bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring craving: A systematic review and mapping of assessment instruments. What about sexual craving?
Authors: Miele Cécile , Cabé Julien , Cabé Nicolas , Bertsch Ingrid , Brousse Georges , Pereira Bruno , Moulin Valérie , Barrault Servane
Published: July 2023

Background and aims

Craving is central in the definition of addictive disorders because of its diagnostic and prognostic value. Its measurement is essential in clinical practice. Previous reviews provided a better overview of existing instruments; however, they do not consider emerging substances and behaviors such as sexual addictions. Our objectives were threefold: (1) to provide a systematic review of craving assessment instruments and their psychometric characteristics within a transdiagnostic approach, (2) to highlight and map their conceptual relationships and (3) to identify potential sexual craving assessment instruments.

Methods

The review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo and Cochrane/Central databases were searched for publications that met the following inclusion criterion: validation studies of craving assessment instruments, regardless of target substance or behavior. The original search identified 4561 references and included 147 articles. Each selected study was a peer‐reviewed publication.

Results

This review provides a synthesis of the psychometric properties of 36 original instruments and identified 93 variations of these instruments (e.g. translations). We were able to highlight five transdiagnostic families of instruments, each corresponding to a conceptual model. Only one instrument for assessing craving in the domain of compulsive sexual behavior, focused on pornography use, has been identified: the Pornography Craving Questionnaire.

Conclusion

This review mapped all craving assessment instruments from a transdiagnostic perspective, finding 36 original instruments and 93 variations. The evolution of instruments to measure craving mirrors the evolution of the concept of craving which has progressively integrated cognitive, conditioning and sensory dimensions, and attests to the importance of the context of assessment. Development of an instrument to measure ‘sexual craving’ is needed and could be based on the data from our review.
Gender diversity of the oral health leadership in Australia
Authors: Lalloo R
Published: July 2023

Background

Gender diversity in oral health leadership is important. Globally, this is dominated by men and does not equitably represent the increasing women in the workforce.

Methods

Publicly available and gathered data on leadership positions for Australian professional associations, accrediting body, specialist academies, training institutions and the public dental sector were analysed for gender (men and women) diversity.

Results

The gender diversity of the leadership varies across the oral health organizations and training institutions. Of the 383 identified leadership positions, 229 (60%) are held by men. Of the eight national dentist association presidents, six (75%) are men. Of the 65 leadership positions across 13 training institutions, 39 (59%) are held by men, and all schools training dentists are led by men. Men also dominate leadership roles in the specialist academies (62%), the research organizations (56%) and public dental sector (67%). Women do have the majority of senior leadership roles in the accrediting body (67%).

Conclusion

Gender diversity of the oral health leadership shows some positive findings, but there is still an effort required to increase women leaders across many areas of this leadership. This should urgently be recognized as a problem, with the implementation of strategies to address this important issue. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Handling injectable medications in anaesthesia
Authors: Kinsella S. M. , Boaden B. , El‐Ghazali S. , Ferguson K. , Kirkpatrick G. , Meek T. , Misra U. , Pandit J. J. , Young P. J.
Published: July 2023

Peri‐operative medication safety is complex. Avoidance of medication errors is both system‐ and practitioner‐based, and many departments within the hospital contribute to safe and effective systems. For the individual anaesthetist, drawing up, labelling and then the correct administration of medications are key components in a patient's peri‐operative journey. These guidelines aim to provide pragmatic safety steps for the practitioner and other individuals within the operative environment, as well as short‐ to long‐term goals for development of a collaborative approach to reducing errors. The aim is that they will be used as a basis for instilling good practice.
What works in peer support for breast cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review and meta‐ethnography
Authors: Clougher Derek , Ciria‐Suarez Laura , Medina Joan C. , Anastasiadou Dimitra , Racioppi Anna , Ochoa‐Arnedo Cristian
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is associated with adverse physical and psychological consequences. Although research has identified the various benefits linked to psychosocial interventions, mixed results have been found in relation to peer support. The aim of the present systematic review and meta‐ethnography is to explore the qualitative evidence on the experience of breast cancer survivors in peer support. A systematic search of the literature was conducted until June 2023, and a meta‐ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the included papers. Eleven articles were included, collecting the experience of 345 participants. The following four core areas involved in peer support implementation were identified from the synthesis: Peer support can create understanding and a mutual therapeutic and emotional connection; peer support can facilitate an educational and supportive patient‐centered journey; peer support should monitor group members for unpleasant emotional experiences; peer support should have professional supervision of recruitment and training to prioritize quality. These results can be used as patient‐centered insights by healthcare professionals to provide evidence‐informed peer support programs and address current limitations in the field.
Human leucocyte antigen‐matched related haematopoietic stem cell transplantation using low‐dose cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and thymoglobulin in children with severe aplastic anaemia
Authors: Alsultan Abdulrahman , Abujoub Rodaina , Alsudairy Reem , Memon Shahbaz , Jarrar Mohammad S. , Alafghani Sameera , Aldaama Saad , Ballourah Walid , Almanjomi Fahd , Essa Mohammed F.
Published: July 2023

When human leucocyte antigen‐matched related donors are available, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) represents the standard of care. Cyclophosphamide (Cy) 200 mg/kg and anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) are frequently administered, but to‐date, no standard conditioning regimen exists. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a unified HSCT conditioning protocol consisting of low‐dose Cy 80 mg/kg, fludarabine and ATG. Data were reviewed from children aged ≤14 years with either acquired SAA or non‐Fanconi anaemia inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS) between 2011 and 2022 at various Saudi institutions. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included mycophenolate mofetil and calcineurin inhibitors. HSCT was performed in 32 children (17 females and 15 males). Nine patients had deleterious mutations (two ERCC6L2, two ANKRD26, two TINF2, one LZTFL1, one RTEL1 and one DNAJC21). Four patients had short telomeres. All 32 patients engrafted successfully. At 3 years post‐transplant, the event‐free survival was 93% and overall survival was 95%. Two patients experienced secondary graft failure or myelodysplastic syndrome. A low probability of GVHD was observed (one acute GVHD II and one mild chronic GVHD). These data highlight how HSCT using low‐dose Cy as part of a fludarabine‐based regimen is safe and effective in SAA/non‐Fanconi anaemia IBMFS.
What kind of intimacy is meaningful to you? How intimate interactions foster individuals' sensemaking of innovation
Authors: Bellis Paola , Buganza Tommaso , Verganti Roberto
Published: July 2023

This study examines how intimacy affects individuals' sensemaking of innovation in their organization. Although sensemaking facilitates understanding innovation and envisioning new worldviews, it involves a delicate process of self‐disclosure, reflection, personal contact and communication. Intimacy focuses on time‐bounded interactions that foster individuals' progressive self‐disclosure and perceptions of mutual understanding. Therefore, drawing on intimacy theories, we investigate from a microlevel perspective how temporally bounded intimate interactions foster the meaningfulness of innovation for individuals. As sensemaking processes differ in large‐scale radical and incremental innovations, we examine both contexts in a post hoc analysis. Through a field study, we show that different intimacy dynamics (emotional, cognitive and listening) influence meaningfulness perceptions. In particular, we find that the emotional intimacy dynamics positively influence meaningfulness perceptions in the context of radical innovation initiatives, while the cognitive and listening intimacy dynamics positively influence meaningfulness perceptions in the context of incremental innovation initiatives. This study contributes to the sensemaking innovation literature by introducing intimacy as an enabler of sensemaking. Our study also suggests that managers should encourage moments of intimate interaction when pursuing innovation to facilitate sensemaking of change.
NEnv: Neural Environment Maps for Global Illumination
Authors: Rodriguez‐Pardo Carlos , Fabre Javier , Garces Elena , Lopez‐Moreno Jorge
Published: July 2023

Environment maps are commonly used to represent and compute far‐field illumination in virtual scenes. However, they are expensive to evaluate and sample from, limiting their applicability to real‐time rendering. Previous methods have focused on compression through spherical‐domain approximations, or on learning priors for natural, day‐light illumination. These hinder both accuracy and generality, and do not provide the probability information required for importance‐sampling Monte Carlo integration. We propose NEnv, a deep‐learning fully‐differentiable method, capable of compressing and learning to sample from a single environment map. NEnv is composed of two different neural networks: A normalizing flow, able to map samples from uniform distributions to the probability density of the illumination, also providing their corresponding probabilities; and an implicit neural representation which compresses the environment map into an efficient differentiable function. The computation time of environment samples with NEnv is two orders of magnitude less than with traditional methods. NEnv makes no assumptions regarding the content (i.e. natural illumination), thus achieving higher generality than previous learning‐based approaches. We share our implementation and a diverse dataset of trained neural environment maps, which can be easily integrated into existing rendering engines.
A Hyperspectral Space of Skin Tones for Inverse Rendering of Biophysical Skin Properties
Authors: Aliaga Carlos , Xia Menqi , Xie Xao , Jarabo Adrian , Braun Gustav , Hery Christophe
Published: July 2023

We present a method for estimating the main properties of human skin, leveraging a hyperspectral dataset of skin tones synthetically generated through a biophysical layered skin model and Monte Carlo light transport simulations. Our approach learns the mapping between the skin parameters and diffuse skin reflectance in such space through an encoder‐decoder network. We assess the performance of RGB and spectral reflectance up to 1 μm, allowing the model to retrieve visible and near‐infrared. Instead of restricting the parameters to values in the ranges reported in medical literature, we allow the model to exceed such ranges to gain expressiveness to recover outliers like beard, eyebrows, rushes and other imperfections. The continuity of our albedo space allows to recover smooth textures of skin properties, enabling reflectance manipulations by meaningful edits of the skin properties. The space is robust under different illumination conditions, and presents high spectral similarity with the current largest datasets of spectral measurements of real human skin while expanding its gamut.
Iridescent Water Droplets Beyond Mie Scattering
Authors: Xia Mengqi (Mandy) , Walter Bruce , Marschner Steve
Published: July 2023

Looking at a cup of hot tea, an observer can see color patterns and granular textures both on the water surface and in the steam. Motivated by this example, we model the appearance of iridescent water droplets. Mie scattering describes the scattering of light waves by individual spherical particles and is the building block for both effects, but we show that other mechanisms must also be considered in order to faithfully reproduce the appearance. Iridescence on the water surface is caused by droplets levitating above the surface, and interference between light scattered by drops and reflected by the water surface, known as Quetelet scattering, is essential to producing the color. We propose a model, new to computer graphics, for rendering this phenomenon, which we validate against photographs. For iridescent steam, we show that variation in droplet size is essential to the characteristic color patterns. We build a droplet growth model and apply it as a post‐processing step to an existing computer graphics fluid simulation to compute collections of particles for rendering. We significantly accelerate the rendering of sparse particles with motion blur by intersecting rays with particle trajectories, blending contributions along viewing rays. Our model reproduces the distinctive color patterns correlated with the steam flow. For both effects, we instantiate individual droplets and render them explicitly, since the granularity of droplets is readily observed in reality, and demonstrate that Mie scattering alone cannot reproduce the visual appearance.
A Practical and Hierarchical Yarn‐based Shading Model for Cloth
Authors: Zhu J. , Montazeri Z. , Aubry J. , Yan L. , Weidlich A.
Published: July 2023

Realistic cloth rendering is a longstanding challenge in computer graphics due to the intricate geometry and hierarchical structure of cloth: Fibers form plies which in turn are combined into yarns which then are woven or knitted into fabrics. Previous fiber‐based models have achieved high‐quality close‐up rendering, but they suffer from high computational cost, which limits their practicality. In this paper, we propose a novel hierarchical model that analytically aggregates light simulation on the fiber level by building on dual‐scattering theory. Based on this, we can perform an efficient simulation of ply and yarn shading. Compared to previous methods, our approach is faster and uses less memory while preserving a similar accuracy. We demonstrate both through comparison with existing fiber‐based shading models. Our yarn shading model can be applied to curves or surfaces, making it highly versatile for cloth shading. This duality paired with its simplicity and flexibility makes the model particularly useful for film and games production.
Circulating T‐cell subsets discrepancy between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder during mood episodes: A naturalistic, retrospective study of 1015 cases
Authors: Li Shaoli , Lv Duo , Qian Chao , Jiang Jiajun , Zhang Peifen , Xi Caixi , Wu Lingling , Gao Xingle , Fu Yaoyang , Zhang Danhua , Chen Yiqing , Huang Huimin , Zhu Yiyi , Wang Xiaorong , Lai Jianbo , Hu Shaohua
Published: July 2023

Aims

We aimed to investigate whether peripheral T‐cell subsets could be a biomarker to distinguish major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

Medical records of hospitalized patients in the Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from January 2015 to September 2020 with a discharge diagnosis of MDD or BD were reviewed. Patients who underwent peripheral blood examination of T‐cell subtype proportions, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T‐cell, and natural killer (NK) cells, were enrolled. The Chi‐square test, t‐test, or one‐way analysis of variance were used to analyze group differences. Demographic profiles and T‐cell data were used to construct a random forest classifier‐based diagnostic model.

Results

Totally, 98 cases of BD mania, 459 cases of BD depression (BD‐D), and 458 cases of MDD were included. There were significant differences in the proportions of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T‐cell, and NK cells among the three groups. Compared with MDD, the BD‐D group showed higher CD8+ but lower CD4+ T‐cell and a significantly lower ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ proportions. The random forest model achieved an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.71–0.83) to distinguish BD‐D from MDD patients.

Conclusion

These findings imply that BD and MDD patients may harbor different T‐cell inflammatory patterns, which could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for mood disorders.
The mitochondrial‐endoplasmic reticulum co‐transfer in dental pulp stromal cell promotes pulp injury repair
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyi , Wang Chunmeng , Zhou Zihao , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2023

Dental pulp injury remains a clinical challenge with limited therapeutic approaches. In the present study, we sought to prove that dental pulp stromal cells (DPSCs) mitochondrial transfer could promote dental pulp injury repair and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐mitochondrial contacts have a significant regulatory effect on mitochondrial transfer. Healthy DPSCs were co‐cultured directly or indirectly with injured DPSCs in the first molar of 1–2 month SD rats or in vitro. Mitochondrial transfer was observed after 24 h of co‐culture using fluorescence microscopy and live cell workstation. After co‐culture for 1W, 8‐OhdG immunofluorescence, mitochondrial membrane potential and total oxidant status/total antioxidant status were used to detect the mitochondrial function of injured DPSCs before and after mitochondrial transfer. Subsequently, mitochondria‐ER co‐transfer was regulated by modulating mitochondria‐ER binding in healthy DPSCs, and the results of GRP78 and CHOP in DPSCs, and PDI immunofluorescence and haematoxylin and eosin staining of pulp tissue were analysed to clarify the effects of modulating mitochondria‐ER co‐transfer on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and on pulp injury repair. Fluorescence microscopy and live cell workstation results showed significant mitochondrial transfer between DPSCs. Meanwhile, mitochondrial transfer significantly restored mitochondrial function in injured DPSCs. By modulating mitochondrial‐ER binding, the efficiency of mitochondrial transfer between DPSCs was significantly affected and had an impact on ERS in injured cells. Mitochondrial transfer of DPSCs significantly promotes pulpal injury repair and functional recovery of damaged DPSCs, and mitochondrial transfer of DPSCs is regulated by mitochondria‐ER binding.
The cost of respiratory hospitalizations in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Bear Natasha L. , Wilson Andrew , Blackmore A. Marie , Geelhoed Elizabeth , Simpson Shannon , Langdon Katherine
Published: July 2023

Aim

To establish the burden of respiratory illness in cerebral palsy (CP) on the Western Australian health care system by quantifying the costs of respiratory hospitalizations in children with CP, compared with non‐respiratory hospitalizations.

Method

A 2‐year (2014–2015) retrospective study using linked hospital data (excluding emergency department visits), in a population of children with CP in Western Australia aged 18 years and under (median age at hospitalization 7 years; interquartile range 5–12 years).

Results

In 671 individuals (57% male) there were 726 emergency hospitalizations, and 1631 elective hospitalizations. Although there were more elective hospitalizations, emergency hospitalizations were associated with longer stays in hospital, and more days in an intensive care unit, resulting in a higher total cost of emergency hospitalizations than elective hospitalizations (total costs: emergency AU$7 748 718 vs elective AU$6 738 187). ‘Respiratory’ was the leading cause of emergency hospitalizations, contributing to 36% of all emergency admission costs. For a group of high‐cost inpatient users (top 5% of individuals with the highest total inpatient costs) the most common reason for hospitalization was ‘respiratory’. Where non‐respiratory admissions were complicated by an additional respiratory diagnosis, length of stay was greater.

Interpretation

Respiratory hospitalizations in CP are a significant driver of health care costs. In the paediatric group, they are a burden for a subgroup of children with CP.

What this paper adds

Respiratory illness is the most costly area for unplanned, emergency hospitalizations for children and young people with cerebral palsy.

The top 5% of individuals with the highest total inpatient costs account for a disproportionate amount of health care costs.
ELOVL2‐methylation and renal and cardiovascular event in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Obeid Rima , Rickens Patricia , Heine Gunnar Henrik , Emrich Insa E. , Fliser Danilo , Zawada Adam M. , Bodis Marion , Geisel Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Background

Methylation of the Elongation Of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids‐Like 2 (ELOVL2) gene promoter may predict premature ageing and cardiovascular risk.

Methods

We studied the cross‐sectional associations between blood ELOVL2‐methylation and cardiovascular risk factors in 350 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage G2–G4 aged between 22 and 90 years. In a follow‐up study for a mean of 3.9 years, we investigated the association between baseline ELOVL2‐methylation and renal or cardiovascular events including death.

Results

ELOVL2‐methylation at seven CpG cites increased with age (the correlation coefficients between 0.67 and 0.87, p < 0.001). The ELOVL2‐CpGs methylation was lower in patients with CKD stage G2 versus those in stage G3a, G3b and G4, but the differences were explained by age. ELOVL2‐CpGs methylation showed no correlations with cardiovascular risk factors after adjusting for age. During the follow‐up, 64 patients showed deterioration in renal function or died and 77 showed cardiovascular events or died. The hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals for renal or cardiovascular events according to baseline ELOVL2‐CpGs methylation were not significant after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

ELOVL2‐hypermethylation showed a strong association with age, but was not independently associated with cardiovascular risk factors or with future renal or cardiovascular events in patients with CKD. ELOVL2 gene methylation is not likely to be itself a cause for ageing or illnesses, but it could be rather influenced by other upstream processes that deserve investigation.
Prognostic implication of pre‐transplant FEV1 on long‐term outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Novitzky‐Basso Igor , Lam Wilson , Chiarello Caden , Pasic Ivan , Law Arjun D. , Michelis Fotios V. , Gerbitz Armin , Viswabandya Auro , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Kumar Rajat , Mattsson Jonas , Messner Hans A. , Marras Theodore K. , Mittoo Shikha , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan
Published: July 2023

Background

Pre‐transplant pulmonary function testing (PFT) is essential before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT), yet the optimal cutoff value for affecting transplant outcomes remains poorly defined.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of pre‐HCT PFT data from 605 consecutive patients at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 used binary recursive partitioning to identify cutoff values for overall survival (OS) as an endpoint of transplant outcomes. These values were compared to HCT comorbidity index (HCT‐CI) FEV1 cutoffs for OS, cumulative incidence of relapse and non‐relapse mortality.

Results

FEV1 ≥ 81% was the identified cutoff point. The OS rate at 3 years showed 49.8% (FEV1 ≥ 81%) vs. 36.6% (<81%, p < .001). For HCT‐CI cutoffs, the OS rate at 3 years for FEV1 ≥ 80%, 66%–80% and ≤65% were 49.0%, 38.1% and 37.6% (p = .011), respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed that FEV1 ≥ 81% predicted reduced mortality (HR 0.682, p = .001). Subgroup analysis showed both FEV1 ≥ 81% and FEV1 by HCT‐CI cutoffs may stratify patients according to OS and NRM risk in subgroups receiving myeloablative, but not reduced intensity conditioning.

Conclusion

FEV1 ≥ 81% can predict OS and NRM in our cohort and is potentially simpler when risk stratifying patients undergoing allogeneic HCT, particularly those receiving myeloablative conditioning.
Changes in vertical and horizontal diversities mediated by the size structure of introduced fish collectively shape food‐web stability
Authors: Vagnon Chloé , Pomeranz Justin , Loheac Bertrand , Vallat Manuel , Guillard Jean , Raymond Jean‐Claude , Sentis Arnaud , Frossard Victor
Published: July 2023

Species introductions can alter local food‐web structure by changing the vertical or horizontal diversity within communities, largely driven by their body size distributions. Increasing vertical and horizontal diversities is predicted to have opposing effects on stability. However, their interactive effects remain largely overlooked. We investigated the independent and collective effects of vertical and horizontal diversities on food‐web stability in alpine lakes stocked with variable body size distributions of introduced fish species. Introduced predators destabilize food‐webs by increasing vertical diversity through food chain lengthening. Alternatively, increasing horizontal diversity results in more stable food‐web topologies. A non‐linear interaction between vertical and horizontal diversities suggests that increasing vertical diversity is most destabilizing when horizontal diversity is low. Our findings suggest that the size structure of introduced predators drives their impacts on stability by modifying the structure of food‐webs, and highlights the interactive effects of vertical and horizontal diversities on stability.
How to distinguish Guillain‐Barré syndrome from nitrous oxide‐induced neuropathy: A 2‐year, multicentric, retrospective study
Authors: Fortanier Etienne , Berling Edouard , Zanin Adrien , Guillou Adrien Le , Micaleff Joelle , Nicolas Guillaume , Lozeron Pierre , Attarian Shahram
Published: July 2023

Background

Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has dramatically increased in recent years, resulting in numerous cases of acute sensorimotor tetraparesis secondary to nitrous oxide‐induced neuropathy (N2On). Challenging clinical features can mimic Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), the main differential diagnosis upon admission. The most sensitive biomarkers for distinguishing between these two conditions remain to be determined.

Methods

Fifty‐eight N2On patients from three referral centers were retrospectively included over a 2‐year period and compared to GBS patients hospitalized during the same timeframe (47 patients). Collected demographic, clinical, biological, and electrophysiological data were compared between the two groups.

Results

The typical N2On clinical pattern included distal sensorimotor deficit in lower limbs with absent reflexes, proprioceptive ataxia, and no cranial involvement (56.7% of our cohort). Misleading GBS‐like presentations were found in 14 N2On patients (24.1%), and 13 patients (22.4%) did not report N2O use during initial interview. Only half the N2On patients presented with reduced vitamin B12 serum levels upon admission. A slightly increased cut‐off (<200 pmol/L) demonstrated 85.1% sensitivity and 84.5% specificity in distinguishing N2On from GBS. Only 6.9% of N2On patients met the criteria for primary demyelination (p < 0.01), with only one presenting conduction blocks. A diagnostic algorithm combining these two biomarkers successfully classified all GBS‐like N2On patients.

Conclusions

Vitamin B12 serum level < 200 pmol/L cut‐off and conduction blocks in initial electrophysiological study are the two most sensitive biomarkers for rapidly distinguishing N2On from GBS patients. These two parameters are particularly useful in clinically atypical N2On with GBS‐like presentation.
Clinical characteristics and heterogeneity of generalized pustular psoriasis: A comparative study in a large retrospective cohort
Authors: Xu Zhongrui , Liu Yanhua , Qu Huanhuan , Bai Yaxing , Ma Jingyi , Hao Junfeng , Yu Chen , Dang Erle , Wang Gang , Shao Shuai
Published: July 2023

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and potentially life‐threatening skin disease and the clinical heterogeneity of which is largely unknown. Retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on hospitalized GPP patients between January 2010 and November 2022. A total of 416 patients with GPP and psoriasis vulgaris (PV) respectively were included, matched 1:1 by sex and age. The heterogeneity of GPP was stratified by PV history and age. Compared with PV, GPP was significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization (11.7 vs. 10.3 day, p < 0.001), elevated neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (5.93 vs. 2.44, p < 0.001) and anemia (13.9% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). Moreover, GPP alone (without PV history) was a relatively severer subtype with higher temperature (37.6°C vs. 38.0°C, p = 0.002) and skin infections (5.2% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.019) than GPP with PV. For patients across different age, compared with juvenile patients, clinical features support a severer phenotype in middle‐aged, including higher incidence of anaemia (7.5% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.023) and NLR score (3.83 vs. 6.88, p < 0.001). Interleukin‐6 (r = 0.59), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.56), albumin (r = −0.53) and C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (r = 0.49) were the most relevant markers of severity in GPP alone, GPP with PV, juvenile and middle‐aged GPP, respectively. This retrospective cohort suggests that GPP is highly heterogeneous and GPP alone and middle‐aged GPP exhibit severe disease phenotypes. More attention on the heterogeneity of this severe disease is warranted to meet the unmet needs and promote the individualized management of GPP.
Did morality help consumers protect others while shopping during pandemic?
Authors: Chakraborty Swagata , Sadachar Amrut
Published: July 2023

We explored the relationships between the big 5 personality traits (i.e., openness, consciousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism), morality amid the pandemic, and intentions for shopping online and in‐store. Conducting an online survey with the U.S. national sample (n = 490) and analyzing the data through structural equation modeling, we found that consciousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism positively influenced morality; extraversion negatively influenced morality; conscientiousness positively influenced and openness and extraversion negatively influenced the intentions for online shopping; extraversion positively influenced and neuroticism negatively influenced in‐store shopping intentions. Morality and personality traits are important in shaping intentions for shopping online and in‐store amid the pandemic.
On the evaluation of uniaxial tensile and fracture properties of Ti‐6Al‐4V by spherical indentation tests with different calculation models
Authors: Li Jianxun , Wang Minghang , Li Ying , Chen Haofeng , Zhang Tairui , Wang Weiqiang
Published: July 2023

This study assessed the efficacy of models in predicting uniaxial tensile and fracture properties of Ti‐6Al‐4V (TC4) alloys via spherical indentation tests (SITs). Four models, including one empirical, one numerical, and two analytical, were selected as representatives to evaluate uniaxial tensile properties. A series of experiments were conducted on TC4 alloys obtained from three manufacturing processes: selective laser melting (SLM), forging, and welding. The empirical model underestimated the material's strength, while the other models were mostly conservative, with errors within 10%, acceptable for engineering applications. However, although the incremental model is able to provide a desirable result, it may be inaccurate for calculating the yield strength. Thus, the source of errors in each model was thoroughly investigated through theoretical analysis and finite element calculations. Additionally, based on the results of optimal strength assessment, this study validated the effectiveness of the critical stress model to evaluate the fracture toughness of TC4 alloys.
Illusion and individuation in the Orientalisms of Arthur Schopenhauer and Karoline von Günderrode
Authors: Takamura David
Published: July 2023

The present article demonstrates the philosophical gains Arthur Schopenhauer and Karoline von Günderrode derive from the Western conceptions of individuation they read into Indian thought. Schopenhauer represents much of 19th‐century German Orientalism—including that of Herder and Friedrich Schlegel—insofar as his Idealism focuses upon Indian “antirealism” or the view that contrasts the unreality of finitude with a higher, ultimate reality. In particular, he subsumes all individuated forms—including individual subjectivity—under the Indian concept māyā, or “illusion” as understood by the Hindu school Advaita. Günderrode, on the contrary, privileges the Indian concept of saṃsāra, or cyclical reincarnation, which in her understanding exemplifies a then uncommon interpretation of Indian thought as “realist,” or committed to the truth of appearances and the value of finitude. With regard to Hindu belief, Günderrode's conception of individuation as participation in reality therefore resonates with the materialist school of Hinduism Vaiśeṣika, as well as Advaita's directly competing school, Viśiṣṭādvaita.
Novel application of pineapple peel pectin extract film as active edible coating on quality of dried pineapple
Authors: Meerasri Jitrawadee , Sothornvit Rungsinee
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to determine the efficiency of using pineapple peel pectin solution (PPPS) and commercial pectin solution (CPS) as a novel edible coating to preserve the quality of hot‐air (HA)‐dried pineapples without any use of expensive equipment as a freeze dryer. First, pectin films at different ratios of CPS to PPPS (10:0, 9:1, 8:2 and 7:3) were evaluated for the film properties prior to application. A high amount of PPPS lowered film solubility with a high total phenolic content (TPC). The film at 8:2 was selected based on its high functional properties. The coating did not show significant changes in colour, water activity and texture properties of coated HA‐dried pineapples compared to uncoated samples. Moreover, PPPS addition maintained TPC and antioxidant activity of coated HA‐dried samples similar to the high quality of uncoated freeze‐dried samples. Thus, the new edible coating showed an alternative to preserve the quality of HA‐dried pineapples.
Effect of defatted coconut flour on functional, nutritional, textural and sensory attributes of rice noodles
Authors: Sundaresan Thirumal , Subramaniam Sanjay , Chinnapa Veeramani , Rajoo Baskar
Published: July 2023

Defatted coconut flour (DCF) obtained after the coconut oil extraction was incorporated at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) in rice noodles to increase the fibre and protein content. The functional characteristics of the flour blends and nutritional composition, colour, cooking qualities, textural, antioxidant properties, shelf life and sensory qualities of the noodles were assessed. The incorporation of DCF significantly (P < 0.05) increased Water Solubility Index (WSI), water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC). In contrast, properties like bulk density, foaming capacity (FC), emulsion activity and viscosity decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Nutrition analysis revealed that DCF‐enriched formulations had significantly more crude fibre, protein, antioxidant, polyphenol, flavonoid and mineral content than the control sample. Furthermore, the incorporation of DCF significantly (P < 0.05) increased swelling volume (2.33 ± 0.06% to 5.65 ± 0.21%), water uptake ratio (108.91 ± 0.03% to 191.21 ± 0.04%), cooking loss (4.61 ± 0.04% to 7.83 ± 0.02%), cooking time (2.62 ± 0.05 to 4.14 ± 0.04 min) and noodle thickness (0.21 to 0.27 cm). When DCF was added to noodles, the ΔE values were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, but the hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience, gumminess, L*, hue and chroma were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Higher sensory scores were observed when DCF was incorporated up to 10%. The shelf life of the optimised noodles (with 10% DCF) was also assessed. The optimised noodle samples have a shelf life of 351 days at 29 °C. In conclusion, noodles made with DCF had more protein and fibre than those made with rice flour.
Impact of replacing sugar withStevia rebaudianaBertoni leaves on the physical–chemical and sensory characteristics of gluten‐free and lactose‐free cake
Authors: de Souza Nespeca Lucas , Cardoso Flávia Aparecida Reitz , Droval Adriana Aparecida , Marques Leila Larisa Medeiros , Beneti Stéphani Caroline , Heck Stênio Cristaldo , Fuchs Renata Hernandez Barros
Published: July 2023

This study evaluated the influence of replacing sugar withStevia rebaudianaleaves on gluten‐ and lactose‐free cakes' sensory and physicochemical characteristics. The cakes underwent microbiological analysis, texture profile, specific volume, acceptance test and purchase intention, as well as the rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) descriptive test. With the results of the acceptance test and texture profile, the desirability function was applied in order to obtain an optimised formulation (FO) with lower values for hardness and chewiness and higher values for overall acceptance. As the stevia content in the cakes increased, the acceptability of these attributes decreased, and the same occurred with purchase intention. In the texture profile, only hardness, chewiness, gumminess and specific volume showed significant differences, influenced by the sugar content, since this component adds positively to the dough and texture of the cakes. Applying the desirability function, the optimised formulation presented a composition of 65% (1.95 g) of stevia and 35% (35 g) of sugar, and new analyses were performed, with a global acceptance of 7.20, for example. It was concluded that it was possible to make gluten‐free and lactose‐free cakes by applying stevia leaves. However, this addition should be done moderately since it is inversely proportional to the acceptability of the attributes.
Effect of UV‐B irradiation on bioconversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2 and its impact on nutritional properties of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida)
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Sharma Shivani , Kaur Ravneet , Kaur Jaspreet , Singh Arashdeep
Published: July 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern for vegetarians as most of the vitamin D‐enriched foods are of animal origin. Pleurotus florida is an excellent source of ergosterol, which gets converted into vitamin D2 under UV exposure. The objective of this study was to optimise UV‐B intensity (1.00–2.50 W/cm2) and exposure time (20–120 min) for maximum ergosterol conversion to vitamin D2. The optimisation studies indicated that exposure with intensity (2.00 W/cm2) for 60 min showed maximum vitamin D formation. The analysis of different nutritional parameters revealed no significant impact on total soluble proteins while a significant increase in total phenolic and total flavonoid contents was observed. On the contrary, a significant reduction was observed in riboflavin content of P. florida. Overall, P. florida exposure to UV‐B is a sustainable approach to enhance the vitamin D content for the development of fortified mushroom products or dietary supplements.
CD4 T cells and toxicity from immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Earland Noah , Zhang Wubing , Usmani Abul , Nene Aishwarya , Bacchiocchi Antonella , Chen David Y. , Sznol Mario , Halaban Ruth , Chaudhuri Aadel A. , Newman Aaron M.
Published: July 2023

Immune‐related toxicities, otherwise known as immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), occur in a substantial fraction of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Ranging from asymptomatic to life‐threatening, ICI‐induced irAEs can result in hospital admission, high‐dose corticosteroid treatment, ICI discontinuation, and in some cases, death. A deeper understanding of the factors underpinning severe irAE development will be essential for improved irAE prediction and prevention, toward maximizing the benefits and safety profiles of ICIs. In recent work, we applied mass cytometry, single‐cell RNA sequencing, single‐cell V(D)J sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and bulk T‐cell receptor (TCR) sequencing to identify pretreatment determinants of severe irAE development in patients with advanced melanoma. Across 71 patients separated into three cohorts, we found that two baseline features in circulation—elevated activated CD4 effector memory T‐cell abundance and TCR diversity—are associated with severe irAE development, independent of the affected organ system within 3 months of ICI treatment initiation. Here, we provide an extended perspective on this work, synthesize and discuss related literature, and summarize practical considerations for clinical translation. Collectively, these findings lay a foundation for data‐driven and mechanistic insights into irAE development, with the potential to reduce ICI morbidity and mortality in the future.
Zirconia/garnet multiphase ceramics with high immobilization capacity for Nd confers better physical and chemical stability
Authors: Ge Yong , Xu Baoliang , Liao Yiliao , Zhang Xueyu , Yan Xu , Zheng Caohui , Duan Tao
Published: July 2023

Multiphase ceramics have a high application potential in the field of nuclear waste immobilization because of the efficient synergy between the individual phases. In this work, zirconia/garnet multiphase ceramics with high efficient and effective immobilization capacity of trivalent actinides were successfully prepared using conventional solid‐phase sintering. ZrO2 doping increases the lattice site available for nuclide substitution and advance the immobilization capacity of the ceramic substrate for nuclide. At the same time, the phase change of zirconia is used to tougher and improve the physical properties of the ceramic waste form. The feasibility of using multiphase ceramics for the efficient immobilization of trivalent actinides was assessed by studying the phase evolution, microstructure, Vickers hardness, and chemical stability of the multi‐phase ceramics. Zr1‐xNdxO2‐x/2/Ca3‐yNdyZr3‐yFey‐1Fe3O12 multiphase ceramics exhibited superior physical or chemical properties compared to most of the multiphase ceramics as well as the previously prepared single‐phase calcium garnet ceramic waste forms. The Vickers hardness of all the multiphase ceramic samples ranged between 685 and 730 HV0.5. Under the condition of using simulate Bei Shan groundwater as leaching agent, the normalized leaching rates of Nd is approximately 10−6 g·m−2·day−1, showing good chemical stability and achieving efficient and effective immobilization of trivalent actinides. The excellent chemical, as well as physical properties of Zr1‐xNdxO2‐x/2/Ca3‐yNdyZr3‐yFey‐1Fe3O12 multiphase ceramics are expected to make them one of the substrates for more efficient and effective immobilizing of trivalent actinides.
Rapid fabrication of Si3N4 ceramics with gradient appearance and microstructure
Authors: Du Songmo , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Shijia , Zhao Shuo , Cui Wei , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: July 2023

Si3N4 ceramics with tailored gradient in color and microstructure were prepared by a rapid cost‐effective one‐step approach. The gradient microstructure was obtained by the manipulation of the dissolution‐reprecipitation process, by controlling the sintering temperature and sintering additive content. In the Si3N4 ceramics, the β‐phase content gradually changed from 84% to 11%. The Si3N4 ceramics exhibited white color on one side and showed a hardness of 19 GPa and fracture toughness of 7 MPa·m1/2 and may be suitable for bio‐implantation applications.
Colored Si3N4 ceramics via constructing Nd3+ doped core‐shell structures
Authors: Liu Ning , Hu Tengfei , Zhang Jingxian , Yusen Duan , Wang Zhen , Dong Shaoming
Published: July 2023

Si3N4 ceramics have been attractive casing materials for electronics devices under the 5th generation mobile communication technology because of its outstanding comprehensive properties. However, single color cannot meet the needs of most consumers. Here, a typical strategy, involving forming core‐shell structures by utilizing Nd2O3‐MgO‐YAG system, is proposed to rich color. Scanning transmission electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry results confirm the presence of core‐shell structures in the silicon nitride matrix, and the core is pore and the shell is Nd‐enriched liquid phase. The Nd‐rich core‐shell structure as the color center makes the silicon nitride appear cyan or blue.
Basic Human Values and Preferences for an EU‐Wide Social Benefit Scheme
Authors: Reinl Ann‐Kathrin , Seddig Daniel , Dennison James , Davidov Eldad
Published: July 2023

Previous explanations regarding transnational solidarity in the European Union (EU) have mainly focussed on factors including left–right self‐placement, support for European integration and European identity. We expand this model by considering deeper psychological determinants of transnational solidarity: values, operationalised as Schwartz's basic human values of universalism and security. We expect them to exert (1) direct effects on transnational solidarity – measured as support for pan‐European social benefits – and (2) indirect effects via the three aforementioned factors. We test and find evidence to support our theoretical framework using multigroup structural equation modelling and data from the European Social Survey. We further show that the effect size of the value of universalism on preferences for an EU social benefit scheme in each country is positively moderated by that country's net contribution to the EU budget, highlighting the interaction between material interests and psychological value motivations.
Response to uncertainty in developmental origins of health and disease research: commentary on Nomura et al. (2022)
Authors: Nomura Yoko , Newcorn Jeffrey H. , Hurd Yasmin L.
Published: July 2023

We appreciate the comments of Gilman et al. (2023) on our paper and their acknowledgement of its importance in highlighting the significance of this area of research. Further, their acknowledgment that the primary results of our study are in a range that is similar to those from other published studies of children exposed to highly stressful environmental events emphasizes the validity of our findings and the important extension of our results to children experiencing these events in utero. They, however, raised concerns about some of the results regarding specific types of psychiatric disorders and sex‐specific results related to the prenatal Superstorm Sandy hurricane exposure. We comment on the various issues related to the paper below but will not respond to comments regarding the press coverage of this article, which we think are beyond the scope of this commentary.