bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Temperature and H Flux on the NH3 Synthesis via Electrochemical Hydrogen Permeation
Authors: Ripepi Davide , Schreuders Herman , Mulder Fokko M.
Published: July 2023

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Prof. Fokko M. Mulder at the Delft University of Technology. The image on the cover shows how in the NH3 synthesis via hydrogen‐permeable electrode the N, H species on the catalyst surface can be controlled, using the analogy of a traffic controller. The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202300460.
Mitochondrial general control of amino acid synthesis 5 like 1 promotes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development through ferroptosis‐induced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Lv Tingting , Xiong Xiaofeng , Yan Wei , Liu Mei , Xu Hongwei , He Qin
Published: July 2023

Background

Mitochondria play central roles in metabolic diseases including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, how mitochondria regulate NASH progression remains largely unknown. Our previous findings demonstrate that mitochondrial general control of amino acid synthesis 5 like 1 (GCN5L1) is associated with mitochondrial metabolism. Nevertheless, the roles of GCN5L1 in NASH are unclear.

Aims and methods

The GCN5L1 expression was detected in the fatty livers of NASH patients and animals. Hepatocyte‐specific GCN5L1 deficiency or overexpression mice were used to induce NASH models by feeding with a high‐fat/high‐cholesterol or methionine‐choline deficient diet. The molecular mechanisms underlying GCN5L1‐regulated NASH were further explored and verified in mice.

Results and conclusions

GCN5L1 expression was increased in NASH patients. Upregulated GCN5L1 level was also illustrated in NASH mice. Mice with hepatocyte‐specific GCN5L1 conditional knockout improved the inflammatory response compared to GCN5L1flox/flox mice. However, overexpression of mitochondrial GCN5L1 augmented the inflammatory response. Mechanically, GCN5L1 acetylated CypD and enhanced its binding with ATP5B, which induced the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores and the release of mitochondrial ROS into the cytoplasm. The increased ROS promoted ferroptosis of hepatocytes and induced accumulation of high mobility group box 1 in the microenvironment, which recruited neutrophils and induced the generation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs block impaired GCN5L1‐induced NASH progression. Furthermore, the upregulation of GCN5L1 in NASH was contributed by lipid overload‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Together, mitochondrial GCN5L1 has a vital function in promoting NASH progression by regulating oxidative metabolism and the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment. Thus, GCN5L1 might be a potential intervention target in NASH treatment.
CenTauR: Toward a universal scale and masks for standardizing tau imaging studies
Authors: Villemagne Victor L. , Leuzy Antoine , Bohorquez Sandra Sanabria , Bullich Santiago , Shimada Hitoshi , Rowe Christopher C. , Bourgeat Pierrick , Lopresti Brian , Huang Kun , Krishnadas Natasha , Fripp Jurgen , Takado Yuhei , Gogola Alexandra , Minhas Davneet , Weimer Robby , Higuchi Makoto , Stephens Andrew , Hansson Oskar , Doré Vincent ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the AIBL research group
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Recently, an increasing number of tau tracers have become available. There is a need to standardize quantitative tau measures across tracers, supporting a universal scale. We developed several cortical tau masks and applied them to generate a tau imaging universal scale.

METHOD

One thousand forty‐five participants underwent tau scans with either 18F‐flortaucipir, 18F‐MK6240, 18F‐PI2620, 18F‐PM‐PBB3, 18F‐GTP1, or 18F‐RO948. The universal mask was generated from cognitively unimpaired amyloid beta (Aβ)− subjects and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with Aβ+. Four additional regional cortical masks were defined within the constraints of the universal mask. A universal scale, the CenTauRz, was constructed.

RESULTS

None of the regions known to display off‐target signal were included in the masks. The CenTauRz allows robust discrimination between low and high levels of tau deposits.

DISCUSSION

We constructed several tau‐specific cortical masks for the AD continuum and a universal standard scale designed to capture the location and degree of abnormality that can be applied across tracers and across centers. The masks are freely available at https://www.gaain.org/centaur‐project.
Mouse‐cursor trajectories reveal reduced contextual influence on decision conflict during delay discounting in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Bernardoni Fabio , King Joseph A. , Hellerhoff Inger , Schoemann Martin , Seidel Maria , Geisler Daniel , Boehm Ilka , Pauligk Sophie , Doose Arne , Steding Julius , Gramatke Katrin , Roessner Veit , Scherbaum Stefan , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: July 2023

Objective

The capacity of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) to forgo immediate food rewards in their long‐term pursuit of thinness is thought to reflect elevated self‐control and/or abnormal reward sensitivity. Prior research attempted to capture an increased tendency to delay gratification in AN using delay‐discounting tasks that assess how rapidly the subjective value of rewards decreases as a function of time until receipt. However, significant effects were mostly subtle or absent. Here, we tested whether the process leading to such decisions might be altered in AN.

Method

We recorded mouse‐cursor movement trajectories leading to the final choice in a computerized delay‐discounting task (238 trials) in 55 acutely underweight females with AN and pairwise age‐matched female healthy controls (HC). We tested for group differences in deviations from a direct choice path, a measure of conflict strength in decision making, and whether group moderated the effect of several predictors of conflict strength (e.g., choice difficulty, consistency). We also explored reaction times and changes in trajectory directions (X‐flips).

Results

No group differences in delay‐discounting parameters or movement trajectories were detected. However, the effect of the aforementioned predictors on deviations (and to a lesser extent reaction times) was reduced in AN.

Discussion

These findings suggest that while delay discounting and conflict strength in decision making are generally unaltered in AN, conflict strength was more stable across different decisions in the disorder. This might enable individuals with AN to pursue (maladaptive) long‐term body‐weight goals, because particularly conflicting choices may not be experienced as such.

Public Significance

The deviations from a direct path of mouse‐cursor movements during a computerized delay‐discounting task varied less in people with anorexia nervosa. Assuming such deviations measure decision conflict, we speculate that this increased stability might help people with anorexia nervosa achieve their long‐term weight goals, as for them the struggle with the decision to eat high‐calorie meals when hungry will be milder, so they would be more likely to skip them.
Institute Feature: CIRCC Italy
Authors: Dibenedetto Angela , Macchioni Alceo
Published: July 2023

The CIRCC, Interuniversity Consortium on Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis, includes 17 universities and over 75 research units in Italy, with the aim to develop new chemical reactions, new catalytic systems, and their possible industrial applications. This Guest Editorial presents the consortium to EurJIC readers and summarizes the scientific articles that are showcased in the Institute Feature dedicated to CIRCC.
Dingo‐optimization‐based task‐offloading algorithm in multihop V2V/V2I‐enabled networks
Authors: Song Xin , Wang Yu , Xie Zhigang , Zhang Runfeng , Xu Siyang
Published: July 2023

In the Vehicle‐to‐Vehicle‐ (V2V) and Vehicle‐to‐Infrastructure‐ (V2I) enabled edge computing networks, the task vehicle may fail to offload tasks to the nodes outside the one‐hop communication with high computing resources, resulting in longer offloading time. Therefore, in this paper, we first construct a multihop V2V/V2I communications‐enabled edge computing architecture, which innovatively adopts vehicles and roadside units (RSUs) task offloading jointly to expand the communication resources of the task vehicle. Then, for the offloading node selection strategy, we create a vehicle adjacency table and propose a quickly depth‐first search‐based scheme to search the optimal multihop path. Finally, we develop an optimal offloading scheme based on the discrete dingo optimization algorithm (DDOA) to solve the task‐processing‐time minimization problem, which can converge quickly and achieve lower task offloading latency. Each dingo in DDOA is designed to choose one of the group attack, persecution, and scavenger strategies to search the solution space and accelerate the convergence of the DDOA by a survival rule. The numerical experimental results reveal that our proposed algorithm can outperform the other algorithms and reduce the delay time by 80% compared with the local scheme.
Hunter‐gatherer diets and activity as a model for health promotion: Challenges, responses, and confirmations
Authors: Konner Melvin , Eaton S. Boyd
Published: July 2023

Beginning in 1985, we and others presented estimates of hunter‐gatherer (and ultimately ancestral) diet and physical activity, hoping to provide a model for health promotion. The Hunter‐Gatherer Model was designed to offset the apparent mismatch between our genes and the current Western‐type lifestyle, a mismatch that arguably affects prevalence of many chronic degenerative diseases. The effort has always been controversial and subject to both scientific and popular critiques. The present article (1) addresses eight such challenges, presenting for each how the model has been modified in response, or how the criticism can be rebutted; (2) reviews new epidemiological and experimental evidence (including especially randomized controlled clinical trials); and (3) shows how official recommendations put forth by governments and health authorities have converged toward the model. Such convergence suggests that evolutionary anthropology can make significant contributions to human health.
Association of social vulnerability on survival, treatment, and presentation in oral cavity cancer
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , Patel Siddharth , Ye Wenda , Rohde Sarah L.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study utilized a population database to investigate how social environments are associated with outcomes including stage at diagnosis, multimodal treatment, and disease‐specific survival for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of adults with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma between 2007 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) registry was performed. The CDC's social vulnerability index (SVI) was used to characterize social vulnerability at the county level. Predictors of disease‐specific survival, stage at diagnosis, and use of multimodal therapy were identified using Cox regression and logistic regression.

Results

Our analysis included 17 043 patients. On adjusted models, patients in the highest SVI quartile (most social vulnerability) exhibited worse disease‐specific survival compared to the lowest quartile (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.37,p < 0.001), and were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11–1.38,p < 0.001) and less likely to receive multimodal therapy (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.99,p = 0.037).

Conclusion

High social vulnerability was associated with worse disease‐specific survival and disease presentation in oral cavity cancer patients.
A Covalent Binding Mode of a Pyrazole‐Based CD38 Inhibitor
Authors: Doyle Kevin , Roberts Maxine , Harvey Jenna , Hewer Richard , Zebisch Matthias , Rangel Victor , Gu Meigang , Wu Yiming , Yang Lichao , Carlton Mark , Dawson Lee , Bürli Roland
Published: July 2023

Brain concentrations of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important cellular co‐factor, tend to decrease with age and in neurodegeneration. As the NADase cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) significantly contributes to NAD+ consumption, we reasoned that CD38 inhibition may be of therapeutic value for CNS disorders. The new pyrazole compound was designed based on a known CD38 inhibitor and showed good inhibitory potency. Several attempts to co‐crystallise this pyrazole with CD38 and cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (cADPR) culminated in a high‐resolution X‐ray structure, in which the pyrazolyl group in the new compound formed a covalent bond with one of the ribosyl units of cADPR. This reaction proceeded under retention of configuration and resulted in a neutral ribosyl‐pyrazole conjugate that is embedded within the active site of the enzyme. An analysis of this structural complex gave rise to design principles that enabled the preparation of more potent CD38 inhibitors with drug‐like properties.
Bisphenol A in surface waters in Germany: Part I. Reassessment of sources and emissions pathways for FlowEQ modeling
Authors: Tappert Lars , Bunge Michael , Hoehne Dominik , Dlugi Iris , Fetters Kyle , Fischer Benedikt , Mueller Gerhard , Bock Michael , Gestermann Sven
Published: July 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA) enters the environment through various industrial and consumer-related pathways. Industrial sources include BPA manufacturing and secondary industrial uses such as the manufacturing of polymers and other substances based on or containing BPA. However, secondary sources and emissions to the environment, such as those related to the consumer use of articles containing BPA, may be more important than industrial emissions. Although readily biodegradable, BPA is widely distributed in various environmental compartments and living organisms. It is still not well understood which specific sources and pathways are responsible for releasing BPA into the environment. Therefore, we developed FlowEQ, a coupled flow network and fugacity-based fate and transport model for the assessment of BPA in surface water. The work is divided into two parts. In Part I, inputs needed to support the modeling and model validation were collected. Bisphenol A was measured at 23 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 21 landfills in Germany. In addition, the BPA content of 132 consumer articles from 27 article classes was analyzed. Bisphenol A concentrations in WWTPs ranged from 0.33 to 910 µg L−1 in influents and from less than 0.01 to 0.65 µg L−1 in effluents, resulting in removal efficiencies of 13%–100%. Average BPA concentrations in landfill leachate ranged from less than 0.01 to approximately 1400 µg L−1. Bisphenol A concentrations measured in consumer articles varied significantly by type, ranging from less than 0.5 µg kg−1 in printing inks up to 1 691 700 µg kg−1 in articles made from recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These concentrations were combined with information on use, leaching, and contact with water to develop estimates of loadings. Together with the results of the FlowEQ modeling presented in Part II, this assessment improves our understanding of the sources and emission pathways of BPA in surface water. The model considers various sources of BPA and can estimate future surface water concentrations of BPA based on changes in use. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:211–225. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Wildlife ecological risk assessment in the 21st century: Promising technologies to assess toxicological effects
Authors: Rattner Barnett A. , Bean Thomas G. , Beasley Val R. , Berny Philippe , Eisenreich Karen M. , Elliott John E. , Eng Margaret L. , Fuchsman Phyllis C. , King Mason D. , Mateo Rafael , Meyer Carolyn B. , O'Brien Jason M. , Salice Christopher J.
Published: July 2023

Despite advances in toxicity testing and the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for hazard assessment, the ecological risk assessment (ERA) framework for terrestrial wildlife (i.e., air-breathing amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) has remained unchanged for decades. While survival, growth, and reproductive endpoints derived from whole-animal toxicity tests are central to hazard assessment, nonstandard measures of biological effects at multiple levels of biological organization (e.g., molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, organism, population, community, ecosystem) have the potential to enhance the relevance of prospective and retrospective wildlife ERAs. Other factors (e.g., indirect effects of contaminants on food supplies and infectious disease processes) are influenced by toxicants at individual, population, and community levels, and need to be factored into chemically based risk assessments to enhance the “eco” component of ERAs. Regulatory and logistical challenges often relegate such nonstandard endpoints and indirect effects to postregistration evaluations of pesticides and industrial chemicals and contaminated site evaluations. While NAMs are being developed, to date, their applications in ERAs focused on wildlife have been limited. No single magic tool or model will address all uncertainties in hazard assessment. Modernizing wildlife ERAs will likely entail combinations of laboratory- and field-derived data at multiple levels of biological organization, knowledge collection solutions (e.g., systematic review, adverse outcome pathway frameworks), and inferential methods that facilitate integrations and risk estimations focused on species, populations, interspecific extrapolations, and ecosystem services modeling, with less dependence on whole-animal data and simple hazard ratios. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:725–748. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Vaccination during pregnancy: A golden opportunity to embrace
Authors: Amaral Eliana , Money Deborah , Jamieson Denise , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Aronoff David , Jacobsson Bo , Lizcano Edgar Ivan Ortiz ,   FIGO Committee on Infections During Pregnancy*
Published: July 2023

Immunization strategies are part of routine pregnancy care to prevent infectious diseases in the mother, the fetus, and the newborn. Maternal immunization recommendations followed the recognition of the consequences of infectious diseases in pregnancy, including vertical transmission and perinatal consequences. The recent COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the issue of vaccination among pregnant individuals. Recommendations vary globally; however, Tdap, influenza, and, recently, COVID‐19 vaccines are routinely recommended during pregnancy. There are several new maternal immunization products in the pipeline, including those directed against malaria, cytomegalovirus, Group B Streptococcus, herpes simplex virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Important challenges must be addressed in all countries to guarantee that pregnant individuals and their babies receive the best care possible, including uptake of recommended immunizations by their entire target population groups. These challenges include disseminating appropriate data for vaccine recommendations and many others, such as ensuring stakeholder endorsement, achieving in‐country distribution and administration, adequate vaccine supply, and a well‐organized healthcare system, ideally offering the immunization free of charge. More recently, the hesitancy of pregnant women to receive immunizations highlights the relevance of cultural aspects and other contextual factors affecting vaccine uptake among pregnant individuals.
Advances in AI‐based cancer cytopathology
Authors: Yang Yan , Guan Shujuan , Ou Zihao , Li Weiqi , Yan Lizhi , Situ Bo
Published: July 2023

Cytopathological examination plays a crucial role in cancer diagnosis as it reflects the cellular pathology of cancer. However, this process traditionally relies on the visual examination by cytopathologists. Recent advancements in computer and digital imaging technologies have enabled the application of artificial intelligence (AI)‐based models to identify tumor cells in images, thereby assisting cytopathologists in achieving enhanced performance. AI‐based models can improve the accuracy and reproducibility of image evaluation and streamline clinical workflows. Moreover, AI‐based models can analyze a diverse range of sample types, including peripheral blood, urine, ascites, and bone marrow. AI‐based cytopathological recognition can help clinicians screen and diagnose cancer, predict prognosis and recurrence of cancers, such as leukemia, cervical cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and gastric cancer. Additionally, AI‐based models can predict the types of mutations in leukemia. A growing number of studies emphasize the potential of computational image analysis and deep learning‐based AI to build novel diagnostic tools that are conducive to the biomedical field. This review describes the recent developments in AI‐based cytopathological recognition and offers a perspective on how AI tools of cytopathology can help improve cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Future developments in AI model applications can further contribute to the improvement of human health.
SIRT3 regulates mitophagy in liver fibrosis through deacetylation of PINK1/NIPSNAP1
Authors: Li Ruixi , Wang Zhecheng , Wang Yue , Sun Ruimin , Zou Boyang , Tian Xinyao , Liu Deshun , Zhao Xuzi , Zhou Junjun , Zhao Yan , Yao Jihong
Published: July 2023

Damaged mitochondria, a key factor in liver fibrosis, can be removed by the mitophagy pathway to maintain homeostasis of the intracellular environment to alleviate the development of fibrosis. PINK1 (PTEN‐induced kinase 1) and NIPSNAP1 (nonneuronal SNAP25‐like protein 1), which cooperatively regulate mitophagy, have been predicted to include the sites of lysine acetylation related to SIRT3 (mitochondrial deacetylase sirtuin 3). Our study aimed to discuss whether SIRT3 deacetylates PINK1 and NIPSNAP1 to regulate mitophagy in liver fibrosis. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis as an in vivo model and LX‐2 cells as activated cells were used to simulate liver fibrosis. SIRT3 expression was significantly decreased in mice in response to CCl4, and SIRT3 knockout in vivo significantly deepened the severity of liver fibrosis, as indicated by increased α‐SMA and Col1a1 levels both in vivo and in vitro. SIRT3 overexpression decreased α‐SMA and Col1a1 levels. Furthermore, SIRT3 significantly regulated mitophagy in liver fibrosis, as demonstrated by LC3‐Ⅱ/Ⅰ and p62 expression and colocalization between TOM20 and LAMP1. Importantly, PINK1 and NIPSNAP1 expression was also decreased in liver fibrosis, and PINK1 and NIPSNAP1 overexpression significantly improved mitophagy and attenuated ECM production. Furthermore, after simultaneously interfering with PINK1 or NIPSNAP1 and overexpressing SIRT3, the effect of SIRT3 on improving mitophagy and alleviating liver fibrosis was disrupted. Mechanistically, we show that SIRT3, as a mitochondrial deacetylase, specifically regulates the acetylation of PINK1 and NIPSNAP1 to mediate the mitophagy pathway in liver fibrosis. SIRT3‐mediated PINK1 and NIPSNAP1 deacetylation is a novel molecular mechanism in liver fibrosis.
Knowledge changes after applying evidence‐based dentistry educational interventions to dental students: A systematic review
Authors: Molena Kelly Fernanda , Prado Viviane de Oliveira , Paulo Alana Cândido , Dantas Ruth Venâncio Fernandes , Curi Júnior Airton , Pedroso Gabriela Leite , Furtado Taissa Cassia Souza , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Sanglard Luciana Faria , Feres Murilo Fernando Neuppmann
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To critically evaluate the evidence on knowledge changes observed after the application of evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) educational interventions to dental students.

Methods

We included studies that assessed EBD knowledge after applying educational interventions to undergraduates. Studies that evaluated post‐graduate students or professionals, that exclusively described educational interventions, programs, or the application of curriculum revisions were excluded. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science), unpublished gray literature, and manual searches were performed. Data concerning “perceived” and “actual knowledge” was extracted. The quality of the studies was appraised according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

The 21 selected studies enrolled students at different stages, and the intervention formats were diverse. The educational interventions could be categorized into three modalities, that is, regular, EBD‐focused disciplines or courses, and other educational interventions including one or more of the EBD principles, methods, and/or practices. Despite the format, knowledge was generally improved after the implementation of educational interventions. Overall, perceived and actual levels of knowledge increased considering EBD general concepts, principles, and/or practices, and concerning the “acquire” and “appraise” skills. Among the selected studies, two were randomized controlled trials, while most were non‐randomized or descriptive studies.

Conclusions

EBD‐related educational interventions seem to improve dental students’ perceived and actual knowledge, according to literature with a high risk of bias. Therefore, more complete, methodologically rigorous, and longer‐term studies are still recommended to confirm and expand the current knowledge.
Alibi believability: Corroborator certainty, cooperativeness and relationship with the defendant
Authors: Allison Meredith , Kollar Courtney
Published: July 2023

Alibi believability can be affected by characteristics of the alibi corroborator, including the relationship between the defendant and corroborator, which has been studied extensively by researchers. The corroborator's certainty that they were together at the time of the crime may also influence alibi believability, but only a few studies have examined this. Another factor that may affect believability is the corroborator's cooperativeness with the police, which is yet to be studied in the alibi context. Online U.S. participants recruited from CloudResearch (N = 280) acted as mock jurors and evaluated a mock arson case where the defendant used an alibi defence. The alibi corroborator's relationship to the defendant (brother/neighbour), the certainty that they were together at the time (65%/100%) and cooperativeness with police (cooperative/uncooperative) were manipulated between participants. The participants were evenly split when it came to verdict (p > .05) but were more likely to vote guilty when the corroborator was a brother rather than a neighbour (p < .01) and when the brother was uncooperative versus cooperative (p < .05). As expected, alibis were more believable when they were corroborated by a neighbour rather than a brother and when the corroborator was 100% certain that they were together versus 65% certain (ps < .01). Alibis were also more believable when the corroborator cooperated than when he was uncooperative (p < .01). Cooperative (vs. uncooperative) corroborators led to more positive defendant and corroborator views on all six character trait measures (ps < .01). Implications and future directions are discussed.
Advances in mRNA vaccines for viral diseases
Authors: Huang Yukai , Zhu Xuerui , Guo Xiao , Zhou Yuancheng , Liu Dongying , Mao Jingrui , Xiong Yongai , Deng Youcai , Gao Xinghong
Published: July 2023

Since the onset of the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have demonstrated outstanding performance. mRNA vaccines offer significant advantages over conventional vaccines in production speed and cost‐effectiveness, making them an attractive option against other viral diseases. This article reviewed recent advances in viral mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems to provide references and guidance for developing mRNA vaccines for new viral diseases.
Sick and working: Current challenges and emerging directions for future presenteeism research
Authors: Patel Charmi , Biron Michal , Cooper Sir Cary , Budhwar Pawan S.
Published: July 2023

Presenteeism refers to working despite ill health that might otherwise warrant sickness absence. Estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars in lost productivity, the concept has attracted the attention of different academic disciplines, policymakers, and practitioners interested in mitigating the problem. Although a topic of significant interest, the current understanding of presenteeism is compromised by a number of conceptual and methodological factors that follow from one another. We begin this introductory article by providing a brief overview on three specific challenges, namely, (1) presenteeism ill‐defined as a unitary construct, (2) narrowness of approaches to measure and study presenteeism, and (3) insufficient research on the social and relational dynamism that characterizes presenteeism. We then provide an overview of the eight articles that comprise this issue and analyze how they address the aforementioned three challenges by adopting alternative theoretical frameworks, utilizing new measurement approaches, and/or by shedding light on the dynamic nature of presenteeism. Finally, we discuss fresh perspectives and promising directions for future research endeavors on this topic, with the hope that this issue will inspire further research on the practical implications of presenteeism for promoting positive health and well‐being at the workplace.
Commutators, centralizers, and strong conciseness in profinite groups
Authors: Detomi Eloisa , Morigi Marta , Shumyatsky Pavel
Published: July 2023

A group G is said to have restricted centralizers if for each the centralizer either is finite or has finite index in G. Shalev showed that a profinite group with restricted centralizers is virtually abelian. We take interest in profinite groups with restricted centralizers of uniform commutators, that is, elements of the form , where . Here, denotes the set of prime divisors of the order of . It is shown that such a group necessarily has an open nilpotent subgroup. We use this result to deduce that is finite if and only if the cardinality of the set of uniform k‐step commutators in G is less than .
Revealing the essence of value‐in‐being: A Heideggerian paradigm of value co‐creation
Authors: Alimamy Saifeddin , Chylinski Mathew , Deans Kenneth R. , Gnoth Juergen
Published: July 2023

This study presents a novel paradigm of “value‐in‐being,” offering an alternative to the prevailing customer‐centric approaches and their utilitarian focus on value‐in‐use that dominate the co‐creation literature. Drawing upon Heidegger's philosophy, the study derives the fundamental elements of value‐in‐being, emphasizing the crucial importance of subjective meaning, context‐specific purpose, and dwelling as key priorities for service design. By investigating the intricate relationship between Heideggerian philosophy and value‐in‐being, as well as its relation to value‐in‐use, this study provides valuable insights into the competing processes of value co‐creation and their impact on customer well‐being. Through theoretical analysis, the paper illustrates how organizations can cultivate more authentic experiences by embracing Heideggerian principles and giving prominence to value‐in‐being. The primary objective is to redirect the trajectory of services research, achieving a balance between value‐in‐use and value‐in‐being, while also serving as a roadmap for future investigations into the emerging paradigm of value‐in‐being within the co‐creation domain.
Vector properties of geometric calculus
Authors: Kaya Nurkan Semra , Gürgil Ibrahim , Kemal Karacan Murat
Published: July 2023

After its introduction by Grossman and Katz, the geometry part of geometric calculus has been mostly left unattended. In this paper, we give the elementary theorems to build the geometry on geometric space. We apply the well‐known theorems for inner product in geometric space. The terms geometric determinant and geometric vector product are introduced, and their properties are studied. We give the definitions of the circle, the plane, and the sphere and visualize them along with a line in geometric space. Finally, we discuss the Gram–Schmidt process in geometric space.
Butyrate Improves Porcine Endometrial Epithelial Cell Receptivity via Enhancing Acetylation of Histone H3K9
Authors: Ye Qianhong , Li Haoyu , Xu Baoyang , He Ziyi , Yan Xianghua
Published: July 2023

Scope

Uterine receptivity is a major restriction of embryo implantation and survival, and the endometrial luminal epithelium serves as the transient gateway for uterine receptivity and embryo implantation. Butyrate is reported to promote the success of embryo implantation, but the effects and mechanism of butyrate on uterine receptivity are still unknown.

Methods and results

Porcine endometrial epithelial cells (PEECs) are used as a model, and the cellular receptivity changes, metabolism, and gene expression profiles influenced by butyrate are analyzed. The study finds that butyrate improves receptive changes in PEECs, including inhibiting proliferation, exhibiting more pinocytosis on the cell surface, and increasing adhesiveness to porcine trophoblast cells. In addition, butyrate increases prostaglandin synthesis and markedly impacts purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and the FoxO signaling pathway. siRNA to inhibit the expression of FoxO1 and chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing (ChIP‐seq) of H3K9ac are used to demonstrate that the H3K9ac/FoxO1/PCNA pathway can contribute to the effects of cell proliferation inhibition and uterine receptivity improvement induced by butyrate.

Conclusion

The findings reveal that butyrate improves endometrial epithelial cell receptivity by enhancing the acetylation of histone H3K9, which shows nutritional regulation and therapeutic potential for poor uterine receptivity and difficulty in embryo implantation.
Low‐profile and broadband microstrip antenna with pattern diversity
Authors: Liang Le‐Yuan , Tu Zhi‐Hong
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a low‐profile and broadband pattern diversity microstrip antenna with quasiperiodic radiating patches fed by two slots. The thickness of the whole design is only 0.044λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength of the center frequency), showing great potential in applications. The broadband property is realized by efficiently exciting TM10 mode and antiphase TM20 mode and forming two resonant frequencies in the target band. The antenna can generate a broadside or difference pattern by switching the input port of the broadband 180° hybrid coupling feed network. The measured results show that the coincident impedance bandwidth of the antenna working in the two pattern modes is 20.5% (3.20–3.93 GHz), and the maximum gain values are 6.85 dBi for the directional pattern and 5.80 dBi for the difference pattern.
Reproduction of a conventional anthropomorphic female chest phantom by 3D‐printing: Comparison of image contrasts and absorbed doses in CT
Authors: Kunert Patrizia , Schlattl Helmut , Trinkl Sebastian , Giussani Augusto , Klein Lea , Janich Martin , Reichert Detlef , Brix Gunnar
Published: July 2023

Background

The production of individualized anthropomorphic phantoms via three‐dimensional (3D) printing methods offers promising possibilities to assess and optimize radiation exposures for specifically relevant patient groups (i.e., overweighed or pregnant persons) that are not adequately represented by standardized anthropomorphic phantoms. However, the equivalence of printed phantoms must be demonstrated exemplarily with respect to the resulting image contrasts and dose distributions.

Purpose

To reproduce a conventionally produced anthropomorphic phantom of a female chest and breasts and to evaluate their equivalence with respect to image contrasts and absorbed doses at the example of a computed tomography (CT) examination of the chest.

Methods

In a first step, the effect of different print settings on the CT values of printed samples was systematically investigated. Subsequently, a transversal slice and breast add‐ons of a conventionally produced female body phantom were reproduced using a multi‐material extrusion‐based printer, considering six different types of tissues (muscle, lung, adipose, and glandular breast tissue, as well as bone and cartilage). CT images of the printed and conventionally produced phantom parts were evaluated with respect to their geometric correspondence, image contrasts, and absorbed doses measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters.

Results

CT values of printed objects are highly sensitive to the selected print settings. The soft tissues of the conventionally produced phantom could be reproduced with a good agreement. Minor differences in CT values were observed for bone and lung tissue, whereas absorbed doses to the relevant tissues were identical within the measurement uncertainties.

Conclusion

3D‐printed phantoms are with exception of minor contrast differences equivalent to their conventionally manufactured counterparts. When comparing the two production techniques, it is important to note that conventionally manufactured phantoms should not be considered as absolute benchmarks, as they also only approximate the human body in terms of its absorption, and attenuation of x‐rays as well as its geometry.
Order acceptance and scheduling with delivery under generalized parameters
Authors: Lu Lingfa , Ou Jinwen , Yu Xue , Zhang Liqi
Published: July 2023

Inspired by the concept of generalized due dates introduced by Hall (IIE Transactions, 18(2), 220–222), in this article we first define four new generalized parameters in machine scheduling: the generalized release dates (GRD), generalized processing times (GPT), generalized rejection costs (GRC), and generalized delivery times (GDT). We then study order acceptance and scheduling problems with delivery consideration under the generalized parameters of GRD, GPT, GRC, and GDT, respectively. The objective of each scheduling problem in consideration is to minimize the maximum delivery completion time of the accepted jobs plus the total rejection penalty cost of the rejected jobs. We show that two of the six problems studied in this article are weakly NP‐hard while the other four ones can be solved in polynomial time. For each NP‐hard problem, we provide a pseudo‐polynomial time algorithm, a 2‐approximation algorithm and a fully polynomial‐time approximation scheme.
Accuracy of High‐Resolution Computed Tomography Compared to High‐Definition Ear Endoscopy to Assess Cholesteatoma Extension
Authors: Beckmann Sven , Hool Sara‐Lynn , Yacoub Abraam , Hakim Arsany , Caversaccio Marco , Wagner Franca , Anschuetz Lukas
Published: July 2023

Objective

To correlate radiographic evidence of cholesteatoma in the retrotympanum with intraoperative endoscopic findings in cholesteatoma patients and to evaluate the clinical relevance of radiographic evidence of cholesteatoma in the retrotympanum.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Seventy‐six consecutive cases undergoing surgical cholesteatoma removal with preoperative high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were enrolled in this study. A retrospective analysis of the medical records was conducted. The extension of cholesteatoma regarding different middle ear subspaces, into the antrum and mastoid were reviewed radiologically in preoperative HRCT and endoscopically from surgical videos. Additionally, facial nerve canal dehiscence, infiltration of the middle cranial fossa, and inner ear involvement were documented.

Results

Comparison of radiological and endoscopic cholesteatoma extension revealed statistically highly significant overestimation of radiological cholesteatoma extension for all retrotympanic regions (sinus tympani 61.8% vs 19.7%, facial recess 69.7% vs 43.4%, subtympanic sinus 59.2% vs 7.9%, and posterior sinus 72.4% vs 4.0%) and statistically significant overestimation for mesotympanum (82.9% vs 56.6%), hypotympanum (39.5% vs 9.2%), and protympanum (23.7% vs 6.6%). No statistically significant differences were found for epitympanum (98.7% vs 90.8%), antrum (64.5% vs 52.6%), and mastoid (26.3% vs 32.9%). Statistically significant radiological overestimation of facial nerve canal dehiscence (54.0% vs 25.0%) and invasion of tegmen tympani (39.5% vs 19.7%) is reported.

Conclusion

Radiologic cholesteatoma extension in different middle ear subspaces is overestimated compared to the intraoperative extension. The preoperative relevance of radiological retrotympanic extension might be limited in the choice of approach and transcanal endoscopic approach is always recommended first.
Development of polyvinylpyrrolidone, inorganic nanoparticles, and lithium carbonate nanostructured systems
Authors: Farias Matheus , da Silva Paulo Sergio Rangel Cruz , Tavares Maria Inês Bruno , Monteiro Mariana Sato de S. B.
Published: July 2023

Nanocomposites with inorganic nanofillers spread in a polymer matrix have been used for the development of pharmaceutical systems to treat mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, nanostructured particles using a solution intercalation technique combined with a spray‐drying process using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), montmorillonite, titanium dioxide, and lithium carbonate, with the aim of designing a new drug delivery system. XRD and low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed that PVP/MMT 1% achieved an intercalated/exfoliated morphology. However, the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles into the PVP matrix did not affect its structure, indicating that there was not a strong interaction between the polymer and the TiO2 nanoparticles. Thermal analysis did not reveal any changes in the nanocomposites compared to the pure polymer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a pseudo‐spherical shape, and SEM‐energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry (EDS) confirmed the dispersion of MMT in the PVP matrix. The introduction of lithium carbonate into the PVP/MMT matrix created a new system with higher molecular mobility; the drug introduction increased the mean droplet size, and the zeta potential remained negative. Overall, the results indicate that the applied methodology can produce a new nanostructured particle as a drug delivery system.
The relationship between stressful life events, sleep, emotional regulation, and depression in freshmen college students
Authors: Liu Ting , Zou Hongyu , Tao Zhiyuan , Qiu Boyu , He Xu , Chen Yanrong , Wang Sixian , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2023

In recent years, adolescent sleep problems have received increasing attention. Stressful life events have been found to be a risk factor for sleep problems, but little is known about the components that may explain or influence this association. To investigate this, the present study tested whether depressive symptoms mediated the association between stressful life events and Chinese freshmen' sleep problems, as well as whether emotional regulation skills moderated this process. A sample of 513 Chinese freshmen (32.2% males, mean age = 19.04 years, SD = 1.21) completed anonymous questionnaires regarding stressful life events, depressive symptoms, emotional regulation and sleep problems (examined using Adolescent Self‐Rating Life Events Checklist, Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Response to Stress Questionnaire). The study included covariates such as gender, age, and socioeconomic level. Depressive symptoms were shown to partially mediated the association between stressful life events and sleep problems in structural equation models. Emotional regulation moderated the relationship betweenn stressful life events and depressive symptoms. The results show that promoting emotional regulation could be beneficial in preventing and intervening sleep problems related to stressful life events.
A call for saying “gay”
Authors: Stanley Jared L. , Haynes Rachel , Francis Grace L. , Bilodeau Marissa , Andrade Mira
Published: July 2023

On March 28, 2022, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557 “The Parental Rights in Education” bill into law, taking effect July 1, 2022. As written, the bill: (a) prohibits discussion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and all other terms and concepts related to sexuality and gender (LGBTQ+) topics within schools, (b) requires schools to provide access to confidential records (e.g., counseling notes), and (c) requires school staff to notify parents when students engage in LGBTQ+ conversations or seek resources. While proponents posit that HB 1557 protects the “parents' fundamental rights to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children,” critics and activists contend that the bill will result in enduring damage to LGBTQ+ students. The purpose of this essay is threefold: (a) describe HB 1557 and elaborate on public responses to the bill, (b) provide stakeholder commentary on HB 1557, and (c) offer considerations to support members of the LGBTQ+ community in schools.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on secondary school teaching staff and primary to secondary transitions
Authors: Edge David , Redwood Sabi , Jindal‐Snape Divya , Crawley Esther
Published: July 2023

In common with many countries, UK schools closed for most pupils for periods between March 2020 and March 2021 because of the Covid‐19 pandemic, with significant implications for school education and the primary to secondary school transition. The transition to secondary school occurs at a crucial time of child development, with evidence suggesting transition may have a range of impacts on pupil wellbeing and academic performance. We wanted to understand how the pandemic had affected secondary teaching staff and their pupils during the move to secondary school. The study involved semistructured interviews with transition leaders from 12 secondary schools with subsequent thematic analysis. The findings of the study include; potential benefits from the digitalization of teaching practice; improving both pupil inclusion and staff efficiency, an enhanced interface with new parents resulting from virtual tours and open evenings, implications for the scope of existing teacher training with regard to virtual learning and concerns over pupil wellbeing, with increased levels of anxiety and a lack of emotional intelligence resulting from lockdowns. The study concludes that whilst the overall impact of the pandemic was probably detrimental to pupils' education and transitions practice, some potentially significant educational opportunities have arisen.