for an online Delphi study. Consensus was reached on 21 (64%) statements. Eleven (52%) of these statements pertained to the storage and use of EMS patient data.

Conclusion

Barriers for prehospital EMS research in the Netherlands include issues regarding the use of patient data, privacy and legislation, funding and research culture in EMS organizations. Opportunities to increase scientific productivity in EMS research include the development of a national strategy for EMS data and the incorporation of EMS topics in research agendas of national medical professional associations.
The Blinded-Dose Purchase Task: assessing hypothetical demand based on cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol administration
Authors: Berry Meredith S. , Naudé Gideon P. , Johnson Patrick S. , Johnson Matthew W.
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Behavioral economic drug purchase tasks quantify the reinforcing value of a drug (i.e., demand). Although widely used to assess demand, drug expectancies are rarely accounted for and may introduce variability across participants given diverse drug experiences.

Objectives

Three experiments validated and extended previous hypothetical purchase tasks by using blinded drug dose as a reinforcing stimulus, and determined hypothetical demand for experienced effects while controlling for drug expectancies.

Methods

Across three double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject experiments, cocaine (0, 125, 250 mg/70 kg; n=12), methamphetamine (0, 20, 40 mg; n=19), and alcohol (0, 1 g/kg alcohol; n=25) were administered and demand was assessed using the Blinded-Dose Purchase Task. Participants answered questions regarding simulated purchasing of the blinded drug dose across increasing prices. Demand metrics, subjective effects, and self-reported real-world monetary spending on drugs were evaluated.

Results

Data were well modeled by the demand curve function, with significantly higher intensity (purchasing at low prices) for active drug doses compared to placebo for all experiments. Unit-price analyses revealed more persistent consumption across prices (lower α) in the higher compared to lower active dose condition for methamphetamine (a similar non-significant finding emerged for cocaine). Significant associations between demand metrics, peak subjective effects, and real-world spending on drugs also emerged across all experiments.

Conclusions

Orderly demand curve data revealed differences across drug and placebo conditions, and relations to real-world measures of drug spending, and subjective effects. Unit-price analyses enabled parsimonious comparisons across doses. Results lend credence to the validity of the Blinded-Dose Purchase Task, which allows for control of drug expectancies.
Conditional alternative movement tactics in male crocodiles
Authors: Barham Kaitlin E. , Baker Cameron J. , Franklin Craig E. , Campbell Hamish A. , Frére Celine H. , Irwin Terri R. , Dwyer Ross G.
Published: March 2023

In species where conflict is costly, individuals adopt alternative movement tactics to minimise the risk of competitive interactions. Dominant males often maintain defined territories, while less competitive males may be forced to adopt alternative tactics to maximise fitness and reduce conflict. However, the extent to which males switch tactics according to current social or physiological status is poorly understood. Using implanted acoustic tags and a fixed array of tracking receivers, we investigated how the behaviour of 78 male estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) shifted over an 11-year period in relation to ontogeny, body condition, and the extent of physical injuries. We discovered that male crocodiles sorted into three common movement classes, with 51% of males maintaining the same movement class across consecutive years (max = 9 years). Males > 4 m in total length maintained confined territories both within and across years and had the greatest extent of injuries and the highest condition score, indicative of territory holders. In contrast, smaller males sorted into high movement roamer or low movement site-philopatric tactics, where the tactic an individual adopted was less stable between years and did not correlate with condition or external injuries. Our study reveals the socio-biological mechanisms by which estuarine crocodiles coexist within a restricted habitat.

Significance statement

Identifying individual-level differences in movement helps us predict which individuals are more likely to be involved in human-wildlife interactions. However, studying long-term shifts in movement is challenging, as large datasets of co-occurring individuals tracked in their natural environment over multiple years are required. We tracked a population of 78 male estuarine crocodiles (1030–4687 mm total length) in a shared environment over 11 years and assessed how eight movement traits were linked to body size and physical condition. At the population level, males sorted into different movement tactics according to ontogeny, with large territorial males having better body condition yet a greater incidence of injury. However, 49% of males showed variability across years, suggesting that tactics were conditional relative to environmental variability and a male’s own status. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms and costs of movement tactics in wild crocodile populations.
Exploring prehistoric plant use by molecular analyses of Neolithic grave goods
Authors: D’Agostino Alessia , Di Marco Gabriele , Rolfo Mario Federico , Canini Antonella , Gismondi Angelo
Published: March 2023

At the site of Grotta Mora Cavorso (Lazio, Italy), an unusual archaeological find, made of two coarse pottery vessels, was recovered from burial levels radiocarbon dated to 6,405–6,275 bp. These artefacts were analysed using several methods, for interpretation of the cultural practices of the earliest inhabitants in central Italy. This first molecular evidence about the potential processing and storage of poppy-based products in Neolithic pottery was obtained by detecting ancient DNA (aDNA) and chemical compounds. This study represents the second evidence from the Mediterranean area of the use of Papaver L. (poppies), although the actual use(s) of these plants then, for example as sedatives, drugs, or food, remains uncertain. Also, the employment of Olea europaea L. (olive) derivatives in foods or for other purposes was suggested, in agreement with the recovery of fruit stones at the site. The results of the present archaeobotanical investigation show the environmental knowledge of the first prehistoric communities living in central Italy, who might have shared their ethnobotanical practices.
Clinical experience of thoracoplasty with absorbable rib substitutes
Authors: Mancera Juliana , Echeverri Viviana , Castillo Ana M. , Rodríguez Luis F. , Zarama Ricardo , Villamil Carlos , Luengas Juan P.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Malignant chest wall tumors are rare in pediatrics. They require multimodal oncological treatment and local surgical control. Resections are extensive; therefore, thoracoplasty should be planned to protect intrathoracic organs, prevent herniation, future deformities, preserve ventilatory dynamics, and enable radiotherapy.

Methods

We present a case series of children with malignant chest wall tumors and our surgical experience with thoracoplasty using absorbable rib substitutes (BioBridge®), after local surgical control. BioBridge® is a copolymer made of a polylactide acid blend (70% L-lactic acid y 30% DL-lactide).

Results

In 2 years, we had three patients with malignant chest wall tumors. Resection margins were negative, without recurrence at follow-up. We achieved good cosmetic and functional results, and no postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Alternative reconstruction techniques such as absorbable rib substitutes provide protection, guarantee a flexible chest wall, and do not interfere with adjuvant radiotherapy. Currently, there are no management protocols in thoracoplasty. This option represents an excellent alternative for patients with chest wall tumors. Knowledge of different approaches and reconstructive principles is essential to offer children the best onco-surgical option.
Is a less-intensive follow-up for colon cancer in early stages reasonable?
Authors: Esswein Katharina , Volpi Marco , Ninkovic Marijana , Kröpfl Veronika , Gasser Elisabeth , Lorenz Andreas , Stecher Lea , Kafka-Ritsch Reinhold , Schneeberger Stefan , Öfner Dietmar , Perathoner Alexander
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Patients with colon cancer are usually included in an intensive 5-year surveillance protocol after curative resection, independent of the tumor stage, though early stages have a considerably lower risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to analyze the adherence to an intensive follow-up and the risk of recurrence in patients with colon cancer in UICC stages I and II.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we assessed patients who underwent resection for colon cancer in UICC stages I and II between 2007 and 2016. Data were collected on demographics, tumor stages, therapy, surveillance, recurrent disease, and oncological outcome.

Results

Of the 232 included patients, 43.5% (n = 101) reached the 5-year follow-up disease-free. Seven (7.5%) patients in stage UICC I and sixteen (11.5%) in UICC II had a recurrence, with the highest risk in patients with pT4 (26.3%). A metachronous colon cancer was detected in four patients (1.7%). The therapy of recurrence was intended to be curative in 57.1% (n = 4) of UICC stage I and in 43.8% (n = 7) of UICC stage II, but only in one of seven patients over 80 years. 44.8% (n = 104) of the patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

A postoperative surveillance in patients with colon cancer is important and recommended as a recurrent disease can be treated successfully in many patients. However, we suggest that a less intensive surveillance protocol is reasonable for patients with colon cancer in early tumor stages, especially in UICC stage I, as the risk of recurrent disease is low. With elderly and/or frail patients in a reduced general condition, who will not endure further specific therapy in case of a recurrence, the performance of the surveillance should be discussed: we recommend a significant reduction or even renunciation.
Changes in quantity plant-based protein intake on type 2 diabetes remission in coronary heart disease patients: from the CORDIOPREV study
Authors: Gutierrez-Mariscal Francisco M. , Alcalá-Diaz Juan F. , Quintana-Navarro Gracia M. , de la Cruz-Ares Silvia , Torres-Peña José D. , Cardelo Magdalena P. , Arenas-Larriva Antonio P. , Malagón María M. , Romero-Cabrera Juan L. , Ordovás José M. , Pérez-Martínez Pablo , Delgado-Lista Javier , Yubero-Serrano Elena M. , Lopez-Miranda José
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Diabetes remission is a phenomenon described in the context of drastic weight loss due to bariatric surgery or low-calorie diets. Evidence suggests that increasing the intake of plant protein could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. We sought for association between changes in plant protein intake in the context of 2 healthy diets without weight loss nor glucose-lowering medication, and diabetes remission in coronary heart disease patients from the CORDIOPREV study.

Methods

Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes participants without glucose-lowering treatment were randomized to consume a Mediterranean or a low-fat diet. Type 2 diabetes remission was assessed with a median follow-up of 60 months according to the ADA recommendation. Information on patient's dietary intake was collected using food-frequency questionnaires. At first year of intervention, 177 patients were classified according to changes in plant protein consumption into those who increased or decreased its intake, in order to perform an observational analysis on the association between protein intake and diabetes remission.

Results

Cox regression showed that patients increasing plant protein intake were more likely to remit from diabetes than those who decreased its intake (HR = 1.71(1.05–2.77)). The remission occurred mainly at first and second year of follow-up with diminished number of patients achieving remission in the third year onwards. The increase in plant protein was associated with lower intake of animal protein, cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and fat, and with higher intake of whole grains, fibre, carbohydrates, legumes, and tree nuts.

Conclusion

These results support the need to increase protein intake of vegetal origin as dietary therapy to reverse type 2 diabetes in the context of healthy diets without weight loss.
Characterisation of community-dwelling older adults with poor appetite
Authors: Scheufele Pia , Rappl Anja , Visser Marjolein , Kiesswetter Eva , Volkert Dorothee
Published: March 2023

Purpose

A poor appetite affects up to 27% of community-dwelling older adults in Europe and is an early predictor of malnutrition. Little is known about the factors associated with poor appetite. The present study, therefore, aims to characterise older adults with poor appetite.

Methods

As part of the European JPI project APPETITE, data from 850 participants, aged ≥ 70 years of the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA) from 2015/16 were analysed. Appetite during the last week was assessed with a five-point scale and dichotomised into "normal" and "poor". Binary logistic regression was used to examine associations between 25 characteristics from 5 domains—physiological, emotional, cognitive, social, and lifestyle—and appetite. First, domain-specific models were calculated using stepwise backward selection. Second, all variables contributing to poor appetite were combined in a multi-domain model.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported poor appetite was 15.6%. Fourteen parameters from all five single-domain models contributed to poor appetite and were entered into the multi-domain model. Here, female sex (total prevalence: 56.1%, odds ratio: 1.95 [95% confidence interval 1.10–3.44]), self-reported chewing problems (2.4%, 5.69 [1.88–17.20]), any unintended weight loss in the last 6 months (6.7%, 3.07 [1.36–6.94]), polypharmacy defined as ≥ 5 medications in the past 2 weeks (38.4%, 1.87 [1.04–3.39]), and depressive symptoms (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale without appetite item) (1.12 [1.04–1.21]) were associated with an increased likelihood of having poor appetite.

Conclusion

According to this analysis, older people with the characteristics described above are more likely to have a poor appetite.
Validation and optimization of the diatom L/D ratio as a diagnostic marker for drowning
Authors: Hagen Dominik , Pittner Stefan , Zhao Jian , Obermayer Astrid , Stoiber Walter , Steinbacher Peter , Monticelli Fabio C. , Gotsmy Walther
Published: March 2023

If a dead body is discovered in water, it nearly always raises the question about the cause of death, often associated with the persistent problem to differentiate between a drowning incident and post-mortem immersion. In numerous cases, a reliable confirmation of death by drowning is often only possible by a combination of diagnoses obtained from autopsy and additional investigations. As to the latter, the use of diatoms has been suggested (and debated) since decades. Based on the consideration that diatoms are present in almost every natural waterbody and are unavoidably incorporated when water is inhaled, their presence in the lung and other tissues can provide evidence of drowning. However, the traditional diatom test methods are still subject of controversial discussion and suspected of erroneous outcome, predominantly through contamination. A promising alternative to minimize the risk of erroneous outcome seems to be disclosed by the recently suggested MD-VF-Auto SEM technique. Especially the establishment of a new diagnostic marker (L/D ratio), which represents the factorial proportion between the diatom concentration in lung tissue and the drowning medium, allows for clearer distinction of drowning and post-mortal immersion and is largely robust to contamination. However, this highly elaborated technique requires specific devices which are frequently unavailable. We therefore developed a modified method of SEM-based diatom testing to enable the use on more routinely available equipment. Process steps such as digestion, filtration, and image acquisition were thoroughly broken down, optimized, and ultimately validated in five confirmed drowning cases. Taking certain limitations into consideration, L/D ratio analysis provided promising results, even in cases of advanced decomposition. We conclude that our modified protocol indeed opens a way for a broader use of the method in forensic drowning investigation.
Neuromuscular junction involvement in inherited motor neuropathies: genetic heterogeneity and effect of oral salbutamol treatment
Authors: McMacken Grace , Whittaker Roger G. , Wake Ruth , Lochmuller Hanns , Horvath Rita
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Inherited defects of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprise an increasingly diverse range of diseases. Several recently identified genes highlight the overlap between peripheral neuropathies and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). The beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol has been shown to provide symptomatic benefit in CMS, while improving structural defects at the NMJ. Based on these findings, we identified cases of motor neuropathy with NMJ dysfunction and assessed the effect of salbutamol on motor function.

Methods

Cases of motor neuropathy with significant NMJ dysfunction, were identified using repetitive nerve stimulation and single fibre electromyography. Oral salbutamol was administered for 12 months. Repeat neurophysiological and clinical assessments were undertaken at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.

Results

Significant defects of neuromuscular transmission were identified in 15 patients harbouring a range of genetic defects, including mutations in GARS1, DNM2, SYT2 and DYNC1H. No clear benefit on motor function was seen following the administration of 12 months of oral salbutamol; however, there was a significant improvement in patient reported fatigue. In addition, no clear effect on neurophysiological parameters was seen in patients treated with salbutamol. Side-effects due to off-target beta-adrenergic effects were significant in the patient cohort.

Conclusion

These results highlight the involvement of the NMJ in several subtypes of motor neuropathies, including subtypes of neuropathy due to deficits in mitochondrial fusion-fission, synaptic vesicle transport, calcium channels and tRNA synthetases. Whether the NMJ dysfunction is simply due to muscle reinnervation or a pathology unrelated to denervation is unknown. The involvement of the NMJ may represent a novel therapeutic target in these conditions. However, treatment regimens will need to be more targeted for patients with primary inherited defects of neuromuscular transmission.
Opposite changes in the expression of clathrin and caveolin-1 in normal and cancerous human prostate tissue: putative clathrin-mediated recycling of EGFR
Authors: Xie Boyu , Zuhair Hawra , Henrique Rui , Millar Michael , Robson Timothy , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Dickens Kerry , Pendjiky Jane , Muneer Asif , Patel Hiten , Ahmed Aamir
Published: March 2023

Endocytosis, an important macromolecule uptake process in cells, is known to be dysregulated in cancer. Clathrin and caveolin-1 proteins play a major role in receptor-mediated endocytosis. We have used a quantitative, unbiased and semi-automated method to measure in situ protein expression of clathrin and caveolin-1 in cancerous and paired normal (cancer adjacent, non-cancerous) human prostate tissue. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the expression of clathrin in prostate cancer samples (N = 29, n = 91) compared to normal tissue (N = 29, n = 67) (N = number of patients, n = number of cores in tissue arrays). Conversely, there was a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in expression of caveolin-1 in prostate cancer tissue compared to normal prostate tissue. The opposite change in expression of the two proteins was highly correlated to increasing cancer aggressiveness. There was also a concurrent increase in the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a key receptor in carcinogenesis, with clathrin in prostate cancer tissue, indicating recycling of EGFR through clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). These results indicate that in prostate cancer, caveolin-1-mediated endocytosis (CavME) may be acting as a brake and increase in CME may facilitate tumorigenicity and aggressiveness of prostate cancer through recycling of EGFR. Changes in the expression of these proteins can also potentially be used as a biomarker for prostate cancer to aid in diagnosis and prognosis and clinical decision-making.