bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudio biométrico‐morfológico en poblaciones de Hyperbaena Miers ex Bentham (Menispermaceae) en Cuba
Authors: Granda Manue M. , Fuentes Víctor R.
Published: July 2024

Se realiza un estudio biométrico‐morfológico de órganos vegetativos en cinco poblaciones do Hyperbaena sobre calizas. Se tomaron 10 ejemplares de herbario de cada localidad y fueron medidas en cada uno 10 hojas tomadas al azar. Las mediciones fueron evaluadas mediante un análisis do varianza de clasificación simple y el test de rangos múltiples de Duncan. En base a los resultados obtenidos, se propone mantener el status de especie para Hyperbaena ovala Urb., reducida a la sinonimia de Hyperbaena cubensis (Griseb.) Urb. por Mathias & Theobald en la más reciente revisión del género.
El complejo estomático en la familia Agavaceae I. Desarrollo
Authors: de Zayas Alberto Alvarez
Published: July 2024

Se analiza el desarrollo del complejo estomático en representantes de los géneros Agave, Yucca, Furcreae, Manfreda, Polianthes y Hosta do la familia Agavaceae.

Se sumarizan los resultados alcanzados en cuanto a: forma y organización de las células protodérmicas y los tipos principales de división celular do las células vecinas de la célula madre do las oclusivas, determinándose las principales tendencias en cada género estudiado, pose a la heterogeneidad encontrada en elfos.

So señala la relación existente entre el hábito y el tipo de hoja y el número de divisiones de Jas células vecinas laterales con el grado de diferenciación de las células subsidiarias.

El grado de transformación de la forma de las células epidérmicas y las derivadas de las vecinas durante su desarrollo es analizado así como su posible relación con las tensiones superficiales que ocurren durante el crecimiento de la hoja.
Adolescent caffeine use and problematic school behavior: A longitudinal analysis of student survey data and teacher observations
Authors: Kristjansson Alfgeir L. , Lilly Christa L. , Mann Michael J. , Smith Megan L. , Kogan Steven M. , Layman Hannah M. , James Jack E.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Caffeine is a psychostimulant possessing arousal, motor activation, and reinforcing properties, which is consumed daily by most adolescents aged 12–19 years. Although current understanding of the implications of adolescent caffeine consumption for school behaviors remains incomplete, studies have shown that in addition to acute effects of the drug, in common with other habit‐forming psychoactive substances, regular use leads to physical dependence, evidenced by recurring negative withdrawal symptoms.

Methods

Employing two waves of longitudinal data, we tested the prospective association between daily caffeine use and homeroom teacher‐observed self‐control and problem behavior in a sample of middle‐school students in 20 schools in West Virginia in the United States. Caffeine was operationalized with two dichotomized variables, daily consumption of <100 mg, and daily consumption of >100 mg, versus no daily use. Gender, mother's education, family financial status, social support by primary caregiver and adults in school, and school climate, were applied as covariates in linear mixed models.

Results

Daily caffeine use of >100 mg was robustly and inversely associated with self‐control and positively associated with problem behavior.

Conclusions

Caffeine consumption and associated withdrawal symptoms may be an important factor in problematic school behavior among adolescents. Recent advent of highly concentrated caffeine products (e.g., caffeine “shots”) commonly marketed directly at youth, should give rise to concerns including consideration about limiting caffeine consumption among children and youth.
A Model‐Informed Drug Development Approach Supporting the Approval of an Unstudied Valbenazine Dose for Patients With Tardive Dyskinesia
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Q. , Kuan Han‐Yi Steve , Crass Ryan L. , Quinlan Lauren , Chapel Sunny , Kim Kristine , Brar Satjit , Loewen Gordon
Published: July 2024

Valbenazine is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of synaptic vesicular monoamine transporter 2. The current therapeutic doses of valbenazine for tardive dyskinesia (TD) are 40, 60, or 80 mg capsules, given orally, once daily (QD). While 40 and 80 mg were investigated in phase 3 KINECT® 3 trial and initially approved, the approval of valbenazine 60 mg was based on the analysis utilizing the Model‐informed drug development (MIDD) approach, facilitated through the US Food and Drug Administration's MIDD Pilot Program. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of 60 mg QD dose through model simulations using an established exposure‐response (E‐R) relationship between valbenazine active metabolite [+]‐α‐dihydrotetrabenazine exposure and the change from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score (AIMS‐CFB). A longitudinal E–R model was constructed based on the 40 and 80 mg data from the KINECT 3 trial. The final Emax model adequately predicted dose‐dependent improvement in the primary endpoint and was used to interpolate AIMS‐CFB for 60 mg at week 6. The efficacy of the unstudied 60 mg dose regimen is expected to be within the range of doses studied clinically with predicted mean AIMS‐CFB (95% confidence interval) of −2.69 (−3.30, −2.13) between observed mean AIMS‐CFB for 40 mg of −1.92 and 80 mg of −3.39. Results from this analysis provided the key evidence to establish efficacy of 60 mg QD without the need for an additional clinical trial. The availability of valbenazine 60 mg dose fills an existing medical need for patients with TD who could benefit from this third effective dose.
Sex similarities and divergences in systemic and muscle iron metabolism adaptations to extreme physical inactivity in rats
Authors: Horeau Mathieu , Delalande Melissa , Ropert Martine , Leroyer Patricia , Martin Brice , Orfila Luz , Loréal Olivier , Derbré Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous data in humans suggest that extreme physical inactivity (EPI) affects iron metabolism differently between sexes. Our objective was to deepen the underlying mechanisms by studying rats of both sexes exposed to hindlimb unloading (HU), the reference experimental model mimicking EPI.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male and female Wistar rats were assigned to control (CTL) or hindlimb unloading (HU) conditions (n = 12/group). After 7 days of HU, serum, liver, spleen, and soleus muscle were removed. Iron parameters were measured in serum samples, and ICP‐MS was used to quantify iron in tissues. Iron metabolism genes and proteins were analysed by RT‐qPCR and Western blot.

Results

Compared with control males, control females exhibited higher iron concentrations in serum (+43.3%, p < 0.001), liver (LIC; +198%, P < 0.001), spleen (SIC; +76.1%, P < 0.001), and transferrin saturation (TS) in serum (+53.3%, P < 0.001), contrasting with previous observations in humans. HU rat males, but not females, exhibited an increase of LIC (+54% P < 0.001) and SIC (+30.1%, P = 0.023), along with a rise of H‐ferritin protein levels (+60.9% and +134%, respectively, in liver and spleen; P < 0.05) and a decrease of TFRC protein levels (−36%; −50%, respectively, P < 0.05). HU males also exhibited an increase of splenic HO‐1 and NRF2 mRNA levels, (p < 0.001), as well as HU females (P < 0.001). Concomitantly to muscle atrophy observed in HU animals, the iron concentration increased in soleus in females (+26.7, P = 0.004) while only a trend is observed in males (+17.5%, P = 0.088). In addition, the H‐ferritin and myoglobin protein levels in soleus were increased in males (+748%, P < 0.001, +22%, P = 0.011, respectively) and in females (+369%, P < 0.001, +21.9%, P = 0.007, respectively), whereas TFRC and ferroportin (FPN) protein levels were reduced in males (−68.9%, P < 0.001, −76.8%, P < 0.001, respectively) and females (−75.9%, P < 0.001, −62.9%, P < 0.001, respectively). Interestingly, in both sexes, heme exporter FLVCR1 mRNA increased in soleus, while protein levels decreased (−39.9% for males P = 0.010 and −49.1% for females P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Taken together, these data support that, in rats (1) extreme physical inactivity differently impacts the distribution of iron in both sexes, (2) splenic erythrophagocytosis could play a role in this iron misdistribution. The higher iron concentrations in atrophied soleus from both sexes are associated with a decoupling between the increase in iron storage proteins (i.e., ferritin and myoglobin) and the decrease in levels of iron export proteins (i.e., FPN and FLVCR1), thus supporting an iron sequestration in skeletal muscle under extreme physical inactivity.
RAB22A sorts epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) from early endosomes to recycling endosomes for microvesicles release
Authors: Lin Yujie , Wei Denghui , He Xiaobo , Huo Lanqing , Wang Jingxuan , Zhang Xia , Wu Yuanzhong , Zhang Ruhua , Gao Ying , Kang Tiebang
Published: July 2024

Microvesicles (MVs) containing proteins, nucleic acid or organelles are shed from the plasma membrane. Although the mechanisms of MV budding are well elucidated, the connection between endosomal trafficking and MV formation remains poorly understood. In this report, RAB22A is revealed to be crucial for EGFR‐containing MVs formation by the RAB GTPase family screening. RAB22A recruits TBC1D2B, a GTPase‐activating protein (GAP) of RAB7A, to inactivate RAB7A, thus preventing EGFR from being transported to late endosomes and lysosomes. RAB22A also engages SH3BP5L, a guanine‐nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of RAB11A, to activate RAB11A on early endosomes. Consequently, EGFR is recycled to the cell surface and packaged into MVs. Furthermore, EGFR can phosphorylate RAB22A at Tyr136, which in turn promotes EGFR‐containing MVs formation. Our findings illustrate that RAB22A acts as a sorter on early endosomes to sort EGFR to recycling endosomes for MV shedding by both activating RAB11A and inactivating RAB7A.
Determining confidence and anxiety of Australian community podiatrists in managing foot ulceration: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Anning Naomi , Stokes‐Parish Jessica , Banwell Helen , Causby Ryan , Walsh Annie , Tehan Peta
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetes related foot ulcer (DFU) is a leading cause of impaired quality of life, disability, hospitalisation, amputation and mortality in people with diabetes. It is therefore critical that podiatrists across all settings, including community settings, are confident and capable of providing care for diabetes‐related foot complications. This study aims to describe current practice, confidence and anxiety levels of community podiatrists in the management of patients with foot ulceration. Furthermore, current barriers to service provision and interest in future educational opportunities will also be explored.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional survey was distributed to Australian community podiatrists. Descriptive variables including gender, age, professional experience, practice location and practise setting were elicited. A modified competitive State Anxiety Inventory‐2 (CSAI‐2) was utilised to measure anxiety related to managing a foot ulcer. Other questions included a combination of multiple choice and open‐ended free‐text responses relating to assessment, confidence and referral pathways.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐two Australian community‐based podiatrists responded to the survey. A variety of ulcer sizes and complexity were reported to be managed in community settings. Confidence in DFU management was high in most manual skill domains including: stabilisation of the foot (85.7%, standard deviation [SD] 17.42), scalpel control (83.0%, SD 20.02), debridement with a scalpel (82.7%, SD 18.19) and aseptic technique (81.0%, SD 18.62, maintaining integrity of healthy tissue (77.3%, SD 21.11), removal of appropriate tissue (75.6%, SD 22.53), depth of ulceration (73.7%, SD 23.99) and ability to manage messy wounds (69.1%, SD 26.04). Curette debridement had substantially lower levels of reported confidence (41.0%, SD 34.24). Performance anxiety was low with somatic and cognitive anxiety of 6/24 and 3/8 on the CSAI‐2, respectively.

Conclusion

Community podiatrists are managing foot ulcers of varying size and complexity. Confidence and anxiety do not pose a barrier to care. Adherence to wound assessment clinical guidelines is low and confidence with the use of curette was sub‐optimal. Further educational programs may overcome these barriers and support shared models of care between community and acute podiatry services.
Identification of risk groups for advanced liver fibrosis in the general population using the Fibrosis‐3 index
Authors: Kariyama Kazuya , Kawanaka Miwa , Nouso Kazuhiro , Wakuta Akiko , Shiota Shohei , Kurisu Akemi , Sugiyama Aya , Akita Tomoyuki , Kumada Takashi , Tanaka Junko ,   the Real‐Life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

We conducted a study using the Fibrosis‐3 (FIB‐3) index, which is the established age‐independent index of fibrosis in nonviral liver disease and addresses the limitations of the FIB‐4 index in older age group, to assess the liver fibrosis risk among diverse demographic groups in the general population.

Methods

We analyzed 31 327 individuals who underwent health examinations between 2013 and 2020 and investigated the distribution of the FIB‐3 index by age group. In addition, we examined the age distribution of the FIB‐3 index stratified by background factors, such as sex, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption habits, and the presence or absence of fatty liver.

Results

In terms of age‐specific distribution, the FIB‐3 index remained below 1.5 in >90% of cases until the age of 50 years but exceeded 1.5 beyond the age of 50 years, in approximately 30% among those aged 70 years. Notably, the FIB‐3 index above 31 years old was significantly higher in men than in women. Among the different BMI categories, individuals with BMI < 18.5 exhibited the highest prevalence of fibrosis. Habitual drinkers had a higher proportion with FIB‐3. index ≥1.5, and some had FIB‐3 index ≥2.5, raising the suspicion of advanced hepatic fibrosis. No distinct association was identified between the FIB‐3 index and the presence of fatty liver.

Conclusions

The FIB‐3 index was useful for identifying cases of advancing hepatic fibrosis in a health checkup population. Liver fibrosis progresses with age in the general population, especially among men, those with low BMI, and habitual drinkers.
Enabling AI‐Generated Content for Gadolinium‐Free Contrast‐Enhanced Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wang Pingping , Wang Hongyu , Nie Pin , Dang Yanli , Liu Rumei , Qu Mingzhu , Wang Jiawei , Mu Gengming , Jia Tianju , Shang Lei , Zhu Kaiguo , Feng Jun , Chen Baoying
Published: July 2024

Background

There is increasing interest in utilizing AI‐generated content for gadolinium‐free contrast‐enhanced breast MRI.

Purpose

To develop a generative model for gadolinium‐free contrast‐enhanced breast MRI and evaluate the diagnostic utility of the generated scans.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Two hundred seventy‐six women with 304 breast MRI examinations (49 ± 13 years, 243/61 for training/testing).

Field Strength/Sequence

ZOOMit diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), T1‐weighted volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (T1W VIBE), and axial T2 3D SPACE at 3.0 T.

Assessment

A generative model was developed to generate contrast‐enhanced scans using precontrast T1W VIBE and DWI images. The generated and real images were quantitatively compared using the structural similarity index (SSIM), mean absolute error (MAE), and Dice similarity coefficient. Three radiologists with 8, 5, and 5 years of experience independently rated the image quality and lesion visibility on AI‐generated and real images within various subgroups using a five‐point scale. Four breast radiologists, with 8, 8, 5, and 5 years of experience, independently and blindly interpreted four reading protocols: unenhanced MRI protocol alone and combined with AI‐generated scans, abbreviated MRI protocol, and full‐MRI protocol.

Statistical Analysis

Results were assessed using t‐tests and McNemar tests. Using pathology diagnosis as reference standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each reading protocol. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In the test set, the generated images showed similarity to the real images (SSIM: 0.935 ± 0.047 [SD], MAE: 0.015 ± 0.012 [SD], and Dice coefficient: 0.726 ± 0.177 [SD]). No significant difference in lesion visibility was observed between real and AI‐generated scans of the mass, non‐mass, and benign lesion subgroups. Adding AI‐generated scans to the unenhanced MRI protocol slightly improved breast cancer detection (sensitivity: 92.86% vs. 85.71%, NPV: 76.92% vs. 70.00%); achieved non‐inferior diagnostic utility compared to the AB‐MRI protocol and full‐protocol (sensitivity: 92.86%, 95.24%; NPV: 75.00%, 81.82%).

Data Conclusion

AI‐generated gadolinium‐free contrast‐enhanced breast MRI has potential to improve the sensitivity of unenhanced MRI in detecting breast cancer.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Enterovirus D68 disease burden and epidemiology in hospital‐admitted influenza‐like illness, Valencia region of Spain, 2014–2020 influenza seasons
Authors: Mengual‐Chuliá Beatriz , Tamayo‐Trujillo Rafael , Mira‐Iglesias Ainara , Cano Laura , García‐Esteban Sandra , Ferrús Maria Loreto , Puig‐Barberà Joan , Díez‐Domingo Javier , López‐Labrador F. Xavier ,   the VAHNSI network
Published: July 2024

Enterovirus D68 (EV‐D68) is an emerging agent for which data on the susceptible adult population is scarce. We performed a 6‐year analysis of respiratory samples from influenza‐like illness (ILI) admitted during 2014‐2020 in 4‐10 hospitals in the Valencia Region, Spain. EV‐D68 was identified in 68 (3.1%) among 2210 Enterovirus (EV)/Rhinovirus (HRV) positive samples. Phylogeny of 59 VP1 sequences showed isolates from 2014 clustering in B2 (6/12), B1 (5/12), and A2/D1 (1/12) subclades; those from 2015 (n = 1) and 2016 (n = 1) in B3 and A2/D1, respectively; and isolates from 2018 in A2/D3 (42/45), and B3 (3/45). B1 and B2 viruses were mainly detected in children (80% and 67%, respectively); B3 were equally distributed between children and adults; whereas A2/D1 and A2/D3 were observed only in adults. B3 viruses showed up to 16 amino acid changes at predicted antigenic sites. In conclusion, two EV‐D68 epidemics linked to ILI hospitalized cases occurred in the Valencia Region in 2014 and 2018, with three fatal outcomes and one ICU admission. A2/D3 strains from 2018 were associated with severe respiratory infection in adults. Because of the significant impact of non‐polio enteroviruses in ILI and the potential neurotropism, year‐round surveillance in respiratory samples should be pursued.
Impact of tourism destination image on perceived usefulness of online reviews: Psychological distance effect and two methodologies
Authors: Chang Minhui , Ko Eunhee Erica
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to empirically verify the impact of tourism destination image on perceived usefulness from the perspective of construal‐level theory. It also attempted to compare the results of the survey and data mining techniques regarding methodology. An online survey was initially conducted, and statistical analysis was performed using the R program. Concurrently, 25,952 reviews from TripAdvisor were gathered using a web crawler, Octoparse, and analyzed using the Tidyverse approach. The results indicated that, in the probabilistically distant group, affective destination image had a significant effect on perceived usefulness, whereas cognitive image did not affect perceived usefulness. Contrastingly, in the probabilistically close group, cognitive images had a stronger effect on perceived usefulness than affective images. Both the influential relationship between affective and cognitive images and the comparison of the two research methods were partially supported. These findings have theoretical and practical implications.
Comparison of Explainable Artificial Intelligence Model and Radiologist Review Performances to Detect Breast Cancer in 752 Patients
Authors: Oztekin Pelin Seher , Katar Oguzhan , Omma Tulay , Erel Serap , Tokur Oguzhan , Avci Derya , Aydogan Murat , Yildirim Ozal , Avci Engin , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Breast cancer is a type of cancer caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast tissue. In a few cases, erroneous diagnosis of breast cancer by specialists and unnecessary biopsies can lead to various negative consequences. In some cases, radiologic examinations or clinical findings may raise the suspicion of breast cancer, but subsequent detailed evaluations may not confirm cancer. In addition to causing unnecessary anxiety and stress to patients, such diagnosis can also lead to unnecessary biopsy procedures, which are painful, expensive, and prone to misdiagnosis. Therefore, there is a need for the development of more accurate and reliable methods for breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods

In this study, we proposed an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based method for automatically classifying breast solid mass lesions as benign vs malignant. In this study, a new breast cancer dataset (Breast‐XD) was created with 791 solid mass lesions belonging to 752 different patients aged 18 to 85 years, which were examined by experienced radiologists between 2017 and 2022.

Results

Six classifiers, support vector machine (SVM), K‐nearest neighbor (K‐NN), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), and XGBoost, were trained on the training samples of the Breast‐XD dataset. Then, each classifier made predictions on 159 test data that it had not seen before. The highest classification result was obtained using the explainable XGBoost model (X2GAI) with an accuracy of 94.34%. An explainable structure is also implemented to build the reliability of the developed model.

Conclusions

The results obtained by radiologists and the X2GAI model were compared according to the diagnosis obtained from the biopsy. It was observed that our developed model performed well in cases where experienced radiologists gave false positive results.
Lateral to medial fluoroscopic view improves the accuracy of identifying the MPFL femoral footprint using Schottle's technique
Authors: Cetin Hakan , Kose Ozkan , Selcuk Huseyin , Egerci Omer Faruk , Kilic Koray Kaya , Sarikcioglu Levent
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of different fluoroscopy settings on the accuracy of locating Schottle's point during medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction.

Methods

The centre of the MPFL femoral footprint was identified and marked on 44 dry femurs. Two standard true lateral knee fluoroscopic images were obtained: (1) medial to lateral (ML) and (2) lateral to medial (LM). The deviation between the anatomically determined MPFL femoral footprint and the fluoroscopically identified point was measured on both fluoroscopic images. An ‘acceptable tunnel location’ was defined as within a 5‐ or 7‐mm margin of error from the anatomic MPFL footprint. Distal femoral morphometric dimensions were also measured using digital calipers. Statistical analysis determined discrepancies between techniques and their relation to femoral morphometry.

Results

The LM view yielded a significantly smaller distance between the anatomical MPFL footprint and Schottle's point compared to the ML view (3.2 ± 1.5 vs. 4.5 ± 2.1 mm, p < 0.001). The LM view achieved acceptable tunnel locations, meeting the 5‐mm error criterion in 90.9% of cases, while the ML view achieved 65.9% (p < 0.001). Both views yielded acceptable tunnel locations at similar rates using the 7‐mm error criterion (n.s.). The anatomic MPFL footprint was displaced towards the anterior and proximal location in the ML view in reference to the Schottle point. No correlation was observed between any of the morphometric measurements and the deviations.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that using the LM fluoroscopic view improves the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement when identifying the MPFL footprint via the Schottle technique. Adopting the LM view in surgical practice will help surgeons locate the anatomical femoral footprint accurately, replicating the native MPFL and enhancing clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level 4, cadaveric study.
The Greco‐Roman Contribution to Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Panegyres Konstantine
Published: July 2024

Background

Lifestyle has become a major and well‐recognized aspect of modern healthcare, but there is little awareness of the origins of lifestyle medicine.

Results

This paper shows that a major contribution to lifestyle medicine was made by Greco‐Roman physicians. Ancient Greek and Roman doctors placed considerable emphasis on the role lifestyle played in determining the state of their patients’ health.
Fine‐grained sediment production by endolithic sponges on Caribbean coral reefs
Authors: de Bakker Didier M. , Perry Chris T. , Magaña‐Gallegos Eden , Pérez‐Cervantes Esmeralda , Alvarez‐Filip Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Endolithic sponges are key players in carbonate cycling on coral reef systems. While their bioerosion of reef framework is relatively well studied, their role in biogenic sediment generation is poorly understood. In this study, the sedimentary attributes and production rates of eight Caribbean endolithic sponge species were characterized. The findings revealed notable species‐specific variations in sediment production rates (range: 1.0–6.3 kg CaCO3 m−2 yr−1), alongside consistency in sediment characteristics (modal sizes ranging from 39 to 48 μm). The species‐specific rates were used to explore reef‐scale variations in sponge‐derived sediment generation across 50 reef sites in the Mexican Caribbean. Significant between‐site variability was observed, with estimated annual sediment production ranging from < 0.01 to 0.84 kg m−2 of reef. Production was primarily driven by sponge abundance, with discernible spatial variations in the contributions of different species, which could be related to variability in local environmental conditions. The rapidity at which these sediment producers can utilize dead coral substrates, coupled with their positive response to the changing marine environment, highlights the growing importance of these sponges in modern degraded Caribbean reef systems.
Parkinson's Disease Gene Screening in Familial Cases from Central and South America
Authors: Lorenzo‐Betancor Oswaldo , Mehta Seysha , Ramchandra Janvi , Mumuney Sekinat , Schumacher‐Schuh Artur F. , Cornejo‐Olivas Mario , Sarapura‐Castro Elison H. , Torres Luis , Inca‐Martinez Miguel A. , Mazzetti Pilar , Cosentino Carlos , Micheli Federico , Tumas Vitor , Dieguez Elena , Raggio Victor , Borges Vanderci , Ferraz Henrique B. , Chana‐Cuevas Pedro , Jimenez‐Del‐Rio Marlene , Velez‐Pardo Carlos , Moreno Sonia , Lopera Francisco , Orozco‐Velez Jorge L. , Muñoz‐Ospina Beatriz , Rieder Carlos R.M. , Medina‐Escobar Alex , Yearout Dora , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Mata Ignacio F. ,   Latin American Research Consortium on the Genetics of PD (LARGE‐PD)
Published: July 2024

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease following Alzheimer's disease. Nearly 30 causative genes have been identified for PD and related disorders. However, most of these genes were identified in European‐derived families, and little is known about their role in Latin American populations.

Objectives

Our goal was to assess the spectrum and frequency of pathogenic variants in known PD genes in familial PD patients from Latin America.

Methods

We selected 335 PD patients with a family history of PD from the Latin American Research Consortium on the Genetics of PD. We capture‐sequenced the coding regions of 26 genes related to neurodegenerative parkinsonism. Of the 335 PD patients, 324 had sufficient sequencing coverage to be analyzed.

Results

We identified pathogenic variants in 41 individuals (12.7%) in FBXO7, GCH1, LRRK2, PARK7, PINK1, PLA2G6, PRKN, SNCA, and TARDBP, GBA1 risk variants in 25 individuals (7.7%), and variants of uncertain significance in another 24 individuals (7.4%) in ATP13A2, ATP1A3, DNAJC13, DNAJC6, GBA1, LRKK2, PINK1, VPS13C, and VPS35. Of the 70 unique variants identified, 19 were more frequent in Latin Americans than in any other population.

Conclusions

This is the first screening of known PD genes in a large cohort of patients with familial PD from Latin America. There were substantial differences in the spectrum of variants observed in comparison to previous findings from PD families of European origin. Our data provide further evidence that differences exist between the genetic architecture of PD in Latinos and European‐derived populations. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Prokineticin‐2 Is Highly Expressed in Colonic Mucosa of Early Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Bellini Gabriele , Rettura Francesco , Palermo Giovanni , Ippolito Chiara , Segnani Cristina , Pierucci Clarissa , Fontanelli Lorenzo , Frosini Daniela , Nardini Vincenzo , Lambiase Christian , Bernardini Nunzia , Pellegrini Carolina , Ceravolo Roberto
Published: July 2024

Background

Elevated levels of prokineticin‐2 (PK2), regarded as a protein involved in modulating immune/inflammatory responses, have been detected in the substantia nigra, serum, and olfactory neurons of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Of note, emerging evidence suggests that gut alterations, including dysbiosis and enteric inflammation, play a role in PD via the gut‐brain axis.

Objectives

Our goal was to investigate the expression of PK2 in colonic biopsies of PD patients.

Methods

Mucosal biopsies from the descending colon were obtained in 11 PD patients and five asymptomatic subjects. Biopsy samples were processed for PK2 immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results

We revealed an increased PK2 expression in colonic mucosa from PD patients in the early stages compared to controls. In addition, we found that PK2 was expressed by activated enteric glial cells and macrophages.

Conclusions

PK2 is highly expressed within neurogenic/inflammatory cells of colonic mucosa from early PD patients, suggesting a potential role of PK2 in gut inflammation, especially in the early stages of PD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Persistent response to combination treatment of pemigatinib and chemotherapy in a patient with advanced gastric cancer: A case report
Authors: Wu Jing , Cui Yuehong , Yu Shan
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to report the treatment and outcomes of a patient with advanced gastric cancer (GC) using a combination of a targeted molecular therapy and chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

A 40‐year‐old woman presented with abdominal metastatic nodules and peritoneal effusion. Biopsy and cytology identified signet ring cell carcinoma. Ten months after the onset of initial symptoms, gastroscopy confirmed signet ring cell carcinoma of the gastric body. Genetic testing revealed amplification of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene. Consequently, the patient received FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib in addition to a chemotherapy regimen of albumin paclitaxel plus 5‐fluorouracil.

Results

During the treatment, the patient experienced recurrent liver function abnormalities and intestinal obstruction, which were managed with symptom‐specific medications and supportive therapies. The combined treatment regimen resulted in a progression‐free survival (PFS) period of ten months.

Conclusion

The integration of FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib with standard chemotherapy showed promising results in prolonging PFS in a patient with advanced GC characterized by FGFR gene amplification, despite the occurrence of manageable side effects.
Face stability assessment of a longitudinally inclined tunnel considering pore water pressure
Authors: Chen Guang‐Hui , Zou Jin‐Feng , Guo Yuan‐Cheng , Tan Zi‐An , Dan Shu
Published: July 2024

The face stability analysis of a longitudinally inclined shield tunnel using an analytical approach in water‐rich areas is still a research gap. To solve this face stability problem, a numerical simulation based on the FLAC3D is first conducted to calculate the seepage field behind the inclined tunnel face. An improved rotational failure mechanism is developed to make it possible to investigate the face stability of inclined tunnels using analytical approaches. In the framework of the kinematic approach of limit analysis, the limit support pressures and corresponding failure surfaces of the inclined tunnel face are determined to analyze the face stability issue. The interpolation tool (griddata) in MATLAB is adopted to involve the obtained numerical values of pore water pressures into the analysis of the stability issue. The analytical solutions obtained from the proposed method are validated by comparisons with existing results from published literatures and numerical results. For a quick estimation of the inclined tunnel face stability in water‐rich areas, a series of design charts are then presented for various soil strength parameters, water tables, and inclined angles. Finally, an application of the proposed method to a practical tunneling case is provided, which further illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
MRI assessment of adipose tissue fatty acid composition in the UK Biobank and its association with diet and disease
Authors: Thanaj Marjola , Basty Nicolas , Whitcher Brandon , Bell Jimmy D. , Thomas E. Louise
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the fatty acid (FA) composition of abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (ASAT and VAT, respectively) in the UK Biobank imaging cohort (N = 33,823) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

We measured the fractions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FA (fSFA, fMUFA, and fPUFA, respectively) in ASAT and VAT from multiecho MRI scans. We selected a subcohort of participants who followed a vegan and an omnivore diet (N = 36) to validate the effect of diet on adipose tissue. In the wider imaging cohort, we examined the relationships between adipose tissue FA composition and various traits related to disease and body size.

Results

We measured adipose tissue FA composition for over 33,000 participants, revealing higher fSFA and fPUFA and lower fMUFA in VAT (p < 0.00016). fMUFA and fPUFA were higher in ASAT and lower in VAT for women (p < 0.00016). Vegan participants exhibited lower fSFA in both ASAT and VAT (p < 0.00016). VAT fSFA and fMUFA showed significant associations with disease, as well as anthropometric variables.

Conclusions

This extensive analysis revealed the relationships between adipose tissue FA composition and a range of factors in a diverse population, highlighting the importance of studying body adipose tissue beyond its quantity.
Green thermal insulators: A review into the role of biopolymer‐based aerogels in thermal insulation applications
Authors: Giuma Abdussalam , Khalil H. P. S. Abdul , Yahya Esam Bashir , Sukeksi Lilis , Alfatah Tata , Nurazzi N. M. , Jaber Mohamed , Surya Indra
Published: July 2024

The need for green thermal insulation materials, such as biopolymer aerogels, has become increasingly critical in the face of escalating environmental concerns and the urgent push toward sustainable practices. The unique characteristics of biopolymer aerogels, coupled with their environmental benefits, position them as potential disruptors in the insulation industry. As research continues, addressing challenges and refining fabrication techniques will likely lead to wider adoption of these materials, contributing to a greener and more energy‐efficient built environment. This review presents the latest developments concerning the properties and versatile applications of biopolymer‐based thermal insulators as a new type of green materials. It comprehensively examines the fundamental principles of thermal insulation, factors that influence its efficacy, and the compatibility and mechanisms underlying bioaerogels within this context. The review also addresses the latest works about the utilization of different biopolymer aerogels in different thermal insulation applications and critically assesses the obstacles currently faced by biopolymer‐based aerogels and elucidates potential avenues for future advancement.

Highlights

Biopolymer aerogels offer a sustainable alternative in insulation.

Challenges in production limit current aerogel adoption rates.

Latest advancements highlight aerogels' versatile insulation applications.

Future research aims to enhance biopolymer aerogel technology and use.
Synthesis and characterization of biobased copolyesters based on pentanediol: (1) Poly(pentylene dodecanoate‐co‐furandicarboxylate)
Authors: Singh Onkar , Aboukeila Hesham , Klier John , Huber George W. , Grady Brian P.
Published: July 2024

A series of biobased aliphatic‐aromatic copolyesters, poly(pentylene dodecanoate‐co‐furandicarboxylates) (PPeDFs) were synthesized via an esterification and polycondensation melt process. The copolyesters were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide angle x‐ray scattering, and tensile testing. The thermal transition behavior was strongly dependent on composition, with the melting and glass transition temperatures reaching a minimum at approximately equimolar ratio of D to F. All copolyesters were stable below 300°C with their R600 (the weight of material remaining at 600°C) values increasing with F fraction. PPeD to PPeDF30 (e.g., mole ratio D/F = 7:3) show sharp PPeD crystalline reflections only while broad PPeF reflections are shown in PPeF and PPeDF90. PPeDF40 to PPeDF80 showed both crystal structures. The fractional crystallinity for the PPeD was much higher than PPeF and the fractional crystallinity of the copolymers showed a minimum at D/F ratios closer to the latter. The stress at break and modulus both exhibited maxima at D/F ratios that were either high or low, but somewhat surprisingly a strong maximum in percent elongation at break of over 600% occurs at PPeDF40. For this composition, a typical plastic behavior curve was found including a yield point, high elongation at break, and strain hardening.

Highlights

Poly(pentylene dodecanoate‐co‐furandicarboxylates) (PPeDFs) are synthesized

Mechanical properties, a function of D:F ratio. High elongation at 40 mol% F.

Two melting temperatures/crystal structures, one PPeD, the other PPeF

Glass transition temperature minimum at intermediate D:F ratios
Comparison of cell morphology and mechanical properties of wheat straw powder/HDPE parts molded by supercritical fluid foamed injection with and without gas counter pressure technology
Authors: Jiang Xi‐long , Chen Xing‐yuan , Wang Fang‐Fang , Chien Ming‐yuan , Li Hai‐mei
Published: July 2024

Composites were fabricated using maleic anhydride‐grafted high‐density polyethylene as the matrix material and wheat straw as the filler. Differential scanning calorimetry and rheological properties of these composites were investigated to determine the processing parameters for supercritical fluid (SCF) microcellular injection with and without gas counter pressure (GCP) technology. The impacts of different proportions and dimensions of wheat straw, along with process parameters related to GCP, were determined on both the cellular structure and mechanical characteristics of foamed injection molded components. Experimental results revealed that an increase in the ratio of wheat straw and a reduction in its size led to enhancements in both storage modulus and complex viscosity of the composites, while also improving their cell structure when foamed with SCF. By adjusting GCP process parameters, it was possible to regulate both cell morphology and mechanical properties of foamed injection molded parts. Higher GCP or longer GCP holding time resulted in increased skin thickness and tensile strength but decreased notched Izod impact strength.

Highlights

Built relations between GCP technology parameters and cell morphologies.

Compared the influence of wheat straw powder and GCP parameters quantitatively.

Explored the correlation between cellular morphology and mechanical properties.

The regulatory mechanism of cell morphology, size ratio, and distribution.

GCP effectively modulates cell morphologies and mechanical properties.
Development of a quaternary photocurable system for 3D printing based on the addition of acrylate monomers to an epoxy/thiol‐Ene system
Authors: Acosta Ortiz Ricardo , Hernandez Jiménez Alan Isaac , Ku Herrera José de Jesus , May Pat Alejandro
Published: July 2024

The exothermic nature of acrylate photopolymerizations enables room temperature 3D printing of a quaternary formulation that incorporates an acrylate monomer, and an epoxy/thiol‐ene system (ETES). The latter comprises an epoxy monomer, a multifunctional thiol and a tetraallyl functionalized ditertiary amine curing agent. Pristine ETES necessitates temperatures of 85–95 °C for curing. Several mechanisms operate simultaneously during this process: homopolymerization of acrylates, thiol‐acrylate photopolymerization, thiol‐ene photopolymerization between the double bonds of curing agent and the multifunctional thiol, the Michael addition between thiolates derived from ETES and the double bonds of acrylates, and the anionic polymerization of the epoxy resin via the tertiary amine groups. To optimize the quaternary formulations for printing, parameters, such as reactivity, exothermicity, and viscosity, was explored. Subsequently, the thermal and viscoelastic properties of the printed cross‐linked polymers derived from these formulations were analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The polymers derived from quaternary formulations exhibited lower crosslinked density compared to those obtained from the pristine acrylates. This reduction in crosslink density contributes to the improved toughness of the hybrid polymers.
Influence of amine chain extenders on morphology and performances of poly(dimethylsiloxane) based poly(urea‐urethane) elastomers
Authors: Ge Shang , Zhu Youzhi , Zhu Yun , Wang Guiyou , Chen Guoming , Liu Shihong , Ye Ping
Published: July 2024

The structure, morphology, and performance of polyurethanes are greatly influenced by the structure of chain extenders. In this study, two types of amine chain extenders, 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (BAPD) and isophorone diamine (IPDA), were utilized in the synthesis of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)‐based poly(urea‐urethane) elastomers (PDMS‐PUUs). The mechanical properties, morphology, and in vitro oxidative stability of the as‐prepared elastomers were controlled by altering the ratio of BAPD and IPDA. The results indicate that the overall phase mixing of PDMS‐PUUs improves after incorporating of BAPD into the hard segments. The hard segment, composed of IPDA with a rigid structure, plays a crucial role in maintaining the essential mechanical properties of the PDMS‐PUUs. Furthermore, PDMS‐PUUs based on mixed chain extenders exhibit relatively high boundary diffuseness and boundary thickness. Especially, the PDMS‐PUU sample synthesized from BAPD and IPDA with a molar ratio of 1/1 features the highest boundary diffuseness (0.094) and boundary thickness (0.395 nm), consequently displaying some remarkable properties, including enhanced cyclic tensile properties, superior strain recovery (92.6%), a low modulus (8.6 MPa), and high tensile strength (20.3 MPa). PDMS‐PUUs also exhibit good oxidative stability and biocompatibility, implying that the as‐prepared PDMS‐PUUs are proven to be biostable and capable of long‐term implantation.
Toward sustainable cities: Assessing drivers of SDG performance in Italian municipalities
Authors: Raimo Nicola , L'Abate Vitiana , Marrone Arcangelo , Vitolla Filippo
Published: July 2024

In the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, municipalities are increasingly recognized as pivotal actors in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their significant contributions have also garnered attention in academic literature. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the integration of the SDGs into the visions and strategies of municipalities, as well as the factors driving their efforts toward the SDGs. Therefore, this study aims to fill this important gap by examining, under the lens of stakeholder theory, the SDG performance of Italian municipalities and the drivers of these performance levels. The results reveal a delay in the progress toward achieving the SDGs. Furthermore, they demonstrate a negative impact of population size on the SDG performance of Italian municipalities, alongside positive effects of multiculturalism, location in the northern regions, and the level of tourism. The results significantly contribute to academic literature and hold important practical implications.
Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of Listeria species from raw milk and dairy products in Burdur, Turkey
Authors: Erol Zeki , Polat Zübeyde , Soyuçok Ali , Yalçın Halil , Taşçı Fulya
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Worldwide, but especially in emerging nations, concerns about food safety pose a serious obstacle to societal and economic progress. This research aimed to examine the prevalence of Listeria spp. in raw milk and dairy products in Burdur, as well as the presence of genes associated with biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in the isolates.

Methods

A total of 185 samples, including raw milk, curd, cream, butter, yogurt and cheese, were randomly collected in Burdur. The enrichment and isolation methods specified by the United States Department of Agriculture was used to identify Listeria species in milk and dairy product samples. Culture‐positive strains were identified as Listeria genus and as species by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated against 14 antibiotics using the disc diffusion technique (EUCAST).

Results

Of them, 2.2% (4/185) were positive for Listeria spp. Listeria species were isolated from cheese and yogurt samples. Two of them were Listeria innocua 1.1% (2/185), one was Listeria ivanovii 0.5% (1/185) and the other was Listeria welshimeri 0.5% (1/185). As a result of multiplex PCR of the biofilm genotypic marker luxS and flaA genes, the flaA gene was detected in three of four isolates, the luxS gene was detected in one isolate, and these two genes were not found in one isolate. Although all isolates were resistant to gentamicin and rifampicin, they also showed multidrug resistance.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the diversity of prevalence of Listeria spp. in Burdur requires microbial risk assessment in the milk and dairy products value chain and the need to focus on the problem of multiple antibiotic resistance.