bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: An Le , Qi Zhijiang , Shao Huan , Li Chunsheng
Published: March 2023

Background

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a terminal event that results in a range of pathophysiological changes in the body, most notably, systemic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is an important neuroendocrine system that modulates adrenocortical hormone release. This study was designed to investigate the changes in HPA-related hormone levels after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to explore possible etiologies to provide a basis for relevant clinical research.

Methods

We collected the clinical data of 96 patients with CA admitted to the Emergency Department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2016 and May 2017. Serum samples were collected 6, 24, and 72 hours after restoring spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The data were compared with those of the healthy control group (n = 50). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure copeptin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and total cortisol. Demographic data were collected for both groups. For the CPR group, clinical data and the end-of-study cerebral performance category (CPC) were analyzed. Patients were followed up through day 28. Death or survival after day 28 was used as the study endpoint. Simple values were expressed as medians and quartiles or ratios (%) for statistical analysis. Continuous variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The mean values of normally distributed measurement data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for among-group comparisons and the least significant difference (LSD) test for between-group comparisons. SPSS v17 (SPSS, Chicago, IL) was used for statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of age or sex. The 28-day mortality rate in the CPR group was 71%. ACTH and CRH levels were significantly lower in the CPR group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.001). Copeptin and cortisol levels 6 hours after ROSC were significantly higher in the CPR group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.001). No significant changes in any indicator were observed over time (6, 24, and 72 hours after ROSC) (P > 0.05). The CPC score was 1–2 (good cerebral performance group) in 13 patients, 3–4 (poor cerebral performance group) in 17 patients, and 5 (brain death or clinical death) in 66 patients. Patients with significantly declining ACTH and CRH levels had higher CPC scores (P < 0.05); however, no significant differences were found in other indicators (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

After post-CA ROSC, ischemia-reperfusion injury may cause brain damage and HPA axis damage and dysfunction, the severity of which is associated with CPC score.
Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Distress in SCAD and Non-SCAD AMI Patients
Authors: Murphy Barbara M. , Rogerson Michelle C. , Hesselson Stephanie , Iismaa Siiri E. , Hoover Valerie , Le Grande Michael , Graham Robert M. , Jackson Alun C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly in younger women without classic cardiac risk factors. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is considered to be particularly stressful; however, few studies have quantified SCAD survivor stress levels. This study compared anxiety, depression, and distress levels in SCAD and non-SCAD AMI patients.

Method:

A sample of 162 AMI (35 [22%] SCAD) patients was recruited from hospitals and via social media, in Australia and the United States. All had had their AMI in the past 6 mo. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD2), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ2), Kessler-6 (K6), and Cardiac Distress Inventory (CDI). T-tests, χ2 tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and analysis of covariance were used to compare SCAD and non-SCAD samples. Logistic regression was used to identify the unique predictors of anxiety, depression, and distress, controlling for relevant confounders.

Results:

Patients with SCAD were more commonly female and significantly younger than non-SCAD patients. Patients with SCAD scored significantly higher on the GAD2, PHQ2, K6, and CDI and a significantly larger proportion was classified as anxious, depressed, or distressed using these instruments. In logistic regression, together with mental health history, having had a SCAD-AMI predicted anxiety, depression, and distress, after controlling for female sex, younger age, and other confounding variables.

Conclusion:

This study supports the view that anxiety, depression, and distress are more common after SCAD-AMI than after traditional AMI. These findings highlight the psychosocial impacts of SCAD and suggest that psychological support should be an important component of cardiac rehabilitation for these patients.
COMBINED RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL AND CHOROIDAL DETACHMENT
Authors: Tsui Jonathan C. , Brucker Alexander J. , Kim Benjamin J. , Kolomeyer Anton M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

To review the literature on eyes with concurrent rhegmatogenous retinal and choroidal detachment (RRD-CD).

Methods:

Several databases were searched for “rhegmatogenous retinal detachment” and “choroidal detachment” through October 2022. All English language primary literature was reviewed.

Results:

Studies demonstrated that eyes with RRD-CD were very uncommon and had diminished baseline visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with eyes with RRD only. Although no randomized trials have been performed, pars plana vitrectomy with or without scleral buckle (SB) have reported higher surgical success rates than SB alone. Reattachment rates were affected by age, IOP, adjuvant steroids, and grade of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Conclusion:

Low IOP and poor initial VA are salient features of eyes with RRD-CD. Steroids can be useful adjuvants administered safely using several routes including periocular and intravitreal injection. PPV ± SB may result in best surgical outcomes.
Periorbital Pyoderma Gangrenosum Associated With a Cocaine-Induced Midline Destructive Lesion: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shoji Marissa K. , Staropoli Patrick , Tran Ann Q. , Thaller Seth , Kirsner Robert S. , Dubovy Sander R. , Blessing Nathan W. , Alabiad Chris R.
Published: March 2023

A 72-year-old woman with a history of chronic cocaine use presented 9 months after a dog bite with a large facial ulceration and absent sinonasal structures. Biopsies were negative for infectious, vasculitic, or neoplastic pathologies. The patient was lost to follow up for 15 months and returned with a significantly larger lesion despite abstinence from cocaine. Additional inflammatory and infectious workup was negative. Intravenous steroids were administered with clinical improvement. Therefore, she was diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum and cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion due to cocaine/levamisole. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare dermatologic condition that uncommonly involves the eye and ocular adnexa. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, response to steroids, exclusion of infectious or autoimmune conditions, and identifying potential triggers including cocaine/levamisole. This report highlights a rare presentation of periorbital pyoderma gangrenosum causing cicatricial ectropion associated with concomitant cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion and reviews important aspects of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of pyoderma gangrenosum and cocaine/levamisole autoimmune phenomenon.
Metastatic Epithelioid Sarcoma of the Eyelid in a 47-Year-Old Man: A Case Report
Authors: Han Michael M. , Dermarkarian Christopher R. , Camacho Maria B. , Estopinal Maria Del Valle , Tao Jeremiah P.
Published: March 2023

Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain differentiation that typically affects the distal extremities. Primary orbital epithelioid sarcoma is rare, and no reports exist characterizing metastases of this tumor to the orbit and ocular adnexa. In this article, the authors describe a rare case of eyelid metastasis in a 47-year-old man with epithelioid sarcoma of the right fibula diagnosed 16 months earlier who was otherwise doing well on the adjuvant tazemetostat therapy. In addition, the authors perform a retrospective review of cases of primary orbital epithelioid sarcoma reported in the literature, of which 4 patients responded favorably to surgical excision whereas 2 others eventually died as a direct result of their disease.
Severe Eyelid Malformation With Facial Clefting and Amniotic Bands
Authors: Dohlman Jenny C. , Elliott Alexandra T.
Published: March 2023

Amniotic bands can lead to eyelid colobomas contiguous with facial clefts, resulting in severe and highly variable eyelid malformations. There is no known underlying genetic cause of amniotic band sequence. Here, the authors review the case of an infant born with large, 4-eyelid colobomatous defects in the setting of facial clefts, amniotic bands and an underlying SMOC1 mutation, which has not previously been linked to amniotic band sequence or eyelid colobomas. Reconstructive technique and the postoperative course are described, and underlying etiologic theories of amniotic band sequence are reviewed and expanded upon. Although amblyopia prevention in this patient with poor visual potential was not a consideration, the goals of improving the patient’s ocular surface and maintaining eye contact were achieved.
Telehealth and Medicare Type 2 Diabetes Care Outcomes
Authors: Walker Brigham , Stoecker Charles , Shao Yixue , Nauman Elizabeth , Fort Daniel , Shi Lizheng
Published: March 2023

Background:

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services broadened access to telehealth. This provided an opportunity to test whether diabetes, a risk factor for COVID-19 severity, can be managed with telehealth services.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of telehealth on diabetes control.

Research Design:

A doubly robust estimator combined a propensity score–weighting strategy with regression controls for baseline characteristics using electronic medical records data to compare outcomes in patients with and without telehealth care. Matching on preperiod trajectories in outpatient visits and weighting by odds were used to ensure comparability between comparators.

Subjects:

Medicare patients with type 2 diabetes in Louisiana between March 2018 and February 2021 (9530 patients with a COVID-19 era telehealth visit and 20,666 patients without one).

Measures:

Primary outcomes were glycemic levels and control [ie, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) under 7%]. Secondary outcomes included alternative HbA1c measures, emergency department visits, and inpatient admissions.

Results:

Telehealth was associated with lower pandemic era mean A1c values [estimate=−0.080%, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.111% to −0.048%], which translated to an increased likelihood of having HbA1c in control (estimate=0.013; 95% CI: 0.002–0.024; P<0.023). Hispanic telehealth users had relatively higher COVID-19 era HbA1c levels (estimate=0.125; 95% CI: 0.044–0.205; P<0.003). Telehealth was not associated with differences in the likelihood of having an emergency department visits (estimate=−0.003; 95% CI: −0.011 to 0.004; P<0.351) but was associated with more the likelihood of having an inpatient admission (estimate=0.024; 95% CI: 0.018–0.031; P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Telehealth use among Medicare patients with type 2 diabetes in Louisiana stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with relatively improved glycemic control.
Developing an Adjunct Services Approach to Identify the Use of Procedures Not Covered by Health Insurance
Authors: Hirth Richard A. , Levinson Zachary M. , Blattner Neha Buch , Dalton Vanessa K. , Kelley Angela S. , Lanham Michael , Manning Marsha , Norton Edward C. , Levy Helen G. , Dupree James M.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Health care claims have an inherent limitation in that noncovered services are unreported. This limitation is particularly problematic when researchers wish to study the effects of changes in the insurance coverage of a service. In prior work, we studied the change in the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after an employer added coverage. To estimate IVF use before coverage began, we developed and tested an Adjunct Services Approach that identified patterns of covered services cooccurring with IVF.

Methods:

Based on clinical expertise and guidelines, we developed a list of candidate adjunct services and used claims data after IVF coverage began to assess associations of those codes with known IVF cycles and whether any additional codes were also strongly associated with IVF. The algorithm was validated by primary chart review and was then used to infer IVF in the precoverage period.

Results:

The selected algorithm included pelvic ultrasounds and either menotropin or ganirelix, yielding a sensitivity of 93.0% and specificity of >99.9%.

Discussion:

The Adjunct Services Approach effectively assessed the change in IVF use postinsurance coverage. Our approach can be adapted to study IVF in other settings or to study other medical services experiencing coverage changes (eg, fertility preservation, bariatric surgery, and sex confirmation surgery). Overall, we find that an Adjunct Services Approach can be useful when (1) clinical pathways exist to define services delivered adjunct to the noncovered service, (2) those pathways are followed for most patients receiving the service, and (3) similar patterns of adjunct services occur infrequently with other procedures.
Did Access to Ambulatory Care Moderate the Associations Between Visit Mode and Ancillary Services Utilization Across the COVID-19 Pandemic Period?
Authors: Roblin Douglas W. , Goodrich Glenn K. , Davis Teaniese L. , Gander Jennifer C. , McCracken Courtney E. , Weinfield Nancy S. , Ritzwoller Debra P.
Published: March 2023

Background/Objective:

In recent years, 2 circumstances changed provider-patient interactions in primary care: the substitution of virtual (eg, video) for in-person visits and the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied whether access to care might affect patient fulfillment of ancillary services orders for ambulatory diagnosis and management of incident neck or back pain (NBP) and incident urinary tract infection (UTI) for virtual versus in-person visits.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the electronic health records of 3 Kaiser Permanente Regions to identify incident NBP and UTI visits from January 2016 through June 2021. Visit modes were classified as virtual (Internet-mediated synchronous chats, telephone visits, or video visits) or in-person. Periods were classified as prepandemic [before the beginning of the national emergency (April 2020)] or recovery (after June 2020). Percentages of patient fulfillment of ancillary services orders were measured for 5 service classes each for NBP and UTI. Differences in percentages of fulfillments were compared between modes within periods and between periods within the mode to assess the possible impact of 3 moderators: distance from residence to primary care clinic, high deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollment, and prior use of a mail-order pharmacy program.

Results:

For diagnostic radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services, percentages of fulfilled orders were generally >70–80%. Given an incident NBP or UTI visit, longer distance to the clinic and higher cost-sharing due to HDHP enrollment did not significantly suppress patients’ fulfillment of ancillary services orders. Prior use of mail-order prescriptions significantly promoted medication order fulfillments on virtual NBP visits compared with in-person NBP visits in the prepandemic period (5.9% vs. 2.0%, P=0.01) and in the recovery period (5.2% vs. 1.6%, P=0.02).

Conclusions:

Distance to the clinic or HDHP enrollment had minimal impact on the fulfillment of diagnostic or prescribed medication services associated with incident NBP or UTI visits delivered virtually or in-person; however, prior use of mail-order pharmacy option promoted fulfillment of prescribed medication orders associated with NBP visits.
Two-Photon Calcium Imaging in the Brain ofAedes aegyptiMosquitoes
Authors: Zhao Zhilei , Weiss Lukas , McBride Carolyn S.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the neural basis of mosquito behavior is critical for designing effective vector control strategies and can potentially shed new light on basic nervous system function. Because mosquitoes are a non-model species, however, functional studies of mosquito nervous systems have long been restricted to electrophysiological recording from peripheral sensory organs such as the antenna. This is now changing with the advent of CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing and the development of other powerful new genetic tools. Transgenic mosquitoes that carry genetically encoded calcium sensors, for example, open the door to optical recording of neural activity with two-photon calcium imaging. Compared with electrophysiology, calcium imaging permits continuous monitoring of neural activity from large populations of neurons, even deep in the brain. When combined with selective neural drivers, it also allows targeted recording from specific neuronal types. Here, we describe a calcium imaging protocol we use in our laboratory to study neural activity in the brain ofAedes aegyptimosquitoes.
Membrane Feeding Devices to Blood Feed Mosquitoes in the Laboratory
Authors: Costa-da-Silva Andre Luis
Published: March 2023

Husbandry protocols for medically important mosquito species in the laboratory have the blood feeding procedure as an inherent step in the maintenance routine for egg production. Artificial feeders have become the main solution for delivering blood meals to these hematophagous insects, circumventing the need for vertebrate hosts. Mimicking the skin, these devices both heat the blood and hold a membrane through which the blood can be ingested by mosquitoes. Several commercial and noncommercial artificial mosquito feeders are available, but obstacles like high cost and complex assembly can restrict their routine use. To address this issue, a number of feeders have been designed that can be built with common materials found in the laboratory. They are cheaper and more accessible, but the absence of built-in temperature control and heating units can limit their efficacy. One of the most accessible mosquito feeders is the Glytube. It consists of a 50-mL conical centrifuge tube with heated glycerol that delivers blood through a membrane. The Glytube has been used successfully to model mosquito blood feeding. Recently, 3D printing has emerged as an alternative method to create customized artificial feeders. This technology is expected to facilitate access to and reduce the cost of these devices with open-source 3D model files that can be shared among laboratories maintaining mosquitoes worldwide.
A smart modern construction enterprise maturity model for business scenarios leading to Industry 4.0
Authors: Das Priyadarshini , Perera Srinath , Senaratne Sepani , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is characterised by systemic transformations occurring exponentially, encompassing an array of dynamic processes and technologies. To move towards a more sustainable future, it is important to understand the nature of this transformation. However, construction enterprises are experiencing a capacity shortage in identifying the transitional management steps needed to navigate Industry 4.0 better. This paper presents a maturity model with the acronym “Smart Modern Construction Enterprise Maturity Model (SMCeMM)” that provides direction to construction enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts an iterative procedure to develop the maturity model. The attributes of Industry 4.0 maturity are obtained through a critical literature review. The model is further developed through knowledge elicitation using modified Delphi-based expert forums and subsequent analysis through qualitative techniques. The conceptual validity of the model is established through a validation expert forum.

Findings

The research defines maturity characteristics of construction enterprises across five levels namely ad-hoc, driven, transforming, integrated and innovative encompassing seven process categories; data management, people and culture, leadership and strategy, automation, collaboration and communication, change management and innovation. The maturity characteristics are then translated into assessment criteria which can be used to assess how mature a construction enterprise is in navigating Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

The results advance the field of Industry 4.0 strategy research in construction. The findings can be used to access Industry 4.0 maturity of general contractors of varying sizes and scales and generate a set of recommendations to support their macroscopic strategic planning.
The potential value of thallium‐201 scintigraphy in the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma arising from extensive pyoderma
Authors: Namiki Takeshi , Makiguchi Moe , Wada Shogo , Al‐Busani Hind , Nishida Makiko , Ugajin Tsukasa , Miura Keiko , Yokoyama Kota , Okiyama Naoko
Published: March 2023

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arises from a variety of premalignant conditions, including pyoderma. However, an accurate diagnosis of SCC is sometimes challenging due to indistinguishable inflammatory lesions. Here, we present a case of SCC arising from extensive pyoderma, which was successfully diagnosed by taking advantage of thallium‐201 scintigraphy. A 49‐year‐old man presented with an elevated tumor on his right buttock. Computed tomography (CT) and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified the tumor, but many indistinguishable lesions were also found around the tumor. Histopathology revealed an atypical proliferation of keratinocytes with cancer pearls inside the tumor nests, while histopathology of nodules around the tumor revealed inflammatory tissues. Positron emission tomography CT (PET/CT) revealed an accumulation of 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]‐D‐glucose at the axillae and inguinal nodes, and at subcutaneous tissues in addition to the tumor. From the CT, enhanced MRI, and PET/CT analyses it was impossible to differentiate many scattered subcutaneous nodules on the trunk from SCCs. However, thallium‐201 scintigraphy identified only the tumor and found no accumulation in other nodules. This finding suggests that thallium‐201 scintigraphy is useful for the diagnosis of SCC by excluding false‐positive signals detected by other imaging technologies.
Plasticity and repeatability in spring migration and parturition dates with implications for annual reproductive success
Authors: Laforge Michel P. , Webber Quinn M. R. , Vander Wal Eric
Published: March 2023

In seasonal environments, animals should be adapted to match important life‐history traits to when environmental conditions are optimal. Most animal populations therefore reproduce when resource abundance is highest to increase annual reproductive success. When facing variable, and changing, environments animals can display behavioural plasticity to acclimate to changing conditions. Behaviours can further be repeatable. For example, timing of behaviours and life history traits such as timing of reproduction may indicate phenotypic variation. Such variation may buffer animal populations against the consequences of variation and change.

Our goal was to quantify plasticity and repeatability in migration and parturition timing in response to timing of snowmelt and green‐up in a migratory herbivore (caribou, Rangifer tarandus, n = 132 ID‐years) and their effect on reproductive success.

We used behavioural reaction norms to quantify repeatability in timing of migration and timing of parturition in caribou and their plasticity to timing of spring events, while also quantifying phenotypic covariance between behavioural and life‐history traits.

Timing of migration for individual caribou was positively correlated with timing of snowmelt. The timing of parturition for individual caribou varied as a function of inter‐annual variation in timing of snowmelt and green‐up. Repeatability for migration timing was moderate, but low for timing of parturition. Plasticity did not affect reproductive success. We also did not detect any evidence of phenotypic covariance among any traits examined—timing of migration was not correlated with timing of parturition, and neither was there a correlation in the plasticity of these traits.

Repeatability in migration timing suggests the possibility that the timing of migration in migratory herbivores could evolve if the repeatability detected in this study has a genetic or otherwise heritable basis, but observed plasticity may obviate the need for an evolutionary response. Our results also suggest that observed shifts in caribou parturition timing are due to plasticity as opposed to an evolutionary response to changing conditions. While this provides some evidence that populations may be buffered from the consequences of climate change via plasticity, a lack of repeatability in parturition timing could impede adaptation as warming increases.
Stand structure of Central European forests matters more than climate for transpiration sensitivity to VPD
Authors: Bachofen Christoph , Poyatos Rafael , Flo Víctor , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Mencuccini Maurizio , Granda Víctor , Grossiord Charlotte
Published: March 2023

Temperature rise and more severe and frequent droughts will alter forest transpiration, thereby affecting the global water cycle. Yet, tree responses to increased atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and reduced soil water content (SWC) are not fully understood due to long‐term tree adjustments to local environmental conditions that modify transpiration responses to short‐term VPD and SWC changes.

We analysed sap flux density (SFD) of Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Quercus ilex from 25 sites across Europe to understand how daily variation in SWC affects the sensitivity of SFD to VPD (βVPD) and the maximum SFD (S95). Furthermore, we tested whether long‐term adjustments to site climatic conditions and stand characteristics affect βVPD and S95.

The studied species showed contrasting βVPD and S95 with the largest values in F. sylvatica, followed by Q. ilex, which surpassed the two conifers that showed low βVPD and low S95. We observed that βVPD and S95 dropped during days of low SWC in F. sylvatica, P. sylvestris and Q. ilex, but not in P. abies. Both βVPD and S95 were driven by tree height, and the temperature and precipitation at the sites. However, stand basal area was the most important driver of βVPD and S95, explaining 30% of their total variance.

Synthesis and applications: A future warmer and drier climate will restrict tree transpiration and thereby heavily affect the soil–plant‐atmosphere coupling. However, the effect of basal area, being the largest driver of tree transpiration sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit across a broad range of conditions, provides the opportunity to pre‐adapt European forests to future climate conditions. While stand thinning can increase the soil water availability for remaining trees, it also increases transpiration sensitivity to high air temperatures and may thereby amplify tree vulnerability to heat and drought.
Environmental formation of methylmercury is controlled by synergy of inorganic mercury bioavailability and microbial mercury‐methylation capacity
Authors: Peterson Benjamin D. , Krabbenhoft David P. , McMahon Katherine D. , Ogorek Jacob M. , Tate Michael T. , Orem William H. , Poulin Brett A.
Published: March 2023

Methylmercury (MeHg) production is controlled by the bioavailability of inorganic divalent mercury (Hg(II)i) and Hg‐methylation capacity of the microbial community (conferred by the hgcAB gene cluster). However, the relative importance of these factors and their interaction in the environment remain poorly understood. Here, metagenomic sequencing and a full‐factorial MeHg formation experiment were conducted across a wetland sulfate gradient with different microbial communities and pore water chemistries. From this experiment, the relative importance of each factor on MeHg formation was isolated. Hg(II)i bioavailability correlated with the dissolved organic matter composition, while the microbial Hg‐methylation capacity correlated with the abundance of hgcA genes. MeHg formation responded synergistically to both factors. Notably, hgcA sequences were from diverse taxonomic groups, none of which contained genes for dissimilatory sulfate reduction. This work expands our understanding of the geochemical and microbial constraints on MeHg formation in situ and provides an experimental framework for further mechanistic studies.
Effective use of assistive technology in inclusive classroom: views of teachers on resources and challenges in a developing economy
Authors: VANDerpuye Irene , Okai Martha‐Pearl
Published: March 2023

This study explores challenges confronting teachers in using assistive technologies (ATs) in inclusive schools. Data was retrieved from ten teachers in the Western Region of Ghana. Thematic analysis, with the aid of NVivo 12, revealed that teachers think ATs are costly and difficult to maintain. Alongside poor resources, the combined effect of lack of patience and unwilling attitude of teachers at deploying best suited ATs, poses the biggest challenge to effective AT usage. We recommended increased emphasis on best suited ATs that are cheap and easy to maintain. Regular training, oriented towards enhancing teachers' skills and attitude is vital.
Parenthood and dynamics of life satisfaction in times of COVID‐19
Authors: Hudde Ansgar , Hank Karsten , Jacob Marita
Published: March 2023

We analyze data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, including a pre‐pandemic baseline and seven survey waves between May 2020 and September 2021. Fixed effects panel regression models are run over more than 11,000 individuals, distinguishing among women and men with young children (<5 years), older children (5–15 years), or no children in the household. We hypothesize that declines in life satisfaction during the first lockdown are sharper among parents, whose domestic demands increase, than among the childless. We develop competing hypotheses that parents might be resilient and have higher life satisfaction during the later phases of the pandemic (Adaptation Hypothesis) or that the pandemic stressors accumulate, leading to even lower satisfaction over time (Accumulation Hypothesis). The results only support the Accumulation Hypothesis among mothers. Whereas mothers fared comparatively well during the first lockdown, further pandemic stressors have seemingly exhausted their resilience, leading to stronger declines during the winter 2020/2021 lockdown. Among men with older children and without children, life satisfaction decreased during the first and subsequent lockdowns. Men with young children were the only group with almost unchanged life satisfaction throughout the pandemic.
A comprehensive review of the metabolism of citrus flavonoids and their binding to bitter taste receptors
Authors: Li Lijun , Yan Xing , Chen Fengying , Zheng Liyan , Hu Yang , He Fan , Ni Hui , Chen Feng , Li Qingbiao
Published: March 2023

Citrus is an important source of flavonoids in our daily diet. Citrus flavonoids have antioxidant, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and cardiovascular disease prevention functions. Studies have shown that some pharmaceutical values of flavonoids may be related to their binding to bitter taste receptors, thus activating downstream signal transduction pathways; however, the underlying mechanism has not been systematically elucidated. In this paper, the biosynthesis pathway and the absorption and metabolism of citrus flavonoids were briefly reviewed, and the relationship between flavonoid structure and bitter taste intensity was investigated. In addition, the pharmacological effects of bitter flavonoids and the activation of bitter taste receptors in combating various diseases were discussed. This review provides an important basis for the targeted design of citrus flavonoid structures to make them more biologically active and more attractive as powerful drugs for the effective treatment of chronic diseases such as obesity, asthma, and neurological diseases.
Electrochemical nucleic acid‐based sensors for detection of Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli—Review of the recent developments
Authors: Wasiewska Luiza A. , Juska Vuslat B. , Seymour Ian , Burgess Catherine M. , Duffy Geraldine , O'Riordan Alan
Published: March 2023

Escherichia coli are a group of bacteria that are a natural part of the intestinal flora of warm‐blooded animals, including humans. Most E. coli are nonpathogenic and essential for the normal function of a healthy intestine. However, certain types, such as Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli (STEC), which is a foodborne pathogen, can cause a life‐threatening illness. The development of point‐of‐care devices for the rapid detection of E. coli is of significant interest with regard to ensuring food safety. The most suitable way to distinguish between generic E. coli and STEC is by using nucleic acid‐based detection, focusing on the virulence factors. Electrochemical sensors based on nucleic acid recognition have attracted much attention in recent years for use in pathogenic bacteria detection. This review has summarized nucleic acid‐based sensors for the detection of generic E. coli and STEC since 2015. First, the sequences of the genes used as recognition probes are discussed and compared to the most recent research regarding the specific detection of general E. coli and STEC. Subsequently, the collected literature regarding nucleic acid‐based sensors is described and discussed. The traditional sensors were divided into four categories such as gold, indium tin oxide, carbon‐based electrodes, and those using magnetic particles. Finally, we summarized the future trends in nucleic acid‐based sensor development for E. coli and STEC including some examples of fully integrated devices.
The random presence of glass and paint on the clothing and footwear of members of the general population: A US baseline survey at various seasons
Authors: Alexander Lauryn C. , Ovide Oriana , Duffett Olivia C. , Lewis Andra D. , Buzzini Patrick , Curran James , Trejos Tatiana
Published: March 2023

This study assists the interpretation of glass and paint evidence by filling an existing gap in the background occurrence that reflects the socioeconomic and demographic circumstances in the United States. The collection was performed in a college US city (Morgantown, West Virginia) to determine the effect of the type of clothing worn at different seasons on the presence of glass and paint. Tape lifts and sole scrapings (1038) were collected from 210 participants and up to six clothing and footwear areas per individual. Glass fragments were analyzed via polarized light microscopy (PLM), refractive index (RI), micro‐X‐Ray fluorescence (μXRF), and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), while paint specimens were examined by light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR). Higher occurrences of glass and paint were found in the winter season. The winter collection yielded 10 glass fragments and 68 paint particles, whereas the summer collection resulted in one glass fragment and 23 paint particles. The percentage of individuals with traces varied between seasons; 7% of individuals in the winter and 0.9% in the summer had glass, whereas 36% of individuals in the winter and 19% in the summer bore paint. Lastly, when considering the overall garment and footwear areas, glass was detected in 1.4% of the winter set, compared to 0.2% in the summer collection; paint was found in 9.2% of the winter collection, whereas only 4.2% was found in the summer set. There were no instances where both glass and paint were detected on the clothing and footwear of the same individual.
Effect of temperature, wall shear stress, and NaOH concentration on cleaning effectiveness
Authors: Fan Mengyuan , Kim Woo‐Ju , Heldman Dennis R.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of various operational parameters and their interaction on cleaning rate of NaOH. The parameters include wall shear stress, temperatures, and NaOH concentrations of cleaning fluid. The higher cleaning effectiveness for proteinaceous deposits was achieved at higher wall shear stress. The wall shear stress of 2.42 Pa removed over 90% of foulant after 10 min of operation, which was significantly higher than the removal of lower wall shear stress (0.84 and 0.39 Pa). Similarly, the cleaning rate increased with increase in temperature and concentration of cleaning solution. The use of cleaning solution (0.05% NaOH) at 65°C provided significantly higher cleaning rate than 25°C. A cleaning solution concentration of 0.5% NaOH provided significantly higher removal of foulant than 0% or 0.05% concentrations. However, analysis on the interaction between temperature and the wall shear stress suggested that the temperature above 45°C and wall shear stress above 0.65 Pa did not provide significant improvement in cleaning efficacy. When a cleaning solution temperature was maintained at 45°C, higher wall shear stress provided more rapid removal of the foulant when the cleaning agent concentration was 0.05% or 0.5%. In water rinse conducted without chemical agents, no much improvements in foulant removal were observed with increase in wall shear stress. The change of activation energy (Ea) indicates that water rinse was sensitive to temperature change at higher wall shear stress. However, cleaning with cleaning agents was less sensitive to temperature variation compared to the water rinse.

Practical Application

Considering the intense use of water and chemical compounds during cleaning operation, finding operating condition to ensure acceptable cleanness with minimized input is desired. Temperature, cleaning agent concentration, and wall shear stress are the major components to influence the cleaning efficacy. The result of the study demonstrates the potential for optimization of in‐place cleaning by appropriate adjustments of the CIP operating parameters.
The impact of wounding and postharvest storage conditions on retention of soluble protein in sugar beet leaves
Authors: Brouwer Bastiaan , Paillart Maxence J. M. , Bruins Marieke E. , Wissink Edo , Vries Mariska Nijenhuis‐de , Mensink Manon , Bode‐Mocking Helene , Liese Willemijn , Geerdink Peter , Echtelt Esther M. Hogeveen‐van , Woltering Ernst J.
Published: March 2023

Sugar beet leaves can be a viable and economically interesting source of high‐quality protein for the food industry. We investigated how storage conditions and leaf wounding at harvest affect the content and quality of the soluble protein. After collection, leaves were either stored intact or shredded to mimic wounding induced by commercial leaf harvesters. Leaf material was stored in small volumes at different temperatures to assess leaf physiology or in larger volumes to assess temperature development at different locations in the bins. Protein degradation was more pronounced at higher storage temperatures. Wounding accelerated the degradation of soluble protein at all temperatures. Both wounding and storage at higher temperatures greatly stimulated respiration activity and heat production. At temperatures below 5°C, ribulose‐1,5‐biphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBisCO) in intact leaves was preserved for up to 3 weeks. At temperatures of 30–40°C, RuBisCO degradation occurred within 48 h. Degradation was more pronounced in shredded leaves. In 0.8‐m3 storage bins at ambient temperature, core temperatures rapidly increased, up to 25°C in intact leaves and up to 45°C in shredded leaves within 2–3 days. Immediate storage at 5°C greatly suppressed the temperature increase in intact but not in shredded leaves. The indirect effect of excessive wounding, that is, heat production, is discussed as the pivotal factor responsible for increased degradation of protein. For optimal retention of soluble protein levels and quality in harvested sugar beet leaves, it is advised to minimize wounding and to store the material at temperatures around −5°C.

Practical Application

To preserve the soluble protein content and quality for at least 3 weeks, sugar beet leaves should be harvested with minimal wounding and stored at temperatures between 1 and 5°C. When aiming to store minimally wounded leaves in larger volumes, it must be ensured that the product temperature in the core of the biomass meets the temperature criterium or the cooling strategy must be adjusted. The principles of minimal wounding and low temperature storage are transferable to other leafy crops that are harvested for food protein.
Changes in electrical generator cooling systems: Are they cost‐effective sources of water now and under climate change?
Authors: Yang Yingqian , Fei Chengcheng J. , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: March 2023

In the United States, thermal power plant electrical generators (EGs) are large water diverters and consumptive users who need water for cooling. Retrofitting existing cooling systems to dry cooling and building new facilities with dry cooling can save water and reduce EG's vulnerability to drought. However, this can be an expensive source of water. We estimate that the cost of water saved by retrofitting cooling in existing EGs ranges from $0.04/m3 to $18/m3 depending on facility characteristics. Also water savings from building new EGs with dry cooling ranges in cost per unit water from $1.29/m3 to $2.24/m3. We compare costs with that for water development projects identified in the Texas State Water Plan. We find the water cost from converting to dry cooling is lower than many of the water development possibilities. We then estimate the impact of climate change on the cost of water saved, finding climate change can increase EG water use by up to 9.3% and lower the costs of water saved. Generally, it appears that water planners might consider cooling alterations as a cost competitive water development alternative whose cost would be further decreased by climate change.
Varieties of EU trade politicisation in EU public debates
Authors: Andrione‐Moylan Alex , de Wilde Pieter , Raube Kolja
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the politicisation of EU trade policy at the level of the EU's Member States. In an effort to study the variation of politicisation across the EU, going beyond the degree to which an issue is politicised, we map out the debates surrounding EU free trade agreements (TTIP and CETA) in the media of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, based on a novel representative claims analysis dataset. We ask whether and how claimants from different EUMS attempt to politicise FTAs in distinct ways. The expectation, based on Castles and Obinger' families of nations, is that the behaviour of claimants belonging to the same family of nations displays overarching features, which sets them apart from other claimants. By way of an actor‐level regression analysis, this study identifies possible correlations between claimant nationalities and types of politicisation. The findings suggest, on the one hand, that there is a link between families of nations, the socio‐economic and institutional trajectories they capture, and types of politicisation. On the other hand, the variation in how issues are politicised is not random but, just like policy outcomes, it appears to ‘cluster’ following a territoriality logic.
Glycation‐mediated tissue‐level remodeling of brain meningeal membrane by aging
Authors: Kim Hyo Min , Kim Shinheun , Sim Jueun , Ma Boo Soo , Yong Insung , Jo Youngmin , Kim Taek‐Soo , Chang Jae‐Byum , Park Sung‐Hye , Jeong Yong , Kim Pilnam
Published: March 2023

Collagen is a prominent target of nonenzymatic glycation, which is a hallmark of aging and causes functional alteration of the matrix. Here, we uncover glycation‐mediated structural and functional changes in the collagen‐enriched meningeal membrane of the human and mouse brain. Using an in vitro culture platform mimicking the meningeal membrane composed of fibrillar collagen, we showed that the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the collagen membrane is responsible for glycation‐mediated matrix remodeling. These changes influence fibroblast‐matrix interactions, inducing cell‐mediated ECM remodeling. The adherence of meningeal fibroblasts to the glycated collagen membrane was mediated by the discoidin domain‐containing receptor 2 (DDR2), whereas integrin‐mediated adhesion was inhibited. A‐kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12)‐positive meningeal fibroblasts in the meningeal membrane of aged mice exhibited substantially increased expression of DDR2 and depletion of integrin beta‐1 (ITGB1). In the glycated collagen membrane, meningeal fibroblasts increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) and less tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP1). In contrast, the cells exhibited decreased expression of type I collagen (COL1A1). These results suggest that glycation modification by meningeal fibroblasts is intimately linked to aging‐related structural and functional alterations in the meningeal membrane.
Age as a moderator of motivational interviewing and nondirective client‐centered psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder: An exploratory study
Authors: Kuerbis Alexis , Behrendt Silke , Morgenstern Jon
Published: March 2023

Background

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a widely used intervention applied to a host of health behaviors, including alcohol consumption among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Age is an underexplored moderator of MI for treating AUD, with the impact of comparing older individuals with their younger counterparts virtually unexplored. Also unexplored is whether age is associated with distinct mechanisms of change (e.g., motivation and self‐efficacy) within treatment.

Methods

This secondary data analysis utilizes combined data from two previous studies (total N = 228) that both aimed to test MI's mechanisms of action in the context of a goal for moderated drinking. Both studies had three conditions: MI, nondirective listening (NDL), and a self‐change condition (SC). In the current analyses, the moderating impact of continuous age and age group, <51 (younger adults, YA) versus ≥51 (older adults, OA), on the impact of MI on alcohol use compared to NDL and SC were tested using generalized linear models. Age differences in confidence and commitment to reduce heavy drinking during treatment were also explored.

Results

Age group by condition differences emerged, where NDL significantly reduced drinking among YA but not OA (mean −12 vs. −3 standard drinks, respectively). Among OA, MI outperformed NDL but not SC, though the effect was weak. Confidence and commitment during treatment were not significantly different across age‐by‐condition groups.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of age on treatment effectiveness, as providing a nondirective intervention for OA with AUD could provide suboptimal treatment. Further research is needed to explore these differential effects.