bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐differences in the association of interleukin‐10 and interleukin‐12 variants with the progression of hepatitis B virus infection in Caucasians
Authors: Fischer Janett , Koukoulioti Eleni , Müller Tobias , Heyne Renate , Eslam Mohammed , George Jacob , Finkelmeier Fabian , Waidmann Oliver , Berg Thomas , van Bömmel Florian
Published: August 2023

Aim

Interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐12 contribute to immune responses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Polymorphisms in the IL‐10 and IL‐12A genes might affect the clinical outcome of HBV infection. We evaluated the association of IL‐10 rs1800896 and rs3024490, and IL‐12A rs568408 and rs2243115 with the progression of HBV infection and development of severe liver disease stages in a white European population.

Method

A total of 636 white European patients with chronic HBV infection, 239 individuals with spontaneous HBV surface antigen seroclearance, and 254 healthy controls were enrolled. The chronic HBV infection group included patients with hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B (n = 255), with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B (n = 99) and with HBeAg negative HBV infection (n = 228). A total of 104 chronically infected patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Serum levels of cytokines were measured in patients with HBV infection (n = 195) and in healthy controls (n = 160).

Results

In adjusted multivariate analysis, the IL‐10 rs1800896 AG/GG genotypes were significantly associated with an increased probability of HBV surface antigen seroclearance (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.04–2.94, p = 0.034), with an increased likelihood of HBeAg negative chronic infection (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.05–3.54, p = 0.034) and with increased serum cytokines levels in female patients. In contrast, the IL‐12A rs568408 AG/AA genotypes were independently associated with an increased risk to develop liver cirrhosis, with an OR of 1.90 (95% CI 1.07–3.39, p = 0.029) in male patients.

Conclusion

The current study shows a sex‐related association of the IL‐10 single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs1800896 and IL‐12A single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs568408 with different stages of HBV infection and with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis in white European patients.
Teaching women's work and thought in undergraduate history of science courses
Authors: Yale Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

As a rich field of scholarship now demonstrates, from at least the early modern period, women have consistently contributed to natural philosophy, science, and medicine in Europe and the Anglo‐American world. Their participation in these fields, like men's, has been shaped by gendered social and cultural expectations. It has risen and fallen on cyclical waves of effort to exclude them or minimize their contributions. In historical accounts, until recently, women's roles have been neglected or forgotten. Even today, in both scholarly and popular histories, women in science are often presented as surprising rediscoveries. Women are persistently perceived as newcomers in the sciences. Unless women's contributions are consistently integrated into mainstream narratives in the history of science, women could easily become invisible again. To counter this possibility, I first examine the structural factors shaping women's participation in the sciences and their historical visibility from the early modern period through the 19th century. I then suggest ways to include women in undergraduate surveys in the history of European and Anglo‐American science that encourage students to engage with women's ideas and with women as complex, multi‐valent historical actors. I show how we can situate women's contributions in a narrative that invites students to examine the history of science as a history of ideas, people, and practices and to explore history as a resource for understanding the role of scientific knowledge and authority in the present. Though my own examples are limited to the history of science in Europe and the Anglo‐American world from the early modern period, I argue that a similar thematic approach could be explored and implemented in other historical contexts, given appropriate secondary and primary sources.
L‐4‐thiazolylalanine (Protinol), a novel non‐proteinogenic amino acid, demonstrates epidermal and dermal efficacy with clinically observable benefits
Authors: Portocarrero Huang Gloria , Idkowiak‐Baldys Jolanta , Liebel Frank , Jones Constantina , Haxaire Coline , DiNatale Lisa , Bayat Ardeshir , Glynn John R.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Facial skin undergoes major structural and functional changes as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The goal of the current work is to demonstrate L‐4‐thiazolylalaine (L4, Protinol), a non‐proteinogenic amino acid shown to stimulate the production of dermal proteins by fibroblasts, is an alternative efficacious topical ingredient for visible signs of ageing.

Methods

In vitro studies using 3D human skin tissue models were performed to show changes in protein and gene expression of key dermal markers in samples treated with 0.3% L4 compared to vehicle control. In vivo evaluation of skin turnover was measured in volunteers after treatment with L4 compared to retinol. Skin biopsies (n = 30) were taken to investigate epidermal and dermal changes in cases treated with L4 and compared to retinol. Finally, a clinical evaluation (n = 28) was conducted to assess the efficacy of L4 over a base formulation using various ageing parameters within a population of women 46–66 years old with mild‐to‐moderate wrinkles.

Results

In vitro studies on 3D tissues displayed significant changes in the dermal matrix via an increase in HA and pro‐collagen I production and a decrease in the expression of inflammatory genes. In vivo biopsy studies demonstrated that L4 and retinol independently increased epidermal thickness and collagen remodelling significantly more compared with the base formula. Clinical evaluation showed firmer and smoother skin at day 28 post‐treatment with L4 over the vehicle control without causing side effects such as redness or irritation.

Conclusion

L4 is a novel, multi‐functional ingredient which offers a superior alternative to currently available technologies for improving epidermal and dermal parameters that change during ageing and photodamage.
Digital consumer engagement in a social network: A literature review applying TCCM framework
Authors: Saikia Winee , Bhattacharjee Abhigyan
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, digital consumer engagement has proliferated like never before. Consumers can now interact with a business, company, or brand through technology, making it easier for them to communicate and create a relationship with the brand. Drawing on the Theory‐Context‐Characteristics‐Methods (TCCM) framework, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dominant theories, contexts (i.e., industries and countries), characteristics (i.e., key variables and their relationships), and methods (i.e., research approaches and analysis techniques) covered by previous studies concerning Digital Consumer Engagement in the social network domain. In all, 221 articles were considered for the systematic review using the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR‐4‐SLR) approach. The present study found that the User and Gratification Theory has been prominently referenced in the relevant literature that was reviewed. The study concludes, among other things, that further research is needed in the context of social media platforms such as Weibo, LinkedIn, and others. Though the literature covers a variety of countries, with Asian countries making the greatest contribution, there is still a need for future studies to include the context of Africa and Australia. Further, future research must focus on industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and retail, as well as B2B and B2C contexts, all of which have received less attention from researchers so far. Finally, we used the TCCM framework to identify certain promising areas that future research can explore.
A green metrics approach toward antibacterial chitosan/starch‐based films reinforced with garlic oil for extending the shelf‐life of Capsicum annum
Authors: Kusumaningsih Triana , Istiqomah Annisa , Firdaus Maulidan , Suryanti Venty
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to develop chitosan (Ch)/starch‐based films for the preservation process of Capsicum annum, and further consider the green metrics approach for sustainability. Three types of starches derived from Dioscorea sp. were used: Dioscorea alata (Da), Dioscorea esculenta (De) and Dioscorea hispida (Dh). To further enhance the coating performance, garlic oil (GO) was incorporated, resulting in improvements in physical and mechanical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. A comprehensive characterisation was conducted to assess the impact of GO on the Ch/starch environment. The presence of GO increased hydrophobicity, improved mechanical properties and thermal stability. Moreover, Ch/starch/GO films exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared to Ch/starch films. Finally, the application of the Ch/starch/GO on C. annum demonstrated an improvement in visual appearance, bacterial growth and extended its shelf life during storage. These findings highlight the potential of Ch/starch/GO as an effective approach for enhancing the properties and preservation of agricultural products.
Genotypic stability in root system architecture and aboveground biomass revealed diverse adaptability of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to moderate water deficit
Authors: Song Yangyang , Zurweller Brendan A. , Goyzueta Altamirano Marco D. , Tillman Barry L. , Rowland Diane L.
Published: August 2023

Many crop species, including cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), modify their above‐ and below‐ground growth to cope with water deficit stress. This acclimation to water deficit often triggers a biomass partitioning shift—allocating more biomass to the roots, to increase the accessibility of roots to water resources. However, additional carbon partitioning to roots may not always translate into increased water use and maintenance of aboveground biomass (ABM) and yield. Therefore, selecting an efficient root system architecture (RSA) should aim to sustain a high ABM production under a water deficit scenario. To better understand the associations of above and belowground biomass partitioning under moderate water deficit, this study evaluated the genotypic stability of 40 peanut genotypes in ABM and RSA in greenhouse experiments and further assessed genotypic differences in 4 site‐year field experiments. Our results suggested that higher ABM‐producing genotypes generally had high plasticity when subjected to water deficit whereas the low ABM‐producing genotypes had relatively high stability. Hierarchical clustering analysis further revealed that genotypes with a high root‐to‐shoot ratio potentially had increased genotypic stability in ABM underwater deficit. Interestingly, genotypes that maintained the highest ABM underwater deficit did not have the highest total root biomass and length. Instead, these genotypes had the highest root length in the top layer of soil (0–0.3 m) and relatively fewer roots in the deeper layer of soil (0.3–1 m). Greenhouse‐screened stable genotypes exhibited minimal yield reduction when subjected to mid‐season water deficit in some of the field validation experiments, but it also happened to some plastic genotypes, indicating that further validation of controlled environment screenings for genotypic water‐deficit tolerance in the field is necessary.
Polarity effects on wake‐up behavior of Al0.94B0.06N ferroelectrics
Authors: Yazawa Keisuke , Drury Daniel , Hayden John , Maria Jon‐Paul , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Zakutayev Andriy , Brennecka Geoff L.
Published: August 2023

Wurtzite ferroelectric materials are promising candidates for energy‐efficient memory technologies, particularly for applications requiring high operating temperatures. Asymmetric wake‐up behaviors, in which the polarization reversal depends both on polarity and cycle number for the first few dozen cycles, must be better understood for reliable device operation. Here, the detailed analysis of the asymmetric wake‐up behavior of thin film Al0.94B0.06N was performed combining time‐resolved switching measurements with Rayleigh analysis, piezoelectric measurements, and etching experiments of progressively switched samples. The analysis shows that the gradual opening of the polarization hysteresis loops associated with wake‐up is driven by a gradual increase in the domain‐wall density and/or domain‐wall mobility with electric field cycle to the polarity opposite to the growth polarity. The insights of this discovery will help to guide interface and polarity design in the eventual deployment of reliable devices based on these materials.
Structural and electronic properties of Ce‐doped Ti4O7 based on experiments and first‐principles calculations
Authors: Wei WeiRan , Jin Na , Ye Jinwen
Published: August 2023

A series of Ti4O7 powders with different Ce‐cation doping concentrations were successfully prepared through a new strategy combining the wet chemical method and hydrogen thermal reduction. It is shown that Ce, entering the lattice of Ti4O7 during the reduction process, only occurs in the form of Ce3+, and the solubility of Ce is equal to 8.93 at.%. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of Ce‐doped Ti4O7 powders was tested for the first time and theoretically explained by the first‐principles calculations. It was revealed that Ce provides a negative effect on the electrical conductivity of Ti4O7 powders, which is due to the decrease in the number of electronic states near the Fermi energy level caused by the introduction of Ce.
Design of photonic crystals for light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Kaili , Dong Xiangyuan , Bu Yanyan , Wang Xiangfu
Published: August 2023

Photonic crystals (PCs) can greatly enhance the optoelectronic performance of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their distinctive color, photonic band gap, etc. Therefore, many scholars have conducted extensive research based on the high light extraction efficiency, good monochromaticity, and other excellent optoelectronic properties of PC LEDs. This review discusses the main principles of photonic crystals to improve the optoelectronic performance of LEDs and summarizes 12 structural applications of photonic crystal LEDs, such as PC slabs, Bragg grating, backside reflectors, surface PC, embedded PC, dual PC, PC beads, CPC, PC thin films, LIPC, defective PC, and composite architectures with other materials that boost LED optoelectronic qualities. In summary, it is found that photonic crystals can not only greatly improve the light extraction efficiency of LEDs but also improve other optoelectronic properties such as luminescent color and directional radiation angle, and reduce the manufacturing cost of LEDs. Photonic crystal LEDs are expected to be a strong candidate for future lighting technology. Finally, the prospects and challenges of PC LEDs are summarized.
Prevalence and risk factors of pre‐hypertension and high blood pressure among adolescents in Cameroonian schools
Authors: Kamdem Felicite , Bika Léle Elysée Claude , Hamadou Ba , Obe Meyong Marie Ange Prisca , Fenkeu Kweban Jaff , Moussa Oumarou , Mouliom Sidick , Viché Lade , Ngoté Henri , Kenmegne Caroline , Ndom Ebongue Marie Solange , Djibrilla Siddikatou , Dzudié Anastase
Published: August 2023

Blood pressure (BP) is the main driver of mortality with 12.8% of all deaths worldwide. Adolescents are not spared, precisely in Cameroon where they constitute more than half of its population. The objective of our work was to describe the prevalence and risk factors of pre‐hypertension and high blood pressure (HBP) among adolescents in Cameroonian schools. Descriptive study over 5 months; from January to May 2019. The study population consisted of students from private and public schools in the city of Douala. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and personal background data were collected. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with pre‐hypertension and HBP. Differences were considered significant for p < .05. We recruited 771 students with an average age of 16 ± 1 years with female predominance (51.4%). The prevalences of pre‐hypertension and HBP were 6.6% and 3%, respectively. Overweight/obesity (OR = 4.6; p < .0001), hyperglycemia [(OR = 4.06; p = .001)] physical inactivity (OR = 1.85; p = .019), and public institutions (OR = 1.87; p = .02) were associated with pre‐hypertension. Similarly, overweight/obesity (OR = 2.99; p = .022), hyperglycemia (OR = 14.05; p < .0001), and physical inactivity (OR = 8.58; p < .0001) were correlated with HBP. Pre‐hypertension and HBP are high in Cameroonian school adolescents and their risk factors are overweight/obesity, hyperglycemia, and physical inactivity.
Sexual orientation and mental health in a US cohort of children: a longitudinal mediation study
Authors: Feinstein Brian A. , van der Star Arjan , Dorrell Kate D. , Blashill Aaron J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Sexual minorities, including children, are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes compared to their heterosexual peers, but longitudinal studies are needed to determine the factors that explain the associations between sexual minority identification and adverse mental health outcomes during this developmental period. We examined longitudinal associations between sexual orientation and mental health over 2 years in a US cohort of children (aged 9–10 at baseline) and two explanatory factors (increased social problems such as getting teased and decreased perceived school safety). We hypothesized that beginning to identify as gay/bisexual and consistently identifying as gay/bisexual would be associated with increases in internalizing (e.g. depression, anxiety) and externalizing (e.g. aggression) problems compared to consistently identifying as heterosexual, and these associations would be partially explained by increased social problems and decreased perceived school safety.

Methods

We used data from Waves 1–3 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. The analytic sample included 5,574 children (46.0% female; 55.1% non‐Hispanic White).

Results

Beginning to identify as gay/bisexual was associated with increased internalizing/externalizing problems, and consistently identifying as gay/bisexual was associated with increased internalizing problems, compared to consistently identifying as heterosexual. For those who consistently identified as gay/bisexual, increased disparities in internalizing problems were partially explained by increased social problems and decreased perceived school safety, and increased disparities in externalizing problems were partially explained by increased social problems.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the health disparities affecting sexual minority children include both internalizing and externalizing problems, and social problems and feeling unsafe at school may be contributing factors.
Association between equol and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Japanese women in their 50s and 60s
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Takahata Yosuke , Kokubun Masae , Anzai Yukio , Kogure Atsuko , Ogata Takashi , Abe Naoto , Sugaya Tatsuro , Fujita Masashi , Imaizumi Hiromichi , Hayashi Manabu , Abe Kazumichi , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavone and has estrogenic activity. The incidence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases after menopause in women, which is thought to result in a decrease in estrogen. This study aimed to evaluate the association between equol and NAFLD.

Methods

We evaluated 1185 women aged 50–69 years who underwent health check‐ups at four health centers in Fukushima, Japan. Equol producers were defined by a urinary equol concentration of 1.0 μM or more. In addition to comparison between equol producers and non‐producers, the association between equol and NAFLD was estimated using logistic regression analysis adjusting for fast walking and eating habits.

Results

Of the 1185 participants, 345 (29.1%) women were equol producers. The proportions of women who had NAFLD (34.8% vs 45.2%) were significantly lower in the equol‐producing group than in the non‐producing group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that equol production was significantly associated with NAFLD (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.86).

Conclusions

Equol production was significantly associated with NAFLD in women in their 50s and 60s.
Morphogenesis of the pulmonary vein and left atrial appendage in human embryos and early fetuses
Authors: Fukui Narumi , Kanahashi Toru , Matsubayashi Jun , Imai Hirohiko , Yoneyama Akio , Otani Hiroki , Yamada Shigehito , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

The left atrium wall has several origins, including the body, appendage, septum, atrial‐ventricular canal, posterior wall, and venous component. Here, we describe the morphogenesis of left atrium based on high‐resolution imaging (phase‐contrast X‐ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging). Twenty‐three human embryos and 19 fetuses were selected for this study. Three‐dimensional cardiac images were reconstructed, and the pulmonary veins and left atrium, including the left atrial appendage, were evaluated morphologically and quantitatively. The positions of the pericardial reflections were used as landmarks for the border of the pericardial cavity. The common pulmonary vein was observed in three specimens at Carnegie stages 17–18. The pericardium was detected at the four pulmonary veins (left superior, left inferior, right superior, and right inferior pulmonary veins) at one specimen at Carnegie stage 18 and all larger specimens, except the four samples. Our results suggest that the position of the pericardial reflections was determined at two pulmonary veins (right and left pulmonary vein) and four pulmonary veins almost simultaneously when the dorsal mesocardial connection between the embryo and heart regressed. The magnetic resonance images and reconstructed heart cavity images confirmed that the left atrium folds were present at the junction between the body and venous component. Three‐dimensional reconstruction showed that the four pulmonary veins entered the dorsal left atrium tangentially from the lateral to the medial direction. More specifically, the right pulmonary veins entered at a greater angle than the left pulmonary veins. The distance between the superior and inferior pulmonary veins was shorter than that between the left and right pulmonary veins. Three‐dimensional reconstruction showed that the venous component increased proportionally with growth. No noticeable differences in discrimination between the right and left parts of the venous component emerged, while the junction between the venous component and body gradually became inconspicuous but was still recognizable by the end of the observed early fetal period. The left superior pulmonary vein had the smallest cross‐sectional area and most flattened shape, whereas the other three were similar in area and shape. The left atrial appendage had a large volume in the center and extended to the periphery as a lobe‐like structure. The left atrial appendage orifice increased in the area and tended to become flatter with growth. The whole left atrium volume^(1/3) increased almost proportionally with growth, parallel to the whole heart volume. This study provided a three‐dimensional and quantitative description of the developmental process of the left atrium, comprising the venous component and left atrial appendage formation, from the late embryonic to the early fetal stages.
Potential drug repurposing of ruxolitinib to inhibit the JAK/STAT pathway for the treatment of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Yunianto Irfan , Currie Margaret , Chitcholtan Kenny , Sykes Peter
Published: August 2023

Aim

This review aimed to describe the potential for therapeutic targeting of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by repurposing the clinically‐approved JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib in the patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) setting.

Methods

We reviewed publications that focus on the inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway in hematological and solid malignancies including OC.

Results

Preclinical studies showed that ruxolitinib effectively reduces OC cell viability and metastasis and enhances the anti‐tumor activity of chemotherapy drugs. There are a number of recent clinical trials exploring the role of JAK/STAT inhibition in solid cancers including OC. Early results have not adequately supported efficacy in solid tumors. However, there are preclinical data and clinical studies supporting the use of ruxolitinib in combination with both chemotherapy and other targeted drugs in OC setting.

Conclusion

Inflammatory conditions and persistent activation of the JAK/STAT pathway are associated with tumourigenesis and chemoresistance, and therapeutic blockade of this pathway shows promising results. For women with OC, clinical investigation exploring the role of ruxolitinib in combination with chemotherapy agents or other targeted therapeutics is warranted.
Public capital and institutions' quality in the Italian regions
Authors: Aresu Federico , Marrocu Emanuela , Paci Raffaele
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the role played by public capital on the production level of Italian regions by specifically accounting for the quality of institutions. Our analysis, carried out over the period 2000–2019, benefits from a rich data set on public expenditures. This allows us to build the regional public capital stock by distinguishing among public institutions in charge of the investments and sectors of intervention. While controlling for several contextual variables (human capital, technological capital, and population density), the main results show that public capital has a positive and significant effect on production. Most interestingly, looking at Mezzogiorno's regions, public capital carried out by local institutions turns out to have a lower impact than in the rest of the Italian regions. On the other hand, central bodies in the South exhibit an impact higher than the average. Moreover, institutions' quality exhibits a positive and significant effect on regional economic performance. These results cast serious doubts about the local Southern administrations' capacity to effectively manage the National Recovery and Resilience Plan's enormous resources and the new European Union cohesion framework 2021–2027. Our results are also relevant for other European regions that, featuring structural traits similar to Southern Italian regions, are expected to face the same difficulties in managing public funding.
The utility of clinicopathological findings and point‐of‐care ultrasound in increasing the index of suspicion of ureteral obstruction in azotaemic cats presenting to the emergency room
Authors: Beeston D. , Dirrig H. , Cole L.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Ureteral obstruction is a common post‐renal cause of azotaemia in cats. The objective of this study was to describe clinicopathological and point‐of‐care ultrasound findings in azotaemic cats that may increase the index of suspicion of ureteral obstruction.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective case–control study was conducted of azotaemic cats presenting to the emergency room of a referral teaching hospital. Cats were included if they were azotaemic and had point‐of‐care ultrasound and formal ultrasound performed. Cats were grouped into obstructed and non‐obstructed groups based on formal specialist ultrasound and pyelography. Point‐of‐care ultrasound findings were described, including renal size and symmetry, renal pelvis dilation, perinephric fluid, and visualisation of the proximal ureter or calculi. Univariate analysis was performed to identify historical, biochemical and point‐of‐care ultrasound findings associated with ureteral obstruction before multivariate analysis.

Results

One hundred twenty‐two azotaemic cats met the inclusion criteria. Seventy‐four cats were included in the obstructed azotaemic group and 48 cats in the non‐obstructed azotaemic groups. Point‐of‐care ultrasound abnormalities were detected in 60 of 74 (81.1%) obstructed cats and 18 of 48 (37.5%) non‐obstructed cats. Renal pelvis dilation (odds ratio 38.8; 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 515), hyporexia (odds ratio 5.9; 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 30.13), hypercalcaemia (odds ratio 16.6; 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 223.0) and hypokalaemia (odds ratio 21.7; 1.33 to 354.62) were more likely to be associated with ureteral obstruction than non‐obstructive disease.

Clinical Significance

Point‐of‐care ultrasound abnormalities are documented frequently in azotaemic cats with ureteral obstruction. Cats with renal pelvis dilation were 39 times more likely to have ureteral obstruction than non‐obstructive acute kidney injury.
Refrigerated multi‐dose insulin vials remain sterile through 6 months of use
Authors: Berg A. S. , Jacob M. E. , Mamo L. B. , Pluta D. H. , Lunn K. F.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To evaluate sterility in refrigerated multi‐dose insulin vials through 6 months of routine aspiration.

Materials and Methods

Twelve vials of insulin, six of insulin glargine U100 (Lantus®, 10 mL multi‐dose vial, Sanofi, Bridgewater, NJ) containing the preservative metacresol, and six of protamine zinc insulin U40 (ProZinc®, 10 mL multi‐dose vial, Boehringer Ingelheim, Duluth, GA) containing the preservative phenol, were refrigerated and aspirated twice daily for 6 months, using a new insulin syringe each time. Three vials of each insulin type were wiped with a single‐use alcohol swab before sampling. Three times weekly, aspirated samples were inoculated in Tryptic Soy Broth enrichment media and incubated for evidence of microbial growth. Positive broth was cultured and speciated. Endpoints were microbial vial contamination (defined as three consecutive positive cultures of the same organism) and completion of the six‐month study period.

Results

Microbial contamination was not identified in any vial throughout the study period. A total of 454 aspirated samples were cultured, one of which exhibited non‐repeatable growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This vial was prematurely lost to breakage after 59 culture samples (29 after the positive growth).

Clinical Significance

Refrigerated phenol‐ and metacresol‐containing multi‐dose insulin products carry minimal risk for iatrogenic infection through 6 months of use, regardless of alcohol swab preparation.
Investor sentiment contagion and network connectedness: Evidence from China and other international stock markets
Authors: Liu Yandi , Zhang Jun , Guo Na , Liu Jingshan
Published: August 2023

International economic exchanges have become more frequent, and the degree of the mutual influences of investor sentiment in the stock markets of various countries has been increasing. Therefore, the study of cross‐country spillover effects of investor sentiment is of great relevance to the analysis of financial market linkage and the diffusion mechanisms between countries. This study examined the directions and levels of investor sentiment spillovers in 10 countries from 2003 to 2020 by constructing aggregate and directional spillover indices and analyzing the static and dynamic characteristics as well as the network structures of the spillover effects. The results revealed that (1) investor sentiment had significant cross‐country spillover effects and their intensities were time‐varied, with the total sentiment spillover index rising sharply in response to extreme events, such as the subprime mortgage crisis, the European sovereign debt crisis, the United Kingdom's (U.K.) Brexit policy, and the coronavirus pandemic. (2) The spillover effects were impacted by the level of economic and financial development. Overall, developed countries had higher levels of spillover than did developing countries. (3) Countries that were highly correlated with extreme events had stronger spillover effects. For example, the United States and the U.K. were the main net “exporters” of sentiment during the subprime crisis, and Germany became the top “exporter” during the European sovereign debt crisis. Our findings have important implications for policymakers who aim to understand capital markets correlations and promote regulatory coordination across countries.
Analysis on Braess paradox and network design considering parking in the autonomous vehicle environment
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Waller Steven Travis , Lin Dung‐Ying
Published: August 2023

This study is the first in the literature to examine the Braess paradox considering parking behavior in the autonomous vehicle (AV) environment, based on which the network design problem for the autonomous transportation system (NDP‐ATS) is modeled. First, we introduce the AV commuting pattern considering the self‐driving process for the parking purpose. We then illustrate the existence of two distinct Braess paradoxes that can occur in AV traffic networks with regards to parking space addition and network capacity expansion. They show that these two types of “improvement” measures might deteriorate the network system performance in an AV situation. Second, motivated to avoid the deterioration due to the introduced Braess paradoxes, we develop a bi‐level programming model for NDP‐ATS. The lower‐level program addresses the network‐equilibrium traffic assignment for AVs. The upper‐level program aims to minimize the network‐wide travel cost considering both occupied and empty AV trips by selecting the optimal design option accounting for road capacity enhancement and parking facility deployment simultaneously. To solve the developed bi‐level model, the simplicial homology global optimization algorithm is employed along with the Frank–Wolfe algorithm and the CPLEX. Finally, the efficacy of the modeling framework is validated through case studies on the Sioux Falls city network and the Anaheim network. The results show that the developed methodology is capable of producing high‐quality solutions with respect to savings in system‐level travel costs for AV traffic. The results also highlight the impacts of parking fees on the system performance for the optimized network. Additionally, it is found that the two objectives, which minimize the total system travel cost and minimize that for empty AV trips only, are conflicting for certain scenarios. The methodological approach introduced in this work serves as a critical modeling device for infrastructure development and policy assessment for AV traffic.
The effect of an online‐supervised exercise program in older people with diabetes on fasting blood sugar, psychological resilience and quality of life: A double blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Terkes Nurten , Aksu Neriman Temel , Yamac Sabriye Ucan
Published: August 2023

Background

Online exercise interventions can improve physical outcomes. Online supervised exercise program is more effective than unsupervised exercise program.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of an online supervised exercise program on fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), resilience and quality of life in older people with diabetes.

Methods

This parallel group randomised controlled study included 70 older patients with Type 2 diabetes. Participants were divided into online supervised and unsupervised exercise training groups. Participants in the online‐supervised exercise group were given an online‐supervised exercise program 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Personal Information Form, Short Resilience Scale and Quality of Life Scale in Older People were used to collect data. In addition, fasting blood sugar BMI and values were measured.

Results

According to the results of our study, while there was no significant difference between the pre‐and post‐training scores of the supervised and unsupervised groups on the Psychological Resilience Scale and Quality of Life Scale, it was observed that there was a significant difference in both groups according to time (p < .05). When the difference between the scores of the groups before and after the training was analysed according to time, a significant difference was observed between the online‐supervised and unsupervised exercise groups (p < .05). In addition, it was seen that there was a significant difference in the fasting blood sugar and BMI results of the online‐supervised exercise group according to time (p < .05).

Conclusions

Online supervised exercise program decreases fasting blood sugar and BMI, increases psychological resilience and quality of life of older patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Implication for practice

Online supervised exercise program may be an additional treatment that provides benefits for older people with diabetes who cannot participate in clinical‐based rehabilitation programs.
Modeling of pigmentation disorders associated with MITF mutation in Waardenburg syndrome revealed an impaired melanogenesis pathway in iPS‐derived melanocytes
Authors: Wen Jie , Song Jian , Chen Jiale , Feng Zhili , Jing Qiancheng , Gong Wei , Kang Xiaoming , Mei Lingyun , He Chufeng , Ma Lu , Feng Yong
Published: August 2023

Waardenburg Syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to congenital hearing loss and pigmentation defects. Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) is one of its significant pathogenic genes. Despite the comprehensive investigation in animal models, the pathogenic mechanism is still poorly described in humans due to difficulties accessing embryonic tissues. In this work, we used induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a WS patient carrying a heterozygous mutation in the MITF gene c.626A>T (p.His209Leu), and differentiated toward melanocyte lineage, which is the most affected cell type involved in WS. Compared with the wild‐type cell line, the MITFmut cell line showed a reduced expression of the characteristic melanocyte‐related genes and a lesser proportion of mature, fully pigmented melanosomes. The transcriptome analysis also revealed widespread gene expression changes at the melanocyte stage in the MITFmut cell line. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in melanogenesis and cell proliferation‐related pathways. Interestingly, ion transport‐related genes also showed a significant difference in MITFmut‐induced melanocytes, indicating that the MITF mutant may lead to the dysfunction of potassium channels and transporters produced by intermediate cells in the cochlea, further causing the associated phenotype of deafness. Altogether, our study provides valuable insights into how MITF mutation affects WS patients, which might result in defective melanocyte development and the related phenotype based on the patient‐derived iPSC model.
Relationship between seasonal variation in isoprene emission and plant hormone profiles in the tropical plant Ficus septica
Authors: Iqbal M. A. , Miyamoto K. , Yumoto E. , Oogai S. , Mutanda I. , Inafuku M. , Oku H.
Published: August 2023

In Ficus septica, the short‐term control of isoprene production and, therefore, isoprene emission has been linked to the hormone balance between auxin (IAA) and jasmonic acid (JA). However, the relationship between long‐term changes in isoprene emission and that of plant hormones remains unknown.

This study tracked isoprene emissions from F. septica leaves, plant hormone concentrations and signalling gene expression, MEP pathway metabolite concentrations, and related enzyme gene expression for 1 year in the field to better understand the role of plant hormones and their long‐term control.

Seasonality of isoprenes was mainly driven by temperature‐ and light‐dependent variations in substrate availability through the MEP route, as well as transcriptional and post‐transcriptional control of isoprene synthase (IspS). Isoprene emissions are seasonally correlated with plant hormone levels. This was especially evident in the cytokinin profiles, which decreased in summer and increased in winter. Only 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbut‐2‐butenyl‐4‐diphosphate (HMBDP) exhibited a positive connection with cytokinins among the MEP metabolites examined, suggesting that HMBDP and its biosynthetic enzyme, HMBDP synthase (HDS), play a role in channelling of MEP pathway metabolites to cytokinin production.

Thus, it is probable that cytokinins have potential feed‐forward regulation of isoprene production. Under long‐term natural conditions, the hormonal balance of IAA/JA‐Ile was not associated with IspS transcripts or isoprene emissions. This study builds on prior work by revealing differences between short‐ and long‐term hormonal modulation of isoprene emissions in the tropical tree F. septica.
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to NO2 and rapid infant weight gain – A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Alterman Neora , Youssim Iaroslav , Nevo Daniel , Calderon‐Margalit Ronit , Yuval  , Broday David , Hauzer Michael , Raz Raanan
Published: August 2023

Background

Childhood overweight and obesity is a global public health problem. Rapid infant weight gain is predictive of childhood overweight. Studies found that exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with childhood overweight, and have linked prenatal exposure to air pollution with rapid infant weight gain.

Objectives

To examine the association between prenatal and postnatal ambient NO2 exposure, a traffic‐related marker, with rapid weight gain in infants.

Methods

We carried out a population‐based historical cohort study using data from the Israeli national network of maternal and child health clinics. The study included 474,136 infants born at term with birthweight ≥2500 g in 2011–2019 in central Israel. Weekly averages of NO2 concentration throughout pregnancy (prenatal) and the first 4 weeks of life (postnatal) were assessed using an optimized dispersion model and were linked to geocoded home addresses. We modelled weight gain velocity throughout infancy using the SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR) method, a mixed‐effects nonlinear model specialized for modelling growth curves, and defined rapid weight gain as the highest velocity tertile. Distributed‐lag models were used to assess critical periods of risk and to measure relative risks for rapid weight gain. Adjustments were made for socioeconomic status, population group, subdistrict, month and year of birth, and the alternate exposure period – prenatal or postnatal.

Results

The cumulative adjusted relative risk for rapid weight gain of NO2 exposure was 1.02 (95% confidence intereval [CI] 1.00, 1.04) for exposure throughout pregnancy and 1.02 (95% CI 1.01, 1.04) for exposure during the first four postnatal weeks per NO2 interquartile range increase (7.3 ppb). An examination of weekly associations revealed that the critical period of risk for the prenatal exposure was from mid‐pregnancy to birth.

Conclusions

Prenatal and postnatal exposures to higher concentrations of traffic‐related air pollution are each independently associated with rapid infant weight gain, a risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity.
The unvirtuous cycle of loss and damage: Addressing systemic impacts of climate change in small islands from a vulnerability perspective
Authors: Benjamin Lisa , Thomas Adelle
Published: August 2023

Historically, climate change vulnerability and loss and damage have been conceptualized as a narrow and linear pathway—with geographic and socioeconomic vulnerability leading to increasing incidents of loss and damage. However, this conceptualization falls short of considering how evolving and cumulative loss and damage affects the stability and economic security of island nations, contributes to development rollbacks and increases vulnerability to future climate impacts. We highlight the limitations of how relationships between vulnerability, loss and damage and development have been understood and applied by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and consequently in the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address these multi‐scalar, systemic and cumulative impacts. Other approaches consider relationships between climate change, vulnerability and larger developmental impacts, including the concept of a multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI). But experiences with MVI in other international forums have not been positive and may in fact put more pressure on developing countries to compete for limited financial resources. Introducing MVI into the UNFCCC system, may, therefore, be detrimental to Small Island Developing States and marginalize other developing countries. Instead, more pressure should be placed on developed countries to broaden their understanding of loss and damage and make more climate finance available to developing countries that are bearing the brunt of climate impacts. There may now be greater opportunity within the UNFCCC framework to address these cyclical and systemic aspects of loss and damage with new and enhanced financial arrangements for loss and damage, as well as the establishment of a loss and damage fund. We argue that these new institutional developments should include broader and cyclical concepts of loss and damage.
Marginal additive models for population‐averaged inference in longitudinal and cluster‐correlated data
Authors: McGee Glen , Stringer Alex
Published: August 2023

We propose a novel marginal additive model (MAM) for modeling cluster‐correlated data with nonlinear population‐averaged associations. The proposed MAM is a unified framework for estimation and uncertainty quantification of a marginal mean model, combined with inference for between‐cluster variability and cluster‐specific prediction. We propose a fitting algorithm that enables efficient computation of standard errors and corrects for estimation of penalty terms. We demonstrate the proposed methods in simulations and in application to (a) a longitudinal study of beaver foraging behavior and (b) a spatial analysis of Loa loa infection in West Africa.
Antimicrobial Properties of Deep-Sea Water towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ravi Chandran Govinraj , Joe Dailin Daniel , Abdul Manas Nor Hasmaliana , Ali El-Ensashy Hesham , Man Mustafa , Edis Zehra , Fatriasari Widya , Wan Azelee Nur Izyan
Published: August 2023

With the quick commercial expansion, demand for cosmetics made with natural materials has been rising steadily over time. A potential replacement that is substantially safer than the chemical ingredients would be a deep-sea water (DSW) based cosmetic that mostly consists of organic and biomaterial elements. This research attempts to demonstrate that DSW can be a good alternative to chemical cosmetics by examining its antibacterial capabilities. The antibacterial properties of DSW were ascertained using the well diffusion method and the Mueller Hinton Agar plate technique. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two of the most prevalent bacteria on human skin, were used in the antimicrobial tests. The hollow zones that were produced as a result of the inhibition zones were assessed to demonstrate their potential as a replacement for numerous chemical-based products. This study will serve as a foundation for the widespread use of DSW, which promises to be a safe and sustainable ingredient, in future cosmetics.
Antichain codes
Authors: Gunby Benjamin , He Xiaoyu , Narayanan Bhargav , Spiro Sam
Published: August 2023

A family of sets is said to be an antichain if for all distinct , and it is said to be a distance‐ code if every pair of distinct elements of has Hamming distance at least . Here, we prove that if is both an antichain and a distance‐ code, then . This result, which is best‐possible up to the implied constant, is a purely combinatorial strengthening of a number of results in Littlewood–Offord theory; for example, our result gives a short combinatorial proof of Hálasz's theorem, while all previously known proofs of this result are Fourier‐analytic.