bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain‐based incentive mechanism for environmental, social, and governance disclosure: A principal‐agent perspective
Authors: Niu Yuxiang , Fu Yelin , Liu Xinlai , Harish Arjun Rachana , Li Ming , Huang George Q.
Published: August 2024

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure has drawn much attention from listed companies, investors, and regulators. In response to the increasing demand of investors and regulators for non‐financial information, listed companies have paid attention to publishing ESG reports consisting of environmental, social, and governance information. Listed companies are increasingly required to provide high‐quality information that is clear and comparable. However, the lack of incentive to listed companies makes it hard to improve the quality of ESG disclosure, and the cost of ESG disclosure leads to the uncontrollable quality of ESG reports and may even manipulation by opportunistic behaviors. In this paper, we illustrate the moral hazard problem in ESG disclosure from the perspective of investors and listed companies, in which the effort level for listed companies to provide high‐quality ESG report cannot be observed by investors. Then we propose a blockchain‐based incentive mechanism for ESG disclosure from a principal‐agent perspective to improve the information quality of ESG disclosure, where investors act as principal and listed companies act as agents. Token in blockchain technology is utilized as the rewards to improve the listed companies' reputation, thus increasing their chance of being promoted to investors for preferential investment opportunities in the blockchain platform. We then design the first‐best (FB) and second‐best (SB) optimal contracts based on classic principal‐agent model to overcome the moral hazard problem. Extensive simulations are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the incentive mechanism.
Effect of temperature on the wave breaking amplitude of nonlinear relativistic strong plasma waves
Authors: Yadav Govind Singh , Karmakar Mithun
Published: August 2024

The wave‐breaking amplitude of a strong nonlinear plasma wave has been determined in a warm plasma. Pseudopotential technique has been adopted to describe the wave‐breaking phenomena in such plasma. The solution is obtained with the consideration that the phase velocity of the plasma wave is equal to the velocity of light in vacuum. This assumption is justified since the wave which is excited usually by the relativistic charged particle bunches or laser pulses has phase speed very close to the speed of light in vacuum. The investigation shows that the breaking amplitude decreases with the increase of the electron temperature. Furthermore, the wavelength of the plasma wave is seen to decrease as we increase the electron temperature. The obtained results have relevance in the astrophysical situation as well as in the field of plasma based charged particle acceleration process.
Trajectories of opioid use among patients with low back pain: Association to work absence
Authors: Hansen Johan Liseth , Wangen Knut Reidar
Published: August 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading reason for opioid use and a closer examination of opioid use and productivity losses among these patients is needed. We identify opioid use trajectories using a group‐based trajectory model (GBTM) and estimate productivity losses across the trajectories.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with LBP in Swedish specialty care between 2011 and 2015, between the ages of 20 and 60, were included. Two GBTMs were estimated on monthly opioid use (converted to oral morphine equivalents) during the two 12‐month periods preceding and following diagnosis. Productivity losses were estimated using the human‐capital approach.

Results

In total, 147,035 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 43 years of age and 49% of the patients were male. A qualitative assessment of the identified groups in the GBTM models was made based on the patterns of opioid use. We chose three pre‐diagnosis groups characterized as ‘Pre‐low’ (N = 109,492), ‘Pre‐increase’ (N = 27,336) and ‘Pre‐high’ (N = 10,207). Similarly, four post‐diagnosis groups were chosen and characterized as ‘Post‐low’ (N = 73,287), ‘Post‐decrease’ (N = 39,446), ‘Post‐moderate’ (N = 20,001) and ‘Post‐high’ (N = 13,595). Only 50% of the patients in the ‘Pre‐high’ group were in the ‘Post‐high’ group. The total productivity losses by the pre‐diagnosis groups were more than 2.7 billion Euros over the total 6‐year study period.

Conclusion

This study highlights how patients with LBP and high use of opioids are highly correlated before and after diagnosis. Patients with high use of opioids also exhibit high work absence and productivity losses.

Significance Statement

This was the first study to estimate trajectories of opioids in the two time periods before and after a diagnosis of low back pain. For the first time, productivity losses were also estimated across the identified opioid use trajectories.
The measurement of “high‐impact chronic pain”: Limitations and alternative methods
Authors: Riddle Daniel L. , Dumenci Levent
Published: August 2024

Objective

Chronic pain is known to be an important construct in clinical practice and a particular form of chronic pain, high‐impact chronic pain (HICP), has gained recent interest and attention by pain clinicians, epidemiologists, and clinical researchers. The purpose of our Topical Review is to describe the historical development of measures of HICP and to explore the psychometric properties of HICP as well as to present alternative measurement methods.

Methods

We identified strengths and weaknesses of the psychometric characteristics of HICP measures. Limitations of existing HICP measures were discussed and summarized and alternatives to current methods were proposed.

Results

HICP operational definitions show variability across studies. All definitions cannot be correct, but which ones are incorrect cannot be determined as there is no gold standard. Random measurement error and recall bias are among the other limitations of current HICP measures. Model‐based definitions of HICP, the discrete (for epidemiologic applications) and continuous (for clinical applications) latent variable models are discussed as likely superior alternatives to current methods.

Conclusions

Limitations of existing HICP methods are discussed and alternative development approaches to HICP measures are presented. The use of either discrete or continuous latent variable models would improve upon the psychometric characteristics of current HICP evidence. Examples are used to illustrate the benefits of latent variable models over traditional observed variable conceptualizations as the measurement of HICP continues to develop.

Significance Statement

This work takes the position that current methods of measuring high impact chronic pain (HICP) likely contain substantial error. We have endorsed an alternative approach for several psychometrically grounded reasons. We recommend that future work consider the discrete latent variable framework for dichotomous measures of HICP and the continuous latent variable framework for continuous measures of HICP. The paper provides illustrative examples of these methods for a different patient reported measure that is lacking a gold standard, much like HICP measures.
Proper application of DNA dyes in agarose gel electrophoresis
Authors: Tuo Ling‐Jin , Zhang Teng , Chen Guo‐Qing , Liu Yuan , Zhao Cheng , Jiang Shi‐Wen
Published: August 2024

Various dyes are used to visualize DNA bands in agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) by the methods of pre‐ or post‐staining. The DNA dye user's guides generally state that the binding of the dye to DNA will affect DNA mobility in electrophoresis, thus recommending post‐staining for accurate measurement of DNA size. However, many AGE performers prefer pre‐staining procedures for reasons such as convenience, real‐time observation of DNA bands, and/or the use of a minimal amount of dye. The detrimental effect of the dye on DNA mobility and the associated risk for inaccurate measurement of DNA size are often overlooked by AGE performers. Here we quantitatively determine the impact on DNA migration imposed by frequently used dyes, including GelRed, ethidium bromide (EB), and Gold View. It was observed that pre‐staining with GelRed and EB significantly slowed down DNA migration to cause as much as 39.1% overestimation on the size of sample DNA, whereas Gold View had little effect. The slowdown of DNA migration increased with dye concentration until it plateaued when the dye concentration reached a saturated level. Thus, to take advantage of pre‐staining, saturated levels of DNA dyes should always be applied for both DNA samples and DNA markers to ensure a fair comparison of DNA sizes. In addition, GelRed and EB display much higher sensitivity than Gold View in the detection of DNA bands in post‐staining. The saturated concentrations, cost considerations, and other useful features of these frequently used dyes are summarized for the information of AGE performers.
Exploration of benefits and performances of integration of semitransparent photovoltaics with buildings and infrastructure: A comprehensive review
Authors: Gupta Neha
Published: August 2024

This article discusses how incorporating semitransparent photovoltaic (SPV) modules into buildings can reduce dependency on conventional energy sources, contributing to a shift toward renewable energy and self‐sustaining construction. It explores various ways to implement SPV technology in building and infrastructure design, and outlines the advantages, such as improved daylighting, thermal regulation, and energy efficiency. The analysis also considers how SPV integration affects energy and exergy performance, emphasizing its role in achieving net‐zero energy buildings. Additionally, the article identifies existing research gaps, providing guidance for future studies and practical applications in the building sector.
Evolution, sedimentation and thermal state of the emerging pro‐glacial lakes at Witenwasserengletscher, Switzerland
Authors: Hardmeier Florian , Schmidheiny Nicolas , Suremann Jeannine , Lüthi Martin , Vieli Andreas
Published: August 2024

As glaciers retreat worldwide, local basal depressions are exposed where new pro‐glacial lakes are forming. Although the formation of such new lakes has been mapped widely, the impact of their interaction with the glacier on sediment dynamics and the thermal state is rarely studied. At the example of Witenwasserengletscher, Switzerland, we use historic aerial imagery and a bathymetric survey to investigate in detail the interaction of glacier retreat, lake formation and sedimentation. Three lakes have emerged since the mid‐1990s with mean depths between 1.25 and 6 m. The deepest lake lost contact to the ice in 2009 with a delta forming from mobilized sub‐glacial sediment. Phases of direct contact of the glacier with the lakes are found to increase terminus retreat and affect the thermal state and sedimentation. In summer, lake water temperatures in these small ice‐contact lakes stay close to 0°C, whereas the disconnected eastern lake shows temperatures consistently over 6°C. Temperature profiles from 2021 show that after losing ice contact, warm sediment‐rich glacial water forms an underflow that is breaking through the summertime stratification with warm water over cold water. In this case, density stratification is dominated by suspended sediment rather than temperature. Sedimentation shows a high multiannual variability and is dependent on a multitude of factors, ultimately on the routing of glacial streams. These tend to migrate towards the centre of the valley as the glacier retreats. Our study shows that during deglaciation lake evolution, sediment redistribution and the thermal state are highly dynamic and pro‐glacial lakes strongly affect the sediment evolution and may thereby impact on the ecosystem in pro‐glacial streams.
Estimation of hybrid energy generation of solar‐wind tower for electric vehicle charging: A case study of Indian highway
Authors: Singh Samarendra Pratap , Tiwari Prabhakar , Singh S.N. , Singh Praveen Prakash
Published: August 2024

Advances in non‐conventional energy technologies and increasing fossil fuel prices along with environmental concerns have made hybrid renewable energy systems important. In view of this scenario, solar panel mounted on a vertical axis wind turbine (called as solar‐wind tower) can be utilized to produce more electric energy than individual one. This solar‐wind tower will be located in the space available between two opposite roads of expressways/highways. Solar‐wind tower located in such a manner that the air velocity produced from driving vehicles on both sides of the road is adequate to cut the turbine blades which will produce unidirectional torque. A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores the power produced by the solar‐wind tower so that it can subsequently be used for local loads and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and remaining energy can be supplied to the grid. In this work, a hybrid system composed of wind and solar is designed and modelled in Simulink (MATLAB) and tested on real data of wind speed and validated by Opal‐RT simulator. From the simulation result, it is estimated that total electrical power output of a single solar‐wind tower is around 15 to 20 kWh in a day under the assumed conditions.
Traditional home garden agro‐biodiversity dynamics, agro‐ecosystem services, and management practices in smallholder farmers setting, South‐Central Ethiopia
Authors: Yaregal Yihunie , Sime Getachew
Published: August 2024

Traditional home gardens are rich in agro‐biodiversity and are crucial for improving and diversifying the livelihood of smallholder farmers. Though many researches are carried out on home gardens in tropical regions, there are only few studies on the dynamics of traditional home gardens, agro‐ecosystem services, indigenous management practices, and roles in mitigating climate shocks, which is the objective of the present study. For the same purpose, three sites were purposively selected out of which 308 sample smallholder households were chosen using a simple random sampling technique for a household survey. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were also used to collect data for cross‐checking the data collected through the house hold survey. Results demonstrate that there was a wide‐ranging diversity of crops in traditional home garden landscape. Both annual and perennial crops were incorporated into the home gardens to enhance their multiple agro‐ ecosystem services, including enhancing resilience to climate shocks. They ranged from herbaceous to large trees and food to cash crops. The primary agro‐ecosystem services that the home garden agro‐biodiversity delivered were diversifying the sources of food, income, and medicine, as well as improving food security. Home gardens were largely managed by indigenous knowledge, including hand weeding, manure and compost application, nursery preparation, fencing, and flood run‐off control. The agro‐biodiversity in traditional home gardens is more diverse, dynamic, and resilient to climate shocks. Nonetheless, they are neglected hotspots of agro‐biodiversity and sociocultural diversity. In conclusion, the agro‐biodiversity in traditional home gardens promotes food availability, accessibility, and utilization virtually all year round as well as contributes to the preservation of agricultural genetic and cultural diversity.
Date yogurt supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 53103) encapsulated in wild sage (Salvia macrosiphon) mucilage and sodium alginate by extrusion: The survival and viability against the gastrointestinal condition, cold storage, heat, and salt with low pH
Authors: Abbasi Saadi Mahsa , Sekhavatizadeh Seyed Saeed , Barzegar Hassan , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Mehrnia Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2024

The efficacy of probiotics in providing health benefits may be related to their ability to survive at a sufficient concentration of 106 CFU/g during storage in food and colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Microencapsulation is a viable method to improve the survivability of probiotics under harsh environmental conditions. In this research, microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MLR) was produced by a two‐layer extrusion technique with sodium alginate and wild sage (Salvia macrosiphon) mucilage (SMM) in varying concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 0.8% as the first and second wall materials, respectively. The microencapsulation efficiency and second layer diameter of beads increased significantly with the increase in SMM concentrations. Microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) maintained its minimal concentration (6 log CFU/g) during 9 min at 72°C. The MLR‐date yogurt (DY) sample had the lowest pH, highest acidity, and highest survival rate among the others at the end of storage. In simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGC), the survival rates of free LR (FLR) and MLR were 45% and 47% on the 14th day of storage, respectively. In sensory properties, MLR had the highest score in odor and texture parameters but not in others. The MLR viscosity (666.3 mPa·s−1) and SEM images show a relatively denser structure for MLR. In conclusion, this study emphasized the potential of using double‐layered beads to protect probiotics, providing valuable inspiration for developing new functional foods with higher survival ability in harsh conditions.
Research on preventive effect of Akkermansia muciniphilaAKK PROBIO on acute gouty arthritis in mice
Authors: Ma Xin , Zhu Na , Yu Xueping , Wang Wei , Wu Wenzhong
Published: August 2024

In mice with acute gouty arthritis, this study intends to examine the mechanism of action of Akkermansia muciniphila AKK PROBIO. We developed a mouse model of acute gouty arthritis using sodium urate. The efficiency and mechanism of AKK PROBIO in preventing acute gouty arthritis in mice were then determined by examining the degree of foot swelling, pain threshold, blood biochemical indicators, histological alterations, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression changes. The results of the animal experiment showed that AKK PROBIO can lessen mouse foot edema severity and increase pain threshold. AKK PROBIO can enhance the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of glutathione (GSH) in the ankle joint tissues of mice with acute arthritis while decreasing the enzyme activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels are all reduced by AKK PROBIO in the blood of mice with acute arthritis. Results from histopathology showed that AKK PROBIO reduced tissue damage in the mouse ankle and foot joints. In the tissues of the ankle joints of mice with acute arthritis, the results of the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot experiments suggested that AKK PROBIO may inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the tissues. AKK PROBIO can also regulate gut microbiota, inhibit harmful bacteria, and enhance valeric acid in the intestine, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid. Therefore, it is evident that AKK PROBIO prevents acute gouty arthritis better than glucosamine sulfate. It is a strain that has probiotic potential.
Photosynthesis Characterization of Mutant Algae and Enhanced Carbon Fixation of Algae–Bacteria Symbiosis Treating Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Zhao Pengsha , Liu Xinying , Wang Zheng , Min Jie , Dang Yan , Hong Yu , Sun Dezhi
Published: August 2024

Algae–bacteria symbiosis (ABS) as a sustainable wastewater treatment process has drawn mounting attention. However, nontrivial CO2 emissions were still present in municipal wastewater treatment due to the inadequate carbon fixation efficiency of microalgae under low carbon level. The obtained UV‐induced mutant Chlorella vulgaris MIHL4 performed higher carbon fixation capability (14.5%) and biomass productivity (25.3%) with improved photosynthetic fluorescence parameters and enzyme activities compared to wild‐type C. vulgaris. Transcriptome analyses showed pathways related to the carbon fixation and carbon catabolism were significantly up‐regulated in MIHL4. Compared with ABS inoculated with wild‐type C. vulgaris, CO2 emissions were significantly reduced by 32.1%–38.3% in ABS inoculated with MIHL4, where the biomass growth, metabolic activity, and sludge granulation were enhanced. Chlorella responsible for carbon fixation was the dominant population (19.3%) in ABS inoculated with MIHL4, in which the abundance of functional microbes and genes associated with photosynthesis as well as nutrient removal increased.
Astrocyte‐derived factors regulate CNS myelination
Authors: Seiler Sybille , Rudolf Franziska , Gomes Filipa Ramilo , Pavlovic Anto , Nebel Jana , Seidenbecher Constanze I. , Foo Lynette C.
Published: August 2024

The role that astrocytes play in central nervous system (CNS) myelination is poorly understood. We investigated the contribution of astrocyte‐derived factors to myelination and revealed a substantial overlap in the secretomes of human and rat astrocytes. Using in vitro myelinating co‐cultures of primary retinal ganglion cells and cortical oligodendrocyte precursor cells, we discovered that factors secreted by resting astrocytes, but not reactive astrocytes, facilitated myelination. Soluble brevican emerged as a new enhancer of developmental myelination in vivo, CNS and its absence was linked to remyelination deficits following an immune‐mediated damage in an EAE mouse model. The observed reduction of brevican expression in reactive astrocytes and human MS lesions suggested a potential link to the compromised remyelination characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings suggested brevican's role in myelination may be mediated through interactions with binding partners such as contactin‐1 and tenascin‐R. Proteomic analysis of resting versus reactive astrocytes highlighted a shift in protein expression profiles, pinpointing candidates that either facilitate or impede CNS repair, suggesting that depending on their reactivity state, astrocytes play a dual role during myelination.
Decreased expression of p53 is associated with down expression of zyxin in breast cancer
Authors: Rostampour Rezvan , Bahremand Kiana , Mohammadi Hossein , Roghani Seyed Askar , Shakiba Ebrahim , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Asadi Soheila
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Breast cancer (BC) is considered one of the most common malignant tumors leading to death in women, and genetic factors have a crucial role in BC pathogenesis. Zyxin (ZYX) is one of these factors that may be important in p53 level and function. Thus, the present work aimed to investigate the ZYX gene and protein expression in tumor tissue and matched margin tissue and its correlation with the p53 expression.

Methods

In a present case‐control study, 30 tumors and 30 matched margin tissues were obtained from Iran Tumor Bank/Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis techniques were applied to evaluate the genes and protein expression, respectively.

Results

The data showed that expression of the ZYX gene in tumor tissues significantly decreased (p = 0.0274) compared to matched margin tissues. In contrast, the p53 gene expression in tumor tissues had no significant difference with matched margin tissues. Additionally, we observed that ZYX and p53 genes expression in tumor tissues of estrogen receptor‐positive patients had significant elevation than estrogen receptor‐negative patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The data of the western blot analysis technique showed that protein expression of ZYX (p = 0.0024) and P53 protein (p = 0.0218) in tumor tissues was significantly reduced compared to matched margin tissues. Additionally, our analysis showed a direct and significant correlation between the expression of ZYX and p53 proteins (r = 0.7797, p = 0.0126) and expression of ZYX and p53 genes (r = 0.3079, p = 0.0187).

Conclusion

Based on our observation, ZYX might have a tumor suppressor role and is associated with p53.
A rare case of acute cerebellitis due to enterovirus treated with therapeutic plasma exchange: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Akçay Nihal , Topal Neval , Semerci Seda Yılmaz
Published: August 2024

Background

Acute cerebellitis is a rare complication of pediatric infections. There are many reports that viral infections lead to neurological manifestations, including acute cerebellitis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for pediatric patients diagnosed with enterovirus cerebellitis between 2000 and 2024. The methods involved reviewing clinical and radiological records and assessing the treatment methods.

Results

Case Report

We present the case of a 4‐year‐old immunocompetent child who initially presented with acute encephalopathy followed by truncal ataxia, and eventually received a diagnosis of postinfectious cerebellitis. Enterovirus real‐time polymerase chain reaction were positive in the nasopharyngeal swab. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was started due to neurological deterioration despite IVIG treatment. She improved significantly with TPE, and methylprednisolone treatment and was discharged in good health status. The patient is being followed up as neurologically normal.

Conclusion

Acute cerebellitis associated with enterovirus is a rare pediatric disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment with TPE in this severe case is thought to be preventive for the potentially fatal complications.
A versatile precursor for one‐pot synthesis of novel azo‐thiazole and thiazole scaffolds as prospective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents
Authors: Alamshany Zahra M. , Tashkandi Nada Y. , Othman Ismail M. M.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we present a simple method for preparing a new series of thiazoles with excellent isolated yields. To synthesize the target thiazole scaffolds, a straightforward one‐pot procedure was developed including an amine‐mediated reaction of isoxazolethiazolidin‐4‐one derivative, thiosemicarbazide, and appropriate hydrazonyl chlorides. The reaction conditions for this one‐pot protocol were optimized by experimenting with different solvents and amines. The best results were achieved by conducting the reaction in dioxane with triethylamine at 100°C for 5 h. The structures of the desired products were proved by different elemental analyses and spectral data. Additionally, the antimicrobial efficacy of all target derivatives was assessed against various types of microorganisms. The results observed indicated that the antimicrobial activity of the thiosemicarbazone derivative 2 was the strongest activity among the new series, with MIC values ranging from 0.03 ± 0.01 to 0.98 ± 0.15 μg/mL. Moreover, antioxidant evaluations were conducted on all the desired targets, using ascorbic acid as a reference drug. Significantly, derivatives 2 and 10 demonstrated the most promising antioxidant inhibitory effects. Additionally, further toxicity studies were performed on the most active novel compounds, revealing their best drug‐like properties and varying toxicity risks in humans.
Clinical Characteristics of Moxifloxacin‐Related Arrhythmias and Development of a Predictive Nomogram: A Case Control Study
Authors: Li Peng , Zhu Man , Gao Ao , Guo Haili , Fu An , Zhao Anqi , Guo Daihong
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of moxifloxacin‐related arrhythmias and electrocardiographic alterations in hospitalized patients using real‐world data. Concurrently, a nomogram was established and validated to provide a practical tool for prediction. Retrospective automatic monitoring of inpatients using moxifloxacin was performed in a Chinese hospital from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, to obtain the incidence of drug‐induced arrhythmias and electrocardiographic alterations. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance confounders and analyze clinical characteristics. Based on the risk and protective factors identified through logistic regression analysis, a prediction nomogram was developed and internally validated using the Bootstrap method. Arrhythmias and electrocardiographic alterations occurred in 265 of 21,711 cases taking moxifloxacin, with an incidence of 1.2%. Independent risk factors included medication duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.211, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.156‐1.270), concomitant use of meropenem (OR 4.977, 95% CI 2.568‐9.644), aspartate aminotransferase >40 U/L (OR 3.728, 95% CI 1.800‐7.721), glucose >6.1 mmol/L (OR 2.377, 95% CI 1.531‐3.690), and abnormally elevated level of amino‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor (OR 2.908, 95% CI 1.640‐5.156). Concomitant use of cardioprotective drugs (OR 0.430, 95% CI 0.220‐0.841) was a protective factor. The nomogram showed good differentiation and calibration, with enhanced clinical benefit. The incidence of moxifloxacin‐related arrhythmias and electrocardiographic alterations is in the range of common. The nomogram proves valuable in predicting the risk in the moxifloxacin‐administered population, offering significant clinical applications.
Do Not Let the Beginning Trap you! On Inhibition, Associative Creative Chains, and Hopfield Neural Networks
Authors: Mtenga Ronald , Bode Mathias , Khalil Radwa
Published: August 2024

Creative thinking stems from the cognitive process that fosters the creation of new ideas and problem‐solving solutions. Artificial intelligence systems and neural network models can reduce the intricacy of understanding creative cognition. For instance, the generation of ideas could be symbolized as patterns of binary code in which clusters of neurons synchronize their firing and store information inside a neural network, forming connections based on correlation. The Hopfield neural network (HNN) is a simple model known for its biological plausibility in storing and retrieving neuron patterns. We implemented certain modifications to HNN as a step toward the larger framework of creative thinking‐based association. These modifications included introducing pattern weights control, which provides a robust representation for content addressable memory and conceptual links in stored data. We identified two mechanisms controlling the transition from analytical to associative‐based thinking. The first mechanism refers to the activation threshold of neurons, which acts as an on/off switch for the network. The second was the inhibition of stored concepts, similar to an on/off switch that guides the network to search for associative links and when to stop. Our findings suggest that neurons step back from the contextual focus and find alternatives when analytical thinking is insufficient. These alternatives are linked to seemingly unrelated ideas, using inhibition as an analogy to the hyperparameters. Using hyperparameters to inhibit the stored patterns, we could control the creation of associative links.
Bacteriocins sourced from traditional fermented foods for ensuring food safety: the microbial guards
Authors: Bisht Vishakha , Das Biki , Navani Naveen Kumar
Published: August 2024

Concerns about food safety have consistently driven the exploration of potent antimicrobials with probiotic origins. Identification of probiotic‐derived bacteriocins as robust alternatives to antibiotics has gained traction following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Additionally, the global market is witnessing an increasing preference for minimally processed food products free from chemical additives. Another contributing factor to the search for potent antimicrobials is the escalating number of infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and the need to mitigate the significant damage inflicted on the commensal human microbiota by broad‐spectrum antibiotics. As an alternative bio‐preservation strategy, there is substantial enthusiasm for the use of bacteriocins or starter cultures producing bacteriocins in preserving a variety of food items. This review specifically focuses on bacteriocins originating from lactic acid bacteria associated with fermented foods and explores their technological applications as nanobiotics. The food‐grade antibiotic alternatives, whether utilized independently or in combination with other antimicrobials and administered directly or encapsulated, are anticipated to possess qualities of safety, stability and non‐toxicity suitable for application in the food sector. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Myrtus communis essential oils in cold‐stored lactic butter
Authors: Keceli Turkan Mutlu , Mertoglu Tuba Simsek
Published: August 2024

Background

The use of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in dairy production can increase the variety of dairy‐based products. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial changes in lactic butter samples made from heat‐treated creams and enriched with M. communis essential oils (EOs) were investigated.

Results

The best lactic butter properties were achieved by optimizing the process at 70 and 80 °C. M. communis EOs decreased lipid oxidation and spoilage microorganism growth in lactic butter during cold storage. M. communis EOs have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in lactic butter equal to that of ascorbyl palmitate. α‐Pinene, p‐cymene, limonene, 3‐carene, 1,8‐cineol, β‐linalool, α‐terpineol and myretenol are the major contributors to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of M. communis EOs. They exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals by donating hydrogen or acting as termination enhancers, and antimicrobial activity by disruption of cell membranes, which may result in the leakage of macromolecules or the loss of essential metabolites, ultimately leading to cell death during the storage of lactic butter samples.

Conclusion

The addition of M. communis EOs improves lactic butter stability equal to that of ascorbyl palmitate, and may be applied as a natural and effective preservative to maintain butter from lipid oxidation and microbial spoilage and enhance its safety.

Practical applications

The growing recognition of the health benefits of natural antioxidants, as opposed to synthetic ones, has led to the development of new applications for natural antioxidants. In this regard, M. communis L. EOs can be used to enhance the shelf stability of cold‐stored lactic butter. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sustainable development of non‐mega international sports events in a small town: Social impacts, residents' attitudes, and leveraging role of local government
Authors: Wang Xi , Qiao Guiqiang , Lu Yu
Published: August 2024

The impacts of mega international sports events on host communities have attracted considerable scholarly attention, while few studies explored the impacts of non‐mega international sports events (NMISEs). Prior studies focus on economic impacts of hosting sports events, ignoring social impacts. This study interrogates the dynamics behind staging NMISEs in the small town of Cambridge, New Zealand, focusing on social impacts. It also examines the role of social exchange theory in explaining formation of residents' attitudes toward NMISEs. As findings indicate, Cambridge residents are supportive of NMISEs. They believe that hosting the events improves wellbeing. The local authority plays an important role in event planning and management. It was found that complementarity of social exchange theory and community attachment helps explain the phenomenon.
Does tourism participation affect residents' educational expectations for the next generation?
Authors: Huo Tingting , Huo Mingmin , Shao Yuhong , Li Bingye , Li Zhiyong
Published: August 2024

Residents' educational expectations for the next generation are closely related to individuals' awareness‐raising and community development, reflecting the sustainability of tourism development. However, few studies have focused on the formation of parental educational expectations (PEE) for their children during the process of residents' tourism participation. To fill this gap, this study examines the impact of resident participation on PEE using a three‐dimensional framework for resident participation that incorporates the decision‐making, economic, and social dimensions. A binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the survey data from 473 residents in Jiuzhai Valley, China. The results indicate that social participation is the strongest facilitator for PEE. Economic participation exerts a negative effect on PEE, whereas decision‐making participation has a positive but insignificant effect. This study holds implications for local authorities managing tourism destinations regarding improving the efficiency of residents' participatory behaviors and human capital accumulation in developing countries.
Value through diversity: A systematic literature review to understand diversity and inclusion in consumer research
Authors: Branca Generoso , Grosso Monica , Castaldo Sandro
Published: August 2024

Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion is a critical challenge for marketers to meet the diverse consumers' needs and have a positive social impact. Despite increasing attention to diversity and inclusion, and calls to address inequalities, there appears to be a lack of a thorough understanding of diversity and inclusion in consumer research, and how marketing can effectively contribute to an inclusive and equity‐oriented society. Previous reviews and conceptual articles often focus on specific types of diversity or contexts. This study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of diversity and inclusion in consumer research through a systematic literature review of 52 articles combined with the theory, context, characteristics, and methodology (TCCM) framework. Our findings highlight that companies can actively foster inclusion and enhance equity through their policies, also by addressing stigmatization and marginalization. A conceptual framework outlines the impacts of these policies on individuals, society, and company performances, followed by a detailed research agenda for future studies. This article emphasizes the role of marketing in fostering inclusion but also stimulates practitioners to contribute through policies beyond representation and advertising, such as service and product design, and ensuring vulnerable consumers access to resources.
Degradation strategies for structural characterization of insoluble synthetic polymers by mass spectrometry
Authors: Fouquet Thierry N. J. , Cody Robert B. , Charles Laurence
Published: August 2024

With the advent of soft ionization techniques such as electrospray (ESI) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) to produce intact gas‐phase ions from nonvolatile macromolecules, mass spectrometry has become an essential technique in the field of polymeric materials. However, (co)polymers of very high molecular weight or with reticulated architectures still escape ESI or MALDI, mainly due to solubility issues. Strategies developed to tackle such an analytical challenge all rely on sample degradation to produce low‐mass species amenable to existing ionization methods. Yet, chain degradation needs to be partial and controlled to generate sufficiently large species that still contain topological or architectural information. The present article reviews the different analytical degradation strategies implemented to perform mass spectrometry of these challenging synthetic polymers, covering thermal degradation approaches in sources developed in the 2000s, off‐line sample pre‐treatments for controlled chemical degradation of polymeric substrates, and most recent achievements employing reactive ionization modes to perform chemolysis on‐line with MS.
Vibrotactile Foot Device for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cen Shanshan , Ma Jinghong , Sun Hong , Zhang Hui , Li Yuan , Mao Wei , Xu Erhe , Mei Shanshan , Chhetri Jagadish K. , Ruan Zheng , Wang Hui , Wang Kailiang , Chan Piu
Published: August 2024

Background

Vibrotactile stimulation has been studied in its efficacy of reducing freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the results are still controversial. We evaluated the efficacy of a newly developed vibrotactile foot device on freezing severity and gait measures in PD patients with FOG.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of vibrotactile foot device on PD patients with FOG.

Methods

Thirty‐three PD patients with FOG were examined during their “off” medication state. The efficacy of the vibrotactile foot device was evaluated using a gait protocol comprising walking trials with vibrotactile stimulation “off” and “on.” Walking trials were videotaped for the offline rating by two movement disorder specialists. The Opal inertial sensor unit (128 Hz; Mobility Lab; APDM Inc., Portland, OR, USA) was used for quantitative gait analysis.

Results

The results demonstrated 33.1% reduction in number of FOG episodes (P < 0.001) and 32.6% reduction of freezing episodes (P < 0.001). Quantitative gait analysis showed a significant increase in step length (P = 0.033). A moderate negative correlation was observed between the change of percent time frozen and age (r = −0.415, P = 0.016). 73% of participants reported minimal to substantial improvement in walking with this vibrating stimulation delivered by the vibrotactile foot device.

Conclusions

The vibrotactile foot device is an efficient device that could significantly reduce freezing severity and provide gait regulation to patients with PD experiencing frequent freezing. It could potentially be used in the home environment for improving the quality of life.
Pallidal and Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in the Treatment of Unilateral Dystonia: A Prospective Assessment
Authors: Altamirano Juan Manuel , Salinas‐Barboza Karla
Published: August 2024

Background

The complexities of unilateral dystonia have led to exploring simultaneous (dual) globus pallidus internus (GPi) and motor ventral thalamus (Vim/Vop) deep brain stimulation (DBS), yet detailed assessments are lacking.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of GPi, Vim/Vop, and dual DBS in unilateral dystonia.

Methods

Three patients with unilateral dystonia (two idiopathic, one acquired), implanted with two DBS electrodes targeting ipsilateral Vim/Vop and GPi, were included. Three stimulation modalities were assessed. First, one electrode was activated, then the other, and finally, both electrodes were activated simultaneously.

Results

DBS yielded substantial symptomatic reductions in all three evaluated stimulation modalities. Patients exhibited varying responses regarding quality‐of‐life and depressive symptoms. Treatment satisfaction didn't align with clinical improvements, potentially affected by unrealistic expectations.

Conclusions

This study contributes critical insights into GPi, Vim/Vop and simultaneous stimulation for unilateral dystonia. The safety of the procedure underscores the promise of this approach.
Health system's use of technology boosts worker engagement in MH care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2024

New York's largest integrated health system is leveraging technology to offer greater mental health support to its employees, using a different approach from efforts it believes have fallen short nationally in engaging individuals who need services.
Personalized Microbial Fingerprint Associated with Differential Glycemic Effects of a Whole Grain Rye Intervention on Chinese Adults
Authors: Li Wenyun , Tang Huiru , Xue Kun , Ying Tao , Wu Min , Qu Zheng , Dong Chenglin , Jin Taiyi , Brunius Carl , Hallmans Göran , Åman Per , Johansson Anders , Landberg Rikard , Liu Yuwei , He Gengsheng
Published: August 2024

Scope

This study aims to identify the gut enterotypes that explain differential responses to intervention with whole grain rye by proposing an “enterotype ‐ metabolic” model.

Methods and results

A 12‐week randomized controlled trial is conducted in Chinese adults, with 79 subjects consuming whole grain products with fermented rye bran (FRB) and 77 consuming refined wheat products in this exploratory post‐hoc analysis. Responders or non‐responders are identified according to whether blood glucose decreased by more than 10% after rye intervention. Compared to non‐responders, responders in FRB have higher baseline Bacteroides (p < 0.001), associated with reduced blood glucose (p < 0.001), increased Faecalibacterium (p = 0.020) and Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG.003 (p = 0.022), as well as deceased 7β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (p = 0.033) after intervention. The differentiated gut microbiota and metabolites between responders and non‐responders after intervention are enriched in aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis.

Conclusion

The work confirms the previously suggested importance of microbial enterotypes in differential responses to whole grain interventions and supports taking enterotypes into consideration for improved efficacy of whole grain intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes. Altered short‐chain fatty acids and bile acid metabolism might be a potential mediator for the beneficial effects of whole grain rye on glucose metabolism.
Slice‐specific B1+ shimming improves the repeatability of multishot DWI at 7 T
Authors: Ding Belinda , Williams Sydney Nicole , Dragonu Iulius , Liebig Patrick , Allwood‐Spiers Sarah , McElhinney Paul , Gunamony Shajan , Fullerton Natasha , Porter David Andrew
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Compared with lower field strengths, DWI at 7 T faces the combined challenges of increased distortion and blurring due to B0 inhomogeneity, and increased signal dropouts due to B1+ inhomogeneity. This study addresses the B1+ limitations using slice‐specific static parallel transmission (pTx) in a multi‐shot, readout‐segmented EPI diffusion imaging sequence.

Methods

DWI was performed in 7 healthy subjects using MRI at 7 T and readout‐segmented EPI. Data were acquired with non‐pTx circular‐polarized (CP) pulses (CP‐DWI) and static pTx pulses (pTx‐DWI) using slice‐specific B1+ shim coefficients. Each volunteer underwent two scan sessions on the same day, with two runs of each sequence in the first session and one run in the second. The sequences were evaluated by assessing image quality, flip‐angle homogeneity, and intrasession and intersession repeatability in ADC estimates.

Results

pTx‐DWI significantly reduced signal voids compared with CP‐DWI, particularly in inferior brain regions. The use of pTx also improved RF uniformity and symmetry across the brain. These effects translated into improved intrasession and intersession repeatability for pTx‐DWI. Additionally, re‐optimizing the pTx pulse between repeat scans did not have a negative effect on ADC repeatability.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that pTx provides a reproducible image‐quality increase in multishot DWI at 7 T. The benefits of pTx also extend to quantitative ADC estimation with regard to the improvement in intrasession and intersession repeatability. Overall, the combination of multishot imaging and pTx can support the development of reliable, high‐resolution DWI for clinical studies at 7 T.