bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fat to Lean Meat Ratios on the Formation of Volatile Compounds in Mutton Shashliks
Authors: Zhang Mingcheng , Li Mingyang , Bai Fangfang , Yao Wensheng , You Litang , Liu Dengyong
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the release of volatile compounds in mutton shashliks (named as FxLy, x-fat cubes: 0-4; y-lean cubes: 4-0) with different fat–lean ratios before and during consumption, respectively. In total, 67 volatile compounds were identified in shashliks using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Aldehyde, alcohol, and ketone were the major volatile substances, accounting for more than 75% of the total volatile compounds. There were significant differences in the volatile compounds of mutton shashliks with different fat–lean ratios. With the increase of the fat content, the types and content of volatile substances released also increase. However, when the percentage of fat exceeded 50%, the number of furans and pyrazine, which were characteristic of the volatile compounds of roasted meat, was decreased. The release of volatiles during the consumption of mutton shashliks was measured using the exhaled breath test and the results showed that adding an appropriate amount of fat (<50%) helps to enrich the volatile compound components in the mouth. However, shashliks with higher fat–lean ratios (>2:2) shorten the mastication duration and weaken the breakdown of bolus particles in the consumption process, which is not conducive to the release potential of volatile substances. Therefore, setting the fat to lean ratio to 2:2 is the best choice for making mutton shashliks, as it (F2L2) can provide rich flavor substances for mutton shashliks before and during consumption.
InSAR-Based Detection of Subsidence Affecting Infrastructures and Urban Areas in Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy)
Authors: Beccaro Lisa , Cianflone Giuseppe , Tolomei Cristiano
Published: May 2023

The study of deformation signals associated with seismicity in alluvial plain areas is a challenging topic that, however, is increasingly studied thanks to the great aid given by remote sensing techniques that exploit Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. This study focuses on the determination of the deformation field within the Emilia-Romagna Region (northern Italy), in the area comprising Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Parma cities. SAR data acquired along both orbits during the Sentinel-1 and Cosmo-SkyMed satellite missions were processed with the Small Baseline Subset interferometric technique from June 2012, after the serious seismic swarm of May 2012, to January 2022, just before the two earthquakes occurred in February 2022. The results, validated with Global Navigation Satellite System measurements, do not highlight displacements correlated with the seismicity but, thanks to their high spatial resolution, it was possible to discriminate areas affected by noticeable subsidence phenomena: (i) the highly industrialized areas located north of the municipalities of Reggio Emilia and Modena cities and (ii) a sector of the high-speed railway sited north of the Reggio Emilia city centre, close to the Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station. Here we show that, at least since 2012, the latter area is affected by subsidence which can be related to the secondary consolidation process of the fine soils loaded by the railway embankment. The piezometric level analysis also suggests that the lowering of the groundwater table could accelerate the subsidence rate, affecting the stability of infrastructures in highly populated and industrialized areas.
Modulation of the Gut Microbiota to Control Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)—A Narrative Review with a Focus on Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Authors: Merrick Blair , Sergaki Chrysi , Edwards Lindsey , Moyes David L. , Kertanegara Michael , Prossomariti Désirée , Shawcross Debbie L. , Goldenberg Simon D.
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, causing a substantial burden to the global healthcare system. AMR in Gram-negative organisms is particularly concerning due to a dramatic rise in infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL and CPE). These pathogens have limited treatment options and are associated with poor clinical outcomes, including high mortality rates. The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract acts as a major reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (the resistome), and the environment facilitates intra and inter-species transfer of mobile genetic elements carrying these resistance genes. As colonisation often precedes infection, strategies to manipulate the resistome to limit endogenous infections with AMR organisms, as well as prevent transmission to others, is a worthwhile pursuit. This narrative review presents existing evidence on how manipulation of the gut microbiota can be exploited to therapeutically restore colonisation resistance using a number of methods, including diet, probiotics, bacteriophages and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
The Influence of the Big Five Personality Traits on Residents’ Plastic Reduction Attitudes in China
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Bairong , Li Yunyu
Published: May 2023

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. It is essential to understand why an individual is or is not supportive of reducing plastics. This study aims to investigate the dynamics behind residents’ plastic reduction attitudes from the lens of the Big Five personality traits. A sample of 521 residents in China was recruited and analyzed for this study. The results indicate that the Conscientiousness personality type is a reliable green personality with positive plastic reduction attitudes. Highly conscientious individuals are more responsible for the environment, and are expected to strictly follow the plastic ban policies, whereas less conscientious individuals are more likely to turn a blind eye to them. More importantly, the relationship between a Conscientiousness personality and plastic reduction attitudes is negatively moderated by education. The discovery of education’s moderating role suggests that both an inborn personality trait of Conscientiousness and post-born education can complementarily shape residents’ plastic reduction attitudes. The findings of this study deepen the understanding of the causes of pro-environmental attitudes and provide valuable insights into plastic management in China.
Risk Assessment and Source Apportionment of Metals on Atmospheric Particulate Matter in a Suburban Background Area of Gran Canaria (Spain)
Authors: Martín-Cruz Yumara , Gómez-Losada Álvaro
Published: May 2023

Concentration levels of 11 heavy metals were analyzed in PM10 and PM2.5 samples from a suburban area frequently affected by Saharan dust in which is located a school. The heavy metals risk assessment was carried out by the 2011 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency method, estimating the chronic and carcinogenic hazard levels both in adults and children. The highest level of chronic hazard was reached for Cr, with values of approximately 8 (PM10, adulthood), 2 (PM10, childhood) and 1.5 (PM2.5, adult age), significantly exceeding the limit value (equal to 1). Regarding the carcinogenic risk level, it was also high for Cr, with values between 10−3 and 10−1 for both study populations and particle size. For the rest of the studied metals, no health risk levels of concern were obtained. The positive matrix factorization method was used for the estimation of heavy metal emission sources apportionment. Non-exhaust vehicle emissions were the main source of Cr emissions under PM2.5, while industrial processes were the main source for PM10. Mineral dust and marine aerosol were common emission sources for both particles sizes—with different contributions. Vehicle emissions, construction and agricultural activities were the main emission sources for PM10, and fossil fuel combustion, road dust re-suspension and ammonium sulfate were for PM2.5. The results obtained in this study support the need to continue applying mitigation measures in suburban areas which are affected by nearby anthropogenic emissions, causing the consequent emission of materials hazardous to human health.
Smartphone-Based Cancer and Obesity Prevention Education Program for Chinese Women (SCOPE): A Pilot RCT
Authors: Chen Jyu-Lin , Guo Jia , Zhong Qinyi , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zhang Honghui , Mao Ping , Huang Qinyuan , Lin Chen-Xi , Hoffmann Thomas
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer prevalence has increased globally, with 12.2% of breast cancer cases identified in China. Obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are major risk factors for breast cancer. We conducted a randomized control trial to assess the feasibility and evaluate the preliminary effect of the Smartphone-Based Cancer and Obesity Prevention Education (SCOPE) program among adult biological women with a waist circumference greater than 80 cm. The SCOPE program includes tailored and culturally appropriate educational information for obesity and breast cancer prevention delivered by the research team via WeChat. The control group received non-tailored general health information via WeChat. A total of 102 women (52 intervention, 50 control) participated, and 87 (85%) completed 6-month follow-up assessments. For the primary study outcome at 6 months, women using SCOPE significantly reduced waist circumference (Cohen’s d = −0.39, p < 0.001). For secondary outcomes at 6 months, women using SCOPE significantly reduced BMI (d = −0.18, p = 0.001) and increased breast cancer-related knowledge (d = 0.48, p = 0.001) and attitude (d = 1.39, p < 0.01). No significant findings were found regarding diet self-efficacy, physical self-efficacy, or breast cancer screening barriers. The results suggest the intervention has great potential to promote the health and wellness of women.
Dominant Modes of Agricultural Production Helped Structure Initial COVID-19 Spread in the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Bergmann Luke , Chaves Luis Fernando , O’Sullivan David , Wallace Robert G.
Published: May 2023

The spread of COVID-19 is geographically uneven in agricultural regions. Explanations proposed include differences in occupational risks, access to healthcare, racial inequalities, and approaches to public health. Here, we additionally explore the impacts of coexisting modes of agricultural production across counties from twelve midwestern U.S. states. In modeling COVID-19 spread before vaccine authorization, we employed and extended spatial statistical methods that make different assumptions about the natures and scales of underlying sociospatial processes. In the process, we also develop a novel approach to visualizing the results of geographically weighted regressions that allows us to identify distinctive regional regimes of epidemiological processes. Our approaches allowed for models using abstract spatial weights (e.g., inverse-squared distances) to be meaningfully improved by also integrating process-specific relations (e.g., the geographical relations of the food system or of commuting). We thus contribute in several ways to methods in health geography and epidemiology for identifying contextually sensitive public engagements in socio-eco-epidemiological issues. Our results further show that agricultural modes of production are associated with the spread of COVID-19, with counties more engaged in modes of regenerative agricultural production having lower COVID-19 rates than those dominated by modes of conventional agricultural production, even when accounting for other factors.
Antitumoral and Immunogenic Capacity of β-D-Glucose—Reduced Silver Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer
Authors: Félix-Piña Pedro , Franco Molina Moisés Armides , Zarate Triviño Diana Ginette , García Coronado Paola Leonor , Zapata Benavides Pablo , Rodríguez Padilla Cristina
Published: May 2023

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of cell death capable of stimulating immunity against cancer through danger signals that lead to an adaptive immune response. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells; however, their mechanism of action is not fully understood. The present study synthesized, characterized, and evaluated the cytotoxic effect of beta-D-glucose-reduced AgNPs (AgNPs-G) against breast cancer (BC) cells in vitro; and assess the immunogenicity of cell death in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that AgNPs-G induce cell death in a dose-dependent manner on BC cell lines. In addition, AgNPs show antiproliferative effects by interfering with the cell cycle. Regarding the detection of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), it was found that treatment with AgNPs-G induces calreticulin exposure and the release of HSP70, HSP90, HMGB1, and ATP. In vivo, prophylactic vaccination did not prevent tumor establishment; however, tumor weight was significantly lower in AgNPs-G vaccinated mice, while the survival rate increased. In conclusion, we have developed a new method for the synthesis of AgNPs-G, with in vitro antitumor cytotoxic activity on BC cells, accompanied by the release of DAMPs. In vivo, immunization with AgNPs-G failed to induce a complete immune response in mice. Consequently, additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of cell death that leads to the design of strategies and combinations with clinical efficacy.
Comprehensive Proteome and Acetyl-Proteome Atlas Reveals Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Layer Hens with Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Enling , Peng Gang , Wang Yi , Huang Feiruo
Published: May 2023

The feeding of high-energy and low-protein diets often induces fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in laying hens. However, the mechanism of hepatic fat accumulation in hens with FLHS remains uncertain. In this research, a comprehensive hepatic proteome and acetyl-proteome analysis was performed in both normal and FLHS-affected hens. The results indicated that the upregulated proteins were primarily associated with fat digestion and absorption, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and glycerophospholipid metabolism, while the downregulated proteins were mainly related to bile secretion and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, the significant acetylated proteins were largely involved in ribosome and fatty acid degradation, and the PPAR signaling pathway, while the significant deacetylated proteins were related to valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation in laying hens with FLHS. Overall, these results demonstrate that acetylation inhibits hepatic fatty acid oxidation and transport in hens with FLHS, and mainly exerts its effects by affecting protein activity rather than expression. This study provides new nutritional regulation options to alleviate FLHS in laying hens.
Glycan Node Analysis Detects Varying Glycosaminoglycan Levels in Melanoma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Pendiuk Goncalves Jenifer , Walker Sierra A. , Aguilar Díaz de león Jesús S. , Yang Yubo , Davidovich Irina , Busatto Sara , Sarkaria Jann , Talmon Yeshayahu , Borges Chad R. , Wolfram Joy
Published: May 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in (patho)physiological processes by mediating cell communication. Although EVs contain glycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), these biomolecules have been overlooked due to technical challenges in comprehensive glycome analysis coupled with EV isolation. Conventional mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods are restricted to the assessment of N-linked glycans. Therefore, methods to comprehensively analyze all glyco-polymer classes on EVs are urgently needed. In this study, tangential flow filtration-based EV isolation was coupled with glycan node analysis (GNA) as an innovative and robust approach to characterize most major glyco-polymer features of EVs. GNA is a molecularly bottom-up gas chromatography-MS technique that provides unique information that is unobtainable with conventional methods. The results indicate that GNA can identify EV-associated glyco-polymers that would remain undetected with conventional MS methods. Specifically, predictions based on GNA identified a GAG (hyaluronan) with varying abundance on EVs from two different melanoma cell lines. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and enzymatic stripping protocols confirmed the differential abundance of EV-associated hyaluronan. These results lay the framework to explore GNA as a tool to assess major glycan classes on EVs, unveiling the EV glycocode and its biological functions.
Sphingosine Kinases at the Intersection of Pro-Inflammatory LPS and Anti-Inflammatory Endocannabinoid Signaling in BV2 Mouse Microglia Cells
Authors: Standoli Sara , Rapino Cinzia , Di Meo Camilla , Rudowski Agnes , Kämpfer-Kolb Nicole , Volk Luisa , Thomas Dominique , Trautmann Sandra , Schreiber Yannick , Meyer zu Heringdorf Dagmar , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: May 2023

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play important roles in brain homeostasis as well as in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, neurovascular diseases, and traumatic brain injury. In this context, components of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system have been shown to shift microglia towards an anti-inflammatory activation state. Instead, much less is known about the functional role of the sphingosine kinase (SphK)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) system in microglia biology. In the present study, we addressed potential crosstalk of the eCB and the S1P systems in BV2 mouse microglia cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We show that URB597, the selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)—the main degradative enzyme of the eCB anandamide—prevented LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and caused the accumulation of anandamide itself and eCB-like molecules such as oleic acid and cis-vaccenic acid ethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide. Furthermore, treatment with JWH133, a selective agonist of the eCB-binding cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor, mimicked the anti-inflammatory effects of URB597. Interestingly, LPS induced transcription of both SphK1 and SphK2, and the selective inhibitors of SphK1 (SLP7111228) and SphK2 (SLM6031434) strongly reduced LPS-induced TNFα and IL-1β production. Thus, the two SphKs were pro-inflammatory in BV2 cells in a non-redundant manner. Most importantly, the inhibition of FAAH by URB597, as well as the activation of CB2 by JWH133, prevented LPS-stimulated transcription of SphK1 and SphK2. These results present SphK1 and SphK2 at the intersection of pro-inflammatory LPS and anti-inflammatory eCB signaling, and suggest the further development of inhibitors of FAAH or SphKs for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.
Functional Identification and Genetic Transformation of the Ammonium Transporter PtrAMT1;6 in Populus
Authors: Yang Chengjun , Huang Chunxi , Gou Luzheng , Yang Han , Liu Guanjun
Published: May 2023

The ammonium transporter (AMT) family gene is an important transporter involved in ammonium uptake and transfer in plants and is mainly engaged in the uptake and transport of ammonium from the environment by roots and the reabsorption of ammonium in the aboveground parts. In this study, the expression pattern, functional identification, and genetic transformation of the PtrAMT1;6 gene, a member of the ammonium transporter protein family in P. trichocarpa, were investigated as follows: (1) Fluorescence quantitative PCR demonstrated that the PtrAMT1;6 gene was preferentially expressed in the leaves, with both dark-induced and light-inhibited expression patterns. (2) A functional restoration assay using the yeast ammonium transporter protein mutant strain indicated that the PtrAMT1;6 gene restored the ability of the mutant to transport ammonium with high affinity. (3) Arabidopsis was transformed with pCAMBIA-PtrAMT1;6P, and the transformed lines were stained with GUS, which showed that the rootstock junction, cotyledon petioles, and the leaf veins and pulp near the petioles of the transformed plants could be stained blue, indicating that the promoter of the PtrAMT1;6 gene had promoter activity. (4) The overexpression of the PtrAMT1;6 gene caused an imbalance in carbon and nitrogen metabolism and reduced nitrogen assimilation ability in ‘84K’ poplar and ultimately reduced biomass. The above results suggest that PtrAMT1;6 may be involved in ammonia recycling during nitrogen metabolism in aboveground parts, and overexpression of PtrAMT1;6 may affect the process of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as nitrogen assimilation in plants, resulting in stunted growth of overexpression plants.
Machine Learning for Prediction of Technical Results of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion
Authors: Nakachi Tatsuya , Yamane Masahisa , Kishi Koichi , Muramatsu Toshiya , Okada Hisayuki , Oikawa Yuji , Yoshikawa Ryohei , Kawasaki Tomohiro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Katoh Osamu
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The probability of technical success in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents essential information for specifying the priority of PCI for treatment selection in patients with CTO. However, the predictabilities of existing scores based on conventional regression analysis remain modest, leaving room for improvements in model discrimination. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as highly effective methods for prediction and decision-making in various disciplines. We therefore investigated the predictability of ML models for technical results of CTO-PCI and compared their performances to the results from existing scores, including J-CTO, CL, and CASTLE scores. (2) Methods: This analysis used data from the Japanese CTO-PCI expert registry, which enrolled 8760 consecutive patients undergoing CTO-PCI. The performance of prediction models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC). (3) Results: Technical success was achieved in 7990 procedures, accounting for an overall success rate of 91.2%. The best ML model, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), outperformed the conventional prediction scores with ROC-AUC (XGBoost 0.760 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.740–0.780] vs. J-CTO 0.697 [95%CI: 0.675–0.719], CL 0.662 [95%CI: 0.639–0.684], CASTLE 0.659 [95%CI: 0.636–0.681]; p < 0.005 for all). The XGBoost model demonstrated acceptable concordance between the observed and predicted probabilities of CTO-PCI failure. Calcification was the leading predictor. (4) Conclusions: ML techniques provide accurate, specific information regarding the likelihood of success in CTO-PCI, which would help select the best treatment for individual patients with CTO.
Disease Perception and Mental Health in Pregnancies with Gestational Diabetes—PsychDiab Pilot Study
Authors: Rieß Claudia , Heimann Yvonne , Schleußner Ekkehard , Groten Tanja , Weschenfelder Friederike
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The aim of this work is to investigate the extent to which pregnant women’s well-being is burdened by the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, as well as their sensitivities and illness perceptions. Since gestational diabetes is associated with mental disorders, we hypothesized that the burden of illness might be related to pre-existing mental distress. (2) Methods: Patients treated for gestational diabetes in our outpatient clinic were retrospectively asked to complete a survey, including the self-designed Psych-Diab-Questionnaire to assess treatment satisfaction, perceived limitations in daily life and the SCL-R-90 questionnaire to assess psychological distress. The association between mental distress and well-being during treatment was analyzed. (3) Results: Of 257 patients invited to participate in the postal survey, 77 (30%) responded. Mental distress was found in 13% (n = 10) without showing other relevant baseline characteristics. Patients with abnormal SCL-R-90 scores showed higher levels of disease burden, were concerned about glucose levels as well as their child’s health, and felt less comfortable during pregnancy. (4) Conclusions: Analogous to the postpartum depression screening, screening for mental health problems during pregnancy should be considered to target psychologically distressed patients. Our Psych-Diab-Questionnaire has been shown to be suitable to assess illness perception and well-being.
The Influence of Apremilast-Induced Macrophage Polarization on Intestinal Wound Healing
Authors: Mohr Annika , Besser Manuela , Broichhausen Sonja , Winter Maximiliane , Bungert Alexander D. , Strücker Benjamin , Juratli Mazen A. , Pascher Andreas , Becker Felix
Published: May 2023

There is compelling evidence suggesting a pivotal role played by macrophages in orchestrating intestinal wound healing. Since macrophages display significant plasticity and heterogeneity, exhibiting an either classically activated (M1-like) or alternatively activated (M2-like) phenotype, they can aggravate or attenuate intestinal wound healing. Growing evidence also demonstrates a causal link between impaired mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and defects in the polarization of pro-resolving macrophages. By targeting the switch from M1 to M2 macrophages, the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor Apremilast has gained recent attention as a potential IBD drug. However, there is a gap in our current knowledge regarding the impact of Apremilast-induced macrophages’ polarization on intestinal wound healing. The THP-1 cells were differentiated and polarized into M1 and M2 macrophages, and subsequently treated with Apremilast. Gene expression analysis was performed to characterize macrophage M1 and M2 phenotypes, and to identify possible target genes of Apremilast and the involved pathways. Next, intestinal fibroblast (CCD-18) and epithelial (CaCo-2) cell lines were scratch-wounded and exposed to a conditioned medium of Apremilast-treated macrophages. Apremilast had a clear effect on macrophage polarization, inducing an M1 to M2 phenotype switch, which was associated with NF-κB signaling. In addition, the wound-healing assays revealed an indirect influence of Apremilast on fibroblast migration. Our results support the hypothesis of Apremilast acting through the NF-κB-pathway and provide new insights into the interaction with fibroblast during intestinal wound healing.
Impact of Resolved Preformed, Persistent Preformed, and De Novo Anti-HLA Donor-Specific Antibodies in Kidney Transplant Recipients on Long-Term Renal Graft Outcomes
Authors: Gniewkiewicz Michal , Czerwinska Katarzyna , Zielniok Katarzyna , Durlik Magdalena
Published: May 2023

The post-transplant evolution of antihuman leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (anti-HLA DSAs) includes three clinical patterns: resolved preformed DSAs, persistent preformed DSAs, and de novo DSAs. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the impact of resolved preformed, persistent preformed, and de novo anti-HLA-A, -B, and -DR DSAs in kidney transplant recipients on long-term renal allograft outcomes. This is a post hoc analysis of the study conducted in our transplant center. One hundred eight kidney transplant recipients were included in the study. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months after allograft biopsy, which was performed 3 to 24 months after kidney transplantation. The identification of persistent preformed DSAs at the time of biopsy was the most significant predictor of the combined endpoint of the study (>30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate or death-censored graft loss; HR = 5.96, 95% CI 2.041–17.431, p = 0.0011), followed by the occurrence of de novo DSAs (HR = 4.48, 95% CI 1.483–13.520, p = 0.0079). No increased risk was observed in patients with resolved preformed DSAs (HR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.139–8.676, p = 0.9305). Patients with resolved preformed DSAs have similar graft prognoses as patients without DSAs, therefore, the persistence of preformed DSAs and development of de novo DSAs are associated with inferior long-term allograft outcomes.
The Implementation of FDG PET/CT for Staging Bladder Cancer: Changes in the Detection and Characteristics of Occult Nodal Metastases at Upfront Radical Cystectomy?
Authors: Einerhand Sarah , Zuur Lotte , Wondergem Maurits , Boellaard Thierry , Barwari Kurdo , van Leeuwen Pim , van Rhijn Bas , Mertens Laura
Published: May 2023

Occult lymph node (LN)-metastases are frequently found after upfront radical cystectomy (uRC) for bladder cancer (BC). We evaluated whether the implementation of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) influenced nodal staging at uRC. All consecutive BC patients who underwent uRC with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) were identified and divided into two cohorts: cohort A consisted of patients staged with FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) (2016–2021); cohort B consisted of patients staged with CE-CT only (2006–2011). The diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT was assessed and compared with that of CE-CT. Thereafter, we calculated the occult LN metastases proportions for both cohorts. In total, 523 patients were identified (cohort A n = 237, and cohort B n = 286). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of FDG PET/CT for detecting LN metastases were 23%, 92%, 42%, and 83%, respectively, versus 15%, 93%, 33%, 81%, respectively, for CE-CT. Occult LN metastases were found in 17% of cohort A (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.2–22.8) and 22% of cohort B (95% CI 16.9–27.1). The median size of LN metastases was 4 mm in cohort A versus 13 mm in cohort B. After introduction of FDG PET/CT, fewer and smaller occult LN metastases were present after uRC. Nevertheless, up to one-fifth of occult (micro-)metastases were still missed.
The Epidemiology of Spondylodiscitis in Germany: A Descriptive Report of Incidence Rates, Pathogens, In-Hospital Mortality, and Hospital Stays between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Lang Siegmund , Walter Nike , Schindler Melanie , Baertl Susanne , Szymski Dominik , Loibl Markus , Alt Volker , Rupp Markus
Published: May 2023

Background: Spondylodiscitis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding its up-to-date epidemiological characteristics and trends is important to improve patient care. Methods: This study analyzed trends in the incidence rate of spondylodiscitis cases in Germany between 2010 and 2020, as well as the pathogens, in-hospital mortality rate, and length of hospital stay. Data were obtained from the Federal Statistical Office and the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System database. The ICD-10 codes “M46.2-”, “M46.3-” and “M46.4-” were evaluated. Results: The incidence rate of spondylodiscitis increased to 14.4/100,000 inhabitants, with 59.6% cases occurring in patients 70 years or older and affecting mainly the lumbar spine (56.2%). Absolute case numbers increased from 6886 by 41.6% to 9753 in 2020 (IIR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.62–3.08). Staphylococci and Escherichia coli were the most coded pathogens. The proportion of resistant pathogens was 12.9%. In-hospital mortality rates increased to a maximum of 64.7/1000 patients in 2020, intensive care unit treatment was documented in 2697 (27.7%) cases, and the length of stay per case was 22.3 days. Conclusion: The sharply increasing incidence and in-hospital mortality rate of spondylodiscitis highlights the need for patient-centered therapy to improve patient outcomes, especially in the geriatric, frail population, which is prone to infectious diseases.
Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Are Associated with Pain Intensity and Shoulder Disability in Adults with Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: González Aroca Joaquín , Díaz Álvaro Puelles , Navarrete Carlos , Albarnez Loreto
Published: May 2023

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, and for people over 40 years old, it represents the musculoskeletal pain with the greatest impact on quality of life. Psychological factors, such as fear-avoidance beliefs, are associated with musculoskeletal pain, and several studies suggest that they can influence various treatment outcomes. Our objective was to explore the cross-sectional association between fear-avoidance beliefs and shoulder pain intensity and disability in subjects with chronic shoulder pain. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 208 participants with chronic unilateral subacromial shoulder pain were recruited. The shoulder pain and disability index assessed pain intensity and disability. The Spanish fear-avoidance components scale assessed the presence of fear-avoidance beliefs. The association between fear-avoidance beliefs and pain intensity and disability was analyzed by means of multiple linear regression models and proportional odds models, reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Shoulder and pain disability scores were significantly associated with fear-avoidance beliefs (p < 0.0001, adjusted R-square 0.93, multiple linear regression). There was no evidence of an association between sex and age in this study. The regression coefficient for shoulder pain intensity and disability score was 0.67446. The proportional odds model showed an odds ratio of 1.39 (1.29–1.50) for shoulder pain intensity and disability total score. This study suggests that greater levels of fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with greater levels of shoulder pain and disability in adults with chronic shoulder pain.
A Small Scale Optically Pumped Fetal Magnetocardiography System
Authors: Wurm David , Ewert Peter , Fierlinger Peter , Wakai Ronald , Wallner Verena , Wunderl Lena , Wacker-Gußmann Annette
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) is considered the best technique for diagnosis of fetal arrhythmia. It is superior to more widely used methods such as fetal, fetal electrocardiography, and cardiotocography for evaluation of fetal rhythm. The combination of fMCG and fetal echocardiography can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of fetal cardiac rhythm and function than is currently possible. In this study, we demonstrate a practical fMCG system based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). Methods: Seven pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies underwent fMCG at 26–36 weeks’ gestation. The recordings were made using an OPM-based fMCG system and a person-sized magnetic shield. The shield is much smaller than a shielded room and provides easy access with a large opening that allows the pregnant woman to lie comfortably in a prone position. Results: The data show no significant loss of quality compared to data acquired in a shielded room. Measurements of standard cardiac time intervals yielded the following results: PR = 104 ± 6 ms, QRS = 52.6 ± 1.5 ms, and QTc = 387 ± 19 ms. These results are compatible with those from prior studies performed using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) fMCG systems. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first European fMCG device with OPM technology commissioned for basic research in a pediatric cardiology unit. We demonstrated a patient-friendly, comfortable, and open fMCG system. The data yielded consistent cardiac intervals, measured from time-averaged waveforms, compatible with published SQUID and OPM data. This is an important step toward making the method widely accessible.
Advances in Imaging for Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives
Authors: Prandi Francesca Romana , Lerakis Stamatios , Belli Martina , Illuminato Federica , Margonato Davide , Barone Lucy , Muscoli Saverio , Chiocchi Marcello , Laudazi Mario , Marchei Massimo , Di Luozzo Marco , Kini Annapoorna , Romeo Francesco , Barillà Francesco
Published: May 2023

Severe tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation (TR) has been associated with adverse long-term outcomes in several natural history studies, but isolated TV surgery presents high mortality and morbidity rates. Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) therefore represent a promising field and may currently be considered in patients with severe secondary TR that have a prohibitive surgical risk. Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) represents one of the most frequently used TTVI options. Accurate imaging of the tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus is crucial for T-TEER preprocedural planning, in order to select the right candidates, and is also fundamental for intraprocedural guidance and post-procedural follow-up. Although transesophageal echocardiography represents the main imaging modality, we describe the utility and additional value of other imaging modalities such as cardiac CT and MRI, intracardiac echocardiography, fluoroscopy, and fusion imaging to assist T-TEER. Developments in the field of 3D printing, computational models, and artificial intelligence hold great promise in improving the assessment and management of patients with valvular heart disease.
Systematic Review of Safety of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Adults: Implications for Recreational Users
Authors: Vignali Jonathan D. , Pak Kevin C. , Beverley Holly R. , DeLuca Jesse P. , Downs John W. , Kress Adrian T. , Sadowski Brett W. , Selig Daniel J.
Published: May 2023

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are not FDA approved, and obtaining SARMs for personal use is illegal. Nevertheless, SARM use is increasingly popular amongst recreational athletes. Recent case reports of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and tendon rupture raise serious concerns for the safety of recreational SARM users. On 10 November 2022 PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies that reported safety data of SARMs. A multi-tiered screening approach was utilized, and any study or case report of generally healthy individuals exposed to any SARM was included. Thirty-three studies were included in the review with 15 case reports or case series and 18 clinical trials (total patients N = 2136 patients, exposed to SARM N = 1447). There were case reports of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) (N = 15), Achilles tendon rupture (N = 1), rhabdomyolysis (N = 1), and mild reversible liver enzyme elevation (N = 1). Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was commonly reported in clinical trials in patients exposed to SARM (mean 7.1% across trials). Two individuals exposed to GSK2881078 in a clinical trial were reported to have rhabdomyolysis. Recreational SARM use should be strongly discouraged, and the risks of DILI, rhabdomyolysis, and tendon rupture should be emphasized. However, despite warnings, if a patient refuses to discontinue SARM use, ALT monitoring or dose reduction may improve early detection and prevention of DILI.
An Independent Validation of SoilGrids Accuracy for Soil Texture Components in Croatia
Authors: Radočaj Dorijan , Jurišić Mladen , Rapčan Irena , Domazetović Fran , Milošević Rina , Plaščak Ivan
Published: May 2023

While SoilGrids is an important source of soil property data for a wide range of environmental studies worldwide, there is currently an extreme lack of studies evaluating its accuracy against independent ground truth soil sampling data. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the accuracy of SoilGrids layers for three physical soil properties representing soil texture components (clay, silt, and sand soil contents) using ground truth data in the heterogeneous landscape of Croatia. These ground truth data consisted of 686 soil samples collected within the national project at a 0–30 cm soil depth, representing the most recent official national data available. The main specificity of this study was that SoilGrids was created based on zero soil samples in the study area, according to the ISRIC WoSIS Soil Profile Database, which is very sparse for the wider surroundings of the study area. The accuracy assessment metrics indicated an overall low accuracy of the SoilGrids data compared with the ground truth data in Croatia, with the average coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.039 for silt and sand to 0.267 for clay, while the normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) ranged from 0.362 to 2.553. Despite the great value of SoilGrids in a vast range of environmental studies, this study proved that the accuracy of its products is highly dependent on the presence of ground truth data in the study area.
Township, County Town, Metropolitan Area, or Foreign Cities? Evidence from House Purchases by Rural Households in China
Authors: Wang Chengxiang , Pang Zehua , Choi Chang Gyu
Published: May 2023

In the context of China’s New Urbanization Strategy, it is of great practical significance to study rural–urban population migration from the perspective of house purchases by rural households. In this paper, the Huai’an Rural Survey Dataset (872,414 households) was used to study the heterogeneity of rural households’ house purchases in different classes of urban destinations, and its influencing factors were analyzed with GeoDetector. The results show that the urban house purchase destinations preferred by farmers were county towns, townships, foreign cities, and metropolitan areas, indicating that in situ urbanization has become the main path of urbanization for farmers in Huai’an. Among the environmental influencing factors, the rural environment had the greatest influence on house purchases locally (in the township and county town), and this influence decreased with the outward shift of house purchase destinations. The housing environment, the settlement environment, and the population and family environment were the main environmental impact elements. The natural environment and the policy environment had little influence on the house-purchasing behavior of farmers, and the location environment was critical in exotic locations (metropolitan areas and foreign cities). Therefore, this paper argues that a higher demand for housing is growing in China’s less developed rural areas, creating a situation in which the metropolitan area is the core and the county town is the main contributor. In terms of policy improvements, it is important to pay more attention to small cities such as counties and to offer housing concessions and welfare to “new citizens” from rural areas, as well as to significantly improve the housing, earnings, and public service environment for those who prefer to stay in the countryside.
Preparation of Reusable Porous Carbon Nanofibers from Oxidized Coal Liquefaction Residue for Efficient Adsorption in Water Treatment
Authors: Chen Yaoyao , Wang Kefu , Cao Liqin , Huang Xueli , Li Yizhao
Published: May 2023

Porous carbon nanofibers are commonly used for adsorption processes owing to their high specific surface area and rich pore structure. However, the poor mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based porous carbon nanofibers have limited their applications. Herein, we introduced solid waste-derived oxidized coal liquefaction residue (OCLR) into PAN-based nanofibers to obtain activated reinforced porous carbon nanofibers (ARCNF) with enhanced mechanical properties and regeneration for efficient adsorption of organic dyes in wastewater. This study examined the effects of contact time, concentration, temperature, pH, and salinity on the adsorption capacity. The adsorption processes of the dyes in ARCNF are appropriately described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity for malachite green (MG) on ARCNF is 2712.84 mg g−1 according to the fitted parameters of the Langmuir model. Adsorption thermodynamics indicated that the adsorptions of the five dyes are spontaneous and endothermic processes. In addition, ARCNF have good regenerative performance, and the adsorption capacity of MG is still higher than 76% after 5 adsorption-desorption cycles. Our prepared ARCNF can efficiently adsorb organic dyes in wastewater, reducing the pollution to the environment and providing a new idea for solid waste recycling and water treatment.
Photoinhibitive Properties of α-MoO3 on Its Composites with TiO2, ZnO, BiOI, AgBr, and Cu2O
Authors: Kedves Endre-Zsolt , Bárdos Enikő , Ravasz Alpár , Tóth Zsejke-Réka , Mihálydeákpál Szilvia , Kovács Zoltán , Pap Zsolt , Baia Lucian
Published: May 2023

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) is well known as a photocatalyst, adsorbent, and inhibitor during methyl orange photocatalytic degradation via TiO2. Therefore, besides the latter, other active photocatalysts, such as AgBr, ZnO, BiOI, and Cu2O, were assessed via the degradation of methyl orange and phenol in the presence of α-MoO3 using UV-A- and visible-light irradiation. Even though α-MoO3 could be used as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst, our results demonstrated that its presence in the reaction medium strongly inhibits the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, BiOI, Cu2O, and ZnO, while only the activity AgBr is not affected. Therefore, α-MoO3 might be an effective and stable inhibitor for photocatalytic processes to evaluate the newly explored photocatalysts. Quenching the photocatalytic reactions can offer information about the reaction mechanism. Moreover, the absence of photocatalytic inhibition suggests that besides photocatalytic processes, parallel reactions take place.
Achieving High Strength and High Conductivity of Cu-6 wt%Ag Sheets by Controlling the Aging Cooling Rate
Authors: Zhang Zhongyuan , Ru Yadong , Zuo Tingting , Xue Jiangli , Wu Yue , Gao Zhaoshun , Liu Yongsheng , Xiao Liye
Published: May 2023

In this paper, Cu-6 wt%Ag alloy sheets were prepared using vacuum induction melting, heat treatment, and cold working rolling. We investigated the influence of the aging cooling rate on the microstructure and properties of Cu-6 wt%Ag alloy sheets. By reducing the cooling rate of the aging treatment, the mechanical properties of the cold-rolled Cu-6 wt%Ag alloy sheets were improved. The cold-rolled Cu-6 wt%Ag alloy sheet achieves a tensile strength of 1003 MPa and an electrical conductivity of 75% IACS (International Annealing Copper Standard), which is superior to the alloy fabricated with other methods. SEM characterization shows that the change in properties of the Cu-6 wt%Ag alloy sheets with the same deformation is due to a precipitation of the nano-Ag phase. The high-performance Cu-Ag sheets are expected to be used as Bitter disks for water-cooled high-field magnets.
Tree-Structured Model with Unbiased Variable Selection and Interaction Detection for Ranking Data
Authors: Shih Yu-Shan , Kung Yi-Hung
Published: May 2023

In this article, we propose a tree-structured method for either complete or partial rank data that incorporates covariate information into the analysis. We use conditional independence tests based on hierarchical log-linear models for three-way contingency tables to select split variables and cut points, and apply a simple Bonferroni rule to declare whether a node worths splitting or not. Through simulations, we also demonstrate that the proposed method is unbiased and effective in selecting informative split variables. Our proposed method can be applied across various fields to provide a flexible and robust framework for analyzing rank data and understanding how various factors affect individual judgments on ranking. This can help improve the quality of products or services and assist with informed decision making.
A Bimodal Model for Oil Prices
Authors: Goard Joanna , AbaOud Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Oil price behaviour over the last 10 years has shown to be bimodal in character, displaying a strong tendency to congregate around one range of high oil prices and one range of low prices, indicating two distinct peaks in its frequency distribution. In this paper, we propose a new, single nonlinear stochastic process to model the bimodal behaviour, namely, dp=α(p1−p)(p2−p(p3−p)dt+σpγdZ, γ=0,0.5. Further, we find analytic approximations of oil price futures under this model in the cases where the stable fixed points of the corresponding deterministic model are (a) evenly spaced about the unstable fixed point and (b) are spaced in the ratio 1:2 about the unstable fixed point. The solutions are shown to produce accurate prices when compared to numerical solutions.