bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for the power of nature: Using flume and field studies to compare the capacities of bio‐energy and fluvial energy to move surficial gravels
Authors: Johnson Matthew F. , Albertson Lindsey K. , Everall Nicholas C. , Harvey Gemma L. , Mason Richard , Pledger Andrew , Rice Stephen P. , Thorne Colin R.
Published: April 2024

River channels, riparian and floodplain forms and dynamics are all influenced strongly by biological processes. However, the influence of macroinvertebrates on entrainment and transport of river sediments remains poorly understood. We use an energy‐based approach to explore the capacity of benthic animals to move surficial, gravel‐bed particles in field and laboratory settings and use the results to assess the relative significance of biological and physical benthic processes. Our results showed that in 11 British gravel‐bed rivers, the maximum energy content (i.e., calorific content) of macroinvertebrate communities generally matched the flow energy associated with median discharges and, at multiple sites, exceeded that of the 10‐year return interval flood. A series of laboratory experiments used to estimate the minimum energy expended by signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) when performing geomorphic work established that crayfish move gravel particles at energy levels below that expected of the flow, complicating direct comparisons of the capacity for macroinvertebrates and fluvial flows to influence bed mobility. Our findings suggest that the influence of macroinvertebrate communities in either promoting or suppressing, the mobilisation of the bed may be large compared to equivalent values of fluvial energy. Based on these findings, we conclude that in the gravel‐bed rivers studied, the macroinvertebrate community's potential to perform geomorphic work matches or exceeds the stream power during most of the year. Although our study examined biological and fluvial energy systems separately, it is important to recognise that in nature, these systems are highly interactive. It follows that utilising the energy framework presented in this paper could lead to rapid advances in both fluvial biogeomorphology and river management and restoration.
Attributes of sensory and instrumental analysis that determine overall liking of fresh orange varieties with different maturity index
Authors: Baviera‐Puig Amparo , López‐Cortés Isabel , Ortolá María Dolores , Buitrago‐Vera Juan
Published: April 2024

Spain is the leading exporter of fresh citrus for consumption. In order to adapt to market needs, it is key to analyze the attributes that most influence each variety, the time of ripening and the color of the fruit. In this way, the producer can select the right fruit for each moment of the season. The main objective was to evaluate the fruit quality of three interesting orange tree varieties for fresh consumption: “Washington Navel,” “Navelate,” and “Lanelate” sweet orange. To achieve this goal, sensory analysis was combined with instrumental analysis. In Washington Navel, the maturity index provided a positive contribution to overall liking. Both herbaceous and fruity aroma have a negative influence on the overall liking score. In Navelina, the color and aromas (herbaceous and fruity) played an important positive role in overall liking. The importance of this smell could be related to the freshness of the oranges. In contrast, the maturity index provided a negative contribution. Lanelate is the only variety in which vitamin C provided a positive contribution to overall liking. However, L* value showed a negative contribution. Therefore, there were clearly different characteristics among varieties that were detected. So far, different orange varieties have not been compared according to their maturity index and using sensory analysis. Descriptive analysis and the variables that influence overall liking are fundamental to adapt to consumer expectations. The results obtained would help to select the fruit with better acceptability in the market.
Organic geochemical characteristics of the Late Cretaceous coal and carbonaceous shale succession from the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand: Implications for sedimentary environmental setting and petroleum generation potential
Authors: Lathbl Mahdi Ali , Haque Akm Eahsanul , Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Lashin Aref , Qadri S. M. Talha
Published: April 2024

This comprehensive study investigates the organic matter characteristics within the Late Cretaceous Rakopi and Taniwha formations, based on data from four exploration wells situated in New Zealand's Taranaki Basin. It employs a multifaceted approach, integrating bulk geochemical analyses, biomarker measurements and carbon isotopes to unveil the geological history of these formations. Analytical results include total organic carbon content, ranging from 7.27 to 75.78 wt%, and generation potentials spanning from 28.24 to 309.16 mg hydrocarbon/g rock. These observations underscore the source rock potential of these Late Cretaceous strata. These rocks show a mixed organic matter of hydrogen‐rich Type II and Type II/III kerogens, as evidenced by hydrogen index values (HI) between 237 to 428 mg hydrocarbon/g rock. These formations demonstrate promise potential for both oil and gas generation. Biomarker analysis uncovers distinct signatures, featuring a pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratio ranging from 3.27 to 10.91, a Tm/Ts ratio surpassing 7 and elevated concentrations of C29 regular steranes relative to C27 and C28 regular steranes. These biomarker characteristics suggest a composite organic matter composition, influenced by terrigenous organic matter, likely deposited in oxygenated fluvial deltaic environments. Bulk carbon isotopic data corroborate these findings, highlighting the abundance of terrigenous organic matter. Collectively, these insights reveal that the coal and carbonaceous shale intervals in the examined wells are in the early stages of oil generation. Therefore, the Rakopi and Taniwha formations have not yet yielded commercially viable oil and/or gas quantities. In this case, these formations hold substantial promise for future exploration activities in relatively deep wells, with limited oil expulsion from coals.
Future perspectives of radiation therapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma: Risk‐adapted, response‐adapted, and safer than before
Authors: Saddi Jessica , Barcellini Amelia , Gotti Manuel , Mazzacane Alessandro , Tolva Alessandra , Lazic Tanja , Arcaini Luca , Zecca Marco , Orlandi Ester , Filippi Andrea Riccardo
Published: April 2024

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is a lymphoproliferative disease with a good prognosis mainly seen in young people. Nevertheless secondary malignancy, cardiac disease and infertility may affect the long survivors with significant impact on quality of life, morbidity and overall survival. In the last decades several treatment strategies were evaluated to reduce the toxicity of first line treatment such as avoiding radiotherapy or its reduction in terms of dosage and extension. Many trials including interim Positron Emission Tomography evaluation fail to compare efficacy between combined modality treatment versus chemotherapy alone in particular in early stage disease. In this review we analyze which subset of patients could take advantage from proton therapy in terms of toxicity and cost effectiveness.
Effects of physician‐present prehospital care in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest on return of spontaneous circulation: A retrospective, observational study in Saga, Japan
Authors: Shinada Kota , Matsuoka Ayaka , Miike Toru , Koami Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Yuichiro
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Emergency medical services for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary according to region and country, and patient prognosis differs accordingly. In Japan, physicians may provide prehospital care. However, the effect of physician‐present prehospital care on achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients with cardiac arrest is not clear. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of physician‐present prehospital care on the prognosis of patients with OHCA at our hospital compared with physician‐absent care.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, patients aged ≥18 years with non‐traumatic OHCA from a single center in Saga City, Japan, between April 2011 and December 2019, were included. Patients were divided into two groups, based on prehospital physician presence or absence. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between physician‐present prehospital care and ROSC.

Results

Of 820 patients with OHCA, 151 had a physician present and 669 did not. Logistic regression analysis with no adjustment showed that the odds ratio (OR) of physician‐present prehospital care for an increased ROSC rate was 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22−2.48, p = 0.002). Logistic‐regression analysis adjusted for ROSC‐related factors indicated an OR of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.47−2.34, p = 0.914) for physician‐present prehospital care to ROSC.

Conclusion

Physician‐present prehospital care may not necessarily lead to increased ROSC rates. However, insufficient data limited our study findings. Further studies involving larger sample sizes are warranted.
Availability of pesticide-treated seeds on the soil surface in different crops and countries: A comprehensive data set reflecting modern agronomic practice
Authors: Hahne Jörg , Foudoulakis Manousos , Kragten Steven , Sprenger Dennis , Ristau Kai , Dietrich Christian , Wang Magnus
Published: April 2024

For plant protection products applied as seed treatments, the risk to birds and mammals possibly feeding on such treated seeds needs to be addressed in the EU, in order to register these products for commercial use. For this purpose, the European Food Safety Food Authority (EFSA) has provided guidance on how to execute such a risk assessment. The risk assessment follows a tiered approach. In the Tier 1 risk assessment of the EFSA guidance (2023), it is assumed that birds or mammals have ad libitum access to treated seeds and exclusively feed on treated seeds. Due to this conservative assumption, the Tier I risk assessment typically indicates an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals and higher-tier refinements are required. One option for refinement is to use data on the availability of treated seeds on the soil surface directly after drilling. Published data on seed counts are, however, limited to a few countries and crops, and often these data are not contemporary, that is, do not reflect advances in sowing technology and current agronomic practice. To address this data gap, we provide recently generated data from industry field trials (the studies were conducted from 2000 to 2022, >70% between 2019 and 2022), covering 270 fields from seven countries (Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, UK) for spring and winter cereals, winter oilseed rape, and sunflower. This comprehensive data set realistically reflects modern agronomic practice and is thus suitable for consideration in a regulatory context for refining the risk assessment for birds and mammals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1706–1714. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

In the context of the wildlife risk assessment for pesticides, we have collected data from recently conducted industry studies on seed counts after drilling. The new data set is used to obtain up-to-date seed incorporation efficiencies (i.e., seeds placed into the soil versus seeds left on soil surface) and counts of treated seeds on the soil surface after drilling. This data set included seed counts for crops for which previously no data were publicly available.
TP53INP2 knockdown inhibits inflammatory response and apoptosis after spinal cord injury
Authors: Sun Penghao , Chen Jinchuan , Qin Rujie
Published: April 2024

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic neurological disorder with limited therapeutic options. Tumor protein p53‐inducible nuclear protein 2 (TP53INP2) is involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases, and it may play a role during SCI via affecting inflammation and neuronal apoptosis. This study investigated the associated roles and mechanisms of TP53INP2 in SCI.

Methods

Mouse and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced SCI BV‐2 cell models were constructed to explore the role of TP53INP2 in SCI and the associated mechanisms. Histopathological evaluation of spinal cord tissue was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score was used to measure the motor function of the mice, while the spinal cord water content was used to assess spinal cord edema. The expression of TP53INP2 was measured using RT‐qPCR. In addition, inflammatory factors in the spinal cord tissue of SCI mice and LPS‐treated BV‐2 cells were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis and related protein expression levels were detected by flow cytometry and western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

TP53INP2 levels increased in SCI mice and LPS‐treated BV‐2 cells. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that TP53INP2 knockdown inhibited the inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis in mouse spinal cord tissue or LPS‐induced BV‐2 cells.

Conclusions

After spinal cord injury, TP53INP2 was upregulated, and TP53INP2 knockdown inhibited the inflammatory response and apoptosis.
Screening of single nucleotide polymorphism in matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) and tetraspanin CD63 genes in Chlamydia trachomatis‐infected tubal ectopic pregnancy patients
Authors: Pant Shipra , Bhati Tanu , Dimri Astha , Arora Renu , Siraj Fouzia , Rastogi Sangita
Published: April 2024

Objective

Tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies have suggested that infection‐induced inflammatory responses are major risk factors for EP. The aim of the present study was to find an association between MMP2 and CD63 gene variants and risk of EP during Chlamydia trachomatis infection in an Indian population.

Methods

Fallopian tube samples of 120 EP and 120 tubal ligation women were collected. C. trachomatis was detected by PCR. The genotyping of MMP2 (rs17859882 G/T, rs7201A/C) and CD63(rs2231464 C/T, rs376086542 A/G) gene variants was done by qualitative real‐time PCR using allelic discrimination method (VIC‐ and FAM‐labeled).

Results

The frequency of GG or GT genotype of MMP2 G/T polymorphism (rs17859882) was 66.6% in infected EP and 36.7% in uninfected EP and 22% in tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001), while the frequency of AC or CC genotype of MMP2 A/C polymorphism (rs7201) was 66.6% in infected EP and 20.6% in uninfected EP and 13.5% in tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001). The frequency of CT or TT genotype of CD63 C/T polymorphism (rs2231464) was 74% in infected EP and 21.8% in uninfected EP and 11.8% tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001), while the frequency of AG or GG genotype of CD63 A/G polymorphism (rs376086542) was 48.1% in infected EP and 41.3% in uninfected EP and 18.6% tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The present study revealed a strong association between the presence of gene variants MMP2 (rs17859882 G/T, rs7201A/C) and CD63 (rs2231464 C/T, rs376086542 A/G) and risk of tubal EP during C. trachomatis infection.
Conservative management or cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum in middle‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Huihui , Diao Jingyi , Fei Jiajia , Wang Xingxing , Li Dan , Yin Zongzhi
Published: April 2024

Background

Cesarean hysterectomy is a dominant and effective approach during delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). However, as hysterectomy results in a loss of fertility, conservative management is an alternative approach. However, management selection may be affected by a country's overall economic level. Thus the preferred treatment for PAS generates controversy in middle‐income countries.

Objectives

We aimed to compare conservative management and cesarean hysterectomy for managing PAS in middle‐income countries.

Search Strategy

China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Med Online Databases, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov, and Scopus were searched from inception through to October 1, 2022.

Selection Criteria

We included studies that evaluated at least one complication comparing conservative management and hysterectomy. All cases were diagnosed with PAS prenatally and intraoperatively.

Data Collection and Analysis

The primary outcomes were blood loss, adjacent organ damage, and the incidence of hysterectomy. Descriptive analyses were conducted for studies that did not meet the meta‐analysis criteria. A fixed‐effects model was used for studies without heterogeneity and a random‐effects model was used for studies with statistical heterogeneity.

Main Results

In all, 11 observational studies were included, with 975 and 625 patients who underwent conservative management and cesarean hysterectomy, respectively. Conservative management was significantly associated with decreased blood loss and lower risks of adjacent organ injury and hysterectomy. Conservative management significantly reduced blood transfusions, hospitalization duration, operative time, intensive care unit admission rates, and infections. There were no significant differences in the risks of coagulopathy, thromboembolism, or reoperation.

Conclusion

Given short‐term complications and future fertility preferences for patients, conservative management appears to effectively manage PAS in middle‐income countries. Owing to low levels of evidence, high heterogeneity and insufficient long‐term follow‐up data, further detailed studies are warranted.
Fluctuations in adult attachment among experienced mothers during re‐transitioning to motherhood
Authors: Kestler‐Peleg Miri
Published: April 2024

Transition to motherhood encompasses intensive caring for another and thus may activate adult attachment. The current study aimed to examine the fluctuations in adult attachment among the rarely examined population of experienced mothers during their re‐transition to motherhood. A sample of 186 Israeli women was followed at the third trimester of pregnancy (T1), 2 months (T2) and 5 months (T3) after giving birth. Participants completed questionnaires regarding their background variables and adult attachment. The findings showed that while anxious attachment remained stable, avoidant attachment decreased from the end of pregnancy to 8 weeks and 5 months after delivery. Despite its relative stability, adult attachment may fluctuate during significant life transitions in a way that is adjusted to the demands of the changing reality. This fluctuation may occur even when individuals have already experienced a life transition.
Parental Reflective Functioning on the Parent Development Interview: A narrative review of measurement, association, and future directions
Authors: Slade Arietta , Sleed Michelle
Published: April 2024

A caregiver's capacity to mentalize is thought to be one of the most important features of secure parent–child relationships. Parental mentalizing can be measured using the Reflective Functioning (RF) coding system applied to the Parent Development Interview (PDI). In this narrative review, we summarize the research using this measure and synthesize what has been learnt about the predictors, correlates and sequelae of parental RF. Studies have consistently shown that PRF on the PDI is associated with both parent and child attachment and is an important factor in the intergenerational transmission of attachment. It is also related to the quality of parental representations, parent–child interactions, and child outcomes. While a number of social and clinical risk factors are associated with lower PRF, it is difficult to disentangle the unique contribution of each of these. We discuss these findings and present the direction of future work that is planned to expand and refine the PRF scale for the PDI.
Two‐electron redox chemistry enables potassium‐free copper hexacyanoferrate as high‐capacity cathode for aqueous Mg‐ion battery
Authors: Ling Ying , He Bing , Han Lijie , Gong Wenbin , Chang Chaofeng , Zhang Qichong
Published: April 2024

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are potential contestants for aqueous Mg‐ion batteries (AMIBs) on account of their high discharge voltage and three‐dimensional open frameworks. However, the low capacity arising from single reaction site severely restricts PBAs' practical applications in high‐energy‐density AMIBs. Here, an organic acid co‐coordination combined with etching method is reported to fabricate defect‐rich potassium‐free copper hexacyanoferrate with structural water on carbon nanotube fiber (D‐CuHCF@CNTF). Benefiting from the high‐valence‐state reactive sites, arrayed structure and defect effect, the well‐designed D‐CuHCF@CNTF exhibits an extraordinary reversible capacity of 146.6 mAh g−1 with two‐electron reaction, nearly close to its theoretical capacity. It is interesting to unlock the reaction mechanism of the Fe2+/Fe3+ and Cu+/Cu2+ redox couples via x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations reveal that Fe and Cu in potassium‐free D‐CuHCF participate in charge transfer during the Mg2+ insertion/extraction process. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a rocking‐chair fiber‐shaped AMIBs was constructed via coupling with the NaTi2(PO4)3/CNTF anode, achieving high energy density and impressive mechanical flexibility. This work provides new possibilities to develop potassium‐free PBAs with dual‐active sites as high‐capacity cathodes for wearable AMIBs.

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Characterizing the Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of BI 187004, an 11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor, in Humans by a Target‐Mediated Drug Disposition Model
Authors: Yuan Xuanzhen , An Guohua
Published: April 2024

BI 187004, a selective small‐molecule inhibitor of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐1 (11β‐HSD1), displayed complex nonlinear pharmacokinetics (PK) in humans. Following nine single oral doses, BI 187004 exhibited nonlinear PK at low doses and linear PK at higher doses. Notably, substantial hepatic 11β‐HSD1 inhibition (50%) was detected in a very low‐dose group, achieving a consistent 70% hepatic enzyme inhibition in subsequent ascending doses without any dose‐dependent effects. The unusual PK and PD profiles of BI 187004 suggest the presence of pharmacological target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD), arising from the saturable binding of BI 187004 compound to its high‐affinity and low‐capacity target 11β‐HSD1. The non‐intuitive dose, exposure, and response relationship for BI 187004 pose a significant challenge in rational dose selection. This study aimed to construct a TMDD model to explain the complex nonlinear PK behavior and underscore the importance of recognizing TMDD in this small‐molecule compound. Among the various models explored, the best model was a two‐compartment TMDD model with three transit absorption components. The final model provides insights into 11β‐HSD1 binding‐related parameters for BI 187004, including the total amount of 11β‐HSD1 in the liver (estimated to be 8000 nmol), the second order association rate constant (estimated to be 0.102 nM−1h−1), and the first‐order dissociation rate constant (estimated to be 0.11 h−1). Our final population PK model successfully characterized the intricate nonlinear PK of BI 187004 across a wide dose range. This modeling work serves as a valuable reference for the rational selection of the dose regimens for BI 187004's future clinical trials.
Metabolic phenotyping with computed tomography deep learning for metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and sarcopenia predicts mortality in adults
Authors: Cho Sang Wouk , Baek Seungjin , Han Sookyeong , Kim Chang Oh , Kim Hyeon Chang , Rhee Yumie , Hong Namki
Published: April 2024

Background

Computed tomography (CT) body compositions reflect age‐related metabolic derangements. We aimed to develop a multi‐outcome deep learning model using CT multi‐level body composition parameters to detect metabolic syndrome (MS), osteoporosis and sarcopenia by identifying metabolic clusters simultaneously. We also investigated the prognostic value of metabolic phenotyping by CT model for long‐term mortality.

Methods

The derivation set (n = 516; 75% train set, 25% internal test set) was constructed using age‐ and sex‐stratified random sampling from two community‐based cohorts. Data from participants in the individual health assessment programme (n = 380) were used as the external test set 1. Semi‐automatic quantification of body compositions at multiple levels of abdominal CT scans was performed to train a multi‐layer perceptron (MLP)‐based multi‐label classification model. External test set 2 to test the prognostic value of the model output for mortality was built using data from individuals who underwent abdominal CT in a tertiary‐level institution (n = 10 141).

Results

The mean ages of the derivation and external sets were 62.8 and 59.7 years, respectively, without difference in sex distribution (women 50%) or body mass index (BMI; 23.9 kg/m2). Skeletal muscle density (SMD) and bone density (BD) showed a more linear decrement across age than skeletal muscle area. Alternatively, an increase in visceral fat area (VFA) was observed in both men and women. Hierarchical clustering based on multi‐level CT body composition parameters revealed three distinctive phenotype clusters: normal, MS and osteosarcopenia clusters. The L3 CT‐parameter‐based model, with or without clinical variables (age, sex and BMI), outperformed clinical model predictions of all outcomes (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: MS, 0.76 vs. 0.55; osteoporosis, 0.90 vs. 0.79; sarcopenia, 0.85 vs. 0.81 in external test set 1; P < 0.05 for all). VFA contributed the most to the MS predictions, whereas SMD, BD and subcutaneous fat area were features of high importance for detecting osteoporosis and sarcopenia. In external test set 2 (mean age 63.5 years, women 79%; median follow‐up 4.9 years), a total of 907 individuals (8.9%) died during follow‐up. Among model‐predicted metabolic phenotypes, sarcopenia alone (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.55), MS + sarcopenia (aHR 1.65), osteoporosis + sarcopenia (aHR 1.83) and all three combined (aHR 1.87) remained robust predictors of mortality after adjustment for age, sex and comorbidities.

Conclusions

A CT body composition‐based MLP model detected MS, osteoporosis and sarcopenia simultaneously in community‐dwelling and hospitalized adults. Metabolic phenotypes predicted by the CT MLP model were associated with long‐term mortality, independent of covariates.
Macro‐ and micro‐morphological comparison of the detailed structure of the oral cavity roof in two different feeding habits marine fishes: Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed A. M. , Seif Manal A. , El‐Mansi Ahmed A. , El‐Beskawy Mohamed , El Dakroury Mohamed , Eldesoqui Mamdouh B. , Ez Elarab Samar M. , El‐Gendy Samir A. A.
Published: April 2024

The feeding habits and habitats of fish influence the morphology of the oral cavity. This study used gross anatomy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, in addition to morphometric analysis, to investigate the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity roof in Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops, which have different dietary habits. The oral cavity roof appeared U‐shaped and divided into the palate and upper pharyngeal regions. The upper lip of P. pagrus was broad, while B. boops' upper lip was small and thin. Both species had a stratified squamous epithelium with an irregular shape and a folded surface. P. pagrus had a horseshoe‐shaped upper velum with a high middle part, and its surface resembled sea waves with obvious mucous‐secreting openings with cilia and many folds and grooves between them. B. boops's upper velum was thin and appeared as a triangle pouch with a pointed cranial apex. The palate in both species was narrow in the front and increased in width backward until it ended. The upper pharyngeal teeth in P. pagrus appeared as two patches, separated by a median longitudinal ridge and an anterior V‐shape separator. Meanwhile, in B. boops, they appeared as a ball patch on both sides and a separator ridge in the middle. Because P. pagrus fed on harder structures than B. boops, their feeding habits were reflected in the structure of the oral cavity roof. P. pagrus, a carnivorous species, had several rows of sharp upper jaw and upper pharyngeal teeth, thick spinous tubercles on oblique transverse ridges, and massive mucous glands. On the other hand, B. boops, an omnivorous species, had only one row of upper jaw teeth, a few upper pharyngeal teeth scattered on two oval patches, and thin filaments on the oblique transverse ridges.
Emergence of carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex from agrifood systems: detection of ST6326 co‐producing KPC‐2 and NDM‐1
Authors: Furlan João Pedro Rueda , da Silva Rosa Rafael , Ramos Micaela Santana , dos Santos Lucas David Rodrigues , Savazzi Eduardo Angelino , Stehling Eliana Guedes
Published: April 2024

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) is an important disseminator of carbapenemase‐encoding genes, mainly blaKPC‐2 and blaNDM‐1, from hospitals to the environment. Consequently, carbapenem‐resistant strains can be spread through the agrifood system, raising concerns about food safety. This study therefore aimed to isolate carbapenem‐resistant KpSC strains from the agricultural and environmental sectors and characterize them using phenotypic, molecular, and genomic analyses.

Results

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae strains isolated from soils used for lemon, guava, and fig cultivation, and from surface waters, displayed an extensive drug‐resistance profile and carried blaKPC‐2, blaNDM‐1, or both. In addition to carbapenemase‐encoding genes, KpSC strains harbor a broad resistome (antimicrobial resistance and metal tolerance) and present putative hypervirulence. Soil‐derived K. pneumoniae strains were assigned as high‐risk clones (ST11 and ST307) and harbored the blaKPC‐2 gene associated with Tn4401b and Tn3‐like elements on IncN‐pST15 and IncX5 plasmids. In surface waters, the coexistence of blaKPC‐2 and blaNDM‐1 genes was identified in K. pneumoniae ST6326, a new carbapenem‐resistant regional Brazilian clone. In this case, blaKPC‐2 with Tn4401a isoform and blaNDM‐1 associated with a Tn125‐like transposon were located on different plasmids. Klebsiella quasipneumoniae ST526 also presented the blaNDM‐1 gene associated with a Tn3000 transposon on an IncX3 plasmid.

Conclusion

These findings provide a warning regarding the transmission of carbapenemase‐positive KpSC across the agricultural and environmental sectors, raising critical food safety and environmental issues. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Droplet Microfluidics‐Assisted Fabrication of Shape Controllable Iron‐Alginate Microgels with Fluorescent Property
Authors: Chen Jie , Shen Hanyu , Heng Yicheng , Wang Songhe , Ardekani Arezoo , Yang Yajiang , Hu Yuandu
Published: April 2024

Droplet‐based microfluidics‐assisted fabrication of alginate microgels has extensive applications in biomaterials, biomedicines, and related fields. This approach is typically achieved by crosslinking droplets of an aqueous solution of sodium alginate with various divalent and trivalent ions, such as Ca2+, Ba2+, Sr2+, etc. Despite the exceptional features exhibited by bulk alginate hydrogels when using iron ions as the crosslinking reagent, including stimulus responsiveness and complex chemistry, no attention has been given to studying the fabrication of Fe‐alginate microgels through droplet microfluidics. In this work, a facile method is presented for fabricating Fe‐alginate microgels using single emulsion droplets as templates and an off‐chip crosslinking technique to solidify the droplets. The morphologies of the resulting microgels can be systematically adjusted by manipulating different parameters such as viscosities and ionic strength of the collecting solutions. It should be noted that these resulting microgels undergo a color change from light brown to dark brown due to presumed self‐oxidation of iron ions within their skeleton structure. Furthermore, these Fe‐alginate microgels are functionalized by decorating them with a positively charged linear polymer via electrostatic interactions to impart them with stable fluorescent property. These functionalized Fe‐alginate microgels may find potential applications in drug delivery carriers and biomimetic structures.
Rein in or let it go? Managerial strategy for companies in social media brand communities
Authors: Hao Junying , Luo Gongli , Ma He
Published: April 2024

With the increasing popularity of social media, motivating customers to participate in social media brand communities has become an essential strategy for companies to achieve value co‐creation and maintain their competitive advantage. However, companies are in a dilemma about the management strategies in social media brand communities: rein in or let it go? In order to solve it, this study constructed a value co‐creation evolution game model between companies and customers in the context of social media brand communities. This study explored the stability of customer and company strategy and the impact of critical factors on the evolution results. Finally, numerical simulation experiments were conducted. The research shows that the optimal management strategy for companies in social media brand communities is to interact with customers rather than rein in them. Although reining in customers can inhibit value destruction initially, it will hinder the realization of value co‐creation in the long run. Moreover, platform management plays a vital role in value co‐creation in social media brand communities, especially in the constraints on customer behaviors. This research can provide dynamic and practical recommendations for companies managing social media brand communities.
The use of vascularized fibula flap with allograft in post‐oncologic microsurgical bone reconstruction of lower limbs in pediatric patients
Authors: Luca Delcroix , Sara Tamburello , Marco Innocenti , Andrea Campanacci Domenico
Published: April 2024

Background

Post‐oncologic surgical reconstruction of lower limbs in pediatrics remains a challenging topic. Microsurgical techniques allow reconstructions of large bony defects. The use of vascularized fibular flap with allograft has proven to be an ideal biologic construct. We aim to assess the success rate of this operation, including flap survival, bony union, weight‐bearing ambulation, and complications in a long‐term follow‐up in our case series compared to the literature.

Patients and methods

Our case‐series includes 18 femoral resections (9 osteosarcomas, 8 Ewing sarcoma, and 1 desmoid tumor) and 15 tibial resections (10 osteosarcoma, 4 Ewing sarcoma, and 1 Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma). We collected patients' demographics, type of tumor, type of resection, defect size, fibula‐flap length, method of fixation, anastomosis site, follow‐up data, complications, and their management. All survivals were examined by X‐ray and CT‐scan to evaluate the morphological changes of the vascularized fibula and follow‐up. The functional evaluation was performed by the 30‐point Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Score (MSTS) for the lower limb (Enneking et al., Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 1993(286):241–246).

Results

The mean age of the femur resection patients' group was 11.2 years with a mean defect size of 14 cm and a mean length of the fibular flap of 18 cm; for the tibia the mean age was 12 years with a mean defect size of 14 cm and a mean length of the fibular flap of 16.6 cm. The overall survival of the reconstructions at 5 years follow‐up was 17 out 18 cases for the femur and 13 out of 15 cases for the tibia. MSTS score was 28.2 for the femur and 23.7 for the tibia. The average time of union of the fibula was seen after 5 months, while allograft consolidation was observed around 19.7 months. The mean time of follow‐up was 144.5 months for the femur and 139.2 months for the tibia. The complication rate observed was 7 out of 18 for the femur and 7 out of 15 for the tibia reconstructions.

Conclusions

The viability of the fibula is a cornerstone in the success of reconstruction as well as the successful management of complications in intercalary defects after tumor resection in pediatrics to restore good functionality. Our results are in line with those reported in the literature in terms of overall complication rates. The high primary union of allograft, the high MSTS score obtained, and the low rate of severe complications reflect the mechanical role of this reconstructive technique over a long follow‐up.
Polynomial decay of a linear system of PDEs via Caputo fractional‐time derivative
Authors: Arfaoui Hassen
Published: April 2024

An in‐depth study and analysis of the stability of one‐dimensional Linear System of PDEs via Caputo time fractional derivative (LSCFD) was presented. We proved some stability results for the LSCFD in different Hilbert spaces. Indeed, by using Fourier analysis method and the properties of the Mittag–Leffler Function (MLF), some polynomial stability results for LSCFD have been established. Finally, as an application, we used finite difference methods well suited to integer and fractional order derivatives, and performed some numerical experiments to confirm the theoretical results.
Accelerated free‐breathing liver fat and R2* quantification using multi‐echo stack‐of‐radial MRI with motion‐resolved multidimensional regularized reconstruction: Initial retrospective evaluation
Authors: Zhong Xiaodong , Nickel Marcel D. , Kannengiesser Stephan A. R. , Dale Brian M. , Han Fei , Gao Chang , Shih Shu‐Fu , Dai Qing , Curiel Omar , Tsao Tsu‐Chin , Wu Holden H. , Deshpande Vibhas
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To improve image quality, mitigate quantification biases and variations for free‐breathing liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and quantification accelerated by radial k‐space undersampling.

Methods

A free‐breathing multi‐echo stack‐of‐radial MRI method was developed with compressed sensing with multidimensional regularization. It was validated in motion phantoms with reference acquisitions without motion and in 11 subjects (6 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) with reference breath‐hold Cartesian acquisitions. Images, PDFF, and maps were reconstructed using different radial view k‐space sampling factors and reconstruction settings. Results were compared with reference‐standard results using Bland–Altman analysis. Using linear mixed‐effects model fitting (p < 0.05 considered significant), mean and SD were evaluated for biases and variations of PDFF and , respectively, and coefficient of variation on the first echo image was evaluated as a surrogate for image quality.

Results

Using the empirically determined optimal sampling factor of 0.25 in the accelerated in vivo protocols, mean differences and limits of agreement for the proposed method were [−0.5; −33.6, 32.7] s−1 for and [−1.0%; −5.8%, 3.8%] for PDFF, close to those of a previous self‐gating method using fully sampled radial views: [−0.1; −27.1, 27.0] s−1 for and [−0.4%; −4.5%, 3.7%] for PDFF. The proposed method had significantly lower coefficient of variation than other methods (p < 0.001). Effective acquisition time of 64 s or 59 s was achieved, compared with 171 s or 153 s for two baseline protocols with different radial views corresponding to sampling factor of 1.0.

Conclusion

This proposed method may allow accelerated free‐breathing liver PDFF and mapping with reduced biases and variations.
How harassment and hate speech policies have changed over time: Comparing Facebook, Twitter and Reddit (2005–2020)
Authors: Dubois Elizabeth , Reepschlager Anna
Published: April 2024

Social media platforms make choices about what content is and is not permissible on their platforms. For example, choices about if and how to deal with online harassment and hate speech are growing problems in many online settings. But these choices are often opaque, can vary from platform to platform, and can change over time with little notice. This study examines the ways Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit have defined harassment and hate speech, as well as who they frame as responsible for dealing with harassment and hate speech over time. Using content analysis, the policy structures that house relevant policies, the policy documents themselves, and blog posts are examined. The results illustrate a phased approach to defining harassment and hate, which has become increasingly complex and nuanced over time. Additionally, this work shows a compounding view of who is responsible, which began with users but over time has come to include the platform itself, technology, and external actors such as civil society groups. This paper highlights continued opacity and increasing complexity while also providing contextual historical information necessary for both future research and platform governance decisions.
Analyzing dust particle size and size distribution on extracted particles by SEM and comparing with light scattering techniques
Authors: Petersen Andreas , Wötzel Jakob , Zamponi Christiane , Kobus Julia , Wolf Sebastian , Greiner Franko
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the measurement of plasma‐grown nanoparticles, comparing ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an in situ light scattering method which is based on Mie theory and utilizes a neural network for evaluation. The research reveals that the particle size distribution (PSD) is normal and very narrow, supporting the common assumption of monodisperse particle clouds. Importantly, the study finds that the spread of the PSD increases proportionally with the mean size, suggesting varied growth rates based on the radius of the spherical dust grains. Both methods produce consistent results, which encourages the use of the interference‐free, real‐time, light‐based Mie method in similar studies.
Effect of cancer‐associated fibroblasts on prognosis and immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yuan‐yuan , Zhu Huanfeng , Zong Dan , Qian Luxi , Cai Yi , Xiang Nan
Published: April 2024

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the center of cross‐communication between various cells in the tumor stroma. However, how CAFs‐associated genes play an important role in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) prognosis has not been reported. Transcriptome data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Devtools, DPIC, xCell, MCPcounter, and Estimate packages were used to calculate CAFs scores and immune infiltration. Prognosis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis were performed between high or low risk populations based on CAF scores. Hub genes were identified, intersected, and enriched between TCGA and GEO databases. CAFs related genes were used to construct a prognostic model and the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion database was used to evaluate the immune infiltration. Drug sensitivity, difference analysis and the HPA database were used to identify sensitive drugs and verify their expression. TCGA and GEO data suggested that CAFs scores had a role in HNSCC prognosis prediction. Based on CAFs scores, WGCNA and core gene enrichment analysis were performed to construct a CAFs‐related prognostic model. The prognostic model composed of a total of 12 CAFs genes could predict the prognosis well and was validated in the validation dataset, demonstrating its applicability to external data. According to the model, although there was no statistical difference in immune escape between the high and low risk groups, the proportion of patients who responded to immunotherapy was different. Drug sensitivity also differed between the two groups. This study suggests that CAFs associated genetic signatures may help to optimize risk stratification and provide new insights into individualized cancer treatment.
Investigating the impact of thiol reactivity and disulfide formation on cellular uptake of cell‐permeable peptides
Authors: Klußmann Merlin , Stillger Katharina , Ruppel Melina , Sticker Coco‐Louisa , Neundorf Ines
Published: April 2024

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been explored as versatile tools to transport various molecules into cells. The uptake mechanism of CPPs is still not clearly understood and most probably depends on several factors like the nature of the CPP itself, the attached cargo, the investigated cell system, and other experimental conditions, such as temperature and concentration. One of the first steps of internalization involves the interaction of CPPs with negatively charged molecules present at the outer layer of the cell membrane. Recently, thiol‐mediated uptake has been found to support the effective translocation of sulfhydryl‐bearing substances that would actually not be cell‐permeable. Within this work, we aimed to understand the relevance of thiol reactivity for the uptake mechanism of cysteine‐containing CPPs that we have developed previously in our group. Therefore, we compared the two peptides, sC18‐Cys and CaaX‐1, in their single reduced and dimeric disulfide versions. Cytotoxicity, intracellular accumulation, and impact on the internalization process of the disulfides were investigated in HeLa cells. Both disulfide CPPs demonstrated significantly stronger cytotoxic effects and membrane activity compared with their reduced counterparts. Notably, thiol‐mediated uptake could be excluded as a main driver for translocation, showing that peptides like CaaX‐1 are most likely taken up by other mechanisms.
Total glucosides of white paeony capsule alleviate articular cartilage degeneration and aberrant subchondral bone remodeling in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Liao Taiyang , Kang Junfeng , Ma Zhenyuan , Jie Lishi , Feng Mingqing , Liu Deren , Mao Jun , Wang Peimin , Xing Runlin
Published: April 2024

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that is primarily managed by improving the destroyed cartilage and reversing subchondral bone remodeling. Total glucosides of white paeony (TGP) capsule primarily contains extracts from the white peony root and has been shown to have various pharmacological effects, but its role in KOA still requires comprehensive evaluation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of TGP on knee cartilage and subchondral bone, as well as elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effect of TGP on KOA progression was evaluated in the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)‐induced KOA model of mouse and interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced KOA model of primary mouse chondrocytes. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that TGP had a protective effect on the cartilage. Treatment with TGP could induce the synthesis of critical elements in the cartilage extracellular matrix and downregulate the synthesis of degrading enzymes in the extracellular matrix. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, TGP inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 by regulating the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. In addition, TGP could reduce the secretion of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Moreover, it has a sustained effect on coupled subchondral bone remodeling through regulation of the OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway. In conclusion, TGP may protect articular cartilage by downregulating the NF‐κB signaling pathway and may support coupled subchondral bone remodeling by regulating OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway in the DMM‐induced KOA model of mouse, suggesting a new therapeutic potential for KOA treatment.