bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milk protects against sarcopenic obesity due to increase in the genus Akkermansia in faeces of db/db mice
Authors: Okamura Takuro , Hamaguchi Masahide , Nakajima Hanako , Kitagawa Nobuko , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takafumi , Okada Hiroshi , Ushigome Emi , Nakanishi Naoko , Sasano Ryoichi , Fukui Michiaki
Published: May 2023

Background

Sarcopenic obesity, a combination of sarcopenia and obesity, is a pathological feature of type 2 diabetes. Several human studies have shown that milk is useful in the prevention of sarcopenia. This study was aimed at clarifying the effect of milk on the prevention of sarcopenic obesity in db/db mice.

Methods

A randomized and investigator‐blinded study was conducted using male db/db mice. Eight‐week‐old db/db mice were housed for 8 weeks and fed milk (100 μL/day) using a sonde. The faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) group received antibiotics for 2 weeks, starting at 6 weeks of age, followed by FMT twice a week until 16 weeks of age.

Results

Milk administration to db/db mice increased grip strength (Milk−: 164.2 ± 4.7 g, Milk+: 230.2 ± 56.0 g, P = 0.017), muscle mass (soleus muscle, Milk−: 164.2 ± 4.7 mg, Milk+: 230.2 ± 56.0 mg, P < 0.001; plantaris muscle, Milk−: 13.3 ± 1.2 mg, Milk+: 16.0 ± 1.7 mg, P < 0.001) and decreased visceral fat mass (Milk−: 2.39 ± 0.08 g, Milk+: 1.98 ± 0.04 mg, P < 0.001), resulting in a significant increase in physical activity (light: P = 0.013, dark: P = 0.034). FMT from mice fed milk not only improved sarcopenic obesity but also significantly improved glucose intolerance. Microarray analysis of gene expression in the small intestine revealed that the expression of amino acid absorption transporter genes, namely, SIc7a5 (P = 0.010), SIc7a1 (P = 0.015), Ppp1r15a (P = 0.041) and SIc7a11 (P = 0.029), was elevated in mice fed milk. In 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota, the genus Akkermansia was increased in both the mice fed milk and the FMT group from the mice fed milk.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that besides increasing the intake of nutrients, such as amino acids, milk consumption also changes the intestinal environment, which might contribute to the mechanism of milk‐induced improvement of sarcopenic obesity.
Valorization of brewery waste slurry with glycerol as co‐substrate for hydrogen and butyrate production using dark fermentation
Authors: Garduno Rafael , Baranova Elena , Kinsley Chris
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Among the methods to produce hydrogen biologically, dark fermentation stands out mainly due to its low operating requirements. Organic wastes, such as brewing industry waste slurries and glycerol, can provide a cost‐effective feedstock with the additional potential of generating value‐added byproducts, while addressing a wastewater treatment issue.

RESULTS

The hydrogen production potential in dark fermentation of a high‐strength brewery waste slurry was optimized with a selected seed sludge, initial COD concentration of 50–60 g L−1, pH 6.4 and fermentation time of 30 h. The main end product was butyric acid, accounting for over 50% of the carboxylic acids. The efficiency of the process on the basis of volume of H2 obtained per gram of COD converted into organic acids was 393 ± 5 and 430 ± 6 mL without and with glycerol, respectively, and the molar ratio of H2 per mole of substrate was 71% of the theoretical molar yield when the fermentation is dominated by butyrate as the end product.

CONCLUSIONS

A proposed brewery sludge treatment system comprising dark fermentation followed by anaerobic digestion is promising and can be more advantageous than anaerobic digestion alone with an increase of 18.5% in energy potential. Alternatively, with recovery of valuable butyrate, a reduction in 4.5 kg of CO2 emissions per cubic meter of sludge treated can be achieved, with a 27% net loss in energy potential. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Associating Peritoneal Metastasis With T2‐Weighted MRI Images in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Using Deep Learning and Radiomics: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wei Mingxiang , Zhang Yu , Ding Cong , Jia Jianye , Xu Haimin , Dai Yao , Feng Guannan , Qin Cai , Bai Genji , Chen Shuangqing , Wang Hong
Published: May 2023

Background

The preoperative diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis (PM) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is challenging and can impact clinical decision‐making.

Purpose

To investigate the performance of T2‐weighted (T2W) MRI‐based deep learning (DL) and radiomics methods for PM evaluation in EOC patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Four hundred seventy‐nine patients from five centers, including one training set (N = 297 [mean, 54.87 years]), one internal validation set (N = 75 [mean, 56.67 years]), and two external validation sets (N = 53 [mean, 55.58 years] and N = 54 [mean, 58.22 years]).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 or 3 T/fat‐suppression T2W fast or turbo spin‐echo sequence.

Assessment

ResNet‐50 was used as the architecture of DL. The largest orthogonal slices of the tumor area, radiomics features, and clinical characteristics were used to construct the DL, radiomics, and clinical models, respectively. The three models were combined using decision‐level fusion to create an ensemble model. Diagnostic performances of radiologists and radiology residents with and without model assistance were evaluated.

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the performances of models. The McNemar test was used to compare sensitivity and specificity. A two‐tailed P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The ensemble model had the best AUCs, outperforming the DL model (0.844 vs. 0.743, internal validation set; 0.859 vs. 0.737, external validation set I) and clinical model (0.872 vs. 0.730, external validation set II). After model assistance, all readers had significantly improved sensitivity, especially for those with less experience (junior radiologist1, from 0.639 to 0.820; junior radiologist2, from 0.689 to 0.803; resident1, from 0.623 to 0.803; resident2, from 0.541 to 0.738). One resident also had significantly improved specificity (from 0.633 to 0.789).

Data Conclusions

T2W MRI‐based DL and radiomics approaches have the potential to preoperatively predict PM in EOC patients and assist in clinical decision‐making.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Impact of cervicovaginal microbiome on the risk of cervical abnormalities development
Authors: Rosário Andreia , Sousa Ana , Varandas Tatiana , Marinho‐Dias Joana , Medeiros Rui , Martins Gabriela , Monteiro Paula , Sousa Hugo
Published: May 2023

The vaginal microbiome has emerged as potentially influencing the natural history of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and their clinical impact. We aimed to characterize the vaginal microbiome in samples from 807 high‐risk HPVs (Hr‐HPV) positive women with a mean age of 41.45 ± 10.79 years who participated in the Regional Cervical Cancer Screening Program from the Northern Region of Portugal. Microbiome analysis was performed with commercial kits for the detection of 21 microorganisms. The most frequent microorganisms were Ureaplasma parvum (52.5%), Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) (34.5%), Atopobium vaginae (AV) (32.6%), Lacto (30.7%), and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) (23.5%). The distribution according to age reveals that MH, Mega1, GV, BVab2, AV, and Mob were more prevalent in women older than 41 years of age (p < 0.050), while Lacto is significantly decreased in this group (23.5% vs. 39.4%, p < 0.001; RR = 0.47). The risk analysis showed that Hr‐HPV‐16/‐18 and Hr‐HPV‐9val genotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing cervical abnormalities, while Lacto (p < 0.001; odd ratio [OR] = 0.33), GV (p = 0.0111; OR = 0.41), AV (p = 0.033; OR = 0.53) and Mob (p = 0.022; OR = 0.29) are associated with protection. Similar results were found for the risk of development atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL/high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Overall, the multivariate analysis confirmed that lactobacillus and bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (GV, AV, and Mob) are associated with protection against the development of cervical abnormalities. This study provides important data to be included in the future management of risk stratification for Hr‐HPV‐positive women.
Vaccination status for mild and asymptomatic infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.2 variant in Shanghai
Authors: Yin Yong , Lin Jilei , Yuan Shuhua , Tong Shilu , He Yi , Dong Bin , Zhang Fen , Chen Erzhen , Zheng Junhua , Wang Wei
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different vaccine regimens on mild and asymptomatic infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.2 variant in Shanghai. All asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms of Omicron infections were recruited from three major Fangcang shelter hospitals between March 26, 2022 and May 20, 2022. Nucleic acid for SARS‐CoV‐2 by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction methods in nasopharyngeal swabs was assessed every day during the hospitalization. The value of cycle threshold lower than 35 was considered as positive result of SARS‐CoV‐2. A total of 214 592 cases were included in this study. The proportion of the asymptomatic patients was 76.90% and 23.10% of the recruited patients had mild symptoms. The median (interquartile range [IQR]: 25–75) duration of viral shedding (DVS) was 7 (5–10) days among all participants. The DVS varied greatly among different age groups. Children and the elderly had longer DVS compared with the adults. The booster shot of inactivated vaccine contributed to the shorter DVS in patients aged ≥70 years compared with the unvaccinated patients (8 [6–11] vs. 9 [6–12] days, p = 0.002]. Full inactivated vaccine regimen contributed to the shorter DVS in patients aged 3–6 years (7 [5–9] vs. 8 [5–10] days, p = 0.001]. In conclusion, the full inactivated vaccine regimen on children aged 3–6 years and booster inactivated vaccine regimen on the elderly aged ≥70 years appeared to be effective in reducing DVS. The booster vaccine regimen should be rigorously promoted and implemented.
Effects of the ABC pathway on clinical outcomes in a secondary prevention population of Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation: A report from the Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry
Authors: Fawzy Ameenathul M. , Kotalczyk Agnieszka , Guo Yutao , Wang Yutang , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   the ChiOTEAF Registry Investigators
Published: May 2023

Background

The atrial fibrillation better care (ABC) pathway is a simple, comprehensive framework that facilitates provision of integrated care for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Objective

We evaluated management of AF patients in a secondary prevention cohort using the ABC pathway and examined the impact of ABC adherence on clinical outcomes.

Methods

The Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation registry is a prospective registry conducted in 44 sites across China between October 2014 and December 2018. The primary outcome was the composite of all‐cause mortality/any thromboembolism (TE), all‐cause death, any TE and major bleeding at 1 year.

Results

Of the 6420 patients, 1588 (24.7%) had a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack and were identified as the secondary prevention cohort. After excluding 793 patients due to insufficient data, 358 (22.5%) were ABC compliant and 437 (27.5%) ABC noncompliant. ABC adherence was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite outcome of all‐cause death/TE, odds ratio (OR) 0.28 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11–0.71) and all‐cause death, OR 0.29 (95% CI: 0.09–0.90). Significant differences were not observed for TE, OR 0.27 (95% CI: 0.06–1.27) and major bleeding, OR 2.09 (95% CI: 0.55–7.97). Age and prior major bleeding were significant predictors of ABC noncompliance. Health‐related quality of life (QOL) was higher in the ABC compliant group versus the noncompliant group (EQ score 0.83 ± 0.17 vs. 0.78 ± 0.20; p = .004).

Conclusion

ABC pathway adherence in secondary prevention AF patients was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite outcome of all‐cause death/TE and all‐cause death, as well as better health‐related QOL.
sCTX II is a better biomarker than sMMP‐3 to identify early knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Singh Sudhir , Jindal Divyam , Khanna Rajat
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to assess the ability of serum MMP‐3 and serum CTX‐II levels to differentiate between normal and early knee osteoarthritis case (eKOA). Subjects with clinical features of primary knee osteoarthritis of K‐L Grade I and K‐L Grade II with ages more than 45 years were included in the case group (98), and healthy adults with ages less than 40 years were included in the control group (80). Those having knee pain for the last 3 months but having no radiological features were labeled as K‐L grade I and those having minimal osteophytes on radiographs were labeled as K‐L Grade II. Antero‐posterior views of knee and serum levels of MMP‐3 and CTX II were estimated. Cases show significantly higher values of both biomarkers than in controls (p < 0.0001). Both biomarkers show significantly higher values with an increase in K‐L Grades, that is, K‐L Grade 0 versus I (MMP‐3: p = 0.003; CTX‐II: p = 0.002), K‐L Grade I versus II (MMP‐3: p < 0.000; CTX‐II: p < 0.000). Multivariate analysis shows the dependence of both biomarkers only on K‐L Grades. ROC analysis suggests cutoff value between KL Grade 0 and Grade I (MMP‐3: 12.25 ng/mL; CTX II: 407.50 pg/mL) and between K L Grade I and Grade II (MMP‐3: 18.37 ng/mL; CTX II: 528.00 pg/mL). The discriminating ability of CTX II is superior between normal population and eKOA (CTX II: Accuracy: 66.83%, p = 0.0002; MMP‐3: Accuracy: 50.39%, p = 0.138), but MMP‐3 is superior than CTX II between eKOA and mild KOA (CTX II:67.52%, p < 0.000; MMP‐3: 70.69%, p < 0.000).
A novel algorithm to efficiently calculate the impingement‐free range of motion of irregularly‐shaped total hip arthroplasty components
Authors: Feng Tao , Tang Hao , Zhang Xiaogang , Zhang Yali , Zhou Yixin , Jin Zhongmin
Published: May 2023

There is great difficulty in quickly calculating the impingement‐free range of motion (IFROM) of hip components with complex shapes after total hip arthroplasty. We have established a new algorithm to investigate the effect of different shapes of hip components on the IFROM and impingement‐free safe zone (IFSZ). Then find the best combination of hip prosthesis and the optimal mounting position of the elevated‐rim liner under different radiographic anteversion (RA) and radiographic inclination (RI) of the cup. We found the larger the opening angle of the beveled‐rim liner and the smaller the cross‐sectional area of the stem neck with an inverted teardrop cross‐sectional shape, the greater the IFROM of the hip component. The beveled‐rim liner in combination with the stem neck with an inverted teardrop‐shaped cross‐section could provide the greatest IFSZ (excluding the flat‐rim liner). The optimal orientation of the elevated‐rim liner was the posterior‐inferior side (RI ≤ 37°), posterior‐superior side (RI ≥ 45°), and posterior side (37° ≤ RI ≤ 45°). Our novel algorithm provides a solution to analyze the IFROM of any hip prosthesis with any complex shape. The shape and size of the cross‐section of the stem neck, the orientation of the elevated rim, and the shape and opening angle of the liner are all critical factors for the quantitative calculation of the IFROM and mounting safe zone of the prosthesis. Stem necks with inverted teardrop cross‐section and beveled‐rim liner improved the IFSZ. The optimal direction of the elevated rim is not constant but varies with RI and RA.
Electrically stimulated eccentric contraction training enhances muscle mass, function, and size following volumetric muscle loss
Authors: Ziemkiewicz Natalia , Au Jeffrey , Chauvin Hannah M. , Garg Koyal
Published: May 2023

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) overwhelms muscle's innate capacity for repair and can lead to permanent disability. The standard of care for VML injuries includes physical therapy, which can improve muscle function. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a rehabilitative therapy using electrically stimulated eccentric contraction training (EST) and determine the structural, biomolecular, and functional response of the VML‐injured muscle. This study implemented EST using three different frequencies (50, 100, and 150 Hz) in VML‐injured rats starting at 2 weeks postinjury. Four weeks of EST at 150 Hz showed a progressive increase in eccentric torque with an improvement in muscle mass (~39%), myofiber cross‐sectional area, and peak isometric torque (~37.5%) relative to the untrained VML‐injured sham group. EST at 150 Hz group also increased the number of large type 2B fibers (>5000 µm2). Elevated gene expression of markers associated with angiogenesis, myogenesis, neurogenesis, and an anti‐inflammatory response was also observed. These results suggest that VML‐injured muscles can respond and adapt to eccentric loading. The results of this study may aid in developing physical therapy regimens for traumatized muscles.
Patients with type 2 diabetes and severe periodontitis harbor a less pathogenic subgingival biofilm than normoglycemic individuals with severe periodontitis
Authors: Duarte Poliana M. , Felix Edcarlos , Santos Vanessa R. , Figueiredo Luciene C. , da Silva Hélio D. P. , Mendes Juliana A. V. , Feres Magda , Miranda Tamires S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Whether, and to what extent, diabetes mellitus (DM) can affect the subgingival biofilm composition remains controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the composition of the subgingival microbiota of non‐diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients with periodontitis using 40 “biomarker bacterial species.”

Methods

Biofilm samples of shallow (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment level [CAL] ≤3 mm without bleeding) and deep sites (PD and CAL ≥5 mm with bleeding) of patients with or without type 2 DM were evaluated for levels/proportions of 40 bacterial species by checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization.

Results

A total of 828 subgingival biofilm samples from 207 patients with periodontitis (118 normoglycemic and 89 with type 2 DM) were analyzed. The levels of most of the bacterial species evaluated were reduced in the diabetic compared with the normoglycemic group, both in shallow and in deep sites. The shallow and deep sites of patients with type 2 DM presented higher proportions of Actinomyces species, purple and green complexes, and lower proportions of red complex pathogens than those of normoglycemic patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with type 2 DM have a less dysbiotic subgingival microbial profile than normoglycemic patients, including lower levels/proportions of pathogens and higher levels/proportions of host‐compatible species. Thus, type 2 diabetic patients seem to require less remarkable changes in biofilm composition than non‐diabetic patients to develop the same pattern of periodontitis.
Material Design Concepts and Gas Separation Mechanism of CO2Selective Polyether‐Based Multiblock Copolymers
Authors: Rahman Md. Mushfequr
Published: May 2023

Aliphatic polyethers have been widely explored as membrane materials for the separation of CO2from other gases, e.g., N2, H2, CH4,O2etc. The polymeric membranes having aliphatic polyether segments, especially poly(ethylene oxide) segments, allow faster permeation of CO2compared to the light gases due to the affinity of the polar ether oxygen and quadrupolar CO2. Rational macromolecular design is the key to control the permeation of gases through these membrane materials. In this regard, multiblock copolymers having short amorphous polyether segments have been extensively investigated. A large number of tailor made polymers have been reported to get the best combination of permeability and selectivity. Material design concepts and structure–property relationships of these membrane materials in terms of CO2separation performance are thoroughly discussed in this review.
Antiplatelet drugs: Potential therapeutic options for the management of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Beura Samir K. , Dhapola Rishika , Panigrahi Abhishek R. , Yadav Pooja , Kumar Reetesh , Reddy Dibbanti H. , Singh Sunil K.
Published: May 2023

The blood platelet plays an important role but often remains under‐recognized in several vascular complications and associated diseases. Surprisingly, platelet hyperactivity and hyperaggregability have often been considered the critical risk factors for developing vascular dysfunctions in several neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, platelet structural and functional impairments promote prothrombotic and proinflammatory environment that can aggravate the progression of several NDDs. These findings provide the rationale for using antiplatelet agents not only to prevent morbidity but also to reduce mortality caused by NDDs. Therefore, we thoroughly review the evidence supporting the potential pleiotropic effects of several novel classes of synthetic antiplatelet drugs, that is, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists, protease‐activated receptor blockers, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors in NDDs. Apart from this, the review also emphasizes the recent developments of selected natural antiplatelet phytochemicals belonging to key classes of plant‐based bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids as potential therapeutic candidates in NDDs. We believe that the broad analysis of contemporary strategies and specific approaches for plausible therapeutic treatment for NDDs presented in this review could be helpful for further successful research in this area.
Competitive contract design in a retail supply chain under demand uncertainty
Authors: Anderson Edward , Jiang Houyuan , Shao Lusheng
Published: May 2023

This article studies the design of contracts involving a single retailer and multiple competing manufacturers who supply substitutable products. We consider a retail context in which contracts with manufacturers are negotiated relatively infrequently and signed before the demand environment is known, and the retail prices are determined when the demand is known. We develop a Stackelberg model to study the retailer's product selection and pricing decisions and the manufacturers' contract design decisions. We show that it is optimal for each manufacturer to offer a contract with nonlinear prices so that total payments are the total production cost plus a fixed additional cost. In the case of two manufacturers this result allows us to characterize an equilibrium in which the retailer's choice maximizes the supply chain profit, each manufacturer makes a profit equal to its marginal contribution to the supply chain, and the retailer takes the remaining profit. We also find that while increasing demand correlation always benefits the retailer, it benefits the manufacturers only when the production costs are convex. In an extension it is found that our equilibrium continues to hold when the retailer's reservation profit is below a threshold, but the competition dynamics may change when the reservation profit is above the threshold. Finally, we show that the equilibrium results remain true for the case with more than two manufacturers under a submodularity property, which holds in the case of quadratic costs and linear demand.
Provision of maximum connectivity resiliency with minimum cost to telecommunication networks through third‐party networks
Authors: Barbosa Fábio , de Sousa Amaro , Agra Agostinho
Published: May 2023

In telecommunication networks, full connectivity resilience to multiple link failures is too costly as it requires a network topology with too many redundant links. Alternatively, the connectivity resilience of a telecommunications network can be improved by resorting to available third‐party networks for temporary additional connectivity until the failing links are restored. In this approach, some nodes of the network must be selected in advance to act as gateway nodes to the third‐party networks when a multiple link failure event occurs. For a given network topology and a cost associated with each node to turn it into a gateway node to each of the third‐party networks, the aim is to select the gateway nodes providing maximum connectivity resilience at minimum cost. The Gateway Node Selection is defined as a bi‐objective optimization problem such that its Pareto‐optimal solutions represent different trade‐offs between cost and connectivity resilience. In this work, the connectivity resilience is modeled by the Critical Link Detection optimization problem. An exact optimization algorithm is proposed, based on a row generation algorithm and on set cover cuts. The computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on four well‐known telecommunication network topologies.
Prevalence and predictors of psychological distress and common mental health concerns among Filipino university teachers amid the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mordeno Imelu G. , Luzano Jelli Grace C. , Gallemit I Marie Joy S. , Gonzaga Edmarie Zoe J.
Published: May 2023

The current pandemic has drastically changed the academic landscape, causing distressing experiences among students and teachers. While there are increasing studies demonstrating the psychological experiences of students during the pandemic, only a few have examined the mental health conditions of university teachers. The present study sought to address this gap by investigating the prevalence of psychological distress and common mental health disorders and their pandemic‐related risk factors among Filipino university teachers. A total of 1110 university teachers self‐reported their psychological distress, generalized anxiety, and major depression symptoms through an online assessment. Findings of the study revealed the overall prevalence of psychological distress at 55.6%, and anxiety and depression were 17.0% and 28.4%, respectively. Younger teachers (i.e., aged ≤31 years old) and those who have less than a year of teaching experience are more likely to reach the cut‐off scores for all outcomes. Further, teachers who have experienced pandemic‐related adversities are highly vulnerable to psychological distress, generalized anxiety, and depression. These results offer important implications for creating psychosocial interventions that will help teachers manage their distresses amid the pandemic situation.
Executive functioning skills of children with listening difficulties
Authors: McGrath Melissa A. , Fletcher Kathryn L. , Bielski Lynn M.
Published: May 2023

Children with normal hearing who present with listening difficulties (LiD) are frequently referred for assessment of auditory processing disorder (APD). Complicating diagnosis is the similarities of APD to other neurodevelopmental disorders, especially attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Due to well‐documented deficits in executive functioning (EF) in children with ADHD, we hypothesized that a possible root cause of observed listening deficits may be EF deficits, rather than auditory processing alone. For preliminary investigation into this hypothesis, the current study compared EF skills of children with LiD who were referred for APD assessment, with and without a diagnosis of ADHD. EF skills of 24 children between the ages of 7–16 were assessed utilizing the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome in Children, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, 2nd edition. Compelling differences were found between groups of children with LiD. Children without ADHD scored lower on measures of inhibitory control compared to children with a diagnosis of ADHD. Decreased EF skills exhibited in children with LiD, even those without a diagnosis of ADHD, support the need for transdisciplinary identification and management of children with LiD.
Characterizing the landscape of plant science careers in the United States II: Academic perspectives
Authors: Walsh Lisa L. , Parsley Kathryn M. , Sidoti Brian J. , Callis‐Duehl Kristine , Hove Alisa A. , Liu Hong , Bruce‐Opris Hannah , Gonzalez Roxana , Ospina David , Uzcategui Mia , Baraloto Christopher , McCartney Melissa
Published: May 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Botanical careers are more important than ever, given that environmental challenges such as climate change and deforestation threaten plants daily and because plants contribute to solutions to these problems. Plants act as our sources of food, medicine, textiles, and oxygen, which means finding ways to mitigate these environmental challenges is crucial. Despite this, little is known about what career opportunities exist for botanists outside of academia and how well academia is training graduate students for these careers. This study centers on the current state of academic botanical careers and how well students completing post‐baccalaureate degrees (herein referred to as graduate students) are being prepared to fill careers within the botanical workforce.

Plant science plays a crucial role in our society and in ongoing efforts to address many global challenges, including food insecurity and climate change. Despite a predicted increase in botanical career opportunities, little is known about how well academia is training graduate students for careers outside of academia.

To further our understanding of the current state of academic training for botanical careers, we surveyed 85 faculty and 40 graduate students working in academia in the plant sciences in the United States.

We found that the top challenges to university professors in academia are lack of support staff and funding, whereas students completing their post‐baccalaureate degrees cited finances and lack of supportive mentoring as their top challenges. Despite the fact that most graduate students surveyed wanted a career at a research‐intensive university, many botanists in academia are retiring without being replaced by more botanists. Faculty expertise is also misaligned with needs from industry and government employers, causing challenges to training graduate students for these careers outside of academia. Although our data point to a lack of career opportunities within academia, we also note that current graduate student education still emphasizes such careers and is not properly preparing graduate students for the careers they are more likely to obtain within the private and government sectors.

We discuss the implications of these findings and present several recommendations for preparing future generations of plant scientists for more realistic career trajectories.
Characterizing the landscape of plant science careers in the United States I: Government and private sector perspectives
Authors: Sidoti Brian J. , Walsh Lisa L. , Parsley Kathryn M. , Callis‐Duehl Kristine , Hove Alisa A. , Liu Hong , Uzcategui Mia , Ospina David , Bruce‐Opris Hannah , Gonzalez Roxana , Baraloto Christopher , McCartney Melissa
Published: May 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Humans are dependent upon plants for oxygen, food, textiles, and medicines. Climate change and deforestation represent serious threats to our planet, causing significant disruptions to our ability to access and utilize these plant resources; this makes a botanically literate workforce and plant science careers more important than ever. Unfortunately, the current state of botanical career opportunities and training programs in the United States remains unclear. This study focuses on the current employment trends of government and private sector botanists and what skills future plant scientists will need to be successful in these careers.

Plant science plays a crucial role in our society and in ongoing efforts to address many global challenges, including food insecurity and climate change. Yet, despite a predicted increase in plant science career opportunities in the United States, the botanical career landscape outside of academia is not well understood.

To further our understanding of the training required for non‐academic botanical careers, the botanical sub‐disciplines used on the job, and career challenges faced by plant scientists, we surveyed 61 scientists working in government and 59 scientists working in the private sector in the United States.

In both career sectors, > 80% of survey participants reported recent hires at the bachelor's degree level. New personnel with master's degrees were more commonly reported in the government sector (95%) than in the private sector (69%). Most plant scientists working in government reported a focus on plant ecology and resource management. By contrast, most industry/non‐profit work involved horticulture and biotechnology, with some specific skills spanning both sectors. Notably, one prediction made nearly a decade ago appears to be manifesting: plant scientists seem to be retiring more quickly than they are being replaced. Survey respondents reported that attempts to hire full‐time staff are met with obstacles, including insufficient funding. Plant science professionals in both career sectors emphasized their routine use of botanical skills developed as students, highlighting the need for effective training at the undergraduate level.

We discuss the implications of these findings and present several recommendations for preparing future generations of plant scientists and increasing the scientific community's botanical capacity.
Disparities and therapeutic advances in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Palla John B.
Published: May 2023

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has seen a multitude of therapeutic advances targeting its downstream effects. This has led to a steady increase in survival over the past few decades. The recent development of disease‐modifying drugs targeting the underlying CFTR mutation has revolutionized treatment for CF. Despite these advances, individuals with CF who are racial and ethnic minorities, from low socioeconomic status, or female sex have worse clinical outcomes. The inequitable access to CFTR modulators from cost and/or genetic eligibility has the potential to further worsen the existing health disparities seen within the CF community.
Pathogenesis of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae infections in chronic suppurative lung disease
Authors: Chatziparasidis Grigorios , Kantar Ahmad , Grimwood Keith
Published: May 2023

The respiratory tract antimicrobial defense system is a multilayered defense mechanism that relies upon mucociliary clearance and components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems to protect the lungs from inhaled or aspirated microorganisms. One of these potential pathogens, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), adopts several, multifaceted redundant strategies to successfully colonize the lower airways and establish a persistent infection. NTHi can impair mucociliary clearance, express multiple multifunctional adhesins for various cell types within the respiratory tract and evade host defenses by surviving within and between cells, forming biofilms, increasing antigenic drift, secreting proteases and antioxidants, and by host‐pathogen cross‐talk, impair macrophage and neutrophil function. NTHi is recognized as an important pathogen in several chronic lower respiratory disorders, such as protracted bacterial bronchitis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. The persistence of NTHi in human airways, including its capacity to form biofilms, results in chronic infection and inflammation, which can ultimately injure airway wall structures. The complex nature of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms employed by NTHi is incompletely understood but improved understanding of its pathobiology will be important for developing effective therapies and vaccines, especially given the marked genetic heterogeneity of NTHi and its possession of phase‐variable genes. Currently, no vaccine candidates are ready for large phase III clinical trials.
Consequences of incorporating thiaproline and its oxidized derivatives into collagen triple helices
Authors: Hsu Tsai‐Ling , Horng Jia‐Cherng
Published: May 2023

(2R)‐4‐thiaproline (Thp) is an analog of proline, replacing Cγ in the pyrrolidine ring with sulfur. Its thiazolidine ring easily interconverts between endo and exo puckers due to a small energy barrier, which leads to destabilize polyproline helices. Collagen, composed of three polyproline II helices, mainly consists of X–Y–Gly triplets, where X is often proline and Y is frequently (2S,4R)‐hydroxyproline. In this study, we incorporated Thp into either position‐X or position‐Y to investigate the consequences of such a replacement on the triple helix. Circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that the Thp‐containing collagen‐mimetic peptides (CMPs) can fold into stable triple helices, in which the substitution at position‐Y exhibits a larger destabilization effect. Additionally, we also prepared the derivative peptides by oxidizing Thp in the peptide to N‐formyl‐cysteine or S,S‐dioxide Thp. The results showed that the oxidized derivatives at position‐X only slightly affect collagen stability, but those at position‐Y induce a large destabilization effect. The consequences of incorporating Thp and its oxidized derivatives into CMPs are position dependent. Computational results suggested that the ease of interconversion between exo and endo puckers for Thp and the twist conformation of S,S‐dioxide Thp may cause the destabilization effect at position‐Y. We have revealed new insights into the impacts of Thp and its oxidized derivatives on collagen and demonstrated that Thp can be used to design collagen‐related biomaterials.
From North/Central America to the World? Assessing the potential of Pycnoderes quadrimaculatusGuerin‐Meneville (Heteroptera: Miridae) as a pest through Ecological Niche Models
Authors: Minghetti Eugenia , Dellapé Pablo M , Montemayor Sara I.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Pycnoderes quadrimaculatus is a pest that feeds on several plants, many of which are economically important. It is native to North/Central America and its distribution has expanded to several countries in South America.

RESULTS

Ecological niche models show that P. quadrimaculatus has invaded regions with climates different from those of its native range, and that there are suitable climatic conditions for its establishment worldwide. Regions where P. quadrimaculatus is a major threat and possible natural pathways of ingression were identified. In the future, its distribution will be modified by climate change.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides useful information for risk assessment and pest management of P. quadrimaculatus. According to our results, the species has great potential as a pest because it can adapt to different climatic conditions and feeds on a wide range of economically important plants. Over time, its distribution has expanded, and our models suggest that it will continue to invade other regions unless preventive measures are taken. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sclareol attenuates liver fibrosis through SENP1‐mediated VEGFR2 SUMOylation and inhibition of downstream STAT3 signaling
Authors: Ge Mao‐xu , Niu Wei‐xiao , Bao Yun‐yang , Lu Zhen‐ning , He Hong‐wei
Published: May 2023

Liver fibrosis is a key global health care burden. Sclareol, isolated from Salvia sclarea, possesses various biological activities. Its effect on liver fibrosis remains unknown. This study was proposed to evaluate the antifibrotic activity of sclareol (SCL) and explore its underlying mechanisms. Stimulated hepatic stellate cells served as an in vitro liver fibrosis model. The expression of fibrotic markers was assessed by western blot and real‐time PCR. Two classical animal models, bile duct‐ligated rats and carbon tetrachloride‐treated mice, were utilized for the in vivo experiments. The liver function and fibrosis degree were determined by serum biochemical and histopathological analyses. VEGFR2 SUMOylation was analyzed using coimmunoprecipitation assay. Our results indicated that SCL treatment restricted the profibrotic propensity of activated HSCs. In fibrotic rodents, SCL administration alleviated hepatic injury and reduced collagen accumulation. Mechanistic studies indicated that SCL downregulated the protein level of SENP1 and enhanced VEGFR2 SUMOylation in LX‐2 cells, which affected its intracellular trafficking. Blockade of the interaction between VEGFR2 and STAT3 was observed, resulting in the suppression of downstream STAT3 phosphorylation. Our findings demonstrated that SCL has therapeutic efficacy against liver fibrosis through mediating VEGFR2 SUMOylation, suggesting that SCL may be a potential candidate compound for its treatment.
Pharmacogenomic screening and differential diagnosis of conversion disorder
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: May 2023

Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, typically manifests as altered voluntary motor or sensory function that does not appear to be caused by recognized neurological or medical conditions.
Review on challenges for robotic eye surgery; surgical systems, technologies, cost‐effectiveness, and controllers
Authors: Soltani Sharif Abadi Ali , Ordys Andrew , Kukielka Krzysztof , Pierscionek Barbara
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, a number of surgical systems have been developed and are applied for a growing variety of surgeries. This review will consider the significant challenges of robotic surgery for the eye. These challenges take into account the different eye diseases, available technologies, and costs in different surgical systems for the eye. The conditions of a suitable controller will be discussed with consideration of relevant control engineering concepts. Comparison is made between the different characteristics of surgical robots for the eye. In this review, some comparisons will be made in eye surgical robots, control algorithms, sensors in surgical robots, communication protocols, and actuators.
Simple approaches to modeling pH‐dependent and multicomponent sorption of ions by variable‐charge minerals
Authors: Padilla Joshua T.
Published: May 2023

The mobility of ions in reactive media is controlled by sorption reactions, which are affected by various chemical variables. Empirical models, such as the Freundlich isotherm, are widely used to describe the partitioning of ions between solution and sorbed phases; however, their parameters are only valid for a narrow range of experimental conditions. Presented here are several Freundlich‐type isotherms capable of describing pH‐dependent sorption of cations and anions, as well as two novel isotherms for describing pH‐dependent and multicomponent sorption. Previously published data representing single and multicomponent ion sorption across a wide range of experimental conditions were extracted and used to evaluate the proposed sorption isotherms. The isotherms successfully described single‐component ion sorption as a function of pH, ionic strength, and solution–solid ratio, as well as competitive sorption between ions of the same charge or synergistic sorption between a cation and an anion. Importantly, the data were well described using far fewer parameters than corresponding surface complexation models (SCMs). As such, these isotherms offer a convenient alternative to SCMs for describing sorption across a wide range of chemical conditions. This may be especially beneficial for modeling ion behavior in heterogeneous matrices such as soils or in cases where knowledge of molecular‐scale sorption mechanisms is either unavailable or unnecessary.
Soil aggregate stability quantified by different methods is unaffected by rice straw biochar in the long term
Authors: Obour Peter Bilson , Oppong Danso Eric , Dorvlo Selorm Y. , Arthur Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Highly weathered tropical soils are susceptible to disaggregation due to disruptive forces like water and mechanical disturbances. However, a few studies have investigated how biochar and cropping systems together affect the aggregate stability of tropical soils. This study investigated the long‐term (∼7 years) effect of rice straw biochar on the aggregate stability of a tropical Acrisol using the dry aggregate stability (DAS) method and SLAKES (a wet aggregate stability technique), and assessed the extent of agreement or otherwise of the aggregate stability quantified by the two methods for different treatments. Maize (Zea mays L.) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) were rotated on plots amended with rice straw biochar at rates of 0, 15, and 30 Mg ha−1. Seven years after biochar amendment, bulk soil samples were collected at 0–15 cm depth for laboratory analyses. Aggregate stability was assessed by determining erodible fraction (EF) and DAS, and by quantifying the SLAKES parameters (slaking index [SI] and slaking index at 600 seconds [SI‐600]). Neither biochar nor crop type or their interaction significantly changed the soil aggregate stability assessed by the two methods (p > 0.05). The EF and DAS weakly correlated with SI and SI‐600, which could be attributed to the differences in the mechanisms underlying soil aggregate breakdown assessed by the two methods. The study highlighted that observed challenges of the SLAKES method namely, inability in some cases to detect soil aggregates and the disaggregation process could offset its advantages as a tool for rapid detection of soil structural problem areas within agricultural fields.
Assessing the efficiency and the justice of energy transformation for the United States of America, China, and the European Union
Authors: Liu Pingkuo , Zhao Ruiqi , Han Xue
Published: May 2023

A conceptual framework is constructed to discuss the Energy Transformation Efficiency and the Energy Transformation Justice for Carbon Neutrality and sustainable development. Both the Slack Based Measure‐based Efficiency Model and the improved Energy Transformation Justice Model are applied to measure the transformation efficiency and the transformation justice respectively. Then for empirical analysis, the influencing mechanism of the energy transformation efficiency and justice on the energy economy is analyzed by using the panel data of the USA, China and the EU from 2000 to 2020 with the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR). The results reveal that: The energy transformation efficiency requires a subtle balance between three essential inputs and two important outputs, while the energy transformation justice associated with five dimensions can describe both the equal opportunity and the procedural justice. Both the energy transformation efficiency and the energy transformation justice are improving year by year, and they are not completely mutually exclusive at present. As far as the performance is concerned, the EU is the best of all at both the efficiency and the justice, the USA is better than China at the justice, but China is better than the USA at the efficiency. In terms of interrelationship, there is an obvious Regime Switching Effect when the energy transformation efficiency and justice influencing on the energy economy growth. Furthermore, note that the state transition of both the efficiency and the justice can be limited by the economic situation of energy sector in each economy.