bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial flowers as a tool for investigating multimodal flower choice in wild insects
Authors: Chapman Kathryn M. , Richardson Freya J. , Forster Caitlyn Y. , Middleton Eliza J. T. , White Thomas E. , Burke Paul F. , Latty Tanya
Published: November 2023

Flowers come in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and odours. Flowers also differ in the quality and quantity of nutritional reward they provide to entice potential pollinators to visit. Given this diversity, generalist flower‐visiting insects face the considerable challenge of deciding which flowers to feed on and which to ignore. Working with real flowers poses logistical challenges due to correlations between flower traits, maintenance costs and uncontrolled variables. Here, we overcome this challenge by designing multimodal artificial flowers that varied in visual, olfactory and reward attributes. We used artificial flowers to investigate the impact of seven floral attributes (three visual cues, two olfactory cues and two rewarding attributes) on flower visitation and species richness. We investigated how flower attributes influenced two phases of the decision‐making process: the decision to land on a flower, and the decision to feed on a flower. Artificial flowers attracted 890 individual insects representing 15 morphospecies spanning seven arthropod orders. Honeybees were the most common visitors accounting for 46% of visitors. Higher visitation rates were driven by the presence of nectar, the presence of linalool, flower shape and flower colour and was negatively impacted by the presence of citral. Species richness was driven by the presence of nectar, the presence of linalool and flower colour. For hymenopterans, the probability of landing on the artificial flowers was influenced by the presence of nectar or pollen, shape and the presence of citral and/or linalool. The probability of feeding increased when flowers contained nectar. For dipterans, the probability of landing on artificial flowers increased when the flower was yellow and contained linalool. The probability of feeding increased when flowers contained pollen, nectar and linalool. Our results demonstrate the multi‐attribute nature of flower preferences and highlight the usefulness of artificial flowers as tools for studying flower visitation in wild insects.
Evaluating river morphology change with a geomorphic form variation approach
Authors: Dawson Corey , Ashmore Peter , Corry Robert
Published: November 2023

Geomorphic river design strives for natural resilience by encouraging geomorphic form complexity and morphological processes linked to greater habitat diversity. Increasing availability of high‐resolution topographic data and spatial feature mapping methods provide advantages for morphological analysis and river restoration planning. We propose and evaluate an approach to quantifying topographic variability of geomorphic form and pixel‐level surface roughness resulting from channel planform geometry differences using spatially continuous variety computation applied to component metrics including flow direction, aspect and planform curvature. We define this as the geomorphic form variation (GFV) approach and found it scalable, repeatable and a multi‐stage analytical metric for quantifying physical aspects of river‐bed topographic variability. GFV may complement process‐based morphological feature mapping applications, hydraulic assessment indices and spatial habitat heterogeneity metrics commonly used for ecological quality evaluation and river restoration. The GFV was tested on controlled synthetic channels derived from River Builder software and quasi‐controlled sinuous planform flume experiment channels. Component variety metrics respond independently to specific geometric surface changes and are sensitive to multi‐scaled morphology change, including coarser‐grained sediment distributions of pixel‐level surface roughness. GFV showed systematic patterns of change related to the effects of channel geometry, vertical bed feature (pool‐bar) frequency and amplitude, and bar size, shape and orientation. Hotspot analysis found that bar margins were major components of topographic complexity, whereas grain‐scale variety class maps further supported the multi‐stage analytical capability and scalability of the GFV approach. The GFV can provide an overall variety value that may support river restoration decision‐making and planning, particularly when geomorphic complexity enhancement is a design objective. Analysing metric variety values with statistically significant hotspot cluster maps and complementary process‐based software and mapping applications allows variety correspondence to systematic feature changes to be assessed, providing an analytical approach for river morphology change comparison, channel design and geomorphic process restoration.
Determination of the most appropriate fertilizing method for apple trees using multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) approaches
Authors: Heidarisoltanabadi Mohsen , Elhami Behzad , Imanmehr Abdollah , Khadivi Ali
Published: November 2023

Appropriate tree fertilization with essential nutrients is considered as one of the major factors in enhancing the quality and quantity of horticultural crops. The most efficient way to fertilize trees is to dig holes around the trunks and fill them with appropriate chemical and organic fertilizer. Doing this operation with mechanized methods reduces costs and increases productivity compared to traditional methods. In the present study, multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods, including deterministic analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS), and analytic network process (ANP), were used to score and select the appropriate fertilizing method for apple trees based on the growers and expert's perspectives. The criteria, including fertilizing operation cost, crop yield, the percentage of tree damages, ease of entering and moving fertilizing equipment in tree rows, field capacity (with or without machinery), comfort and safety of fertilizing operations, after‐sales service, access to the required machinery and implements, crop selling price, and crop quality, were used in the above‐mentioned methods. The fertilization methods (Hole digging) considered in the present study were traditional fertilization (Shovel), orchard Trencher, motor hole digger, fixed centerline tractor‐mounted hole digger, and off‐set tractor‐mounted hole digger. Based on the results, the priority of mechanized fertilizing methods was determined as tractor‐mounted hole diggers (AHP weight of 0.286, FAHP weight of 0.285, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.65, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.64), fixed centerline tractor‐mounted hole diggers (AHP weight of 0.219, FAHP weight of 0.158, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.56, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.62), motor hole diggers (AHP weight of 0.171, FAHP weight of 0.079, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.46, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.31), and orchard trenchers (AHP weight of 0.12, FAHP weight of 0.057, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.19, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.20), respectively. Based on the ANP method, off‐set and fixed centerline tractor‐mounted hole diggers had the highest priority (weights of 0.43 and 0.27), followed by trencher (weight of 0.16), motor hole diggers (weight of 0.09), and the traditional method (weight of 0.04). Results showed that applying orchard tractors equipped with mounted diggers, especially off‐set types, can play an important role in enhancing the quantity and quality of apples produced, as well as reducing the costs of fertilizing operations.
Dietary total, plant, and animal protein intake in relation to cardiovascular outcomes and inflammatory factors in elderly men: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Abbasi Hanieh , Fahimfar Noushin , Surkan Pamela J. , Azadbakht Leila
Published: November 2023

The source and amount of protein intake may influence cardiovascular and inflammatory risk, especially in elders who are often more vulnerable. However, findings on elders have been contradictory. Therefore, we examined the association between dietary total, plant, and animal protein intake in relation to cardiovascular outcomes and inflammatory factors in elderly men. The present cross‐sectional study included 357 elderly men. A validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. All biochemical factors including triglycerides (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were measured. Waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were also assessed. A significant inverse association was found between animal protein intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP; OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.91; ptrend = .014). There were significant inverse associations between plant protein intake and WC (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.68; ptrend < .001), FBS (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.89; ptrend = .018) and Hs‐CRP (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.70; ptrend = .002). Moreover, significant inverse associations were also found between total protein intake and SBP (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.86; ptrend = .010) and total protein and Hs‐CRP (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.88; ptrend = .015). In elderly men, a high dietary intake of plant protein was associated with lower odds of having high WC, FBS, and Hs‐CRP. In addition, high dietary intake of animal protein was associated with higher odds of having a high SBP level, which was explained by higher intake of dairy products.
The effects of powdered drinks enriched with curcumin and probiotics on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mohammadi Farzaneh , Mohsenpour Mohammad Ali , Sohrabi Zahra , Niakousari Mehrdad , Jeddi Marjan , Hassanzadeh Jafar , Ferns Gordon A. , Eftekhari Mohammad Hassan
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent globally and is the most common complication of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Previous studies have suggested that curcumin and probiotics may improve the lipid profile, so we aimed to investigate the effects of the edible powder enriched with these substances on lipid profile level and atherogenic indices such as Atherogenic Coefficient (AC), Castelli Risk Index‐I (CRI‐I), Castelli Risk Index‐II (CRI‐II), and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). In the present parallel randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 124 people with MetS with overweight or obesity were randomly allocated to 4 groups and were followed up for 8 weeks. The participants received a low‐calorie diet and a daily sachet of enriched powder drink. The sachets contained either 109 CFU of probiotics or 1 g of curcumin, or probiotic + curcumin (pro + cur), or placebo, respectively. The fasting lipid profile and atherogenic indices were measured at the beginning and end of the study. One hundred and fourteen participants completed the study. At the end of the study, the within‐ and between‐group comparisons showed no significant differences in lipid profile and atherogenic indices (p > .05). Based on the results of the current study, taking an oral powder containing 1 g curcumin and 109 CFU probiotics for 8 weeks had no effect on the lipid profile level and atherogenic indices; however, more studies are recommended.
Dynamic connection between energy prices, Malaysia's economic growth, and ecological footprint: An evidence from Morlet wavelet approach
Authors: Razi Ummara , Afshan Sahar , Cheong Calvin W. H. , Sharif Arshian
Published: November 2023

Using the Morlet Wavelet approach and other time‐frequency decomposition techniques, this study investigates the dynamic relationship between energy prices, economic growth, and ecological footprint in Malaysia from 1975 to 2021. Our analysis reveals several key findings. Firstly, despite the absence of oil price volatility, the size of Malaysia's ecological footprint varies significantly over the study period. Secondly, energy prices contribute significantly to the ecological footprint. Thirdly, the association between energy prices and ecological footprint is stronger during periods of economic growth. Lastly, energy prices contribute to economic growth and inflation in the short run, but after factoring in the ecological footprint, the association extends into the long run. These findings suggest that Malaysia's economic growth is driven not only by energy prices but also by its ecological footprint. Moreover, the size of Malaysia's ecological footprint is driven by factors at the microeconomic level rather than energy prices alone. Therefore, the impact of energy prices on the macroeconomy, especially when considering the impact on the environment, is non‐linear.
Correlation between immune‐related Tryptophan‐Kynurenine pathway and severity of severe pneumonia and inflammation‐related polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Guo Baojun , Xue Mingshan , Zhang Teng , Gan Hui , Lin Runpei , Liu Mingtao , Liao Yuhong , Lyu Jiali , Zheng Peiyan , Sun Baoqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Immune dysfunction and oxidative stress caused by severe pneumonia can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and even death, causing a significant impact on health and the economy. Currently, great progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, but the mortality rate remains high (approximately 50%). Therefore, there is still potential for further exploration of the immune response mechanisms against severe pneumonia.

Objective

This study analyzed the difference in serum metabolic profiles between patients with severe pneumonia and health individuals through metabolomics, aiming to uncover the correlation between the Tryptophan‐Kynurenine pathway and the severity of severe pneumonia, as well as N‐3/N‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Methods

In this study, 44 patients with severe pneumonia and 37 health controls were selected. According to the changes in the disease symptoms within the 7 days of admission, the patients were divided into aggravation (n = 22) and remission (n = 22) groups. Targeted metabolomics techniques were performed to quantify serum metabolites and analyze changes between groups.

Results

Metabolomics analysis showed that serum kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan (K/T) were significantly increased and tryptophan was significantly decreased in patients with severe pneumonia; HETE and HEPE in lipids increased significantly, while eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α‐linolenic acid (linolenic acid, α‐LNA), arachidonic acid (ARA), Dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA), and 13(s)‐hydroperoxylinoleic acid (HPODE) decreased significantly. Additionally, the longitudinal comparison revealed that Linolenic acid, DPA, and Tryptophan increased significantly in the remission group, while and kynurenine and K/T decreased significantly. In the aggravation group, Kynurenine and K/T increased significantly, while ARA, 8(S)‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 11(S)‐HETE, and Tryptophan decreased significantly. The correlation analysis matrix demonstrated that Tryptophan was positively correlated with DGLA, 12(S)‐hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), ARA, EPA, α‐LNA, DHA, and DPA. Kynurenine was positively correlated with 8(S)‐HETE and negatively correlated with DHA. Additionally, K/T was negatively correlated with DGLA, ARA, EPA, α‐LNA, DHA, and DPA.

Conclusion

This study revealed that during severe pneumonia, the Tryptophan‐Kynurenine pathway was activated and was positively correlated with the disease progression. On the other hand, the activation of the Tryptophan‐Kynurenine pathway was negatively correlated with N‐3/N‐6 PUFAs.
Properties of a New, Long‐Lasting Vaginal Delivery System (LASRS) for Contraceptive and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: ZANEVELD LOURENS J. D. , WALLER DONALD P. , AHMAD NAWAZ , QUIGG JEANNE , KAMINSKI JOANNE , NIKURS ANDREJS , de JONGE CHRISTOPHER
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: In view of the need for improved vaginal formulations that are contraceptive, that may prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections, or both, a new delivery system (base formulation; called Long Acting, Sustained Release of Spermicide, or LASRS) was developed that contains bioadhesive and other ingredients with a long history of safety, and was designed to provide long‐lasting vaginal retention of the formulation and to minimize possible vaginal irritation caused by incorporated active ingredients. Nonoxynol‐9 (N‐9) was added as an active ingredient to study the vaginal irritating properties of the formulation and to assess its long‐term effectiveness by postcoital spermicidal tests. In the first series of experiments, in vitro studies showed that the formulation spreads rapidly over a cellulose membrane, forming a bioadhesive layer that remained for at least 12 hours. The second series of experiments addressed the safety of the LASRS suppository in rabbits and primates. Even with a very high concentration of N‐9 (20.5%), LASRS caused only mild/moderate but acceptable irritation in the rabbit. No vaginal irritation occurred in the primate at an even higher concentration (22.5%). During the third series of experiments, the long‐lasting vaginal retention properties were evaluated by postcoital spermicidal tests in the primate. LASRS with N‐9 was highly spermicidal even when mating was delayed for 12 hours after placement of the formulation. Spermicidal activity was also observed when 1) mating was delayed for 24 hours after insertion of the formulation, and 2) if the females were mated 2 or even 3 times without reinsertion of the suppository before collection of the vaginal contents. In the final series of tests, the postcoital spermicidal properties of menfegol, another cytotoxic spermicide, were evaluated as were several modifications in the base formulation. Menfegol produced essentially the same results as N‐9. Altering the base formulation proved to be nonbeneficial because a decrease in the long‐term spermicidal effectiveness was obtained. These results suggest that the LASRS suppository has good vehicle properties for the delivery of active ingredients to the vagina.
Measurement of Bovine Sperm Nuclear Shape Using Fourier Harmonic Amplitudes
Authors: OSTERMEIER G. CHARLES , SARGEANT GLEN A. , YANDELL BRIAN S. , PARRISH JOHN J.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT:An objective method for measuring bovine sperm nuclear shape was developed. Digital images of bovine sperm stained with propidium iodide were collected and Fourier functions used to describe the perimeters of individual sperm nuclei. Harmonic amplitudes from Fourier functions were first shown to be independent of sperm orientation during digitization. Sperm from 12 different bulls were used, and 6 harmonic amplitudes per sperm were found to adequately describe sperm nuclear shape. Based on harmonic amplitudes 0 to 5, cluster analysis was used to generate 20 different groups. Sperm within groups had similar morphologies and groups were distinguished by statistically unique shape characteristics. Harmonic amplitudes 0 to 5 can be used to distinguish previously reported abnormalities such as tapered, pyriform, macrocephalic, and microcephalic, as well as gradations in between. Furthermore, differences were detected among bull harmonic amplitude centroids (P< .05), indicating that bulls differ in mean sperm nuclear shape.
E2F and GATA‐1 Are Required for the Sertoli Cell—Specific Promoter Activity of the Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene
Authors: KIM JEONG‐SEON , GRISWOLD MICHAEL D.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: The follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene is expressed in Sertoli cells in males and in granulosa cells in females. Cis‐acting sequences and associated binding factors responsible for the transcription of the TATA‐less FSHR gene in Sertoli cells were analyzed with dimethylsulfate (DMS) footprinting assays and electro‐phoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). In vivo footprints in the core promoter using nuclear proteins from Sertoli cells identified several protected sequences, including an inverted GATA (TATC, −88/−85), and an E2F (TTTCGCG, −45/−39) motif. EMSA showed the presence of one or more sequence‐specific proteins interacting with these potential regulatory elements. Antibody‐supershift assays as well as competition assays further revealed that testis‐specific GATA‐1 recognized the inverted GATA element. The functional role of the potential cis‐acting elements was analyzed by transient transfection assays with and without mutations of the putative elements. The mutational analysis indicated that the GATA and E2F elements were each required for optimal promoter activity. The effects of each of the promoter elements was examined in transfections in which mutations were made in each of the known regulatory sites, including the E box, GATA, and E2F sites in various combinations. All of these sites contribute to the maximum promoter activity such that mutations of the E box, GATA, and E2F sites eliminated nearly all promoter activity.
Localization of Clusterin on Freeze‐Preserved Bull Spermatozoa Before and After Glass Wool‐Sephadex Filtration
Authors: IBRAHIM NASRELDIN M. , FOSTER DOUGLAS N. , CRABO BO G.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Clusterin is a major protein in bull reproductive tract secretions and sperm membrane extract. A polyclonal antibody was produced against clusterin from bull cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) and used for the localization of the protein on bull spermatozoa. Immunoblotting of unreduced bovine samples showed that the anticlusterin antibody reacted with a protein of ∼94‐ to 100‐kd in rete testis fluid (RTF), a ∼57‐ to 76‐kd protein in CEF, and with a ∼57‐ to 60‐kd protein from cauda epididymal sperm membrane extract. The antibody also reacted with stallion RTF and both ram CEF and RTF at relative molecular weights (Mr) that were consistent with the anticipated size of clusterin in these species. Less intense immunostaining was observed for a protein of about 2 times the predicted size of clusterin in unreduced ovine RTF, suggesting the presence of multimers of clusterin in ovine RTF. Also, a dimeric clusterin‐sized protein was detected in reduced bovine CEF, suggesting the presence of unprocessed clusterin in bovine CEF. By immunofluorescence, clusterin was detected on only a small fraction of bull spermatozoa, which were morphologically abnormal. Neither permeabilization nor the method of dilution affected the reactivity of the antibody with spermatozoa (P > .05). Average clusterin‐positive spermatozoa (CPS) in unpermeabilized, permeabilized, abruptly diluted, and gradually diluted semen were 10.1%, 11.3%, 15.0%, and 14.4%, respectively. CPS were eliminated from semen after filtration through glass wool‐Sephadex (GWS) columns. Average CPS in unfiltered and filtered semen were 14.3% and 1.1%, respectively. We conclude that sperm clusterin in bull semen is associated with morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and that clusterin is implicated in the process of abnormal spermatozoa trapping in GWS columns. We suggest that the fraction of CPS in bull semen is a potential marker for poor semen quality.
Inhibition of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Boar Semen by Pentoxifylline, Caffeine, and Theophylline
Authors: GLOGOWSKI JAN , DANFORTH DOUGLAS R. , CIERESZKO ANDRZEJ
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Methyl xanthines have been used frequently as additives to sperm suspensions in order to improve sperm characteristics. The mechanism of action on spermatozoa is generally assumed to be inhibition of sperm phosphodiesterase activity, resulting in elevation of complementary adenosine monophosphate levels in spermatozoa. The present study was designed to examine the effect of methyl xanthines (pentoxifylline, caffeine, and theophylline) on another important enzyme system, alkaline phosphatase, in boar seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Inhibition of sperm alkaline phosphatase could be distinguished from that of seminal plasma by a paradoxical stimulation by pentoxifylline at lower pH values in spermatozoa. Among the three methyl xanthines, theophylline exhibited the most dramatic inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity and substrate inhibition was observed with increasing concentrations. Each methyl xanthine had a different action on alkaline phosphatase activity at lower pH; theophylline showed the highest inhibition, caffeine inhibition was not related to pH, and pentoxifylline did not inhibit alkaline phosphatase of seminal plasma and, in fact, it stimulated its activity (or that of a phosphatase with lower pH optimum) in spermatozoa. These results indicate another possible mechanism of action of methyl xanthines on sperm and are in agreement with data indicating that methyl xanthines are not specific inhibitors of sperm phosphodiesterase, because clearly, they inhibit alkaline phosphatase activity as well.
Binding Regulation of Porcine Spermatozoa to Oviductal Vesicles In Vitro
Authors: BUREAU MARIÈVE , BAILEY JANICE L. , SIRARD MARC‐ANDRÉ
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: In vivo, en route to the site of fertilization, mammalian spermatozoa bind to oviduct epithelial cells (OECs). This binding may favor sperm survival and capacitation, but little is known about the regulation of detachment of sperm from the oviduct in vivo. Therefore, we studied sperm‐oviduct interaction in vitro using vesicles formed from OECs in primary culture. Porcine oviducts were collected from gilts at the slaughterhouse. OECs were obtained by compressing the oviduct and culturing them in TCM‐199 medium with 10% fetal calf serum for 48 hours. For the first experiment, to test the hypothesis that progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) affect sperm‐OEC binding, OECs were pretreated for 48 hours with 100 ng/mL of P4 or E2. In the second experiment, porcine follicular fluid (pFF, 5%), caffeine (1 μM), calcium ionophore A23187 (1 μM), and DMSO (0.01%) were added to the incubation medium to provide insights on the mechanisms of sperm release from the oviduct. For both experiments, 50 × 106 sperm were coincubated with 50 μL of OEC vesicles in 1 mL of incubation medium for up to 24 hours at 37°C and 5% CO2. After an initial 30 minutes of coincubation, the vesicles settled and a sample of the supernatant was removed to evaluate sperm release and acrosomal status; subsequent samples were removed after 2, 4, and 24 hours of coincubation. To evaluate the effect of the different treatments on sperm integrity, the acrosome status of the spermatozoa was determined using fluorescein‐labeled Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Experiment 1 showed that P4 pretreatment of OECs interferes with sperm binding compared with pretreatment with E2 or controls (P < .05). In experiment 2, coincubation in the presence of A23187 increased sperm detachment compared with pretreatment with DMSO, pFF, caffeine, or controls (P < .05). For each experiment, the treatments did not affect the percentage of acrosome‐reacted sperm compared with controls (P < .05).
The Testis as a Major Source of Circulating Inhibins in the Male Equine Fetus During the Second Half of Gestation
Authors: TANAKA YUMIKO , TANIYAMA HIROYUKI , TSUNODA NOBUO , SHINBO HIROMI , NAGAMINE NATSUKO , NAMBO YASUO , NAGATA SHUN‐ICHI , WATANABE GEN , HERATH CHANDANA B. , GROOME NIGEL P. , TAYA KAZUYOSHI
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Immunolocalization of the inhibin (α) and inhibin/activin (βA and βB) subunit proteins in equine fetal testes was investigated to determine the ability of the fetal testis to produce inhibins at 120, 150, 200, and 250 days of gestation. In addition, concentrations of immunoreactive (ir)‐inhibin, inhibin pro‐αC, and inhibin A in both the maternal and fetal circulation were measured. It was found that plasma concentrations of ir‐inhibin, inhibin pro‐αC, and inhibin A were much higher (P < .05) in the fetal than in the maternal circulation at any stage of gestation examined. Similarly, while fetal testicular homogenate contained increased amounts of inhibins, the inhibins were undetectable in homogenates of maternal ovaries and placentae. At 120 days of gestation, all 3 subunit proteins were localized to the interstitial cells, while the immunoreactivity for the inhibin/activin βB subunit protein was also observed in Sertoli cells. The intensity of immunoreactivity for the 3 subunit proteins in interstitial cells increased as pregnancy advanced to day 200, and, at this stage, immunoreactivity for the inhibin α subunit protein was observed in the fetal testes in a pattern consistent with localization in Sertoli cells. Thus, the inhibin/activin βA subunit protein was confined to interstitial cells during the gestational periods examined. We conclude that equine fetal testes secrete large amounts of inhibins, including dimeric inhibin A and possibly other dimeric forms, such as inhibin B and activins, into the fetal circulation. These results suggest that these proteins may play some important roles in the development of fetal testes during gestation.
A promising prognostic grading system incorporating weight loss and inflammation in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Zhang Xi , Huang Jia‐Xin , Tang Meng , Zhang Qi , Deng Li , Song Chun‐Hua , Li Wei , Shi Han‐Ping , Cong Ming‐Hua
Published: November 2023

Background

Involuntary weight loss and increased systemic response are frequently observed in patients with cancer, especially in advanced stages. This study aimed to develop a powerful weight loss and inflammation grading system (WLAIGS) and investigate its prognostic performance in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

This multicentre prospective cohort study included 11 423 patients with advanced cancer. A 4 × 4 matrix representing four different per cent weight loss (WL%) categories within each of the four different neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) categories (16 possible combinations of WL% and NLR) was constructed. The WLAIGS consisted of four grades, with hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) gradually increasing from grade 1 to grade 4. Survival analyses, including Kaplan–Meier curve, Cox proportional hazards regression, and sensitivity analysis, were performed to investigate the association between WLAIGS and OS. The secondary outcomes were short‐term survival, malnutrition, and quality of life. Two internal validation cohorts with a 7:3 ratio were used to validate the results.

Results

The median age of patients with advanced cancer in our study was 59.00 (interquartile range, 50.00–66.00) years. There were 6877 (60.2%) and 4546 (39.8%) male and female participants, respectively. We totally recorded 5046 death cases during the median follow‐up of 17.33 months. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that the survival rate decreased from grade 1 to grade 4 in patients with advanced cancer (log‐rank P < 0.001). The WLAIGS was an independent risk factor associated with OS adjusting for confounders, with HRs increasing from 1.20 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–1.29; P < 0.001) in grade 2, 1.48 (95% CI, 1.38–1.60; P < 0.001) in grade 3 to 1.73 (95% CI, 1.58–1.89; P < 0.001) in grade 4. In each weight loss% group (2.5 ≤ WL% < 6.0; 6.0 ≤ WL% < 11.0, WL% ≥ 11.0), a NLR above 3 was associated with shorter survival and served as an independent prognostic predictor. The risk of short‐term mortality, malnutrition, and poor quality of life increased with WLAIGS grade. Two internal validation cohorts confirmed that the WLAIGS independently identified the survival of patients with advanced cancer.

Conclusions

The WLAIGS, which reflects malnutrition and systemic inflammation status, is a robust and convenient tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer.
Factors affecting the willingness of nursing care staffs for cooperation with heart failure care and the role of internet video education
Authors: Kinugasa Yoshiharu , Adachi Toshiaki , Fukuki Masaharu , Hirota Yutaka , Ishiga Natsuko , Kato Masahiko , Mizuta Einosuke , Mura Emiko , Nozaka Yoshihito , Omodani Hiroki , Tanaka Hiroaki , Tanaka Yasunori , Watanabe Izuru , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Mikami Masaaki
Published: November 2023

Background

With the aging of heart failure (HF) patients, collaboration between medical and nursing care facilities is essential for HF care. The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the factors that affect willingness of nursing care staffs to cooperate with HF care; (2) to test whether the internet video education is useful in improving their willingness to collaborate.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was e‐mailed to 417 registered medical corporations that operated nursing care facilities in the prefecture where the authors work. Medical and care staff working at each facility were asked their willingness to cooperate with HF care and their problems about collaboration. Machine learning analysis was used to assess the factors associated with unwillingness to cooperate. After watching a 6‐min YouTube video explaining HF and community collaboration, we reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate.

Results

We received responses from 76 medical and care staff members. Before watching the video, 32.9% of participants stated that they were unwilling to cooperate with HF care. Machine learning analysis showed that job types, perceived problems of collaboration, and low opportunities to learn about HF were associated with unwillingness to cooperation. After watching the video, we observed an increase from 67.1% to 80.3% (p < 0.05) of participants willing to cooperate with HF care.

Conclusions

Job types, perceived problems of collaboration, and low opportunities to learn about HF are associated with unwillingness of nursing care staff for HF care. Internet videos are potential learning tool that can easily promote community collaboration for HF.
The discovery of the first potash mine and the development of the potash industry since 1861
Authors: Kleine‐Kleffmann Ulrich
Published: November 2023

The birth of potash industry was 1861 in Staßfurt, Duchy of Prussia with commissioning of the first potash plant. During the mining of rock salt in Staßfurt, seams containing potassium had previously only been discovered by chance and initially treated as overburden. Until 1918, potash production was only in the German Empire with a total capacity of about 0.83 million t K. Subsequently, a successful global exploration for further potash deposits began. Large and high‐quality potash deposits are found in the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Canada, Russia, and Belarus. From around 1950 onward, the industry began to grow strongly. In 2021, the global production was about 36 million t K. More than 90% is marketed as fertilizer, mainly potassium chloride. Feeding the world's growing population requires a safe and adequate supply of fertilizer. The potash production capacities are correspondingly high and the global supply of potassium fertilizer is secured for centuries to come.
N‐Nitrosamines: a potential hazard in processed meat products
Authors: Deveci Gülsüm , Tek Nilüfer Acar
Published: November 2023

Nitrite, nitrate, and their salts are added to processed meat products to improve color, flavor, and shelf life and to lower the microbial burden. N‐Nitrosamine compounds are formed when nitrosing agents (such as secondary nitrosamines) in meat products interact with nitrites and nitrates that have been added to the meat. With the consumption of such meat products, nitrosation reactions occur in the human body and N‐nitrosamine formation occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the benefits nitrites and nitrates have on food, their tendency to create nitrosamines and an increase in the body's nitrous amine load presents health risks. The inclusion of nitrosamine compounds in possible and probable carcinogen classes according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer requires a re‐examination of the literature review on processed meat products. This article evaluates the connections between various cancer types and nitrosamines found in processed meat products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Acne associated with lisdexamfetamine
Authors: Tung Hsiu Tzu , Bunker Christopher B.
Published: November 2023

The drug lisdexamfetamine is now widely used in the treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and there have been patient reports of skin eruptions after taking this drug. Here, we present the case of a patient with ADHD who was started on lisdexamfetamine and then presented with recrudescent acne.
Grain Orientation, Angle of Incidence, and Beam Polarization Effects on Ultraviolet 300 ps‐Laser‐Induced Nanostructures on 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Porta‐Velilla Luis , Martínez Elena , Frechilla Alejandro , Castro Miguel , de la Fuente Germán Francisco , Bonse Jörn , Angurel Luis Alberto
Published: November 2023

Laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) represent a unique route for functionalizing materials through the fabrication of surface nanostructures. Commercial AISI 316L stainless steel (SS316L) surfaces are laser treated by ultraviolet 300 ps laser pulses in a laser line scanning (LLS) approach. Processing parameters are optimized (pulse energy of 2.08 µJ, pulse repetition frequency of 300 kHz, and suitable laser scan and sample displacement rates) for the generation of low spatial frequency LIPSS over a large 25 × 25 mm2 area. Different angles of incidence of the laser radiation (0°, 30°, and 45°) and different linear laser beam polarizations (s and p) produce a plethora of rippled surface morphologies at distinct grains. Scanning electron microscopy and 2D Fourier transforms, together with calculations of the optical energy deposited at the treated surfaces using Sipe's first‐principles electromagnetic scattering theory, are used to study and analyze in detail these surface morphologies. Combined with electron backscattering diffraction, analyses allow associating site‐selectively various laser‐induced‐surface morphologies with the underlying crystalline grain orientation. Resulting grain orientation maps reveal a strong impact of the grain crystallographic orientation on LIPSS formation and point toward possible strategies, like multi‐step processes, for improving the manufacturing of LIPSS and their areal coverage of polycrystalline technical materials.
Arbitrary Wireless Energy Distribution within an Epsilon Near‐zero Environment
Authors: Yang Qingdong , Wang Yi , Shi Jinhui , Liu Changxu , Zhang Shuang
Published: November 2023

Efficient power distribution to multiple receivers with controlled amounts is critical for wireless communication and sensing systems. Previous efforts have attempted to improve power transfer efficiency through strong coupling and parity‐time (PT) symmetry, providing attractive opportunities for flexible energy flow control. In this study, a novel method for achieving arbitrary power distribution is proposed and numerically demonstrated by leveraging the unique properties inside an epsilon near‐zero (ENZ) environment. Specifically, it shows that the power from a single source can be transferred to multiple receivers inside an ENZ medium with negligible loss by modifying optical properties of receivers rather than introducing sophisticated active control modules. Importantly, full power transfer is independent of the size and shape of the ENZ medium, as well as the positions of the receivers and source. A realizable system is further designed with effective zero index at microwave frequencies to confirm the high efficiency of energy transfer. The innovative approach, employing photonic doping for advanced and efficient wireless power transfer, may shed light on the new generation of energy efficient communication/sensing systems with versatile control functionalities.
How to conduct efficient and objective literature reviews using natural language processing: A step‐by‐step guide for marketing researchers
Authors: Pugliese Serena , Giannetti Verdiana , Banerjee Sourindra
Published: November 2023

Literature reviews are crucial for attaining a full understanding of the key topics and latest trends in research and instrumental in identifying important research gaps. Unfortunately, conducting literature reviews can be time‐consuming, and the outcomes are frequently subjective. Hence, to address such limitations, we detail an alternative, recent approach to conducting literature reviews. In this research, we outline the steps involved in conducting a literature review via natural language processing. Specifically, we illustrate how to (1) select relevant papers using term frequency‐inverse document frequency and (2) perform topic modeling analysis through latent Dirichlet allocation to identify key research topics. This study and the associated ready‐to‐use Python code provide researchers, including those in consumer behavior, with detailed guidance on how to use natural language processing in their literature reviews.
Thermoresponsive and Photocrosslinkable Poly(2‐alkyl‐2‐oxazoline) Toolbox – Customizable Ultralow‐Fouling Hydrogel Coatings for Blood Plasma Environments
Authors: Wiesner (née Diehl) Fiona , Petri Christian , Hageneder Simone , Kunzler Cleiton , Klees Sven , Frank Petra , Pertiller Matthias , Dostalek Jakub , Knoll Wolfgang , Jonas Ulrich
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on developing surface coatings with excellent antifouling properties, crucial for applications in the medical, biological, and technical fields, for materials and devices in direct contact with living tissues and bodily fluids such as blood. This approach combines thermoresponsive poly(2‐alkyl‐2‐oxazoline)s, known for their inherent protein‐repellent characteristics, with established antifouling motifs based on betaines. The polymer framework is constructed from various monomer types, including a novel benzophenone‐modified 2‐oxazoline for photocrosslinking and an azide‐functionalized 2‐oxazoline, allowing subsequent modification with alkyne‐substituted antifouling motifs through copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. From these polymers surface‐attached networks are created on benzophenone‐modified gold substrates via photocrosslinking, resulting in hydrogel coatings with several micrometers thickness when swollen with aqueous media. Given that poly(2‐alkyl‐2‐oxazoline)s can exhibit a lower critical solution temperature in water, their temperature‐dependent solubility is compared to the swelling behavior of the surface‐attached hydrogels upon thermal stimulation. The antifouling performance of these hydrogel coatings in contact with human blood plasma is further evaluated by surface plasmon resonance and optical waveguide spectroscopy. All surfaces demonstrate extremely low retention of blood plasma components, even with undiluted plasma. Notably, hydrogel layers with sulfobetaine moieties allow efficient penetration by plasma components, which can then be easily removed by rinsing with buffer.
Zinc oxide nanorods electronically controlled terahertz modulator
Authors: Ye Chuanxiang , Wang Jintao
Published: November 2023

Metal oxides are commonly employed in terahertz (THz) modulator devices operating in the THz frequency band. These metal oxides, which rely on electronic control, exhibit a clear response to THz waves. The modulation of THz waves is achieved by applying an electric field directly onto the surface of ZnO nanorods and their metal dopants. This external electric field has the capability to modulate both the phase and transmittance of the THz wave. The devices based on Au‐doped ZnO nanorods demonstrate a significant enhancement in modulation depth due to the incorporation of the localized surface plasmon effect. In the realm of active THz modulation, the velocity of electric modulation is enhanced while the required driving power is reduced. The primary focus of this research article is to present an analysis of the active modulation properties and the underlying principles of ZnO nanorods and their metallic dopants when subjected to an applied electric field. The modulation bandwidth range from 0.1 to 1.0 THz for our devices. The phase modulation of 0.866 rad and the transmittance modulation with the modulation depth of 0.4 was realized.
Development and investigation of high‐flux antifouling NF PES membranes decorated by aniline oligomers and application for wastewater treatment
Authors: Oulad Fariba , Zinadini Sirus , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Derakhshan Ali Ashraf , Hassani Nasim , Yazdani Davoud
Published: November 2023

In this research, first branched aniline oligomers functionalized polyethersulfone (BAO‐PES) were prepared by diazonium‐induced grafting, and then the embedded membranes were fabricated at five different compositions using the conventional phase inversion process. The influence of BAO‐PES as a modifier on membrane preparation was investigated in terms of membrane topography, membrane morphology, hydrophilicity, permeability, antifouling performance, and chemical stability. The function of blended membranes was evaluated by computational analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle (WCA) measurement. Our computational analysis has substantiated that BAO‐PES (25 wt. %)/PES, characterized by a lower Flory–Huggins parameter (0.65), emerges as a promising contender for the blending of BAO‐PES with PES. The maximum water flux of 67.6 kg/m2 h was observed for the M1 membrane with the optimum dosage of BAO‐PES (25 wt. %) at a low pressure of 3 bar. To assess the nanofiltration performance of the mixed matrix BAO‐PES/PES membranes, the removal efficiency was studied for Direct Red 16 and tannic acid dye. From the results, it was found that the loose BAO‐PES/PES membranes had great dye rejection ability (more than 97%) compared to the bare membrane (88%–89%). The fouling resistance property of the loosely prepared membranes was tested by protein rejection, and the results revealed that the best antifouling property was observed at optimum dosage of the BAO‐PES modifier (25%, FRR = 98.37%). The embedded BAO‐PES/PES membranes, after exposure to harsh environments, exhibited such long‐term chemical stability that it is an important specification for real management in industry.