bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the potential of achachairu peel (Garcinia humilis) for the fortification of cereal‐based foods
Authors: Gomes Sandra M , Rodrigues Ilana C , Silva Flávio A , Santos Lúcia
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Achachairu is an exotic fruit that is being studied for its bioactive compound composition. However, there is scarce information on the properties of its by‐products and their incorporation into food. In this study, achachairu peels were used to obtain phenolic‐rich and sustainable ingredients. Furthermore, their potential for use in the fortification of food, particularly cereal‐based products, was evaluated. Different ratios of ethanol:water were used to extract the phenolic compounds from achachairu (100:0, 90:10 and 70:30). The optimal extract was characterised regarding its total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐enzymatic properties. Finally, achachairu peel powder and extract were incorporated into bread and their influence on the texture, antioxidant properties and shelf life of the product was evaluated.

RESULTS

High‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis showed that the 90:10 extract contained a higher phenolic composition than the other samples. The achachairu extract presented a TPC of 88.7 mgGAE g−1, good antioxidant capacity towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and the capacity to inhibit the activity of α‐amylase by almost 80%. The addition of achachairu peel powder and extract to bread increased its hardness, chewiness and gumminess, not affecting the remaining texture parameters. An increase in the TPC, antioxidant properties and shelf life of the product was also observed.

CONCLUSION

This study proves the potential for achachairu by‐products incorporated into cereal‐based products to improve their biological properties while extending the food shelf life. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Flexible migration by woodland caribou in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Pereira Alexis , Hazell Megan , Fryxell John M.
Published: August 2024

Recent studies of ungulate movement ecology suggest that seasonal movement tactics often vary within a population. The forest‐tundra and forest‐dwelling ecotypes of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Ontario, Canada, are traditionally presumed to differ in migratory strategy; however, their potential for facultative migration, the practice of interannual switching between migratory and non‐migratory strategies, has yet to be explored. Understanding facultative migration, and any inherent variation and influences could help improve habitat management. We acquired global positioning system (GPS) telemetry‐based movement data from 109 radio‐collared caribou across the Hudson Bay lowlands between 2009 and 2019. We compared the data with estimates of vegetation density, snow cover, and human disturbance to identify environmental influences associated with the probability and magnitude of migration. We also compared seasonal resource selection between migratory and sedentary individuals. Caribou demonstrated plasticity in migration, with evidence of facultative migration by the forest‐tundra and the forest‐dwelling ecotypes. Variation in migration was likely a combination of local adaptation and acute response to changing environmental factors, particularly snow. Probability and distance of migration were positively correlated with snow, while distance also showed spatial dependency. Plasticity in migration has significant implications in relation to future shifts in climate and should be considered in relevant predictive analyses.
Body mass changes of dabbling and diving ducks wintering in California
Authors: Herzog Mark P. , Ackerman Joshua T. , Kohl Jeffrey D. , Fettig Brady L. , Hartman C. Alex , Peterson Sarah H. , Casazza Michael L. , Fleskes Joseph P.
Published: August 2024

Bird body mass is often used as an index of body condition and fluctuates throughout the year in response to environmental conditions and avian life‐history events. We examined the body mass of 59,572 ducks representing 13 species (7 dabbling duck species and 6 diving duck species) harvested within the 3 regions of the Central Valley in California, USA (Sacramento Valley, Suisun Marsh, San Joaquin Valley). Data collection occurred in winter during 5 hunting seasons (2014–2015, 2015–2016, 2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2019–2020). For all species, age, and sex classes, the body mass of dabbling ducks varied temporally and was lowest at the end of the hunting season in late January, declining from the beginning of the hunting season in mid‐October (northern pintail [Anas acuta]: −11.4% to −20.4%; northern shoveler [Spatula clypeata]: −3.5% to −17.3%; cinnamon teal [Anas cyanoptera]: −5.0% to −17.1%; American wigeon [Mareca americana]: −6.9% to −12.2%; American green‐winged teal [Anas carolinensis]: −5.9% to −11.9%; mallard [Anas platyrhynchos]: −1.8% to −9.6%; gadwall [Mareca strepera]: −2.2% to −8.4%). As expected, adults (after hatch‐year) were heavier than immature (hatch‐year) birds (within males: 0.6–8.6%; within females: 0.1–6.6%) and males were heavier than females (within adults: 3.1–38.6%; within immatures: 5.4–33.5%) at the end of the hunting season in all species. Within dabbling duck species, body masses did not differ among regions at the beginning of the hunting season but were heavier in the Sacramento Valley (0.5–14.4%) than other areas by the end of the hunting season. In contrast, body masses of diving ducks did not vary substantially during the hunting season or among regions. Diving ducks demonstrated inconsistent changes in mass from the beginning to the end of the season (lesser scaup [Aythya affinis]: 3.4% to 12.3%; canvasback [Aythya valisineria]: 5.1% to 6.1%; bufflehead [Bucephala albeola]: −3.2% to 1.6%; ring‐necked duck [Aythya collaris]: −4.9% to 2.6%; common goldeneye [Bucephala clangula]: −3.2% to −2.4%; ruddy duck [Oxyura jamaicensis]: −16.5% to 5.5%). The substantial temporal and spatial differences in dabbling duck body masses suggest that habitat quality (as measured by caloric value of the available food) or quantity may decline during winter and varies regionally within California's Central Valley.
A Novel Option for Revision Medialization: Repeat Reinnervation
Authors: Schuman Ari D. , Ongkasuwan Julina
Published: August 2024

Nonselective laryngeal reinnervation (NSLR) shows comparable voice results to thyroplasty after one year without permanent implants. In the rare case of a second ipsilateral vocal fold paralysis after NSLR, we present the first recorded revision NSLR. Case report. A 51 year old woman with a history of right NSLR in 2017 for vocal fold paralysis after an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) presented for re‐evaluation prior to a revision of her ACDF. Ipsilateral revision was recommended to reduce the risk of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Post‐operatively, she was noted to have vocal fold immobility. Her maximum phonation time at that time was 9 s. Her voice was moderately breathy and moderately asthenic. Fundamental frequency (F0) was 211 Hz. Jitter was 2.868%, and shimmer 14.429%. Noise to harmonic ratio was 0.366. Cepstral peak prominence was 2.689. After being offered thyroplasty or revision reinnervation, she opted for revision reinnervation due to a strong preference for her reinnervated voice. She underwent a revision cross‐neck NSLR with a commercial nerve graft in September 2022. One year later, her MPT was found to be 7.6 s, with mild breathiness and asthenia. F0 was 190 Hz. Jitter decreased to 2.42%, shimmer to 6.478%, and NHR to 0.165. Cepstral peak prominence increased to 4.427. VHI decreased from 35 pre‐operatively to 7 post‐operatively. We present the first case of a revision NSLR. Notable improvement has been found in objective voice measures and patient‐reported outcomes post‐operatively, demonstrating feasibility in similar patients. Laryngoscope, 2024
Time‐Varying Metasurfaces for Efficient Surface‐Wave Coupling to Radiation and Frequency Conversion
Authors: Stefanini Luca , Ramaccia Davide , Barbuto Mirko , Longhi Michela , Monti Alessio , Vellucci Stefano , Toscano Alessandro , Alu Andrea , Galdi Vincenzo , Bilotti Filiberto
Published: August 2024

Time‐varying electromagnetic materials are introducing new ways to control and transform light waves, unlocking unexplored scattering phenomena. In this paper, the wave phenomena associated with abrupt changes in the surface impedance of a metasurface introduced uniformly in space, forming a time interface are investigated. Efficient transformation of a monochromatic surface wave propagating along the metasurface into a radiated wave at a significantly higher frequency is demonstrated. This phenomenon realizes an efficient radiator for electromagnetic wireless signals at high frequencies relying on generators and modulators operated at a much lower frequency.
Structure Modulation and Charge Transfer in Self‐Reduction Phosphors: A Review
Authors: Wang Hongling , Mei Lefu , Su Ke , Liu Jingyi , Wang Qi , Wu Zhaojie , Guo Qingfeng , Liao Libing
Published: August 2024

Traditional luminescent materials commonly exhibit single‐duration emissions and single‐timed emissions with limited emission peaks. Developing a material with multicolor, variable temporal, and multimodal luminescence is a significant challenge. Self‐reduction phosphors have attracted considerable interest for their distinctive properties and versatile applications. Distinguished by their rigid structure and exceptional purity, offer a safer alternative to conventional reduction methods using hazardous gases H2/CO/N2. However, synthesizing these phosphors with precise control over self‐reduction and defect regulation is complex. Therefore, innovative structures and substrates are essential to address these challenges. This review discusses the latest developments in phosphors doped with ions such as Eu3+, Mn4+, Ce4+, and Yb3+, examining the origins and advancements in self‐reduction. It covers classifications, mechanisms, defects, and applications, with an emphasis on techniques for controlled self‐reduction through structural and charge transfer modifications. This work aims to provide valuable insights to facilitate further research and innovation endeavors.
Pseudo‐Ricci–Yamabe solitons on real hypersurfaces in the complex quadric
Authors: Suh Young Jin
Published: August 2024

First, we introduce a new notion of pseudo‐anti commuting for real hypersurfaces in the complex quadric and give a complete classification of Hopf pseudo‐Ricci–Yamabe soliton real hypersurfaces in the complex quadric . Next as an application we obtain a classification of gradient pseudo‐Ricci–Yamabe solitons on Hopf real hypersurfaces in .
Planar Choquard equations with critical exponential reaction and Neumann boundary condition
Authors: Rawat Sushmita , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. , Sreenadh K.
Published: August 2024

We study the existence of positive weak solutions for the following problem:
where is a bounded domain in with smooth boundary, is a bounded measurable function on , is nonnegative real number, is the unit outer normal to , , and . The functions and have critical exponential growth, while and are their primitives. The proofs combine the constrained minimization method with energy methods and topological tools.
The double‐edged sword of generative artificial intelligence in digitalization: An affordances and constraints perspective
Authors: Park Ha Eun (Grace)
Published: August 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has gained prominence across various industries and domains, offering capabilities to generate human‐like text, creative ideas, and solutions. This paper explores customers' responses to the use of generative AI in digitalizing content production and consumption processes. Drawing on technology affordance theory, this article examines how are the affordances of generative AI leveraged to contribute to the gradual digitalization of individuals. This netnographic study is based on over 9 months naturalistic observations of the AI Community online, culminating in 1572 pages of data. The findings identify different types of affordances that foster digitalization: automated content creation, automated data analysis, and AI‐generated content dissemination. This study also identifies the constraints of generative AI and discusses potential interventions to address these constraints and prevent unintended consequences. This research provides insights for scholars, professionals, and educators to better understand the dynamics of leveraging generative AI.
Simpler is greener: The impact of packaging visual complexity on products' eco‐friendliness perception
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Chen Jiaqi , Ma Chenya , Jiang Yushi
Published: August 2024

Consumers increasingly value eco‐friendly attributes of products. Packaging serves as a medium through which consumers perceive product attributes and products convey information. However, research on the impact of packaging visual complexity on a product's perceived eco‐friendliness has not been thoroughly examined. Four studies were conducted based on visual complexity metaphor theory to examine the impact of packaging visual complexity on the eco‐friendliness perception of products. The study also investigated the mediating role of naturalness and durability perception as well as the moderating effect of external environmental threats. The results indicate that the visual complexity of packaging directly or indirectly (through perceptions of naturalness and durability) affects the eco‐friendliness perception of products. Furthermore, under high environmental threats, consumers exhibit a stronger eco‐friendly perception and purchase intention towards products with simple packaging. Eco‐friendliness perception mediates the relationship between packaging visual complexity and purchase intentions. This study contributes to the literature on visual complexity metaphors and eco‐friendly packaging and complements our knowledge of how visual packaging characteristics influence the perception of product attributes. The results provide valuable insights for marketing managers on how to use the visual complexity of packaging design to effectively convey product information.
Density–Nematic Coupling in Isotropic Solution of DNA: Multiscale Model
Authors: Svenšek Daniel , Sočan Jaka , Praprotnik Matej
Published: August 2024

Monte Carlo simulations of isotropic solutions of double‐stranded DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are performed using the well‐established oxDNA model. By comparing the fluctuation amplitudes with theoretical predictions, the parameters of a generic macroscopic model of an isotropic linear polymer solution/melt are determined. A multiscale continuum field model is thus obtained, corresponding to the full specificity of the isotropic phase of double‐stranded DNA in the usual B‐form as perceived at the macroscopic level. Present research is particularly focused on the coupling between spatial concentration/density variations of the polymer and the emerging nematic orientation order of the chains. This rather unfamiliar, only recently described phenomenon, inherent to linear polymers, is outlined and interpreted. Quantitative predictions are provided for the degree of nematic order induced by concentration gradients in isotropic solutions of double‐stranded DNA.
Tuning the Mechanical Properties of 3D‐printed Objects by Mixing Chain Transfer Agents in Radical Promoted Cationic RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Li Guangliang , Zhao Bowen , Zhu Yuzhen , He Shiliang , Li Jiajia , Zhu Jian , Li Na
Published: August 2024

The utilization of (cationic) reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization in photoinduced three‐dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a robust technique for fabricating a variety of stimuli‐responsive materials. However, methods for precisely adjusting the mechanical properties of these materials remain limited, thereby constraining their broader applicability. In this study, a facile way is introduced to modulate the mechanical properties of 3D printed objects by mixing two chain transfer agents (CTAs) within a radical‐promoted cationic RAFT (RPC‐RAFT) polymerization‐based 3D printing process. Through systematic investigations employing tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the influence of CTA concentration and molar ratio between two CTAs on the mechanical behavior of the printed objects are explored. These findings demonstrate that higher concentrations of CTAs or a greater molar ratio of the more active CTA within the mixed CTAs result in decreased Young's modulus and glass transition temperatures of the printed objects. Moreover, the tensile failure strain increased with the increasing CTA content, i.e., the samples became more ductile. This methodology broadens the toolbox available for tailoring the mechanical properties of 3D printed materials.
Strategic demand information sharing in an e‐commerce supply chain: The effect of the supplier's pricing timing
Authors: Wang Jingru , Peng Jiawu , Zhu Kuanyun , Zhuo Wenyan
Published: August 2024

The paper studies strategic demand information sharing on online retail platforms and explores how it is influenced by the wholesale pricing timing. The supplier sells the product under a wholesale price contract indirectly and by paying a proportional commission fee directly. We investigate both ex ante and ex post information sharing arrangements. Under each arrangement, the supplier needs to determine the sequence of the wholesale price setting and the information sharing stage. We find that (1) under ex ante information sharing, if the supplier sets the wholesale price before, the online platform always shares private information; otherwise, it prefers to share only when the commission fee is large. Interestingly, the online platform's information sharing incentive is independent of signal accuracy and market variability. (2) Under ex post information sharing, the online platform may manipulate the signal shared with the supplier. We characterize the conditions and influencing factors of truthful information sharing. (3) If the conditions for information sharing can be achieved, the supplier prefers to set the wholesale price later. Otherwise, the supplier sets the wholesale price before inducing the online platform to share information.
Poll: Schools have MH support role, but more widespread training needed
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2024

Most adults see K‐12 schools as an important resource for mental health support for students, but fewer believe that school personnel have all the necessary training to be of maximum help, results of a newly released opinion poll suggest.
Mittag‐Leffler type functions of three variables
Authors: Hasanov Anvar , Yuldashova Hilola
Published: August 2024

In this article, we generalized Mittag‐Leffler‐type functions
, and
, which correspond, respectively, to the familiar Lauricella hypergeometric functions
, and
of three variables. Initially, from the Mittag‐Leffler type function in the simplest form to the functions we are studying, necessary information about the development history, study, and importance of this and hypergeometric type functions will be introduced. Among the various properties and characteristics of these three‐variable Mittag‐Leffler‐type function
, which we investigate in the article, include their relationships with other extensions and generalizations of the classical Mittag‐Leffler functions, their three‐dimensional convergence regions, their Euler‐type integral representations, their Laplace transforms, and their connections with the Riemann‐Liouville operators of fractional calculus. The link of three‐variable Mittag‐Leffler function with fractional differential equation systems involving different fractional orders is necessary on certain applications in physics.Therefore, we provide the systems of partial differential equations which are associated with them.
Determining the Kinetic and Thermodynamic Parameters of Anionic Polymerization of Styrene Using Linear Free‐Energy Relationship
Authors: Li Shen , Liu Zhong‐Xin , Zhou Yin‐Ning , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: August 2024

The effect of solvents on kinetic parameters of anionic polymerization is complex and a comprehensive theoretical study has been rare. In this work, four solvent polarity descriptors (i.e., polarizability, dipole moment, nucleophilic index, electrophilic index) are correlated with solvent parameters (Ea, A, ΔH‡, and ΔS‡) by multiple linear regression using the Catalan linear free‐energy relationship (LFER) equation for the anionic polymerization of styrene. The results show that Ea, ΔH‡, and ΔS‡ have a low correlation with dipole moment, whereas A is strongly correlated with dipole moment. Given the fact that the larger A the larger effective collision frequency Z, it is hypothesized that in polar solvents, the polymer chains are more extended, enabling more effective collisions between monomers and active anionic species during polymerization. In contrast, in nonpolar solvents, the polymer chains collapse, making it more difficult for the monomer to be inserted into the ion pairs. Subsequently, n‐pentane and tetrahydrofuran are chosen as representatives to confirm this conjecture by molecular simulations. Lastly, Ea, A and kp are predicted for 173 solvents using well‐established descriptive relationships.
DeepEMC‐T2 mapping: Deep learning–enabled T2 mapping based on echo modulation curve modeling
Authors: Pei Haoyang , Shepherd Timothy M. , Wang Yao , Liu Fang , Sodickson Daniel K. , Ben‐Eliezer Noam , Feng Li
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Echo modulation curve (EMC) modeling enables accurate quantification of T2 relaxation times in multi‐echo spin‐echo (MESE) imaging. The standard EMC‐T2 mapping framework, however, requires sufficient echoes and cumbersome pixel‐wise dictionary‐matching steps. This work proposes a deep learning version of EMC‐T2 mapping, called DeepEMC‐T2 mapping, to efficiently estimate accurate T2 maps from fewer echoes.

Methods

DeepEMC‐T2 mapping was developed using a modified U‐Net to estimate both T2 and proton density (PD) maps directly from MESE images. The network implements several new features to improve the accuracy of T2/PD estimation. A total of 67 MESE datasets acquired in axial orientation were used for network training and evaluation. An additional 57 datasets acquired in coronal orientation with different scan parameters were used to evaluate the generalizability of the framework. The performance of DeepEMC‐T2 mapping was evaluated in seven experiments.

Results

Compared to the reference, DeepEMC‐T2 mapping achieved T2 estimation errors from 1% to 11% and PD estimation errors from 0.4% to 1.5% with ten/seven/five/three echoes, which are more accurate than standard EMC‐T2 mapping. By incorporating datasets acquired with different scan parameters and orientations for joint training, DeepEMC‐T2 exhibits robust generalizability across varying imaging protocols. Increasing the echo spacing and including longer echoes improve the accuracy of parameter estimation. The new features proposed in DeepEMC‐T2 mapping all enabled more accurate T2 estimation.

Conclusions

DeepEMC‐T2 mapping enables simplified, efficient, and accurate T2 quantification directly from MESE images without dictionary matching. Accurate T2 estimation from fewer echoes allows for increased volumetric coverage and/or higher slice resolution without prolonging total scan times.
Determining Appropriateness of Total Joint Arthroplasty for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Patient‐Centred Conceptual Model
Authors: Pacheco‐Brousseau Lissa , Stacey Dawn , Desmeules François , Ben Amor Sarah , Dervin Geoffrey , Beaulé Paul E. , Wai Eugene K. , Poitras Stéphane
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for osteoarthritis is one of several treatment options with benefits and harms that patients value differently. However, the process for determining TJA appropriateness does not sufficiently acknowledge patient perspectives. The aim of this paper is to propose an evidence‐informed patient‐centred conceptual model for elective TJA appropriateness for hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Our interprofessional team developed a conceptual model for determining the appropriateness of adults considering elective TJA. The model was informed by a review of the evidence, a qualitative study we conducted with adults who underwent TJA for osteoarthritis to determine barriers and facilitators to the use of appropriateness criteria, and the research and clinical experience of team members.

Results

Appropriateness is providing health services (e.g., TJA) with net benefits to the right patient at the right time. The proposed Patient‐centred Elective TJA Appropriateness Conceptual Model involves three key steps. First, assess adults with osteoarthritis to determine eligibility for TJA. Second, acknowledge the patient's informed preferences including their expectations and goals. Third, explore and support their mental and physical readiness for TJA. Given that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, these steps can be revisited over time with patients.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our proposed conceptual model reconceptualises the appropriateness of TJA to be more patient‐centred. Hence, this approach has the potential to be a more inclusive approach and ensure patients undergoing TJA are eligible, ready to proceed, and achieve what matters most to them. Future research is needed to test and validate the model.
Mitochondrial genome variants associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their haplogroup distribution
Authors: Briones Marcelo R. S. , Campos João H. , Ferreira Renata C. , Schneper Lisa , Santos Ilda M. , Antoneli Fernando M. ,   NYGC ALS Consortium, Broach James R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be familial or sporadic, and twin studies have revealed that even sporadic forms have a significant genetic component. Variants in 55 nuclear genes have been associated with ALS and although mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in ALS, variants in mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have not yet been tested for association with ALS. The aim of this study was to determine whether mitogenome variants are associated with ALS.

Methods

We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in mitogenomes of 1965 ALS patients and 2547 controls.

Results

We identified 51 mitogenome variants with p values <10−7, of which 13 had odds ratios (ORs) >1, in genes RNR1, ND1, CO1, CO3, ND5, ND6, and CYB, while 38 variants had OR <1 in genes RNR1, RNA2, ND1, ND2, CO2, ATP8, ATP6, CO3, ND3, ND4, ND5, ND6, and CYB. The frequencies of haplogroups H, U, and L, the most frequent in our ALS data set, were the same in different onset sites (bulbar, limb, spinal, and axial). Also, intra‐haplogroup GWAS revealed unique ALS‐associated variants in haplogroups L and U.

Discussion

Our study shows that mitogenome single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are associated with ALS and suggests that these SNVs could be included in routine genetic testing for ALS and that mitochondrial replacement therapy has the potential to serve as a basis for ALS treatment.
Environmental education in preschool teacher training program: A systematic review
Authors: Tran Ho Uyen
Published: August 2024

Environmental education is an important task conducted in schools at all levels, from preschool to university. This study uses a systematic review of the existing literature to analyze the status quo of pre‐service preschool teachers' environmental competencies and the strategies for approaching environmental education in preschool teacher training. There were 14 studies selected by inclusion criteria and rigorously analyzed. These literatures provide an overview of the studies performed to date and allows for a more comprehensive understanding of some formal aspects of the research problem. Most of the reviewed studies measured pre‐service preschool teachers' environmental education competencies (N = 8), while a few studies (N = 6) focused on the approaches of pre‐service training programs in environmental education, identifying three strategies: (1) addition of environmental education courses in the program, (2) a separate course in environmental education methods, and (3) integration of environmental education methods into courses in existing programs. The search results show that environmental education in preschool teacher training is a recently emerged topic with a scarcity of studies. The findings emphasize the need for a detailed evaluation of current preschool teacher training programs to establish program development strategies regarding environmental education. In addition, this review calls for future research that focuses on experimenting with and applying environmental education strategies in preschool teacher training programs.
Unveiling the Impact of Smoking on Allergic Rhinitis: Disease Severity and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
Authors: Yuan Xuan , Liu Liyuan , Zhang Benjian , Xie Shaobing , Meng Lai , Zhong Wei , Jia Jiaxin , Zhang Hua , Jiang Weihong , Xie Zhihai
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of smoking statuses on disease severity and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) efficacy in allergic rhinitis (AR).

Study Design

Open observational cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Five hundred and five AR patients undergoing dust mite allergen SCIT were categorized into never smokers, former smokers, and current smokers. AR severity was assessed using widely employed questionnaires. The changes in questionnaire scores pre‐ and post‐SCIT were evaluated for SCIT efficacy. The differences in disease severity and SCIT efficacy were compared for different smoking statuses among AR patients.

Results

Compared to never smokers, former and current smokers exhibited higher proportion of male, alcohol, and asthma (P < .05). Current smokers had a greater prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis than former smokers (P < .05). Before SCIT, AR severity was similar across 3 groups, even after adjusting for confounders (P > .05). Current smokers reported lower SCIT efficacy in the first year (P < .05). By the third year, 3 groups showed comparable long‐term efficacy (P > .05). However, current smokers experienced a significant decrease in benefits 2 years post‐SCIT (P < .05) and lower improvement rates at the end of the 3‐years SCIT period and 2 years following SCIT (P < .05).

Conclusion

AR patients across different smoking statuses demonstrated similar baseline disease severity and long‐time SCIT efficacy. Active smoking was associated with increased asthma risk, delayed early SCIT efficacy perception, reduced improvement over 3 years, and diminished benefits 2 years after SCIT. Prompt smoking cessation is crucial to mitigate these effects.
Cost‐effectiveness of treating childhood acute myeloid leukemia at a tertiary care center in North India
Authors: Srinivasan Shyam , Bolous Nancy S. , Batra Akshay , Bharti Sujit , Singh Neha , Shaikh Tanveer , Yadav Anil , Kanwar Vikramjit
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Childhood cancers are a significant global health concern, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where over 80% of childhood cancer patients reside. In India, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) constitutes a significant portion of childhood cancers; however, the data on the cost‐effectiveness of childhood AML treatment in India and other LMICs remain limited.

Methods

The study focused on children (<15 years of age) diagnosed with AML at a tertiary care cancer center in North India. Data, including treatment outcome, treatment‐related morbidity, mortality, and costs were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical record and hospital database. Cost‐effectiveness was assessed using disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) averted in relation to the country‐specific cost‐effectiveness threshold.

Results

Among 59 AML patients, treatment‐related high mortality rates, abandonment, and limited access to bone marrow transplantation were notable challenges. Intensive chemotherapy resulted in substantial sepsis‐related complications, with treatment‐related mortality reaching 30%. The 3‐year event‐free survival and overall survival of the 43 patients who received intensive therapy were 24.5% ± 7.6% and 27.9% ± 8.3%, respectively. Despite these challenges, treating childhood AML was still found to be cost‐effective. The total cost per newly diagnosed patient treated with curative intent was $4454. Cost per DALY averted accounted for 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, rendering the treatment to be cost‐effective with a stringent cost‐effectiveness threshold utilized.

Conclusion

The study underscores the challenges faced while treating childhood AML in LMICs, including treatment‐induced high sepsis‐related mortality and abandonment. Despite these challenges, it remains cost‐effective to treat childhood AML in India. Future efforts should focus on reducing treatment‐related morbidity and mortality to further improve outcomes and cost‐effectiveness.
Fertility preservation in pediatric central nervous system tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Felker James , Bjornard Kari , Close Allison , Chavez Josuah , Chow Eric J. , Meacham Lillian R. , Burns Karen
Published: August 2024

The Oncofertility Consortium Pediatric Initiative Network has published recommendations about the risks of infertility due to gonadotoxic therapy. We abstracted gonadotoxic therapies from central nervous system (CNS) Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocols between 2000 and 2022. We assigned them as unknown, minimal, significant, or high levels of increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Seven of 11 CNS protocols placed patients at a high level of risk in at least one treatment arm. Males (7/11) were most commonly at a high level of risk, followed by pubertal females (6/11) and prepubertal females (5/11), highlighting the importance of pre‐treatment counseling regarding fertility preservation interventions in this population.
Comparison of Amnio‐Exchange With a Novel Synthetic Amniotic Fluid Versus Commercially Used Fluids for Fetal Therapy: An In Vivo Rodent Model
Authors: Martin Samuel , Peiro Jose L. , Oria Marc , Forde Braxton
Published: August 2024

Objective

Normal Saline (NS) and Lactated Ringer's (LR) damage human amniotic epithelium in vitro when compared with a synthetic amniotic fluid (Amnio‐well, AW). We sought to evaluate the effect of amnio‐exchange with NS, LR, and AW in vivo.

Methods

On day E17.5, pregnant rats underwent amnio‐exchange with NS, LR, or AW. Fetuses in each pregnant rat that did not undergo amnio‐exchange acted as controls. Amnions were harvested at E20.5 and ultrastructure evaluated via electron microscopy. Protein levels of cleaved matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and collagen 1 (Col1a) were evaluated via Western Blot. Connexin‐43 expression was evaluated via immunofluorescence (IF).

Results

There was an increase in amnion microfractures and epithelial cellular shrinkage with NS and LR compared with control and AW. The cleaved MMP9/Col1 ratio was increased 3.9‐fold in NS (p < 0.001) and 4.5‐fold LR (p = 0.0201) relative to control, whereas AW expression was similar to control (p = 0.636). Connexin‐43 was also increased on IF in NS and LR relative to AW (mean gray intensity 26.5 ± 4.5, 26.5 ± 6.7, 19.2 ± 3.4, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Amnio‐exchange with NS and LR led to increased amniotic microfractures and collagen degradation compared with synthetic amniotic fluid. Larger models are warranted to validate or refute these findings.
Cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration in congenital heart disease
Authors: Liang Jialiang , He Xingyu , Wang Yigang
Published: August 2024

Despite advances in prenatal screening and a notable decrease in mortality rates, congenital heart disease (CHD) remains the most prevalent congenital disorder in newborns globally. Current therapeutic surgical approaches face challenges due to the significant rise in complications and disabilities. Emerging cardiac regenerative therapies offer promising adjuncts for CHD treatment. One novel avenue involves investigating methods to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation. However, the mechanism of altered cardiomyocyte proliferation in CHD is not fully understood, and there are few feasible approaches to stimulate cardiomyocyte cell cycling for optimal healing in CHD patients. In this review, we explore recent progress in understanding genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying defective cardiomyocyte proliferation in CHD from development through birth. Targeting cell cycle pathways shows promise for enhancing cardiomyocyte cytokinesis, division, and regeneration to repair heart defects. Advancements in human disease modeling techniques, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats ‐based genome and epigenome editing, and next‐generation sequencing technologies will expedite the exploration of abnormal machinery governing cardiomyocyte differentiation, proliferation, and maturation across diverse genetic backgrounds of CHD. Ongoing studies on screening drugs that regulate cell cycling are poised to translate this nascent technology of enhancing cardiomyocyte proliferation into a new therapeutic paradigm for CHD surgical interventions.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity increases across a plant productivity gradient driven by soil nitrogen availability
Authors: McPherson Morgan R. , Zak Donald R. , Ibáñez Inés , Upchurch Rima A. , Argiroff William A.
Published: August 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread obligate symbionts of plants. This dynamic symbiosis plays a large role in successful plant performance, given that AMF help to ameliorate plant responses to abiotic and biotic stressors. Although the importance of this symbiosis is clear, less is known about what may be driving this symbiosis, the plant's need for nutrients or the excess of plant photosynthate being transferred to the AMF, information critical to assess the functionality of this relationship. Characterizing the AMF community along a natural plant productivity gradient is a first step in understanding how this symbiosis may vary across the landscape. We surveyed the AMF community diversity at 12 sites along a plant productivity gradient driven by soil nitrogen availability. We found that AMF diversity in soil environmental DNA significantly increased along with the growth of the host plants Acer rubrum and A. saccharum., a widespread tree genus. These increases also coincided with a natural soil inorganic N availability gradient. We hypothesize photosynthate from the increased tree growth is being allocated to the belowground AMF community, leading to an increase in diversity. These findings contribute to understanding this complex symbiosis through the lens of AMF turnover and suggest that a more diverse AMF community is associated with increased host–plant performance.
Sleep Composition of Patients With Colorectal Cancer and Their Sleep‐Partner Caregivers: Physical Health Correlates of Sleep Diary and Actigraphy Measurements
Authors: Ting Amanda , Tsai Thomas C. , Zeitzer Jamie M. , Mendez Armando , Kim Youngmee
Published: August 2024

Background

Disturbed sleep is frequently identified in adult patients with cancer and their caregivers, with detrimental impact on physical health. Less known is the extent to which self‐reported and actigraph‐measured sleep patterns are similar between patients and their sleep‐partner caregivers, and how these different modes of sleep measurements are related to physical health.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and their sleep‐partner caregivers (81 dyads) completed a questionnaire for physical functioning and collected saliva samples for seven consecutive days, from which cortisol slope was quantified. Additionally, participants completed a daily sleep diary and wore actigraph for 14 consecutive days, from which sleep duration, sleep onset latency (SOL), and duration of wake after sleep onset (WASO) were calculated.

Results

Participants reported sleep patterns that fell within or close to the optimal range, which were similar between patients and their caregivers. Self‐reported and actigraph‐measured sleep duration had moderate levels of agreement (ICC = 0.604), whereas SOL and WASO had poor agreement (ICC = 0.269). Among patients, longer self‐reported WASO was associated with poorer physical health and flatter cortisol slope (p ≤ 0.013). Among caregivers, longer self‐reported SOL was associated with poorer physical functioning, actigraph‐measured WASO was associated with steeper cortisol slope, and longer self‐reported sleep markers studied than actigraph‐measured were associated with poorer physical functioning (p ≤ 0.042).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that employing multiple assessment modes for sleep and physical health is vital for comprehensive understanding of sleep health. Furthermore, when addressing patients' sleep health, it may be beneficial to include their sleep‐partner caregivers who may experience similar disturbed sleep.
Effects of Wildfires on Soil Organic Carbon in Boreal Permafrost Regions: A Review
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Sun Long , Han Yilun
Published: August 2024

Wildfire strongly influences permafrost environment and soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. In this study, we reviewed the effects of fire severity, time after a fire, and frequency on SOC in boreal permafrost regions. This review highlighted several key points: the effect of wildfires on SOC increased with an increase of fire severity, and the amount of vegetation returned and surface organic matter replenished was less in a short term, which resulted in a significantly lower SOC content compared to that of before the fire. Within a short period after fire, the SOC in near‐surface permafrost and the active layer decreased significantly due to the loss of above ground biomass, permafrost thaw, and increased microbial decomposition; as the years pass after a fire, the SOC gradually accumulates due to the contributions of litter layer accumulation and rooting systems from different stages of succession. The increase in fire frequency accelerated permafrost thawing and the formation of thermokarst, resulting in the rapid release of a large amount of soil carbon and reduced SOC storage. Therefore, the study on the effects of wildfires on SOC in the boreal permafrost region is of great significance to understanding and quantifying the carbon balance of the ecosystem.
Receptor interactions of protoxin and activated Vip3Aa structural conformations in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Lázaro‐Berenguer Maria , Ferré Juan , Hernández‐Martínez Patricia
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The Vip3Aa insecticidal protein, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, has been effectively used in commercial Bt‐crops to manage lepidopteran pests. Upon ingestion by larvae, the protoxin is processed by midgut proteases into the activated protein and binds specifically to its receptors in the midgut, leading to insect mortality. Cryo‐EM resolution of the trypsin‐processed Vip3Aa protein unveiled structural remodelling of the N‐terminal region during the transition from protoxin to activated protein. This conformational change has been demonstrated to be crucial for toxicity against Spodoptera exigua larvae, a major global lepidopteran pest. In this study, we investigated the relevance of the structural remodelling for the specific binding to midgut receptors.

RESULTS

We conducted in vitro binding assays with radiolabelled proteins and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from S. exigua, employing structural mutants that lock the protein in either its protoxin or its activated conformation. Our results indicate that both structural stages of the protein share binding sites in the midgut epithelium. Moreover, in vivo competition assays revealed that Vip3Aa is able to bind to functional receptors in S. exigua larvae both as protoxin and as activated protein.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our findings point to both structural conformations contributing to receptor binding. In vivo, either spontaneous structural shift upon proteolytic cleavage or receptor‐mediated remodelling could be occurring. However, the timing and context in which the conformational change occurs could influence membrane insertion and toxicity. Our results show the complex interplay between proteolytic processing, protein structure and receptor interactions in Vip3Aa's toxicity. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Uronium peptide coupling agents: Another case of occupational airborne allergic sensitization induced by HBTU
Authors: Borghesani Valentina
Published: August 2024

Uronium peptide coupling agents (HBTU, HATU, and HCTU) create a special hazard as they are immune sensitizers. Few reported cases are mentioned in the literature; despite that, it is important to raise the awareness on the subject and to highlight the risk and potential symptoms that could occur to those who directly work in contact with uronium peptide coupling agents, as well as to the safety deputies in the universities and industries. Based on a personal experience, the health impact of laboratory exposure to HBTU is described, and the insights gained from the experience are developed. A skin irritation reaction and allergy symptoms induced by HBTU exposure are shown here as well as the rate of worsening of symptoms since the first allergic reaction. Recommendations for handling coupling agents more safely in the research laboratory will also be given, and a casuistry of the matter to help other lab‐users to recognize, assess, minimize, prepare for emergencies (RAMP) process.
Low Thermal Conductivity and High Thermoelectric Figure of Merit of Two‐Dimensional Ba2ZnAs2 and Ba2ZnSb2
Authors: Xia Chenliang , Sheng Xiaofei , Qun Qin , Fang Wenyu , Zhou Bilei
Published: August 2024

Thermoelectric (TE) technology can effectively alleviate energy shortage and environmental pollution problems and has thus attracted extensive attention. In this work, we designed two unexplored two‐dimensional materials, Ba2ZnAs2 and Ba2ZnSb2, and investigated their stability, mechanical characteristics, and TE properties using first‐principles calculations and by solving the Boltzmann transport equation. We revealed that the two materials possess high stability and moderate cleavage energies of 0.84 and 0.76 J m−2. Moreover, they are indirect semiconductors with band‐gaps of 1.26 and 0.97 eV and show flat energy dispersion near the valence band maximum, resulting in a high p‐type Seebeck coefficient of approximately 0.72 and 0.29 mV K−1 at 300 K. Furthermore, they have significant anisotropic TE power factor along the a‐ and b‐axis, with maxima of 1.19 and 0.75 mW m−1 K−2 at 300 K. Owing to the strong coupling between the acoustic and optical phonons, as well as the low frequency for low‐lying phonons, the materials have high phonon scattering rates and low lattice thermal conductivities of 0.54/0.52 and 0.81/0.43 W mK−1 along the a‐/b‐axis. Ultimately, Ba2ZnAs2 and Ba2ZnSb2 can deliver high‐performance TE transport with high figures‐of‐merit of 0.32 and 0.19 at 300 K, which increase further to 1.67 and 0.91, respectively, at 700 K.
The use of overlapping self‐expandable covered stents in the management of long‐segment tracheobronchomalacia: A case report
Authors: Yap Therese Pauline F. , Soong Wen‐Jue
Published: August 2024

Tracheomalacia is a condition where the tracheal wall is abnormally soft and prone to collapse during increased respiratory efforts. Airway malacia can manifest as segmental conditions like laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia, or as diffuse conditions such as tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). Unlike long‐segment congenital tracheal stenosis, where surgery may be the preferred treatment, the management of long‐segment TBM remains controversial.