bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute changes in kidney function and outcomes following an acute myocardial infarction: Insights from PARADISE‐MI
Authors: Mc Causland Finnian R. , McGrath Martina M. , Claggett Brian L. , Barkoudah Ebrahim , East Cara , Fernandez Alberto , Jering Karola S. , Lewis Eldrin F. , McMurray John J.V. , Mody Freny Vaghaiwalla , Solomon Scott D. , Tokmakova Mariya , van der Meer Peter , Zhou Yinong , Pfeffer Marc A.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Pharmacologic blockade of neurohormonal pathways in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) can result in acute changes in biomarkers of kidney function. We evaluated the effect of sacubitril/valsartan versus ramipril on initial changes in serum creatinine and the association of these changes with longer‐term outcomes among participants in PARADISE‐MI.

Methods and results

In this randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, event‐driven trial, 5661 patients with an acute MI were assigned to receive sacubitril/valsartan or ramipril, with no run‐in. The frequency of an initial pre‐specified increase in serum creatinine (≥26.5 or ≥44 μmol/L) from baseline to week 1 was compared between arms. Multivariable Cox regression models were fit to examine the association of acute changes in serum creatinine with the primary cardiovascular composite outcome (cardiovascular death, first heart failure hospitalization, or outpatient heart failure), all‐cause mortality, and longer‐term changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An initial increase in serum creatinine ≥26.5 μmol/L occurred in 155 of 2604 (6.0%) patients assigned to sacubitril/valsartan and 120 of 2603 (4.6%) patients assigned to ramipril (odds ratio [OR] 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.68). The corresponding numbers for an increase ≥44 μmol/L were 57 (2.2%) and 42 (1.6%), respectively (OR 1.37; 95% CI 0.92–2.05). A higher odds of increased serum creatinine ≥26.5 and ≥44 μmol/L for sacubitril/valsartan versus ramipril appeared to be restricted to patients who had a greater decline in systolic blood pressure over the same period (p‐interaction = 0.05 and 0.001, respectively). In multivariable analyses, neither an acute increase in serum creatinine ≥26.5 or ≥44 μmol/L was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes, all‐cause mortality, or differences in longer‐term eGFR slope. Findings were similar across the randomized treatment arms (p‐interaction >0.6 for all).

Conclusions

Following acute MI, patients assigned to sacubitril/valsartan had a higher frequency of initial increases in serum creatinine at 1 week, compared with ramipril. In adjusted models, initial increases in serum creatinine with either treatment were not associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes or changes in longer‐term kidney function.
Longitudinal relationship between organised and non‐organised physical activities and overall physical activity in children aged 3–11 years
Authors: Luukkainen Nanne‐Mari , Laukkanen Arto , Niemistö Donna , Kotkajuuri Jimi , Meklin Elina , Sääkslahti Arja
Published: July 2024

Young children's physical activity (PA) has been decreasing while their sports participation has been increasing. Therefore, the aim of this research was to longitudinally examine whether and, if so, how organised and non‐organised PA participation by early childhood education and care (ECEC)‐aged children (T1; 3–8 years) predicted their accelerometer‐measured PA at primary school age (T2; 7–11 years). Secondarily, changes in organised and non‐organised PA participation over time were investigated. The cluster‐randomised study participants comprised 501 Finnish children (52.3% girls: T1, Mage = 5.57 ± 1.06; T2, Mage = 8.80 ± 1.07). PA participation was queried via guardian questionnaire at T1 and T2. Organised PA participation was operationalised as non‐participation, participation in one sport or multisport (two or more) participation; non‐organised PA was operationalised as time spent outdoors on weekdays and on weekend days. PA at T2 was measured using accelerometers. The primary outcome was tested using linear regressions, while a paired sample t‐test and Mann–Whitney U test assessed differences between T1 and T2. The results showed outdoor time and organised sports participation increased from T1 to T2. Moreover, outdoor time at T1 predicted more moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) and less sedentary time at T2, while multisport participation predicted significantly more MVPA and less sedentary time at T2. Overall, being outdoors and multisport participation at younger ages appear to have predicted Finnish children's later (MV) PA and sedentary behaviour.
Evaluating ground vibration attenuation through leca‐filled trenches: A support vector machine approach
Authors: Rokni Mohsen Naghizadeh , Tavasoli Omid , Esmaeilabadi Reza , Saraf Amirpouya
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the effect of Leca‐filled barriers, both single and double‐walled trenches, on mitigating ground vibrations due to harmonic loads. A three‐dimensional finite element program, validated in comparison by aforementioned studies, was used alongside automated models created via Plaxis and Python integration. This approach facilitated the evaluation of trench effectiveness in both active and passive design scenarios. Our findings suggest that optimal trench dimensions for effective vibration reduction in active designs are a depth and width of approximately 1λr and 0.2λr, respectively. In passive designs, while trench depth becomes less significant, width plays a crucial role in both single and double‐wall systems. Additionally, a support vector machine algorithm was developed to forecast the performance of single‐wall trenches, showing a high correlation with numerical model outcomes. This underscores the algorithm's utility in predicting trench efficiency, highlighting the practical application of machine learning in geotechnical engineering.
Development and characterization of in‐situ nickel aluminide reinforced Al‐Si matrix composites by stir casting
Authors: Saiyathibrahim A. , Jatti Vijaykumar S. , Dhanapal P. , Mohan Dhanesh G.
Published: July 2024

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) exhibit promising mechanical properties that are required for the aeronautical and automotive industries. In the current research, A413 (eutectic AlSi) alloy is employed as matrix material, and nickel based trialuminide (Al3Ni) with primary Si particles as reinforcements to manufacture aluminium matrix composites through the stir casting process. A total of three varieties of composite alloys containing 3, 6, and 9 wt% of nickel were used to fabricate stir cast composites, and their microstructural features, along with mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness, were evaluated. Furthermore, the dry sliding wear behavior for three different applied loads (10, 20, and 30 N) was studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed nucleation of Al3Ni nickel trialuminide and increase of primary Si phases as well as exhibited even dissemination of such reinforcements in α‐Al. The composite with the highest nickel content (9 wt%) had a microstructure that consisted of 31 vol% in‐situ Al3Ni intermetallic and 8.1 vol% primary Si particles. This composite demonstrated a maximum increase of 25.93% in hardness and 40.30% in tensile strength. The quality index values of composites with in‐situ reinforcements were higher compared to that of A413 alloy, which had the lowest quality index value of 248.83 MPa, representing a 9.91% decrease. The impact strength of the composite was found to be reduced by a maximum of 50% and showed a significant loss in ductility also when compared with A413 aluminium alloy. Wear resistance was found to be increased with the evolution of in‐situ reinforcements inside the matrix, whereas an increase in applied load resulted in a higher wear rate. The uniform dispersion and good interfacial bonding between the aluminium matrix and in‐situ reinforcements (nickel trialuminide and primary Si) are showing preeminent mechanical properties and can be a novel composite material for industrial applications.
Sequential detection with feedback information for two‐way cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive internet of things
Authors: Wu Jun , Su Mingkun , Bao Jianrong , Qiao Lei , Xu Xiaorong , Wang Hao , Zhu Gefei , Cao Weiwei
Published: July 2024

With the rapid growth of internet of thing (IoT) devices, cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) has emerged as a promising solution to leverage the spatial diversity of multiple secondary IoT sensing nodes (SNs) for spectrum availability. However, the cooperative paradigm also incurs increased cooperative costs between each SN and the fusion center (FC), leading to decreased cooperative efficiency and achievable throughput, especially in large‐scale cognitive IoT (CIoT). To address these challenges, we present a sequential detection with feedback information (SD‐FI) approach in this paper. To achieve this objective, we propose a two‐way CSS model that formulates an optimization problem of Bayes cost in a quickest detection framework with feedback. To solve this optimization problem, we derive the structure of the optimal local decision rule from the local decision function and determine the optimal detection threshold in conjunction with the cost function. Following the optimal threshold pair, we implement the optimal SD‐FI and theoretically demonstrate the uniqueness of the optimal threshold and optimal sensing time. Simulation results demonstrate superiority of SD‐FI in terms of cooperative performance (i.e., detection performance and Bayes cost) and sample size. Notably, even with limited sensing time, our proposed SD‐FI exhibits high throughput, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing spectrum availability and utilization in CIoT.
Effect of Ionomer/Carbon Ratio and Catalytic Layer Thickness on the Operation of PEM Single Cells
Authors: González Rodríguez Leandro , Andújar Lapeña Rocío , Campana Prada Roberto , Sevilla Toboso Gema , Sánchez Molina Margarita
Published: July 2024

The electrochemical operation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with different Nafion/C composition (0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and the same ultralow platinum load (0.02 mgPt cm−2) has been investigated. The electrodes were manufactured by depositing the catalytic ink, prepared with catalyst HiSPEC9100, onto the gas diffusion layers by wet powder spraying. MEA with 30% Nafion/C reached the highest power density (675 mW cm−2) and the lowest mass of Pt per power (0.059 gPt kW−1) under H2/O2 2 bar gauge pressure, the last quotient being 1.7 time less than USDRIVE objective for 2025. The electrochemical functioning of current membrane‐electrode setups is compared with an analogous series with thicker electrode catalytic layer prepared with a commercial catalyst with a lower percent of Pt/C. Scanning electron microscopy characterization analysis of catalytic layers prepared by wet spraying exhibited an ionomer homogeneous network.
Modifications to the NEATS instrument for more appropriate and reproducible assessment of guidelines trustworthiness
Authors: Ghadimi Maryam , Guyatt Gordon , Brignardello‐Petersen Romina
Published: July 2024

Rational

The National Guideline Clearinghouse Extent of Adherence to Trustworthy Standards (NEATS) instrument measures the adherence of clinical practice guidelines to the trustworthiness standards proposed by the Institute of Medicine. However, rather than trustworthiness or methodological quality, the NEATS instrument evaluates the quality of reporting in addressing the management of conflict of interest of guideline development group members, systematic review process and assessment of the certainty of the evidence, rating the strength of recommendations, and updating plans. Furthermore, the NEATS instrument instructions on rating items are sufficiently limited that they may compromise the reproducibility of the instrument.

Methods (Modifications to the NEATS Instrument)

In the context of a specific methodological research project, we developed modifications to the NEATS instrument that include modifying the wording of items to capture trustworthiness rather than reporting quality and creating an algorithm for all items that maps responses to a series of prompting questions and guides the user in arriving at a rating from 1 to 5 or yes, no, or unknown, as applicable.

Implications

Modifications to the NEATS instrument present a structured and practical framework to assess the degree to which clinical practice guidelines are trustworthy, and they ensure that items evaluate trustworthiness and improve the reproducibility of assessments across a range of raters' level of expertise in guideline methodology.
Astrocyte‐TREM2 alleviates brain injury by regulating reactive astrocyte states following ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Cong , Dong Jing , Huang Heng , Zhou Kegui , Liu Zhenguo , Milner Richard , Li Longxuan
Published: July 2024

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) has been shown to confer strong neuroprotective effects in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, as the vast majority of research findings to date are based on its functions in microglia, the precise role of TREM2 in astrocytes after AIS is unknown. Here, both loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments were employed to investigate how astrocytic TREM2 influences the pathogenesis of AIS in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrated that cerebral ischemia triggered induction of TREM2 expression on reactive astrocytes following AIS. In addition, astrocyte‐specific TREM2 knockout mice exhibited much greater brain injury than TREM2 flox/flox controls following AIS, as evidenced by increased cerebral infarct volume, neuronal apoptosis and neurological deficit, which was associated with an increased expression of pro‐inflammatory molecule complement component 3 (C3) on reactive astrocytes and activation of microglia/macrophages but decreased expression of S100 calcium binding protein A10 (S100A10) and arginase1 (Arg1) on reactive astrocytes. Mechanistic analyses revealed that astrocytic TREM2 alleviated brain injury by inhibiting detrimental actions of reactive astrocytes but promoting their neuro‐ and glioprotective actions via the kruppel‐like transcription factor‐4‐nuclear factor‐κB axis. Together, this study provides novel evidence for a critical protective role of astrocyte‐derived TREM2 in AIS and highlights a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AIS.
DeepComBat: A statistically motivated, hyperparameter‐robust, deep learning approach to harmonization of neuroimaging data
Authors: Hu Fengling , Lucas Alfredo , Chen Andrew A. , Coleman Kyle , Horng Hannah , Ng Raymond W. S. , Tustison Nicholas J. , Davis Kathryn A. , Shou Haochang , Li Mingyao , Shinohara Russell T. ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2024

Neuroimaging data acquired using multiple scanners or protocols are increasingly available. However, such data exhibit technical artifacts across batches which introduce confounding and decrease reproducibility. This is especially true when multi‐batch data are analyzed using complex downstream models which are more likely to pick up on and implicitly incorporate batch‐related information. Previously proposed image harmonization methods have sought to remove these batch effects; however, batch effects remain detectable in the data after applying these methods. We present DeepComBat, a deep learning harmonization method based on a conditional variational autoencoder and the ComBat method. DeepComBat combines the strengths of statistical and deep learning methods in order to account for the multivariate relationships between features while simultaneously relaxing strong assumptions made by previous deep learning harmonization methods. As a result, DeepComBat can perform multivariate harmonization while preserving data structure and avoiding the introduction of synthetic artifacts. We apply this method to cortical thickness measurements from a cognitive‐aging cohort and show DeepComBat qualitatively and quantitatively outperforms existing methods in removing batch effects while preserving biological heterogeneity. Additionally, DeepComBat provides a new perspective for statistically motivated deep learning harmonization methods.
Periodontal and microbiological data in patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid in a French population in 2021–2022: A pilot cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ejeil Anne‐Laure , Gaultier Frédérick , Catherine Bisson , Chaubron Franck , Lupi Laurence , Dridi Sophie‐Myriam
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

In the case of mucous membrane pemphigoid with gingival expression (gMMP), the complete healing of the gingiva is generally not achieved despite medical treatment. Therefore, patients' oral comfort is impaired. The dysbiotic periodontal microbiota, generated by a lack of oral hygiene associated with persistent gingival pain, could the immunopathological mechanism to persist. The main objective of this study was to characterize the subgingival microbiota of the gMMP patients, and to highlight a potential link between this microbiological data and the clinical data.

Methods

Subgingival biofilm was collected from 15 gMMP patients, medically treated or not, but not receiving periodontal treatment. The usual clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. The biofilm was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction quantitative. The risk factors of severe erosive gingivitis and severe periodontitis were assessed using Chi‐square or Fischer's exact test were used.

Results

Whatever the medical and periodontal conditions of the patients, the results showed the existence of three main communities of periodontopathic, dysbiotic bacteria. The first including Tannnerella forsythia, Peptostreptococcus micros, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Campylobacter rectus, was found in 100% of the patients, the second enriched with Treponema denticola in 60% and the third enriched with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in 26%. Furthermore, there was a significant positive link between the duration of gMMP and the severity of erosive gingivitis (p = 0.009), and the loss of deep periodontal tissue (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests a high periodontal risk in gMMP patients. The pathological processes, autoimmune on the one hand and plaque‐induced on the other, may amplify each other. The application of periodontal therapy is therefore necessary in parallel with medical treatment. Nevertheless, further controlled studies are required to validate and complement these preliminary results.
Epidemiology and first aid measures in pediatric burn patients in northern China during 2016–2020: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Liu Tian , Qu Yirui , Chai Jiake , Liu Xiangyu , Hu Fangchao , Zhang Dongliang , Duan Hongjie , Chi Yunfei
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Burn and scald injuries are the fourth most common type of trauma. Pediatric burns account for a high proportion of the total number of burn patients and impose a high burden on public health. Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric burns can help improve science education and reduce the incidence of burn injuries.

Methods

This study is a single‐center retrospective study. One thousand five hundred and twenty‐seven pediatric burn patients admitted to our burn center from January 2016 to December 2020 were included. Demographic and epidemiological data of included patients were extracted and analyzed. The correlations of categorical data were tested by the Chi‐square tests, and differences of continuous data were tested by the Kruskal–Wallis tests. A p‐value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The results showed that children under 3 years of age were most susceptible to burn and scald injuries. Burn injuries were most likely to occur in the season of winter and at the place of home. 56.6% of included patients did receive first aid measures, while 1.8% received gold‐standard first aid. Clinical variables related to the severity of injuries were statistically different between patients with and without cooling measures in first aid. Linear regression models showed that emergency treatment of burns in children and adolescents was associated with outcome indicators, including number of operations, total operation duration per total burn surface area (TBSA), cost per TBSA, and length of stay per TBSA.

Conclusions

This study summarized the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric burn patients admitted to a burn center in northern China. Adopting cooling measures in first aid can reduce the severity of injuries and reduce the burden on the medical system. Education on burn prevention and first aid measures to caregivers of children, especially preschool children, should be strengthened.
Unsteady flow past an impulsively started infinite vertical plate in presence of thermal stratification and chemical reaction
Authors: Kalita Nitul , Kumar Himangshu , Nath Rupam Shankar , Deka Rudra Kanta
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze how thermal stratification affects fluid movement past an impulsively initiated infinite upright plate when first‐order chemical reactions are present. Laplace's transform method is applied to achieve a closed‐form solution for the nondimensional governing equations when . The formula , where t is the time and s is a parameter, can be used to obtain the Laplace transform of an exponentially ordered piece‐wise continuous function . The unstable flow past an infinite vertical plate, starting abruptly in the presence of heat stratification and chemical reactions, has never been studied before. The research focuses on the combined impact of thermal stratification and chemical processes on the flow of an incompressible viscous fluid over an indefinitely tall plate. In this study, the significant findings that resulted from heat stratification are compared to the condition in which heat stratification is absent. The impacts of a number of parameters, such as are investigated and visually displayed with respect to the following variables: concentration, velocity, shear stress, rate of heat transfer, temperature, and rate of mass transfer. It is demonstrated that applying stratification increases the frequency of oscillation in shear stress and heat transfer rate. The results obtained can be useful in the design of heat exchangers and other engineering applications.
Internal heat source in the vadose zone: A comprehensive exploration through theoretical spectral analysis and practical application into thermal diffusivity and hydraulic flux in a Quaternary soil water layer
Authors: Shih David Ching‐Fang
Published: July 2024

This groundbreaking study introduces a scientifically robust method for assessing internal heat generation in shallow, unsaturated aquifers, highlighting the intricate interplay between internal heat, thermal diffusivity, and hydraulic flux. The research pioneers a novel approach employing time‐frequency spectral analysis to address challenges posed by conventional methods that rely solely on prescribed thermal diffusivity and hydraulic flux for evaluating internal heat over time. Rooted in a solid theoretical framework supported by meticulous temperature and heat flux observations, the method adeptly incorporates the concept of an unknown internal heat. The study systematically explores three distinct boundary conditions, showcasing versatility: one with fixed temperatures at the inlet and outlet, another with known temperature at the inlet and no heat flux at the outlet, and a third with a prescribed inlet temperature and constrained outlet heat flux. The estimation of internal heat, coupled with prescribed thermal diffusivity and hydraulic flux, harnesses in‐situ temperature and heat flux spectra through an innovative inverse stochastic spectral approach. A notable feature of this research lies in its ability to strategically handle various parameters, including prescribed thermal diffusivity, hydraulic flux, variations in target depth, significant frequency components, and boundary conditions. The variation assessment findings emphasize the diverse range when predicting internal heat generation based on prescribed thermal diffusivity and hydraulic flux. This study facilitates the determination of potential internal heat magnitudes at different depths and provides profound insights into in‐situ conditions within the vadose zone.
Investigating hydrological recovery in regenerating coniferous stands in snow‐dominated watersheds using simultaneous localization and mapping‐enabled mobile terrestrial LiDAR
Authors: Potter Cydne R. , Green Kim C. , Peters Daniel L. , Niemann K. Olaf
Published: July 2024

The return of snow accumulation and ablation processes in regenerating forests to pre‐disturbance conditions, collectively referred to as hydrological recovery, has been investigated in past decades through manual snow surveys in adjacent open, juvenile, and mature stands. The outcomes of such studies provide a general understanding of hydrological recovery but lack transferability to areas where stand structure and terrain conditions differ from the reference sites. The application of mobile terrestrial LiDAR to investigate peak snow water equivalent (SWE) and ablation rates beneath regenerating trees in a space‐for‐time substitution study design provides new insights on the process of hydrological recovery in snowmelt forests of British Columbia, Canada. Outcomes of this study better quantify the influence of tree growth on peak SWE and ablation rate at both the tree and stand level for north aspect mixed conifer stands. Recovery of these two processes differ with recovery of Peak SWE beginning when the trees in a stand reach 3 m in height and recovery of ablation rates beginning once trees reach 5 m in height. Additionally, the process of negative ablation recovery in early juvenile stands reported in previous studies is herein clearly observed, providing an improved understanding of forest canopy effects on hydrological recovery in juvenile stands. The methods used in this study, which are internationally applicable, increase transferability of outcomes to stands where canopy characteristics (i.e., height, crown cover, and heterogeneity) are not represented in reference sites.
Pre‐diagnostic plasma advanced glycation end‐products and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end‐products and mortality in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Jinze , Roshelli Baker Jacqueline , Aglago Elom K. , Zhao Zhiwei , Jiao Li , Freisling Heinz , Hughes David J. , Eriksen Anne Kirstine , Tjønneland Anne , Severi Gianluca , Katzke Verena , Kaaks Rudolf , Schulze Matthias B. , Masala Giovanna , Pala Valeria , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Tumino Rosario , Padroni Lisa , Vermeulen Roel C. H. , Gram Inger T. , Braaten Tonje , Jakszyn Paula Gabriela , Sánchez Maria‐José , Gómez‐Gómez Jesús‐Humberto , Moreno‐Iribas Conchi , Amiano Pilar , Papier Keren , Weiderpass Elisabete , Huybrechts Inge , Heath Alicia K. , Schalkwijk Casper , Jenab Mazda , Fedirko Veronika
Published: July 2024

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs), formed endogenously or obtained exogenously from diet, may contribute to chronic inflammation, intracellular signaling alterations, and pathogenesis of several chronic diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of AGEs in CRC survival is less known. The associations of pre‐diagnostic circulating AGEs and their soluble receptor (sRAGE) with CRC‐specific and overall mortality were estimated using multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression among 1369 CRC cases in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Concentrations of major plasma AGEs, Nε‐[carboxy‐methyl]lysine (CML), Nε‐[carboxy‐ethyl]lysine (CEL) and Nδ‐[5‐hydro‐5‐methyl‐4‐imidazolon‐2‐yl]‐ornithine (MG‐H1), were measured using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography mass‐spectrometry. sRAGE was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Over a mean follow‐up period of 96 months, 693 deaths occurred of which 541 were due to CRC. Individual and combined AGEs were not statistically significantly associated with CRC‐specific or overall mortality. However, there was a possible interaction by sex for CEL (Pinteraction = .05). Participants with higher sRAGE had a higher risk of dying from CRC (HRQ5vs.Q1 = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.21–2.30, Ptrend = .02) or any cause (HRQ5vs.Q1 = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05–1.83, Ptrend = .09). These associations tended to be stronger among cases with diabetes (Pinteraction = .03) and pre‐diabetes (Pinteraction <.01) before CRC diagnosis. Pre‐diagnostic AGEs were not associated with CRC‐specific and overall mortality in individuals with CRC. However, a positive association was observed for sRAGE. Our findings may stimulate further research on the role of AGEs and sRAGE in survival among cancer patients with special emphasis on potential effect modifications by sex and diabetes.
SARS‐CoV‐2 genome detection and viral viability in breast milk samples of unvaccinated postpartum women
Authors: Nobrega Guilherme de Moraes , Granja Fabiana , Pietro Luciana , Ribeiro‐do‐Valle Carolina Carvalho , Amorim Mariene Ribeiro , Forato Julia , Metelus Sherly , Silveira Carla , Souza Renato Teixeira , Cecatti José Guilherme , Proenca‐Modena José Luiz , Costa Maria Laura
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

This assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 in breast milk is reassuring for the maintenance of breastfeeding even in cases of infected pregnant women unvaccinated for COVID‐19.
New perspectives on fighting violence against women
Authors: Kumari S. Shantha , Sohail Rubina , Benagiano Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Gender‐based violence (GBV) and, more specifically, violence against women (VAW) are commonly considered a consequence of a patriarchal structure—a social system granting the senior male absolute authority over the family and the community as a whole. Anthropologists have documented that human male dominance is rooted in evolution, with male violent behavior observed among the great apes. Given that evolution is a continuous process, human progress over millennia has modified pre‐existing behavior, demonstrating that humans can move beyond ancestral ways of life over time. Precisely because of the imperative to change and improve, at the global international level as well as in individual countries, strong movements are in action to eliminate GBV/VAW. FIGO has been and continues to be at the forefront of the battle for equality, with initiatives that cover many aspects of this, including the imperative to involve men, who—in the majority of cases—are the perpetrators. Since men are often the root of the problem, they must also be at the forefront of the battle to eradicate it. GBV/VAW comprises many facets, including selective female abortion, infanticide, femicide, honor killing, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These deeply rooted forms of violence continue to perpetuate gender inequalities, remain major obstacles to health and societal progress, and violate the most basic human rights.
“I would love for teachers to teach in a way that relates to my culture”: African immigrant youth composing digital collages
Authors: Boateng Sandra , Watson Vaughn W. M. , Berends Joel , Hateka Dominic
Published: July 2024

We share digital collages composed by youth in Lit Diaspora, a community‐based after‐school literacy initiative involving Black African immigrant youth and adult collaborators, as one contemporary example of rendering visible the contours of the educational lives of African immigrant youth, among the fastest growing immigrant communities in the U.S. We do so amid anti‐Black, anti‐immigrant discourse and policy in schools, workplaces, and society in the U.S. and globally. Thus, in framing our inquiry, we examine how educators and researchers, attending to the varied diaspora digital literacies and educational experiences of African immigrant youth: talk back to deficit narratives of their lived schooling experiences; navigate literacy learning across contexts of families and elders; demonstrate social and civic literacies that extend youth's identities; and affirm cultural and embodied knowledge, language, and practices.
Predictive value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography for the early diagnosis of renal dysfunction after kidney transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Rong , Li Yini , Tang Bin , Luo Zhijian , Li Mingxing
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the changes in renal cortical microperfusion and quantitative contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) parameters after kidney transplantation, and to determine the evidence‐based value of CEUS in predicting renal dysfunction.

Methods

The Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published from 2000 to 2023 on the use of CEUS to assess the renal cortical microcirculation after kidney transplantation. Subject terms and related keywords were combined, and a meta‐analysis and systematic review were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Results

The search yielded six studies involving 451 patients with moderate to high overall quality. The peak intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.13 to −0.15,p = 0.01) of CEUS was significantly lower in patients with renal dysfunction than in those with stable renal function. However, the time to peak (SMD: 0.28, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.52,p = 0.02) was significantly shorter in patients with renal dysfunction than in those with stable renal function. The total renal cortical microperfusion and renal cortical perfusion intensity were decreased, and the perfusion time was prolonged, in patients with renal dysfunction after kidney transplantation.

Conclusion

CEUS parameters can reflect real‐time changes in renal cortical microperfusion, thus providing a basis for the early diagnosis of renal dysfunction after kidney transplantation.
Enhancing phosphorus availability in biochar: Comparing sulfuric acid treatment to biological acidification approaches
Authors: Kopp Clara , Regueiro Iria , Stoumann‐Jensen Lars , Müller‐Stöver Dorette , Fangueiro David
Published: July 2024

Background

The use of sulfuric acid (SA) to acidify biochars is known to enhance their phosphorus (P) fertilizer value. Potentially, biological approaches such as lowering the pH of biochar by lactic acid co‐fermentation or applying biochar with a nitrification inhibitor (NI) to reduce rhizosphere pH are an alternative to SA.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the two methods for increasing plant P availability from two biochars and compare them with SA‐treated biochars (as a reference) in a pot experiment.

Methods

Meat and bone meal biochar (MB‐C) and digestate solids biochar (DS‐C) were bio‐acidified (BA) by lactic acid fermentation with organic waste. The untreated, SA‐treated, BA biochars, and biochars co‐applied with a NI (3,4‐dimethylpyrazolephosphate) were tested in a pot experiment with maize.

Results

The fermentation reduced the pH of the organic waste biochar mixtures to <4.3 and increased water‐extractable P (WEP) to 30% of total P. The untreated biochars had a mineral fertilizer replacement value of >50% and SA increased replacement values to ≈100%. The application of NI did not affect rhizosphere pH or P uptake. The BA MB‐C increased soil solution P concentration, but P uptake did not significantly increase. The application of the BA DS‐C raised soil pH and reduced plant P uptake and biomass.

Conclusion

The untreated biochars showed considerable P fertilizer effectiveness, suggesting that acidification may not always be necessary. Rhizosphere acidification and the bio‐acidification of biochars were not effective in further increasing P uptake, despite higher levels of WEP.
Effect of carnosine on nitrosamine formation in gastric‐simulated aqueous and lipid environments
Authors: Li Yi Yao , Yaylayan Varoujan , Palin Marie‐France , Ngapo Tania M , Cliche Simon , Gagnon Fleur , Gariépy Claude
Published: July 2024

Background

Nitrite salts are frequently utilized as meat additives to improve the quality and safety of processed meat products. However, these salts are associated with the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Given its potential regulating effect on the formation of intermediate molecules, such as nitric oxide, it is hypothesized that carnosine, a meat constituent possessing antioxidant activity and other multiple health benefits, could dampen the formation of nitrosamines. The current study therefore assessed the effect of carnosine on nitrosamine formation in both a monophasic aqueous system and a biphasic water–lipid system simulating a gastric environment.

Results

In the monophasic system, relatively high levels of carnosine were required to significantly reduce the formation of different species of nitrosamine compared with the control (no carnosine). While higher levels of some nitrosamines were generated in both phases of the biphasic system, low carnosine concentrations significantly suppressed nitrosamine formation in the aqueous phase, while in the lipid phase, intermediate levels of carnosine were required. At higher carnosine levels, further reduction in nitrosamines was observed in the lipid phase.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the capacity of carnosine to reduce nitrosamine formation in aqueous and lipid environments and suggests the potential of dietary carnosine to lower the risks associated with the consumption of processed meat products. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada.
Nickel‐ion substituted hydroxyapatite matrices for metal‐affinity chromatographic purification of recombinant proteins
Authors: Ashokan Anbuthangam , Kumar T. S. Sampath , Jayaraman Guhan
Published: July 2024

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a calcium phosphate ceramic, widely used as a matrix for protein chromatography. The crystal structure of HAp is amenable to a wide range of substitutions, thus allowing for the alteration of its properties. In this study, nickel‐ion substituted HAp (NiSHAp) was synthesized using a wet‐precipitation method, followed by spray drying. This resulted in the structural incorporation of nickel ions within well‐defined microspheres, which were suitable for chromatographic applications. The chromatographic experiments were conducted with NiSHAp and compared with spray‐dried hydroxyapatite (SHAp) matrices. Protein purification experiments were conducted using refolded recombinant L‐asparaginase (L‐Asp), which was produced as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The results showed that NiSHAp effectively adsorbed L‐Asp, which was selectively eluted using a phosphate buffer, surpassing the efficiency of imidazole‐based elution. In contrast, SHAp showed weaker binding and lower selectivity. The significance of this study lies in developing a scalable NiSHAp matrix for protein purification, especially for large‐scale applications. The NiSHAp matrix offers a cost‐effective alternative to commercial immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) adsorbents, especially for purifying His‐tagged proteins. This innovative approach exhibits the advantages of mixed‐mode chromatography by combining the properties of hydroxyapatite and IMAC in a single matrix, with the potential of improved industrial‐scale protein purification.
Modelling generation Z tourists' social responsibility toward environmentally responsible behaviour: The role of eco‐travel cravings
Authors: Chang Jennifer Yee‐Shan , Lim Xin‐Jean , Luo Xi , Cheah Jun‐Hwa , Morrison Alastair M. , Hall C. Michael
Published: July 2024

Generation Z (Gen Z) is believed to be more socially and environmentally committed. While environmentally responsible behaviour is crucial to the success of sustainable tourism, little is known about Gen Z's specific environmental behaviours in tourism settings. In this research, the roles of Gen Z's consumption emotions and environmentally friendly behaviour were explored based on cognitive appraisal and elaborated intrusion theories. The moderation impact of eco‐travel cravings was also examined. With 336 valid responses collected from Gen Z tourists, it was found that destination social responsibility significantly impacted consumption emotions, but only positive emotions had direct effects on environmentally responsible behaviour and environmentally friendly tourism behaviour. The associations of emotions with environmentally responsible behaviour were also moderated by eco‐travel cravings. The results offer theoretical and managerial implications for understanding Gen Z tourists that can help to accomplish sustainable tourism.
Rethinking growth orientation: Do ski‐resorts' strategies fit the profiles of today's alpine skiers?
Authors: Bausch Thomas , Ortanderl Florian , Pröbstl‐Haider Ulrike
Published: July 2024

The strategy and marketing of ski resorts in the European Alps are still characterized by growth orientation and the extension of technical snow production to ensure high snow reliability. In contrast, this study hypothesizes that besides a high‐performing ski resort, winter ski vacationists have further expectations for activities during their stay varying by their skiing skill level and personal preferences. The present study surveys 1413 Alpine ski tourists to identify their daily routines, activities, and used ski resort services. The findings uncover significant differences in the activity profiles with six clearly distinguishable guest segments. The results highlight the need for custom‐tailored product development considering the complete set of winter experiences as well as pricing strategies that specifically target the identified segments. Furthermore, the findings underline that ski resort and destination managers need to include daily changes in snow and weather conditions in their strategies considering climate and demographic change.
Eagle syndrome presentation and outcomes in a large surgical case series
Authors: Held Michael E. , Farsi Soroush , Creighton Erin R. Weatherford , Davis Kyle P. , King Deanne L. , Suen James Y.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe both the common and uncommon symptoms associated with Eagle syndrome and share our experience treating a large group of patients with surgical intervention, primarily intraoral excision of the calcified stylohyoid ligament.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 56 patients at least 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of Eagle syndrome. All operations were conducted by a single surgeon at a tertiary medical center from 2015 to 2022. Charts were reviewed for demographics, prior medical/surgical history, symptoms, imaging results, operative details, and follow‐up history. A phone survey inquired about presenting symptoms and symptom resolution following surgery.

Results

The most common areas of pain were the ear (64.3%), underneath the angle of the mandible (50%), throat (46.4%), and neck (30.4%). Over 70% of patients reported tinnitus, dysphagia, and pain that were exacerbated by head rotation. Fifty‐one of the 56 patients underwent surgical treatment, 92.2% via intraoral and 7.8% via cervical approaches. All patients (100%) reached in a phone survey stated that their symptoms resolved or improved after surgery.

Conclusion

Eagle syndrome typically presents with common symptoms. However, healthcare providers must also be vigilant for less common manifestations, such as seizures or episodes of dizziness/fainting. These may be caused by calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. Intraoral surgical resection of the calcified ligament is a safe and effective treatment for most patients.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Protein analysis by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Venter Andre R.
Published: July 2024

This review presents progress made in the ambient analysis of proteins, in particular by desorption electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS). Related ambient ionization techniques are discussed in comparison to DESI‐MS only to illustrate the larger context of protein analysis by ambient ionization mass spectrometry. The review describes early and current approaches for the analysis of undigested proteins, native proteins, tryptic digests, and indirect protein determination through reporter molecules. Applications to mass spectrometry imaging for protein spatial distributions, the identification of posttranslational modifications, determination of binding stoichiometries, and enzymatic transformations are discussed. The analytical capabilities of other ambient ionization techniques such as LESA and nano‐DESI currently exceed those of DESI‐MS for in situ surface sampling of intact proteins from tissues. This review shows, however, that despite its many limitations, DESI‐MS is making valuable contributions to protein analysis. The challenges in sensitivity, spatial resolution, and mass range are surmountable obstacles and further development and improvements to DESI‐MS is justified.
Patient Experience and Feasibility of a Remote Monitoring System in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Maas Bart R. , Speelberg Daniël H.B. , de Vries Gert‐Jan , Valenti Giulio , Ejupi Andreas , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Darweesh Sirwan K.L. , de Vries Nienke M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Remote monitoring systems have the potential to measure symptoms and treatment effects in people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) in the home environment. However, information about user experience and long‐term compliance of such systems in a large group of PwP with relatively severe PD symptoms is lacking.

Objective

The aim was to gain insight into user experience and long‐term compliance of a smartwatch (to be worn 24/7) and an online dashboard to report falls and receive feedback of data.

Methods

We analyzed the data of the “Bringing Parkinson Care Back Home” study, a 1‐year observational cohort study in 200 PwP with a fall history. User experience, compliance, and reasons for noncompliance were described. Multiple Cox regression models were used to identify determinants of 1‐year compliance.

Results

We included 200 PwP (mean age: 69 years, 37% women), of whom 116 (58%) completed the 1‐year study. The main reasons for dropping out of the study were technical problems (61 of 118 reasons). Median wear time of the smartwatch was 17.5 h/day. The online dashboard was used by 77% of participants to report falls. Smartphone possession, shorter disease duration, more severe motor symptoms, and less‐severe freezing and balance problems, but not age and gender, were associated with a higher likelihood of 1‐year compliance.

Conclusions

The 1‐year compliance with this specific smartwatch was moderate, and the user experience was generally good, except battery life and data transfer. Future studies can build on these findings by incorporating a smartwatch that is less prone to technical issues.