bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The steatosis‐associated fibrosis estimator (SAFE) score: A tool to detect low‐risk NAFLD in primary care
Authors: Sripongpun Pimsiri , Kim W. Ray , Mannalithara Ajitha , Charu Vivek , Vidovszky Anna , Asch Steven , Desai Manisha , Kim Sun H. , Kwong Allison J.
Published: April 2022

Background:

NAFLD is common in primary care. Liver fibrosis stage 2 or higher (≥F2) increases future risk of morbidity and mortality. We developed and validated a score to aid in the initial assessment of liver fibrosis for NAFLD in primary care.

Methods:

Data from patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were extracted from the NASH Clinical Research Network observational study (n = 676). Using logistic regression and machine‐learning methods, we constructed prediction models to distinguish ≥F2 from F0/1. The models were tested in participants in a trial (“FLINT,” n = 280) and local patients with NAFLD with magnetic resonance elastography data (n = 130). The final model was applied to examinees in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (n = 11,953) to correlate with long‐term mortality.

Results:

A multivariable logistic regression model was selected as the Steatosis‐Associated Fibrosis Estimator (SAFE) score, which consists of age, body mass index, diabetes, platelets, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, and globulins (total serum protein minus albumin). The model yielded areas under receiver operating characteristic curves ≥0.80 in distinguishing F0/1 from ≥F2 in testing data sets, consistently higher than those of Fibrosis‐4 and NAFLD Fibrosis Scores. The negative predictive values in ruling out ≥F2 at SAFE of 0 were 88% and 92% in the two testing sets. In the NHANES III set, survival up to 25 years of subjects with SAFE < 0 was comparable to that of those without steatosis (p = 0.34), whereas increasing SAFE scores correlated with shorter survival with an adjusted HR of 1.53 (p < 0.01) for subjects with SAFE > 100.

Conclusion:

The SAFE score, which uses widely available variables to estimate liver fibrosis in patients diagnosed with NAFLD, may be used in primary care to recognize low‐risk NAFLD.
Intestinal barrier dysfunction mediates Whipple's disease immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
Authors: Friebel Julian , Schinnerling Katina , Geelhaar‐Karsch Anika , Allers Kristina , Schneider Thomas , Moos Verena
Published: April 2022

Background & Aims

Classical Whipple's disease (CWD) affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, and barrier dysfunction with microbial translocation (MT). Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a serious complication during antimicrobial treatment of CWD. The pathomechanisms of IRIS have not been identified and mucosal barrier integrity has not been studied in patients with IRIS CWD.

Methods

In 96 CWD patients (n = 23 IRIS, n = 73 non‐IRIS) and 30 control subjects, we analysed duodenal morphology by histology, measured serum markers of MT, and proinflammatory cytokines in biopsy supernatants, and correlated microbial translocation with T cell reconstitution and activation.

Results

Before treatment, duodenal specimens from patients who later developed IRIS exhibited a more pronounced morphological transformation that suggested a disturbed barrier integrity when compared with the non‐IRIS group. Villous atrophy was mediated by increased apoptosis of epithelial cells, which was insufficiently counterbalanced by regenerative proliferation of crypt cells. Pretreatment deficiencies in the mucosal secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (e.g., IL‐6, CCL2) in these patients markedly resolved after therapy induction. High serum levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), soluble CD14 (sCD14), and LPS‐binding protein (LBP) combined with low endotoxin core antibody (EndoCAb) titres suggested systemic MT in CWD patients developing IRIS. CD4+ T cell count and activation in IRIS CWD patients correlated positively with sCD14 levels and negatively with EndoCAb titres. Furthermore, the degree of intestinal barrier dysfunction and MT was predictive for the onset of IRIS.

Conclusion

Prolonged MT across a dysfunctional intestinal mucosal barrier due to severe tissue damage favors dysbalanced immune reconstitution and systemic immune activation in IRIS CWD. Therefore, the monitoring of inflammatory and MT markers in CWD patients might be helpful in identifying patients who are at risk of developing IRIS. Therapeutic strategies to reconstitute the mucosal barrier and control inflammation could assist in the prevention of IRIS.
An improved invasive weed optimization enabled Shepard convolutional neural network for classification of breast cancer
Authors: Salim Samla , R. Sarath
Published: April 2022

One of the most predominant types of cancer affecting women is breast cancer. In computer‐assisted analysis of pathology, the most crucial task is classifying breast cancer automatically from the histopathological images. Most of the patients experienced everlasting effects and loss of life because of the absence of timely detection and thereby delay in treatment. Thus, the timely detection as well as precise identification of breast cancer using the histopathological image is highly required. An improved invasive weed water wave optimization (IIWWWO) algorithm is devised here, which is employed in training the Shepard convolutional neural networks (ShCNN) classifier. The developed optimization algorithm combines the improved invasive weed optimization algorithm and water wave optimization algorithm. Initially, the Bayesian filtering process is applied in the input image to remove the noises present in the input image. Moreover, the Hessian‐based Laplacian of Gaussian texture feature model is utilized in segmenting blood cells for an effective classification process. The shape features, namely shape area, diameter, and perimeter, are effectively extracted for better performance. Besides, ShCNN classifier is the most important one for classifying breast cancers. The proposed IIWWWO optimization technique is utilized in tuning the employed classifier termed as ShCNN classifier. Classification of breast cancer is accomplished using two levels, such as malignant and benign. The developed IIWWWO‐based ShCNN model is compared with various metrics, like accuracy, true negative rate (TNR) and true positive rate (TPR). The developed technique used to classify breast cancer obtained better accuracy of 95.83%, maximal TPR of 94.72%, and high TNR of 93.15%.
Consequences of Chinese tariff and US MFP payments on world soybean‐complex markets
Authors: Baryshpolets Andrii , Devadoss Stephen , Sabala Ethan
Published: April 2022

This study develops a theoretical and empirical spatial equilibrium model to determine the effects of removing the Chinese soybean tariff and US MFP payments on world soybean‐complex markets. The model includes vertical and horizontal linkages of the soybean, soy oil, and soy meal markets, thus capturing the downstream effects of tariff and MFP payment removal. The study finds that removing these policies generates overall gains for the United States and the world, but China incurs welfare losses due primarily to reduced tariff revenues. These impacts of tariff and MFP payment elimination reverberate to all countries participating in soybean, soy oil, or soy meal trade.
Oxidative stress‐mediated up‐regulation of ABC transporters in lung cancer cells
Authors: Yuan Tongkuo , Hu Jia , Zhu Xiaoming , Yin Huancai , Yin Jian
Published: April 2022

This paper aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the regulation of ABC transporters in human lung cancer (A549) cells facing substrate (doxorubicin, DOX) and nonsubstrate (ethanol, ETH and hydrogen peroxide, HP) chemicals. After 24‐h treatment, all the chemicals caused significant cytotoxicity as reflected by the reduction in cell viability and the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Depending on the rescuing effects of ROS scavenger including glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin C, the toxicity dependence on oxidative stress were found to be HP > ETH > DOX. The addition of transporter inhibitors significantly enhanced the ROS levels and death‐inducing effects of chemicals, indicating the universal detoxification function of ABC transporters. At moderate ROS levels (about 3–4‐folds of control levels, caused by 10 μM DOX, 400 mM ETH, and 400 μM HP), all the three chemicals induced the gene expressions and activities of ABC transporters, but these values decreased at too high ROS levels (8.36‐folds of control levels) caused by HP at LC50 (800 μM). Such induction could be attenuated by GSH and KCZ, and was completely abolished by 50 μM KCZ, indicating an important role of oxidative stress and pregnane X receptor (PXR) in the induction of ABC transporters. Finally, this paper revealed the critical role of oxidative stress in the modulation of ABC transporters by either substrate or nonsubstrate chemicals during 24‐h treatment. Such information should be beneficial for overcoming ABC transporter‐mediated multidrug resistance.
L‐OPA1 deficiency aggravates necroptosis of alveolar epithelial cells through impairing mitochondrial function during acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Jiang Hui‐Ling , Yang Hui‐Hui , Liu Yu‐Biao , Zhang Chen‐Yu , Zhong Wen‐Jing , Guan Xin‐Xin , Jin Ling , Hong Jie‐Ru , Yang Jin‐Tong , Tan Xiao‐Hua , Li Qing , Zhou Yong , Guan Cha‐Xiang
Published: April 2022

Necroptosis, a recently described form of programmed cell death, is the main way of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) death in acute lung injury (ALI). While the mechanism of how to trigger necroptosis in AECs during ALI has been rarely evaluated. Long optic atrophy protein 1 (L‐OPA1) is a crucial mitochondrial inner membrane fusion protein, and its deficiency impairs mitochondrial function. This study aimed to investigate the role of L‐OPA1 deficiency‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in AECs necroptosis. We comprehensively investigated the detailed contribution and molecular mechanism of L‐OPA1 deficiency in AECs necroptosis by inhibiting or activating L‐OPA1. First, our data showed that L‐OPA1 expression was downregulated in the lungs and AECs under the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Furthermore, inhibition of L‐OPA1 aggravated the pathological injury, inflammatory response, and necroptosis in the lungs of LPS‐induced ALI mice. In vitro, inhibition of L‐OPA1 induced necroptosis of AECs, while activation of L‐OPA1 alleviated necroptosis of AECs under the LPS challenge. Mechanistically, inhibition of L‐OPA1 aggravated necroptosis of AECs by inducing mitochondrial fragmentation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. While activation of L‐OPA1 had the opposite effects. In summary, these findings indicate for the first time that L‐OPA1 deficiency mediates mitochondrial fragmentation, induces necroptosis of AECs, and exacerbates ALI in mice.
Blood‐circulating EV‐miRNAs, serum TARC, and quantitative FDG‐PET features in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Drees Esther E. E. , Driessen Julia , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. C. , Verkuijlen Sandra A. W. M. , Eertink Jakoba J. , van Eijndhoven Monique A. J. , Groenewegen Nils J. , Vallés‐Martí Andrea , de Jong Daphne , Boellaard Ronald , de Vet Henrica C. W. , Pegtel Dirk M. , Zijlstra Josée M.
Published: April 2022

Blood‐based biomarkers are gaining interest for response evaluation in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). However, it is unknown how blood‐based biomarkers relate to quantitative 18F‐FDG‐PET features. We correlated extracellular vesicle‐associated miRNAs (EV‐miRNA), serum TARC, and complete blood count (CBC) with PET features (e.g., metabolic tumor volume [MTV], dissemination and intensity features) in 30 cHL patients at baseline. EV‐miR127‐3p, EV‐miR24‐3p, sTARC, and several CBC parameters showed weak to strong correlations with MTV and dissemination features, but not with intensity features. Two other EV‐miRNAs only showed weak correlations with PET features. Therefore, blood‐based biomarkers may be complementary to PET features, which warrants further exploration of combining these biomarkers in prognostic models.
Asian rainfall anomaly patterns associated with interannual variations of early and peak summer rainfall over the Indochina Peninsula
Authors: Shi Yu , Wu Renguang , Kripalani Ramesh , Zhu Peijun
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the rainfall anomaly patterns over Asia associated with interannual variations of early summer (May–June) and peak summer (July–August) Indochina Peninsula (ICP) rainfall during 1979–2016. It is found that the early and peak summer rainfall variation in the ICP displays an out‐of‐phase relation to that in central Asia and central China, respectively. Analysis reveals that the out‐of‐phase early summer rainfall variation between the ICP and central Asia tends to occur in ENSO decaying years and the out‐of‐phase peak summer rainfall variation between the ICP and central China tends to occur in ENSO developing years. The early summer out‐of‐phase rainfall anomaly pattern between the ICP and central Asia forms due to a Rossby wave type response to anomalous heating extending from the ICP to northeast India, which is attributed to a combined influence of same sign sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the equatorial eastern Pacific and tropical southwestern Indian Ocean and opposite sign SST anomalies in the tropical western North Pacific. The peak summer out‐of‐phase rainfall variation between the ICP and central China forms due to a meridional atmospheric circulation pattern over East Asia and the western North Pacific, which is resulted from the combined impacts of opposite SST anomalies in the equatorial central Pacific and tropical southeastern Indian Ocean. Further analysis indicates that the out‐of‐phase rainfall variations between the ICP and central Asia in early summer and between the ICP and central China in peak summer may occur without anomalous tropical Indo‐Pacific SST forcing.
Benchmarking soil organic carbon to support agricultural carbon management: A German case study#
Authors: Drexler Sophie , Broll Gabriele , Flessa Heinz , Don Axel
Published: April 2022

Background

Soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is highly variable across sites and primarily depends on site properties and land use. It is therefore difficult for farmers to evaluate the actual SOC status of a site. To aid the interpretation of measured SOC contents, easy‐to‐use frameworks for the assessment of SOC contents are needed.

Aims

The aim of this study was to derive site‐specific SOC benchmarks for German mineral soils under agricultural use based on the dataset of the first German Agricultural Soil Inventory.

Methods

The dataset was stratified into 33 strata by land use, soil texture, C/N ratio and mean annual precipitation. Lower and upper SOC benchmarks were calculated for all strata (0.125 and the 0.875 quantile).

Results

The SOC benchmark value ranges were lower for cropland (6.8–48.9 g kg–1) than for grassland (14.1–76.6 g kg–1), and increased with rising clay content and precipitation. Sandy soils with a wide C/N ratio and high SOC content due to their heathland or peatland history were divided into separate strata. The number of strata only decreased the SOC benchmark ranges slightly. Around 15–20 sites were required as a minimum to quantify SOC benchmarks for one stratum.

Conclusions

The presented framework is easy to use, requiring only four readily available stratification factors to perform a comparative classification of SOC contents. It allows farmers and extension services to compare where their measured SOC contents fall within the expected SOC value range for their site, and can thus help develop an initial evaluation of the SOC status of a site with regard to soil‐specific differences.
Stability and digestibility of encapsulated lycopene in different emulsion systems stabilized by acid‐modified soybean lipophilic protein
Authors: Sun Yuanda , Zhong Mingming , Sun Yufan , Li Yang , Qi Baokun , Jiang Lianzhou
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Owing to the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, acid‐resistant emulsion products have wide‐ranging applications in the food industry. Herein, natural soybean lipophilic protein (LP) was used to establish coarse emulsions, nanoemulsions, emulsion gels, and high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPE) under acidic conditions. Furthermore, the carrying characteristics of the acid‐resistant emulsion system with lycopene were explored.

RESULTS

Comparisons of particle sizes, potentials, microstructures, and rheology of the four carrier systems revealed that HIPPE has a single particle‐size distribution, the largest zeta potential, and an elastic gel‐like network structure. Comparison of encapsulation rates indicated that HIPPE had the best effect on encapsulating lycopene, reaching approximately 90%. The pH stability, storage stability, and simulated in vitro digestion experiments showed that the four emulsions that were stable under acidic conditions had good acid resistance. Among them, the acid‐induced LP‐stabilized HIPPE had the best storage stability and superior compatibility with the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, which not only achieved the purpose of delaying the release of lipids but also conferred better protection to lycopene in the gastric tract; moreover, it achieved the best bioavailability.

CONCLUSION

LP‐stabilized HIPPE has the best stability and can yield better absorption and utilization of lycopene by the body. The results of this study are helpful for the development of acid‐resistant functional emulsion foods that are conducive to the absorption of lycopene. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cloud stabilization of citrus fruit juices treated with purified pectin methylesterase inhibitor from lemon (Citrus limonL.)
Authors: Bakshi Gayatri , Ananthanarayan Laxmi
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Cloud destabilization is a significant quality defect of cloudy fruit juices. A proteinaceous inhibitor (PMEI) of pectin methylesterase (PME), identified in lemon, with a fold purity of 89.13, was used to stabilize the cloud of freshly prepared sweet lime, orange, and lemon juice.

RESULTS

Lemon PMEI was able to inhibit the PME activity of all three fruit juices. In this study addition of calculated amounts of lemon PMEI to the three juice systems was based on the total PME units present in each juice. Relative turbidity, viscosity, pH, and ζ ‐potential of the PMEI‐treated juices were stable, resulting in uniform distribution of cloud particles throughout the juice system. The sedimentation rate in PMEI treated juices was very low, with cloud particles having smaller particle size diameter.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates an alternative option that might create new potential to control the quality deterioration in cloudy fruit juices. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Strategies for optimal perioperative outcomes in gastric cancer
Authors: Engel Dominique , Saric Stefan , Minnella Enrico , Carli Franco
Published: April 2022

Cancer and surgery represent a major stress on the human body. Any condition that prevents patients from tolerating the physiological stress is a risk factor for poor outcome. There is a need to identify these impairments early in the process with a simple screening, followed by assessments that provide a holistic picture of the patient. The proposed path of multimodal prehabilitation acts synergistically with enhanced recovery after surgery care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Current role for cytoreduction and HIPEC for gastric cancer with peritoneal disease
Authors: Khan Hamza , Johnston Fabian M.
Published: April 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is an aggressive malignancy with a high burden of peritoneal disease. Evidence regarding the use of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to improve outcomes has been growing. However, given multiple limitations, there remains a lack of international consensus regarding the optimal treatment paradigm. This review article discusses the burden of peritoneal disease in GC patients and the role of CRS + HIPEC in all treatment intents—curative, prophylactic, and palliative.
Mechanisms and fluid dynamics of foraging in heterotrophic nanoflagellates
Authors: Suzuki‐Tellier Sei , Andersen Anders , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: April 2022

Heterotrophic nanoflagellates are the main consumers of bacteria and picophytoplankton in the ocean. In their microscale world, viscosity impedes predator–prey contact, and the mechanisms that allow flagellates to daily clear a volume of water for prey corresponding to 106 times their own volume is unclear. It is also unclear what limits observed maximum ingestion rates of about 104 bacterial preys per day. We used high‐speed video microscopy to describe feeding flows, flagellum kinematics, and prey searching, capture, and handling in four species with different foraging strategies. In three species, prey handling times limit ingestion rates and account well for their reported maximum values. Similarly, observed feeding flows match reported clearance rates. Simple point force models allowed us to estimate the forces required to generate the feeding flows, between 4 and 13 pN, and consistent with the force produced by the hairy (hispid) flagellum, as estimated using resistive force theory. Hispid flagella can produce a force that is much higher than the force produced by a naked (smooth) flagellum with similar kinematics, and the hairy flagellum is therefore key to foraging in most nanoflagellates. Our findings provide a mechanistic underpinning of observed functional responses of prey ingestion rates in nanoflagellates.
Unlocking Coherent Control of Ultrafast Plasmonic Interaction
Authors: Bahar Eyal , Arieli Uri , Stern Maayan Vizner , Suchowski Haim
Published: April 2022

Striking a metallic nanostructure with a short and intense pulse of light excites a complex out‐of‐equilibrium distribution of electrons that rapidly interact and lose their mutual coherent motion. Due to the highly nonlinear dynamics, the photo‐excited nanostructures can generate energetic photons beyond the spectrum of the incident beam, where the shortest pulse duration is traditionally expected to induce the greatest nonlinear emission. Here, these photo‐induced extreme ultrafast dynamics are coherently controlled by spectrally shaping a sub‐10 fs pulse within the timescale of coherent plasmon excitations. Contrary to the common perception, it is shown that stretching the pulse to match its internal phase with the plasmon‐resonance increases the second‐order nonlinear emission by >25%. The enhancement is observed only when shaping extreme‐ultrashort pulses (<20 fs), thus signifying the coherent electronic nature as a crucial source of the effect. A detailed theoretical framework that reveals the optimal pulse shapes for enhanced nonlinear emission regarding the nanostructures’ plasmonic‐resonances is provided. The demonstrated truly‐coherent plasma control paves the way to engineer rapid out‐of‐equilibrium response in solids state systems and light‐harvesting applications.
Cavitation and radiofrequency versus cryolipolysis on leptin regulation in central obese subjects: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Abdel‐Aal Nabil M. , Mostafa Mohamed S. E.M. , Saweres Joseph W. , Ghait Ramy S.
Published: April 2022

Background and Objective

To investigate the efficacy of adding ultrasound cavitation and radiofrequency versus cryolipolysis to weight reduction program on leptin, insulin, waist circumference, skinfold, body weight in central obese subjects.

Material and Methods

Sixty centrally obese participants were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Subjects in the study group (I) received cavitation and radiofrequency plus dietary regimen, subjects in the second study group (II) received cryolipolysis in conjunction with the same diet program, and subjects in the control group (III) received the same dietary regimen only. Leptin, insulin level, waist circumference, skinfold, body weight, and body mass index were measured shortly before intervention techniques and 3 months afterward.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between cavitation plus radiofrequency and cryolipolysis on leptin and insulin levels after 3 months of intervention. However, statistically significant differences were found in waist circumference, skinfold, weight reduction, and body mass index in favor of the cavitation group (p < 0.05). In addition, both cavitation‐radiofrequency and cryolipolysis were statistically significantly different than the diet alone in favor of the study groups (p < 0.05) in all the outcome measures. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in all outcome measures (p < 0.05) when comparing the baseline and postintervention results in each group except for leptin level in the diet group (p = 0.14).

Conclusion

Subjects who underwent cavitation plus radiofrequency had better improvement on waist circumference, skinfold, and body mass index than subjects who received cryolipolysis. However, no differences were found between cavitation plus radiofrequency and cryolipolysis on leptin and insulin levels.
Some model theory of Th(N,·)$\operatorname{Th}(\mathbb {N},\cdot )$
Authors: Stonestrom Atticus
Published: April 2022

‘Skolem arithmetic’ is the complete theory T of the multiplicative monoid . We give a full characterization of the ‐definable stably embedded sets of T, showing in particular that, up to the relation of having the same definable closure, there is only one non‐trivial one: the set of squarefree elements. We then prove that T has weak elimination of imaginaries but not elimination of finite imaginaries.
A Carboxymethyl Chitosan‐Based Double‐Crosslinking Hydrogel with Enhanced Antibacterial Properties for Accelerated Wound Healing
Authors: Mo Xinya , Huang Wen‐Can , Sun Shifeng , Chi Zhe , Ding Yuanyuan , Mao Xiangzhao
Published: April 2022

Here, a novel double‐crosslinked hydrogel dressing with enhanced antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities is reported. Carboxymethyl chitosan is crosslinked with silane and Ca2+ to form a double‐crosslinked hydrogel, and silver nanoparticles are loaded to introduce antibacterial properties to the hydrogel. The covalent crosslinking preserves the integrity of the hydrogel matrix, while the ionic crosslinking dissipates the energy under deformation. It combines high stretchability, toughness, tissue adhesion, and antimicrobial function. This hydrogel exhibits excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo investigations demonstrate its efficacy in accelerating bacterial‐infected wound healing. Given its excellent cytocompatibility and mechanical properties, this hydrogel is anticipated to be widely used in bacteria‐associated wound management.
The impact of socioeconomic status on preferences for sustainable luxury brands
Authors: Kim Jungkeun , Park Jooyoung , Septianto Felix
Published: April 2022

As consumers become more aware of and concerned about the environmental impact of their consumption choices, an increasing number of luxury brands are now engaging in sustainability practices. This study examines factors influencing the effectiveness of embedding sustainability in luxury brands. Specifically, the research focus is the effect of childhood socioeconomic status on moderating consumer preferences for sustainable (vs. regular, nonsustainable) luxury brands. Four experimental studies using different product categories and luxury brands show that preferences for sustainable (vs. regular, nonsustainable) luxury brands are stronger among consumers with relatively low (vs. high) childhood socioeconomic status (Studies 1–4). Notably, these preference patterns are driven by differences in the perceived importance of cooperation in the community among consumers with low versus high childhood socioeconomic status (Study 3). However, these divergent patterns are attenuated when consumption involves the nonluxury brand category (Study 2), and when consumers experience a high‐threat environment (e.g., the COVID‐19 pandemic; Study 4). As such, the findings of this study contribute to the literature by shedding light on the conditions under which consumers show preferences for sustainable (vs. regular, nonsustainable) luxury brands, establishing a theoretically grounded mediator (importance of cooperation in the community) and moderator (perceived environmental threat).
Mutation spectrum of congenital heart disease in a consanguineous Turkish population
Authors: Dong Weilai , Kaymakcalan Hande , Jin Sheng Chih , Diab Nicholas S. , Tanıdır Cansaran , Yalcin Ali Seyfi Yalim , Ercan‐Sencicek A. Gulhan , Mane Shrikant , Gunel Murat , Lifton Richard P. , Bilguvar Kaya , Brueckner Martina
Published: April 2022

Backgrounds

While many studies agree that consanguinity increases the rate of congenital heart disease (CHD), few genome analyses have been conducted with consanguineous CHD cohorts.

Methods

We recruited 73 CHD probands from consanguineous families in Turkey and used whole‐exome sequencing (WES) to identify genetic lesions in these patients.

Results

On average, each patient had 6.95 rare damaging homozygous variants, 0.68 of which are loss‐of‐function (LoF) variants. Seven patients (9.6%) carried damaging homozygous variants in five causal CHD genes. Six of those patients exhibited laterality defects (six HTX and one D‐TGA). Three additional patients (4.1%) harbored other types of CHD‐associated genomic alterations, which overall explained 13.7% (10/73) of the cohort. The contribution from recessive variants in our cohort is higher than 1.8% reported from a cohort of 2871 CHD subjects where 5.6% of subjects met the criteria for consanguinity.

Conclusions

Our WES screen of a Turkish consanguineous population with structural CHD revealed its unique genetic architecture. Six of seven damaging homozygous variants in CHD causal genes occur in the setting of laterality defects implies a strong contribution from consanguinity to these defects specifically. Our study thus provided valuable information about the genetic landscape of CHD in consanguineous families in Turkey.
Improved behavioral modeling using augmented LSTM networks for ultra‐broadband mmWave PA
Authors: Wang Shijie , Geng MingQing , Yu Chao , Cai Jialin
Published: April 2022

In this article, a new behavioral modeling method based on augmented long‐short term memory (ALSTM) networks for ultra‐broadband millimeter‐wave power amplifiers (mmWave PAs), is proposed. The basic theory and modeling procedure of this technique are provided. Different optimization cores of the models are tested, and the optimal algorithm is chosen. Tradeoffs have been made to fix the optimal topology for the proposed modeling technique. To validate the proposed method, a 4‐carrier 320 MHz modulated signal was employed to excite a mmWave PA with the center frequency located at 41 GHz. Experimental results show that the proposed ALSTM model has better predictive capability when compared with the traditional and other existing machine learning modeling techniques.
Mapping the complex everyday challenges and needs of people with rheumatic disease and their surroundings using a multi‐actor approach
Authors: Harmsen Simone , Nabuurs Joyce A. , Lehman de Lehnsfeld Lotte F. , van der Meij Marjoleine G. , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. , Pittens Carina A. C. M.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to gain insight into the real‐world complexity of the challenges experienced by patients, their significant others, care professionals and the work and education environment concerning rheumatic diseases as well as the interrelation between these challenges; it also aimed to prioritise the identified challenges.

Method

Using the Dialog Model, 21 people with various rheumatic diseases, 24 care professionals, 9 significant others, and 3 education and work representatives were asked about rheumatic disease‐related challenges and needs in a series of focus groups and interviews. Data were inductively coded and analysed, resulting in a mind map thematically displaying the challenges. The mind map was translated into a survey, and respondents (N = 1802) prioritised themes and challenges.

Results

Of the six identified themes, ‘physical complaints’ was prioritised the most, followed by ‘collaboration in healthcare’, ‘social and mental wellbeing’, ‘self‐management’, ‘information and options in healthcare’ and ‘work and education’. Challenges of people with rheumatic diseases appeared to be complexly interrelated. For instance, fatigue and pain affect everyday functioning, but can also heavily impact social and mental wellbeing. To facilitate support for these challenges, which many patients desire, patients and care professionals said that better collaboration between primary and secondary care professionals is needed. Additionally, patients felt that their experiential expertise deserves more acknowledgement from care professionals. Results were similar across different rheumatic diseases.

Conclusion

Many patients desire more support to manage life with their disease. To facilitate this, collaboration and communication between healthcare professionals, and between healthcare professionals and individual patients, should be improved.
Persistent storage symptoms following Y‐V plasty reconstruction for the treatment of refractory bladder neck contracture
Authors: Shamout Samer , Yao Henry H. I. , Mossa Abubakr H. , Carlson Kevin V. , Baverstock Richard J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Refractory bladder neck contracture (BNC) following transurethral prostatectomy is rare and difficult to manage. Success rate of endoscopic treatment decline considerably after repeated treatments. Bladder neck reconstruction are often the last resort to treat refractory BNC failing endoscopic treatments. In general, experience is limited with this type of bladder neck reconstruction, particularly in adult patients. This study aims to determine the success rate, functional and patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) of open Y‐V plasty in treatment of refractory BNC after transurethral prostatectomy. The study also aims to determine the rate, and potential predictors of persistent storage symptoms after Y‐V plasty.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2016 and February 2021, 18 consecutive patients with refractory BNC who underwent open Y‐V plasty were included in this study. All patients presented with voiding dysfunction after two or more failed attempts of endoscopic treatments followed by a 3‐month period of outpatient serial dilation program. Clinicopathological data were extracted from medical records including baseline demographics, aetiology of BNC, previous endoscopic treatment, operative time, length of stay, complications, uroflow findings, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and OAB‐V8. Primary outcome was the success of open YV plasty, defined as no need for further instrumentation such as indwelling catheterization, urethral dilatation, urethrotomy, or open surgery. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine predictor factors for postoperative OAB‐V8. Variables that showed p < 0.25 were included in the multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Most common aetiology of BNC was transurethral resection of prostate gland (n = 18, 100%). Mean age at surgery age (SD) was 65.5 (7.3) years. Mean follow‐up was 14.8 (7) months. Success rate was 100%. Postoperative Qmax improved significantly [pre‐OP 6.7 (8.1) ml/s vs. post‐OP was 14.8 (7.3) ml/s, p < 0.001]. Mean postvoid residual decreased significantly [pre‐OP 223.3 (254.3) ml vs. post‐OP 45.1 (71.0) ml, p < 0.01)]. Persistent storage symptoms were reported in 61% of patients. BMI and baseline IPSS score are significant predictors for the postoperative OAB V8 change (adjusted b (95% confidence interval) = 1.037 (0.2–1.9), 0.64 (0.28–0.99), respectively, R2 = 0.59).

Conclusion

Y‐V plasty reconstruction for refractory BNC represents a feasible and successful option with high success rate and favorable outcomes. While functional and patient‐reported outcomes had significantly improved post‐operatively, persistent storage symptoms after this procedure still exist. BMI and baseline IPSS score are significant predictors for persistent storage symptoms after bladder neck reconstruction.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in children with early‐treated infantile‐onset Pompe disease: A single‐centre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Yu‐Kuang , Teng Chao‐Ting , Yang Chia‐Feng , Niu Dau‐Ming , Huang William J. , Fan Yu‐Hua
Published: April 2022

Aim

To evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in children with infantile‐onset Pompe disease (IOPD) who received early treatment.

Methods

Pompe disease (PD), or glycogen storage disease II is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease that affects multiple organ systems. To our knowledge, only one study has focused on the relationship between LUTS and incontinence in children with PD. This cross‐sectional study was conducted from August 2019 through March 2021 and children with IOPD, who had received early and regular enzyme replacement therapy, were enrolled. Participants or their parents completed the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS) questionnaire. All children underwent uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine measurements. Fourteen children (age, 4–9 years) with IOPD were enrolled.

Results

Ten patients (71.4%) had abnormal uroflow curves. In addition, results of the DVSS revealed that approximately half (42.9%) of our IOPD patients had voiding dysfunction, with urinary incontinence as the most common symptom (64.3%, 9/14). No significant correlations were found between LUTS and uroflow curves in children with IOPD.

Conclusions

The frequency of LUTS and lower urinary tract dysfunction noted on uroflowmetry should encourage pediatricians to actively identify IOPD patients with LUTS, regardless of the timing and frequency of their treatments, and refer them to a urologist for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Looking at the nonprofit accountability‐charitable donations relationship through the publicness lens
Authors: Hoang Trang , Lee Young‐Joo
Published: April 2022

This study integrates the publicness theory and the benefits theory of nonprofit finance to examine how nonprofits' financial and non‐financial accountability criteria relate to the private charitable contributions they receive. The analysis of the National Center for Charitable Statistics' IRS Statistics of Income Sample Files 2008–2012 and Nonprofit IRS E‐filers 2010–2017 reveals that the relationships between accountability criteria and private donations vary significantly depending on the nonprofits' funding structure and service type. In particular, financial ratios are more strongly associated with charitable contributions with more commercially funded nonprofits, while contributions to organizations relying more on noncommercial revenues are better explained by the adoption of good governance policies. The findings also reveal differences depending on the nature of nonprofit services, as financial ratios are more strongly associated with donations to organizations providing private benefits than with donations to nonprofits providing mixed or public benefits.
Giving voice to children in research: The power of child‐centered constructivist grounded theory methodology
Authors: Sudarsan Indu , Hoare Karen , Sheridan Nicolette , Roberts Jennifer
Published: April 2022

There has been a growing interest in giving voice to children in response to the introduction of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and evolving sociological discourses on childhood. Using child‐sensitive methodologies such as constructivist grounded theory (CGT) enables children's voices to contribute authentic, meaningful, and eventually more actionable data, capable of informing policies and practices in children's best interests. In this article, we discuss how researchers using CGT can privilege children's voices through effective knowledge coconstruction by creating a child‐sensitive research space and using methods that are appropriate to their abilities and interests. We draw on selected data from the first author's (I. S.) PhD project that explores Indian immigrant children's and their family carers' beliefs, practices, and experiences of asthma in New Zealand. We encourage researchers to consider CGT as one of the appropriate methodological choices to explicitly promote the voice of the child.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities in childhood cancer survivors treated with cardiotoxic therapy: a systematic review
Authors: de Baat Esmée C. , Feijen Elizabeth A.M. , van Niekerk Jorrit B. , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M.C. , Kapusta Livia , Loonen Jacqueline , Kok Wouter E.M. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , van Dalen Elvira C. , van der Pal Helena J.H.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the available literature on the prevalence and risk factors of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities after cardiotoxic treatment in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Methods

A literature search was performed within MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (1966‐11/2020) and reference lists of relevant studies. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported ECG abnormalities ≥2 years after cancer diagnosis in ≥50 CCS treated with anthracyclines, RT involving the heart region and/or mitoxantrone. Information about population, treatment, outcome, and risk factors were extracted and risk of bias was assessed.

Results

Of 934 identified publications, 10 studies were included. Outcome definitions, treatment regimens, follow‐up period, and risk of bias varied. These ECG abnormalities and prevalences were reported: major (5%‐23%) and minor (12%) abnormalities according to the Minnesota Code, rhythm abnormalities (0%‐12%), conduction abnormalities (0.3%‐7.1%), depolarization abnormalities (0%), and repolarization abnormalities (0%‐65%). The reported risk factors of ECG abnormalities (two studies) are male sex, anthracyclines, RT involving the heart region, and hypertension, although results were not univocal between studies and abnormalities.

Conclusions

Multiple ECG abnormalities have been described in CCS ≥2 years from diagnosis, some of which can have important implications. Future research is needed to evaluate the exact long‐term incidence and risk factors, and to investigate their clinical relevance and relation with cardiac dysfunction or future cardiac events. This could improve cardiac surveillance for CCS.
Prediction of influences of size and locations of delamination on dynamic characteristics of laminated composite plate using particle swarm optimization and artificial neural network
Authors: K Arun Kumar , Arumugam Ananda Babu , D Mallikarjuna Reddy , P Edwin Sudhagar , P Anbumani , Kassa Mesfin Kebede , Agarwal Daksh
Published: April 2022

In laminated composite structures, delamination is one of the most common defects. The delamination affects the vibration characteristics of laminates, and thus these indicators can be used to detect the potentially catastrophic failures and measures the health characteristics of laminates. In this study, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and artificial neural network (ANN) are used to optimize and predict the influences of location and size of delamination on the dynamic behavior of composite plates. The classical laminated plate theory adopted principle equation based on the dynamic characteristics of composite laminate has expressed through the finite element method. The delamination behavior of laminate composite plate is modeled by considering delamination at several interfaces with variable sizes and locations. PSO methodology is recommended to optimize the decrease in natural frequency due to the delamination with varying weight fractions under completely clamped edge boundary conditions. Further, an ANN algorithm is proposed for predicting the dynamic responses of the composite plate by considering unknown ranges of parameters such as weight fraction, ply configuration, and different delamination locations.
The assessment of creativity for people with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Maykel Cheryl , Kaufman James C.
Published: April 2022

The term “creativity” can conjure various ideas and meanings. It's no surprise that methods for measuring such a concept vary widely and are not without controversy. This is particularly true among people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who are a unique yet incredibly diverse group of individuals. This article provides an overview of the assessment of creativity among individuals with ASD. Findings among studies that have sought to determine whether individuals with ASD are more or less creative than their neurotypical peers are mixed, yet the authors propose that intentional development of creativity in all youth, including those with ASD, can be beneficial.
Cardiovascular benefits of Eruca sativa mill. Defatted seed meal extract: Potential role of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Testai Lara , Pagnotta Eleonora , Piragine Eugenia , Flori Lorenzo , Citi Valentina , Martelli Alma , Mannelli Lorenzo Di Cesare , Ghelardini Carla , Matteo Roberto , Suriano Serafino , Troccoli Antonio , Pecchioni Nicola , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

Eruca sativa Mill. is an edible plant belonging to the Brassicaceae botanical family with a long story as a medicinal material, mainly linked to the presence of glucoerucin. One of the main products of this glucosinolate is erucin, a biologicallly active isothiocyanate recently recognized as a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor. In this work, an Eruca sativa extract has been obtained from a defatted seed meal (DSM), achieving a powder rich in thiofunctionalized glucosinolates, glucoerucin, and glucoraphanin, accounting for 95% and 5% of the total glucosinolate content (17% on a dry weight basis), associated with 13 identified phenolic acids and flavonoids accounting for 2.5%. In a cell‐free model, Eruca sativa DSM extract slowly released H2S. Moreover, this extract promoted significant hypotensive effects in hypertensive rats, and evoked dose‐dependent cardioprotection in in vivo model of acute myocardial infarct, obtained through a reversible coronary occlusion. This latter effect was sensitive to blockers of mitochondrial KATP and Kv7.4 potassium channels, suggesting a potential role of these mitochondrial channels in the protective effects of Eruca sativa DSM extract. Accordingly, Eruca sativa DSM extract reduced calcium uptake and apoptotic cell death in isolated cardiac mitochondria. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Eruca sativa DSM extract is endowed with an interesting nutraceutical profile on the cardiovascular system due to, at least in part, its H2S releasing properties. These results pave the way for future investigations on active metabolites.
Relational uncertainty, interdependence and psychological distress during COVID‐19: A longitudinal study
Authors: Estlein Roi , Segel‐Karpas Dikla , Elran‐Barak Roni
Published: April 2022

Drawing on the relational turbulence theory, this study explored the associations of self, partner and relationship uncertainty, and partner interference and facilitation with psychological distress symptoms during the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders. A longitudinal study of 313 individuals was conducted in Israel at three time points, spanning from the first lockdown (April 2020) and through the alleviation of the severe restrictions (June 2020). Multilevel modelling indicated divergent associations between the different sources of relational uncertainty and interdependence and somatization, depression and anxiety. Further analyses pointed to divergent findings regarding how change in self, partner and relationship uncertainty predicted change in somatization, depression and anxiety over the course of the study, depending on whether the three sources of relational uncertainty were analysed separately or simultaneously in the same model. Change in interference from a partner did not predict changes in psychological distress. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.