bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diminished motor neuron activity driven by abnormal astrocytic EAAT1 glutamate transporter activity in spinal muscular atrophy is not fully restored after lentiviral SMN delivery
Authors: Welby Emily , Ebert Allison D.
Published: January 2023

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the loss of the lower spinal motor neurons due to survival motor neuron (SMN) deficiency. The motor neuron cell autonomous and non‐cell autonomous disease mechanisms driving early glutamatergic dysfunction, a therapeutically targetable phenotype prior to motor neuron cell loss, remain unclear. Using microelectrode array analysis, we demonstrate that the secretome and cell surface proteins needed for proper synaptic modulation are likely disrupted in human SMA astrocytes and lead to diminished motor neuron activity. While healthy astrocyte conditioned media did not improve SMA motor neuron activity, SMA motor neurons robustly responded to healthy astrocyte neuromodulation in direct contact cultures. This suggests an important role of astrocyte synaptic‐associated plasma membrane proteins and contact‐mediated cellular interactions for proper motor neuron function in SMA. Specifically, we identified a significant reduction of the glutamate Na+ dependent excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT1 within human SMA astrocytes and SMA lumbar spinal cord tissue. The selective inhibition of EAAT1 in healthy co‐cultures phenocopied the diminished neural activity observed in SMA astrocyte co‐cultures. Caveolin‐1, an SMN‐interacting protein previously associated with local translation at the plasma membrane, was abnormally elevated in human SMA astrocytes. Although lentiviral SMN delivery to SMA astrocytes partially rescued EAAT1 expression, limited activity of healthy motor neurons was still observed in SMN‐transduced SMA astrocyte co‐cultures. Together, these data highlight the detrimental impact of astrocyte‐mediated disease mechanisms on motor neuron function in SMA and that SMN delivery may be insufficient to fully restore astrocyte function at the synapse.
Improving bermudagrass in the Southeastern United States with alfalfa as an alternative nitrogen source in grazing systems
Authors: Burt Justin C. , Baxter Lisa L. , Prevatt Christopher G. , Kimberly Mullenix Mary , Stewart R. Lawton , Tucker Jennifer J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is one of the most common perennial warm‐season forages grown in the Southeastern United States. The incorporation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) into bermudagrass pastures could serve as an alternative source of nitrogen (N) while also improving the nutritive value of the forage base.

Methods

A 2‐year grazing evaluation arranged in a randomized complete block design was conducted from May to September 2018 (Year 1) and May–August 2019 (Year 2) in Tifton, GA, USA. The objective was to compare the production of alfalfa–bermudagrass mixed pastures (BGA) with bermudagrass monoculture pastures with (BGN) or without (BG) the application of synthetic nitrogen on forage production and stocker cattle performance.

Results

Differences were observed for average daily gain (p = 0.10), gain per hectare (p = 0.02) and stocking rate (p = 0.01), in that BGA was greatest compared to BGN and BG, which did not differ from each other. Furthermore, BGA had increased forage crude protein (p = 0.01) and total digestible nutrients (p = 0.01) compared to BGN and BG. Finally, BGA provided the greatest economic return per hectare compared to BG or BGN.

Conclusions

These data illustrate improved animal performance and forage nutritive value using alfalfa–bermudagrass systems and offer a viable option for producers seeking alternatives to synthetic N sources for bermudagrass pastures in the Southeastern United States.
Board gender diversity and the cost of equity: What difference does gender quota legislation make?
Authors: Sarang Aitzaz Ahsan Alias , Aubert Nicolas , Hollandts Xavier
Published: January 2023

This study examines the relationship between women directors and the cost of equity (COE). Investigating the French firm's sample, we find a significant negative effect of women directors on the COE. Our results also document that the effect of women directors on reducing the COE is significant for firms that have a critical mass of at least four women directors. Using the difference‐in‐difference (DID) and propensity score matching (PSM) approach, we find that the relationship between female directors and lower equity costs is significant for the period following the Copé–Zimmermann gender quota law. The results show that women directors' presence on corporate boards is also supported by economic reasons. The study provides implications in relation to the Copé–Zimmermann law in France.
Safety and performance of theSpectraOptia apheresis system for white blood cell depletion in patients with elevated white blood cell counts
Authors: Lopert Pamela , Abdelrahman Sohair , Graybill Christopher A. , Rhodes Jack , Dierickx Daan , Schäfer Richard , Reti Marienn , Wu Depei , Hu Yu , Huang Fen , Hu Jianda , He Pengcheng , Liu Ligen , Li Ming , Zhang Xuejun , Bill Jerry
Published: January 2023

Background

For the past 30 years, white blood cell depletion (WBCD) or leukocytapheresis has been conducted to rapidly reduce excessive circulating white blood cell (WBC) concentrations in patients at risk for or with symptoms of leukostasis due to hyperleukocytosis. The goal of leukocytapheresis is to prevent or treat acute complications from leukostasis, thereby enabling patients to receive potentially curative chemotherapy.

Methods

This report details the results from a retrospective and a prospective clinical study conducted in the European Union and the People's Republic of China, which assessed the use of the Spectra Optia Apheresis System for leukocytapheresis in patients with hyperleukocytosis. The primary objective of both studies was to the assess the safety and performance of the WBCD procedure in patients with elevated WBC counts.

Results

Data were collected from 72 participants completing 87 WBCD procedures. The mean percent change in participant WBC counts post‐procedure was 50.3 ± 21.2% and the collection efficiency (CE1) of the WBCD procedures was 53.7 ± 19.8%. Sixty‐one participants (95.3%) experienced a total of 279 adverse events (AEs) with the majority of the AEs related to post‐procedure changes in laboratory values, which is an anticipated AE in this patient population.

Conclusion

The data collected within these studies indicate that the WBCD procedure is safe and well tolerated in patients with hyperleukocytosis as evaluated by percent decrease in WBC count, CE1, and AE incidence.
Effectiveness of denitrification bioreactors with woodchips, corn stover, and phosphate‐sorbing media for simultaneous removal of drainage water N and P in a corn–soybean system
Authors: Oladeji Olawale , Tian Guanglong , Cooke Richard , El‐Naggar Essam , Cox Albert , Zhang Heng , Podczerwinski Edward
Published: January 2023

Millions of acres of farmland in the midwestern United States (US) are artificially drained, and this contributes to the export of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from agricultural land to surface water. Using a 36‐acre tile‐drained farm field, effects of P‐sorbing media in combination with a denitrifying bioreactor system constructed with woodchips (WC) and corn stover (CS) on reducing nutrient export in drainage water were tested for 3 cropping years (2018–2020). The field was divided into three subfields as replicates. In each subfield, the drainage water was divided and separately channeled into three bioreactors, each of which contains one of the three different substrates: WC, CS, and CS–WC (1:1 v/v mixture of CS and WC), randomly assigned. The outlet of each compartment contained a 2.25 L flow‐through chamber filled with activated iron (Fe) filings as P‐sorbing material. Both WC and CS bioreactors were effective in removing drainage NO3− with a 77% (WC), 86% (CS), and 89% (CS–WC) reduction in mean NO3−–N concentration. For the three cropping years, the WC bioreactor reduced the total drainage inorganic N (NO3−–N + NH4+–N) load by 72%, but the CS bioreactor increased the total inorganic N load in the drainage water due to the substantial release of NH4+ with the decomposition of CS. The breakdown of CS also increased drainage P. The NH4+ and P release decreased with the decrease in the proportion of CS; thus, not more than 10% of CS is recommended for blending with WC to enhance the performance of a bioreactor. The P‐sorbing Fe filing media reduced the P loads in drainage by an average of 19% during the 2‐year study.
Funding schemes for infrastructure investment and poverty alleviation in Africa: Evidence from Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Cateia Júlio Vicente , Vaz Lobo Bittencourt Maurício , Sabadini Carvalho Terciane , Savard Luc
Published: January 2023

This study examines the economic impacts of an infrastructure investment programme in Guinea‐Bissau for the period 2014–2030 using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. Social accounting matrix (SAM) takes into account informal activities, and the model integrates funding schemes for infrastructure investment. We found that debt‐funded infrastructure investment will generate positive macro‐ and micro‐level externalities in terms of growth and well‐being outcomes across household groups in the urban and rural environments and contribute to inequality reduction. However, direct tax funding scheme is not the best economic development alternative for a country with a low per capita income.
[18F]Fluoropyridine‐losartan: A new approach toward human Positron Emission Tomography imaging of Angiotensin II Type 1 receptors
Authors: Abreu Diaz Aida Mary , Rodriguez Riera Zalua , Lee Yanick , Esteves Luis Miguel , Normandeau Charles‐Olivier , Fezas Baptiste , Hernandez Saiz Alejandro , Tournoux François , Juneau Daniel , DaSilva Jean N.
Published: January 2023

Angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) blocker losartan is used in patients with renal and cardiovascular diseases. [18F]fluoropyridine‐losartan has shown favorable binding profile for quantitative renal PET imaging of AT1R with selective binding in rats and pigs, low interference of radiometabolites and appropriate dosimetry for clinical translation. A new approach was developed to produce [18F]fluoropyridine‐losartan in very high molar activity. Automated radiosynthesis was performed in a three‐step, two‐pot, and two‐HPLC‐purification procedure within 2 h. Pure [18F]FPyKYNE was obtained by radiofluorination of NO2PyKYNE and silica‐gel‐HPLC purification (40 ± 9%), preventing the formation of nitropyridine‐losartan in the second step. Conjugation with trityl‐losartan azide via click chemistry, followed by acid hydrolysis, C18‐HPLC purification and reformulation provided [18F]fluoropyridine‐losartan in 11 ± 2% (decay‐corrected from [18F]fluoride, EOB). Using tris[(1‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl]‐amine (THPTA) as a Cu(I)‐stabilizing agent for coupling [18F]FPyKYNE to the unprotected losartan azide afforded [18F]fluoropyridine‐losartan in similar yields (11 ± 3%, decay‐corrected from [18F]fluoride, EOB). Reverse‐phase HPLC was optimized by reducing the pH of the mobile phase to achieve complete purification and high molar activities (467 ± 60 GBq/μmol). The use of radioprotectants prevented tracer radiolysis for 10 h (RCP > 99%). The product passed the quality control testing. This reproducible automated radiosynthesis process will allow in vivo PET imaging of AT1R expression in several diseases.
Cocirculation of A(H3N2) and B/Victoria increased morbidity in hospitalized patients in the 2019–2020 A(H1N1)pdm09 predominant influenza season in Israel
Authors: Jurkowicz Menucha , Nemet Ital , Atari Nofar , Fratty Ilana S. , Kliker Limor , Sherbany Hilda , Keller Nathan , Leibovitz Eugene , Mendelson Ella , Mandelboim Michal , Stein Michal
Published: January 2023

Community surveillance found the 2019–2020 A(H1N1)pdm09 predominant influenza season in Israel to be a high‐intensity season with an early and steep morbidity peak. To further characterize disease severity in the 2019–2020 season, we analyzed a cohort of hospitalized patients with laboratory‐confirmed influenza from this season (n = 636). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on clinical samples to detect the presence of influenza. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were retrieved via electronic health records and MDClone. Electronic health records were accessed to obtain data on intensive care unit patients, missing data and for data verification purposes. Univariate analysis was performed to compare demographic, comorbidity, and clinical characteristics across the three influenza strains. The A(H1N1)pdm09 predominant 2019–2020 influenza season in Israel was characterized by an early and steep morbidity peak, vaccine delays and shortages, and with the A(H3N2) and B/Victoria strains disproportionately targeting children and young adults, most probably due to reduced immunity to these strains. A greater proportion of children <5 years infected with A(H3N2) and B/Victoria developed severe influenza compared with those infected with A(H1N1)pdm09. Our study emphasizes the vulnerability of infants and young children in the face of rapidly evolving influenza strains and underscores the importance of influenza prevention measures in this population.
A hepatitis B virus core antigen‐based virus‐like particle vaccine expressing SARS‐CoV‐2 B and T cell epitopes induces epitope‐specific humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses but confers limited protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Hassebroek Anna M. , Sooryanarain Harini , Heffron Connie L. , Hawks Seth A. , LeRoith Tanya , Cecere Thomas E. , Stone William B. , Walter Debra , Mahsoub Hassan M. , Wang Bo , Tian Debin , Ivester Hannah M. , Allen Irving C. , Auguste Albert J. , Duggal Nisha K. , Zhang Chenming , Meng Xiang‐Jin
Published: January 2023

The hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) tolerates insertion of foreign epitopes and maintains its ability to self‐assemble into virus‐like particles (VLPs). We constructed a ∆HBcAg‐based VLP vaccine expressing three predicted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) B and T cell epitopes and determined its immunogenicity and protective efficacy. The recombinant ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and shown to form VLPs. K18‐hACE2 transgenic C57BL/6 mice were immunized intramuscularly with ∆HBcAg VLP control (n = 15) or ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 VLP vaccine (n = 15). One week after the 2nd booster and before virus challenge, five ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinated mice were euthanized to evaluate epitope‐specific immune responses. There is a statistically significant increase in epitope‐specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) response, and statistically higher interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) expression levels in ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 VLP‐vaccinated mice compared to ∆HBcAg VLP controls. While not statistically significant, the ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 VLP mice had numerically more memory CD8+ T‐cells, and 3/5 mice also had numerically higher levels of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). After challenge with SARS‐CoV‐2, ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunized mice had numerically lower viral RNA loads in the lung, and slightly higher survival, but the differences are not statistically significant. These results indicate that the ∆HBcAg‐SARS‐CoV‐2 VLP vaccine elicits epitope‐specific humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses but they were insufficient against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Effects of trauma‐focused rumination among trauma‐exposed individuals with and without posttraumatic stress disorder: An experiment
Authors: Wisco Blair E. , Vrshek‐Schallhorn Suzanne , May Casey L. , Campbell Allison A. , Nomamiukor Faith O. , Pugach Cameron P.
Published: January 2023

Rumination, or thinking repetitively about one's distress, is a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current theories suggest that rumination contributes to PTSD symptoms directly, by increasing negative reactions to trauma cues (i.e., symptom exacerbation), or represents a form of cognitive avoidance, if verbal ruminations are less distressing than trauma imagery. The goal of this study was to test the symptom exacerbation and cognitive avoidance accounts of trauma‐focused rumination. We recruited 135 trauma‐exposed participants (n = 60 diagnosed with PTSD) and randomly assigned them to ruminate about their trauma, distract themselves, or engage in trauma imagery. For individuals with and without PTSD, rumination led to larger increases in subjective distress (i.e., negative affect, fear, sadness, subjective arousal, valence) than distraction, ηp2s = .04–.13, but there were no differences between rumination and imagery ηp2s = .001–.02. We found no evidence that rumination or imagery elicited physiological arousal, ds = 0.01–0.19, but did find that distraction reduced general physiological arousal, as measured by heart rate, relative to baseline, d = 0.84, which may be due to increases in parasympathetic nervous system activity (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia), d = 0.33. These findings offer no support for the avoidant function of rumination in PTSD. Instead, the findings were consistent with symptom exacerbation, indicating that rumination leads directly to emotional reactivity to trauma reminders and may be a fruitful target in PTSD intervention.
Drivers of survival of translocated tortoises
Authors: Mack Jeremy S. , Berry Kristin H.
Published: January 2023

Translocation of animals, especially for threatened and endangered species, is a currently popular but very challenging activity. We translocated 158 adult Agassiz's desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), a threatened species, from the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, in the central Mojave Desert in California, USA, to 4 plots as part of a long‐distance, hard‐release, mitigation‐driven translocation to prevent deaths from planned military maneuvers. We monitored demographic and behavioral variables of tortoises fitted with radio‐transmitters from 2008 to 2018. By the end of the project, 17.72% of tortoises were alive, 65.82% were dead, 15.19% were missing, and 1.27% were removed from the study because they returned to Fort Irwin. Mortality was high during the first 3 years: >50% of the released animals died, primarily from predation. Thereafter, mortality declined but remained high. After 10.5 years, survival was highest, 37.50% (15/40), on the plot closest to original home sites, whereas from 2.56% to 23.68% remained alive on the other 3 release plots. Surviving tortoises settled early, repeatedly using locations where they constructed burrows, compared with tortoises that died or disappeared. Models of behavioral and other variables indicated that numbers of repeatedly used locations (burrows) were a driver of survival throughout the study, although plot location, size and sex of tortoises, and distance traveled were contributors, especially during early years. Because >50% mortality occurred, we considered this translocation unsuccessful. The study area appeared to be an ecological sink with historical and current anthropogenic uses contributing to habitat degradation and a decline in both the resident and released tortoises. Our findings will benefit design and selection of future translocation areas.
On the logistic equation for the fractional p‐Laplacian
Authors: Iannizzotto Antonio , Mosconi Sunra , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: January 2023

We consider a Dirichlet problem for a nonlinear, nonlocal equation driven by the degenerate fractional p‐Laplacian, with a logistic‐type reaction depending on a positive parameter. In the subdiffusive and equidiffusive cases, we prove existence and uniqueness of the positive solution when the parameter lies in convenient intervals. In the superdiffusive case, we establish a bifurcation result. A new strong comparison result, of independent interest, plays a crucial role in the proof of such bifurcation result.
Clinical features and molecular characterization of Chinese patients with FKBP10 variants
Authors: Tan Zhijia , Shek Hiu Tung , Chen Peikai , Dong Zhongxin , Zhou Yapeng , Yin Shijie , Qiu Anmei , Dong Lina , Gao Bo , To Michael Kai Tsun
Published: January 2023

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of rare skeletal dysplasia. Long bone deformity and scoliosis are often associated with progressively deforming types of OI. FKBP65 (encoded by FKBP10, OMIM *607063) plays a crucial role in the processing of type I procollagen. Autosomal recessive variants in FKBP10 result in type XI osteogenesis imperfecta.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with OI were recruited for a genetic test. RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing were applied to confirm the splicing defect in FKBP10 mRNA with the splice‐site variant. The bone structure was characterized by Goldner's trichrome staining. Bioinformatic analyses of bulk RNA sequencing data were performed to examine the effect of the FKBP10 variant on gene expression.

Results

Here we reported three children from a consanguineous family harboured a homozygous splice‐site variant (c.918‐3C > G) in FKBP10 intron and developed long bone deformity and early onset of scoliosis. We also observed frequent long bone fractures and spinal deformity in another 3 OI patients with different FKBP10 variants. The homozygous splicing variant identified in the fifth intron of FKBP10 (c.918‐3C > G) led to abnormal RNA processing and loss of FKBP65 protein and consequently resulted in aberrant collagen alignment and porous bone morphology. Analysis of transcriptomic data indicated that genes involved in protein processing and osteoblast differentiation were significantly affected in the patient‐derived osteoblasts.

Conclusion

Our study characterized the clinical features of OI patients with FKBP10 variants and revealed the pathogenesis of the c.918‐3C > G variant. The molecular analyses helped to gain insight into the deleterious effects of FKBP10 variants on collagen processing and osteoblast differentiation.
Exploring cooperative molecular contacts using a PostgreSQL database system
Authors: Briand Mael A. , Dreano Loïc , Legehar Ashenafi , Grazhdankin Evgeni , Ghemtio Léo , Xhaard Henri
Published: January 2023

Cooperative molecular contacts play an important role in protein structure and ligand binding. Here, we constructed a PostgreSQL database that stores structural information in the form of atomic environments and allows flexible mining of molecular contacts. Taking the Ser‐His‐Asp/Glu catalytic triad as a first test case, we demonstrate that the presence of a carboxylate oxygen atom in the vicinity of a His is associated with shorter Ser‐OH..N‐His bond in the PDB30 subset. We prospectively mine catalytic triads in unannotated proteins, suggesting catalytic functions for unannotated proteins. As a second test case, we demonstrate that this database system can include ligand atoms, represented by Sybyl atom types, by evaluating the proportion of counter‐ions for ligand carboxylate oxygens.
Prospective Assessment of Otologic Adverse Events due to Teprotumumab: Preliminary Results
Authors: Kay‐Rivest Emily , Belinsky Irina , Kozlova Anna , Byrd Erin , McMenomey Sean O. , Jethanamest Daniel
Published: January 2023

Objective

To assess a series of patients receiving teprotumumab therapy and objectively quantify the rates of otologic adverse events.

Study Design

A prospective cohort study of adult patients receiving teprotumumab between May 2020 and January 2022.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Prior to treatment initiation, an ototoxicity‐specific audiometric battery was completed, which included conventional audiometry (frequencies 250‐8000 Hz), ultrahigh‐frequency audiometry (9000‐20,000 Hz), tympanometry, speech discrimination scores, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Testing was then repeated after treatment completion.

Results

In total, 35 patients were recruited, with a median (range) age of 48.5 years (21‐74), and 8 (22.8%) were male. The most common subjective symptom reported was a hearing decline (25.7%), followed by aural fullness (17.1%) and tinnitus (14.3%). Fourteen patients had both pre‐ and posttreatment audiometric data. Among them, 3 patients (21.4%) were found to have changes in standard frequency audiometry, and 10 (71.4%) had changes in high‐frequency audiometry, with 2 patients having changes in both. Less than half (n = 5) of the 11 patients with changes in standard or high‐frequency pure tone hearing noted subjective hearing decline. Changes in DPOAE were noted in 4 patients out of 13 (30.7%). Two patients discontinued treatment due to hearing decline. Finally, 3 patients (8.6%) were diagnosed with patulous eustachian tube (PET) by an otolaryngologist, and another 3 patients are suspected to have PET based on symptom description during ophthalmologic follow‐up.

Conclusion

In our cohort, a high incidence of otologic symptoms was found to be associated with teprotumumab usage. Subjective hearing decline, changes in ultrahigh‐frequency hearing as well as eustachian tube dysfunction may be encountered and suggest the potential ototoxicity of teprotumumab.
Hearing Outcomes in a Deintensification Trial of Adjuvant Therapy for HPV‐Related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee David S. , Mahal Rajwant S. , Tharakan Theresa , Cathryn Collopy  , Kallogjeri Dorina , Thorstad Wade L. , Adkins Douglas R. , Oppelt Peter , Ley Jessica , Wick Cameron C. , Zevallos Jose
Published: January 2023

Objective

To explore whether deintensification of adjuvant therapy reduces ototoxicity among patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single academic center.

Methods

The ototoxicity rate among adult patients with HPV‐related OPSCC enrolled in the Minimalist Trial (MINT), a prospective phase 2 trial of surgery followed by risk‐adjusted deintensified adjuvant therapy (42 Gy radiation given alone or with a single 100 mg/m2 dose of cisplatin), was compared to that among a historical cohort treated with standard adjuvant therapy (60‐66 Gy radiation with up to three 100 mg/m2 doses of cisplatin). Ototoxicity was defined as Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 ≥ Grade 2. Mixed model analysis was performed to investigate the association between deintensified adjuvant therapy and treatment‐related hearing loss.

Results

A total of 29 patients (58 ears) were analyzed in the MINT cohort, and 27 patients (54 ears) in the historical cohort. The ototoxicity rate was 5% (n = 3/58 ears) in the MINT cohort and 46% (n = 25/54 ears) in the historical cohort (difference, 41%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 27%‐56%). Patients in the MINT cohort demonstrated a 95% decrease in risk of ototoxicity compared to those in the historical cohort (adjusted odds ratio: 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01‐0.31). Differences in estimated marginal mean threshold shifts were statistically and clinically significant at frequencies ≥ 3 kHz.

Conclusion

The deintensified adjuvant therapy given in MINT led to less ototoxicity than standard adjuvant therapy among patients with HPV‐related OPSCC.
The relationship between teacher stress and job satisfaction as moderated by coping
Authors: Woods Seth , Sebastian James , Herman Keith C. , Huang Francis L. , Reinke Wendy M. , Thompson Aaron M.
Published: January 2023

The present study investigated the relationship between teacher stress and job satisfaction, and examined the role of coping as a moderator. Based on the transactional and Coping‐Competence‐Context models of stress we expected that coping would serve as a protective factor in the relationship between teacher stress and their job satisfaction. Stress, coping, and satisfaction were measured using single‐item scales which are cost‐effective and practical instruments for measuring and monitoring teacher stress. A total of 2347 teachers from 93 schools formed the sample for this study. Regression analysis with job satisfaction as the outcome, and stress, coping, and their interaction entered separately were used to test the primary hypothesis. Results showed that there was a negative correlation between stress and job satisfaction, and coping had a significant moderating effect. Increasing levels of stress had less of a negative impact on job satisfaction for teachers with high coping ratings compared to those with average or low coping ratings. Overall, our results suggest that the development of coping skills could be beneficial for mitigating the effects of stress on job satisfaction.
Influence of traumatic lower‐limb amputation on physical activity, body composition, and cardiometabolic risks: A descriptive preliminary study
Authors: Ladlow Peter , Nightingale Thomas E. , McGuigan M. Polly , Bennett Alexander N. , Koumanov Francoise , Phillip Rhodri , Bilzon James L. J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Following traumatic lower‐limb amputation (LLA), humans are predisposed to numerous unfavorable changes in health, including the development of secondary chronic health conditions such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To determine within and between group differences in cardiometabolic component risks, body composition, and physical activity (PA) in individuals with traumatic unilateral and bilateral LLA, compared to noninjured controls.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

A military complex trauma rehabilitation center.

Participants

Sixteen males with traumatic LLA (8 unilateral, mean age 30 ± 5 years and 8 bilateral, mean age 29 ± 3 years). Thirteen active age‐matched males with no LLA (28 ± 5 years) acted as controls and performed habitual activities of daily living.

Intervention

Participants with LLA attended two 4‐week periods of inpatient rehabilitation, separated by two 6‐week periods of home‐based recovery.

Main Outcome Measures

Venous blood samples were taken prior to and following a 75 g oral glucose load, for determination of biomarkers, including insulin and glucose, at baseline and 20 weeks. Body composition (dual X‐ray absorptiometry) was measured at baseline, 10 weeks, and 20 weeks. Daily PA was recorded using a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days during inpatient rehabilitation and while at home. Energy expenditure was estimated using population‐specific equations.

Results

Individuals with bilateral LLA demonstrated more unfavorable mean body composition values, lower PA, and increased cardiometabolic health risk compared to controls. Cardiometabolic syndrome was identified in 63% of individuals with bilateral LLA. No statistically significant differences in cardiometabolic component risk factors, body composition, and estimated daily PA were reported between unilateral LLA and control groups (p > .05). While at home, mean PA counts.day−1 reduced by 17% (p = .018) and 42% (p = .001) in the unilateral and bilateral LLA groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite extensive inpatient rehabilitation, cardiometabolic component risks are elevated in individuals with bilateral LLA but are comparable between unilateral LLA and active noninjured control groups. Innovative strategies that improve/support the long‐term PA and cardiometabolic health of severely injured individuals with bilateral LLA are warranted.
Evaluation of a computer game‐assisted rehabilitation program for manual dexterity of children with cerebral palsy: Feasibility randomized control trial
Authors: Kanitkar Anuprita , Parmar Sanjay Tejraj , Szturm Tony Joseph , Restall Gayle , Rempel Gina Ruth , Sepehri Nariman , Naik Nilahri
Published: January 2023

Background

There is a need for innovation to improve the engagement and compliance of rehabilitation programs for children with upper extremity (UE) motor impairments due to cerebral palsy (CP); a computer games‐based rehabilitation platform (GRP) was developed to address this need. The GRP provides engaging task‐specific exercises targeting manual dexterity (object handling and manipulation).

Objective

To evaluate the therapeutic value and treatment effect size of an exercise program using the GRP in children with CP.

Methods

A total of 63 children with CP, aged 4 to 10 years, were recruited. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scale‐2 (PDMS‐2) Grasp and Visual‐Motor Integration (VMI) subscores and Computer game‐based Upper Extremity (CUE) assessment of manual dexterity were used to assess participants before and after a 16‐week intervention program, delivered three times per week. The experimental group (XG) received a computer games‐based exercise program targeting object manipulation tasks. The active control arm (CG) consisted of task‐specific training similar to the tasks used in constrained induced movement therapy.

Results

There were only a few dropouts during the 16‐week program, and compliance was high. Both groups showed significant improvements with medium to large effect sizes. Improvements in the PDMS‐2 Grasp and VMI subscores observed in the XG were significantly greater than that in the CG. There were significant improvements (p < .01) in PDMS‐2 grasp and VMI subscores for XG with moderate to large effect sizes (0.5–0.8). For CG, the Grasp and VMI subscores did improve but these changes were not statistically significant. There was a significant improvement observed in the majority of CUE object manipulation test scores for XG (p < .01) with moderate to large effect sizes (0.50–1.2) Although CG did show improvements in all CUE object manipulation test scores, the changes did not reach statistical significance (p < .01).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the utility of the GRP to practice a broad range of object manipulation tasks in children with CP. The present findings are positive and support further research and development. The long‐term effects of the GRP program in children with CP will need to be confirmed in a future randomized controlled trial. In addition to measures of structure and function, future trials should also include outcome measures such as health‐related quality of life and level of participation to validate the findings.
Assembly–disassembly switching of chiral sheet assembly for controlled circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Dong Longlong , Lee Dawoon , Kim Yongju , Lee Myongsoo
Published: January 2023

Although substantial advances have been made regarding synthetic chiral assemblies, obtaining the two‐dimensional (2D) system with a sophisticated supramolecular chirality remains challenging. Herein, we report the switchable supramolecular chiral 2D materials via donor‐acceptor interaction between a pyrene amphiphile and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). The resulting supramolecular chiral sheets spontaneously disassemble when TCNQ is irreversibly photo‐reduced to its anion. Subsequent additions of TCNQ drive the disassembled molecules to repeatedly form optically active sheet structures, demonstrating that the assembled materials exist transiently only while TCNQ is supplied. The chiral sheets emit intense circularly polarized light with a large luminescence dissymmetric factor (glum).
Insecticide resistance management of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Australian cotton – pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat and buprofezin
Authors: Hopkinson Jamie , Balzer Jacob , Fang Cao , Walsh Tom
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Bemisia tabaci is a globally significant agricultural pest including in Australia, where it exhibits resistance to numerous insecticides. With a recent label change, buprofezin (group 16), is now used for whitefly management in Australia. This study investigated resistance to pyriproxyfen (group 7C), spirotetramat (group 23) and buprofezin using bioassays and available molecular markers.

RESULTS

Bioassay and selection testing of B. tabaci populations detected resistance to pyriproxyfen with resistance ratios ranging from 4.1 to 56. Resistance to spirotetramat was detected using bioassay, selection testing and sequencing techniques. In populations collected from cotton, the A2083V mutation was detected in three populations of 85 tested, at frequencies ≤4.1%, whereas in limited surveillance of populations from an intensive horticultural region the frequency was ≥75.8%. The baseline susceptibility of B. tabaci to buprofezin was determined from populations tested from 2019 to 2020, in which LC50 values ranged from 0.61 to 10.75 mg L−1. From the bioassay data, a discriminating dose of 200 mg L−1 was developed. Recent surveillance of 16 populations detected no evidence of resistance with 100% mortality recorded at doses ≤32 mg L−1. A cross‐resistance study found no conclusive evidence of resistance to buprofezin in populations with high resistance to pyriproxyfen or spirotetramat.

CONCLUSIONS

In Australian cotton, B. tabaci pest management is challenged by ongoing resistance to pyriproxyfen, while resistance to spirotetramat is an emerging issue. The addition of buprofezin provides a new mode‐of‐action for whitefly pest management, which will strengthen the existing insecticide resistance management strategy. © 2023 Commonwealth of Australia. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Residue behavior of cyantraniliprole and its ecological effects on Procambarus clarkii associated with the rice–crayfish integrated system
Authors: Liao Min , Liang Zihao , Wu Ruifeng , Xiao Jinjing , Gao Qun , Cao Haiqun
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Cyantraniliprole, a second‐generation diamide insecticide, was recently introduced in China, where the rice–crayfish integrated system (RCIS) is practiced to control rice pest infestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the residue behavior of cyantraniliprole in RCIS and its potential ecological effects on nontarget Procambarus clarkii in order to recommend safe pesticide application strategies.

RESULTS

Cyantraniliprole dissipated in rice plants according to first‐order kinetics, with an average half‐life of 5.25 days and a dissipation rate of >95% over 28 days. The terminal cyantraniliprole residue levels in rice straw, paddy hull and brown rice were all within 0.2 mg kg−1, which is the China‐recommended maximum residue limit. The tissues of P. clarkii accumulated and distributed cyantraniliprole in the descending order gill > hepatopancreas > intestine > muscles. Procambarus clarkii exposed to cyantraniliprole exhibited a moderate decrease in weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the control group. Exposure of P. clarkii to cyantraniliprole caused histopathological alterations to the hepatopancreas, but the alterations were not statistically significant in the 60 g ai ha−1 cyantraniliprole group when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that 10% cyantraniliprole oil dispersion be sprayed twice at an interval of 14 days and dosage of 60 g ai ha−1 during the growth stage of rice in RCIS. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis, insecticidal activity, and ensembled docking of nitroguanidines bearing S‐ and R‐proline
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hernández Alfredo , Bonilla‐Landa Israel , Vidal‐Limon Abraham , Ibarra‐Juárez Arturo , Barrera‐Méndez Felipe , Medrano Francisco Javier Enríquez , Díaz de León Ramón E. , Olivares‐Romero José Luis
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The amino acids R‐ and S‐proline were used to synthesize novel neonicotinoid derivatives that, after being characterized by 1H, DEPTQ 135, and HRMS–QTOF, were evaluated for use as insecticides against Galleria mellonella (caterpillar), Sitophilus zeamais, Xylosandrus morigerus, Xyleborus affinis, and Xyleborus ferrugineus.

RESULTS

Comparisons of biological activity and absolute configuration showed that the R enantiomer had excellent and outstanding insecticidal activity against the insects tested, with up to 100% mortality after 12 h compared with dinotefuran at the same concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that compound R6 is an excellent lead enantiopure insecticide for future development in the field of crop protection. Furthermore, intermolecular interactions between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the R enantiomer displays a lower score which mean a higher affinity to the nAChR receptor and the π–π interactions are more stable than the S derivative. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A biographical approach to understanding irregular Chinese migration to the United Kingdom
Authors: Luo Siyu
Published: January 2023

This article explores why Chinese nationals move to the United Kingdom and continue to stay there illegally, even in recent years, when China has witnessed significant economic growth and the United Kingdom has been increasingly hostile towards irregular migrants. Using a biographical approach to study irregular migration, this article elicits migrants' life histories and considers their migration as part of their biographies and as related to other key life events. By reconstructing the biographies of three irregular Chinese migrants in the United Kingdom, this article argues that their migration is a way to escape from personal sufferings (negative childhood experiences and intimate relationship dissolutions) and a means of orienting themselves in a mobile social world. This article provides new insights into the field of irregular migration that remains dominated by economic rationalist perspectives, and it also helps to undermine the artificial dichotomy between voluntary and forced migration.
Fault tree analysis improvements: A bibliometric analysis and literature review
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad , Mohammadpour Javad , Li He , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Zarei Esmaeil , Pirbalouti Reza Ghasemi , Adumene Sidum
Published: January 2023

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is one of the most popular failure analysis techniques that reveal the potential pathways leading to systems or components failure. It has been widely employed in numerous sectors to understand how a system fails and is improved. However, the conventional FTA has been criticized due to a series of inherent shortcomings in the FTA state of the arts. Accordingly, scholars, engineers, and practitioners made their attempts to improve the FTA by dealing with its critical deficiencies over the last decade. However, a few works have been performed to review and synthesize the relevant studies on FTA improvement topics. Thus, the present study is aimed to carry out a systematic literature review of the state‐of‐the‐art theoretical and empirical findings concerning FTA improvement from 2011 to 2021 using the Scopus database collection. In this sense, an in‐depth investigation is conducted using statistical metadata analysis. This subject discusses frontier directions and development trends to reveal the research status. In addition, a bibliometric study is undertaken to ascertain the most productive and influential researchers, research centers, and hotspot fields. It also sheds light on the FTA shortcomings in the existing literature, the evolution in FTA improvement topics, and research opportunities. The outcomes of the present work highlighted that the annual publications on FTA improvement topics are significantly growing, especially after 2019. Besides, Jianxiu Wang, Yan‐Feng Li, and Yihuan Wang are the most productive, prolific, and highly cited authors worldwide; and Asia, particularly China, is the leading contributor in the FTA area. According to Bradford's law, one‐third of all publications (7995) in the field of FTA improvement have been published by 40 sources. Finally, “Decision‐making,” “Risk analysis,” “Uncertainty Analysis,” and “Bayesian Networks” are the four major hot topics integrated into improving the conventional FTA.
Microbial bioremediation of Azo dyes: An environmentally sustainable technology
Authors: Panwar Priti , Mahajan Pooja , Kaushal Jyotsna
Published: January 2023

Azo dyes, which are the most commonly used dyes in the textile industry, are aromatic compounds with N═N– groups. The treatment of these pollutants has been receiving considerable attention due to their persistence and release of dyes into the environment. The existing treatment approaches are not only expensive but also result in the production of concentrated sludge, which creates a secondary disposal issue. Under particular ecological conditions, a variety of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeasts, can not only decolorize numerous dyes but can also degrade them. In this respect, microbial degradation is a successful, cost‐effective, biologically friendly, and ecologically sustainable treatment strategy. This review paper discusses research articles identified in the ScienceDirect bibliographic database for the last 10 years (from January 1, 2010 to June 29, 2022). Only the most appropriate research articles were included in the review process which was identified by searches with keyword phrases Azo‐dye degradation with bacteria, fungi, algae, yeast, and microbial consortia. The review paper also emphasizes the constraints that persist and the future scope for the degradation of dyes via genetic engineering.
Distributed time‐varying optimization control for multirobot systems with collision avoidance by hierarchical approach
Authors: Wu Bofan , Peng Zhaoxia , Wen Guoguang , Huang Tingwen , Rahmani Ahmed
Published: January 2023

In this article, a distributed time‐varying optimization problem for multirobot systems with collision avoidance is studied. A hierarchical control framework is employed to simplify the complex problem into two subproblems in two layers. One is the network layer where a novel distributed time‐varying finite‐time optimal control protocol as a signal generator is proposed for each robot. The signal generator ignores the model constraint and uncertainty. The other is the real‐time layer, which mainly contains a sampling module and a robust nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) module. The former samples the optimal signal from the signal generator as a series of sampling tracking points with proper distance to improve tracking performance, and the latter searches for the optimal control protocol for the robot system to track these sampling tracking points in sequence with the model constraint and uncertainty. Furthermore, considering the collision between each robot, a give‐way strategy is designed that the robot with a low priority has to stop to wait for the other with a high priority to move first. And a primary‐secondary judgment technology determines the priorities of robots adaptively according to the current state of the robots. If the way forward of the moving robot is blocked by the stopping one, an auxiliary point is introduced as a temporary transfer station to avoid collision further. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified by a simulation example.