bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive asynchrony within social groups of female eastern wild turkeys
Authors: Ulrey Erin E. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A.
Published: June 2023

Coordination in timing of reproduction is driven by multiple ecological and sociobiological processes for a wide array of species. Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) use a male dominance polygynous mating system, where males communicate with females via elaborate courtship displays and vocalizations at display sites. Most females prefer to mate with dominant males; therefore, asynchronous breeding and nesting may occur which can disproportionately influence individual fitness within breeding groups. For female wild turkeys, there are reproductive advantages associated with earlier nesting. As such, we evaluated reproductive asynchrony within and between groups of GPS‐tagged female eastern wild turkeys based on timing of nest initiation. We examined 30 social groups with an average of seven females per group (range 2–15) during 2014–2019 in west central Louisiana. We found that the estimated number of days between first nest initiation across females within groups varied between 3 and 7 days across years, although we expected 1–2 days to occur between successive nesting attempts of females within groups based on observations of captive wild turkeys in the extant literature. The number of days between successive nest attempts across females within groups was lower for successful than failed attempts, and nests with an average of 2.8 days between initiation of another nest were more likely to hatch. Our findings suggest that asynchronous reproduction may influence reproductive success in female wild turkeys.
Variations in soil microbial community structure and extracellular enzymatic activities along a forest–wetland ecotone in high‐latitude permafrost regions
Authors: Fu Lingyu , Xie Ruifeng , Ma Dalong , Zhang Man , Liu Lin
Published: June 2023

Permafrost degradation by global warming is expected to alter the hydrological processes, which results in changes in vegetation species composition and gives rise to community succession. Ecotones are sensitive transition areas between ecosystem boundaries, attract particular interest due to their ecological importance and prompt responses to the environmental variables. However, the characteristics of soil microbial communities and extracellular enzymes along the forest–wetland ecotone in high‐latitude permafrost region remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the variations of soil bacterial and fungal community structures and soil extracellular enzymatic activities of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm soil layers in five different wetland types along environmental gradients, including Larix gmelinii swamp (LY), Betula platyphylla swamp (BH), Alnus sibirica var. hirsute swamp (MCY), thicket swamp (GC), and tussock swamp (CC). The relative abundances of some dominant bacterial (Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia) and fungal (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) phyla differed significantly among different wetlands, while bacterial and fungal alpha diversity was not strongly affected by soil depth. PCoA results showed that vegetation type, rather than soil depth explained more variation of soil microbial community structure. β‐glucosidase and β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase activities were significantly lower in GC and CC than in LY, BH, and MCY, while acid phosphatase activity was significantly higher in BH and GC than LY and CC. Altogether, the data suggest that soil moisture content (SMC) was the most important environmental factor contributing to the bacterial and fungal communities, while extracellular enzymatic activities were closely related to soil total organic carbon (TOC), nitrate nitrogen () and total phosphorus (TP).
Digitization of natural history collections: A guideline and nationwide capacity building workshop in Malaysia
Authors: Ong Song‐Quan , Mat Jalaluddin Nurzatil Sharleeza , Yong Kien Thai , Ong Su Ping , Lim Kooi Fong , Azhar Suhaila
Published: June 2023

Natural history museum collections are the most important sources of information on the present and past biodiversity of our planet. Most of the information is primarily stored in analogue form, and digitization of the collections can provide further open access to the images and specimen data to address the many global challenges. However, many museums do not digitize their collections because of constraints on budgets, human resources, and technologies. To encourage the digitization process, we present a guideline that offers low‐cost and technical knowledge solutions yet balances the quality of the work and outcomes. The guideline describes three phases of digitization, namely preproduction, production, and postproduction. The preproduction phase includes human resource planning and selecting the highest priority collections for digitization. In the preproduction phase, a worksheet is provided for the digitizer to document the metadata, as well as a list of equipment needed to set up a digitizer station to image the specimens and associated labels. In the production phase, we place special emphasis on the light and color calibrations, as well as the guidelines for ISO/shutter speed/aperture to ensure a satisfactory quality of the digitized output. Once the specimen and labels have been imaged in the production phase, we demonstrate an end‐to‐end pipeline that uses optical character recognition (OCR) to transfer the physical text on the labels into a digital form and document it in a worksheet cell. A nationwide capacity workshop is then conducted to impart the guideline, and pre‐ and postcourse surveys were conducted to assess the confidence and skills acquired by the participants. This paper also discusses the challenges and future work that need to be taken forward for proper digital biodiversity data management.
Analyzing the impact of loan features on bank loan prediction using Random Forest algorithm
Authors: Dansana Debabrata , Patro S Gopal Krishna , Mishra Brojo Kishore , Prasad Vivek , Razak Abdul , Wodajo Anteneh Wogasso
Published: June 2023

Loans are a crucial source of income for the financial sector, but they also come with significant financial risks. The interest on loans constitutes a significant portion of a bank's assets. The demand for loans is growing worldwide, and organizations are devising efficient business strategies to attract more clients. Every day, a large number of people apply for loans for various reasons, but not all of them can be approved due to the risk of loan default. It is not uncommon for people to default on their loans, causing significant losses to banks. The purpose of this article is to determine whether to grant loans to specific individuals or organizations. The Random Forest Regressor model has been utilized to measure performance and identify suitable customers for loan approval. The model suggests that banks should not only target affluent clients but also consider other customer characteristics that are critical in credit granting and predicting loan default. The research examines various loan approval parameters such as gender, educational qualification, employment type, business type, loan term, and marital status. Additionally, the study analyzes the number of approved, drawn, and rejected loans, which provides valuable insights into loan approval and prediction.
Early life corticosteroid overexposure: Epigenetic and fetal origins of adult diseases
Authors: Briceño‐Pérez Carlos , Briceño‐Sanabria Liliana , Briceño‐Sanabria Carlos , Reyna‐Villasmil Eduardo
Published: June 2023

The relationship between events occurring during intrauterine development and later‐life predisposition to long‐term disease, has been described. The fetus responds to excess intrauterine exposure to high levels of corticosteroids, modifying their physiological development and stopping their growth. Fetal exposure to elevated levels of either endogenous (alterations in fetal hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis) or synthetic corticosteroids, is one model of early‐life adversity; to developing adult disease. At the molecular level, there are transcriptional changes in metabolic and growth pathways. Epigenetic mechanisms participate in transgenerational inheritance, not genomic. Exposures that change 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme methylation status in the placenta can result in transcriptional repression of the gene, causing the fetus to be exposed to higher levels of cortisol. More precise diagnosis and management of antenatal corticosteroids for preterm birth, would potentially decrease the risk of long‐term adverse outcomes. More studies are needed to understand the potential roles of factors to alter fetal corticosteroid exposure. Long‐term infant follow‐up is required to determine whether methylation changes in placenta may represent useful biomarkers of later disease risk. This review, summarize recent advances in the programming of fetal effects of corticosteroid exposure, the role of corticosteroids in epigenetic gene regulation of placental 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme expression and transgenerational effects.
Cooking mode and ripening stage influence physicochemical and nutritional properties of boiled plantain pulps
Authors: Vepowo Cédric Kendine , Ngoh Newilah Gérard , Mananga Marlyne‐Joséphine , Kamgo Dallonnes Fangueng , Ngouno Annie Takam , Gouado Inocent , Dufour Dominique , Bouniol Alexandre
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Plantains are of major importance in the diet of many African populations. Plantains undergo many processing techniques at different ripening stages. Boiling is the most common method of processing plantains in Cameroonian households. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of cooking mode and ripening stage on the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of two Musa genotypes. Fruits from genotypes, Batard and CARBAP K74, at three ripening stages (unripe, semi‐ripe and ripe) were studied. Physicochemical and nutritional analyses were performed on raw and cooked pulps with and without peel at different cooking times (from 10 to 60 min).

RESULTS

Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed in the parameters assessed during cooking at each ripening stage according to cooking time. Plantain pulps boiled with peel exhibited high firmness (0.7–1.7 kgf), high soluble solids (7.4–22.4°Brix) and high dry matter content (29.8–38.3%) at all ripening stages. This cooking method yielded high protein (3.0–4.8%), lipid (0.2–1.8%), total starch (32–73%) and total carbohydrate (18–32%) contents. Boiling with or without peel had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the pH of Batard pulps, nor the ash content of the pulps of both genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of the ripening stages used, during cooking by immersion in boiling water, cooking with peel best preserves the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of the analysed genotypes. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Highly efficient isolation and purification of high‐purity tea saponins from industrial camellia oil production by porous polymeric adsorbents
Authors: Wang Mingming , Chen Qiqi , Hua Xiao , Yang Ruijin
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Recovery of high‐purity tea saponin (TS), a promising non‐ionic surfactant with well‐documented properties, is one of the major challenges to broadening its industrial applications. In this study, an innovative and sustainable strategy for the highly‐efficient purification of TS was developed by using well‐designed highly‐porous polymeric adsorbents.

RESULTS

The prepared Pp‐A with controllable macropores (~96 nm) and appropriate surface hydrophobic properties was found more favorable for achieving high adsorption efficiency towards TS/TS‐micelles. Kinetic results showed the adsorption follows the pseudo‐second‐order model (R2 = 0.9800), and the Langmuir model is more qualified to explicate the adsorption isotherms with Qe‐TS ~ 675 mg g−1. Thermodynamic studies revealed the monolayer adsorption of TS was an endothermic process that was conducted spontaneously. Interestingly, ethanol‐driven desorption (90% v/v ethanol) of TS was rapidly (< 30 min) complete due to the possible ethanol‐mediated disassembling of TS‐micelles. A possible mechanism that involves the interactions between the adsorbents and TS/TS‐micelles, the formation and disassembling of TS‐micelles was proposed to account for the highly efficient purification of TS. Afterwards, Pp‐A‐based adsorption method was developed to purify TS directly from industrial camellia oil production. Through selective adsorption, pre‐washing, and ethanol‐driven desorption, the applied Pp‐A enabled the direct isolation of high‐purity TS (~96%) with a recovery ratio > 90%. Notably, Pp‐A exhibited excellent operational stability and is of high potential for long‐term industrial application.

CONCLUSION

Results ensured the practical feasibility of the prepared porous adsorbents in purifying TS, and the proposed methodology is a promising industrial‐scale purification strategy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Thermal Stable and Flexible Bio‐Based Polybenzoxazine with Epoxy‐Functionalized Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Hybrids
Authors: Kao Yang‐Chin , Chen Wei‐Cheng , EL‐Mahdy Ahmed F. M. , Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Ejaz Mohsin , Kuo Shiao‐Wei
Published: June 2023

In this study, a monofunctionalized bio‐based benzoxazine monomer (VAnBZ‐CN) is synthesized by condensation of vanillin, formaldehyde, and aniline, and a bifunctional epoxy‐functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS‐epoxy) is also prepared through hydrosilylation reactions with allyl glycidyl ether. By blending the inorganic PDMS‐epoxy with the VAnBZ‐CN benzoxazine monomer, an organic/inorganic hybrid material is formed, which exhibited enhanced thermal stability after thermal curing polymerization. The improved thermal stability observed in the hybrid material can be attributed to a combination of the formation of the triazine structure by VAnBZ‐CN and the presence of the inorganic part of PDMS‐epoxy on the surface. For example, the PDMS‐epoxy/VAnBZ‐CN = 1/1 hybrid showed the thermal decomposition temperature (Td10) of 309 °C, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of 165 °C, and the char yield of 54 wt.% after the thermal curing polymerization process conducted at 240 °C based on thermogravimetric (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA). Furthermore, the char yield of the hybrid material with PDMS‐epoxy/VAnBZ‐CN = 1/3 is higher than that both of pure VAnBZ‐CN and PDMS‐epoxy after the thermal curing polymerization process. This result indicates that the addition of PDMS‐epoxy resin can improve the formation of a char residue and then enhance the resistance to thermal decomposition for their overall thermal stabilities.
Kickstart in nursing home—Nursing students experiences of a model for active and collaborative learning in clinical placement
Authors: Tveit Bodil , Aamlid Hege , Amsrud Kirsten Eika , Helgesen Ann Karin , Raustøl Anne
Published: June 2023

Aims and objectives

To explore students' experiences from a pilot project testing out a model for active, collaborative learning in first‐year placement at a nursing home.

Background

There is a need for innovative learning activities and projects to improve clinical education in nursing homes. Active, collaborative approaches in placement learning may enhance students learning outcome.

Design

The study had a qualitative and explorative design, in which the experiences of students participating in the pilot were investigated through paired interviews at the end of their placement.

Methods

Twenty‐two students participated in the study, and data from paired interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. COREQ reporting guidelines were used.

Results

Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) The learning cell as facilitator for learning; (2) Discovering learning possibilities in nursing homes and (3) Applying tools and resources for learning.

Conclusions

The model could reduce tension and anxiety while helping the students focus on learning options and use their environment more actively for learning. Working with a learning partner seems to increase student learning through common planning, feedback and reflection. The study emphasises the importance of facilitating active learning through the scaffolding structures and configuration of the students' learning space.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study indicates the potential for introducing active and collaborative pedagogical models in clinical placement. The model can promote nursing homes as a conducive learning arena for nursing students and help prepare students for a future work role in a rapidly changing health care field.

Patient or public contribution

The result of the research is shared and discussed with stakeholders prior to finalising the article.
The effect of propolis supplementation in improving antioxidant status: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Nazari‐Bonab Hamideh , Jamilian Parmida , Radkhah Nima , Zarezadeh Meysam , Ebrahimi‐Mameghani Mehrangiz
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to assess the effect of propolis supplementation on oxidative status, a key contributor to the etiology of many chronic diseases. A systematic search of multiple databases, including Web of Science, SCOPUS, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar, was conducted from inception to October 2022 to identify articles examining the effect of propolis on glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. A total of nine studies were included in the final analysis, and a random‐effects model was used to pool the estimated effects. Results showed that propolis supplementation significantly increased the levels of GSH (SMD = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.15, 5.18;I2 = 97.2%), GPX (SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.07, 1.05;p = 0.025;I2 = 62.3%), and TAC (SMD = 3.26; 95% CI: 0.89, 5.62;I2 = 97.8%,p < 0.001). However, the effect of propolis on SOD was not significant (SMD = 0.05; 95% CI: −0.25, 0.34;I2 = 0.0%). Although the MDA concentration was not significantly decreased overall (SMD = −0.85, 95% CI: −1.70, 0.09;I2 = 93.3%), a significant decrease in MDA levels was observed at doses ≥1000 mg/day (SMD = −1.90; 95% CI: −2.97, −0.82;I2 = 86.4) and supplementation durations of less than 11 weeks (SMD = −1.56; 95% CI: −2.60, −0.51;I2 = 90.4). These results suggest that propolis is a safe supplement with a beneficial effect on GSH, GPX, and TAC levels and may be an effective adjunctive therapy for diseases where oxidative stress is a key factor in the etiology. However, further high‐quality studies are necessary to make more precise and comprehensive recommendations given the limited number of studies, clinical diversity, and other limitations.
Relative sparsity for medical decision problems
Authors: Weisenthal Samuel J. , Thurston Sally W. , Ertefaie Ashkan
Published: June 2023

Existing statistical methods can estimate a policy, or a mapping from covariates to decisions, which can then instruct decision makers (eg, whether to administer hypotension treatment based on covariates blood pressure and heart rate). There is great interest in using such data‐driven policies in healthcare. However, it is often important to explain to the healthcare provider, and to the patient, how a new policy differs from the current standard of care. This end is facilitated if one can pinpoint the aspects of the policy (ie, the parameters for blood pressure and heart rate) that change when moving from the standard of care to the new, suggested policy. To this end, we adapt ideas from Trust Region Policy Optimization (TRPO). In our work, however, unlike in TRPO, the difference between the suggested policy and standard of care is required to be sparse, aiding with interpretability. This yields “relative sparsity,” where, as a function of a tuning parameter, , we can approximately control the number of parameters in our suggested policy that differ from their counterparts in the standard of care (eg, heart rate only). We propose a criterion for selecting , perform simulations, and illustrate our method with a real, observational healthcare dataset, deriving a policy that is easy to explain in the context of the current standard of care. Our work promotes the adoption of data‐driven decision aids, which have great potential to improve health outcomes.
MOF‐Based Solid‐State Proton Conductors Obtained by Intertwining Protic Ionic Liquid Polymers with MIL‐101
Authors: Zhang Shunlin , Xie Yuxin , Somerville Rosie J. , Tirani Farzaneh Fadaei , Scopelliti Rosario , Fei Zhaofu , Zhu Dunru , Dyson Paul J.
Published: June 2023

Solid‐state proton conductors based on the use of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials as proton exchange membranes are being investigated as alternatives to the current state of the art. This study reports a new family of proton conductors based on MIL‐101 and protic ionic liquid polymers (PILPs) containing different anions. By first installing protic ionic liquid (PIL) monomers inside the hierarchical pores of a highly stable MOF, MIL‐101, then carrying out polymerization in situ, a series of PILP@MIL‐101 composites was synthesized. The resulting PILP@MIL‐101 composites not only maintain the nanoporous cavities and water stability of MIL‐101, but the intertwined PILPs provide a number of opportunities for much‐improved proton transport compared to MIL‐101. The PILP@MIL‐101 composite with HSO4− anions shows superprotonic conductivity (6.3 × 10−2 S cm−1) at 85 °C and 98% relative humidity. The mechanism of proton conduction is proposed. In addition, the structures of the PIL monomers were determined by single crystal X‐ray analysis, which reveals many strong hydrogen bonding interactions with O/NH···O distances below 2.6 Å.
Silicon Oxycarbide Coatings Consisting of Defined Bottom–Up‐Grown Nanostructures
Authors: Artus Georg Robert Johannes , Bottone Davide , Seeger Stefan
Published: June 2023

Silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) materials have arisen in the past few decades as a promising new class of glasses and glass‐ceramics thanks to their advantageous chemical and thermal properties. Many applications, such as ion storage, sensing, filtering, or catalysis, require materials or coatings with high surface area and might benefit from the high thermal stability of SiOC. This work reports the first facile bottom–up approach to textured high surface area SiOC coatings obtained via direct pyrolysis of polysiloxane structures of well‐defined shapes, such as nanofilaments or microrods. This work further investigates the thermal behavior of these structures by means of FT‐IR, SEM, and EDX up to 1400 °C. The rods shrink in volume by ≈30% while their aspect ratio remains unaffected by pyrolysis until at least 1100 °C. The nano‐sized filaments show signs of viscous flow already at a comparably low temperature of 900 °C which is very probably due to the nano‐size effect. This might open a way to experimentally study the size‐effect on the glass transition temperature of oxide glasses, an experimentally unexplored but very relevant topic. These structures have great potential, for example, as ion storage materials and supports in high temperature catalysis and CO2 conversion.
Carrollian approach to 1 + 3D flat holography
Authors: Saha Amartya
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The isomorphism between the (extended) BMS4 algebra and the 1 + 2D Carrollian conformal algebra hints towards a co-dimension one formalism of flat holography with the field theory residing on the null-boundary of the asymptotically flat space-time enjoying a 1 + 2D Carrollian conformal symmetry. Motivated by this fact, we study the general symmetry properties of a source-less 1 + 2D Carrollian CFT, adopting a purely field-theoretic approach. After deriving the position-space Ward identities, we show how the 1 + 3D bulk super-translation and the super-rotation memory effects emerge from them, manifested by the presence of a temporal step-function factor in the same. Temporal-Fourier transforming these memory effect equations, we directly reach the bulk null-momentum-space leading and sub-leading soft graviton theorems. Along the way, we construct six Carrollian fields $$ {S}_0^{\pm } $$

S
0
±

, $$ {S}_1^{\pm } $$

S
1
±

, T and $$ \overline{T} $$

T
¯

corresponding to these soft graviton fields and the Celestial stress-tensors, purely in terms of the Carrollian stress-tensor components. The 2D Celestial shadow-relations and the null-state conditions arise as two natural byproducts of these constructions. We then show that those six fields consist of the modes that implement the super-rotations and a subset of the super-translations on the quantum fields. The temporal step-function allows us to relate the operator product expansions (OPEs) with the operator commutation relations via a complex contour integral prescription. We deduce that not all of those six fields can be taken together to form consistent OPEs. So choosing $$ {S}_0^{+} $$

S
0
+

, $$ {S}_1^{+} $$

S
1
+

and T as the local fields, we form their mutual OPEs using only the OPE-commutativity property, under two general assumptions. The symmetry algebra manifest in these holomorphic-sector OPEs is then shown to be Vir $$ \overset{\wedge }{\ltimes \overline{\textrm{sl}\left(2,{\mathbb{R}}\right)}} $$

⋉

sl

2
ℝ

¯

∧

with an abelian ideal.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 CFT3’s from $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 gauged supergravity
Authors: Chamorro-Burgos Miguel , Guarino Adolfo , Sterckx Colin
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We use holography and four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 gauged supergravity to collect evidence for a large class of interconnected three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 conformal field theories. On the gravity side, we construct a one-parameter family of ISO(3) × ISO(3) gaugings of half-maximal supergravity containing a rich structure of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 AdS4 solutions at fixed radius. By looking at excitations around these AdS4 solutions, the spectrum of low lying operators in the dual $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 CFT3’s is computed and further arranged into 𝔬𝔰(2|4) supermultiplets. Upon suitable removal of gauge redundancies, we identify the Zamolodchikov metric on the conformal manifold dual to the AdS4 moduli space, and recover previous results in the S-fold literature. Two special points of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetry enhancement occur. While one describes an S-fold CFT3 dual to a non-geometric type IIB twisted compactification, the string-theoretic realisation of the other, if any, is still lacking.
Symmetry resolved entanglement of excited states in quantum field theory. Part III. Bosonic and fermionic negativity
Authors: Capizzi Luca , Mazzoni Michele , Castro-Alvaredo Olalla A.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

In two recent works, we studied the symmetry resolved Rényi entropies of quasi-particle excited states in quantum field theory. We found that the entropies display many model-independent features which we discussed and analytically characterised. In this paper we extend this line of investigation by providing analytical and numerical evidence that a similar universal behavior arises for the symmetry resolved negativity. In particular, we compute the ratio of charged moments of the partially transposed reduced density matrix as an expectation value of twist operators. These are “fused” versions of the more traditionally used branch point twist fields and were introduced in a previous work. The use of twist operators allows us to perform the computation in an arbitrary number of spacial dimensions. We show that, in the large-volume limit, only the commutation relations between the twist operators and local fields matter, and computations reduce to a purely combinatorial problem. We address some specific issues regarding fermionic excitations, whose treatment requires the notion of partial time-reversal transformation, and we discuss the differences and analogies with their bosonic counterpart. We find that although the operation of partial transposition requires a redefinition for fermionic theories, the ratio of the negativity moments between an excited state and the ground state is universal and identical for fermions and bosons as well as for a large variety of very different states, ranging from simple qubit states to the excited states of free quantum field theories. Our predictions are tested numerically on a 1D Fermi chain.
Update Lipidologie
Authors: Parhofer Klaus G.
Published: June 2023

Die Behandlung von erhöhten Lipidwerten spielt in der Atheroskleroseprävention eine zentrale Rolle, wobei der Low-Density-Lipoprotein(LDL)-Cholesterin-Senkung mit Statinen und, wenn nicht ausreichend, mit Ezetimib, Bempedoinsäure und Inhibitoren der Proproteinkonvertase Subtilisin/Kexin Typ 9 (PCSK9) die größte Bedeutung zukommt. Auch wenn Lebensstilmaßnahmen das kardiovaskuläre Risiko stark beeinflussen können, spielen sie für die Absenkung des LDL-Cholesterin-Werts nur eine untergeordnete Rolle. Für die Entscheidung, ob, und ggf. wie, intensiv eine Lipidsenkung durchgeführt werden soll, ist das kardiovaskuläre Absolutrisiko entscheidend. Die Zielwerte sind in den letzten Jahren aufgrund der Ergebnisse von Interventionsstudien weiter abgesenkt worden. Bei Patienten mit sehr hohem Risiko (z. B. Patienten mit manifester Atheroskleroseerkrankung) sollten ein LDL-Cholesterin-Wert < 55 mg/dl (< 1,4 mmol/l; Umrechnung: [mg/dl] • 0,02586 = [mmol/l]) und mindestens eine Halbierung des Ausgangswertes angestrebt werden. Hinsichtlich erhöhter Triglyzeridwerte, entweder isoliert oder bei gleichzeitiger Erhöhung des LDL-Cholesterin-Werts, sind die Behandlungsziele weniger klar definiert, obwohl auch erhöhte Triglyzeridspiegel kausal mit Atheroskleroseereignissen verknüpft sind. Lebensstilmaßnahmen können die Triglyzeridspiegel deutlich absenken und sind oft effektiver als spezifische Triglyzeridsenker wie Fibrate und Omega-3-Fettsäuren. Neue Lipidsenker zur Behandlung bei stark erhöhten Triglyzerid- und erhöhten Lipoprotein(a)Werten sind in der Entwicklung, müssen ihren Nutzen aber erst in Endpunktstudien belegen.
„Man lasse sich ja nicht auf Diskussionen über ‚Samenverluste‘ ein“
Authors: Mildenberger Florian G. , Moll Friedrich H.
Published: June 2023

Felix Schlagintweit war Klinikassistent, Sanatoriumsbetreiber, Schriftsteller und Urologe in freier Praxis. Er verbesserte die diagnostischen Methoden des Faches (Zystoskop) wesentlich und interessierte sich für die Psychoanalyse. Einseitig operativen Therapien erteilte er ebenso eine Absage wie der alleinigen Konzentration auf die Somatik. Seiner Ansicht nach waren konservative Therapieoptionen oftmals mindestens ebenso wirksam. Da er sich auch politisch nicht anpassen wollte, wurde er spätestens nach 1933 aus dem fachinternen Diskurs getilgt und erst spät wieder entdeckt.
Evaluating the influence of 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams on prostate intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans
Authors: El Gendy Reham A. , Attalla Ehab M. , Elkerm Yasser M. , Alfarrash Ali
Published: June 2023

Objective

We aimed to determine the effects of low- and high-energy intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) photon beams on the target volume planning and on the critical organs in the case of prostate cancer.

Methods

Thirty plans were generated by using either 6 MV or 15 MV beams separately, and a combination of both 6 and 15 MV beams. All plans were generated by using suitable planning objectives and dose constraints, which were identical across the plans, except the beam energy. The plans were analyzed in terms of their target coverage, conformity, and homogeneity, regardless of the beam energy.

Results

The mean percentage values of V70 Gy for the rectal wall for the plans with 6 MV, 15 MV, and mixedenergy beams were 16.9%, 17.8%, and 16.4%, respectively, while the mean percentage values of V40 Gy were 53.6%, 52.3%, and 50.4%. The mean dose values to the femoral heads for the 6 MV, 15 MV, and mixed-energy plans were 30.1 Gy, 25.5 Gy, and 25.4 Gy, respectively. The mean integral dose for the 6 MV plans was 10% larger than those for the 15 MV and mixed-energy plans.

Conclusion

These preliminary results suggest that mixed-energy IMRT plans may be advantageous with respect to the dosimetric characteristics of low- and high-energy beams. Although the reduction of dose to the organs at risk may not be clinically relevant, in this study, IMRT plans using mixed-energy beams exhibited better OAR sparing and overall higher plan quality for deep-seated tumors.
Dosimetric comparison of different multileaf collimators in volumetric modulated arc therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Jiang Huayong , Xu Weidong , Wang Yadi , Gao Junmao , Liu Qingzhi , Lu Na , Chen Diandian , Yao Bo , Hou Jun , Chen Jianping
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aiom of the study was to compare the impacts of two types of multileaf collimators (MLC) [standard MLC with a width of 10 mm (sMLC) and micro-MLC with a width of 5 mm (mMLC)] on volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Methods

VMAT for ten patients with inoperable malignant pleural mesotheliomas was retrospectively planned with the sMLC and mMLC. Histogram-based dose-volume parameters of the planning target volume (PTV) [conformity index (CI) and homogeneous index (HI)] and organs-at-risk were compared for VMAT plans with sMLC (sMLC-VMAT) and mMLC (mMLC-VMAT).

Results

The mMLC-VMAT plans were more efficient (average delivery time: 2.67±1.49 min) than the sMLC-VMAT plans (average delivery time: 4.21 ± 2.03 min; P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to the sMLC plans, the mMLC plans demonstrated advantages in the dose coverage of the PTV (CI 0.75 ± 0.08 vs 0.73 ± 0.09; HI 1.09 ± 0.02 vs 1.10 ± 0.02), although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In addition, significant dose sparing in the fraction of the ipsilateral lung volume receiving > 20 Gy (V20; 54.72 ± 27.08 vs 58.52 ± 29.30) and > 30 Gy (V30; 42.74 ± 27.86 vs 46.86 ± 31.49) radiation, respectively, was observed for the mMLC plans (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Comparing sMLC-VMAT and mMLC-VMAT not only demonstrated the higher efficiency and better optimal target coverage of mMLC-VMAT, but also considerably improved the dose sparing of the ipsilateral lung in the VMAT plans for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Ethanolic extract of propolis induces apoptosis of HL-60 cells in vitro ⁎
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Yana , Li Naie , Yu Min , Wang Dong , Kong Lijun
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate whether ethanolic extract of propolis inhibits the growth and induces apoptosis of HL-60 cells.

Methods

HL-60 cells were treated for 24, 48, 72 h with various concentrations ethanolic extracts of propolis (0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). The proliferation of HL-60 cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Subsequently, Hochest 33258 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) were used to test the apoptosis of HL-60 cells. We observed the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 in HL-60 cells by immunohistochemistry.

Results

MTT assay showed that various concentrations of ethanolic extract of propolis had significant inhibitory effect on HL-60 cell proliferation (P < 0.05). Typical morphologic changes could be observed by fluorescence microscope and TUNEL. By immunohistochemistry, we found the expression level of Bax was up-regulated, whereas that of Bc1-2 was down-regulated (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ethanolic extract of propolis inhibits leukemia cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in vitro. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression and up-regulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio.
Jinlong capsule decreases adverse reactions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ⁎
Authors: Huang Wukui , Liu Dengyao , You Lina , Yang Shufa , Liu Mo , Gu Peng , Wang Pingju , Pahaerding Baikere , Fan Xiwen
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze whether Jinlong capsule could decrease adverse reactions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Eighty-two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly divided into the control group and experimental group. On the first day after TACE, the experimental group started receiving four Jinlong capsules orally three times daily, whereas the control group did not receive the treatment. Results The incidences of erythropenia and thrombocytopenia in the experimental group was lower than those in the control group (P = 0.040 and 0.033, respectively). The differences in serum levels of aminotransferase, albumin, potassium, and sodium between the two groups were significant (P = 0.034, 0.034, 0.013, and 0.044, respectively). The mean durations of stomachache and abdominal distension in the experimental group was significantly shorter than those in the control group (P = 0.004 and 0.021, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the incidences of nausea, fever, and vomiting between the two groups (P = 0.490, 0.495, and 0.585, respectively).

Conclusion

The reduction in the incidence rate and duration of partial adverse reactions after TACE was observed in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with Jinlong capsule compared to untreated patients, suggesting possible beneficial effects exerted by Jinlong capsule on the reduction of TACE-induced liver damage, thereby improving liver function and, consequently, the quality of life.
Hemangiopericytoma in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments: report of a rare case
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhou Yong , Ma Hulin , Li Zhiyun , He Jiaojing , Zhu Die , Qu Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we explore the diagnosis and treatment of hemangiopericytoma (HPC). A rare case of HPC in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments is reported, and the clinical features as well as treatment approaches of similar cases in the literature are discussed. In the present case, we operatively resected the tumor and performed postoperative radiation therapy, with good treatment results.
microRNAs regulation and its role as biomarkers in diseases ⁎
Authors: Zhou Huandi , Ge Xiaohui , Xue Xiaoying
Published: June 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), approximately 21 to 23 nucleotides (nt) in length, belong to a set of small non-coding RNA molecules that were not thought to be functional until the recent decades. miRNAs play important roles in many diseases such as various kinds of cancers and immune disorders. Many studies have focused on the relationship between miRNAs and diseases. miRNAs are significant mediators in human growth and development and in the genesis and development of diseases. Almost 30% of the activity of protein-coding genes is forecasted to be regulated by miRNAs in mammals, and some miRNAs are regarded as potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. In this review, we outline some functions of miRNAs, especially those related to diseases.
Clinicopathological features of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in patients with lung cancer ⁎
Authors: Yang Xuli , Wang Li , Sai Wenli , Cai Yin , Gu Juanjuan , Chen Xin , Yao Dengfu
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of hypoxiainducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

Cancerous and noncancerous tissues were collected post-operation from 115 patients with lung cancers by the self-control method. Total RNA was extracted from the lung tissues. The status of tissue HIF-1α expression and intercellular distribution was observed by immunochemistry using a tissue microarray. The expression levels of circulating HIF-1α and VEGF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The expression of serum HIF-1α [(138.3 ± 28.8) μg/L] in the group of patients with lung cancer was significantly higher (P< 0.01) than that in the group of patients with pneumonia [(58.8 ± 14.5) μg/L] and the control group of patients [(24.1 ± 3.3) μg/L]. There was a strong positive correlation of serum HIF-1α levels (r= 0.937,P< 0.01) with serum VEGF levels. The specific concentration of total RNA [(1.52 ± 1.14) μg/mg wet lung tissues] in the cancerous tissues was significantly higher (t= 8.494,P< 0.001) than that in the noncancerous tissues [(0.58 ± 0.33) μg/mg]. The clinicopathological features of HIF-1α expression in lung cancer tissues revealed a significant relationship between positive HIF-1α expression and patient sex (χ2= 4.494,P= 0.034), tumor size (χ2= 4.679,P= 0.031), differentiation degree (χ2= 8.846,P= 0.012), and presence of lymphatic node metastasis (χ2= 6.604,P= 0.037).

Conclusion

Abnormal HIF-1α expression in lung cancer is closely related with nucleic acid metabolism and angiogenesis, and it may be helpful in the diagnosis and identification of lung cancer.
Tumor-induced osteomalacia originating from bones: a report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Cai Zhuo , Meng Qiang , Guan Hanfeng , Yang Qing , Yang Caihong , Xiao Jun
Published: June 2023

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is caused by a small mesenchymal tumor and characterized by hypophosphatemia, phosphaturia, low levels of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). The typical symptoms include bone pain, pseudofracture, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are due to the overproduction of FGF-23 as a phosphaturic agent. Diagnosis of this disease is challenging because of the small lesion size and chronic symptoms. The cases described in this report were two patients with bone pain, severe muscle weakness, and difficulty performing activities, who were found to have TIO. The tumors were found through various imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). The tumors responsible for the symptoms were localized on their femurs and resection resulted in normalization of their blood chemistries and complaints.
Progress in the molecular pathology of glioma
Authors: Ke Changshu
Published: June 2023

Changshu Ke, Associate Professor of Pathology, Masters Supervisor, Associate Director of the Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, China. Prof. Ke graduated from The Fourth Military Medical University in 1986 and obtained his Master’s degree in the Department of Pathology, PLA General Hospital (Beijing), in 1989. In 1995, he received a fellowship for training in surgical pathology supported by the Hong Kong Division of the International Association of Pathology, which was held at the Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. From 1997 to 2001, he studied in the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and obtained his doctorate in 2001. He is now in charge of clinical services at the Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HUST. In addition, he teaches the pathology courses for medical students, and overseas medical students and graduate students (neuropathology courses). His research is mainly focused on brain edema, the surgical pathology of CNS tumors, and experimental studies in tumor biology. His current academic activities include: member of the editorial board of the Chinese Journal of Clinical Neurosurgery, member of the Neuropathology Group of the Pathological Society of the Chinese Medical Association, member of the Standing Committee of Onco-pathology Specialty of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Onco-pathology Specialty of Hubei Anti-Cancer Association.
The diagnostic value of tumor abnormal protein and high sensitivity C reactive protein in screening for endometrial cancer with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm ⁎
Authors: Li Yi , Yue Ruiqin , Qin Dongrui , Wang Yanqing , Zhou Xinling , Jing Xinyong , Wu Chuanzhong
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to combine tumor abnormal protein (TAP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level detection to diagnose endometrial cancer in patients with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm, and to provide a reference for clinical screening and diagnosis.

Methods

Clinical data from 19 cases of endometrial cancer, diagnosed on the basis of pathological findings, were collected from September 2014 to December 2015. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the patients were first diagnosed with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm and were all in menopause. Perimenopausal patients (n= 26) with uterine fibroids seen during the same period were selected as a control group. Serum TAP and hs-CRP levels of the patients in the two groups were simultaneously determined on admission.

Results

We found that both TAP and hs-CRP levels in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group [(182.95 ± 72.14) μm2vs. (133.19 ± 55.18) μm2,P= 0.019; (7.52 ± 19.03) mg/L vs. (1.66 ± 2.31) mg/L,P= 0.136]. The sensitivity of TAP for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer was 73.68%, the specificity was 69.23%, and the Youden index was 0.4291. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of hs-CRP was 15.79% and 100%, respectively, and the Youden index was 0.1579. After plotting the receiver operating characteristics curves, the optimal cut-off value for TAP in diagnosing endometrial cancer was found to be 160.662 μm2and that for hs-CRP was 1.07 mg/L.

Conclusion

For patients suspected of having endometrial cancer with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm, combined detection of TAP and hs-CRP levels can be used as a screening tool and can provide new ideas regarding clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer: Evaluation of outcomes and treatment
Authors: Sun Weijing
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a biologically heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical outcomes and responses to treatment. In the past two to three decades, a major effort has focused on classifying colorectal cancer subtypes based on causation, etiology, gene expression profiles, different pathways, and translational data from clinical trials. The goal is to uncover prognostic and predictive factors for outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer and to guide therapeutic approaches and management for the improvement of overall survival. Significant advances have been achieved in this area. However, tremendous work is still needed to accomplish the goal of better understanding intratumoral heterogeneity and the influence of the colonic environment, among other facets of colorectal cancer.