bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gamification and neuromarketing: A unified approach for improving user experience
Authors: Behl Abhishek , Jayawardena Nirma , Shankar Amit , Gupta Manish , Lang Le Dang
Published: May 2023

Neuroscience and its offshoot as neuromarketing have helped marketers understand neuroscientific aspects of customers while gamification has helped them understand the psyche of consumers. Despite neuromarketing's many potential benefits to businesses, little academic work has been done on the field so far. Most studies have examined consumer shifts during and after pandemics without analyzing them from two critical perspectives: neuroscientific theories and psychology theories. As the two streams of knowledge lean on each other, their interdependence in the field of e‐engagement needs exploration. The purpose of this study is to answer an important question – “How do marketers use gamification and neuromarketing to understand online engagement of consumers?”. We used a quantitative empirical research approach to assess the inter‐relationship between neuromarketing and gamification. The study collected data from digital marketing strategists of retail firms to propose a theoretical framework for self‐determination theory in successfully implementing new age technologies by plugging the cues of gamification and neuromarketing. The framework would be useful for retail firms to design digital marketing strategies for capturing the attention of consumers across different geographies. Findings indicated that, marketers are interested in neuromarketing for two main reasons: first, they think it can help them save money and improve their marketing plans, and second, they think that cutting‐edge research techniques such as brain imaging can help them get more accurate findings.
HPLC‐DAD Analysis and Versatile Bioactivities of Turkish Sunflower Honeys Using Chemometric Approaches
Authors: Emin Duru Mehmet , Eroğlu Büşra , Tel‐Çayan Gülsen , Taş‐Küçükaydın Meltem , Küçükaydın Selçuk , Çayan Fatih , Ceylan Özgür
Published: May 2023

Sunflower honey (SH) is bright yellow, fragrant, pollen‐flavoured, slightly herbaceous and has a unique taste. The present research aims to examine the enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti‐quorum sensing activities and phenolic compositions of 30 sunflower honeys (SHs) produced from several regions of Turkey with chemometric study. SAH from Samsun exhibited the best antioxidant activity in β‐carotene linoleic acid (IC50: 7.33±0.17 mg/mL) and CUPRAC (A0.50: 4.94±0.13 mg/mL) assays, anti‐urease activity (60.63±0.87 %) and anti‐inflammatory activity against COX‐1 (73.94±1.08 %) and COX‐2 (44.96±0.85 %). SHs exhibited mild antimicrobial activity against the test microorganisms while they showed high quorum sensing inhibition zones measured in the range of 42–52 mm against the CV026 strain. The phenolic composition was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD) system and levulinic, gallic, p‐hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and p‐coumaric acids were identified in all studied SHs. The classification of SHs was performed the using PCA and HCA. This study revealed that phenolic compounds and biological properties are effective in classification of SHs according to their geographical origin. The results suggest that studied SHs could be valued as potential agents with versatile bioactivities in oxidative stress‐related disease, microbial infections, inflammation, melanoma, and peptic ulcer.
In situ H2O2 Generation by Choline Oxidase and Its Application in Amino Polysaccharide Degradation by Coupling to Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase
Authors: Hoang Nam‐Hai , Golten Ole , Forsberg Zarah , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Richter Michael
Published: May 2023

Chitin, the most abundant amino polysaccharide in Nature, has many applications in different fields. However, processing of this recalcitrant biopolymer in an environmentally friendly manner remains a major challenge. In this context, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are of interest, as they can act on the most recalcitrant parts of chitin and related insoluble biopolymers such as cellulose. Efficient LPMO catalysis can be achieved by feeding reactions with H2O2, but careful control of H2O2 is required to avoid autocatalytic enzyme inactivation. Herein, we present a coupled enzyme system in which a choline oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformis is employed for controlled in situ generation of H2O2 that fuels LPMO‐catalyzed oxidative degradation of chitin. We show that the rate, stability and extent of the LPMO reaction can be manipulated by varying the amount of choline oxidase and/or its substrate, choline chloride, and that efficient peroxygenase reactions may be achieved using sub‐μM concentrations of the H2O2‐generating enzyme. This coupled system requires only sub‐stoichiometric amounts of the reductant that is needed to keep the LPMO in its active, reduced state. It is conceivable that this enzyme system may be used for bioprocessing of chitin in choline‐based natural deep eutectic solvents.
Model‐assisted marsupialization of a large odontogenic keratocyst in the maxillofacial region using a multicolored 3D‐printed model: A novel approach in surgical planning and teaching
Authors: Haribabu Prashanth Konatham , Verma Minaal , Vij Akshay
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

3D printing can improve surgical planning and coordination between the healthcare team and serve as a valuable educational tool for students.

Although the occurrence of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) in the maxillofacial region is not uncommon, their aggressive growth behavior requires advanced surgical techniques for minimal recurrence. The current case report describes the use of a multicolored 3D‐printed model as an interactive visual aid for the surgical planning and management of an OKC treated with a minimally invasive surgical decompression technique. A cone‐beam computed tomography scan of the patient showed a profound OKC involving the left side of the body of the mandible. A 3D printer was used to print a multicolor resin model of the patient's OKC lesion within the mandible. The printed model was successfully used as a planning tool for surgical intervention (i.e., marsupialization and enucleation) of the OKC. The model was also used as a handheld interactive visual aid for dental students, so they could more effectively understand the anatomical and surgical complexity of the case. The novel use of the multicolor 3D‐printed model for treatment of this OKC improved visualization of the lesion during surgical planning and was a valuable teaching tool for educational discussion of this case.
A large intracardiac hydatid cyst with concomitant cervical and hepatic involvement: A case report
Authors: Faramarzpour Maryam , Jafari Sirous , Rahmanian Mehrzad , Sardari Akram , Larti Farnoosh
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Cardiac hydatidosis is a relatively rare complication of echinococcosis. Understanding the atypical manifestations, potential associated risk factors, and epidemiology leads to optimal and timely management.

Cardiac hydatidosis is a relatively rare complication of echinococcosis, with a potentially life‐threatening condition. Here, we reported a large interventricular septal hydatid cyst bulging in the left ventricle accompanied by a huge cervical lamp with recurrent hepatic cysts that underwent cardiac surgery to excise the cyst uneventfully.
Managing class III jaw relations
Authors: Alhazmi Shahad T. F. , Abdurahiman V. T.
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

The article describes the treatment of a patient with a class III ridge relation who required a complete denture. An artificial dentition cross‐arch configuration was used to treat the patient. The dentist should relate the biomechanical component to the anatomy.

Complete edentulism is not uncommon in day‐to‐day prosthodontic clinical practice. Retention and stability are critical factors in successfully treating a complete denture patient. A practitioner must always plan the treatment depending on various situations encountered in the patient's mouth. Maxillomandibular relation, which involves deviation from everyday situations, occurs with considerable frequency and is often quite challenging to the dentist in offering a suitable treatment. The importance of teeth arrangement and a stable occlusion in maintaining the stability of a denture is well‐documented. This Article highlights a case with a class III jaw relation situation, which was managed successfully by a cross‐arch arrangement of artificial teeth. A follow‐up, along with an indication, is represented.
A case of tension pneumoperitoneum with fecal peritonitis due to high‐pressure air insufflation through the anus
Authors: Bakka Havil Stephen Alexander , Babu Perumalla Karthik , Kutikuppala Lakshmi Venkata Simhachalam , Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Koirala Samrat Babu
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

The reckless or ridiculous usage of high pressure compressed air could lead to disastrous consequences as demonstrated in this case. Injuries from a barotrauma can vary from a simple mucosal laceration to tension pneumoperitoneum causing abdominal compartment syndrome. Decompression by a wide‐bore needle can be done as depicted in our patient to provide immediate relief.

Rectal perforation most commonly occurs due to trauma, but rarely due to a high pressure compressed air passing through the anus as a part of playful joke. Owing to the belief of medico‐legal issues and socio‐psychological circumstances about the ano‐rectal injury, initial approach to the medical facilities might be delayed, causing a delayed presentation and poor prognosis. We report an incident of a young male who presented with tension pneumoperitoneum causing abdominal compartment syndrome with fecal peritonitis due to forceful passing of high‐pressure air through his anus. An initial decompression of the abdomen with a wide‐bore needle was done at the emergency room. An emergency laparotomy with a primary repair of the rectal perforation by two layered sutures was done followed by a loop colostomy, 10 cm proximal to the injury. Colostomy closure was performed after 4 weeks. Post‐operative recovery period was uneventful.
A case of systemic amyloidosis showing papular/nodular lesions due to Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
Authors: Toma Yumeno , Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Yasuda Ken‐ichi , Asahina Akihiko
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case report provides evidence that Waldenström's macroglobulinemia may cause cutaneous manifestations represented as papules/nodules through the development of light chain amyloidosis. Here, we report a case of a 67‐year‐old man.
Ileocecal intussusception as a first presentation of Burkitt's lymphoma with multi‐organ involvement
Authors: Farahmandinia Zahra , Nakhaie Mohsen , Rukerd Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

In children, intussusception may have a pathologic cause, such as Burkitt's lymphoma. As a result, we should be cautious of Burkitt's lymphoma in children with intussusception. Finally, the importance of histological assessment of resected tissues in pediatric operations, particularly those with intussusception, should be emphasized.

A 2‐year‐old boy was diagnosed with ileocecal intussusception and underwent surgical treatment and appendectomy. Appendix histopathology revealed lymphoid cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, high mitotic activity, and starry sky appearance. The patient was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, which involves many organs, such as the appendix, liver, kidney, and bone marrow.
Anthradithiophene (ADT)‐Based Polymerized Non‐Fullerene Acceptors for All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Forti Giacomo , Pankow Robert M. , Qin Fei , Cho Yongjoon , Kerwin Brendan , Duplessis Isaiah , Nitti Andrea , Jeong Seonghun , Yang Changduk , Facchetti Antonio , Pasini Dario , Marks Tobin J.
Published: May 2023

Realizing efficient all‐polymer solar cell (APSC) acceptors typically involves increased building block synthetic complexity, hence potentially unscalable syntheses and/or prohibitive costs. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, and implementation in APSCs of three new polymer acceptors P1–P3 using a scalable donor fragment, bis(2‐octyldodecyl)anthra[1,2‐b : 5,6‐b’]dithiophene‐4,10‐dicarboxylate (ADT) co‐polymerized with the high‐efficiency acceptor units, NDI, Y6, and IDIC. All three copolymers have comparable photophysics to known polymers; however, APSCs fabricated by blending P1, P2 and P3 with donor polymers PM5 and PM6 exhibit modest power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), with the champion P2‐based APSC achieving PCE=5.64 %. Detailed morphological and microstructural analysis by AFM and GIWAXS reveal a non‐optimal APSC active layer morphology, which suppresses charge transport. Despite the modest efficiencies, these APSCs demonstrate the feasibility of using ADT as a scalable and inexpensive electron rich/donor building block for APSCs.
A Versatile, Electrophilic Reagent for Monofluoromethylthiolation†
Authors: Wang Rui , Lu Long , Shen Qilong
Published: May 2023

Comprehensive Summary

A new electrophilic monofluoromethylthiolating reagent N‐fluoromethylthiophthalimide PhthSCH2F 1 was developed. Reagent 1 could be readily synthesized from easily available starting materials benzyl mercaptan and CH2FCl in three steps. N‐Fluoromethylthiophthalimide 1 is a powerful electrophilic monofluoromethylthiolating reagent that allows the monofluoromethylthiolation of a wide range of nucleophiles including alkynes, aryl/vinyl boronic acids, electron‐rich heteroarenes, β‐ketoesters and oxindoles, as well as thiols under mild conditions.
The place of social transformation analysis in vulnerability assessment for climate adaptation planning in Upper West Region, Ghana: A review synthesis
Authors: Osei‐Amponsah Charity , Quarmine William , Wahabu Esther
Published: May 2023

Climate vulnerability could be influenced by transforming demographic, technological, cultural, political and economic factors, which cuts across global, regional, national and local scales. Such social transformations result in positive and negative outcomes, with implications for the adaptive capacities of resource‐poor households, especially those headed by women. However, these transformations are usually not integrated in climate vulnerability assessments. Based on insights from a stakeholders’ brainstorming workshop and the synthesis of information from traditional literature review, this paper contributes to better understanding of the intersections of social transformation with climate vulnerabilities in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The review indicates that the region is experiencing social transformation triggered by technological, demographic and cultural factors, with implications for climate resilience building. For example, compared to the last decade, there is now an increased use of mobile phones, resulting in improved access to e‐extension and climate‐smart agriculture services. At the same time, an emerging trend of land commodification is driving poor households to sell or lease farming lands. Within the context of these transformations, climate vulnerability is still assessed through approaches that mainly focus on a ‘static’ view of the extent of exposure to climate hazards and their impacts on rural livelihoods. A social transformation analysis that promotes a systematic investigation of the transforming factors is proposed as an effective approach for vulnerability assessment in climate adaptation planning. This approach provides critical reflections on, and sustainable resilience interventions for addressing both changing biophysical and social vulnerabilities of rural communities.
A Phase 1 First‐in‐Human Single‐Ascending‐Dose Trial With ESB1609, a Selective Agonist to the Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate Receptor 5
Authors: France Nicholas P. , Rubino Christopher , Safir M. Courtney , Maurer Mari , Duong Tram , Singamsetty Deepika , Abd‐Elaziz Khalid , Chou Thomas , Sankaranarayanan Sethu , Ettema Marieke , Cosford Rebecca , Dogterom Peter , Liu Enchi , Barlow Carrolee
Published: May 2023

ESB1609 is a small‐molecule sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐5 receptor–selective agonist designed to restore lipid homeostasis by promoting cytosolic egress of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate to reduce abnormal levels of ceramide and cholesterol in disease. A phase 1 study was conducted in healthy volunteers to determine the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ESB1609. Following single oral doses, ESB1609 demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for formulations containing sodium laurel sulfate. Plasma and CSF median time to maximum drug concentration (tmax) were reached by 4–5 hours and 6–10 hours, respectively. The delay in achieving tmax in CSF relative to plasma, likely due to the high protein binding of ESB1609, was also observed in 2 rat studies. Continuous CSF collection via indwelling catheters confirmed that a highly protein‐bound compound is measurable and established the kinetics of ESB1609 in human CSF. Mean plasma terminal elimination half‐lives ranged from 20.2 to 26.8 hours. The effect of either a high‐fat or standard meal increased maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity compared to the fasted state by 2.42–4.34‐fold higher, but tmax and half‐life remained the same irrespective of fed state. ESB1609 crosses the blood‐brain barrier with CSF:plasma ratios ranging between 0.04% and 0.07% across dose levels. ESB1609 demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile at exposures expected to be efficacious.
Ionic‐Liquid Hydrogen‐Bonding Promoted Alcohols Amination over Cobalt Catalyst via Dihydrogen Autotransfer Mechanism
Authors: Ke Zhengang , Wang Yuepeng , Zhao Yanfei , Tang Minhao , Zeng Wei , Wang Ying , Chang Xiaoqian , Han Buxing , Liu Zhimin
Published: May 2023

Higher amines are important high‐valuable chemicals with wide applications, and amination of alcohols is a green route to them, which however generally suffers from harsh reaction conditions and use of equivalent base. Herein, we report an ionic‐liquid (IL) hydrogen‐bonding promoted dihydrogen autotransfer strategy for amination of alcohols to higher amines over cobalt catalyst under base‐free conditions. Co(BF4)2 ⋅ 6 H2O complexed with triphos and IL (e. g., tetrabutylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate, [P4444][BF4]) shows high performances for the reaction and is tolerant of a wide scope of amines and alcohols, affording higher amines in good to excellent yields. Mechanism investigation indicates that the [BF4]− anion activates the alcohol via hydrogen bonding, promoting transfer of both hydroxyl H and α‐H atoms of alcohol to the cobalt catalyst to form an aldehyde intermediate and cobalt dihydride complex, which are involved in the subsequent reductive amination. This strategy provides a green and effective route for alcohol amination, which may have promising applications in alcohol‐involved alkylation reactions.
Preanalytical stability of plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Sunde Anita L. , Alsnes Ingvild V. , Aarsland Dag , Ashton Nicholas J. , Tovar‐Rios Diego A. , De Santis Giovanni , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Kjosavik Svein R.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Plasma tests have demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for identifying Alzheimer's disease pathology. To facilitate the transition to clinical utility, we assessed whether plasma storage duration and temperature affect the biomarker concentrations.

Methods

Plasma samples from 13 participants were stored at +4°C and +18°C. Concentrations of six biomarkers were measured after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 h by single molecule array assays.

Results

Phosphorylated tau 181 (p‐tau181), phosphorylated tau 231 (p‐tau231), neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentrations were unchanged both when stored at +4°C and +18°C. Amyloid‐β 40 (Aβ40) and amyloid‐β 42 (Aβ42) concentrations were stable for 24 h at +4°C but declined when stored at +18°C for longer than 6 h. This decline did not affect the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio.

Discussion

Plasma samples can be stored for 24 h at +4°C or +18°C and result in valid assay results for p‐tau181, p‐tau231, Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, GFAP, and NfL.

HIGHLIGHTS

Plasma samples were stored for 24 h at +4°C and +18°C, mimicking clinical practice.

Concentrations for Alzheimer's disease biomarkers were measured at six time‐points.

p‐tau181, p‐tau231, NfL, and GFAP concentrations were unchanged during the experiment.

Storage at +18°C affected Aβ40 and Aβ42 concentrations while storage at +4°C did not. The Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio was unaffected.

These plasma tests seem suitable for use in general practice.
Understand parents’ rights to student education records under FERPA
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2023

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects an eligible student's personally identifiable information in an education record. Generally, it prohibits a college or university from disclosing that information to a third party without consent.
Rapid radiation of ant parasitic butterflies during the Miocene aridification of Africa
Authors: Espeland Marianne , Chazot Nicolas , Condamine Fabien L. , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Pringle Ernest , Heath Alan , Collins Steve , Tiren Wilson , Mutiso Martha , Lees David C. , Fisher Stewart , Murphy Raymond , Woodhall Stephen , Tropek Robert , Ahlborn Svenja S. , Cockburn Kevin , Dobson Jeremy , Bouyer Thierry , Kaliszewska Zofia A. , Baker Christopher C. M. , Talavera Gerard , Vila Roger , Gardiner Alan J. , Williams Mark , Martins Dino J. , Sáfián Szabolcs , Edge David A. , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: May 2023

Africa has undergone a progressive aridification during the last 20 My that presumably impacted organisms and fostered the evolution of life history adaptations. We test the hypothesis that shift to living in ant nests and feeding on ant brood by larvae of phyto‐predaceous Lepidochrysops butterflies was an adaptive response to the aridification of Africa that facilitated the subsequent radiation of butterflies in this genus. Using anchored hybrid enrichment we constructed a time‐calibrated phylogeny for Lepidochrysops and its closest, non‐parasitic relatives in the Euchrysops section (Poloyommatini). We estimated ancestral areas across the phylogeny with process‐based biogeographical models and diversification rates relying on time‐variable and clade‐heterogeneous birth‐death models. The Euchrysops section originated with the emerging Miombo woodlands about 22 million years ago (Mya) and spread to drier biomes as they became available in the late Miocene. The diversification of the non‐parasitic lineages decreased as aridification intensified around 10 Mya, culminating in diversity decline. In contrast, the diversification of the phyto‐predaceous Lepidochrysops lineage proceeded rapidly from about 6.5 Mya when this unusual life history likely first evolved. The Miombo woodlands were the cradle for diversification of the Euchrysops section, and our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that aridification during the Miocene selected for a phyto‐predaceous life history in species of Lepidochrysops, with ant nests likely providing caterpillars a safe refuge from fire and a source of food when vegetation was scarce.
Clinical characteristics of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients with rare pathogenic variants in dilated cardiomyopathy‐associated genes: A subgroup analysis of the PARADIGM‐HF trial
Authors: Barat Ana , Chen Chien‐Wei , Patel‐Murray Natasha , McMurray John J.V. , Packer Milton , Solomon Scott D. , Desai Akshay S. , Rouleau Jean L. , Zile Michael R. , Attari Zenab , Zhang Cong , Xu Huilei , Hartman Nicole , Hon Claudia , Healey Margaret , Chutkow William , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Jacob Jaison , Lefkowitz Marty , Mendelson Michael M. , Wandel Simon , Yates Denise , Gimpelewicz Claudio
Published: May 2023

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence of pathogenic variants in genes associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in a clinical trial population with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and describe the baseline characteristics by variant carrier status.

Methods and results

This was a post hoc analysis of the Phase 3 PARADIGM‐HF trial. Forty‐four genes, divided into three tiers, based on definitive, moderate or limited evidence of association with DCM, were assessed for rare predicted loss‐of‐function (pLoF) variants, which were prioritized using ClinVar annotations, measures of gene transcriptional output and evolutionary constraint, and pLoF confidence predictions. Prevalence was reported for pLoF variant carriers based on DCM‐associated gene tiers. Clinical features were compared between carriers and non‐carriers. Of the 1412 HFrEF participants with whole‐exome sequence data, 68 (4.8%) had at least one pLoF variant in the 8 tier‐1 genes (definitive/strong association with DCM), with Titin being most commonly affected. The prevalence increased to 7.5% when considering all 44 genes. Among patients with idiopathic aetiology, 10.0% (23/229) had tier‐1 variants only and 12.6% (29/229) had tier‐1, ‐2 or ‐3 variants. Compared to non‐carriers, tier‐1 carriers were younger (4 years; adjusted p‐value [padj] = 4 × 10−3), leaner (27.8 kg/m2 vs. 29.4 kg/m2; padj = 3.2 × 10−3), had lower ejection fraction (27.3% vs. 29.8%; padj = 5.8 × 10−3), and less likely to have ischaemic aetiology (37.3% vs. 67.4%; padj = 4 × 10−4).

Conclusion

Deleterious pLoF variants in genes with definitive/strong association with DCM were identified in ∼5% of HFrEF patients from a PARADIGM‐HF trial subset, who were younger, had lower ejection fraction and were less likely to have had an ischaemic aetiology.
Incremental prognostic value of biomarkers in PARADIGM‐HF
Authors: McDowell Kirsty , Campbell Ross , Simpson Joanne , Cunningham Jonathan W. , Desai Akshay S. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Rouleau Jean L. , Swedberg Karl , Zile Michael R. , Solomon Scott D. , Packer Milton , McMurray John J.V.
Published: May 2023

Aims

It is uncertain how much candidate biomarkers improve risk prediction when added to comprehensive models including routinely collected clinical and laboratory variables in heart failure.

Methods and results

Aldosterone, cystatin C, high‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT), galectin‐3, growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15), kidney injury molecule‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9, soluble suppression of tumourigenicity‐2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio were measured in 1559 of PARADIGM‐HF participants. We tested whether these biomarkers, individually or collectively, improved the performance of the PREDICT‐HF prognostic model, which includes clinical, routine laboratory, and natriuretic peptide data, for the primary endpoint and cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. The mean age of participants was 67.3 ± 9.9 years, 1254 (80.4%) were men and 1103 (71%) were in New York Heart Association class II. During a mean follow‐up of 30.7 months, 300 patients experienced the primary outcome and 197 died. Added individually, only four biomarkers were independently associated with all outcomes: hs‐TnT, GDF‐15, cystatin C and TIMP‐1. When all biomarkers were added simultaneously to the PREDICT‐HF models, only hs‐TnT remained an independent predictor of all three endpoints. GDF‐15 also remained predictive of the primary endpoint; TIMP‐1 was the only other predictor of both cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. Individually or in combination, these biomarkers did not lead to significant improvements in discrimination or reclassification.

Conclusions

None of the biomarkers studied individually or collectively led to a meaningful improvement in the prediction of outcomes over what is provided by clinical, routine laboratory, and natriuretic peptide variables.
Scutellarein treats neuroblastoma by regulating the expression of multiple targets
Authors: Zhai Chen‐Yang , Fan Ji‐Sheng , Zhang Rong‐Ping
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of scutellarein on the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells and the underlying mechanism. Six cell lines were used with drug intervention. Cell Counting Kit‐8 was used to select the best, namely, SH‐SY5Y, and then its IC50 value was determined. To further investigate the mechanism of scutellarin affecting SH‐SY5Y proliferation, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of 11 factors. Scutellarin administration with 300 μM significantly reduced the number of SH‐SY5Y, especially on the 3rd day of exposure to scutellarin. The IC50 value of scutellarin in SH‐SY5Y cells was determined to be 117.8 μM. But the practical results showed that 300 μM was the optimal concentration of scutellarin. qRT‐PCR further detected upregulated maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), oncogene c‐Fos (c‐FOS), and c‐jun and downregulated M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), non‐SMC Condensin I Complex Subunit H (NCAPH), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, and TGF‐α, suggesting that scutellarin with 300 μM volume inhibited the survival of SH‐SY5Y by regulating the expression of these 8 factors. Scutellarin could be a novel drug for the treatment of neuroblastoma, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the upregulated levels of MEG3, c‐FOS, and c‐jun and downregulated the expression of PKM2, NCAPH, EGFR, TGF‐β1, and TGF‐α.
Meaning and blame: Meaning threats increase victim blaming, but profession and art can diminish it
Authors: Martens Jason P. , Ayaz Shimaila , Ayaz Shawana , Dearn Gemma
Published: May 2023

Previous work suggests that people have a need for meaning, and that when meaning is threatened, efforts are undertaken to restore a sense of meaning. We hypothesized that a meaning threat (i.e., reminders of death) would increase victim blaming of a domestic violence victim since doing so can restore a sense of meaning—that people get what they deserve—but for those with advanced knowledge of victimology, such as trained counsellors, this effect would be diminished since victim blaming runs counter to their meaning framework that bad things can happen to good people. In addition, because art can provide a sense of meaning, we hypothesized that either creating meaningful art or observing art and finding meaning within it would diminish blaming a domestic violence victim since having a sense of meaning should diminish the need to restore meaning via victim blaming. Over five studies with undergraduate and trained counsellors, we found support for the hypotheses, and a meta‐analysis on the victim blaming effect suggested a small, though significant, effect size of d = .28. These findings enhance our understanding of various factors that affect victim blaming, and they point towards relatively easy to administer interventions to diminish it.
UACENet: Uncertain area attention and cross‐image context extraction network for polyp segmentation
Authors: Wang Zhi , Gao Feng , Yu Long , Tian Shengwei
Published: May 2023

Accurately segmenting polyp from colonoscopy images is essential for early screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. In recent years, with the proposed encoder‐decoder architecture, many advanced methods have been applied to this task and have achieved significant improvements. However, accurate segmentation of polyps has always been a challenging task due to the irregular shape and size of polyps, the low contrast between the polyp and the background in some images, and the influence of the environment such as illumination and mucus. In order to tackle these challenges, we propose a novel uncertain area attention and cross‐image context extraction network for accurate polyp segmentation, which consists of the uncertain area attention module (UAAM), the cross‐image context extraction module (CCEM), and the adaptive fusion module (AFM). UAAM is guided by the output prediction of the adjacent decoding layer, and focuses on the difficult region of the boundary without neglecting the attention to the background and foreground so that more edge details and uncertain information can be captured. CCEM innovatively captures multi‐scale global context within an image and implicit contextual information between multiple images, fusing them to enhance the extraction of global location information. AFM fuses the local detail information extracted by UAAM and the global location information extracted by CCEM with the decoding layer feature for multiple fusion and adaptive attention to enhance feature representation. Our method is extensively experimented on four public datasets and generally achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance compared to other advanced methods.
Dairy pricing policy, production, and water quality: Application to the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Authors: Zhang Zeya , Abler David
Published: May 2023

This study assesses the economic and water quality impacts of implementing a dairy pricing policy under Federal Milk Marketing Order system designed to alleviate milk prices plummet occurred at the beginning of pandemic. Using a 12‐region, positive mathematical programing model of livestock production in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we find that pricing policy induces significant expansions in dairy sectors, generates higher level of total net revenue in regions having large base‐period dairy sectors. For water quality, we find that policy leads to an increase in nitrogen emissions but a decrease in phosphorus emissions for the livestock industry as a whole in most studied regions.
Exchange rates and macroeconomic fundamentals: Evidence of instabilities from time‐varying factor loadings
Authors: Hillebrand Eric , Mikkelsen Jakob Guldbæk , Spreng Lars , Urga Giovanni
Published: May 2023

We examine the relationship between exchange rates and macroeconomic fundamentals using a two‐step maximum likelihood estimator through which we compute time‐varying factor loadings. Factors are obtained as principal components, extracted from vintage macro‐datasets that combine FRED‐MD and OECD databases. Using 14 currencies over 1990–2021, we show that the loadings on the factors vary considerably over time and increase the percentage of explained variation in exchange rates by an order of magnitude. Time‐varying loadings improve the overall predictive ability of the model, especially during crises, and lead to better forecasts of sign changes in exchange rates.
Skin substitutes based on gellan gum with mechanical and penetration compatibility to native human skin
Authors: Malhotra Deepika , Fattahi Ehsan , Germann Natalie , Flisikowska Tatiana , Schnieke Angelika , Becker Thomas
Published: May 2023

The study reports on a simple system to fabricate skin substitutes consisting of a naturally occurring bacterial polysaccharide gellan gum. Gelation was driven by the addition of a culture medium whose cations induced gellan gum crosslinking at physiological temperature, resulting in hydrogels. Human dermal fibroblasts were incorporated in these hydrogels and their mechanical, morphological, and penetration characteristics were studied. The mechanical properties were determined by means of oscillatory shear rheology, and a short linear viscoelastic regime was noted up to less than 1% of strain amplitude. The storage modulus increased with an increasing polymer concentration. The moduli were in the range noted for native human skin. After 2 weeks of fibroblast cultivation, the storage moduli showed signs of deterioration, so that a culture time of 2 weeks was proposed for further studies. Microscopic and fluorescent staining observations were documented. These depicted a crosslinked network structure in the hydrogels with a homogeneous distribution of cells and an assured cell viability of 2 weeks. H&E staining was also performed, which showed some traces of ECM formation in a few sections. Finally, caffeine penetration experiments were carried out with Franz diffusion cells. The hydrogels with a higher concentration of polymer containing cells showed an improved barrier function against caffeine compared to previously studied multicomponent hydrogels as well as commercially available 3D skin models. Therefore, these hydrogels displayed both mechanical and penetration compatibility with the ex vivo native human skin.
Anatomy, molecular structures, and hyaluronic acid – Gelatin injectable hydrogels as a therapeutic alternative for hyaline cartilage recovery: A review
Authors: Vaca‐González Juan Jairo , Culma Juan José Saiz , Nova Lady Marcela Higuera , Garzón‐Alvarado Diego Alexander
Published: May 2023

Cartilage damage caused by trauma or osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that can increase the social and economic burden in society. Due to its avascular characteristics, the poor migration ability of chondrocytes, and a low number of progenitor cells, the self‐healing ability of cartilage defects has been significantly limited. Hydrogels have been developed into one of the most suitable biomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage because of its characteristics such as high‐water absorption, biodegradation, porosity, and biocompatibility similar to natural extracellular matrix. Therefore, the present review article presents a conceptual framework that summarizes the anatomical, molecular structure and biochemical properties of hyaline cartilage located in long bones: articular cartilage and growth plate. Moreover, the importance of preparation and application of hyaluronic acid – gelatin hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering are included. Hydrogels possess benefits of stimulating the production of Agc1, Col2α1‐IIa, and SOX9, molecules important for the synthesis and composition of the extracellular matrix of cartilage. Accordingly, they are believed to be promising biomaterials of therapeutic alternatives to treat cartilage damage.
Identification of psychological flexibility and inflexibility profiles during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pakenham Kenneth I. , Landi Giulia , Cattivelli Roberto , Grandi Silvana , Tossani Eliana
Published: May 2023

Background

The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) wave and lockdown adversely affected the lives of people in diverse ways.

Aims

This study used a person‐centered approach to identify patterns of engagement in the 12 psychological flexibility (PF) and inflexibility (PI) processes to manage the first COVID‐19 wave and lockdown hardships.

Materials & Methods

A total of 1035 Italian adults completed an online survey.

Results

Latent profile analyses conducted on the 12 PI/PF processes measured by the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory identified five profiles; three reflected gradations of high to low PF with corresponding inverse levels of PI, while two represented more complex relationships between PI and PF. After controlling for relevant socio‐demographic and COVID‐19/lockdown factors, the five profiles differed in mental health (depression, anxiety, and COVID‐19 distress). Essentially a gradient of progressive decreases in all PI processes (except experiential avoidance) corresponded with increments in mental health across all profiles. Two profiles, which evidenced the highest levels of mental health (highly flexible and moderately flexible profiles), also had the greatest proportion of the sample 56.42% (n = 584), and the highest levels of PF and experiential avoidance.

Discussion

Findings from this and similar studies suggest intersecting complex relationships among the PI/PF processes that are likely to shift in response to changing contexts. We suggest this network of relationships is better represented by a three‐dimensional PF/PI hexaflex than a simplistic two‐dimensional depiction of the model.

Conclusion

Distinguishing different PF/PI profiles identified groups most at risk for the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic and exposed variations in the mental health protective and risk roles of PF and PI processes, respectively, that can inform ACT‐based mental health promotion interventions.
Synthesis of new compounds bearing methyl sulfonyl pharmacophore as selectiveCOX‐2 inhibitor
Authors: Almarsoomi Taha , Osmaniye Derya , Sağlık Begüm Nurpelin , Levent Serkan , Ghani Usman , Özkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım
Published: May 2023

Cyclooxygenase, also known as prostaglandin H2 synthase (PGH2), is one of the most important enzymes in pharmacology because inhibition of COX is the mechanism of action of most nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. In this study, ten thiazole derivative compounds had synthesized. The analysis of the obtained compounds was performed by1H NMR and13C NMR methods. By this method, the obtained compounds could be elucidated. The inhibitory effect of the obtained compounds on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes was investigated. The encoded compounds5a,5b, and5cwere found to be the most potent compared to the reference compounds ibuprofen (IC50 = 5.589 ± 0.278 μM), celecoxib (IC50 = 0.132 ± 0.004 μM), and nimesulide (IC50 = 1.692 ± 0.077 μM)against COX‐2 isoenzyme. The inhibitory activity of5a,5b, and5cis approximate, but the5aderivative proved to be the most active in the series with an IC50value of 0.180 ± 0.002 μM. The most potent COXs inhibitor was5a, which was further investigated for its potential binding mode by a molecular docking study. Compound5awas found to be localized at the active site of the enzyme, like celecoxib, which has a remarkable effect on COXs enzymes.
A Deep Learning Pipeline Using Prior Knowledge for Automatic Evaluation of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders With MRI
Authors: Wang Haijie , Wang Yida , Zhang He , Yin Xuan , Wang Chenglong , Lu Yuanyuan , Song Yang , Zhu Hao , Yang Guang
Published: May 2023

Background

The diagnosis of prenatal placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly dependent on radiologists' experience. A deep learning (DL) method using the prior knowledge that PAS‐related signs are generally found along the utero‐placental borderline (UPB) may help radiologists, especially those with less experience, to mitigate this issue.

Purpose

To develop a DL tool for antenatal diagnosis of PAS using T2‐weighted MR images.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Five hundred and forty pregnant women with clinically suspected PAS disorders from two institutions, divided into training (409), internal test (103), and external test (28) datasets.

Field Strength/Sequence

Sagittal T2‐weighted fast spin echo sequence at 1.5 T and 3 T.

Assessment

An nnU‐Net was trained for placenta segmentation. The UPB straightening approach was used to extract the utero‐placental boundary region. The UPB image was then fed into DenseNet‐PAS for PAS diagnosis. DenseNet‐PP learnt placental position information to improve the PAS diagnosis performance. Three radiologists with 8, 10, and 12 years of experience independently evaluated the images. Two radiologists marked the placenta tissue. Histopathological findings were the reference standard.

Statistical Tests

Area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the classification. Dice coefficient evaluated the segmentation between radiologists and the model performance. The Mann–Whitney U‐test or the chi‐squared test assessed the significance of differences. Decision curve analysis was used to determine clinical effectiveness. DeLong's test was used to compare AUCs.

Results

Of the 540 patients, 170 had PAS disorders confirmed by histopathology. The DL model using UPB images and placental position yielded the highest AUC of 0.860 and 0.897 in internal test and external test cohorts, respectively, significantly exceeding the performance of three radiologists (internal test AUC, 0.737–0.770).

Data Conclusion

By extracting the UPB image, this fully automatic DL pipeline achieved high accuracy and may assist radiologists in PAS diagnosis using MRI.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Elevated dissolved carbon dioxide and associated acidification delays maturation and decreases calcification and survival in the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna
Authors: Ramaekers Lana , Vanschoenwinkel Bram , Brendonck Luc , Pinceel Tom
Published: May 2023

Increasing pCO2 in freshwaters across the globe will likely be accompanied by acidification. Although this has been linked to reduced calcification, growth, and survival in several marine species, similar responses in freshwater organisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the direct effects of elevated pCO2 and associated acidification on the water flea Daphnia magna. As a highly efficient filter feeder, this crustacean is a dominant primary consumer in freshwater zooplankton assemblages, capable of controlling algal growth. It has a high calcium content compared to other zooplankton species, which might make it particularly sensitive since calcification may be impaired under elevated pCO2. We exposed newly hatched individuals of four clonal lineages to 27,000 ppm pCO2 corresponding to a pH of 6.7 in a controlled laboratory experiment. Both survival and calcium content were reduced and juveniles grew slower and matured later under elevated pCO2. Adult growth rate was not affected by pCO2 suggesting that surviving adults are less sensitive or may acclimate over time but at the cost of reduced offspring size. We hypothesize that the combination of elevated pCO2 and low pH interferes with the calcification process, reflected in slower growth, smaller body size and reduced calcification in D. magna. In turn, this might lead to less efficient control of phytoplankton as an ecosystem service and reduce their competitive advantage over other zooplankters with less calcified bodies.
Experimental Observation of Dissipatively Coupled Bound States in the Continuum on an Integrated Photonic Platform
Authors: Feng Ziyao , Sun Xiankai
Published: May 2023

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are a special type of waves that coexist with continuous waves without any radiation loss. Owing to eliminated dissipative coupling to the environment, the coupling between BICs is naturally considered to be dispersive. Here, dissipative coupling between BICs in coupled photonic waveguides is exploited on an etchless lithium niobate integrated platform, and for the first time, supermode BICs are experimentally observed on a chip. It is discovered that, under the variation of the waveguide gap, the two supermodes have complementarily varied loss rates and the supermode BIC appears periodically, which verifies respectively the dissipative nature of coupling and periodic variation of the coupling coefficient between the two coupled photonic waveguides. The observed dissipatively coupled BICs can enable many on‐chip applications such as high‐sensitivity sensing, optical communication, and topological physics.