bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When pancreata fly: Outcomes and lessons learned from the development of a Pancreas Transplant Import Program
Authors: Owen‐Simon Nina L. , Dube Geoffrey K. , Sandoval Pedro Rodrigo , Ratner Lloyd E. , McCune Kasi
Published: July 2023

Background

To address long waitlist times and increase pancreas transplantation, our center has implemented a protocol for long‐distance importation of pancreata.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of pancreas transplantation at our institution from January 1, 2014, the start of our importation program, through September 30, 2021. Outcomes were compared between locally procured grafts and imported grafts, defined as grafts procured greater than 250 nautical miles (NM) from our center.

Results

Eighty‐one patients underwent pancreas transplantation during the study time period; 19 (23.5%) received imported grafts. There were no significant differences in recipient demographics or type of transplant received. Mean distance of import was 644.2 ± 234.0 NM. Imported grafts were more likely to be from pediatric donors <18 years old (p = .02) and a significantly higher proportion of imported grafts came from donors weighing <30 kg (26.3 vs. 3.2%, p = .007). Cold ischemic time was longer for imported grafts than for local grafts (13.4 ± 2.3 h vs. 9.8 ± 2.2 h, p < .01). There was no significant difference in deaths or graft losses within 90 days or at 1 year between groups.

Conclusion

Centers should consider expanding criteria for acceptance of imported pancreata to increase the number of transplants and combat organ nonutilization.
Impact of early corticosteroid withdrawal on simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplant long‐term outcomes: Single center experience and comparison to the International Pancreas Transplant Registry
Authors: Pierce Dana R. , Gruessner Angelika , Campara Maya , DiCocco Pierpaolo , Spaggiari Mario , Tzvetanov Ivo , Tang Ignatius , Benedetti Enrico , Lichvar Alicia B.
Published: July 2023

Background

There remains a paucity of modern data comparing early steroid withdrawal (ESW) versus chronic corticosteroid (CCS) immunosuppression in simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplant recipients with long‐term follow‐up. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of ESW compared to CCS post‐SPK.

Methods

This was a retrospective single‐center matched comparison with the International Pancreas Transplant Registry (IPTR). Patients from University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) represented the ESW group and were compared to those matched CCS patients from the IPTR. Included patients were adult recipients of a primary SPK transplant between 2003 and 2018 within the US receiving rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin induction. Patients were excluded if they had early technical failures, missing IPTR data, graft thrombosis, re‐transplant, or positive crossmatch SPK.

Results

A total of 156 patients were matched and included in the analysis. Patients were predominantly African American (46.15%) males (64.1%) with Type 1 diabetes etiology (92.31%). Overall pancreas allograft survival (hazard ratio [HR] = .89, 95% confidence interval [CI] .34–2.30, p = .81) and kidney allograft survival (HR = .80, 95%CI .32–2.03, p = .64) were similar between the two groups. Immunologic pancreas allograft loss was statistically similar at 1‐year (ESW 1.3% vs. CCS 0%, p = .16), 5‐year (ESW 1.3% vs. CCS 7.7%, p = .16), and 10‐year (ESW 11.0% vs. CCS 7.7%, p = .99). The 1‐year (ESW 2.6% vs. CCS 0%, p > .05), 5‐year (ESW 8.3% vs. CCS 7.0%, p > .05), and 10‐year (ESW 22.7% vs. CCS 9.9%, p = .2575) immunologic kidney allograft loss were also statistically similar. There was no difference in 10‐year overall patient survival (ESW 76.2% vs. CCS 65.6%, p = .63).

Conclusions

No differences were found between allograft or patient survival post‐SPK when comparing an ESW or CCS protocol. Future assessment is needed to determine differences in metabolic outcomes.
Impella 5.5 as a bridge to heart transplantation: Waitlist outcomes in the United States
Authors: Cevasco Marisa , Shin Max , Cohen William , Helmers Mark R. , Weingarten Noah , Rekhtman David , Wald Joyce W. , Iyengar Amit
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The 2018 United Network for Organ Sharing allocation policy change has led to a significant increase in the use of mechanical circulatory support devices in patients listed for orthotopic heart transplantation. However, there has been a paucity of data regarding the newest generation Impella 5.5, which received FDA approval in 2019.

Methods

The United Network for Organ Sharing registry was queried for all adults awaiting orthotopic heart transplantation who received Impella 5.5 support during their listing period. Waitlist, device, and early post‐transplant outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 464 patients received Impella 5.5 support during their listing period with a median waitlist time of 19 days. Among them, 402 (87%) patients were ultimately transplanted, with 378 (81%) being directly bridged to transplant with the device. Waitlist death (7%) and clinical deterioration (5%) were the most common reasons for waitlist removal. Device complications and failure were uncommon (<5%). The most common post‐transplant complication was acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (16%). Survival at 1‐year post‐transplant survival was 89.5%.

Conclusion

Since its approval, the Impella 5.5 has been increasingly used as a bridge to transplant. This analysis demonstrates robust waitlist and post‐transplant outcomes with minimal device‐related and postoperative complications.
Past forest cover explains current genetic differentiation in the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni), but not in the smooth newt (L. vulgaris)
Authors: Antunes Bernardo , Dudek Katarzyna , Pabijan Maciej , Zieliński Piotr , Babik Wiesław
Published: July 2023

Aim

Current genetic variation and differentiation are expected to reflect the effects of past rather than present landscapes due to time lags, that is, the time necessary for genetic diversity to reach equilibrium and reflect demography. Time lags can affect our ability to infer landscape use and model connectivity and also obscure the genetic consequences of recent landscape changes. In this work, we test whether past forest cover better explains contemporary patterns of genetic differentiation in two closely related but ecologically distinct newt species—Lissotriton montandoni and L. vulgaris.

Location

Carpathian Mountains and foothills.

Methods

Genetic differentiation between populations was related to landscape resistance optimized with tools from landscape genetics, for multiple timeframes, using forest‐cover data from 1963 to 2015. Analyses were conducted for pairs of populations at distances from 1 to 50 km.

Results

We find evidence for a time lag in L. montandoni, with forest cover from 40 years ago (ca. 10 newt generations) better explaining current genetic differentiation. In L. vulgaris, current genetic differentiation was better predicted by present land‐cover models with lower resistance given to open forests. This result may reflect the generalist ecology of L. vulgaris, its lower effective population sizes and exposure to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Main Conclusions

Our study provides evidence for time lags in L. montandoni, showing that the genetic consequences of landscape change for some species are not yet evident. Our findings highlight the interspecific variation in time lag prevalence and demonstrate that current patterns of genetic differentiation should be interpreted in the context of historical landscape changes.
Role of maternal spiralian‐specific homeobox gene SPILE‐E in the specification of blastomeres along the animal–vegetal axis during the early cleavage stages of mollusks
Authors: Morino Yoshiaki , Yoshikawa Hiroki
Published: July 2023

Spiralians, one of the major clades of bilaterians, share a unique development known as spiralian development, characterized by the formation of tiers of cells called quartets, which exhibit different developmental potentials along the animal–vegetal axis. Recently, spiralian‐specific TALE‐type homeobox genes (SPILE) have been identified, some of which show zygotic and staggered expression patterns along the animal–vegetal axis and function in quartet specification in mollusks. However, it is unclear which maternal molecular components control the zygotic expression of these transcription factors. In this study, we focused on SPILE‐E, a maternal transcription factor, and investigated its expression and function in mollusks. We found that the maternal and ubiquitous expression of SPILE‐E in the cleavage stages is conserved in molluskan species, including limpets, mussels, and chitons. We knocked down SPILE‐E in limpets and revealed that the expression of transcription factors specifically expressed in the first quartet (1q2; foxj1b) and second quartet (2q; SPILE‐B) was abolished, whereas the macromere‐quartet marker (SPILE‐C) was ectopically expressed in 1q2 in SPILE‐E morphants. Moreover, we showed that the expression of SPILE‐A, which upregulates SPILE‐B but represses SPILE‐C expression, decreased in SPILE‐E morphants. Consistent with changes in the expression pattern of the above transcription factors, SPILE‐E‐morphant larvae exhibited patchy or complete loss of expression of marker genes of ciliated cells and shell fields, possibly reflecting incomplete specification of 1q2 and 2q. Our results provide a molecular framework for quartet specification and highlight the importance of maternal lineage‐specific transcription factors in the development and evolution of spiralians.
Contemporary trends in the utilization of second‐line pharmacological therapies for type 2 diabetes in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Abrahami Devin , D'Andrea Elvira , Yin Hui , Kim Seoyoung C. , Paik Julie M. , Wexler Deborah , Azoulay Laurent , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

Aim

To examine trends of second‐line glucose‐lowering therapies among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating first‐line metformin in the United States and the United Kingdom, overall and by subgroups of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and calendar time.

Methods

Using the US Optum Clinformatics and the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we identified adults with T2D who initiated first‐line metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapy, separately, from 2013 to 2019. Within both cohorts, we identified patterns of second‐line medications through June 2021. We stratified patterns by CVD and calendar time to investigate the impact of rapidly evolving treatment guidelines.

Results

We identified 148 511 and 169 316 patients initiating treatment with metformin monotherapy in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively. Throughout the study period, sulphonylureas and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were the most frequently initiated second‐line medications in the United States (43.4% and 18.2%, respectively) and the United Kingdom (42.5% and 35.8%, respectively). After 2018, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists were more commonly used as second‐line agents in the United States and the United Kingdom, although these agents were not preferentially prescribed among patients with CVD. Initiation of first‐line sulphonylureas was much less common, and most sulphonylurea initiators had metformin added as the second‐line agent.

Conclusions

This international cohort study shows that sulphonylureas remain the most common second‐line medications prescribed following metformin in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite recommendations, the use of newer glucose‐lowering therapies with cardiovascular benefits remains low.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis of body composition in Chinese monozygotic twins
Authors: Tian Huimin , Qiao Haofei , Han Fulei , Kong Xiangjie , Zhu Shuai , Xing Fangjie , Duan Haiping , Li Weilong , Wang Weijing , Zhang Dongfeng , Wu Yili
Published: July 2023

Background

Little is currently known about epigenetic alterations associated with body composition in obesity. Thus, we aimed to explore epigenetic relationships between genome‐wide DNA methylation levels and three common traits of body composition as measured by body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) among Chinese monozygotic twins.

Methods

Generalized estimated equation model was used to regress the methylation level of CpG sites on body composition. Inference about Causation Through Examination Of Familial Confounding was used to explore the evidence of a causal relationship. Gene expression analysis was further performed to validate the results of differentially methylated genes.

Results

We identified 32, 22 and 28 differentially methylated CpG sites (p < 10−5) as well as 20, 17 and eight differentially methylated regions (slk‐corrected p < 0.05) significantly associated with BF%, FM and LBM which were annotated to 65 genes, showing partially overlapping. Causal inference demonstrated bidirectional causality between DNA methylation and body composition (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed significant correlations between expression levels of five differentially methylated genes and body composition (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These DNA methylation signatures will contribute to increased knowledge about the epigenetic basis of body composition and provide new strategies for early prevention and treatment of obesity and its related diseases.
Long‐term safety of macitentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Guizuo , Qin Jinlv , Han Dong
Published: July 2023

Background

Macitentan has demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), but its safety, especially for long‐term use, needs to be further explored. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the safety of long‐term use of macitentan in patients with PH.

Methods

A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of PH with macitentan, compared with placebo, were reviewed. Estimated effects of included studies were pooled as risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Six RCTs (enrolling 1003 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Anaemia (RR 3.86, 95% CI 2.05–7.30), headache (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02–2.26) and bronchitis (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30–3.87) were more frequent in the macitentan groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event (AE) or serious adverse event (SAE), AEs leading to discontinuation of study treatment, all‐cause death, right ventricular failure (RVF) and peripheral oedema between the two groups.

Conclusions

The long‐term use of macitentan is safe for patients with PH, although with a higher risk of anaemia, headache and bronchitis.
The culturable leaf mycobiome of Viscum album subsp. austriacum
Authors: Jankowiak Robert , Bilański Piotr , Zając Julita , Jobczyk Adrianna , Taerum Stephen J.
Published: July 2023

In Poland's pine forests, mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) abundance has increased over the past 20 years. This mistletoe infestation has decreased the growth and vigour of Scots pine trees. In this study, we surveyed the culturable fungi from healthy and diseased V. album subsp. austriacum leaves from two stands in Poland. In total, 63 distinct species were identified, 99.8% of which belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. The community compositions of fungi in mistletoe leaves were similar in healthy and diseased leaves as Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Botryosphaeria visci, Fusarium paeoniae and Microsphaeropsis olivacea were consistently found in leaves of all symptom types. The most frequently isolated fungus from asymptomatic leaves was M. olivacea, followed by A. alternata, A. pullulans and Hypoxylon rubiginosum. In comparison, the most frequently isolated fungi from leaves with rusty‐brown necrotic spots were (in decreasing order) M. olivacea, B. visci, F. paeoniae and A. alternata, while the most frequently isolated fungi from leaves with black or dark brown spots were M. olivacea, A. alternata, A. pullulans, Epicoccum layuense and F. paeoniae. This study was the first comprehensive report showing that certain fungal species may be pathogens of V. album subsp. austriacum in Poland. This study was also the first report of F. paeoniae, F. juglandicola, Diaporthe vacuae and Heterotruncatella spartii from V. album, and the first report of D. vacuae and H. spartii in Poland.
Middle managers as key talent management stakeholders: Navigating paradoxes
Authors: Jooss Stefan , McDonnell Anthony , Skuza Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Middle managers are critical in talent management practice. Yet, their commitment to enacting organisational strategies and policies is often limited given their multiplicity of responsibilities and tasks beyond talent management. Taking a paradox lens and a multi‐stakeholder perspective, we draw from 147 interviews with middle managers, HR leaders and talents to unpack two key paradoxes when managing talent: a short‐term–long‐term paradox and a function–organisation paradox. Our research reveals a range of defensive and proactive responses to these paradoxes, which leads us to develop a typology of middle manager approaches navigating paradoxes in talent management. This typology depicts features, tensions and examples of middle managers' approach to managing talent. We introduce the extent of intradepartmental involvement and interdepartmental collaboration as key features and illustrate spatial and temporal tensions underlying paradoxes. We conclude with implications of the (in)effective management of paradoxes in a talent context.
Effect of exposure conditions on chemical properties of materials for surgical endodontic procedures
Authors: Koutroulis Andreas , Valen Håkon , Ørstavik Dag , Kapralos Vasileios , Camilleri Josette , Sunde Pia Titterud
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the role of aging and changes in environmental conditions on selected properties of a prototype radiopacified calcium silicate‐based cement (TZ‐base) with or without incorporation of silver nanoparticles or bioactive glass, and two commercial materials, Biodentine and intermediate restorative material. Materials were immersed in ultrapure water or fetal bovine serum for 28 days and were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x‐ray analysis. Immersion media were either replaced weekly or not replenished at all and were assessed for alkalinity and calcium release after 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days; antibacterial effect against 2‐day monospecies biofilms; and cytotoxicity by the 3‐(4,5 dimethylthiazolyl‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay after 1, 7, or 28 days. Alkalinity, calcium release, antibacterial activity, and cell cytotoxicity increased over time when the medium was not changed but decreased with medium replenishment. Immersion in fetal bovine serum resulted in lower alkalinity, less bactericidal properties, and lower cytotoxicity of prototype cements and Biodentine than did water immersion. Biodentine and 20% bioactive glass‐containing cement had overall lower alkalinity, calcium release, and antibacterial activity than TZ‐base, and Biodentine was less cytotoxic than TZ‐base. In conclusion, exposure conditions and cement modifications significantly affected materials’ leaching properties. Exposure conditions warrant consideration when evaluating cements’ clinical properties.
Epilepsy and sleep characteristics are associated with diminished 24‐h memory retention in older adults with epilepsy
Authors: Sarkis Rani A. , Lam Alice D. , Pavlova Milena , Locascio Joseph J. , Putta Swapna , Puri Nirajan , Pham Jonathan , Yih Alison , Marshall Gad A. , Stickgold Robert
Published: July 2023

Objective

Individuals with epilepsy often have memory difficulties, and older adults with epilepsy are especially vulnerable, due to the additive effect of aging. The goal of this study was to assess factors that are associated with 24‐h memory retention in older adults with epilepsy.

Methods

Fifty‐five adults with epilepsy, all aged >50 years, performed a declarative memory task involving the recall of the positions of 15 card pairs on a computer screen prior to a 24‐h ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG). We assessed the percentage of encoded card pairs that were correctly recalled after 24 h (24‐h retention rate). EEGs were evaluated for the presence and frequency of scalp interictal epileptiform activity (IEA) and scored for total sleep. Global slow wave activity (SWA) power during non‐rapid eye movement sleep was also calculated.

Results

Forty‐four participants successfully completed the memory task. Two were subsequently excluded due to seizures on EEG. The final cohort (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.3 ± 7.5 years, was 52% female, and had an average 24‐h retention rate of 70.9% ± 30.2%. Predictors of 24‐h retention based on multivariate regression analysis when controlling for age, sex, and education included number of antiseizure medications (β = −.20, p = .013), IEA frequency (β = −.08, p = .0094), and SWA power (β = +.002, p = .02).

Significance

In older adults with epilepsy, greater frequency of IEA, reduced SWA power, and higher burden of antiseizure medications correlated with worse 24‐h memory retention. These factors represent potential treatment targets to improve memory in older adults with epilepsy.
Effects of RS17053 on α1‐adrenoceptors in rat vas deferens and aorta
Authors: Alsufyani Hadeel A. , Docherty James R.
Published: July 2023

Background

RS17053 is classed as an α1A‐adrenoceptor selective antagonist.

Objectives

We have examined its profile of action at all subtypes of α1‐adrenoceptor.

Methods

Noradrenaline (NA) evoked contractions of rat vas deferens involve α1D‐adrenoceptors in phasic contractions and α1A‐adrenoceptors in tonic contractions. Contractions of rat aorta to NA involve α1D‐ and α1B‐adrenoceptors.

Results

RS17053 (10−5 M) shifted NA potency and virtually abolished tonic contractions to NA, with little or limited effect on phasic contractions. The α1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist BMY7378 (3 × 10−7 M) significantly inhibited the remaining phasic component of the contractions, and the α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist RS100329 (10−7 M) inhibited further the residual tonic contraction. Hence, RS17053 shows high selectivity for α1A‐adrenoceptors over α1D‐adrenoceptors in rat vas deferens. However, RS17053 (10−5 M) produced a large shift in the potency of NA in rat aorta, with a pKB of 6.82. Large shifts of NA potency in rat aorta involve α1B‐adrenoceptor blockade.

Conclusion

Results in rat vas deferens demonstrate low potency of RS17053 at α1D‐adrenoceptors, but results from rat aorta can only be explained as demonstrating α1B‐adrenoceptor antagonism by RS17053. RS17053 may be a useful pharmacological tool when reclassified as a mainly α1A‐ and to a lesser extent α1B‐adrenoceptor antagonist with little effect at α1D‐adrenoceptors.
Study on Permeability Calculation Method Based on J Function and Fractal Theory
Authors: Lu Guangteng , Lai Fengpeng , Li Bince
Published: July 2023

Permeability is a required parameter for studying aquifer properties. However, for sandstone aquifers with low permeability, it is difficult to measure permeability directly through experiments. Based on fractal theory and the J function, a new method to calculate the permeability of a sandstone aquifer is derived. This work first solves the J function under each water saturation according to its definition. Combined with mercury pressure data, the J function and logarithmic curve equation of water saturation are then fitted by the drawing method, and the fractal dimension and tortuosity of the aquifer are further solved. Finally, the aquifer's permeability is calculated using the new permeability calculation method. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, 15 rock samples from the Chang 7 Group, Ordos Basin, are taken as research objects. The permeability is calculated using the new method combined with mercury injection data and aquifer characteristic parameters, and the results are compared with the real permeability. The relative error of most samples is <20%, which shows the permeability calculated by this method is accurate and reliable. The effects of fractal dimension, tortuosity, and porosity on permeability are also analyzed.
PEST and AEM Modeling for Data Acquisition Planning
Authors: McLane Charles
Published: July 2023

A well‐planned field data collection program should be designed to (1) collect a sufficient set of data of the right types at the right locations, and (2) collect a parsimonious set of data to avoid unnecessary costs. Combining PEST and a simple analytic element method (AEM) groundwater flow model for the site of interest provides a relatively simple, low‐cost method of developing such a program. AEM models are well suited to this approach because they are quick to develop yet hydraulically accurate, reducing impacts on project budgets at early data collection planning stages; and quick to run, solving rapidly for the many iterations that PEST requires to generate good parameter estimates. This article shows two examples of this method: one for a steady state watershed model, and one for a transient pumping test project to demonstrate that PEST coupled with a simple AEM model that sketches out the key features of a site conceptual model can be an efficient tool in planning key parts of a hydrogeologic site investigation.
Antimicrobial screening involving Helicobacter pylori of nano‐therapeutic compounds based on the amoxicillin antibiotic drug
Authors: Hassan Safaa S. , Nader Madonna , Nagy Maria , Mohamed Mennatallah , Nader Mennatulla , Zakaria Mina , Mohamed Nada , Waleed Rawan , Rashidi Fatma B.
Published: July 2023

Nano‐structure Cu(II) complex [Cu(AMAB)2]Cl2 with Schiff base (AMAB) derived from the condensation between 4‐(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde and amoxicillin trihydrate was prepared. (AMAB) Schiff base and its Cu(II) complex were identified and confirmed by different physicochemical techniques. The Schiff base (AMAB) was coordinated to copper ion through carbonyl oxygen and imine nitrogen donor sites. X‐ray powder diffraction shows a cubic crystal system of the Cu(II) complex. The density functional theory was used to optimize the structure geometries of the investigated compounds. The molecular docking of the active amino acids of the investigated proteins' interactions with the tested compounds was evaluated. The bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect of the compounds was screened against some bacterial strains. The activity of Cu‐chelate against Gram‐negative bacteria was mainly more effective than its (AMAB) ligand and vice versa in the case of Gram‐positive bacteria. The biological activity of the prepared compounds with biomolecules calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was determined by electronic absorption spectra and DNA gel electrophoresis technique. All studies revealed that the Cu‐chelate derivative exhibited better binding affinity to both CT‐DNA than the AMAB and amoxicillin itself. The anti‐inflammatory effect of the designed compounds was determined by testing their protein denaturation inhibitory activity spectrophotometrically. All obtained data supported that the designed nano‐Cu(II) complex with Schiff base (AMAB) is a potent bactericide against H. pylori, and exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity. The dual inhibition effects of the designed compound represent a modern therapeutic approach with extended spectrum of action. Therefore, it can act as good drug target in antimicrobial and anti‐inflammtory therapies. Finally, H. pylori resistance to amoxicillin is absent or rare in many countries, thus amoxicillin nanoparticles may be beneficial for countries where amoxicillin resistance is reported.
Variability of a consistent trait: The size of the white wing patch in European Stonechats (Saxicola rubicola rubicola)
Authors: Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Serrano David
Published: July 2023

Numerous bird species exhibit striking white patches on their plumages that have been reported as signals of individual quality in the context of sexual selection. Whereas differences in white plumage traits between individuals have been well studied, phenotypic variation and the factors affecting their consistency within the individual have received less attention. Here, we studied the consistency in the size of the white wing patch and its components of variation in a Spanish population of European Stonechats Saxicola rubicola rubicola monitored over 6 years (2007–2012). The wing patch was larger in males than in females for all age‐classes, and first‐year individuals exhibited smaller wing patches than older birds, particularly males. This trait also varied within the plumage‐year at both population and individual level, with slight changes from the moulting period to the breeding season and a sharp decrease afterwards. In addition, patch size varied both between and within individuals across years. The daily mean temperature experienced in the month immediately prior to the moult (i.e. May) had a positive effect on male wing patch size. In females, however, no variable was found to explain wing patch variation satisfactorily. Despite being a dynamic trait throughout the moults, baseline and adjusted repeatabilities indicated a moderately high consistency for white wing patch size in both sexes. Therefore, the white wing patch in Stonechats is a dynamic trait that changes throughout individuals' lives, but is also a consistent trait at the individual level. These results indicate that this depigmented patch could convey information about both the long‐term quality and the current state of individuals, harmonizing the existence of intra‐individual changes in the size of sexual traits with its potential role as a genetic quality indicator.
Migration and leaching behaviour of Bisphenol A from polyethylene terephthalate water bottles under different storage conditions
Authors: Mârşolea Adriana C. , Chiriac Florentina L. , Orbeci Cristina , Bobiricǎ Liliana , Bobiricǎ Constantin
Published: July 2023

The release of bisphenol A (BPA) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in non‐carbonated water was investigated in this work through migration and leaching tests. Several types of PET bottles approved and used by several Romanian non‐carbonated mineral water brands were tested in this work. It was highlighted that both the storage temperature and the storage time of bottled water in PET bottles influence the degree of PBA release. Thus, increasing the temperature and storage time favours the release of BPA from PET. The higher the storage temperature, the higher is the diffusivity of BPA. The degree of BPA release is also closely related to the brand of PET. This could be related to the degree of contamination of the raw material in the manufacturing process of PET bottles or during their recycling. The physico‐chemical characteristics and stability of PET bottles in different environmental conditions can also influence the release of BPA from them. The leaching tests confirmed the potential for BPA contamination of long‐term non‐carbonated water bottled in PET bottles.
Enhancing flavour with non‐Saccharomyces during vinegar alcoholisation: a mechanism study
Authors: Wang Fengjun , Zhu Ling , Hadiatullah Hadiatullah , Li Zhaofei , He Jing , Yao Yunping , Zhao Guozhong
Published: July 2023

The effects of mixed fermentation of non‐Saccharomyces (Pichia fabianii, Kluyveromyces thermotolerans, and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera) with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the physicochemical indexes and flavour of rice vinegar fermentation were studied. The mixed fermentation increased the activity of β‐glucosidase and esterification enzyme. The β‐glucosidase activity of P. fabianii was 1.6 times higher than that of S. cerevisiae alone, and the esterification enzyme activity was increased by about four times. Compared with the single fermentation of S. cerevisiae, the mixed fermentation of P. fabianii and S. cerevisiae increased the type and content of aromatic esters and produced ethyl acetate and phenethyl acetate. The mixed fermentation of K. thermotolerans and S. cerevisiae made an outstanding contribution to produce higher alcohols. Among them, the content of isobutanol and phenylethanol increased by nearly ten times; the content of isoamylol increased by more than eight times. S. fibuligera provides a unique flavour of phenols because of 2‐methoxy‐4‐ethylphenol and 2‐methoxy‐4‐ethylphenol.
How well may the direct linguistic declarations substitute AHP in defining accurate criteria weights?
Authors: Wachowicz Tomasz , Roszkowska Ewa
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the problem of defining the weights in multiple criteria decision‐making analysis. In particular, we analyze if weights determined by decision makers (DMs) using the classic analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach can be reproduced using more straightforward direct linguistic weights declarations (DLWD). Using the dataset from an online decision‐making experiment, we analyze the concordance of systems of weights obtained by DMs from AHP and DLWD. Applying optimization models, we check if the discrepancies between the AHP and DLWD weights result from (a) inefficiently declared mixes of linguistic labels in the symmetrically distributed scale or (b) using the unbalanced linguistic term set by DMs. The main findings are that the systems of weights obtained by DMs in the experiment from AHP and DLWD differ significantly. While using DLWD, most DMs defined criteria ranks contradictory to those resulting from AHP. They avoided extensive use of extreme labels from the 7‐point scale. The optimization results show that DLWD based on the symmetric scale might produce the most similar weights to AHP if a full range of linguistic terms was used, not only the intermediate ones. The differences in DMs’ cognitive profiles seem not to affect the results.
The pediatric provider communication skills assessment scale
Authors: Boztepe Handan , Çınar Özbay Sevil , Akçam Aysun , Kanbay Yalçın
Published: July 2023

Problem

Building rapport and trust between healthcare professional and patient/parents would improve satisfaction of patient/parents. The purpose of this study was to develop “The Pediatric Provider Communication Skills Assessment Scale” in this study.

Methods

A trial form, with linguistic and psychometric validation and consisting of 44 statements, was administered to a sample of 325 individuals. Data were collected between January 20 and October 22, 2021. The validity of the scale was concluded after examining its construct validity and internal validity. “Exploratory factor analysis” was used for determining construct validity, and “comparison of lower‐upper groups” for internal validity. “Cronbach's α reliability coefficient” and “split half test consistency coefficient” were calculated for testing the reliability of the scale.

Findings

The Pediatric Provider Communication Skills Assessment Scale that we developed consists of one dimension and 20 items, and the variance it can explain was calculated as 62.3%. The Cronbach α reliability coefficient of the scale was calculated as 0.90, indicating high reliability.

Conclusions

According to the findings, “The Pediatric Provider Communication Skills Assessment Scale” is a scale with features that can measure in a valid and reliable way, with high variance and a low number of items. The study aims to develop the “The Pediatric Provider Communication Skills Assessment Scale,” and present it to the literature as a validated and reliable new objective measurement tool. This study will enable us to understand more about the complex communication processes involved in pediatric care and how these may influence care delivery.
Dynamics of quality change in process of shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) cooking
Authors: Liu Yingying , Meng Yijun , Dang Yuli , Guo Shuihuan , Qu Shanshan , Li Jiayin , Li Yu
Published: July 2023

To better predict quality changes during food heating, a kinetic approach was used to determine and analyze the reaction kinetics of changes in ripening quality factors (color and hardness). The moisture content as a superheated quality factor was superheated to improve the quality of shiitake dishes during the cooking of shiitake mushroom. The results showed that the changes in L*, a*, hardness, and moisture content of the shiitake mushroom followed the first‐order reaction kinetics model, and the changes in h* and △E of the shiitake mushroom followed the zero‐order reaction kinetics model as the temperature increased during cooking. The z values of L*，a*，h*, and △E were 56.22,42.19,45.02 and 47.90°C and the Ea values were 34.20, 34.78, 41.33, and 26.43 kJ/mol, respectively. The z value for hardness was 49.67°C and Ea value was 25.92 kJ/mol. The z value for moisture content was 67.31°C and Ea value was 37.32 kJ/mol, which was greater than the z values of color and hardness. The z values of mature quality factors were less than the z value of overheating quality factor, which was in accordance with the requirement of cooking operation optimization. Our results proved that there was room for optimization of shiitake mushroom in the cooking process.

Practical application

This study investigated the kinetics of quality changes of shiitake mushroom during cooking. In practical application, it could better predict the quality changes of shiitake mushroom during heating, determine the optimal cooking time by monitoring the changes of ripeness factor and overheating factor during cooking, facilitate food enterprises to design heat supply more scientifically, and provide basic data to promote the industrial production of shiitake pre‐prepared dishes.
Obesity during preclinical Alzheimer's disease development exacerbates brain metabolic decline
Authors: Anderson Thea , Sharma Sumeet , Kelberman Michael A. , Ware Christopher , Guo Nanxi , Qin Zhaohui , Weinshenker David , Parent Marise B.
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Obesity in middle age increases AD risk and severity, which is alarming given that obesity prevalence peaks at middle age and obesity rates are accelerating worldwide. Midlife, but not late‐life obesity increases AD risk, suggesting that this interaction is specific to preclinical AD. AD pathology begins in middle age, with accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ), hyperphosphorylated tau, metabolic decline, and neuroinflammation occurring decades before cognitive symptoms appear. We used a transcriptomic discovery approach in young adult (6.5 months old) male and female TgF344‐AD rats that overexpress mutant human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin‐1 and wild‐type (WT) controls to determine whether inducing obesity with a high‐fat/high‐sugar “Western” diet during preclinical AD increases brain metabolic dysfunction in dorsal hippocampus (dHC), a brain region vulnerable to the effects of obesity and early AD. Analyses of dHC gene expression data showed dysregulated mitochondrial and neurotransmission pathways, and up‐regulated genes involved in cholesterol synthesis. Western diet amplified the number of genes that were different between AD and WT rats and added pathways involved in noradrenergic signaling, dysregulated inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and decreased intracellular lipid transporters. Importantly, the Western diet impaired dHC‐dependent spatial working memory in AD but not WT rats, confirming that the dietary intervention accelerated cognitive decline. To examine later consequences of early transcriptional dysregulation, we measured dHC monoamine levels in older (13 months old) AD and WT rats of both sexes after long‐term chow or Western diet consumption. Norepinephrine (NE) abundance was significantly decreased in AD rats, NE turnover was increased, and the Western diet attenuated the AD‐induced increases in turnover. Collectively, these findings indicate obesity during prodromal AD impairs memory, potentiates AD‐induced metabolic decline likely leading to an overproduction of cholesterol, and interferes with compensatory increases in NE transmission.

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Is maternal serum endocan level a novel marker in gestational diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Yıldız Elif , Ketenci Gencer Fatma , Timur Burcu , Laleli Koc Bergen , Timur Hakan
Published: July 2023

Aim

To determine whether there was a significant difference between serum endocan levels of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A total of 90 pregnant women, 45 with gestational diabetes and 45 healthy pregnant women, between 24 and 28 gestational weeks, were included in this prospective case–control study. The pregnant women were screened for gestational diabetes using a two‐step protocol. Serum endocan levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A p‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Serum endocan level was significantly higher in the GDM group than in healthy controls (168.46 ± 160.6 vs. 105.66 ± 26.52 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Serum endocan concentrations were positively correlated with the results of 50 g oral glucose challenge test (GCT) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that endocan with a cut‐off point of 133.9 ng/dL indicated women with GDM with a sensitivity of 55.6% and specificity of 88.9% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.737, 95% CI: 0.634–0.824). The overall differential performance of endocan according to the GDM groups was determined as 73.7% (p < 0.001). Maternal serum endocan level was positively correlated with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Elevated endocan levels in gestational diabetes were correlated with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. Despite the low sensitivity of 55.6% and the high specificity of 88.9%, we found a high differential performance rate indicating that serum endocan levels were important for the pathophysiology of GDM and should be investigated for the possibility of being a novel marker in larger populations.
Novel technique of stent placement via gateway balloon in intracranial atherosclerosis‐associated large vessel occlusion
Authors: Memon Muhammad Zeeshan , Ezzeldin Mohamad , Biswas Arundhati , Ahmad Rowaid , Nisar Taha , Singla Amit , Muhammad Nazar , Shaltoni Hashem , Kan Peter , Zaidat Osama O. , Khandelwal Priyank
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Neuroform Atlas stent can be deployed directly via gateway balloon for angioplasty and stent placement without the need for exchange maneuver required for Wingspan stent use. We present our initial experience of this strategy in intracranial atherosclerosis‐associated large vessel occlusions.

Methods

Patients were identified through mechanical thrombectomy (MT) database from January 2020 to June 2022 at our institutions. Due to reocclusion or impending occlusion, rescue angioplasty with stent placement was performed after initial standard MT. Primary outcomes were good angiographic recanalization with modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2b‐3, rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and favorable functional outcome at 3 months, that is, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0‐3.

Results

We identified 22 patients treated using this technique. Among those, 11 were females with their average age at 66 years (range: 52‐85). Initial median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 11 (range: 5‐30) and all patients received loading doses of aspirin and P2Y₁₂ inhibitor. After performing submaximal angioplasty and Neuroform Atlas stent deployment through the gateway balloon, we achieved final mTICI of 2b‐3 in 20 (90%) patients. One patient had ICH post‐op that was asymptomatic. Eight (36%) patients had mRS of 0‐3 at 90 days.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience suggests possible safety and feasibility of deploying Neuroform Atlas stent through a compatible Gateway balloon microcatheter without the need for ICH‐associated microcatheter exchange. Further studies with long‐term clinical and angiographic follow‐up are warranted to corroborate our initial findings.
Materials and manufacturing techniques for occlusal splints: A literature review
Authors: Nassif Maryse , Haddad Camille , Habli Lara , Zoghby Amine
Published: July 2023

Objective

To review the materials and fabrications methods of occlusal splints with their advantages and shortcomings and to clarify the indications for each.

Background

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of conditions affecting the masticatory system. Occlusal splints are currently recognised as a viable option for the management of TMDs when they are adopted in conjunction with additional approaches varying from conservative procedures (counselling, biofeedback, physical therapy, pharmacotherapy) to irreversible and less conservative ones (occlusal adjustments, orthodontics, arthroscopy and surgery). These splints can vary in design, function and material. The components used to fabricate the splints must withstand occlusal forces, be aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and minimally interfering with function and phonetics. Traditional methods for fabricating splints include sprinkle‐on, thermoforming and lost wax techniques. However, with the advancement of CAD/CAM technology, additive (3D printing) and subtractive (milling) manufacturing methods expand the range of possibilities by introducing novel solutions for elaborating splints.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted on PubMed using the following keywords: “occlusal splint”, “guard and “materials”, and “manufacturing.” Thirteen in vitro publications were screened and they consisted of four clinical studies, nine reviews (three of them were systematic reviews), and five case reports.

Conclusion

The choice of material is crucial for the success of splint therapy. Factors such as biocompatibility, ease of fabrication, adjustability, cost and patient preference should be considered. Newer materials and techniques are emerging because of advancements in material science and manufacturing techniques. However, it should be noted that most of the evidence is based on in vitro studies with different methodologies, limiting their validity in daily practice.