bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of multidisciplinary team and stepwise pelvic devascularization to minimize blood loss during total pelvic exenteration for patients refusing blood transfusion
Authors: Le Thanh Valentina , Bell Richard , Symons Nicholas , Soleymani Majd Hooman
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Radical gynecology oncology surgeries are feasible in patients refusing blood transfusion, when performed with careful preoperative (with hemoglobin optimization and patients' counseling), intraoperative (with hemostasis and stepwise devascularization, hemodilution, and autologous cell salvage) and postoperative (considering iron infusion or erythropoietin) planning with a multidisciplinary team involvement.

We describe the case of a female Jehovah's Witness patient in her 60s undergoing pelvic exenteration, focusing on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative measures that allowed an uncomplicated surgery without blood transfusion. Blood transfusions are common in the surgical management of gynecology oncology patients, up to 93% of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration may require blood products. However, increasingly more patients are cautious in receiving blood products, either for fear of potential risks or for religious believes. It is therefore vital to optimize the management of these patients in order to avoid blood transfusions. In this case, we summarize the management of a lady in her 60s who underwent laparotomy, pelvic exenteration, Bricker colicureterostomy, and end colostomy formation for recurrent endometrial carcinoma, despite previous total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy followed by brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and external beam radiotherapy for high‐grade serous carcinoma. Preoperatively, an advance decision to refuse blood products was discussed to ascertain all the options that were suitable. As her preoperative hemoglobin was acceptable (127 g/L), no further intervention was required. Intraoperatively, blood loss was effectively minimized with meticulous hemostasis, stepwise pelvic devascularization, intraoperative hemodilution, and cell salvage. Despite these interventions, total blood loss was 1030 mL and postoperative hemoglobin was 113 g/L. Postoperative measures therefore included intravenous iron infusion, minimization of phlebotomy, and optimization of cardiopulmonary status. Erythropoietin was also considered, but was not necessary as patient responded to the previous measures well and was successfully discharged after an uncomplicated recovery. Only few cases of total pelvic exenteration have been described in the literature for Jehovah's Witness patients. However, our case shows that laparotomy and pelvic exenteration is feasible in patients refusing blood products, if performed under a multidisciplinary team and with careful preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative planning, also in the setting of previous radical hysterectomy and co‐adjuvant therapy.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia due to mediastinal teratoma: A case report and review article
Authors: Ghazizadeh Maryam , Moini Mohammad , Ghazizadeh Matin
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Massage

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disease that is divided into primary and secondary types. In patients with AIHA we should consider mediastinal tumors as a serious cause. If such teratoma was found surgical removal of it is in order.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disease that is divided into primary and secondary types. The secondary type usually appears as a complication to some diseases such as chronic inflammatory diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and malignancies. A 26 years‐old female with a chief complaint of weakness, fatigue, and exertional dyspnea is diagnosed with AIHA. Initially, medical steroid treatment appeared to be successful and the anemia improved, however, by weaning steroid dosage the disease relapsed. Eventually, surgical resection of the mediastinal teratoma lead to the hemolysis being treated successfully. In patients with AIHA we should consider mediastinal tumors as a serious cause. If such teratoma was found surgical removal of it is in order.
Design and Simulation of a Low‐Temperature Thermal Desalination System
Authors: Karmakar Arnab , Patra Abhishek Kumar , Saha Sankarsan , Jana Sumit Kumar
Published: September 2023

The prototype of a low‐temperature thermal desalination system treating 2500 L day−1 of saline water was designed thermally and geometrically, to be integrated with a vacuum spray flash drum and spray nozzles, a plate heat exchanger‐type condenser, and a thermosyphon solar water heater to produce potable water for a small community. The design bases were the feed flow rate, the feed temperature from 45 to 65 °C, the salinity of 0.035 kg kg−1, and the vacuum drum pressure from 2 to 6 kPa absolute. The estimated yield of potable water based on the simulated droplet dynamics was in the range of 68.91–75.80 %. The plate heat exchanger and the thermosyphon solar water heater were designed for effective condensation and passive heating, respectively.
Efficient Contact between H2O and N‐Coordinate Ru Nanoparticles in Three‐Dimensionally Ordered Macro/Mesoporous Carbon Boosting Alkaline HER†
Authors: Luo Jiaqing , Liu Chunyu , Zhang Ruolin , Sun Yuanqing , Xu Hua , Hu Qingying , Zhang Manxue , Li Jun , Li Zhenxing , Song Weiyu , Wei Yuechang , Liu Jian
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

In this study, a novel approach is proposed to achieve the uniformly dispersed Ru nanoparticles with N coordination loaded on three‐dimensionally ordered macro/mesoporous carbon (3DOMMC) through simultaneous pyrolysis of Ru3+ and cyanamide on 3DOMMC. In an alkaline medium, the synthesized catalysts exhibit exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. Specifically, Ru‐N/3DOMMC demonstrates a significantly low overpotential of 13.8 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA·cm–2, and it exhibits a mass activity 17.5 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C. The outstanding performance could be attributed to the ultrahigh Ru dispersion and more efficient contact between active sites and reactant, which derived from the large specific surface area and interconnective three‐dimensionally macro/mesopores of 3DOMMC.
Covalent Triazine Framework Nanosheets: Synthesis and Energy Conversion and Storage†
Authors: Liu Zhao , Wang Congxu , Yuan Wenjing , Xu Yuxi
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Covalent triazine framework nanosheets (CTF NSs), an emerging class of two‐dimensional nanomaterials, have received great attention due to their abundant active sites, permanent porosity, molecular structural diversity, superior chemical/thermal stability, and short charge diffusion path, enabling technological breakthroughs in a myriad of applications. The forefront developments and applications of CTF NSs as photocatalysts and electrochemical electrodes have conferred superior performance and made great impact in the field of energy and advanced catalysis. This forward‐looking review aims to summarize the research trends, synthesis, properties of CTF NSs and their CTF counterpart, and highlight their progress in applications with respect to energy storage and conversion devices. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives for CTF NSs are also presented.
Design, Synthesis of (±)‐Millpuline A, and Biological Evaluation for the Lung Cell Protective Effects through SRC
Authors: Zhang Heng , Guo Xiao , Zhou Di , Wen Jiatong , Tang Yingzhan , Wang Jian , Liu Yang , Chen Gang , Li Ning
Published: September 2023

In this study, a visible‐light‐induced intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction based on flavonoids was constructed to address the problems of low yield, poor physicochemical properties, and lack of target definition in total synthesis of (±)‐millpuline A whose bioactivity remains unknown. As a result, 20 derivatives were synthesized for bioactivity evaluation. Consequently, lung cell protective effects of (±)‐millpuline A and compound B13 a were revealed for the first time and the crucial role of stereoconfiguration of the cyclobutane moiety in their protective effects against NNK in normal lung cells was demonstrated. Moreover, through target prediction and experimental verification in MLE‐12 cells, SRC was determined to be the target of (±)‐millpuline A regarding its protective effect in NNK‐induced lung cell injury. Results from RT‐Q‐PCR and HTRF experiments verified that (±)‐millpuline A could repress SRC activity through a transcriptional mechanism but not acting as an inhibitor to directly bind to and thereby inhibit SRC protein. The results in this paper are informative for the further development of visible light‐catalyzed cycloaddition of flavonoids and lay a scientific foundation for understanding the bioactivity and underlying mechanism of (±)‐millpuline A and other structurally similar natural skeletons.
Complex analytic dependence on the dielectric permittivity in ENZ materials: The photonic doping example
Authors: Kohn Robert V. , Venkatraman Raghavendra
Published: September 2023

Motivated by the physics literature on “photonic doping” of scatterers made from “epsilon‐near‐zero” (ENZ) materials, we consider how the scattering of time‐harmonic TM electromagnetic waves by a cylindrical ENZ region is affected by the presence of a “dopant” in which the dielectric permittivity is not near zero. Mathematically, this reduces to analysis of a 2D Helmholtz equation  with a piecewise‐constant, complex valued coefficient a that is nearly infinite (say with ) in . We show (under suitable hypotheses) that the solution u depends analytically on δ near 0, and we give a simple PDE characterization of the terms in its Taylor expansion. For the application to photonic doping, it is the leading‐order corrections in δ that are most interesting: they explain why photonic doping is only mildly affected by the presence of losses, and why it is seen even at frequencies where the dielectric permittivity is merely small. Equally important: our results include a PDE characterization of the leading‐order electric field in the ENZ region as , whereas the existing literature on photonic doping provides only the leading‐order magnetic field.
Pelvic spine reduction affects diet but not gill raker morphology in two polymorphic brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) populations
Authors: Mee Jonathan A. , Yap Emily , Wuitchik Daniel M.
Published: September 2023

Pelvic spine polymorphism occurs in several species in the stickleback family (Gasterosteidae). Given the similar phenotypic polymorphisms in multiple stickleback species, we sought to determine the extent of parallelism in the ecological correlates of pelvic spine reduction. Based on a metabarcoding analysis of brook stickleback gut contents in two polymorphic populations, we found that significant diet differences were associated with pelvic spine reduction, but we found no clear or consistent trend supporting a tendency for benthic feeding in pelvic‐reduced brook sticklebacks. These results contrast with those found in threespine sticklebacks where pelvic spine reduction is often associated with a benthic diet. Hence, we found non‐parallel consequences of spine polymorphism across species. Furthermore, a difference in gill raker morphology has been frequently observed between ecomorphs with different diets in many fish species. However, we found no evidence of any difference in gill raker morphology associated with pelvic spine polymorphism in brook sticklebacks.
Seed dispersal effectiveness in fragmented and defaunated landscapes
Authors: Fedriani Jose M. , Wiegand Thorsten , Garrote Pedro J. , Leiva María J. , Ayllón Daniel
Published: September 2023

Landscape fragmentation and defaunation have major impacts on plant dispersal and dynamics. However, whether the impact of such perturbations on seed dispersal and recruitment change in sign and strength across habitats and spatial scales, and whether they amplify or buffer each other, remains largely unknown. To evaluate, for the first time, the joint impact of fragmentation and defaunation on seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) across spatial scales (e.g., short‐ and long‐distance seed dispersal), we utilized the long‐term field data of a mammal‐dispersed tree (Pyrus bourgaeana) in a spatially explicit individual‐based model. By means of simulation experiments, we evaluated the effects of different levels of landscape fragmentation and defaunation on SDE and tree recruitment. Our simulation results revealed that the direction and magnitude of the fragmentation effect on SDE depended on its strength (mild, severe) and the spatial scale considered. Severe fragmentation decreased SDE for short‐ and intermediate‐distance seed dispersal. Interestingly, mild and severe fragmentation increased SDE of long‐distance seed dispersal, suggesting a positive effect of such perturbations (i.e., an increase in the proportion of successful long‐distance dispersal events). Though defaunation had a consistently negative effect on overall SDE, its magnitude was highly species‐ and spatial–scale‐dependent. The impact of defaunation on seed dispersal distance was also species‐specific: the proportion of long‐distance dispersal increased under total badger (Meles meles) defaunation but decreased under total fox (Vulpes vulpes) defaunation. A pervasive integration of seed dispersal distance into the SDE framework is essential to most comprehensively understand the scale‐dependent nature of human activity impacts on plant dynamics. In the long term, strong perturbations (landscape fragmentation and defaunation) could select either for or against long‐distance seed dispersal, altering in different ways the ability of plants to cope with climate change.
2‐(o‐Tolyl) Pyridine as Ligand Improves the Efficiency in Ketone Directed ortho‐Arylation
Authors: Narayanan Nanditha Kattukudiyil , Pittenauer Ernst , Schnürch Michael
Published: September 2023

Herein, we report a ruthenium‐catalyzed ketone directed ortho‐arylation wherein the addition of a bidentate NC‐type ligand, most effectively 2‐(o‐tolyl) pyridine, significantly enhances the C−H arylation reaction. Various aryl‐alkyl ketones, including cyclic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic ones, are competent substrates, and arylboronic acid esters were used as aryl sources. However, substitution with OMe and CF3 in the aromatic ring of the ketone substrates is not tolerated, while such residues on the benzoic ester are possible. Notably, this study provides valuable insights into ketone‐directed ortho arylation in the presence of 2‐(o‐tolyl) pyridine and adds additional options for catalyst and ligand optimization in ruthenium‐catalyzed C−H functionalization.
An integrated approach ofIoTandWSNusing wavelet transform and machine learning for the solid waste image classification in smart cities
Authors: Belsare Karan , Singh Manwinder , Gandam Anudeep , Malik Praveen Kumar , Agarwal Ritu , Gehlot Anita
Published: September 2023

Solid waste management is one of the utmost vital issues allied with the smart city, which harms our society's health and the environment. Solid waste management has been a significant hurdle in developing smart cities, impacting the community's living standards. Sustainability is the circumstances that help to achieve natural and social development simultaneously in a prolific accord. We can allege that sustainable growth brings out stability in the necessities of the environment. It helps to preserve resources available for the coming generations. Waste management is also a concern for many authorities; researchers have started focusing on this area. This research article presents a unique method for waste management by employing internet of things for waste monitoring, a wireless sensor network for data communication and discrete wavelet transforms, image processing, and machine learning for image categorization. Implementing machine learning for image categorization has gained attention in the research area of artificial intelligence. The paper presents a way to classify waste images into different Classes such as domestic waste, e‐waste, and medical waste. The input image is down‐sampled, and channels are split to extract the color moments for minimal processing time. We have created a convolution neural network (CNN) trained using pre‐processed data for feature extraction and classification. We have used K‐nearest neighbor classifier (KNN) as another classifier to compare the results obtained by the proposed methodology. The findings demonstrate that, compared to the KNN, the suggested model shortens the processing time and achieves a high accuracy rate. The paper presents a novel approach for Solid waste classification by using pre‐processed image data for image processing and CNN for waste image classification, for the sake of proving the efficiency of the proposed method we have compared the results with the KNN classifier and found that the accuracy of classification is better in proposed method than the KNN classifier.
Effect of nutrition education intervention to improve dietary diversity practice and nutritional status of the older people: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shuremu Muluneh , Abate Kalkidan Hassen , Belachew Tefera
Published: September 2023

The growing aging population raises nutrition and health concerns, with malnutrition in the elderly linked to negative health outcomes. Our objective was to implement theory‐based nutritional education interventions to improve the nutritional status of the elderly through diversified dietary practices. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 1, 2021, to May 30, 2021, among 782 older persons randomly selected from two urban and 12 semi‐urban areas in southwest Ethiopia. We used Social cognitive theory (SCT) in guiding the nutritional education intervention. Data were collected using an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess nutritional status, and a qualitative 24‐h eating recall was used to evaluate dietary diversity. Difference‐in‐difference and generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the intervention effect. In total, 720 participants (361 in the intervention group and 359 in the control group) were included for analysis. The mean dietary diversity score differed significantly between the intervention group and the control group (p < .001). According to the multivariable generalized estimating equations model, the intervention group was 7.7 times (AOR = 7.746, 95% CI: 5.012, 11.973) more likely to consume a diverse diet than the control group. The nutrition status of the elderly in the intervention group improved significantly at the end of the intervention (p < .001). SCT‐based nutritional education interventions can effectively improve healthy eating and nutritional status. For older adults, with its convenient approach and low cost, SCT should be considered an effective and efficient nutritional education approach for behavior change.
Aging and carbon emissions in Asian economies: Policy recommendation from panel quantile regression
Authors: Syed Qasim Raza , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: September 2023

Climate change due to global greenhouse gas emissions poses a severe threat, and energy sectors contribute about two‐thirds of the emissions. However, energy plays an important role in the well‐being of the aging population, which is increasing in Asian countries. Therefore, this study aims to discern how the male and female populations of different age groups affect carbon emissions in Asian economies. The findings from the panel quantile regression reveal that economic growth escalates emissions across all quantiles along with energy use. The female population in the 0–14 years age group reduces emissions at all quantiles, while the male population of the same age group enhances the emissions. However, the male and female population between 15 and 64 years increases carbon emissions across all Asian economies. Furthermore, the male population above 65 years is responsible for low emissions, while the female counterparts are responsible for high emissions. Finally, we offer a set of policy recommendations based on our findings. For instance, there is a need to educate the male population between 0 and 14 years on environmental degradation to encourage an environment‐friendly lifestyle. Also, policies should aim to persuade the 15–64 age group to use renewables, which can help mitigate CO2 emissions.
Implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs for students: Views of Australian universities
Authors: Hutchesson Melinda , Whatnall Megan , Hunt Sally , Ashton Lee M. , Young Myles D. , Patterson Amanda , Duncan Mitch , Burrows Tracy
Published: September 2023

Issue Addressed

Universities are a crucial setting to address and promote optimal mental health of young Australians. However, there is a lack of knowledge of universities' views of current implementation of health and wellbeing initiatives. Therefore, we examined the views of Australian universities on the implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs within Australian universities.

Methods

An online survey of Australian universities asked respondents to rate their level of agreement with five statements pertaining to the implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs for students within Australian universities using a 5‐point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree).

Results

Eleven universities completed the survey (28.2% response rate). All respondents (n = 11) agreed that universities play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of their students and report access to sufficient expertise to do this. Approximately three‐quarters (8/11) agreed that universities know what policies and programs to implement to support their students' health and wellbeing. There was less agreement that universities have sufficient resources (2/11 agree) or access to sufficient information about the health and wellbeing of their student population (3/11 agree) to support the implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs.

Conclusions

Australian universities demonstrated strong organisational commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of their students but highlighted some key barriers to implementation.

So What?

Findings from this preliminary research highlight potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs in Australian universities, and potential foci for future research.
Alternative measures for the global financial cycle: Do they make a difference?
Authors: Tian Xin , Jacobs Jan P. A. M. , de Haan Jakob
Published: September 2023

We developed several measures to analyze the global financial cycle employing dynamic factor models and data for 25 advanced and emerging countries spanning 1980 to 2019. These measures were assessed using the similarity and synchronicity metrics proposed by Mink et al. (Oxford Economic Papers 64, 217–236, 2012). The findings indicate a strong similarity and synchronization of global cycles in asset prices and capital flows, particularly evident during crisis episodes. Furthermore, we observe significant co‐movement between our financial cycle measures and two literature‐based measures that utilize top‐down and bottom‐up approaches. However, the VIX index shows a lower level of co‐movement with our global financial cycle measures.
Behavioural implications of risk–return associations based on the adjusted thermal optimal path method: Large versus small banks
Authors: Trichilli Yousra , Kharrat Hana , Boujelbène Mouna
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the impact of bank size and business model on bank risk‐taking within the framework of the prospect theory. To fulfil this objective, we use the adjusted thermal optimal path model. The results suggest that conventional banks adopt the same risk‐taking behaviour for performance measures, regardless of their size. However, the size mainly influences the attitudes of managers towards Islamic banks. On the other hand, small Islamic banks, whether under‐ or over‐performing, take excessive risks. This behaviour is mainly explained by loss aversion. However, large Islamic banks that situated above the target are risk‐averse, since they adopt defensive behaviour. The results reveal that for risk measures and for both small and large banks, a bank's business model does not affect managers' attitude to risk. Therefore, small (large) banks adopt excessive risk‐taking (risk‐averse) behaviour and an offensive (defensive) strategy. The study has important implications for GCC banking regulators, supervisors, and market participants. Thus, our findings imply that understanding the impact of the bank size and business model on the risk‐taking behaviour of Islamic and conventional banks can help them reduce their risk and mitigate moral hazard and regulatory arbitrage behaviour.
Dynamic weight HiLo attention network for medical image multiple organ segmentation
Authors: Zhao Yiyang , Li Jinjiang , Liu Yepeng
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a surge of research in the field of medical image segmentation using hybrid CNN‐Transformer network architectures. Most of these studies leverage the attention mechanism of ViT to overcome the limitations of CNN architectures in capturing long‐range dependencies. However, these hybrid model approaches also have some potential drawbacks. First, due to the heavy reliance of the Transformer's attention mechanism on global information, it can lead to a significant increase in computational cost when dealing with high‐resolution input images. Furthermore, the convolutional and attention mechanisms in hybrid models have different interpretability in information extraction and decision‐making, which poses a challenge for the interpretability of the convolutional part. Our proposed model, DWHA, addresses these limitations and outperforms state‐of‐the‐art models in a range of medical image segmentation tasks, such as abdominal multiorgan segmentation, automatic cardiac diagnosis, neurostructure segmentation, and skin lesion segmentation, achieving significantly superior performance. Specifically, on the abdominal multiorgan segmentation dataset, DWHA outperformed the previous state‐of‐the‐art baseline by 0.57%; on the neurostructure segmentation dataset, it achieved an improvement of 1.17%; and on the skin lesion segmentation dataset, it achieved an improvement of 0.91%. These significant improvements suggest that DWHA may become the preferred model in the field of medical image segmentation.
Oleanolic acid attenuates hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis of IPEC‐J2 cells through suppressing c‐Jun and MAPK pathway
Authors: Hu Mingyang , Zhang Lei , Jia Hongpeng , Xue Chenyu , Zhao Lu , Dong Na , Shan Anshan
Published: September 2023

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a natural triterpenoid with therapeutic potential for a multitude of diseases. However, the precise mechanism by which OA influences stress‐induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells remains elusive. Therefore, the effect of OA on intestinal diseases under stressful conditions and its possible mechanisms have been investigated. In a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative stress model, OA attenuated H2O2‐induced apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, the gene expression profile of OA on IPEC‐J2 cells was analyzed using an RNA sequencing system. Results from gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis confirmed that OA may mitigate the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 by downregulating gene expression through the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results validated the differentially expressed genes data. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that OA effectively suppressed the expression level of c‐Jun protein induced by H2O2 in IPEC‐J2 cells. Collectively, our results indicate that OA pretreatment significantly attenuated H2O2‐induced apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells through suppressing c‐Jun and MAPK pathway.
Therapeutic plasma exchange decreases plasma anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike IgG without increasing the proximate incidence of COVID‐19
Authors: Cone Sullivan Jensyn , Conklin Steven E. , Conrad Stephanie , Horowitz Coby , Diethelm Mark , Comenzo Raymond
Published: September 2023

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) removes both pathologic and protective immunoglobulins (Ig). SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity is partially mediated by anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibodies (SAb), which impair viral host‐cell invasion. Nonetheless, the systematic effect of TPE on SAb concentration and SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity is unknown.

Methods

Paired plasma waste specimens from the first (first‐TPE) and last (last‐TPE) TPE treatment were collected from 9 patients between July 21, 2021 and March 1, 2022. The effects of TPE on Ig levels were assessed by quantitatively comparing the SAb, total IgG, and total IgM levels first‐/last‐TPE treatment. Complementary qualitative assessment for these changes was achieved via protein electrophoresis (PEP) and immunofixation (IFE). A retrospective review was performed to investigate the incidence of new SARS‐CoV‐2 infections following TPE v. other treatment at the same outpatient apheresis/infusion center during the same time frame.

Results

Median SAb levels between the first‐ and last‐TPE waste specimens decreased significantly from 424.6 AU/mL to 17.0 AU/mL (P = 0.004). Concordantly, PEP and IFE analysis demonstrated broad Ig decreases. Cumulative incidence of subsequent COVID‐19 diagnosis at 30, 90, and 180 days post‐procedure did not differ between the TPE v. other treatment groups (n = 709 total patients).

Conclusions

TPE significantly reduced SAb levels, a marker of SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity, but did not appear to provoke increased incidence of COVID‐19 infections. Further investigation of the kinetics of TPE‐mediated SAb decrease and post‐TPE recovery are warranted.
Pattern of non‐suicidal self‐injury in Chinese male prisoners: A latent class analysis
Authors: Gu Honglei , Yu Weiming , Cheng Yufang
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) occurs more frequently in the prisoner population than in the general population. Monitoring and management of this behavior is challenging because NSSI may present in diverse ways. People often use more than one method of NSSI, and there are many possible combinations of these behaviors. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of male inmates based on methods and frequency of NSSI.

Methods

A total of 1042 male prisoners in China (Mage = 38.45, SD = 10.67) completed measures of hopelessness, sensation seeking, identity integration, and suicidal ideation, and NSSI was assessed in a structured interview.

Results

Results of the LCA supported a three‐class model: high‐NSSI (1.8%), moderate‐NSSI (8.0%), and no‐or‐negligible NSSI (90.2%). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that prisoners in the high‐NSSI and moderate‐NSSI classes were significantly more likely than those in the no‐or‐negligible NSSI class to show high hopelessness, high sensation seeking, and low identity. Furthermore, suicidal ideation was significantly higher in the high‐NSSI and moderate‐NSSI classes than in the no‐or‐negligible NSSI class.

Conclusions

Classifying groups of prisoners based on features of NSSI is potentially useful for understanding risk factors and for developing tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
Poor correlation of 2D shear wave elastography and transient elastography in Fontan‐associated liver disease: A head‐to‐head comparison
Authors: Gill Madeleine , Mudaliar Sanjivan , Prince David , Than Nwe Ni , Cordina Rachel , Majumdar Avik
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Fontan‐associated liver disease (FALD) is a long‐term complication of the Fontan procedure. Guidelines recommend elastography, but the utility of transient elastography (TE) and two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between TE and 2D SWE in FALD.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 25 patients managed in a specialist clinic between January 2018 and August 2021. Trained clinicians performed 2D SWE (GE Logiq‐E9) and TE (FibroScan 503 Touch) on the same day under the same conditions. Laboratory, echocardiography, and imaging data were collected. The atrioventricular systolic‐to‐diastolic duration (AVV S/D ratio) was calculated as a measure of cardiac diastolic function.

Results

We analyzed 40 paired measurements. Median age was 22 years. Median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was 15.4 kPa (12.1–19.6) by TE and 8.0 kPa (7.0–10.3) (P = 0.001) by 2D SWE. There was weak correlation between the modalities (r = 0.41, P = 0.004). There was no correlation between time since Fontan and LSM by TE (r = 0.15, P = 0.19) or 2D SWE (r = 0.19, P = 0.13). There was no difference in LSM irrespective of whether sonographic cirrhosis was present or absent by TE (17.4 kPa [15.9–23.6] vs. 14.9 kPa [12.0–19.4], respectively, P = 0.6) or 2D SWE (9.0 kPa [2.8–10.5] vs. 8.0 kPa [6.7–10.1], P = 0.46). There was no correlation between AVV S/D ratio and LSM by TE (r = 0.16, P = 0.18) or 2D SWE (r = 0.02, P = 0.45).

Conclusions

In FALD, TE and 2D SWE are poorly correlated. LSM by either modality was not associated with known risk factors for liver fibrosis or Fontan function. Based on these data, the role of elastography in FALD is uncertain.
Population prevalence of antiretroviral therapy sharing and its association with HIV viremia in rural Uganda: a cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Kennedy Caitlin E. , Feng Xinyi , Ssekubugu Robert , Rosen Joseph G. , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Kigozi Godfrey , Serwadda David , Yeh Ping Teresa , Kagaayi Joseph , Quinn Thomas C. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Wawer Maria J. , Reynolds Steven J. , Chang Larry W. , Grabowski M. Kate , Nalugoda Fred
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) sharing has been reported among fishermen and sex workers in Uganda and South Africa. However, no population‐based studies have documented ART diversion prevalence (including sharing [giving/receiving], buying and selling) or its relationship with viremia among men and women living with HIV in Africa.

Methods

In 2018–2020, we surveyed people living with HIV aged 15–49 years in 41 communities in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a population‐based cohort in south‐central Uganda. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of self‐reported lifetime and past‐year ART diversion, stratifying by age and gender and documenting sources of diverted drugs. We used log‐binomial regression to quantify the relationship between diversion patterns and viremia (viral load >40 copies/ml), reported as unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of 2852 people living with HIV and self‐reporting current ART use, 266 (9.3%) reported lifetime ART diversion. Giving/receiving drugs were most common; few participants reported buying, and none reported selling. Men (12.9%) were more likely to report lifetime diversion than women (7.4%), with men aged 25–34 reporting high levels of sharing (18.9%). Friends were the most common sources of shared drugs, followed by spouses/sexual partners. Patterns of lifetime and past‐year diversion were similar. Among participants with viral load results, 8.6% were viraemic. In adjusted analyses, people who reported only giving ART were nearly twice as likely to be viraemic than those who reported no diversion (aPR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.10−3.44), and those reporting only receiving ART were less likely to exhibit viremia (aPR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.12−1.79), although the latter was not statistically significant. Reporting both giving and receiving ART was not associated with viremia (aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.43−1.46). Reporting buying ART, though rare, was also correlated with higher rates of viremia, but this relationship was not statistically significant (aPR: 1.98, 95% CI: 0.72−5.45).

Conclusions

ART sharing is common among persons reporting ART use in rural Uganda, particularly among men. Sharing ART was associated with viremia, and receiving ART may facilitate viral suppression. HIV programmes may benefit from considering ART sharing in counselling messages.
Profiling of tyrosinase levels, antioxidant and DNA protective properties in different edible and medicinal mushroom species from India
Authors: Hasitha Pynam , Dharmesh Shylaja Mallaiah , Urs Shashirekha Mysore Nanjaraj , Somasundaram Rajarathnam
Published: September 2023

Background

Tyrosinase is a polyphenol oxidase, one of the globally attracted enzymes for its multi‐mechanistic approaches in various fields such as pharma, food, environment, medicine, and agriculture. Tyrosinase from natural nutritive edible mushrooms gained more attention for their rich levels and inexpensive nature. Our previous work has revealed that mushroom tyrosinase has strong similarities in structure and function with that of skin tyrosinase, which has significance as a skin tumor marker. Besides, mushrooms are a richer source of antioxidants. However, it is imperative to analyze all the available varieties of mushrooms for bioactive potentials like tyrosinase and antioxidant levels. Thus, the main goal of the study was to identify the variety of mushrooms that can be selected for continuous multiplication and propagation as a viable source for tyrosinase, which can be employed to screen tyrosinase inhibitors as skin tumor inhibitors.

Results

Of the 18 varieties screened for tyrosinase levels, Boletus edulis, Termitomyces hemii, and Termitomyces mummiformis had high levels of tyrosinase and exhibited potent hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenging activity as well as DNA protection. The potent DNA and antioxidant abilities appear to be due to the enriched levels of hydroxybenzoates.

Conclusion

The current study could provide an economic source of tyrosinase (mushrooms) that can be used to monitor tyrosinase inhibitors, a potent component that enables their use against skin cancer.
Vitexin‐loaded poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐grafted chitosan/alginate nanoparticles: preparation, physicochemical properties and in vitro release behaviors
Authors: Yoksan Rangrong , Towongphaichayonte Pawika
Published: September 2023

Background

Vitexin, a flavonoid in various foods and medicinal plants, has potential clinical, therapeutic and food applications due to its bioactive properties and beneficial health effects. However, its poor water solubility causes low oral bioavailability and poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, limiting its practical applications. Encapsulation is an efficient approach to overcome these limitations. This study demonstrates the encapsulation of vitexin into poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐grafted chitosan (mPEG‐g‐CTS)/alginate (ALG) polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles.

Results

The vitexin‐loaded mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The vitexin‐loaded mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles had a spherical shape, 50–200 nm in diameter, and negatively charged surface (−27 to −38 mV). They possessed a loading capacity of 4–60%, encapsulation efficiency of 50–100% and antioxidant activity (30–52% 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl decoloration) when their initial vitexin content was 0.02–0.64 g g−1 polymers. Successful vitexin loading into mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles was also indirectly confirmed by the enhanced thermal stability of both polymers and the residual soybean oil used in the emulsion preparation step and delayed oxidative degradation of the residual soybean oil. Vitexin's in vitro release from the mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles was very fast in phosphate buffer at pH 11, followed by pH 7, and very slow in acetate buffer at pH 3. The gastrointestinal digestion of vitexin increased by encapsulating into mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles.

Conclusions

Vitexin‐loaded mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using a two‐step process of oil‐in‐water emulsion and ionic gelation without the use of pungent odor acids and other crosslinkers. The obtained nanoparticles are suitable for oral intestinal‐specific delivery systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Differential impact of type of killing on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Afghanistan
Authors: Kok Brian C. , Dux Moira , Lee‐Wilk Terry , Clarke‐Walper Kristina , Wilk Joshua E.
Published: September 2023

Over the past 20 years, U.S. military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have been marked by high rates of combat and wartime killings. Research on Vietnam‐era service members suggests that the type of killing (i.e., killing a combatant vs. noncombatant) is an important predictor of later mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study aimed to update these findings by exploring the impact of type of killing on PTSD symptoms using a sample of postdeployment active duty U.S. Army personnel (N = 875). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that the act of killing a noncombatant was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms, B = 7.50, p < .001, whereas killing a combatant was not, B = ‐0.85, p = .360. This remained significant after controlling for demographic variables, depressive symptoms, and general combat experiences. These findings support the need for thoughtful postdeployment screenings and targeted clinical interventions.
Bacterial surface‐exposed lipoproteins and sortase‐mediated anchored cell surface proteins in plant infection
Authors: de Sandozequi Andrés , Martínez‐Anaya Claudia
Published: September 2023

The bacterial cell envelope is involved in all stages of infection and the study of its components and structures is important to understand how bacteria interact with the extracellular milieu. Thanks to new techniques that focus on identifying bacterial surface proteins, we now better understand the specific components involved in host–pathogen interactions. In the fight against the deleterious effects of pathogenic bacteria, bacterial surface proteins (at the cell envelope) are important targets as they play crucial roles in the colonization and infection of host tissues. These surface proteins serve functions such as protection, secretion, biofilm formation, nutrient intake, metabolism, and virulence. Bacteria use different mechanisms to associate proteins to the cell surface via posttranslational modification, such as the addition of a lipid moiety to create lipoproteins and attachment to the peptidoglycan layer by sortases. In this review, we focus on these types of proteins (and provide examples of others) that are associated with the bacterial cell envelope by posttranslational modifications and their roles in plant infection.
The role of platelets in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis: the mechanisms and targeted therapy
Authors: Liao Kaili , Zhang Xue , Liu Jie , Teng Feifei , He Yingcheng , Cheng Jinting , Yang Qijun , Zhang Wenyige , Xie Yuxuan , Guo Daixin , Cao Gaoquan , Xu Yanmei , Huang Bo , Wang Xiaozhong
Published: September 2023

Platelets are a class of pluripotent cells that, in addition to hemostasis and maintaining vascular endothelial integrity, are also involved in tumor growth and distant metastasis. The tumor microenvironment is a complex and comprehensive system composed of tumor cells and their surrounding immune and inflammatory cells, tumor‐related fibroblasts, nearby interstitial tissues, microvessels, and various cytokines and chemokines. As an important member of the tumor microenvironment, platelets can promote tumor invasion and metastasis through various mechanisms. Understanding the role of platelets in tumor metastasis is important for diagnosing the risk of metastasis and prolonging survival. In this study, we more fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which platelets promote tumor growth and metastasis by modulating processes, such as immune escape, angiogenesis, tumor cell homing, and tumor cell exudation, and further summarize the effects of platelet−tumor cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment and possible tumor treatment strategies based on platelet studies. Our summary will more comprehensively and clearly demonstrate the role of platelets in tumor metastasis, so as to help clinical judgment of the potential risk of metastasis in cancer patients, with a view to improving the prognosis of patients.
Analysis of potential key ferroptosis genes in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis by bioinformatics
Authors: He Guoxian , Chen Zexin , Li Jiaxiao , Zhang Lanhui , Liu Suling , Cui Yang
Published: September 2023

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a disabling chronic inflammatory disease. Mechanisms of ferroptosis in AS remain unclear. Using bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to identify key molecules involved in ferroptosis, provide potential therapeutic targets for AS, and further explore mechanisms of ferroptosis in AS.

Methods

GSE25101 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and intersected with a ferroptosis gene dataset. The ferroptosis‐relate differentially‐expressed genes were further subjected to functional enrichment analysis, protein interaction network analysis, and gene‐miRNA interaction network analysis, from which potential key ferroptosis genes in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis were screened.

Results

A total of 20 differentially expressed genes were screened, most of which are involved in phosphoinositide 3 kinase‐Akt or mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways or the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The following target genes were identified through protein‐protein interaction network analysis and screening of key modules constructed from genes associated with PI3K‐Akt and MAPK signaling pathways: TP53, PTEN, TLR4, HSPB1, DDIT3, and XBP1. In addition, PI3K‐Akt and MAPK signaling were associated with oxidative stress, which may play a role in AS pathological ossification related to ferroptosis. Only hsa‐miR‐205‐5p was found to target at least two genes by gene‐miRNA interaction network analysis.

Conclusions

Future therapeutic drug development may intervene by modulating MAPK or PI3K‐Akt signaling pathways rather than directly affecting the interleukin 17 pathway. hsa‐miR‐205‐5p may be a potential novel biomarker for AS.
Anti‐Malarial Activity of Allyl Isothiocyanate and N‐acetyl‐S‐(N‐allylthiocarbamoyl)‐l‐Cysteine
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Yoshioka Shoji , Iwanaga Shiroh , Kanazawa Kazuki
Published: September 2023

Scope

Malaria remains one of the most important infectious diseases in the world. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a main ingredient of traditional spice Wasabia japonica, which is reported to have anti‐bacterial and antiparasitic activities. However, there is no information on effects of AITC against malaria. The present study investigates the anti‐malarial activity of dietary AITC in vivo and that of AITC metabolites in vitro.

Methods and results

The ad libitum administration of 35, 175, or 350 µM AITC‐containing drinking water to ICR mice significantly inhibit the parasitemia induced after infection with Plasmodium berghei. On the other hand, after single oral administration of AITC (20 mg kg−1 body weight), N‐acetyl‐S‐(N‐allylthiocarbamoyl)‐l‐cysteine (NAC‐AITC) as one of the AITC metabolites displays a serum Cmax of 11.4 µM at a Tmax of 0.5 h, but AITC is not detected at any time point. Moreover, NAC‐AITC shows anti‐malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro, and its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) against parasitemia is 12.6 µM.

Conclusions

These results indicate that orally administered AITC is metabolized to NAC‐AITC and exerts anti‐malarial activity against malaria parasites in blood, suggesting that the consumption of AITC‐containing food stuffs such as cruciferous plants may prevent malaria.