bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Maribavir to Inform Dosing in Drug‐Drug Interaction Scenarios with CYP3A4 Inducers and Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Grace , Sun Kefeng , Michon Ingrid , Barter Zoe , Neuhoff Sibylle , Ghosh Lipika , Ilic Katarina , Song Ivy H.
Published: November 2023

Maribavir, an orally available antiviral agent, has been approved in multiple countries for the treatment of patients with refractory post‐transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and/or disease. Maribavir is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4; coadministration with CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors may significantly alter maribavir exposure, thereby affecting its efficacy and safety. The effect of CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors on maribavir exposure was evaluated based on a drug‐drug interaction (DDI) study and physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. The effect of rifampin (a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and moderate inducer of CYP1A2), administered at a 600 mg dose once daily, on maribavir pharmacokinetics was assessed in a clinical phase 1 DDI study in healthy participants. A full PBPK model for maribavir was developed and verified using in vitro and clinical pharmacokinetic data from phase 1 studies. The verified PBPK model was then used to simulate maribavir DDI interactions with various CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors. The DDI study results showed that coadministration with rifampin decreased the maribavir maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC), and trough concentration (Ctrough) by 39%, 60%, and 82%, respectively. Based on the results from the clinical DDI study, the coadministration of maribavir with rifampin is not recommended. The PBPK model did not predict a clinically significant effect of CYP3A4 inhibitors on maribavir exposure; however, it predicted that strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers, including carbamazepine, efavirenz, phenobarbital, and phenytoin, may reduce maribavir exposure to a clinically significant extent, and may prompt the consideration of a maribavir dosing increase, in accordance with local approved labels and/or regulations.
Intensified capture of recombinant blood coagulation factors by continuous, integrated downstream processing
Authors: Engelmaier Hannah , Dattenböck Christoph , Petrushevska‐Seebach Katerina , Jungbauer Alois , Hammerschmidt Nikolaus
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The biopharmaceutical community has realized the tremendous potential of continuous processing for process intensification. However, to date reports of continuous processes for monoclonal antibodies (mAb) represent the overwhelming majority, while integrated continuous processes for non‐mAb products are rare.

RESULTS

We have developed an integrated, continuous process for capture of recombinant blood coagulation factors: Factor VIII (FVIII) and VonWillebrand factor (VWF). Due to their complex and diverse nature, tailored solutions beyond chromatographic separations are required for continuously producing non‐mAb products. Our integrated process consists of three continuous unit operations that include cell removal, product capture by precipitation and precipitate collection with a yield of 33% and 56% for FVIII and VWF, respectively. These unit operations were developed individually and then integrated into a continuous process at laboratory scale. Using prototype equipment, we have demonstrated continuous, integrated capture of recombinant blood coagulation factors over a duration of 24 h.

CONCLUSION

The continuous solutions employed were developed for FVIII and VWF, but may very well be applied to other molecules. These solutions to continuous solid–liquid separation and integration are important parts in the puzzle that is continuous downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessing vitamin D as a biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Yeaman Fiona , Nguyen Anke , Abasszade Joshua , Gupta Sanjana , Bell Sally , Moore Gregory
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

A reliable serum biomarker for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity is needed. Vitamin D is involved in inflammation and has been demonstrated to be low in IBD patients with active disease. It is routinely measured in IBD patients. Therefore, vitamin D may have a role as a serum biomarker in IBD. This study aims to investigate whether serum vitamin D may be useful as a biomarker in IBD in a real‐world IBD population.

Methods

Patients were identified by review of fecal calprotectin (FCP) results, and those who had a clinical review, vitamin D test, and FCP performed within 3 months were included. Clinical scores were calculated from chart review. Nonparametric tests were used to investigate vitamin D and FCP levels, serum biomarkers, and clinical scores.

Results

Of 616 patients identified, 325 episodes of matched vitamin D level and biomarker data were obtained. A statistically significant correlation was found between vitamin D levels and FCP levels for all patients (r = −0.19 [s –0.29 to −0.080], P < 0.001]. This remained true when patients were divided into IBD subsets. Low vitamin D was associated with partial Mayo scores and C‐reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio in ulcerative colitis, and CRP and CRP/albumin ratio in Crohn's disease.

Conclusion

Vitamin D level is negatively correlated with FCP and it may be considered as an adjunct biomarker at this stage. A prospective study would be beneficial to investigate further correlations between vitamin D and existing biomarkers of inflammation in IBD.
The efficacy and safety of pure laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in super‐elderly patients over 80 years: A multicenter propensity analysis
Authors: Namba Yosuke , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Masakazu , Onoe Takashi , Mashima Hiroaki , Oishi Koichi , Honmyo Naruhiko , Abe Tomoyuki , Kuroda Shintaro , Ohdan Hideki
Published: November 2023

Background

Very few reports have evaluated the safety of laparoscopic liver resection in super‐elderly patients. We assessed the short‐term outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma aged ≥80 years, using propensity score matching.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 287 patients (aged ≥80 years) who underwent liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma at eight hospitals belonging to Hiroshima Surgical study group of Clinical Oncology, between January 2012 and December 2021. The perioperative outcomes were compared between laparoscopic and open liver resection, using propensity score matching.

Results

Of the 287 patients, 83 and 204 were included in the laparoscopic and open liver resection groups, respectively. Propensity score matching was performed, and 52 patients were included in each group. The operation (p = .68) and pringle maneuver (p = .11) time were not different between the groups. There were no significant differences in the incidences of bile leakage or organ failure. The laparoscopic liver resection group had significantly less intraoperative bleeding and a lower incidence of cardiopulmonary complications (both p < .01).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic liver resection can be safely performed in elderly patients aged ≥80 years.
Effect of previous heterologous flavivirus vaccinations on human antibody responses in tick‐borne encephalitis and dengue virus infections
Authors: Roßbacher Lena , Malafa Stefan , Huber Kristina , Thaler Melissa , Aberle Stephan W. , Aberle Judith H. , Heinz Franz X. , Stiasny Karin
Published: November 2023

Arthropod‐borne flaviviruses include a number of medically relevant human pathogens such as the mosquito‐borne dengue (DEN), Zika, and yellow fever (YF) viruses as well as tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). All flaviviruses are antigenically related and anamnestic responses due to prior immunity can modulate antibody specificities in subsequent infections or vaccinations. In our study, we analyzed the induction of broadly flavivirus cross‐reactive antibodies in tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) and DEN patients without or with prior flavivirus exposure through TBE and/or YF vaccination, and determined the contribution of these antibodies to TBE and dengue virus (DENV) neutralization. In addition, we investigated the formation of cross‐reactive antibodies in TBE‐vaccination breakthroughs (VBTs). A TBEV infection without prior YF or TBE vaccination induced predominantly type‐specific antibodies. In contrast, high levels of broadly cross‐reactive antibodies were found in samples from TBE patients prevaccinated against YF as well as in DEN patients prevaccinated against TBE and/or YF. While these cross‐reactive antibodies did not neutralize TBEV, they were effective in neutralizing DENV. This discrepancy points to structural differences between the two viruses and indicates that broadly cross‐reactive epitopes are less accessible in TBEV than in DENV. In TBE VBT infections, type‐specific antibodies dominated the antibody response, thus revealing no difference from that of unvaccinated TBE patients. Our results emphasize significant differences in the structural properties of different flaviviruses that have an impact on the induction of broadly cross‐reactive antibodies and their functional activities in virus neutralization.
High sera levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 N antigen are associated with death in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Chenane Houssem Redha , Lingas Guillaume , Menidjel Reyene , Laouenan Cédric , Tubiana Sarah , Descamps Diane , Le Hingrat Quentin , Abel Laurent , Guedj Jérémie , Malhotra Surbhi , Kumar‐Singh Samir , Visseaux Benoit , Ghosn Jade , Charpentier Charlotte , Lebourgeois Samuel ,   the French COVID Cohort Study Group
Published: November 2023

The presence of free severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) nucleocapsid‐antigen in sera (N‐antigenemia) has been shown in COVID‐19 patients. However, the link between the quantitative levels of N‐antigenemia and COVID‐19 disease severity is not entirely understood. To assess the dynamics and clinical association of N‐antigen sera levels with disease severity in COVID‐19 patients, we analyzed data from patients included in the French COVID cohort, with at least one sera sample between January and September 2020. We assessed N‐antigenemia levels and anti‐N IgG titers, and patient outcomes was classified in two groups, survival or death. In samples collected within 8 days since symptom onset, we observed that deceased patients had a higher positivity rate (93% vs. 81%; p < 0.001) and higher median levels of predicted N‐antigenemia (2500 vs. 1200 pg/mL; p < 0.001) than surviving patients. Predicted time to N‐antigen clearance in sera was prolonged in deceased patients compared to survivors (23.3 vs 19.3 days; p < 0.0001). In a subset of patients with both sera and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, predicted time to N‐antigen clearance in sera was prolonged in deceased patients (p < 0.001), whereas NP viral load clearance did not differ between the groups (p = 0.07). Our results demonstrate a strong relationship between N‐antigenemia levels and COVID‐19 severity on a prospective cohort.
Molecular investigation of some DNA viruses in mucosal melanoma: Case–control study
Authors: Arvia Rosaria , Tanturli Michele , Ugolini Filippo , Vannucchi Margherita , Massi Daniela , Zakrzewska Krystyna
Published: November 2023

The association between viral infections and both cutaneous and mucosal melanoma (MM) has not been fully investigated. Here, we assessed the prevalence of the DNA of a broad range of viruses in 31 MMs and 15 biopsies of healthy mucosa (HM) using molecular methods. The parvoviruses CuV and B19V, herpesviruses HSV1, HSV2, EBV, HHV6, and HHV8, polyomavirus MCPyV, and α‐HPVs were not detected, or rarely found, in MMs, and in HM, of the digestive, respiratory, and female genital tract. The overall prevalence of β‐HPV in MMs was not significantly higher compared to that in HM (70.9% and 53.3% respectively; p = 0.514). However, the number of MMs positive for β‐HPV types belonging to Species 3 and 5 and for some viral types belonging to Species 1, 2, 3, and 5 were significantly higher compared with HM (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to HM, the MM samples contained a significantly higher number of β‐HPV types, mainly belonging to Species 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.05). Our data, although suggesting a role for certain β‐HPV types in MM oncogenesis, require additional investigation in larger populations to support this hypothesis.
Isolation, structure characterization and in vitro immune‐enhancing activity of a glucan from the peels of stem lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Authors: Zou Xianguo , Shen Mingjie , Li Jingjing , Sun Peilong , Zhong Xianfeng , Yang Kai
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Stem lettuce is a medicinal and edible plant. The peels, accounting for 300–400 g kg−1 raw stem lettuce and containing polysaccharides 200 g kg−1, are discarded as industrial waste, causing environment pollution and resource waste.

RESULTS

A polysaccharide named PPSL10‐2 was obtained from the peels of stem lettuce after hot water extraction, and gradation with cascade ultrafiltration and purification using DEAE‐Sepharose cellulose. The purity and molecular weight of PPSL10‐2 is 96.10% and 2.2 × 104 Da respectively, as detected by high‐performance gel permeation chromatography. PPSL10‐2 was found to be an α‐(1→4)‐d‐glucan that branched at O‐6 with a terminal 1‐linked α‐d‐Glcp as side chain, and devoid of helix conformation, which was characterized by monosaccharide composition analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Congo red test, scanning electron microscopy, methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, PPSL10‐2 exhibited potent immune‐enhancing effect by improving proliferation and phagocytosis, promoting the secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines, as well as the expression of related genes in RAW264.7 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study suggest that peels as an agricultural by‐product of stem lettuce are good sources of polysaccharides, which could be developed as immunopotentiator for improving human health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antibacterial and phytotoxicological properties assessment of Momordica charantia extract‐based ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Doğaroğlu Zeynep Görkem , Uysal Yağmur , Çaylalı Zehranur , Karakoç Gökçen
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Utilizing the fruit extract of bitter melon (Momordica charantia), zinc nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) were synthesized through a green approach, a novel endeavor in current literature. The primary objective was to evaluate the phytotoxic and growth‐promoting effects of these ZnO‐NPs on wheat, chosen as a test plant. Structural characterization using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO‐NPs and identified spherical M. charantia‐produced (MC)‐ZnO‐NPs ranging in size from 48 to 150 nm.

RESULTS

At a concentration of 2000 mg L−1, both MC‐ and raw‐ZnO‐NPs augmented wheat germination percentages. Furthermore, raw‐ZnO‐NPs at 4000 mg L−1 demonstrated the highest chlorophyll content. Despite the plant's increased accumulation of MC‐ZnO‐NPs, no statistically significant toxic effects were observed. The antibacterial efficacy of ZnO‐NPs was assessed against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative microorganisms. MC‐ZnO‐NPs exhibited a 67.9% inhibition zone against Escherichia coli at 0.04 mg L−1, while raw‐ZnO‐NPs exhibited 75.6% inhibition at the same concentration.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that ZnO‐NPs synthesized from M. charantia exhibit both growth‐promoting effects on wheat without significant phytotoxicity and potent antibacterial properties, particularly against Escherichia coli. However, further investigations are warranted to comprehensively understand the interactions between ZnO‐NPs and plants. Future research should focus on M. charantia, exploring its enhanced effects on plant growth, development and antibacterial attributes. These findings hold promise for potential agricultural applications, emphasizing the need for detailed phytotoxicological assessments of ZnO‐NPs. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Associations of social vulnerability with truncal and extremity melanomas in the United States
Authors: Goyal Ansh , Fei‐Zhang David J. , Pawlik Timothy M. , Bentrem David J. , Wayne Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Prior studies in social determinants (SDoH) of truncal‐extremity melanomas (TEM) have analyzed race, income, and environmental factors relative to their effect on health disparities. However, they are limited by the narrow scopes of SDoH and study population, while lacking analyses of interrelational contribution of SDoH on TEM disparities.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of adult TEM patients (1975–2017) assessed linear regression trends in months of survival, as well as logistic regression trends in advanced presenting stage, surgery, and chemotherapy receipt across TEM subtypes with increasing overall social vulnerability and vulnerability in 15 SDoH variables grouped into socioeconomic status (SES), minority‐language status (ML), household composition (HH), and housing‐transportation (HT) themes measured by the SVI. SVI measures are ranked/compared across all US counties for relative vulnerability in a specific SDH and their total composite while accounting for sociodemographic–regional differences.

Results

Across 325 760 TEM patients, increasing overall social vulnerability demonstrated significant decreases in the survival period for 7/13 TEM histology types (p < 0.001), with relative decreases in the survival period as high as 44.0% (67.0–37.5 months) for epithelioid cell. SES and HH were the highest‐magnitude contributors to these overall trends. For many patients with TEM, increased odds of advanced presenting stage (highest with acral‐lentiginous: odds ratio [OR], −1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.36), decreased odds of indicated surgery receipt (lowest with amelanotic, 0.79; 0.71–0.87), and increased odds of indicated chemotherapy (highest with melanoma in giant nevi: 1.50; 1.01–2.44) were observed; SES and ML followed by HH and HT contributed to these trends.

Conclusions

There were detriments in TEM care & prognosis in the United States with increasing social vulnerability. Identifying which SDH quantifiably are associated more with disparities in interrelational, real‐world contexts is important to provide nuance to inform future research and initiatives to address TEM disparity.
Computed Tomographic Evaluations in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chia , Sun Ping Hsueh , Wu Pei‐Wen , Huang Chi‐Che , Chang Po‐Hung , Fu Chia‐Hsiang , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aimed to evaluate computed tomography (CT) images of patients with empty nose syndrome (ENS), investigate the impact of reconstruction surgery on sinus inflammation, and identify the optimal airspace diameter after surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case series analysis, identifying and enrolling patients with ENS with perioperative CT findings. The clinical characteristics of the participants were collected, and the modified Lund‐Mackay (mLM) CT scores were determined. The anterior airspace diameter was evaluated by measuring the distance between the septum and the lateral nasal wall on the coronal plane at the level of the nasolacrimal duct.

Results

Twenty patients with ENS and perioperative CT images were enrolled. The mean total mLM CT score and all subsite scores showed no significant changes after surgery. The Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) score, Sino‐nasal Outcome Test‐25 (SNOT‐25) score, sleep symptoms domain, psychological domain, and empty nose symptoms domain were significantly associated with anterior airspace diameter in the regression analysis.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in sinus inflammation between preoperative and postoperative CT evaluations. The anterior airspace diameters were significantly associated with ENS6Q and SNOT‐25 scores.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2105–2110, 2024
Advances and Challenges of Ultrafast Fiber Lasers in 2–4 µm Mid‐Infrared Spectral Regions
Authors: Zhang Yani , Wu Kexin , Guang Zhe , Guo Bo , Qiao Dun , Wei Zhiyi , Yang Hongyan , Wang Qiuyang , Li Kang , Copner Nigel , Li Xiaohui
Published: November 2023

Mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) ultrafast lasers are widely employed in biomedicine, molecular spectroscopy, material processing, and nonlinear optics. With the improvement of fiber gain media and other fiber optical elements, low‐cost, compact, and high‐efficiency fiber lasers open up new opportunities for 2–4 µm pulse generations, which calls for a comprehensive review of their mode‐locking mechanisms, gain media, and fiber laser system performance. This paper, beginning with an overview of pulse‐generation technologies, reviews recent progress on 2–4 µm mid‐IR ultrafast fiber lasers, including Tm3+‐, Ho3+‐doped, Tm3+/Ho3+codoped silicate fiber 2 µm lasers, and Er3+‐, Dy3+‐doped, and Ho3+/Pr3+codoped ZBLAN fiber 2.5–4 µm lasers. Among them, the status of 2–4 µm ultrafast fiber lasers based on 2D material passive mode‐locking is emphatically discussed. Meanwhile, the novel advances on mode‐locking and gain fibers of mid‐IR ultrafast fiber lasers are explored. Furthermore, current and prospective applications of such laser systems are also introduced in detail. This review finally summarizes challenges associated with future development of mid‐IR ultrafast fiber lasers, which provides an outlook on how to achieve more desirable laser performance (e.g., higher average power, higher pulse energy, and longer emission wavelength) that can lead to more practical uses of such lasers.
Flexible and Biocompatible Antifouling Polyurethane Surfaces Incorporating Tethered Antimicrobial Peptides through Click Reactions
Authors: Berglin Mattias , Cavanagh Jorunn Pauline , Caous Josefin Seth , Thakkar Balmukund Sureshkumar , Vasquez Jeddah Marie , Stensen Wenche , Lyvén Benny , Svendsen John‐Sigurd , Svenson Johan
Published: November 2023

Efficient, simple antibacterial materials to combat implant‐associated infections are much in demand. Herein, the development of polyurethanes, both cross‐linked thermoset and flexible and versatile thermoplastic, suitable for “click on demand” attachment of antibacterial compounds enabled via incorporation of an alkyne‐containing diol monomer in the polymer backbone, is described. By employing different polyolic polytetrahydrofurans, isocyanates, and chain extenders, a robust and flexible material comparable to commercial thermoplastic polyurethane is prepared. A series of short synthetic antimicrobial peptides are designed, synthesized, and covalently attached in a single coupling step to generate a homogenous coating. The lead material is shown to be biocompatible and does not display any toxicity against either mouse fibroblasts or reconstructed human epidermis according to ISO and OECD guidelines. The repelling performance of the peptide‐coated materials is illustrated against colonization and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis on coated plastic films and finally, on coated commercial central venous catheters employing LIVE/DEAD staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and bacterial counts. This study presents the successful development of a versatile and scalable polyurethane with the potential for use in the medical field to reduce the impact of bacterial biofilms.
Erroneous consumer evaluations in the marketplace: How consumer evaluations are biased by raw performance scores
Authors: Givi Julian , Grossman Daniel M. , Kardes Frank R.
Published: November 2023

A consumer's evaluation of an entity in the marketplace, such as a product or service provider, is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not they consume it. Indeed, the relationship between perceived quality and likelihood of purchase is a central finding in marketing. Oftentimes, consumers make these evaluations after learning information regarding the entity's performance according to some metric (i.e., its “raw score”) and how the entity's performance compares to the performances of other entities (i.e., its accompanying percentile). In these cases, consumers should discount the raw score and exclusively use the percentile, to adjust for differences in the “friendliness” of the metric. In the present work, we demonstrate that consumers fail to evaluate entities in this way, incorporating raw scores into their assessments when they should not. We also show that this effect is the result of an anchoring and insufficient adjustment process. Consumers anchor on the notion that a good (vs. bad) raw score equates to a favorable (vs. unfavorable) performance and fail to adjust from this anchor when considering the percentile information about how the entity's raw score fits into the greater distribution. Moreover, we demonstrate that how a consumer evaluates an entity, indeed, influences their likelihood of consuming it, highlighting the marketing implications of this phenomenon. We conclude by discussing how this work adds to the literatures on consumer psychology, anchoring and adjustment, biases, judgment, and processing.
Community‐based care for people with chronic knee and hip pain: Preliminary clinical outcomes and healthcare utilisation for ESCAPE‐pain
Authors: Hurley Michael , Thompson Francesca
Published: November 2023

Background

Joint pain impairs physical and psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life (QoL) and has a significant socioeconomic impact. Enabling Self‐management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise, ESCAPE‐pain, is a rehabilitation programme that mitigates the wide impacts of joint pain. Financial, logistical and workforce constraints in health systems severely limit access to the programme. Delivering the programme by trained exercise professionals in community venues could increase access and reduce costs.

Methods

Four hundred eighty‐two exercise professionals were trained to deliver ESCAPE‐pain at community sites to people >55 years with chronic knee or hip pain. Pain, physical function, QoL, self‐reported activity, mental wellbeing and healthcare utilisation (consultations, investigations, treatments, medication) were measured before, immediately after and 6 months after the programme.

Results

One thousand four hundred ninety‐two people (mean age 70 years) were recruited. ESCAPE‐pain improved pain, function, QoL, mental wellbeing and objective physical function (p < 0.0001). Before the programme, only 24% of participants were classified as ‘fairly active/active’ (doing ≥30 min activity/week); after the programme, 78% were classified as ‘fairly active/active’; 6 months later, 69% were still ‘fairly active/active’. Participants used less healthcare after ESCAPE‐pain, resulting in savings of £326.16/participant.

Conclusions

Older people with chronic joint pain were willing to attend ESCAPE‐pain when delivered by exercise professionals in community centres, and it was found to be as effective as when delivered by physiotherapists in hospitals. Delivering ESCAPE‐pain in the community could facilitate access to effective care and on‐going support to sustain the benefits of healthcare programmes, producing a more efficient use of health and community resources.
Recreational anglers in Norway report widespread dislike of invasive pink salmon
Authors: Guay J. D. , Lennox R. J. , Thorstad E. B. , Vollset K. W. , Stensland S. , Erkinaro J. , Nguyen V. M.
Published: November 2023

Pink salmon have returned to Norwegian rivers at high abundance in recent odd‐numbered years (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), presenting potential threats to native biodiversity and ecosystem services, including major sport fishing tourism for Atlantic salmon and sea‐run brown trout in Norway. Presently, there exists a knowledge gap on angler perceptions and attitudes towards the presence of pink salmon in Norwegian rivers, resulting in difficulty assessing the socioeconomic repercussions of their invasion.

We distributed an online questionnaire to anglers who purchased the national salmon fishing licence in Norway in 2020 to assess their perceptions of pink salmon and the intentions of anglers to modify their fishing practices.

There were widespread negative perceptions of pink salmon in Norway. Perceptions were matched with intentions to modify fishing behaviour among some of the anglers, with 41% saying that they would modify fishing to increase the catch of pink salmon to help remove them before they spawned in the rivers. However, anglers were more prone to say they would decrease fishing effort if both pink salmon catches and fishing licence costs were to increase or if pink salmon were to dominate their catch.

Salmon anglers in Norway were strongly oriented towards their chosen recreational activity and do not plan to stop fishing their preferred rivers. They also do not want pink salmon to become established in Norway and are prepared to volunteer for stewardship roles that intervene against pink salmon. However, they overwhelmingly reported not wanting to eat pink salmon.

Fisheries managers must take into account the widespread desire for management intervention against pink salmon, even though eradication is not likely no matter how intensive removal efforts become. Efforts to change narratives about pink salmon to encourage fishers to harvest pink salmon from the fjords and rivers for consumption might lead to effective population control, relieving native salmon, trout and charr from potential negative impacts of this prolific colonizer.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Common evolutionary origins of the bacterial glycyl tRNA synthetase and alanyl tRNA synthetase
Authors: Alvarez‐Carreño Claudia , Arciniega Marcelino , Ribas de Pouplana Lluís , Petrov Anton S. , Hernández‐González Adriana , Dimas‐Torres Jorge‐Uriel , Valencia‐Sánchez Marco Igor , Williams Loren Dean , Torres‐Larios Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) establish the genetic code. Each aaRS covalently links a given canonical amino acid to a cognate set of tRNA isoacceptors. Glycyl tRNA aminoacylation is unusual in that it is catalyzed by different aaRSs in different lineages of the Tree of Life. We have investigated the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary history of bacterial glycyl tRNA synthetase (bacGlyRS). This enzyme is found in early diverging bacterial phyla such as Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria, but not in archaea or eukarya. We observe relationships between each of six domains of bacGlyRS and six domains of four different RNA‐modifying proteins. Component domains of bacGlyRS show common ancestry with (i) the catalytic domain of class II tRNA synthetases; (ii) the HD domain of the bacterial RNase Y; (iii) the body and tail domains of the archaeal CCA‐adding enzyme; (iv) the anti‐codon binding domain of the arginyl tRNA synthetase; and (v) a previously unrecognized domain that we call ATL (Ancient tRNA latch). The ATL domain has been found thus far only in bacGlyRS and in the universal alanyl tRNA synthetase (uniAlaRS). Further, the catalytic domain of bacGlyRS is more closely related to the catalytic domain of uniAlaRS than to any other aminoacyl tRNA synthetase. The combined results suggest that the ATL and catalytic domains of these two enzymes are ancestral to bacGlyRS and uniAlaRS, which emerged from common protein ancestors by bricolage, stepwise accumulation of protein domains, before the last universal common ancestor of life.
Physiological and behavioral basis of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella migration and its association with heat stress
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Pan , Zheng Min , Hou Xiao‐Yu , Zhou Li‐Lin , Wang Yong , Si Sheng‐Yun , Wang Xiao‐Ping , Chapman Jason W. , Wang Yu‐Meng , Hu Gao
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Migration is a strategy that shifts insects to more favorable habitats in response to deteriorating local environmental conditions. The ecological factors that govern insect migration are poorly understood for many species. Plutella xylostella causes great losses in Brassica vegetable and oilseed crops, and undergoes mass migration. However, the physiological and behavioral basis for distinguishing migratory individuals and the factors driving its migration remain unclear.

RESULTS

Daily light trap catches conducted from April to July in a field population of P. xylostella in central China revealed a sharp decline in abundance from late‐May. Analysis of ovarian development levels showed that the proportion of sexually immature females gradually increased, while the mating rate decreased, indicating that generations occurring in May mainly resulted from local breeding and that emigration began in late‐May. Physiological and behavioral analyses revealed that emigrant populations had a higher take‐off proportion, stronger flight capacity and greater energy reserves of triglyceride compared to residents. Furthermore, a gradual increase in temperature from 24 °C to >30 °C during larval development resulted in a significant delay in oogenesis and increased take‐off propensity of adults compared with the control treatment reared at a constant temperature of 24 °C.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide the physiological and behavioral factors that underpin mass migration in P. xylostella, and demonstrate that exposure to increased temperature increases their migration propensity at the cost of reproductive output. This study sheds light on understanding the factors that influence population dynamics, migratory propensity and reproductive tradeoffs in migratory insects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cysteine‐free cone snail venom peptides: Classification of precursor proteins and identification of mature peptides
Authors: Vijayasarathy Marimuthu , Kumar Sanjeev , Das Rajdeep , Balaram Padmanabhan
Published: November 2023

The cysteine‐free acyclic peptides present in marine cone snail venom have been much less investigated than their disulfide bonded counterparts. Precursor protein sequences derived from transcriptomic data, together with mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns for peptides present in venom duct tissue extracts, permit the identification of mature peptides. Twelve distinct gene superfamiles have been identified with precursor lengths between 64 and 158 residues. In the case of Conus monile, three distinct mature peptides have been identified, arising from two distinct protein precursors. Mature acyclic peptides are often post‐translationally modified, with C‐terminus amidation, a feature characteristic of neuropeptides. In the present study, 20 acyclic peptides from Conus monile and Conus betulinus were identified. The common modifications of C‐terminus amidation, gamma carboxylation of glutamic acid (E to ϒ), N‐terminus conversion of Gln (Q) to a pyroglutamyl residue (Z), and hydroxylation of Pro (P) to Hyp (O) are observed in one or more peptides identified in this study. Proteolytic trimming of sequences by cleavage at the C‐terminus of Asn (N) residues is established. The presence of an asparagine endopeptidase is strengthened by the identification of legumain‐like sequences in the transcriptome assemblies from diverse Conus species. Such sequences may be expected to have a cleavage specificity at Asn‐Xxx peptide bonds.
Life‐course trajectories and spatial segregation in older age
Authors: Malmberg Bo , Andersson Eva K. , Wimark Thomas
Published: November 2023

There are few reasons to believe that social segregation is restricted to the working age population. Still, attempts to analyse social segregation among old age individuals have been lacking. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to explore the extent to which old age individuals who follow different sociodemographic trajectories are geographically segregated. We analyse residential segregation among older age adults, based on an identification of typical sociodemographic life courses in longitudinal, geo‐coded, register data for three life phases: young old, 65–79 years, middle old, 75–89 years and, oldest old, 85–99 years. The results show great life‐course heterogeneity in these age groups. In each life phase, we distinguish seven different trajectory types that also display distinct geographical patterns. The first group of trajectories is characterized by a high proportion of married individuals with high income concentrated in suburban, single‐family housing areas. The second group consists of trajectories with many widows/widowers in small‐scale, apartment areas. The third group consists of singleton trajectories in metropolitan areas. The fourth group is overrepresented in low‐income areas and consists of trajectories including individuals of nonsurvival in the life phase. The fifth group is composed of trajectories with married or widowed low‐income individuals in owner‐occupied areas mainly found in rural areas. Thus, there is pronounced geographical variation in what type of neighbourhood life old age individuals live. This indicates that social segregation in the old age population deserves to be given more attention in geographical research.
Internal migration and settlement patterns in Australia's regional urban centres
Authors: Li Tiebei , Denham Todd , Dodson Jago
Published: November 2023

The distribution of population between metropolitan regions and their rural counterparts is a topic of interest, due to the growth pressures in large cities and areas of decline in some, typically remote regions. In Australia, fostering population growth in regional urban centres (RUCs) has been a long‐term goal of government policy. Understanding the different profiles, structures, and population dynamics of Australia's RUCs is critical in informing Australian regional development, as well as factors in regional population dynamics in general. This research is focused on patterns of population change through internal migration across Australian RUCs. In addition to a detailed spatial analysis of patterns of population migration flows, this research offers a comprehensive analysis of a range of regional social, economic and infrastructure development factors and their effects on regional migration and population changes. The outputs of the method are new evidence to inform the future regional plan to increase economic and population growth in RUCs. This research contributes to population research and regional planning and provides a baseline for the prepandemic status of regional population dynamics in Australia.
Step‐stress life‐testing under tampered random variable modeling for Weibull distribution in presence of competing risk data
Authors: Sultana Farha , Çetinkaya Çağatay , Kundu Debasis
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we have considered the classical and Bayesian inference of the unknown parameters of the lifetime distribution based on the observations obtained from a simple step‐stress life‐testing (SSLT) experiment and when more than one cause of failures are observed. We have used the Tampered Random Variable (TRV) approach. The main advantage of the TRV approach is that it can be easily extended to a multiple step‐stress model as well as for different lifetime distributions. In this paper, it is assumed that the lifetime of the experimental units at each stress level follows Weibull distribution with the same shape parameter and different scale parameters. Further, we have introduced different tempering co‐efficient for different causes of failures. The maximum likelihood estimators and the associated asymptotic confidence intervals are obtained based on Type‐II censored observations. Further, we have considered the Bayesian inference of the unknown model parameters based on a fairly general class prior distributions. An extensive simulation study is performed to examine the performances of the proposed method, and the analysis of a real data set has been provided to show how the method can be used in practice. We have compared the TRV model with some of the other existing models, and the TRV model provides a better fit in terms of information theoretic criteria. We have also provided some optimality criteria, to determine the optimal stress change time and some sensitivity analyses have been performed. Most of the methods can be extended for other lifetime distributions also.
Rainbow Hamilton cycles in random geometric graphs
Authors: Frieze Alan , Pérez‐Giménez Xavier
Published: November 2023

Let be chosen independently and uniformly at random from the unit ‐dimensional cube . Let be given and let . The random geometric graph has vertex set and an edge whenever . We show that if each edge of is colored independently from one of colors and has the smallest value such that has minimum degree at least two, then contains a rainbow Hamilton cycle asymptotically almost surely.
Recent Progress of Vertical Graphene: Preparation, Structure Engineering, and Emerging Energy Applications
Authors: Wu Zhiheng , Wang Erhao , Zhang Gongkai , Shen Yonglong , Shao Guosheng
Published: November 2023

Vertical graphene (VG) nanosheets have garnered significant attention in the field of electrochemical energy applications, such as supercapacitors, electro‐catalysis, and metal‐ion batteries. The distinctive structures of VG, including vertically oriented morphology, exposed, and extended edges, and separated few‐layer graphene nanosheets, have endowed VG with superior electrode reaction kinetics and mass/electron transportation compared to other graphene‐based nanostructures. Therefore, gaining insight into the structure‐activity relationship of VG and VG‐based materials is crucial for enhancing device performance and expanding their applications in the energy field. In this review, the authors first summarize the fabrication methods of VG structures, including solution‐based, and vacuum‐based techniques. The study then focuses on structural modulations through plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to tailor defects and morphology, aiming to obtain desirable architectures. Additionally, a comprehensive overview of the applications of VG and VG‐based hybrids d in the energy field is provided, considering the arrangement and optimization of their structures. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of VG‐based energy‐related applications are discussed.
Construction of Hydration Layer for Proton Transport by Implanting the Hydrophilic Center Ag0 in Nickel Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Cui Yang , Li Dongyang , Shao Zhichao , Zhao Yujie , Geng Kangshuai , Huang Jing , Zhang Yatao , Hou Hongwei
Published: November 2023

The directional arrangement of H2O molecules can effectively regulate the ordered protons transfer to improve transport efficiency, which can be controlled by the interaction between materials and H2O. Herein, a strategy to build a stable hydration layer in metal‐organic framework (MOF) platforms, in which hydrophilic centers that can manipulate H2O molecules are implanted into MOF cavities is presented. The rigid grid‐Ni‐MOF is selected as the supporting material due to the uniformly distributed cavities and rigid structures. The Ag0 possesses potential combination ability with the hydrophilic substances, so it is introduced into the MOF as hydration layer centers. Relying on the strong interaction between Ag0 and H2O, the H2O molecules can rearrange around Ag0 in the cavity, which is intuitively verified by DFT calculation and molecular dynamics simulation. The establishment of a hydration layer in Ag@Ni‐MOF regulates the chemical properties of the material and gives the material excellent proton conduction performance, with a proton conductivity of 4.86 × 10−2 S cm−1.
Halogen‐Site Regulation in Cs3Bi2X9 Quantum Dots for Efficient and Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol Driven by Solar Light
Authors: Lei Ben , Cui Wen , Sheng Jianping , Zhong Fengyi , Dong Fan
Published: November 2023

Sluggish charge kinetics and low selectivity limit the solar‐driven selective organic transformations under mild conditions. Herein, an efficient strategy of halogen‐site regulation, based on the precise control of charge transfer and molecule activation by rational design of Cs3Bi2X9 quantum dots photocatalysts, is proposed to achieve both high selectivity and yield of benzyl‐alcohol oxidation. In situ PL spectroscopy study reveals that the Bi─Br bonds formed in the form of Br‐associated coordination can enhance the separation and transfer of photoexcited carriers during the practical reaction. As the active center, the exclusive Bi─Br covalence can benefit the benzyl‐alcohol activation for producing carbon‐centered radicals. As a result, the Cs3Bi2Br9 with this atomic coordination achieves a conversion ratio of 97.9% for benzyl alcohol and selectivity of 99.6% for aldehydes, which are 56.9‐ and 1.54‐fold higher than that of Cs3Bi2Cl9. Combined with quasi‐in situ EPR, in situ ATR‐FTIR spectra, and DFT calculation, the conversion of C6H5‐CH2OH to C6H5‐CH2* at Br‐related coordination is revealed to be a determining step, which can be accelerated via halogen‐site regulation for enhancing selectivity and photocatalytic efficiency. The mechanistic insights of this research elucidate how halogen‐site regulation in favor of charge transfer and molecule activation toward efficient and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.
A Janus Textile with Tunable Heating Modes toward Precise Personal Thermal Management in Cold Conditions
Authors: Tang Litao , Lyu Bin , Gao Dangge , Jia Zhangting , Fu Yatong , Ma Jianzhong
Published: November 2023

Passive heating textiles (PHTs) have drawn increasing attention due to the advantages of energy‐conservation heating. However, the heating capabilities of current PHTs are typically static and non‐tunable, presenting poor adaptation to dynamic winter. Herein, a novel Janus textile with tunable heating modes is developed by constructing a customized structure with asymmetric optical properties. This Janus textile is created by coating one side of a cotton fabric with silver nanowires (AgNWs) and then applying transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXene) to the other side. The MXene side exhibits high solar absorptivity and low mid‐infrared emissivity, while the AgNWs side has moderate solar absorptivity and mid‐infrared emissivity. This structure ensures that the solar and radiative heating temperatures of the MXene side are 16 °C and 1.7 °C higher than those of the AgNWs side. This distinction allows for on‐demand, accurate adjustments in solar and radiative heating capabilities by flipping the textile according to ambient temperature. Furthermore, this innovative design also features desired electric heating, thermal camouflage, self‐cleaning and antibacterial properties, electromagnetic interference shielding, durability, and wearability. The Janus textile enables precise thermoregulation of the human body to adapt to variable cold weather, making it essential for optimal personal thermal management and climate change mitigation.