bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical characterization of medaka (Oryzias latipes) fibrinogen gamma and its gene disruption resulting in anemia as a model fish
Authors: Meng Qi , Watanabe Yuko , Tatsukawa Hideki , Hashimoto Hisashi , Hitomi Kiyotaka
Published: August 2022

At the final stages of blood coagulation, fibrinogen is processed into insoluble fibrin by thrombin resulting in fibril-like structure formation. Via further cross-linking reactions between the fibrin gamma subunit by the catalytic action of blood transglutaminase (Factor XIII), this molecule gains further physical stability. Meanwhile, since fibrinogen is expressed in various cells and tissues, this molecule can exhibit other functions apart from its role in blood coagulation. To create a system studying on aberrant coagulation and investigate the physiological functions, using a model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes), we established gene-deficient mutants of fibrinogen gamma subunit protein in parallel with its biochemical analysis, such as tissue distribution pattern and substrate properties. By genetic deletion via genome editing, two distinct mutants displayed retardation of blood coagulation. The mutants showed lower hematocrit with aberrant erythrocyte maturation, which indicates that fibrin deficiency caused severe anemia, and also appeared as a model for investigation of the fibrin function.
Lean Six Sigma Methodologies to Reduce the Cardiac Troponin Turnaround Time in the Core Laboratory
Authors: Vasani Niketa M , Patel Biren D , Stanford Brian J
Published: August 2022

Objective

Measurement of cardiac biomarker troponin T plays a vital role in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. A quick turnaround time (TAT) for cardiac troponin T is crucial in managing patients in the emergency department and critical care unit. The goal of the study was to implement Lean Six Sigma methods to improve stat troponin T TAT compliance rate (the time specimen received in the laboratory to the reporting of results through the laboratory information system [LIS]) from 86% to 95% in an 8-month period.

Methods

We conducted a quality and process improvement project to reduce stat troponin T TAT in the core laboratory. We used a 5-stage Six Sigma methodology to simplify the laboratory work process and decrease the TAT by eliminating non-value-added steps. Data from April 2021 (baseline) and January 2022 (improved) are included in the analysis.

Results

In the core laboratory, we improved the TAT for the preanalytical and analytical process by eliminating the batch processing and prioritizing the stat samples. We improved the TAT for the postanalytical process by replacing manual result verification with auto result verification via an LIS. Improved stat troponin T TAT compliance rate has the potential to enhance the overall quality of patient care, especially in the emergency and critical care departments.

Conclusion

Using Lean Six Sigma methodologies in the core laboratory, we successfully improved the stat troponin T TAT compliance rate from 86% to 95% in an 8-month period.
Crossmodal Basing
Authors: Jenkin Zoe
Published: August 2022

What kinds of mental states can be based on epistemic reasons? The standard answer is only beliefs. I argue that perceptual states can also be based on reasons, as the result of crossmodal interactions. A perceptual state from one modality can provide a reason on which an experience in another modality is based. My argument identifies key markers of the basing relation and locates them in the crossmodal Marimba Illusion (Schutz & Kubovy 2009). The subject’s auditory experience of musical tone duration is based on the reason provided by her visual representation of the length of the musician’s gesture and other stored perceptual principles.
Comment on “Orbital precession of the S2 star in scalar–tensor–vector gravity”
Authors: Turimov Bobur V
Published: August 2022

The explicit derivation for the periastron precession of the S2-star orbiting around the supermassive black hole located in the centre of the Milky Way in the scalar–tensor–vector gravity has been discussed.
Propagating Alfvén waves in open structures with random structuring
Authors: Pascoe D J , De Moortel I , Pagano P , Howson T A
Published: August 2022

We consider the behaviour of Alfvén waves propagating in a medium with random density perturbations. The imposed density perturbations have a broad-band spectrum and their characteristic spatial scale may be defined according to the peak in the spectrum. The interaction of the boundary driven Alfvén waves with the medium generates reflections most efficiently when their wavelength is comparable to the spatial scale of the density perturbations. For our monotonic driver, this leads to the generation of quasi-periodic oscillations. The periods of oscillation of the propagating Alfvén waves is no longer only associated with the driver. Additional periodicities may be associated with one or more characteristic spatial scales in the density profile, or with beating between other spectral components. Multiple wave reflections cause oscillatory power to be retained at low altitudes, increasing opportunities to contribute to heating at those locations.
Galaxy formation in the Santa Cruz semi-analytic model compared with IllustrisTNG – I. Galaxy scaling relations, dispersions, and residuals at z = 0
Authors: Gabrielpillai Austen , Somerville Rachel S , Genel Shy , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Pandya Viraj , Yung L Y Aaron , Hernquist Lars
Published: August 2022

We present the first results from applying the Santa Cruz semi-analytic model (SAM) for galaxy formation on merger trees extracted from a dark matter only version of the IllustrisTNG (TNG) simulations. We carry out a statistical comparison between the predictions of the Santa Cruz SAM and TNG for a subset of central galaxy properties at z = 0 with a focus on stellar mass, cold and hot gas mass, star formation rate (SFR), and black hole (BH) mass. We find fairly good agreement between the mean predictions of the two methods for stellar mass functions and the stellar mass versus halo mass (SMHM) relation, and qualitatively good agreement between the SFR or cold gas mass versus stellar mass relation and quenched fraction as a function of stellar mass There are greater differences between the predictions for hot (circumgalactic) gas mass and BH mass as a function of halo mass. Going beyond the mean relations, we also compare the dispersion in the predicted scaling relations, and the correlation in residuals on a halo-by-halo basis between halo mass and galaxy property scaling relations. Intriguingly, we find similar correlations between residuals in SMHM in the SAM and in TNG, suggesting that these relations may be shaped by similar physical processes. Other scaling relations do not show significant correlations in the residuals, indicating that the physics implementations in the SAM and TNG are significantly different.
Neurophenomenal structuralism. A philosophical agenda for a structuralist neuroscience of consciousness
Authors: Lyre Holger
Published: August 2022

The program of “neurophenomenal structuralism” is presented as an agenda for a genuine structuralist neuroscience of consciousness that seeks to understand specific phenomenal experiences as strictly relational affairs. The paper covers a broad range of topics. It starts from considerations about neural change detection and relational coding that motivate a solution of the Newman problem of the brain in terms of spatiotemporal relations. Next, phenomenal quality spaces and their Q-structures are discussed. Neurophenomenal structuralism proclaims a homomorphic mapping of the structures of self-organized neural maps in the brain onto Q-structures, and it will be demonstrated how this leads to a new and special version of structural representationalism about phenomenal content. A methodological implication of neurophenomenal structuralism is that it proposes measurement procedures that focus on the relationships between different stimuli (as, for instance, similarity ratings or representational geometry methods). Finally, it will be shown that neurophenomenal structuralism also has strong philosophical implications, as it leads to holism about phenomenal experiences and serves to reject inverted qualia scenarios.
Malignancies in adult kidney transplant candidates and recipients: current status
Authors: Serkies Krystyna , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Kowalczyk Anna , Lizakowski Sławomir , Małyszko Jolanta
Published: August 2022

Posttransplant malignancies, particularly recurrent and de novo, in solid organs including kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are a significant complication associated with substantial mortality, largely attributed to the long-term immunosuppression necessary to maintain allograft tolerance. Older age at transplantation and oncogenic virus infection along with pretransplant malignancies are among the main factors contributing to the risk of cancer in this population. As the mean age of transplant candidates rises, the rate of transplant recipients with pretransplant malignancies also increases. The eligibility criteria for transplantation in patients with prior cancer have recently changed. The overall risk of posttransplant malignancies is at least double after transplantation, including KTRs, relative to the general population, and is most pronounced for skin cancers associated with UV radiation and virally mediated tumors. The risk of renal cell carcinoma is specifically increased in the kidney transplant population. The therapy for cancer in transplant patients is associated with risk of higher toxicity, and graft rejection and/or impairment, which poses a unique challenge in its management. Reduction of immunosuppression and the use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors are common after cancer diagnosis, although optimal immunosuppression for transplant recipients with cancer remains undefined. Suboptimal cancer treatment contributing to a worse prognosis has been reported for malignancies in this population. In this article, we focus on the prevalence and outcomes of posttransplant malignancies, cancer therapy including a short overview of immunotherapy, cancer screening and prevention strategies, and immunosuppression as a cancer risk factor. The 2020/2021 recommendations of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes and the American Society of Transplantation for transplant candidates with a history of cancer are presented.
Recycled Crustal Components of the Iceland Plume Centre: Ultra-Dehydrated Crust and Oxidised Water-Bearing Fertile Mantle
Authors: Holm Paul Martin , Berthoty Patrik , Søager Nina
Published: August 2022

Primitive basalts erupted mainly above the proposed centre of the Iceland plume have been analysed geochemically. The data shed light on the distribution of plume heterogeneities and constrain their nature and origin. Low-Ca (down to 1420 ppm) olivine macrocrysts and chromite inclusions in Snæfell rocks of the eastern flank zone indicate that the magmas were hydrous (c. 2 wt% H2O) and relatively oxidised (fO2 = c. ΔQMF+1). Al-in-olivine crystallisation temperatures indicate that magmas from central Iceland magmas are not hotter than from other parts of Iceland. Some Gæsafjöll rocks with high Nb/U = 110–120 from the northern rift zone (NRZ) represent magmas widespread in Iceland that are also characterised by low Ba/La and high La/U, La/Th, Nb/Th and Ce/Pb. They reflect a mantle component with Nb/U ≈ 200 present in many basalts of all rift zones. This mantle apparently consists of peridotite refertilised by ultra-dehydrated recycled oceanic crust (ROC). This component is in clear contrast to the main source of the Snæfell magmas, which is modelled to be peridotite strongly refertilised by enriched ROC more hydrous than Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt. In contrast to more-depleted rift zone melts, which are extracted from depths just below the thin rifted lithosphere, some rift zone basalts are extracted deeper and produced by intermediate degrees of melting of the two types of refertilised mantle. Snæfell-type melts are common in the NRZ and eastern rift zones (ERZ) and most strongly present at Upptyppingar. Mixing of magmas is indicated at crustal levels. Mantle melting may be modelled for homogeneous sources of peridotite or olivine websterite. Double-spike Pb isotope analyses suggest that the depleted mantle sources of the ERZ basalts together with Snæfell and high-Nb/U sources, both with 206Pb/204Pb = 18.3–18.6, Δ207Pb ≈ 0 and Δ208Pb = 20–30, explain both ERZ and NRZ magmas, except for Theistareykir. They are distinct from magmas of the western rift zone, which is characterised by melt contributions from a differently enriched mantle with more radiogenic lead, negative Δ207Pb, Δ208Pb ≈ 0. This difference in type of enriched mantle suggests that the Iceland mantle plume is laterally zoned.
The reproducibility of COVID-19 data analysis: paradoxes, pitfalls, and future challenges
Authors: Serio Clelia Di , Malgaroli Antonio , Ferrari Paolo , Kenett Ron S
Published: August 2022

In the midst of the COVID-19 experience, we learned an important scientific lesson: knowledge acquisition and information quality in medicine depends more on “data quality” rather than “data quantity.” The large number of COVID-19 reports, published in a very short time, demonstrated that the most advanced statistical and computational tools cannot properly overcome the poor quality of acquired data. The main evidence for this observation comes from the poor reproducibility of results. Indeed, understanding the data generation process is fundamental when investigating scientific questions such as prevalence, immunity, transmissibility, and susceptibility. Most of COVID-19 studies are case reports based on “non probability” sampling and do not adhere to the general principles of controlled experimental designs. Such collected data suffers from many limitations when used to derive clinical conclusions. These include confounding factors, measurement errors and bias selection effects. Each of these elements represents a source of uncertainty, which is often ignored or assumed to provide an unbiased random contribution. Inference retrieved from large data in medicine is also affected by data protection policies that, while protecting patients’ privacy, are likely to reduce consistently usefulness of big data in achieving fundamental goals such as effective and efficient data-integration. This limits the degree of generalizability of scientific studies and leads to paradoxical and conflicting conclusions. We provide such examples from assessing the role of risks factors. In conclusion, new paradigms and new designs schemes are needed in order to reach inferential conclusions that are meaningful and informative when dealing with data collected during emergencies like COVID-19.
4E-BP1 counteracts human mesenchymal stem cell senescence via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: He Yifang , Ji Qianzhao , Wu Zeming , Cai Yusheng , Yin Jian , Zhang Yiyuan , Zhang Sheng , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Guang-Hui , Wang Si , Song Moshi , Qu Jing
Published: August 2022

Although the mTOR-4E-BP1 signaling pathway is implicated in aging and aging-related disorders, the role of 4E-BP1 in regulating human stem cell homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression of 4E-BP1 decreases along with the senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genetic inactivation of 4E-BP1 in hMSCs compromises mitochondrial respiration, increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accelerates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the absence of 4E-BP1 destabilizes proteins in mitochondrial respiration complexes, especially several key subunits of the complex III including UQCRC2. Ectopic expression of 4E-BP1 attenuates mitochondrial abnormalities and alleviates cellular senescence in 4E-BP1-deficient hMSCs as well as in physiologically aged hMSCs. These findings together demonstrate that 4E-BP1 functions as a geroprotector to mitigate human stem cell senescence and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly for the mitochondrial respiration complex III, thus providing a new potential target to counteract human stem cell senescence.
CZECH RADIOGRAPHERS’ PERCEPTION OF ETHICAL ASPECTS OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION
Authors: Zölzer Friedo , Lotterová Zuzana , Skalická Zuzana Freitinger
Published: August 2022

This study assessed the perception of ethics by 40 radiographers and 30 radiography students in the Czech Republic. Most respondents confirmed that they considered the topic to be important for their profession. The majority of radiographers, but only few students, had encountered some ethical dilemma during their work. Almost all were aware of the existence of a Code of Ethics for radiographers, and the majority had at least some ethics education during their professional training. Our findings differ from those of similar surveys in the USA published in 2013 and 2015. In these, two-thirds of the respondents stated that they had not received any instruction in ethics during their training, and one-third indicated that they had witnessed unethical behaviour in their profession. We conclude that the ethics education of Czech radiographers makes them more aware of ethical problems when they encounter them.
RADIATION DAMAGE TO DNA PLASMIDS IN THE PRESENCE OF BOROCAPTATES
Authors: Jamborová Zuzana , Pachnerová Brabcová Kateřina , Jelínek Michaelidesová Anna , Zahradníček Oldřich , Danilová Irina , Ukraintsev Egor , Kundrát Pavel , Štěpán Václav , Davídková Marie
Published: August 2022

Boron derivatives have great potential in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Borocaptates are used in boron neutron capture therapy and potentially in proton boron fusion therapy. This work examines modulation effects of two borocaptate compounds on radiation-induced DNA damage. Aqueous solutions of pBR322 plasmid containing increasing concentrations of borocaptates were irradiated with 60Co gamma rays or 30 MeV protons. Induction of single and double DNA strand breaks was investigated using agarose gel electrophoresis. In this model system, representing DNA without the intervention of cellular repair mechanisms, the boron derivatives acted as antioxidants. Clinically relevant boron concentrations of 40 ppm reduced the DNA single strand breakage seven-fold. Possible mechanisms of the observed effect are discussed.
PRECAUTION IN THE USE OF EFFECTIVE DOSE IN CORONARY CT ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Bárdyová Zuzana , Horváthová Martina , Gomola Igor , Neuschl Vladimír , Šimková Jana
Published: August 2022

The effective dose is a quantity used in clinical practice for statistical evaluation of the radiation dose of patients undergoing different types of examinations. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a specific examination whose calculated effective dose may be subject to several biases. For this reason, it is important to consider factors (different examination techniques, heart rate and patient habitus) that may influence its resulting value. Another critical factor is the methodological procedure for calculating the effective dose and cardiac-specific coefficient used to estimate effective dose from the dose-length product in computed tomography. Because CCTA is increasingly used in cardiology, it is recommended that the chest coefficient be replaced with a new cardiac coefficient when calculating the effective dose.
CURRENT TRENDS OF RADIATION PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Authors: Budošová Darina , Horváthová Martina , Bárdyová Zuzana , Balázs Tibor
Published: August 2022

Interventional radiology represents subspecialty of radiology, which does not use imaging modalities only for diagnostics, but mostly for therapeutic purposes. Realisation of interventional procedures is done through X-rays, which replaces direct visual control done by interventional radiologist or cardiologist. For the targeted reduction of the radiation exposure, the interventional radiology staff use personal protective equipment. Usually, aprons with lead-equivalent are used, which provide protection for 75% of the radiosensitive organs. As the eye lens and thyroid gland belong to the radiosensitive organs, lead eyeglasses and thyroid collar are commonly used for their protection. Cap and gloves with lead-equivalent can be utilised as an additional personal protective equipment, that is commercially available. Innovative protection systems, such as mobile radiation protection cabin and suspended radiation protection, have been designed to ensure better radiation protection and safety. These systems provide the comfort for the interventional radiologists at work, while offering better protection against ionising radiation.
MODELING THE SPATIAL RESOLUTION AND FLIGHT ALTITUDE DEPENDENCE OF THE RESPONSE IN RADIOMETRIC MONITORING USING UAV
Authors: Klusoň Jaroslav
Published: August 2022

The result interpretation of a terrain airborne radiometric monitoring depends, among others, on the spatial resolution of the measurement (i.e. the area from which the value of the measured quantity is averaged) and on the altitude dependence of the response of the measuring device. For the needs of monitoring using unmanned aerial vehicles, the approximate values of these parameters were determined by stochastic calculations for selected model conditions. Calculations were of natural background components (K, U and Th) and the surface contamination with radionuclides emitting energies was in the range of 0.3–3 MeV. The dependence on the source radius was modeled in the range of 2–450 m and flight altitude dependence was modeled in the range of 1–30 m. The modeled dependencies are used to refine the interpretation of experimental data, or to optimize the planning of monitoring the flight routes, according to specified monitoring objectives.
DETERMINATION OF URANIUM AND THORIUM SURFACE DISTRIBUTION IN GEOLOGICAL SAMPLES: COMPARISON OF TABLETOP MACRO AND MICRO-XRF SCANNING
Authors: Trojek Tomáš , Trojková Darina , Mikysek Petr
Published: August 2022

This paper describes the identification and quantification of uranium, thorium and other chemical elements in a low-grade uranium ore, using macro and micro-X-ray fluorescence scanning. The result of such scanning is their surface distribution determined in flat samples. The basic parameters of both setups are described. The investigation was focused mainly on the improvement of the lateral resolution in the laboratory tabletop macro-XRF and its comparison with micro-XRF scanning. A standard reference material NIST 610 was used as a homogeneous reference silicate material of a known composition. The measurements have demonstrated how the macro-XRF with a quite wide X-ray beam can be competitive with the micro-XRF scanning. The capabilities of both devices were established, utilizing measurements of selected uranium-bearing sediments samples, from the Břevniště deposit in the Czech Republic.
COMPARISON OF OSL AND TL DOSEMETERS WITH DATA COLLECTED AT THE MT25 CYCLIC ELECTRON ACCELERATOR
Authors: Cimmino Anna , Ambrožová Iva , Motta Silvia , Versaci Roberto , Olšovcová Veronika , Chvátil David , Olšanský Václav , Truneček Roman , Velyhan Andriy , Stránský Vojtěch , Šolc Jaroslav
Published: August 2022

The Microtron MT25 is a cyclic electron accelerator with a Kapitza resonator, maximum beam energy of 25 MeV, standard repetition frequency of 423 Hz, pulse length of 3.5 μs and mean current of 30 μA. Studies at conventional particle accelerators allow to understand the response of dosemeters in known and controllable radiation fields. Subsequently, it is possible to develop models and predict their behavior in complex radiation fields, such as those generated at laser and FLASH facilities. Therefore, response of thermally and optically stimulated luminescence detectors outside of the beam was studied at the Microtron MT25. The detectors were placed on a Plexiglas phantom inside a lead and iron bunker to shield-off background radiation. In addition, GAFChromic™ films and track detectors were used. Two irradiations were performed: with and without an 8-cm thick polyethylene moderator. This paper presents a comparison of the responses of the different detection systems.
RESPONSE OF PLASTIC TRACK DETECTOR OF THE TASTRAK TYPE TO NEUTRONS OF PU–BE SOURCE
Authors: Vrban Branislav , Lüley Jakub , Čerba Štefan , Nečas Vladimír
Published: August 2022

The solid-state nuclear track detectors are widely used in a variety of nuclear physics experiments and radiation protection. The paper presents the first results of the newly acquired TASLImage™ neutron dosimetry system at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. A comparison of experimental and calculated responses of a TASTRAK plastic nuclear track detector to neutron spectrum of Pu–Be source is presented. The ambient dose equivalents determined by the TASLImage™ system are compared with the ones measured by the NuDET-ENE neutron detector based on the use of ZnS(Ag) scintillator covered with a thin film of 6LiF thermal neutron converter accommodated inside the HDPE moderator. The first results are concluded, and further research needs are identified.
UPTAKE AND DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOSTRONTIUM IN TOMATO TREATED WITH ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI
Authors: Dulanská Silvia , Gomola Igor , Gubišová Marcela , Ondreičková Katarína , Pánik Ján , Mátel Ľubomír , Horník Miroslav
Published: August 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were inoculated into the root system of edible tomato plants to investigate their effect on the uptake and distribution of strontium radionuclide in the tissues of plants grown under laboratory conditions. The experiments were carried out in a sterile mixture of topsoil and sand, where in one series of experiments contaminated soil with 85Sr was used. Seeds were inoculated with a mixture of AMF at sowing, the second, control series was without application of AMF. Determination of radioactivity in soil and in different parts of tomato plants was carried out by gamma-spectrometric measurement. The obtained results and statistical analysis indicated a significant association between AMF inoculation of plants and the change in the distribution of 85Sr. The presence of AMF reduced the translocation of 85Sr from the root system to the aerial parts of tomato plants.
ESTIMATION OF RADIATION DOSES IN THE AREA OF THE MAIN PRODUCTION BLOCK OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT AFTER A REACTOR ACCIDENT
Authors: Urban Tomáš , Klusoň Jaroslav
Published: August 2022

The aim of this work is to propose methodology for estimations the characteristics of the radiation fields (and derived quantities from the field of dosimetry and radiation protection) in knowledge of a distribution of radionuclides released into the main production unit (or just a containment) area after a nuclear reactor accident. For such task stochastic Monte Carlo method has been chosen. Because of dimensions and thick shielding (concrete) barriers in the facility, application of the variance reduction techniques has been necessary. Monte Carlo code Monaco in sequence MAVRIC (from package SCALE 6.2.3) with variance reduction techniques using CADIS methodology has been employed for designing the proposed methodology. Procedure has been tested on a simulation model of a main production unit described by inspiration from the block of a nuclear power plant with a VVER-1000 reactor (installed in the Czech Republic, Central Europe).
Recovery After Stress—Autonomic and Subjective Arousal in Individuals With Psychosis Compared to Healthy Controls
Authors: Bahlinger Katrin , Lincoln Tania M , Clamor Annika
Published: August 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Heightened stress levels in individuals with psychosis (PSY) are associated with psychotic symptom occurrence and may be partially attributed to well-established deficits in resting-state heart rate variability (HRV) and emotion regulation. In healthy participants, resting-state HRV and self-reported emotion regulation skills have been linked to recovery after a stressor; however, it is unclear whether stress recovery is altered in PSY. Thus, we compared the autonomic and subjective recovery of PSY to healthy controls (HC) and investigated the predictive value of resting-state HRV and emotion regulation skills.

Study Design

We assessed resting-state HRV and self-reported emotion regulation one week prior to a combined physical and cognitive stress induction. After the stress exposure, we assessed the autonomic (decrease in heart rate [HR], increase in HRV) and subjective (decrease in subjective stress and negative affect) recovery in PSY (n = 50) and HC (n = 50) over 60 min.

Study Results

Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed the expected interaction of time × group for subjective stress but not negative affect or autonomic stress. Resting-state HRV predicted recovery of HR, and emotion regulation skills predicted recovery of HRV but not of the other parameters.

Conclusions

Although subjective stress recovery was delayed in PSY, the absence of autonomic recovery deficits suggests that a prolonged stress response may not contribute to heightened stress levels to the expected extent. Improving resting-state HRV and emotion regulation may support autonomic recovery, but further investigation is required to test the impact of such improvements on psychotic symptoms.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Early Intervention Services On Insight in First Episode Psychosis
Authors: DeTore N R , Bain K , Wright A , Meyer-Kalos P , Gingerich S , Mueser K T
Published: August 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Impaired insight into one’s illness is common in first episode psychosis (FEP), is associated with worse symptoms and functioning, and predicts a worse course of illness. Despite its importance, little research has examined the effects of early intervention services (EIS) on insight.

Designs

This paper evaluated the impact of EIS (NAVIGATE) on insight compared to usual community care (CC) in a large cluster randomized controlled trial. Assessments were conducted at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years.

Results

A multilevel regression model including all time points showed a significant time by treatment group interaction (P < .001), reflecting greater improvement in insight for NAVIGATE than CC participants. Impaired insight was related to less severe depression but worse other symptoms and functioning at baseline for the total sample. At 6 months, the same pattern was found within each group except insight was no longer associated with depression among NAVIGATE participants. Impaired insight was more strongly associated with worse interpersonal relationships at 6 months in NAVIGATE than in CC, and changes in insight from baseline to 6 months were more strongly correlated with changes in relationships in NAVIGATE than CC.

Conclusions

The NAVIGATE program improved insight significantly more than CC. Although greater awareness of illness has frequently been found to be associated with higher depression in schizophrenia, these findings suggest EIS programs can improve insight without worsening depression in FEP. The increased association between insight and social relationships in NAVIGATE suggests these 2 outcomes may synergistically interact to improve each other in treatment.
Melatonin suppression does not automatically alter sleepiness, vigilance, sensory processing, or sleep
Authors: Blume Christine , Niedernhuber Maria , Spitschan Manuel , Slawik Helen C , Meyer Martin P , Bekinschtein Tristan A , Cajochen Christian
Published: August 2022

Presleep exposure to short-wavelength light suppresses melatonin and decreases sleepiness with activating effects extending to sleep. This has mainly been attributed to melanopic effects, but mechanistic insights are missing. Thus, we investigated whether two light conditions only differing in the melanopic effects (123 vs. 59 lx melanopic EDI) differentially affect sleep besides melatonin. Additionally, we studied whether the light differentially modulates sensory processing during wakefulness and sleep. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers (18–30 years, 15 women) were exposed to two metameric light conditions (high- vs. low-melanopic, ≈60 photopic lx) for 1 h ending 50 min prior to habitual bed time. This was followed by an 8-h sleep opportunity with polysomnography. Objective sleep measurements were complemented by self-report. Salivary melatonin, subjective sleepiness, and behavioral vigilance were sampled at regular intervals. Sensory processing was evaluated during light exposure and sleep on the basis of neural responses related to violations of expectations in an oddball paradigm. We observed suppression of melatonin by ≈14% in the high- compared to the low-melanopic condition. However, conditions did not differentially affect sleep, sleep quality, sleepiness, or vigilance. A neural mismatch response was evident during all sleep stages, but not differentially modulated by light. Suppression of melatonin by light targeting the melanopic system does not automatically translate to acutely altered levels of vigilance or sleepiness or to changes in sleep, sleep quality, or basic sensory processing. Given contradicting earlier findings and the retinal anatomy, this may suggest that an interaction between melanopsin and cone-rod signals needs to be considered.

Clinical Trial Registry: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00023602, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023602.
Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea Growth and Suppression of Gray Mold on Petunia Leaves Using Chitosan
Authors: DeGenring Liza , Dickson Ryan , Poleatewich Anissa
Published: August 2022

Exogenous application of chitosan has been shown to reduce plant disease severity in food crops; however, less is known about the potential use of chitosan in floriculture. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chitosan to suppress gray mold on petunia leaves caused by Botrytis cinerea using in vitro and in planta approaches. We also aimed to determine if chitosan molecular weight influences efficacy. Medium and high molecular weight reagent grade chitosan reduced growth of B. cinerea in vitro at chitosan concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 2% (v/v), while low molecular weight reagent grade chitosan only reduced growth at 2.0% (v/v). In detached leaf assays, all reagent grade chitosan treatments reduced Botrytis lesion size on petunia leaves up to 65% compared to the water control. The commercial product Tidal Grow reduced in vitro growth of Botrytis, starting at 0.5%, and reduced disease severity at 0.75% on petunia leaves. The commercial product ARMOUR-Zen 15 reduced Botrytis growth in vitro at 3.75% and higher and reduced disease severity at 0.3 and 1.0% on petunia leaves. Under greenhouse conditions, low, medium, and high molecular weight reagent grade chitosan and ARMOUR-Zen 15 at 0.4% chitosan reduced Botrytis lesion size on petunia leaves up to 60% compared to the water control. Suppression in vitro suggests that chitosan may have direct phytotoxic effects on fungal growth, however our in planta and greenhouse trials suggest that additional modes of action may also play a role in the observed suppressive effects.
Application of Pyraclostrobin Fungicide at Miniature Floral Head Development Growth Stage Is Efficacious Against Phomopsis Stem Canker Fungi in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: Kashyap Ruchika , Markell Samuel G. , Harveson Robert M. , Rekabdarkolaee Hossein M. , Mathew Febina M.
Published: August 2022

Phomopsis stem canker, caused by multiple species of Diaporthe, is a yield-limiting disease of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) in the U.S. Northern Great Plains. To develop fungicide recommendations, we performed meta-analyses on data collected from 56 foliar fungicide efficacy trials conducted in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota between 2009 and 2021. The specific objectives were to compare the fungicide application timings and active ingredients with a nontreated control (NTC) and determine their impact on the disease severity index (DSI) and yield. Effect sizes, Cohen's f or Hedges’ g, were calculated as the difference in DSI or yield between the fungicide treatment and NTC. We observed that fungicide application timings (DSI [ f = 0.43] and yield [ f = 0.26]) and active ingredients (DSI [ f = 0.51] and yield [ f = 0.39]) had a significant effect on DSI and yield ( P < 0.0001). In addition, application of pyraclostrobin (DSI [ g = −0.65] and yield [ g = 0.43]), pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad (DSI [ g = −0.55] and yield [ g = 0.36]), and mefentrifluconazole + pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad (DSI [ g = −2.23] and yield [ g = 0.85]) at the R1 (miniature floral head formation) growth stage outperformed NTC. This study suggests that farmers can rely on a single application of pyraclostrobin at R1 for Phomopsis stem canker management. Future studies on the economic benefits from fungicide use are important to help enhance farmer decisions.
Pregabalin synchronizes the regeneration of nerve and muscle fibers optimizing the gait recovery of MDX dystrophic mice
Authors: Assis Alex Dias , Chiarotto Gabriela Bortolança , da Silva Natalia Scanavachia , Simões Gustavo Ferreira , Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues
Published: August 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked genetic disorder induced by mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to a degeneration of muscle fibers, triggering retrograde immunomodulatory, and degenerative events in the central nervous system. Thus, neuroprotective drugs such as pregabalin (PGB) can improve motor function by modulating plasticity, together with anti‐inflammatory effects. The present work aimed to study the effects of PGB on axonal regeneration after axotomy in dystrophic and non‐dystrophic mice. For that, MDX and C57BL/10 mouse strains were subjected to peripheral nerve damage and were treated with PGB (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 28 consecutive days. The treatment was carried out in mice as soon as they completed 5 weeks of life, 1 week before the lesion, corresponding to the peak period of muscle degeneration in the MDX strain. Six‐week‐old mice were submitted to unilateral sciatic nerve crush and were sacrificed in the 9th week of age. The ipsi and contralateral sciatic nerves were processed for immunohistochemistry and qRT–PCR, evaluating the expression of proteins and gene transcripts related to neuronal and Schwann cell activity. Cranial tibial muscles were dissected for evaluation of neuromuscular junctions using α‐bungarotoxin, and the myelinated axons of the sciatic nerve were analyzed by morphometry. The recovery of motor function was monitored throughout the treatment through tests of forced locomotion (rotarod) and spontaneous walking track test (Catwalk system). The results show that treatment with PGB reduced the retrograde cyclic effects of muscle degeneration/regeneration on the nervous system. This fact was confirmed after peripheral nerve injury, showing better adaptation and response of neurons and glia for rapid axonal regeneration, with efficient muscle targeting and regain of function. No side effects of PGB treatment were observed, and the expression of pro‐regenerative proteins in neurons and Schwann cells was upregulated. Morphometry of the axons was in line with the preservation of motor endplates, resulting in enhanced performance of dystrophic animals. Overall, the present data indicate that pregabalin is protective and enhances regeneration of the SNP during the development of DMD, improving motor function, which can, in turn, be translated to the clinic.
Hispanic/Latino Perspectives on Hearing Loss and Hearing Healthcare: Focus Group Results
Authors: Arnold Michelle L. , Arianna Reyes Cruz , Lugo-Reyes Natalia , Sanchez Victoria A.
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To better understand the hearing health learning needs of Hispanic/Latino adults by assessing hearing healthcare (HHC) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors to inform the development of a culturally and linguistically appropriate self-management program. Through a series of focus groups with members of the target audience, this study explored knowledge about hearing loss and interventions, cultural facilitators and barriers to HHC utilization, and preferences for hearing health education and information delivery. Opinions were also received on patient education materials designed to increase self-efficacy for managing hearing loss in daily life.

Design:

This work was guided by a practical framework of culturally competent interventions for addressing disparities in health and healthcare, centered on structural, clinical, and organizational barriers to care. A hybrid individualistic social psychology and social constructionist approach was used to build programmatic theory related to the primary research objective. Focus group goals were to generate a combination of personal opinions and collective experiences from participants with an a priori plan to analyze data using combined content analysis/grounded theory methods. Purposive sampling was used to select 31 participants who were Spanish-speaking, identified as Hispanic/Latino, and who had normal hearing or self-reported hearing difficulties. Thirteen focus groups were conducted using Microsoft Teams, and each group was audio and video recorded for later off-line transcription, translation, and analysis. A constant comparison approach was used to systematically organize focus group data into a structured format for interpretation. Transcripts were coded independently by two investigators, and emergent themes were derived and interpreted from the coded data.

Results:

Major and minor themes tied to the framework for culturally competent interventions included those related to sociocultural barriers to care. Structural barriers, including inconsistent access to quality care, lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate patient education materials, appointment wait times and intake processes, and referrals to specialty care, were most frequently experienced by participants. Clinical barriers most frequently cited were a lack of culturally and linguistically congruent healthcare providers and lack of language access during healthcare visits. Other major themes included hearing loss lived experiences, family and familism, and hearing-related patient education needs and preferences.

Conclusions:

Focus group results were integrated into a Spanish-language hearing loss self-management program that is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. The themes uncovered provided insight regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about hearing loss and HHC, including hearing-related learning needs, of Hispanic/Latino adults in this sample.
Prenatal exposure to nitrate from drinking water and the risk of preterm birth
Authors: Coffman Vanessa R. , Søndergaard Jensen Anja , Trabjerg Betina B. , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , Hansen Birgitte , Sigsgaard Torben , Olsen Jørn , Schullehner Jörg , Pedersen Marie , Stayner Leslie T.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Evidence is emerging that preterm birth (PTB, birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation), a risk factor for neonatal mortality and future morbidity, may be induced by maternal nitrate (

) exposure from drinking water. The objective of this study is to assess the association between maternal exposure to nitrate and the risk of PTB in a nationwide study of liveborn singletons.

Methods:

We estimated maternal nitrate exposure from household tap water for 1,055,584 births in Denmark to Danish-born parents during 1991–2015 by linkage of individual home address(es) with nitrate concentrations from a national monitoring database. Nitrate exposure during pregnancy was modeled using four categories and continuously. Logistic models adjusted for sex, birth year, birth order, urbanicity, and maternal age, smoking, education, income, and employment, with generalized estimating equations were used to account for sibling clusters.

Results:

A total of 1,009,189 births were included, comprising 51,747 PTB. An increase in the risk of PTB was seen across categories of exposure (P < 0.001) with an odds ratio (OR) in the uppermost category (>25 mg/L nitrate) of 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.10). Evidence of an exposure–response relationship was observed in models using continuous nitrate (OR = 1.01 [95% CI = 1.00, 1.03] per 10 mg/L nitrate). In sensitivity analyses, results were robust to the addition of variables for short inter-pregnancy interval (<1 year between births), maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, paternal socioeconomic status and age, season of birth, and inclusion of post-term births. Results were virtually unchanged when the analysis was restricted to women exposed to less than the current European Union standard of 50 mg/L.

Conclusion:

We observed an increasing risk of PTB with increases in nitrate in household tap water. These findings add to a growing body of evidence of adverse effects from nitrate in drinking water at levels below current regulatory levels.
In-line spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis methods for endpoint determination in column chromatographic adsorption processes for herbal medicine
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Qu Haibin
Published: August 2022

Objective:

In a chromatographic cycle, the adsorption process is a critical unit operation that has a significant impact on downstream processes and, ultimately, the quality of the final products. The development of a rapid method to determine the endpoints of adsorption processes in large-scale manufacturing is of substantial importance for herbal medicine (HM) manufacturers.

Methods:

In this study, the adsorption of saponins on a macroporous resin column chromatograph, a critical unit operation in Panax Notoginseng injection manufacturing, was considered as an example. The evaluation results of in-line ultraviolet and visible spectra combined with various multivariate analysis methods, including the moving block standard deviation (MBSD), difference between the moving block average and the target spectrum (DMBA-TS), soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were compared.

Results:

MBSD was unsuitable for adsorption processes. The relative standard errors of prediction between the predicted and experimental endpoints were 13.2%, 4.67%, and 5.71% using DMBA-TS, SIMCA, and PLS-DA, respectively.

Conclusions:

Among the considered analysis methods, SIMCA and PLS-DA were more effective for endpoint determination. The results of this study provide a more comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of various multivariate analysis methods to facilitate the selection of the most suitable method. This study was also conducive to addressing the issues of the in-line detection of adsorption endpoints to guide practical HM manufacturing.
Reasons for Surgical Delay in Patients With Hip Fracture
Authors: Yonai Yaniv , Ben Natan Merav , Shadmi Nurit , Berkovich Yaron , Steinfeld Yaniv
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

15% of patients with hip fracture older than 65 years in Israel have delayed surgery. The aim of this study was to determine which patient and/or organizational factors are associated with a delay of beyond 48 hours in hip fracture repair surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of 281 patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery during 2019–2020. Characteristics of patients with early surgery (n = 40) and patients with delayed surgery (n = 241) were compared.

Results:

Presence of a cardiac disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38), pulmonary disease (OR = 1.21), or obesity (OR = 1.18) was identified as risk factors for surgical delay. Each additional comorbidity increased the risk. Most of the documented reasons for delay were medical, with antiplatelet therapy the most common (n = 8, 20%). Unavailable operating rooms were another common reason for delays (n = 8, 20%). In addition, a higher percentage of patients with delayed surgery were admitted in August and September (42.5%).

Conclusions:

It seems that most delays were for medical reasons. However, it is unclear whether allegedly clinically justified delays were indeed of benefit to the patients. Health care organizations should strive to minimize the impact of organizational factors on surgical delay.