bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multidisciplinary team reduces in‐hospital clinical complications and mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Meloni Marco , Andreadi Aikaterini , Bellizzi Ermanno , Giurato Laura , Ruotolo Valeria , Romano Maria , Bellia Alfonso , Uccioli Luigi , Lauro Davide
Published: July 2023

Aims

The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team (MDFT) in the management of in‐patients affected by diabetic foot problems.

Materials and Methods

The study was a retrospective observational study. Consecutive patients with a diabetic foot problem requiring hospitalisation were included. All patients were managed by a MDFT led by diabetologists according to the guidance. The rate of in‐hospital complications (IHCs), major amputation, and survival were recorded at the end of patient’s hospitalisation. IHC was defined as any new infection different from wound infection, cardiovascular events, acute renal injury, severe anaemia requiring blood transfusion, and any other clinical problem not present at the assessment.

Results

Overall, 350 patients were included. The mean age was 67.9 ± 12.6 years, 254 (72.6%) were males, 323 (92, 3%) showed Type 2 diabetes with a mean duration of 20.2 ± 9.6 years; 224 (64%) had ischaemic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and 299 (85.4%) had infected DFUs. IHCs were recorded in 30/350 (8.6%) patients. The main reasons for IHCs were anaemia requiring blood transfusion (2.8%), pneumonia (1.7%), acute kidney failure (1.1%). Patients with IHCs showed a higher rate of major amputation (13.3 vs. 3.1%, p = 0.02) and mortality (16.7 vs. 0.6%, p < 0.0001) in comparison to those without. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and wound duration at the assessment (>1 month) were independent predictors of IHC, whereas IHCs, heart failure, and dialysis were independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot problems leads to an IHC rate of 8%. The risk of IHCs is higher in patients with IHD and long wound duration.
Predictors and moderators of three online interventions for eating disorder symptoms in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rohrbach Pieter J. , Fokkema Marjolein , Spinhoven Philip , Van Furth Eric F. , Dingemans Alexandra E.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To optimize treatment recommendations for eating disorders, it is important to investigate whether some individuals may benefit more (or less) from certain treatments. The current study explored predictors and moderators of an automated online self‐help intervention “Featback” and online support from a recovered expert patient.

Methods

Data were used from a randomized controlled trial. For a period of 8 weeks, participants aged 16 or older with at least mild eating disorder symptoms were randomized to four conditions: (1) Featback, (2) chat or e‐mail support from an expert patient, (3) Featback with expert‐patient support, and (4) a waitlist. A mixed‐effects partitioning method was used to see if age, educational level, BMI, motivation to change, treatment history, duration of eating disorder, number of binge eating episodes in the past month, eating disorder pathology, self‐efficacy, anxiety and depression, social support, or self‐esteem predicted or moderated intervention outcomes in terms of eating disorder symptoms (primary outcome), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (secondary outcome).

Results

Higher baseline social support predicted less eating disorder symptoms 8 weeks later, regardless of condition. No variables emerged as moderator for eating disorder symptoms. Participants in the three active conditions who had not received previous eating disorder treatment, experienced larger reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.

Discussion

The investigated online low‐threshold interventions were especially beneficial for treatment‐naïve individuals, but only in terms of secondary outcomes, making them well‐suited for early intervention. The study results also highlight the importance of a supportive environment for individuals with eating disorder symptoms.

Public Significance

To optimize treatment recommendations it is important to investigate what works for whom. For an internet‐based intervention for eating disorders developed in the Netherlands, individuals who had never received eating disorder treatment seemed to benefit more from the intervention than those who had received eating disorder treatment, because they experienced larger reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stronger feelings of social support were related to less eating disorder symptoms in the future.
Climate‐driven phenological shifts in emergence dates of British bees
Authors: Wyver Chris , Potts Simon G. , Edwards Mike , Edwards Rowan , Roberts Stuart , Senapathi Deepa
Published: July 2023

Climate change has a diverse range of impacts on wild bees, including their phenology or timing of life history events. Climate‐driven phenological shifts can not only impact individuals at species level but also threaten the vital pollination service that wild bees provide to both wild plants and cultivated crops. Despite their involvement in pollination, for most bee species, especially in Great Britain, little is known about phenological shifts. This study makes use of 40 years of presence‐only data for 88 species of wild bees to analyse shifts in emergence dates, both over time and in relation to temperature. The analyses reveal widespread advances in emergence dates of British wild bees, at an average rate of 0.40 ± 0.02 days per year since 1980 across all species in the study data set. Temperature is a key driver of this shift, with an average advance of 6.5 ± 0.2 days per 1°C warming. For change in emergence dates both over time and in relation to temperature, there was significant species‐specific variation, with 14 species showing significant advances over time and 67 showing significant advances in relation to temperature. Traits did not appear to explain variation in individual species' responses, with overwintering stage, lecty, emergence period and voltinism considered as possible explanatory traits. Pairwise comparisons showed no differences in sensitivity of emergence dates to increasing temperature between trait groups (groups of species which share all four traits) that differed by only one trait. These results highlight not only a direct impact of temperature on the phenology of wild bees themselves but also the species‐specific shifts highlight a possible impact on the temporal structure of bee communities and the pollination networks for which the wild bees are so crucial.
Identification and characterization of inulinases by bioinformatics analysis of bacterial glycoside hydrolases family 32 (GH32)
Authors: Khosravi Fatemeh , Fard Ehsan Mohseni , Hosseininezhad Marzieh , Shoorideh Hadi
Published: July 2023

The glycoside hydrolase family contains enzymes that break the glycosidic bonds of carbohydrates by hydrolysis. Inulinase is one of the most important industrial enzymes in the family of Glycoside Hydrolases 32 (GH32). In this study, to identify and classify bacterial inulinases initially, 16,002 protein sequences belonging to the GH32 family were obtained using various databases. The inulin‐effective enzymes (endoinulinase and exoinulinase) were identified. Eight endoinulinases (EC 3.2.1.7) and 4318 exoinulinases (EC 3.2.1.80) were found. Then, the localization of endoinulinase and exoinulinase enzymes in the cell was predicted. Among them, two extracellular endoinulinases and 1232 extracellular exoinulinases were found. The biochemical properties of 363 enzymes of the genus Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Streptomyces (most abundant) showed that exoinulinases have an acid isoelectric point up to the neutral range due to their amino acid length. That is, the smaller the protein (336 aa), the more acidic the pI (4.39), and the larger the protein (1207 aa), the pI is in the neutral range (8.84). Also, a negative gravitational index indicates the hydrophilicity of exoinulinases. Finally, considering the biochemical properties affecting protein stability and post‐translational changes studies, one enzyme for endoinulinase and 40 enzymes with desirable characteristics were selected to identify their enzyme production sources. To screen and isolate enzyme‐containing strains, now with the expansion of databases and the development of bioinformatics tools, it is possible to classify, review and analyze a lot of data related to different enzyme‐producing strains. Although, in laboratory studies, a maximum of 20 to 30 strains can be examined. Therefore, when more strains are examined, finally, strains with more stable and efficient enzymes were selected and introduced for laboratory activities. The findings of this study can help researchers to select the appropriate gene source from introduced strains for cloning and expression heterologous inulinase, or to extract native inulinase from introduced strains.
Organic Bromide Salts Interface Modification for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells with Printed Carbon Electrode
Authors: Tian Yingxin , Yue Wang , Tian Linyong , Cai Haoyu , Zhu Xuehao , Zhao Juan , Xiao Junyan , Cheng Yi-Bing , Zhong Jie
Published: July 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using carbon as the counter electrode fabricated through a low‐temperature full solution‐process method can significantly simplify the preparation process and reduce production cost. Herein, a high‐performance PSC is presented with printed carbon electrode and dopant‐free poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is employed as hole transport materials. Different organic bromide salts are employed to modify the perovskite/P3HT interface to further enhance the performance. As a result, methylammonium bromide (MABr) modification significantly enhances the device open‐voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) by reducing interface defects and facilitates charge transport. A champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.22% (Voc of 1.118 V, FF of 0.765, and short‐circuit current of 22.48 mA cm−2) is achieved with MABr modification. The unencapsulated devices maintain 96% of the initial efficiency after storage for 3600 h and 88% after thermal treatment at 70 °C for 1200 h. Additionally, perovskite solar modules are also prepared based on printing and interface passivation route with PCE reaches 13.20%. These results represent an important progress in the enhancement of device PCE and up‐scaling of PSCs with cost‐effective, stable, and printed carbon electrode.
Possible mechanism of contribution of a secreted aspartic proteinase FpOPSB to the virulence of Fusarium proliferatum causing banana crown rot
Authors: Wu Yanfei , Yang Qiuxiao , Xie Lihong , Yin Chunxiao , Qu Hongxia , He Junxian , Jiang Yueming , Li Taotao
Published: July 2023

Fusarium proliferatum is one of the pathogenic fungi causing crown rot that results in quality deterioration and commercial value loss of banana fruit during postharvest storage. Secreted proteins from pathogenic fungi can be delivered into hosts to suppress plant immunity and establish infection. We reported here a secreted aspartic proteinase OPSB (FpOPSB) that was active during F. proliferatum infection on banana peel. FpOPSB exhibited protease activity based on in vitro assay. Immunohistochemistry assay along with subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that FpOPSB can be secreted into banana peel and localized in cytoplasm. FpOPSB deletion mutant (Δopsb) showed reduced virulence on banana fruit but no obvious effect on fungal growth compared with wild‐type. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy results suggested that FpOPSB was important for conidial production and infectious growth as well as spreading of F. proliferatum in banana peel. Heterologous expression of FpOPSB in tobacco significantly enhanced plant susceptibility to F. proliferatum. Further, seven proteins were identified as potential targets of FpOPSB in banana peel using immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS, including pathogenesis‐related 10, thioredoxin H1, nonsymbiotic hemoglobin 2, fructokinase‐1, patellin‐1, leucine aminopeptidase 2, and l‐lactate dehydrogenase A. Taken together, our results confirmed that the secreted FpOPSB is a critical virulence factor of F. proliferatum when infecting banana fruit. Additionally, we postulated that FpOPSB might interfere the host immune system or neutralize the host defenses, thereby contributing to the pathogenicity of F. proliferatum. We propose aspartic proteinase as a new potential target for controlling fungal disease of postharvest fruit.
RETRACTED: Socio‐economic impact of natural resource management: How environmental degradation affects the quality of life
Authors: An LiJie , Jiang XiuJing , Liu Zhen , Li Qiong
Published: July 2023

Sustainable development is guided by three pillars: the economy, society and the environment. Social consequences on health are shaped by economic systems and social structures, which are integrated with the larger environment and affect the global allocation of energy resources. This is the first research of its kind to examine the social and economic effects of environmental degradation changes while considering cross‐sectional dependency. This article examines the effect of natural resource management policies and socioeconomic development on Asia's ecological footprint from 1995 to 2020, considering natural resources, population growth and industrial development. Our research shows that changes in the natural resources and ecological footprint have improved economic conditions and social outcomes, including human progress and income distribution. Two different outcomes of recent natural resource management are improved operational efficiency and decreased environmental degradation. Our findings hold up even considering other possible model specifications considering the interaction impacts of power sector changes. The findings reveal a favourable correlation between ecological footprint and natural net financial accounts, natural resources and GDP growth. Long‐term environmental sustainability is a byproduct of a flourishing society and economy.
School starting age policy and students' risky health behaviors
Authors: Shin Yoosik
Published: July 2023

A school starting age policy may generate disparities in the age at which students enter school, and in the relative age for grade among children born in similar periods. I analyze the impacts of being young‐for‐grade on students' risky health behaviors. Using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design which exploits the school entry system in South Korea, I find that being younger in the class leads students to begin drinking alcohol earlier. In addition, it increases the likelihood of drinking over the past 30 days. Being young‐for‐grade also impacts the probability of having sexual intercourse during one's high school years. My main findings are driven by both girls and boys. The robustness of my results is supported by several alternative specifications.
Risk perception and avoidance of preventive behavior on the COVID‐19 among cancer patients
Authors: Khezeli Mehdi , Tavan Asghar , Narimani Sajjad , Hoseini Vahideh , Hosseinzadeh Elham Zare , Motamedi Parisa
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Willingness to engage in preventive behaviors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) depends on people's risk perception. This is especially important in cancer patients who are at risk of complications from the disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate avoidance of COVID‐19 preventive behavior of in cancer patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analytical study was done with 200 cancer patients who were selected by convenience sampling method. The study was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ardabil, Iran from July to August 2020. A researcher‐made questionnaire was used to investigate the risk perception of cancer patients towards COVID‐19 with seven subscales according to the Extended Parallel Process Model. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using Pearson correlation and linear regression tests.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of the age of 200 participants (including 109 men and 91 women) was 48 ± 17. Results showed that the response efficacy (12.6 ± 2.2) had the highest mean and defensive avoidance (8 ± 2.8) had the lowest mean score among EPPM constructs. Linear regression results showed that fear (β = 0.242, p > 0.001), and perceived severity (β = 0.191, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of defensive avoidance.

Conclusion

Perceived severity and fear were significant predictors of defensive avoidance, and providing accurate and reliable news and information can be effective in reducing fear and promoting preventive behaviors.
A protocol of a systematic review on deep brain stimulation surgery and its efficacy in addressing substance abuse addiction
Authors: Dimech David Zammit , Ranjan Redoy
Published: July 2023

Background

Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic approaches are still the mainstay first line of treatment for substance use disorder. However, the path to rehabilitation and cessation of dependence often proves uncertain and laborious, with risks of relapse being considerable despite exposure to current therapeutic modalities. For cases of treatment‐refractory addiction, deep brain stimulation (DBS) interventions can prove a more effective long term therapeutic solution for the patient.

Objectives

The aim of the study will be to systematically assess whether attempts at correcting substance use disorder via DBS neurosurgical interventions have been successful in inducing remission or ameliorating relapse rates.

Methods

The current study will analyze available literature from database inception up to 15th April 2023, reviewing all publications documenting results achieved with human patients undergoing DBS for substance use disorder in PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The electronic database search will exclude animal studies in the field and focus solely on the application of DBS for the purposes of addressing addiction disorders.

Results

The expectation is for a reduced number of trial results to have been reported, namely due to the relatively recent application of DBS to address severe addiction. Nonetheless, numbers should be in sufficient amount to inform about the efficacy of the intervention.

Conclusion

This study will attempt to demonstrate the viability of DBS as a solution for tackling treatment‐refractory substance use disorder, proposing it as a valid therapeutic option that can deliver robust results and help combat an expanding societal plague that is drug dependence.
Crosstalk between FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and obesity‐related traits among Bangladeshi population
Authors: Shill Lincon Chandra , Alam Mohammad Rahanur
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Obesity is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, which is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic variant rs9939609 of the FTO (fat mass and obesity‐associated) gene has been found to be associated with an increased risk for obesity, depending on the population studied. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study is to examine the relationship between the FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and lifestyle‐related risk factors, and their impact on obesity‐related traits and biochemical parameters in the Bangladeshi population.

Methods

A total of 280 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising of 140 individuals with overweight and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23.0) and 140 non‐overweight healthy individuals (18.5 ≤ BMI ≥ 22.9). Demographic information, dietary behaviors, and physical activity‐related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric assessments and measurements of biochemical parameters such as lipid profile and C‐reactive protein were performed. The amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the FTO gene. Descriptive statistics, χ,2 and one‐way ANOVA were performed to evaluate the relationships between independent and dependent variables.

Results

The presence of rs9939609 was strongly associated with the obesity risk factors of increased BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein. We also found a significant association (p < 0.05) of rs9939609 with overweight and obesity in codominant AA versus TT (odds ratio [OR] = 0.299, 95% CI: 0.129−0.695) and AA versus AT (OR = 2.273, 95% CI: 1.023−5.053), recessive TT versus AA+AT (OR = 5.154, 95% CI: 2.463−10.782), and overdominant AT versus AA+TT (OR = 0.244, 95% CI: 0.122−0.488) models.

Conclusion

FTO variant rs9939609 is significantly linked to obesity and an increased risk of hyperlipidemia in the Bangladeshi population. However, this association is intertwined with environmental factors such as diet and physical activity.
Patient navigation models for mental health of parents expecting or caring for an infant or young child: A systematic review
Authors: Harris Sophia A. , Harrison Michelle , Hazell‐Raine Karen , Wade Catherine , Eapen Valsamma , Kohlhoff Jane
Published: July 2023

Patient navigation (PN) aims to improve timely access to healthcare by helping patients to “navigate” complex service provision landscapes. PN models have been applied in diverse healthcare settings including perinatal mental health (PMH). However, the practice models and implementation of PN programs vary widely, and their impact on engagement with PMH services has not been systematically investigated. This systematic narrative review study aimed to (1) identify and describe existing PMH PN models, (2) understand their effectiveness in improving service engagement and clinical outcomes, (3) review patient and provider perceptions, and (4) explore facilitators and barriers to program success. A systematic search of published articles/reports describing PMH PN programs/service delivery models targeting parents in the period from conception to 5 years postpartum was conducted. In total, 19 articles describing 13 programs were identified. The analysis yielded a number of commonalities and differences across program settings, target populations, and the scope of the navigator role. While there was promising evidence to support the clinical efficacy and impact on service utilization of PN programs for PMH, the current evidence base is sparse. Further research evaluating the efficacy of such services, and facilitators and barriers to their success, is warranted.
But it was supposed to be healthy! How expected and actual nutritional value affect the content and linguistic characteristics of online reviews for food products
Authors: Wang Yiru , Xu Xun , Kuchmaner Christina A. , Xu Ran
Published: July 2023

Consumers are choosing to purchase food products from retailers through online channels rather than brick‐and‐mortar channels. While online reviews play a crucial role in influencing online purchases, scant work has examined how consumers write reviews for food products. We argue that the nutritional value of the food is a key aspect of product performance and apply expectation‐disconfirmation theory to examine whether pre‐purchase expectations about a food product's nutritional value and disconfirmation of these expectations have a significant effect on online review content and linguistic characteristics. Using text‐mining approaches to analyze Amazon data, we find that pre‐purchase expectations, postpurchase performance, and disconfirmation regarding nutritional value affect both review content and linguistic characteristics, including review length, diversity, readability, subjectivity, and sentiment. While research suggests that postpurchase product performance is the main influence on online review writing behavior, this research shows that the pre‐purchase phase also plays a key role.
AFM is used to study the biophysics of hypertension‐induced tachyarrhythmia
Authors: He Yin , Sun Zhifu , He Xiaonan , Mi Yuhong
Published: July 2023

Patients with long‐lasting hypertension often suffer from atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. Evidence suggests that mechanical stimulation can change the refractory period and dispersion of the ventricular myocyte action potential through stretch‐activated ion channels (SACs) and influence cellular calcium transients, thus increasing susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias. However, the specific pathogenesis of hypertension‐induced arrhythmias is unknown. In this study, through clinical data, we found that a short‐term increase in blood pressure leads to a rise in tachyarrhythmias in patients with clinical hypertension. We investigated the mechanism of this phenomenon using a combined imaging system(AC) of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy. After mechanical distraction to stimulate ventricular myocytes isolated from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we synchronously monitored cardiomyocyte stiffness and intracellular calcium changes. This method can reasonably simulate cardiomyocytes' mechanics and ion changes when blood pressure rises rapidly. Our results indicated that the stiffness value of cardiomyocytes in SHR was significantly more extensive than that of normal controls, and cardiomyocytes were more sensitive to mechanical stress; In addition, intracellular calcium increased rapidly and briefly in rats with spontaneous hypertension. After intervention with streptomycin, a SAC blocker, ventricular myocytes are significantly less sensitive to mechanical stimuli. Thus, SAC is involved in developing and maintaining ventricular arrhythmias induced by hypertension. The increased stiffness of ventricular myocytes caused by hypertension leads to hypersensitivity of cellular calcium flow to mechanical stimuli is one of the mechanisms that cause arrhythmias. The AC system is a new research method to study the mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes. This study provides new techniques and ideas for developing new anti‐arrhythmic drugs.

Highlight

The mechanism of hypertension‐induced tachyarrhythmia is not precise. Through this study, it is found that the biophysical properties of myocardial abnormalities, the myocardium is excessively sensitive to mechanical stimulation, and the calcium flow appears to transient explosive changes, leading to tachyarrhythmia.
Optimization of extracellular vesicle isolation and their separation from lipoproteins by size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Benayas Beatriz , Morales Joaquín , Egea Carolina , Armisén Pilar , Yáñez‐Mó María
Published: July 2023

Interest in the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers of disease is rapidly growing. However, one main unsolved issue in the EV field is finding a technique able to eliminate non‐EV contaminants present in biofluid samples in a one‐step isolation protocol. Due to the expansion and value of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as one of the best EV isolation methods, we have tested several agarose resins with different agarose percentages, bead sizes and crosslinking features to optimize EV isolation. For this optimization of SEC, we first employed conditioned media from a melanoma cell culture, a simpler sample in comparison to biological fluids, but which also contains abundant contaminants such as soluble protein and lipoproteins (LPPs). The distinct agaroses and the combinations of resins with different agarose percentages in the same column were tested. Soluble protein, EVs and LPPs levels from the different eluted fractions were quantitated by immunodetection or absorbance measurements. Samples were also analysed by NTA and TEM to verify the yield and the LPP contamination. Different percentages of agarose resins (2%, 4% and 6%) yielded samples with increasing LPP contamination respectively, which was not improved in the columns that combined them. Crosslinking of the agarose did not affect EV isolation yield nor the LPP contamination. In contrast, reducing the bead size greatly improved EV purity. We thus selected 4% Rapid Run Fine agarose beads as the resin that more efficiently isolated EVs with almost no contamination of other particles. Using blood plasma samples, this resin also demonstrated an improved capacity in the isolation of EVs from LPPs in comparison to the agaroses most commonly used in the field and differential ultracentrifugation.
Eating in the city: Experimental effect of anthropogenic food resources on the body condition, nutritional status, and oxidative stress of an urban bioindicator passerine
Authors: Bernat‐Ponce Edgar , Gil‐Delgado José A. , Guardiola José V. , López‐Iborra Germán M.
Published: July 2023

Urban areas provide a constant and predictable supply of anthropogenic processed food. The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758), a declining urban bioindicator species, has recently been reported to have a high level of oxidative stress, with urban diet or pollutants proposed as the potential cause. In this study, we aimed to experimentally determine the effects of two urban trophic resource types (bar snack food leftovers and pet food) on sparrows' physical condition, plasma biochemical nutritional parameters, and blood oxidative status in captivity. To exclude the potential previous effect of urban pollutants, 75 House Sparrows were captured from a rural area in SE Spain and kept in outdoor aviaries. Individuals were exposed to one of three diet treatments: control diet (fruit, vegetables, poultry grain mixture), bar snack diet (ultra‐processed snacks), or cat food diet (dry pellets) for 20 days. Blood samples were collected before and after diet treatments to analyze the relative change rates of 12 variables, including physical condition, nutritional status, and oxidant–antioxidant status. A principal component analysis was run to identify gradients of variables covariation, and Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to determine the effect of diets on each selected PC and on raw variables. The bar snack diet led to signs of anemia and malnutrition, and females tended to lose body condition. The cat food diet increased oxidative stress indicators and protein catabolism. Unbalanced urban diets can affect the body condition and nutritional physiology of House Sparrows and may also induce oxidative stress despite the absence of environmental pollution.
Assessment of the applicability of large‐scale climate ensemble simulations for analysing future extreme rainfall
Authors: Kim Youngkyu , Son Minwoo , Figueroa Steven M.
Published: July 2023

Extreme rainfall events are a major cause of natural disasters and have been projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios. Previous studies have used outputs of climate model simulations to evaluate changes in future extreme rainfall, but results have been uncertain due to the use of only a limited number of climate simulations. To address this issue, this study aims to evaluate the applicability of the d4PDF database (Database for Policy Decision‐Making for Future Climate Change), produced through large‐scale climate ensemble simulations, for analysing changes in extreme rainfall values between historical and future climatic conditions. A large‐scale sample size of the d4PDF allows the investigation of high‐magnitude rainfalls with long return periods. To utilize the d4PDF as a large‐scale sample for estimating extreme rainfall, the homogeneity between ensembles was assessed using the t test and Mann–Whitney U test, and the historical extreme rainfall with the d4PDF dataset was validated through comparison with observed data and using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. It was confirmed that the d4PDF ensembles could be used as a large‐scale sample, and the historical rainfall series of the d4PDF showed a similar distribution pattern to the observed rainfall series. Subsequent investigation of extreme rainfall for future ensembles during 2051–2110 indicated an increase by 20%–30% compared to historical climatic conditions in South Korea due to climate change. The results demonstrate the applicability of large‐scale climate ensemble simulations, such as d4PDF, for analysing changes in extreme rainfall and suggest that such information can be used to counter future extreme rainfall‐related disasters. Therefore, this study contributes to the knowledge gap in this area and highlights the need for further assessment and utilization of large‐scale climate ensemble simulations for future climate change research.
If You Hear Knocking, It May Be Too Late
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: July 2023

It can be said that all union prevention efforts start with a common thought along the lines of “I want to be nonunion.” The reasons can vary. For some employers, it is a concern over the economics of union contracts. For others, it might be the complications of dealing with union representatives, an increased likelihood (either real or perceived) of concerted work actions or the rigors of the collective bargaining process. Some employers simply have a philosophical opposition to unionized workforces. Whatever the underlying reason(s), the desire to remain union free is the first step in maintaining union‐free status.
FLASH dose rate calculation based on log files in proton pencil beam scanning therapy
Authors: Jeon Chanil , Ahn Sunghwan , Amano Daizo , Kamiguchi Nagaaki , Cho Sungkoo , Sheen Heesoon , Park Hee Chul , Han Youngyih
Published: July 2023

Background

In radiation therapy, irradiating healthy normal tissues in the beam trajectories is inevitable. This unnecessary dose means that patients undergoing treatment risk developing side effects. Recently, FLASH radiotherapy delivering ultra‐high‐dose‐rate beams has been re‐examined because of its normal‐tissue‐sparing effect. To confirm the mean and instantaneous dose rates of the FLASH beam, stable and accurate dosimetry is required.

Purpose

Detailed verification of the FLASH effect requires dosimeters and a method to measure the average and instantaneous dose rate stably for 2‐ or 3‐dimensional dose distributions. To verify the delivered FLASH beam, we utilized machine log files from the built‐in monitor chamber to develop a dosimetry method to calculate the dose and average/instantaneous dose rate distributions in two or three dimensions in a phantom.

Methods

To create a spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) and deliver a uniform dose in a target, a mini‐ridge filter was created with a 3D printer. Proton pencil beam line scanning plans of 2 × 2 cm2, 3 × 3 cm2, 4 × 4 cm2, and round shapes with 2.3 cm diameter patterns delivering 230 MeV energy protons were created. The absorbed dose in the solid water phantom of each plan was measured using a PPC05 ionization chamber (IBA Dosimetry, Virginia, USA) in the SOBP region, and the log files for each plan were exported from the treatment control system console. Using these log files, the delivered dose and average dose rate were calculated using two methods: a direct method and a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation method that uses log file information. The computed and average dose rates were compared with the ionization chamber measurements. Additionally, instantaneous dose rates in user‐defined volumes were calculated using the MC simulation method with a temporal resolution of 5 ms.

Results

Compared to ionization chamber dosimetry, 10 of 12 cases using the direct calculation method and 9 of 11 cases using the MC method had a dose difference below ±3%. Nine of 12 cases using the direct calculation method and 8 of 11 cases using the MC method had dose rate differences below ±3%. The average and maximum dose differences for the direct calculation and MC method were–0.17, +0.72%, and −3.15, +3.32%, respectively. For the dose rate difference, the average and maximum for the direct calculation and MC method were +1.26, +1.12%, and +3.75, +3.15%, respectively. In the instantaneous dose rate calculation with the MC simulation, a large fluctuation with a maximum of 163 Gy/s and a minimum of 4.29 Gy/s instantaneous dose rate was observed in a specific position, whereas the mean dose rate was 62 Gy/s.

Conclusions

We successfully developed methods in which machine log files are used to calculate the dose and the average and instantaneous dose rates for FLASH radiotherapy and demonstrated the feasibility of verifying the delivered FLASH beams.
Selective inhibition of neurogenic, but not agonist‐induced contractions by phospholipase A2 inhibitors points to presynaptic phospholipase A2 functions in contractile neurotransmission to human prostate smooth muscle
Authors: Hu Sheng , Huang Ru , Keller Patrick , Götz Melanie , Tamalunas Alexander , Weinhold Philipp , Waidelich Raphaela , Stief Christian G. , Hennenberg Martin
Published: July 2023

Background

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) may be involved in α1‐adrenergic contraction by formation of thromboxane A2 in different smooth muscle types. However, whether this mechanism occurs with α1‐adrenergic contractions of the prostate, is still unknown. While α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists are the first line option for medical treatment of voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), improvements are limited, probably by nonadrenergic contractions including thromboxane A2. Here, we examined effects of PLA2 inhibitors on contractions of human prostate tissues.

Methods

Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Contractions were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS) and by α1‐adrenergic agonists in an organ bath, after application of the cytosolic PLA2 inhibitors ASB14780 and AACOCF3, the secretory PLA2 inhibitor YM26734, the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast, or of solvent to controls.

Results

Frequency‐dependent contractions of human prostate tissues induced by EFS were inhibited by 25% at 8 Hz, 38% at 16 Hz and 37% at 32 Hz by ASB14780 (1 µM), and by 32% at 16 Hz and 22% at 32 Hz by AACOCF3 (10 µM). None of both inhibitors affected contractions induced by noradrenaline, phenylephrine or methoxamine. YM26734 (3 µM) and montelukast (0.3 and 1 µM) neither affected EFS‐induced contractions, nor contractions by α1‐adrenergic agonists, while all contractions were substantially inhibited by silodosin (100 nM).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest presynaptic PLA2 functions in prostate smooth muscle contraction, while contractions induced by α1‐adrenergic agonists occur PLA2‐independent. Lacking sensitivity to montelukast excludes an involvement of PLA2‐derived leukotrienes in promotion of contractile neurotransmission.
Reflex voiding in rat occurs at consistent bladder volume regardless of pressure or infusion rate
Authors: Jaskowak Daniel J. , Danziger Zachary C.
Published: July 2023

Aims

The central nervous system (CNS) regulates lower urinary tract reflexes using information from sensory afferents; however, the mechanisms of this process are not well known. Pressure and volume were measured at the onset of the guarding and micturition reflexes across a range of infusion rates to provide insight into what the CNS is gauging to activate reflexes.

Methods

Female Sprague Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane for open outlet cystometry. A set of 10 infusion rates (ranging 0.92–65.5 mL/h) were pseudo‐randomly distributed across 30 single‐fill cystometrograms. Bladder pressure and external urethral sphincter electromyography were used for the determination of the onset of the micturition and guarding reflexes, respectively. The bladder volume at the onset of both reflexes was estimated from the total infusion rate during a single fill.

Results

In response to many single‐fill cystometrograms, there was an increased volume the bladder could store without a significant increase in pressure. Volume was adjusted for this effect for the analysis of how pressure and volume varied with infusion rate at the onset of the micturition and guarding reflexes. In 25 rats, the micturition reflex was evoked at similar volumes across all infusion rates, whereas the pressure at micturition reflex onset increased with increasing infusion rates. In 11 rats, the guarding reflex was evoked at similar pressures across infusion rates, but the volume decreased with increasing infusion rates.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the CNS is interpreting volume from the bladder to activate the micturition reflex and pressure from the bladder to activate the guarding reflex.
Socioeconomic Influence on Speech Rehabilitation After Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Stanisce Luke , McGlone Mick , Koshkareva Yekaterina , Swendseid Brian , Lawrence Ian , Kubicek Gregory J. , Gaughan John P. , Solomon Donald H. , Ahmad Nadir
Published: July 2023

Objective

Speech rehabilitation following a total laryngectomy significantly impacts the quality of life. Indwelling prosthetic voice restoration provides optimal outcomes; however, the long‐term maintenance of these devices carries considerable financial costs, which are not universally covered by insurance. This investigation aimed to analyze associations between socioeconomic factors and outcomes in postlaryngectomy speech rehabilitation.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Academic tertiary‐care center from May 2014 to September 2021.

Methods

In patients undergoing total laryngectomy, the incidence of tracheoesophageal puncture with indwelling vocal prostheses (TEP‐VP) placement within the first postoperative year was compared among household income, demographic factors, and disease characteristics. Functional and maintenance outcomes served as secondary endpoints.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients were included. Forty‐five (58%) underwent indwelling TEP‐VP (41 primaries). Eighty‐nine percent of patients with annual incomes greater than $50k underwent TEP‐VP compared to only 35% with incomes less than $50k/year. TEP‐VP was performed in 85% of patients with commercial insurance, 70% with Medicare, 42% with Medicaid, and 0% with no insurance. On multivariate analysis, annual household incomes greater than $50k were predicted for TEP‐VP placement (odds ratio: 12.7 [2.45‐65.8], p = .002). The utilization of postoperative speech therapy and functional communication outcomes were similar among socioeconomic groups. Twelve patients were unable to afford supplies within the first year, with differences noted among insurance (p = .015) and income status (p = .003).

Conclusion

Disparities in vocal and speech rehabilitation following laryngectomy may disproportionally affect underserved patients.
Bicyclic peptides: Paving the road for therapeutics of the future
Authors: Ullrich Sven , Nitsche Christoph
Published: July 2023

Bicyclic peptides have emerged as one of the driving forces within the constrained peptide family. Due to their unique pharmaceutical attributes, peptide bicycles have garnered a reputation as promising therapeutics of the future. Combining advantages of small molecule therapeutics and biologics, the target binding qualities of this highly constrained class of molecules have been likened to those of antibodies. Over the past 5 years, the field of bicyclic peptides has advanced significantly. New bicyclic secondary peptide metabolites have been discovered in aquatic organisms and, importantly, a diverse assortment of bicyclic peptides has been synthesized de novo, exploring new chemical scaffolds. Biocompatible synthetic strategies that are suitable for large library screening platforms have helped to progress bicyclic peptides into clinical trials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent progress in the field.
Heparanase—A single protein with multiple enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions
Authors: Vlodavsky Israel , Kayal Yasmin , Hilwi Maram , Soboh Soaad , Sanderson Ralph D. , Ilan Neta
Published: July 2023

Heparanase (Hpa1) is expressed by tumor cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment and functions extracellularly to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulate the bioavailability of ECM‐bound factors, augmenting, among other effects, gene transcription, autophagy, exosome formation, and heparan sulfate (HS) turnover. Much of the impact of heparanase on tumor progression is related to its function in mediating tumor‐host crosstalk, priming the tumor microenvironment to better support tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The enzyme appears to fulfill some normal functions associated, for example, with vesicular traffic, lysosomal‐based secretion, autophagy, HS turnover, and gene transcription. It activates cells of the innate immune system, promotes the formation of exosomes and autophagosomes, and stimulates signal transduction pathways via enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities. These effects dynamically impact multiple regulatory pathways that together drive tumor growth, dissemination, and drug resistance as well as inflammatory responses. The emerging premise is that heparanase expressed by tumor cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and other cells of the tumor microenvironment is a key regulator of the aggressive phenotype of cancer, an important contributor to the poor outcome of cancer patients and a valid target for therapy. So far, however, antiheparanase‐based therapy has not been implemented in the clinic. Unlike heparanase, heparanase‐2 (Hpa2), a close homolog of heparanase (Hpa1), does not undergo proteolytic processing and hence lacks intrinsic HS‐degrading activity, the hallmark of heparanase. Hpa2 retains the capacity to bind heparin/HS and exhibits an even higher affinity towards HS than heparanase, thus competing for HS binding and inhibiting heparanase enzymatic activity. It appears that Hpa2 functions as a natural inhibitor of Hpa1 regulates the expression of selected genes that maintain tissue hemostasis and normal function, and plays a protective role against cancer and inflammation, together emphasizing the significance of maintaining a proper balance between Hpa1 and Hpa2.
Smartphone‐Based Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring in Diabetic Patients Utilizing Enhanced Chemiluminescence Imaging Technique
Authors: Singh Priya , Kumari Nupur , Ojha Ravi Prakash , Nirala Narsingh Raw , Prakash Rajiv
Published: July 2023

The current study aims for a simple, rapid, and smartphone‐based enhanced chemiluminescence (eCL) technique for sensitively detecting glucose in human urine. Herein, 1,3‐propanedithiol cross‐linked gold nanoparticles (GNPs‐PDT) via a simple reduction method is synthesized. Further, it is characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized GNPs‐PDT is found to possess oxidase mimetic activity and generate superoxide radicals from dissolved oxygen, which causes the oxidation of luminol to give a strong and stable CL signal. On the introduction of glucose into the reaction system, a CL quenching phenomenon is observed owing to the tendency of superoxide radicals to oxidize glucose into gluconic acid. Employing the quenching effect of glucose on the eCL signals, a sensor is designed for glucose detection in human urine samples. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method works in a dynamic range from 0.25 to 2 mM (R
2 = 0.98) with a detection limit of 0.36 mM. In addition, a simple and portable smartphone‐based imaging technique analyzed by Image J software for eCL‐based glucose sensing is proposed. The developed proof of concept provides good correlations of glucose detection in diabetic patients.
Transparent Conducting Oxide Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Challenges, and Future Prospects for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Guha Averi , Paira Tapas K. , Sarkar Sanjit
Published: July 2023

Flexible transparent electrodes are prerequisites of next‐generation electronic devices. Most of the synthesis process of conventional transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) require high vacuum and high temperature, which hinder its application in flexible devices. Colloidal TCO nanocrystals (NCs) can be potential candidates in this regard. But till date, the electrical performances are not promising for commercial applications. Therefore, a detailed understanding of synthesis, electrical transport, and challenges is required for further development of colloidal NC‐based transparent electrode. Herein, notable works with emphasis on synthesis, postsynthesis modification, along with film deposition techniques are summarized. The comparative studies of electrical performance of promising TCO materials with its thin‐film counterpart are presented to draw future prospects of TCO NCs as commercial transparent electrodes.