bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Amlodipine Besylate Tablet in Healthy Chinese Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Tang Liyuan , Wang Yanrong , Chen Ran , He Yuanyuan , Liu Ying , Wang Na , Sun Xiaoyan , Song Jingya
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the blood concentration and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of 2 formulations under fasting and ed conditions in healthy Chinese volunteers and to evaluate whether the 2 preparations were bioequivalent. This trial screened 170 subjects. Thirteen subjects were assigned to the fasting trial and 18 subjects to the fed trial; 1 subject in the fed trial group was automatically withdrawn for personal reasons. Two cycles had a 14‐day washout period. This clinical study was a bioequivalence study, with PK parameters as end point indicators. The bioequivalence PK parameters were the maximal concentration (Cmax), area under the blood drug concentration‐time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUC0‐72 h), and the time to peak plasma concentration (tmax) which were determined in human plasma by the liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method, and nonatrioventricular model analysis was used to determine Cmax, AUC0‐72 h, tmax, and other PK parameters. The incidence of adverse events was calculated on the basis of System Organ Classification and Preferred Terms. The results showed that the amlodipine besylate tablets met the equivalence range requirements of bioequivalence in the guidelines for human bioavailability and bioequivalence testing under fasting and fed conditions, compared to the fasting test; the tmax of the fed test was almost unchanged; and the Cmax and AUC0‐72 h showed no difference between fasting and fed conditions. It was confirmed that both formulations were well tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed.
A lightweight hierarchical method for improving security in the internet of things using fuzzy logic
Authors: Doostani Shadi , Barati Hamid , Barati Ali
Published: November 2023

The internet of things (IoT) refers to the interconnection of various devices through the internet. With the help of IoT, different applications and devices can interact with each other and even with humans through the internet. However, the widespread use of IoT in homes, offices, and private companies has raised concerns about privacy and security. The theft of user information by hackers is a major challenge that has hindered the adoption of IoT. This paper proposes a method for improving security on two levels: intra‐cluster and inter‐cluster. In the intra‐cluster phase, the cluster head uses fuzzy logic to measure the trust level of nodes. If the node is trusted, the information is received and sent to the destination. In the inter‐cluster phase, data between cluster heads is encrypted using column transposition encryption. The encryption is hop by hop, and the encryption key is changed at each hop. The proposed method is simulated using NS‐2 software. A comparison of the proposed method's performance with conventional methods shows that the proposed method results in better packet delivery rate, throughput, and prevention of link spoofing attacks.
Chronological analysis of periodontal bone loss in experimental periodontitis in mice
Authors: Hernández Martínez Cristhiam de J.  , Felix Silva Pedro  , Salvador Sergio L. , Messora Michel , Palioto Daniela B.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Periodontal disease is understood to be a result of dysbiotic interactions between the host and the biofilm, causing a unique reaction for each individual, which in turn characterizes their susceptibility. The objective of this study was to chronologically evaluate periodontal tissue destruction induced by systemic bacterial challenge in known susceptible (BALB/c) and resistant (C57BL/6) mouse lineages.

Material and Methods

Animals, 6–8 weeks old, were allocated into three experimental groups: Negative control (C), Gavage with sterile carboxymethyl cellulose 2%—without bacteria (Sham), and Gavage with carboxymethyl cellulose 2% + Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg‐W83). Before infection, all animals received antibiotic treatment (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, 400/80 mg/5 mL) for 7 days, followed by 3 days of rest. Microbial challenge was performed 3 times per week for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. After that, the animals were kept until the completion of 42 days of experiments, when they were euthanized. The alveolar bone microarchitecture was assessed by computed microtomography.

Results

Both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice exhibited significant bone volume loss and lower trabecular thickness as well as greater bone porosity compared to the (C) and (Sham) groups after 1 week of microbial challenge (p < .001). When comparing only the gavage groups regarding disease implantation, time and lineage, it was possible to observe that within 1 week of induction the disease was more established in BALB/c than in C57BL/6 (p < .05).

Conclusions

Our results reflected that after 1 week of microbial challenge, there was evidence of alveolar bone loss for both lineages, with the loss observed in BALB/c mice being more pronounced.
Circular economy: On the road to ISO 59000 family of standards
Authors: Arana‐Landin German , Sigüenza Waleska , Landeta‐Manzano Beñat , Laskurain‐Iturbe Iker
Published: November 2023

The article aims to analyse the experience regarding the adoption of the voluntary French standard XP X30‐901, used as the main reference point to design the ISO 59004 that will define the terminology, principles and guidance to provide a common understanding of the circular economy. After an analysis of its structure, based on a case study conducted in a pioneering company, the study provides an innovative contribution to the understanding of the adoption of Circular Economy Project Management Systems by companies to move towards CE through XP X30‐901, explaining the main drivers and barriers, the standard's adoption process and the effects in the results. The main enabler is considered its experience working with an integrated management system. The adoption has helped to integrate actions to improve the indicators of the seven areas considered by the standard: Sustainable Sourcing, Eco‐design, Industrial Symbiosis, Functional Economy, Responsible Consumption, Extending Lifetime and Efficient Management of Materials at the end of life. Overall, the company appears to be satisfied with the adoption, mainly, because it has helped it to structure actions to improve its circularity indicators. However, the need for capital to develop the investments has been the most important barrier.
Blockchain and the transition to the circular economy: A literature review
Authors: Schmidt Jefferson Leandro , Sehnem Simone , Spuldaro Juliano Danilo
Published: November 2023

Companies and industries face various challenges when it comes to embracing the circular economy (CE). These challenges not only deter companies from adopting effective strategies that promote it but also hinder industries from effectively establishing a circular system that ensures the addition of economic value to the supply chain. To address these challenges, blockchain technology has emerged as a new and revolutionary protocol for sharing and updating information. It does so by linking databases within a decentralized, peer‐to‐peer, open‐access network, guaranteeing secure, immutable, and irreversible operations. Within this context, the primary objective of this article is to investigate how blockchain technology supports the transition to the CE. Additionally, the paper aims to identify the barriers that hinder the process of transitioning to the CE. To achieve this, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, considering 22 articles published in recent years across Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. The results of this review underscore the considerable potential of blockchain in supporting companies and industries as they embrace their roles in the CE and seek to overcome the barriers they encounter. The findings reveal that blockchain supports the transition to the CE by facilitating decentralization, enabling smart contracting, enhancing information sharing and improvement, ensuring traceability and transparency, providing incentives, offering protection and security, and promoting value creation. However, in examining the barriers that blockchain may face in supporting companies and industries as they transition to the CE, certain challenges are highlighted. These include issues related to low scalability, insufficient funding, underdeveloped regulations, limited infrastructure support, a lack of standardization and generalization, high initial adoption costs, associated risks, and a deficiency in engagement and awareness. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating that although barriers may pose challenges to blockchain's role in facilitating the CE transition, the benefits it offers are likely to outweigh these obstacles.
Plasma SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA elimination and RAGE kinetics distinguish COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Deng Xiaoyan , Gantner Pierre , Forestell Julia , Pagliuzza Amélie , Brunet‐Ratnasingham Elsa , Durand Madeleine , Kaufmann Daniel E , Chomont Nicolas , Craig Morgan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Identifying biomarkers causing differential SARS‐CoV‐2 infection kinetics associated with severe COVID‐19 is fundamental for effective diagnostics and therapeutic planning.

Methods

In this work, we applied mathematical modelling to investigate the relationships between patient characteristics, plasma SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA dynamics and COVID‐19 severity. Using a straightforward mathematical model of within‐host viral kinetics, we estimated key model parameters from serial plasma viral RNA (vRNA) samples from 256 hospitalised COVID‐19+ patients.

Results

Our model predicted that clearance rates distinguish key differences in plasma vRNA kinetics and severe COVID‐19. Moreover, our analyses revealed a strong correlation between plasma vRNA kinetics and plasma receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) concentrations (a plasma biomarker of lung damage), collected in parallel to plasma vRNA from patients in our cohort, suggesting that RAGE can substitute for viral plasma shedding dynamics to prospectively classify seriously ill patients.

Conclusion

Overall, our study identifies factors of COVID‐19 severity, supports interventions to accelerate viral clearance and underlines the importance of mathematical modelling to better understand COVID‐19.
Improving thymus implantation for congenital athymia with interleukin‐7
Authors: Min Hyunjung , Valente Laura A , Xu Li , O'Neil Shane M , Begg Lauren R , Kurtzberg Joanne , Filiano Anthony J
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Thymus implantation is a recently FDA‐approved therapy for congenital athymia. Patients receiving thymus implantation develop a functional but incomplete T cell compartment. Our objective was to develop a mouse model to study clinical thymus implantation in congenital athymia and to optimise implantation procedures to maximise T cell education and expansion of naïve T cells.

Methods

Using Foxn1nu athymic mice as recipients, we tested MHC‐matched and ‐mismatched donor thymi that were implanted as fresh tissue or cultured to remove donor T cells. We first implanted thymus under the kidney capsule and then optimised intramuscular implantation. Using competitive adoptive transfer assays, we investigated whether the failure of newly developed T cells to expand into a complete T cell compartment was because of intrinsic deficits or whether there were deficits in engaging MHC molecules in the periphery. Finally, we tested whether recombinant IL‐7 would promote the expansion of host naïve T cells educated by the implanted thymus.

Results

We determined that thymus implants in Foxn1nu athymic mice mimic many aspects of clinical thymus implants in patients with congenital athymia. When we implanted cultured, MHC‐mismatched donor thymus into Foxn1nu athymic mice, mice developed a limited T cell compartment with notably underdeveloped naïve populations and overrepresented memory‐like T cells. Newly generated T cells were predominantly educated by MHC molecules expressed by the donor thymus, thus potentially undergoing another round of selection once in the peripheral circulation. Using competitive adoptive transfer assays, we compared expansion rates of T cells educated on donor thymus versus T cells educated during typical thymopoiesis in MHC‐matched and ‐mismatched environments. Once in the circulation, regardless of the MHC haplotypes, T cells educated on a donor thymus underwent abnormal expansion with initially more robust proliferation coupled with greater cell death, resembling IL‐7 independent spontaneous expansion. Treating implanted mice with recombinant interleukin (IL‐7) promoted homeostatic expansion that improved T cell development, expanded the T cell receptor repertoire, and normalised the naïve T cell compartment.

Conclusion

We conclude that implanting cultured thymus into the muscle of Foxn1nu athymic mice is an appropriate system to study thymus implantation for congenital athymia and immunodeficiencies. T cells are educated by the donor thymus, yet naïve T cells have deficits in expansion. IL‐7 greatly improves T cell development after thymus implantation and may offer a novel strategy to improve outcomes of clinical thymus implantation.
Metformin reduces hepatocarcinogenesis by inducing downregulation of Cyp26a1 and CD8+ T cells
Authors: He Weizhi , Wang Xicheng , Chen Miaomiao , Li Chong , Chen Wenjian , Pan Lili , Cui Yangyang , Yu Zhao , Wu Guoxiu , Yang Yang , Xu Mingyang , Dong Zhaoxuan , Ma Keming , Wang Jinghan , He Zhiying
Published: November 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer with major challenges in both prevention and therapy. Metformin, adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, has been suggested to reduce the incidence of HCC when used for patients with diabetes in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the possible effects of metformin and their mechanisms of action in non‐diabetic HCC have not been adequately investigated.

Methods

Fah−/− mice were used to construct a liver‐injury‐induced non‐diabetic HCC model for exploring hepatocarcinogenesis and therapeutic potential of metformin. Changes in relevant tumour and biochemical indicators were measured. Bulk and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing analyses were performed to validate the crucial role of proinflammatory/pro‐tumour CD8+ T cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to confirm Cyp26a1‐related antitumour mechanisms of metformin.

Results

RNA‐sequencing analysis showed that chronic liver injury led to significant changes in AMPK‐, glucose‐ and retinol metabolism‐related pathways in Fah−/− mice. Metformin prevented the formation of non‐diabetic HCC in Fah−/− mice with chronic liver injury. Cyp26a1 ddexpression in hepatocytes was significantly suppressed after metformin treatment. Moreover, downregulation of Cyp26a1 occurred in conjunction with increased levels of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (atRA), which is involved in the activation of metformin‐suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis in Fah−/− mice. In contrast, both CD8+ T‐cell infiltration and proinflammatory/pro‐tumour cytokines in the liver were significantly upregulated in Fah−/− mice during chronic liver injury, which was notably reversed by either metformin or atRA treatment. Regarding mechanisms, metformin regulated the decrease in Cyp26a1 enzyme expression and increased atRA expression via the AMPK/STAT3/Gadd45β/JNK/c‐Jun pathway.

Conclusions

Metformin inhibits non‐diabetic HCC by upregulating atRA levels and downregulating CD8+ T cells. This is the first reporting that the traditional drug metformin regulates the metabolite atRA via the Cyp26a1‐involved pathway. The present study provides a potential application of metformin and atRA in non‐diabetic HCC.
Teaching music unmusically: The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on secondary school music curricula in England
Authors: Anderson Anthony
Published: November 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic, which emerged during 2020, had a wide‐ranging impact on all forms of social engagement in England until February 2022, when all COVID restrictions were lifted. Schools were widely affected during this time in both tangible and tacet interactions. The impact of COVID restrictions on curricula for 11–14‐year‐olds in the Key Stage 3 secondary music classroom in schools has been among the more hidden educational impacts, and research in this area has been limited. This article discusses research conducted between November 2020 and June 2021, which took the form of an online survey with 59 classroom music teachers and semi‐structured interviews with 12 music teacher participants. Adopting a methodology of descriptive coding and thematic analysis for interviews and open‐response survey questions, the findings reveal 10 unintended consequences of COVID‐19 safety measures for curriculum music teaching in schools. The article concludes by developing the concept of the ‘funnelling’ of music teaching during this time and explores the lasting impacts of such treatment, tracing the implications for the future of music curriculum in school and policy contexts.
Phenotype and oxidative burst of low‐density neutrophil subpopulations are altered in common variable immunodeficiency patients
Authors: Slanina Peter , Stichova Julie , Bosakova Veronika , Zambo Iva Staniczkova , Kohoutkova Marcela Hortova , Laznickova Petra , Chovancova Zita , Litzman Jiri , Plucarova Terezie , Fric Jan , Vlkova Marcela
Published: November 2023

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) is the most common form of primary antibody immunodeficiency. Due to low antibody levels, CVID patients receive intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy as treatment. CVID is associated with the chronic activation of granulocytes, including an increased percentage of low‐density neutrophils (LDNs). In this study, we examined changes in the percentage of LDNs and the expression of their surface markers in 25 patients with CVID and 27 healthy donors (HD) after in vitro stimulation of whole blood using IVIg. An oxidative burst assay was used to assess the functionality of LDNs. CVID patients had increased both relative and absolute LDN counts with a higher proportion of mLDNs compared to iLDNs, distinguished based on the expression of CD10 and CD16. Immature LDNs in the CVID and HD groups had significantly reduced oxidative burst capacity compared to mature LDNs. Interestingly we observed reduced oxidative burst capacity, reduced expression of CD10 after stimulation of WB, and higher expression of PD‐L1 in mature LDNs in CVID patients compared to HD cells. Our data indicate that that the functional characteristics of LDNs are closely linked to their developmental stage. The observed reduction in oxidative burst capacity in mLDNs in CVID patients could contribute to an increased susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infections among CVID patients.
Validation of 3‐ and 5‐point severity scales to assess ARIA‐E
Authors: Bracoud Luc , Klein Gregory , Lyons Marco , Scelsi Marzia A. , Wojtowicz Jakub , Bullain Szofia , Purcell Derk , Fiebach Jochen B. , Barakos Jerome , Suhy Joyce
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Anti‐amyloid‐β (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) offer the promise of disease modification and are emerging treatment options in Alzheimer's disease. Anti‐Aβ mAbs require brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations to detect anti‐amyloid‐induced amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), important adverse drug reactions associated with some anti‐Aβ mAbs currently available in the United States and in clinical development. We present a simple rating system for ARIA‐edema (ARIA‐E) that can assess severity on a 3‐ or 5‐point scale based upon a single linear measurement of the largest area of lesion, and dissemination in space, termed the 3‐point Severity Scale of ARIA‐E (SSAE‐3) and the 5‐point Severity Scale of ARIA‐E (SSAE‐5), respectively.

METHODS

MRI results were collected from 75 participants from the SCarlet RoAD (NCT01224106) and Marguerite RoAD (NCT02051608) studies of gantenerumab. Three neuroradiologists experienced with the detection of ARIA‐E were selected to read all cases independently. One rater was then chosen for a second read to assess intra‐reader reproducibility.

RESULTS

The three raters had high agreement in identifying and grading ARIA‐E. The Cohen/Fleiss kappa (κ) scores (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the inter‐ and intra‐reader comparisons for SSAE‐3 and SSAE‐5 were 0.79 (0.70–1.00), 0.94 (0.94–1.00), 0.73 (0.66–1.00), and 0.90 (0.90–1.00), respectively.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that SSAE‐3 and SSAE‐5 are valid ARIA‐E rating scales for use in routine clinical practice by experienced radiologists in specialized settings. The application of these scales in everyday use in clinical practice will support the expansion of anti‐Aβ mAbs as a treatment option for people living with Alzheimer's disease.

Highlights

A simple rating scale is needed to rate severity of amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities–edema (ARIA‐E) in both research and clinical settings.

The 3‐ and 5‐point Severity Scales of ARIA‐E (SSAE‐3/‐5) have good inter‐ and intra‐reader agreement.

The SSAE‐3/‐5 have been used in most major Alzheimer's disease (AD) trials to date and are suitable for large‐scale use in routine clinical practice, which may help support the expansion of anti‐amyloid antibodies as treatment options for AD.
Fluorescent periodic acid Schiff‐like staining combined with standard cytologic staining of the same cytologic specimen may facilitate cytopathologic diagnosis
Authors: Hachisuka Daisuke , Nakano Satsuki , Takase Hiroshi , Sugiyama Mio , Sugiura Mariko , Fujii Keiichiro , Masaki Ayako , Murase Takayuki , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Background

Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining which detects glycogen and mucosubstances is frequently used as an ancillary method for an accurate cytopathologic diagnosis. Unfortunately, cytologic slides for PAS stain are not routinely prepared. Aqueous 7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin (AMC) is colorless and transparent under bright field illumination but exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light and can be used as a Schiff reagent. We recently reported that combining [author: Please define (H&E) in the first occurrence if necessary.]H&E and AMC is useful for histopathologic diagnosis of various disease conditions. In this study, we investigated whether standard cytologic staining (Papanicolaou [Pap] and Giemsa) combined with AMC was useful for cytopathologic analysis.

Methods

Specimens of non‐neoplastic human tissues and archived cytologic specimens of various disease conditions were stained with a combination of Pap and AMC (Pap/AMC) or Giemsa and AMC (Giemsa/AMC).

Results

The addition of AMC had no significant effect on Pap or Giemsa staining, and the cytomorphology under bright field microscopy was perfectly preserved. The AMC fluorescent signals observed under UV light were intense and the staining pattern was identical to that obtained by PAS staining. Diastase digestion differentiated glycogen from other AMC‐positive elements. The efficacy of using Pap/AMC and Giemsa/AMC for archived cytologic specimens was demonstrated in several diseases including cases of endometrial carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, metastatic signet‐ring cell carcinoma, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis.

Conclusion

Pap/AMC and Giemsa/AMC are useful in aiding cytopathologic diagnosis especially when the information gained from PAS staining is critical and cytologic specimens for PAS are not available.
A new declaration for feet's sake: Halving the global diabetic foot disease burden from 2% to 1% with next generation care
Authors: Lazzarini Peter A. , Raspovic Katherine M. , Meloni Marco , van Netten Jaap J.
Published: November 2023

The 1989 Saint Vincent Declaration established a goal of halving global diabetes‐related amputation rates. A generation later, this goal has been achieved for major but not minor amputations. However, diabetic foot disease (DFD) is not only a leading cause of global amputation but also of hospitalisation, poor quality of life (QoL) and disability burdens. In this paper, we review latest estimates on the global disease burden of DFD and the next generation care of DFD that could reduce this burden. We found DFD causes 2% of the global disease burden. This makes DFD the 13th largest of 350+ leading conditions causing the global disease burden, and much larger than dementia, breast cancer and type 1 diabetes. Neuropathy without ulcers and amputations makes up the largest portion of the global DFD burden yet receives the least DFD focus. Future care focussed on improving safe physical activity in people with DFD could considerably reduce the DFD burden, as this incorporates increasing physical fitness and QoL, while simultaneously decreasing ulceration and other risks. Charcot neuro‐osteoarthropathy is more prevalent than previously thought. Most cases respond well to non‐removable offloading devices, but surgical intervention may further reduce the considerable burden of these neuropathic fracture dislocations. Ischaemia is becoming more common and complex. Most cases respond well to revascularisation interventions, but novel revascularisation techniques, medical management and autologous cell therapies may hold the key to more cases responding in the future. We conclude that DFD causes a global disease burden larger than most conditions and existing guideline‐based care and next generation treatments can reduce this burden. We suggest the World Health Organization and International Diabetes Federation declare a new goal: halving the global DFD burden from 2% to 1% within the next generation.
Breaking the cycle: Identifying key symptom pathways of eating disorders and the influence of childhood maltreatment
Authors: Kopland Maren C. G. , Vrabel KariAnne , Slof‐Op ‘t Landt Margarita , Hoffart Asle , Johnson Sverre Urnes , Giltay Erik J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Most network analyses on central symptoms in eating disorders (EDs) have been cross‐sectional. Longitudinal within‐person analyses of therapy processes are scarce. Our aim was to investigate central change processes in therapy in a transdiagnostic sample, considering the influence of childhood maltreatment.

Method

We employed dynamic time warping analyses to identify clusters of symptoms that tended to change similarly across therapy on a within‐person level. Symptoms were measured by a 28‐item Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q). Furthermore, we examined the temporal direction of symptom change to identify symptoms that tended to precede and predict other symptoms. Finally, we estimated two directed, temporal networks in patients with and without a history of childhood maltreatment.

Results

Our analysis included 122 ED patients (mean age = 30.9, SD = 9.7; illness duration = 14.2 years, SD = 8.9; prior treatment = 5.6 years, SD = 5.1). The initial network revealed three robust clusters of symptoms over time: (1) ED behavior, (2) inhibition, and (3) cognitions and feelings about body and weight. Overvaluation of shape had the highest out‐strength preceding and predicting other symptoms. Dissatisfaction with weight preceded and predicted other symptoms in the maltreatment network. The non‐maltreatment network showed a similar structure to the transdiagnostic network.

Conclusion

Targeting and monitoring feelings and cognitions related to shape may be crucial for achieving lasting symptom improvement in a transdiagnostic sample. Furthermore, our findings highlight the need for further investigation into the different processes driving EDs based on maltreatment status.

Public significance

There is limited understanding of the processes that occur for patients with eating disorders between admission and discharge in therapy, especially for patients with a history of childhood maltreatment. Our analyses suggest that changes in cognitions regarding shape precede and predict changes in cognitions about weight. Different processes may be driving the eating disorder according to maltreatment status, which might further illuminate the riddle of dropout and relapse in therapy for patients with a history of childhood maltreatment. These findings suggest the need for further investigation into the specific dynamics occurring during therapy for individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.
Fully exposed Pd species on nanodiamond/graphene hybrid support for the efficient toluene hydrogenation reaction
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Linlin , Zhang Jingwang , Cai Xiangbin , Diao Jiangyong , Yang Lini , Liu Hongyang
Published: November 2023

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers have emerged as promising hydrogen storage systems, offering notable advantages over conventional storage and utilization efficiency methods. However, designing a catalyst that operates at low temperatures and remains cost‐effective poses a significant challenge. We successfully synthesized Pd species (single atoms, fully exposed clusters, and nanoparticles) on a nanodiamond/graphene (ND@G) hybrid support for toluene hydrogenation. The structure of as‐developed Pd catalyst was investigated by HAADF‐STEM, X‐ray absorption fine structure, Raman, XRD, XPS, and other characterizations. Remarkably, the Pdn/ND@G catalyst achieved a toluene conversion rate of 99.3% (100°C, 2.0 MPa H2) without loss of catalytic ability after 5 runs, which exhibited excellent catalytic performance and stable activity. Furthermore, the Pdn/ND@G catalyst exhibited an apparent activation energy as low as 62.36 ± 3.33 kJ mol−1 and an initial turnover frequency of 33.1 h−1 at 100°C. By adjusting the size and metal‐dependent effects, we have achieved enhanced catalytic performance for toluene hydrogenation, thus paving the way for the design of efficient liquid organic hydrogen storage catalysts.
Exposing the error hidden in plain sight: A critique of Calder's (1983) group selectionist seed‐dispersal hypothesis for mistletoe “mimicry” of host plants
Authors: Harms Kyle E. , Watson David M. , Santiago‐Rosario Luis Y. , Mathews Sarah
Published: November 2023

Some mistletoe species (Loranthaceae) resemble their host plants to a striking degree. Various mechanisms have been proposed for the developmental origins of novel traits that cause mistletoes to appear similar to their hosts, as well as for the adaptive phenotypic evolution of such traits. Calder (1983) proposed a logically flawed group selectionist seed‐dispersal hypothesis for mistletoes to resemble their hosts. Calder's (1983) hypothesis does not provide a viable potential explanation for mistletoe resemblance to hosts.
Distinct impacts of feeding frequency and warming on life history traits affect population fitness in vertebrate ectotherms
Authors: Bazin Simon , Hemmer‐Brepson Claire , Logez Maxime , Sentis Arnaud , Daufresne Martin
Published: November 2023

Body size shifts in ectotherms are mostly attributed to the Temperature Size Rule (TSR) stating that warming speeds up initial growth rate but leads to smaller size when food does not limit growth. Investigating the links between temperature, growth, and life history traits is key to understand the adaptive value of TSR, which might be context dependent. In particular, global warming can affect food quantity or quality which is another major driver of growth, fecundity, and survival. However, we have limited information on how temperature and food jointly influence life history traits in vertebrate predators and how changes in different life history traits combine to influence fitness and population demography. We investigate (1) whether TSR is maintained under different food conditions, (2) if food exacerbates or dampens the effects of temperature on growth and life history traits and (3) if food influences the adaptive value of TSR. We combine experiments on the medaka with Integral Projection Models to scale from life history traits to fitness consequences. Our results confirm that warming triggers a higher initial growth rate and a lower adult size, reduces generation time and increases mean fitness. A lower level of food exacerbates the effects of warming on growth trajectories. Although lower feeding frequency increased survival and decreased fecundity, it did not influence the effects of warming on fish development rates, fecundity, and survival. In contrast, feeding frequency influenced the adaptive value of TSR, as, under intermittent feeding, generation time decreased faster with warming and the increase in growth rate with warming was weaker compared to continuously fed fish. These results are of importance in the context of global warming as resources are expected to change with increasing temperatures but, surprisingly, our results suggest that feeding frequency have a lower impact on fitness at high temperature.
A community convention for ecological forecasting: Output files and metadata version 1.0
Authors: Dietze Michael C. , Thomas R. Quinn , Peters Jody , Boettiger Carl , Koren Gerbrand , Shiklomanov Alexey N. , Ashander Jaime
Published: November 2023

This paper summarizes the open community conventions developed by the Ecological Forecasting Initiative (EFI) for the common formatting and archiving of ecological forecasts and the metadata associated with these forecasts. Such open standards are intended to promote interoperability and facilitate forecast communication, distribution, validation, and synthesis. For output files, we first describe the convention conceptually in terms of global attributes, forecast dimensions, forecasted variables, and ancillary indicator variables. We then illustrate the application of this convention to the two file formats that are currently preferred by the EFI, netCDF (network common data form), and comma‐separated values (CSV), but note that the convention is extensible to future formats. For metadata, EFI's convention identifies a subset of conventional metadata variables that are required (e.g., temporal resolution and output variables) but focuses on developing a framework for storing information about forecast uncertainty propagation, data assimilation, and model complexity, which aims to facilitate cross‐forecast synthesis. The initial application of this convention expands upon the Ecological Metadata Language (EML), a commonly used metadata standard in ecology. To facilitate community adoption, we also provide a Github repository containing a metadata validator tool and several vignettes in R and Python on how to both write and read in the EFI standard. Lastly, we provide guidance on forecast archiving, making an important distinction between short‐term dissemination and long‐term forecast archiving, while also touching on the archiving of code and workflows. Overall, the EFI convention is a living document that can continue to evolve over time through an open community process.
Differential patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity for two groups of canopy arthropods across spatial scales
Authors: Mahon Michael B. , Penn Hannah J. , Campbell Kaitlin U. , Crist Thomas O.
Published: November 2023

Arthropod diversity is often linked to variation in resource use, dispersal ability, habitat connectivity, and climate factors that differ across spatial scales. The aim of this research was to examine how species richness, functional diversity, and community composition of two taxa differing in functional roles and dispersal ability are structured across spatial scales and to identify the importance of vegetation, climate, and landscape in explaining these patterns at different scales. Organisms were collected from tree canopies using insecticidal fogging in the summer of 2000 from 96 trees in 24 stands of 6 deciduous forest sites in 2 ecoregions of the eastern United States. Taxonomic and functional beta diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and spiders (Araneae) were partitioned across four hierarchical spatial scales (individual tree, forest stand, site, and ecoregion). The contributions of climatic, landscape, and vegetation variables were determined using model selection. Ant and spider species richness, functional diversity, and community composition differed between taxa and across spatial scales. Alpha diversity (within trees) was lower than expected for both taxa and types of diversity, with host tree species supporting different species of ants and spiders. While the beta components of species diversity among trees and forest stands were greater than expected for both taxa, spiders also showed significant levels of beta diversity among sites. Functional beta diversity was less scale‐dependent than taxonomic beta diversity. Stand‐level patterns of beta diversity were significantly predicted by variation in climate and landscape connectivity. The effects of climate and landscape fragmentation on the diversity and community structure of both taxa indicate that anthropogenic climate change and land use change will alter canopy arthropod communities. Results also suggest that patterns of diversity among fragmentation metrics are influenced by differences in dispersal ability.
Albuminuria in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: Prevalence, progression and prognostic importance
Authors: Ioannou Adam , Rauf Muhammad U. , Patel Rishi K. , Razvi Yousuf , Porcari Aldostefano , Martinez‐Naharro Ana , Venneri Lucia , Bandera Francesco , Virsinskaite Ruta , Kotecha Tushar , Knight Dan , Petrie Aviva , Whelan Carol , Wechalekar Ashutosh , Lachmann Helen , Hawkins Philip N. , Solomon Scott D. , Gillmore Julian D. , Fontana Marianna
Published: November 2023

Aims

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA) is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy that commonly presents with concomitant chronic kidney disease. Albuminuria is common in heart failure and associated with worse outcomes, but its prevalence and relationship to outcome in ATTR‐CA remains unclear.

Methods and results

A total of 1181 patients with ATTR‐CA were studied (mean age 78.1 ± 7.9 years; 1022 [86.5%] male; median estimated glomerular filtration rate 59 ml/min/1.73m2 [interquartile range: 47–74]). Albuminuria was present in 563 (47.7%) patients (499 [88.6%] with microalbuminuria and 64 [11.4%] with macroalbuminuria). Patients with albuminuria had a more severe cardiac phenotype evidenced by higher serum cardiac biomarkers (median N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide [NT‐proBNP]: 4027 ng/L [2173–6889] vs. 1851 ng/L [997–3209], p < 0.001; median troponin T: 69 ng/L [46–101] vs. 48 ng/L [34–68], p < 0.001) and worse echocardiographic indices of systolic (longitudinal strain: −10.0 ± 3.6% vs. −11.6 ± 3.8%, p < 0.001) and diastolic function (E/e′: 17.5 ± 6.4 vs. 16.4 ± 6.7, p < 0.001) than those with a normal urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were independently associated with mortality in the overall population (hazard ratio [HR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.92, p = 0.005 and HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.15–3.05, p = 0.012, respectively). In a subgroup of patients (n = 349) without concomitant hypertension, diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease, albuminuria was also associated with mortality (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.72–5.17, p < 0.001). At 12 months, 330 patients had a repeat UACR measurement; those in whom UACR increased by 30% or more (n = 148, 44.8%) had an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.06–3.19, p = 0.030).

Conclusions

Albuminuria is common in patients with ATTR‐CA, and more prevalent in those with a more severe cardiac phenotype. Albuminuria at diagnosis and a significant increase in UACR during follow‐up are associated with mortality.
Impact of antimicrobial resistance on sustainable development goals and the integrated strategies for meeting environmental and socio‐economic targets
Authors: Bhattacharya Riya , Bose Debajyoti , Gulia Khushabu , Jaiswal Apurva
Published: November 2023

The pattern in mortality and morbidity associated with infectious diseases can be linked to different variables. However, advancements in sanitation and public health, as well as the development of vaccines and antibiotics are among the most relevant of these factors. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a natural and unavoidable result of evolutionary adaptation of pathogenic microbes and their exposure to these chemical agents. The widespread use of these medications has substantially accelerated up this process. This review investigates the mechanism through which sustainable development goals are impacted by AMR. It also examines methods through which the issue might be better integrated into the policy‐making frameworks of international organizations. The necessity of effective antibiotics during the treatment of infections and medical care is evaluated with an analysis on AMR influencing the ecological, societal, and economic interests that are outlined in the framework for the SDGs. Emphasis is on the necessity for strengthening the scientific community through international collaboration and accountability of distribution especially after the COVID‐19 pandemic. This offers initiatives toward a deeper participation of low and middle‐income countries with high income countries to create channels for national and local governance for executing policies combatting AMR.
A review on solar thermal energy storage systems using phase‐change materials
Authors: Ram Satyendra , Prasad A. K. , Hansdah Dulari
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a review of the storage of solar thermal energy with phase‐change materials to minimize the gap between thermal energy supply and demand. Various types of systems are used to store solar thermal energy using phase‐change materials. The performance of latent heat storage is dependent on the shape and size of the fins, the orientation and design of the storage unit, and its position. The efficiency of a solar thermal collector integrated with phase change material depends on the inclination of the collector, the position of the phase change material, and its thermo‐physical properties. The study of the thermo‐physical properties of various phase‐change materials and their effects is the focus of this paper.
Strawberry Protease as a Laundry Detergent Additive Candidate: Immobilization, Compatibility Study with Detergent Ingredients, and Washing Performance Test
Authors: Alici Esma Hande , Arabaci Gulnur
Published: November 2023

The potential of strawberry‐derived protease as a component of laundry detergent is investigated. The compatibility of the enzyme with various surfactants, oxidizing agents, and commercial detergents is tested. The immobilized enzyme prepared by immobilizing Co2+ ions together with the enzyme is also tested. Strawberry crude protease shows high stability in the presence of surfactants frequently used in detergents. The enzyme is found to be relatively stable to oxidizing agents. In addition, it is determined that strawberry protease works in excellent compatibility with different commercial solid and liquid detergents in the Turkish market and also maintains its stability very well. Washing tests based on visual examination also reveal that the enzyme improves the washing performance of the tested detergent. All these properties and high activity at alkaline pH make this enzyme a very strong candidate for use in laundry detergent formulations.
Vereinfachter zyklischer Scherversuch zum PWD‐Aufbau in grobkörnigen Böden
Authors: Bacic Bozana , Herle Ivo
Published: November 2023

Der Aufbau des Porenwasserdrucks (PWD) während einer Scherbeanspruchung bei behinderter Drainage findet besonders ausgeprägt in lockeren, gesättigten, grobkörnigen Böden statt und führt zur Verringerung der effektiven Spannungen und der Bodensteifigkeit. Unter Berücksichtigung einer vergleichbaren Bodenstruktur (Korngerüst) und unter gleichen Versuchsbedingungen (Spannungsniveau, Wegamplitude usw.) wird das Verhalten verschiedener Böden bei einer gleichen äußeren Belastung unterschiedlich sein. Hierzu wird ein vereinfachter zyklischer Scherversuch (PWD‐Tester) vorgestellt, der einen Vergleich der Neigung zum Aufbau des PWDs gegenüber der Variation von Anfangsdichten für verschiedene Sande ermöglicht. Der Versuch setzt sich aus einem Probeneinbau, einer Konsolidation und einer anschließenden zyklischen Scherung der Probe bei undrainierten Bedingungen innerhalb kurzer Zeit (ca. 30 Minuten) zusammen. Das Ziel dieses Verfahrens ist es, jedem getesteten Sand einen Indexwert zuzuordnen und somit die Neigung verschiedener Sande zum PWD‐Aufbau bis zur Bodenverflüssigung unter behinderter Drainage in Abhängigkeit der Einbaudichte zu quantifizieren.
Recognition and interpretation of aggressive driving behavior for heavy‐duty vehicles based on artificial neural network and SHAP
Authors: Cheng Chuangang , Chen Shuyan , Ma Yongfeng , Khattak Aemal J. , Zhang Ziyu
Published: November 2023

Aggressive driving significantly impacts traffic safety, and heavy‐duty vehicle drivers are more liable for causing serious crashes. This paper analyzes drivers' aggressive driving behavior from the vehicle type perspective and identifies the influencing factors of aggressive driving behavior through artificial neural network (ANN) and Shapley additive explanations (SHAPs). Using Kaggle's open‐source aggressive driving data, we establish an ANN model to identify driving styles, where road conditions, environmental conditions, and vehicle parameters are independent variables and driving style is a dependent variable. The following measurements, including accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score, are used to evaluate the model's performance, and the neural network got 85.33%, 82.32%, 84.16%, and 0.8308, respectively. To illustrate the influence of independent variables, the SHAP algorithm is used to analyze the model's feature importance. It was found that illumination and weather conditions influenced the model's performance along with the vehicle length. The number of lanes relates to driving style, and there were more aggressive driving behaviors on two‐lane roads than on single‐lane roads. Besides, heavy‐duty vehicle drivers were more likely to drive aggressively in wet road conditions and indulge in aggressive driving behaviors at night. Particularly, drivers of heavy‐duty vehicles were more likely to drive aggressively, provided that the vehicle in front was also a heavy‐duty vehicle. These findings inform heavy‐duty vehicle drivers to reduce aggressive driving behavior. The information is suitable for inclusion in driver education programs, thus improving traffic safety.
Drivers of healthcare expenditure growth in West Africa: A panel data investigation
Authors: Dauda Rasaki Stephen , Balogun Fiyinfoluwa Adeyinka
Published: November 2023

Per capita health expenditure in West African countries appears to have assumed a growing trend over the years. This may not be unconnected with the critical role played by health in economic growth, sustainable development and human capital formation. This study analysed drivers of healthcare expenditure in West Africa, using panel data analysis. Random Effects estimating technique was preferred to pooled Ordinary Least Squares and Fixed Effects techniques based on Hausman and Breusch‐Pagan Lagrangian multiplier tests. Data employed were sourced from World Bank's world development indicators. The findings indicated that number of people using at least basic sanitation services, incidence of tuberculosis, malaria incidence, and per capita GDP, significantly increased healthcare expenditure in West Africa within the study period. Infant and under‐five mortality (UFM) rates raised healthcare expenditure but insignificantly in the sub‐region. The study recommends the need to reduce malaria and tuberculosis incidences as well as UFM rate in West Africa through appropriate policy enactment. Such policies should include adequate investment in education, increased per capita income, development of malaria vaccines, maintenance of hygienic environment and free treatment of tuberculosis patients.