bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural oscillations in the ventral striatum reveal differences between the encoding of palatable food and ethanol consumption
Authors: Dwiel Lucas L. , Henricks Angela M. , Bragg Elise , Gui Jiang , Doucette Wilder T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Across multiple levels of investigation, there appear to be convergent neuronal processes underlying substance use and other motivated behaviors (i.e., the pursuit and consumption of rewarding substances). The consumption of alcohol and sweet, high‐fat food engages many of the same brain regions, especially, the ventral striatum. In the current study, we hypothesized that ventral striatal local field potentials (LFPs) recorded during self‐administration sessions could be used to detect when the consumption of 10% ethanol or sweet‐fat food (SF) was occurring compared to all other behaviors, including naturalistic controls (i.e., water or house‐chow).

Methods

We used an intermittent limited access approach to condition Sprague–Dawley rats to consume either ethanol or SF while we recorded LFPs. We used machine learning and simple logistic regressions to determine whether LFP features could classify when consumption of each substance was occurring, and whether a general model could predict consumption of both substances. We report performance as the average area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Consumption of a single substance was differentiable from all other behaviors, as evidenced by the AUROC (ethanol = 0.84 and SF = 0.83, p < 0.01). Models built from the combined dataset (general) did modestly overall (general → general = 0.68, p < 0.05), and did not detect the consumption of the two substances similarly (general → SF = 0.5 and general → ethanol = 0.63, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Models successfully classified ethanol and SF consumption versus all other behavior/naturalistic controls. However, the findings highlight differences in how the ventral striatum represents the consumption of ethanol and SF and show that, although there is potential for finding biomarkers related to substance use, it may be difficult to build a model that performs well detecting multiple substances.
Carry‐over effects of nestling physical condition predict first‐year survival of a critically endangered migratory parrot
Authors: Bussolini L. T. , Crates R. , Herrod A. , Magrath M. J. L. , Troy S. , Stojanovic D.
Published: May 2023

Conservation breeding programs are an increasingly important tool to help supplement declining wild populations, but captive‐bred animals generally do not survive well post‐release. Early life in captivity has the potential to influence growth and development, with impacts carrying over to affect survival. Understanding carry‐over effects of captivity and consequences on survival is critically important for conservation efforts globally but remains poorly understood. We examined the relationship between early‐life environment, physical condition, and juvenile survival of wild and captive‐bred critically endangered orange‐bellied parrots (Neophema chrysogaster). Using nestling growth models, we calculated a body condition index for 1,039 wild and captive‐bred orange‐bellied parrots hatched over six breeding seasons. Nestling body condition varied with year, provenance, and brood position. Wild nestlings had consistently higher body condition than captive‐bred nestlings, and first‐hatched nestlings were typically heavier than later hatched siblings. We then investigated first‐year survival for 298 wild‐born and captive‐bred released parrots in the wild. Overall, first‐year survival was 27.5%, and individual body condition was more influential than provenance in predicting survival. Our findings could be used to aid the selection of individuals for release that have the best prospects of surviving in the wild. This study addresses important questions about the post‐release fitness of captive‐bred animals, and our metric of assessing physical condition provides a straightforward tool for other conservation breeding programs to adapt management techniques to improve survival outcomes.
Low dosage of prednisone acetate combined with doxycycline in the treatment of chronic endometritis in patients with repeated implantation failure
Authors: Zou Yujie , Ming Lei , Ding Jinli , Xiao Zhuoni , Li Saijiao , Yang Jing , Bao Anyu , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2023

Objective

To retrospectively investigate whether the oral administration of prednisone acetate with doxycycline increases the cure rate of chronic endometritis (CE) and improves in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) with CE.

Methods

In total, 352 patients with RIF were investigated, 128 of whom were diagnosed with CE by hysteroscopy and endometrial immunohistochemical analysis. The patients with CE were divided into CD138‐positive high‐power field (HPF) counts of 1–2 and ≥3. Forty‐five patients were orally administered prednisone acetate tablet 5 mg daily and doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 consecutive days (group A), and 55 patients were administered doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days (group B) and underwent repeated endometrial sampling and histological assessment. Twenty‐eight patients (group C) did not receive any treatment. The cure rate of CE and final reproductive outcomes of the frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycle were compared.

Results

The total cure rate, cure rate of patients with CE(CD138+ HPF counts: 1–2), and cure rate of patients with CE(CD138+ HPF counts: ≥3) showed no significant difference between groups A and B. Logistics regression analysis indicated that the implantation rate, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)‐positive rate, clinical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate with fetal heartbeat on day 30 (D30), and ongoing pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group A than in group C. For CE‐cured patients after the treatment, the implantation rate, hCG‐positive rate, clinical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate with fetal heartbeat on D30, and ongoing pregnancy rate were significantly higher in group A than in group B.

Conclusion

CE is closely related to RIF occurrence, and the combined oral administration of prednisone acetate and doxycycline can be a treatment option for patients with RIF with CE and improves reproductive outcomes, although it does not improve the CE cure rate compared with doxycycline treatment alone.
Percutaneous decannulation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the Manta vascular closure device: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ng Jun Jie , Lee Stefanie H. T. , Lim Joseph K. W. , Chan Karen K. W. , Lim Mark D. S. , Ahmed Mohamed A. I. , Loh Stanley E. K. , Choong Andrew M. T. L.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the techniques and outcomes associated with percutaneous decannulation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA–ECMO) using the Manta vascular closure device.

Background

Peripheral VA–ECMO can be used to treat critically ill patients with conditions such as refractory cardiogenic shock. After percutaneous implantation of VA–ECMO, VA–ECMO can also be decannulated completely percutaneously by using a vascular closure device. The Manta vascular closure device is a dedicated device used in the closure of large‐bore arteriotomies by sandwiching the arteriotomy with an intra‐arterial toggle and an extraluminal collagen plug.

Methods

We performed a thorough literature search using various electronic databases. We included studies that reported outcomes after peripheral femorofemoral VA–ECMO decannulation with the Manta vascular closure device. We performed a meta‐analysis of proportions on outcome measures, including technical success, bleeding complications, vascular complications, wound complications, major amputation, and procedural‐related deaths.

Results

We included seven studies with a total of 116 patients. The overall technical success of percutaneous decannulation of VA–ECMO with the Manta vascular closure device was 93.7%. The overall incidence of bleeding, vascular and wound complications was 1.7%, 13.8%, and 3.4%, respectively. No patient required lower limb amputation or died due to VA–ECMO decannulation.

Conclusion

Percutaneous decannulation with the Manta vascular closure device is an effective and safe procedure that should be considered in suitable patients on VA–ECMO.
Associations of breastfeeding duration and cognitive development from childhood to middle adolescence
Authors: Lovcevic Irena
Published: May 2023

Aim

To assess the dose–response association between the duration of any breastfeeding and cognitive skills in children from 5 to 15 years of age.

Methods

The data from the longitudinal cohort study Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (children born in 1999–2000 and 2003–2004) were accessed. Language skills were assessed via Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test at 5, 7 and 9 years of age (N = 8643), and non‐verbal intelligence was assessed via Matrix Reasoning subtest from Wechsler Intelligence Scale at 7, 9 and 11 years of age (N = 8560) and executive functions were examined via Cogstate Cognitive Testing battery in 15 years old (N = 6213). Breastfeeding was assessed via maternal questionnaires, partly prospective.

Results

A longer duration of breastfeeding was significantly associated with greater language skills from 5 to 9 (0.05 [95% CI, 0.03–0.08], p < 0.0001) and greater non‐verbal intelligence from 7 to 11 years of age (0.02 [95% CI, 0.01–0.04], p < 0.001). No significant relation was found between the breastfeeding duration and executive functions in 15 years old.

Conclusion

These results support a dose–response relationship between breastfeeding duration and language skills and non‐verbal intelligence during childhood and early adolescence.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for tigecycline‐induced pancreatitis in a tertiary hospital: A retrospective study
Authors: Tan Qinghai , Zhang Yu , Liu Mei , Tian De'an , Wu Xiaohui , Zhou Lei , Fan Wenjuan
Published: May 2023

Aims

To analyse the clinical characteristics and risk factors for tigecycline‐induced pancreatitis (TIP) and evaluate the safety and efficiency of tigecycline use in non‐TIP.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study was conducted on adult and juvenile patients administered tigecycline for >3 days. The adults were classified as TIP, non‐TIP (pancreatitis with other causes) and non‐pancreatitis. Univariate analyses were performed to compare TIP and non‐pancreatitis, and multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for TIP. The clinical characteristics of TIP, and the safety and efficiency of tigecycline use in non‐TIP were evaluated.

Results

A total of 3910 patients (3823 adults and 87 juveniles) were enrolled. The adult patients comprised 21 TIP, 82 non‐TIP and 3720 non‐pancreatitis. The TIP prevalence was 0.56% in adults and 1.15% in juveniles. The mean time from tigecycline use to symptom onset was 7.2 days, and all cases were mild pancreatitis. The mean time from tigecycline withdrawal to symptom relief was 3.6 days. The multivariate analysis identified comorbid renal insufficiency as an independent risk factor for TIP (odds ratio = 3.032). Among the 82 non‐TIP patients, 81.7% had severe pancreatitis and 47.6% had necrotizing pancreatitis. The modified computed tomography severity score after tigecycline use was similar to that before tigecycline use, but the pancreatic enzymes and infection indices were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

The prevalence of TIP was low. Comorbid renal insufficiency was as an independent risk factor for TIP. Tigecycline is safe and efficient for treatment of pancreatitis, especially necrotizing pancreatitis, with intra‐abdominal infection.
The application of artificial intelligence to accelerate G protein‐coupled receptor drug discovery
Authors: Nguyen Anh T. N. , Nguyen Diep T. N. , Koh Huan Yee , Toskov Jason , MacLean William , Xu Andrew , Zhang Daokun , Webb Geoffrey I. , May Lauren T. , Halls Michelle L.
Published: May 2023

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to drug discovery for G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a rapidly expanding area. Artificial intelligence can be used at multiple stages during the drug discovery process, from aiding our understanding of the fundamental actions of GPCRs to the discovery of new ligand‐GPCR interactions or the prediction of clinical responses. Here, we provide an overview of the concepts behind artificial intelligence, including the subfields of machine learning and deep learning. We summarise the published applications of artificial intelligence to different stages of the GPCR drug discovery process. Finally, we reflect on the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence and share our vision for the exciting potential for further development of applications to aid GPCR drug discovery. In addition to making the drug discovery process “faster, smarter and cheaper,” we anticipate that the application of artificial intelligence will create exciting new opportunities for GPCR drug discovery.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of antitumor activity of novel C‐6 sulfhydryl‐substituted and 20‐substituted derivatives of celastrol
Authors: Su Di , Wei Rong‐yuan , Yan Zhi‐ming , Zhong Guo‐hui , Qin Xiang‐qing , Huang Shu‐tong , Long Juan‐yue , Zhang Feng‐ling , He Ping , Chen Zhong‐ji , Yan Ya‐qian , Jiang Neng , Tang Wei‐zhong
Published: May 2023

Celastrol has been identified as a potential candidate for anticancer drug development. In this study, 28 novel celastrol derivatives with C‐6 sulfhydryl substitution and 20‐substitution were designed and synthesized, and their antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells and non‐malignant human cells was evaluated, with cisplatin and celastrol being used as controls. The results showed that most of the derivatives had enhanced in vitro anticancer activity compared to the parent compound celastrol. Specifically, derivative 2f demonstrated the most potent inhibitory potential and selectivity against HOS with an IC50 value of 0.82 μM. Our study provides new insights into the structure–activity relationship of celastrol and suggests that compound 2f may be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
The GLCCI1 rs37973 variant and the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Wen‐Ling , Pu Wen , Li Jing , Yuan Yuan , Yan Ming‐Zhi , Yuan Shuang‐Li , Li Yu‐Kun , Wu Jie‐Ru , Xu Shao‐Quan , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between the glucocorticoid‐induced transcript 1 (GLCCI1) gene variant and the degree of improvement in lung function with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang databases to obtain studies on the GLCCI1 rs37973 variant and the efficacy of ICS in asthma.

Results

The overall meta‐analysis showed that patients with the GG phenotype (mutant homozygotes) exhibited significantly smaller forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) change than patients with the AG phenotype (mutant heterozygous) (MD = −0.08, 95% CI [−0.12, −0.03], P = 0.001). Compared with the AA phenotype (wild homozygotes), the GG phenotype (MD = −4.23, 95% CI [−6.09, −2.38], P < 0.00001) and AG phenotype (MD = −1.92, 95% CI [−2.35, −1.49], P < 0.00001) had significantly smaller FEV1%pred changes. The FEV1 change subgroup analysis showed that the GG phenotype group was smaller than the AA phenotype group at 8 (MD = −0.53, 95% CI [−0.91, −0.14], P = 0.007), 12 (MD = −0.16, 95% CI [−0.30, −0.02], P = 0.02) and 24 (MD = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.17, −0.01], P = 0.02) weeks of treatment; the GG phenotype group was smaller than the AG phenotype group at 12 weeks (MD = −0.08, 95% CI [−0.15, −0.01], P = 0.02).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggests that the GLCCI1 rs37973 variant affects the efficacy of ICS and that the presence of the G allele attenuates the improvement in lung function with ICS.
Use of hospital care among Dutch diabetes patients
Authors: de Vries Silvia A. G. , Bak Jessica C. G. , Stangenberger Vincent A. , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Nieuwdorp Max , Sas Theo C. J. , Verheugt Carianne L.
Published: May 2023

Aim

To provide insight into healthcare resource utilization and hospital expenditure of patients treated for diabetes in Dutch hospitals.

Materials and methods

We conducted an observational cohort study of 193 840 patients aged ≥18 years and treated for diabetes mellitus in 65 Dutch hospitals in 2019 to 2020, using real‐world reimbursement data. Consultations, hospitalizations, technology use, total hospital and diabetes care costs (encompassing all care for diabetes itself) were assessed during 1‐year follow‐up. In addition, expenditure was compared with that in the general Dutch population.

Results

Total hospital costs for all patients with diabetes were €1 352 690 257 (1.35 billion) per year, and 15.9% (€214 963 703) was associated with treatment of diabetes. Mean yearly costs per patient were €6978, with diabetes care costs of €1109. Mean hospital costs of patients exceeded that of the Dutch population three‐ to sixfold. Total hospital costs increased with age, whereas diabetes expenditure decreased with age (18‐40 years, €1575; >70 years, €932). Of all patients with diabetes, 51.3% (n = 99 457) received care related to cardiovascular complications. Micro‐ and macrovascular complications, or a combination, increased hospital costs (1.4‐5.3 times higher).

Conclusions

The hospital resource use of Dutch diabetes patients is high, with a large burden of cardiovascular complications. Resource use is rooted mainly in hospital care of diabetes‐related complications, not in the treatment of diabetes. Early treatment and prevention of complications remain imperative to taper future healthcare expenditure on patients with diabetes.
Bimanual coupling is associated with left frontocentral network activity in a task‐specific way
Authors: Rudisch Julian , Fröhlich Stephanie , Pixa Nils H. , Kutz Dieter F. , Voelcker‐Rehage Claudia
Published: May 2023

When performing bimanual tasks, hands are typically not controlled individually but rather as a coupled system to achieve high spatiotemporal coordination. On a brain level, intrahemispheric and interhemispheric networks that control the left and right hand are necessary to exchange information between hemispheres and to couple movements. Behaviourally, coupling is, however, highly task‐specific requiring, for example, to maintain a specific relative phase in cyclic tasks (e.g., inphase or antiphase) or to perform a role differentiated task where one hand is modulating and the other hands is stabilizing and needs to be kept as still as possible (e.g., holding a notepad and writing on it). In this study, we used electroencephalography to investigate functional brain network characteristics (task‐related activation and connectivity) in bimanual force‐control tasks with different coordination modes: inphase, antiphase and role‐differentiated with the left‐ or right‐hand stabilizing and the other hand manipulating. We aimed to examine (1) how network characteristics differ with respect to the coordination mode and (2) how they are related to the performance. Results revealed task‐related differences in the overall activation and connectivity with role‐differentiated tasks leading to higher desynchronization as compared to inphase and antiphase tasks. In addition, we showed that the strength of bimanual coupling is modulated task specifically through left‐hemispheric networks including C3, FC3 and F3 electrodes. Results highlight the importance of the left frontocentral regions for bimanual coordination.
NT‐proBNP and changes in cognition and global brain structure: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Xiao Tian , van der Velpen Isabelle F. , Niessen Wiro J. , Tilly Martijn J. , Kavousi Maryam , Ikram M. Arfan , Ikram M. Kamran , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and changes in cognition and global brain structure.

Methods

In the Rotterdam Study, baseline NT‐proBNP was assessed at baseline from 1997 to 2008. Between 1997 and 2016, participants without dementia or stroke at baseline (n = 9566) had repeated cognitive tests (every 3–6 years) for global cognitive function, executive cognitive function, fine manual dexterity, and memory. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed repeatedly at re‐examination visits between 2005 and 2015 for 2607 participants to obtain brain volumes, focal brain lesions, and white matter microstructural integrity as measures of brain structure.

Results

Among 9566 participants (mean age 65.1 ± 9.8 years), 5444 (56.9%) were women, and repeated measures of cognition were performed during a median follow‐up time of 5.5 (range 1.1–17.9) years, of whom 2607 participants completed at least one brain imaging scan. Higher levels of NT‐proBNP were associated with a faster decline of scores in the global cognitive function (p value = 0.003) and the Word‐Fluency test (p value = 0.003) but were not related to a steeper deterioration in brain volumes, global fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity, as indicators of white matter microstructural integrity, or focal brain lesions.

Conclusions

Higher baseline NT‐proBNP levels were associated with a faster decline in cognition; however, no association with global brain structure was found.
Treatment implications of augmented renal clearance in a critically ill COVID‐19 patient: A case report
Authors: Deenen Susan , Fransen Laura F. C. , Jaspers Tessa C. C. , Workum Jessica D.
Published: May 2023

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a pathophysiological phenomenon that can occur in critically ill patients, leading to enhanced renal function. It is defined as a creatinine clearance of >130 mL/min/1.73 m2. ARC can lead to subtherapeutic levels of renally cleared drugs and subsequent treatment failure. In COVID‐19, it has only been described in the literature in a few cases. We present the case of a 38‐year‐old critically ill patient with COVID‐19 who developed ARC with an initial clearance of 226 mL/min/1.73 m2, persisting for 30 days. He required high doses of sedatives and neuromuscular blocking agents, as well as increased doses of vancomycin and dalteparin, to reach adequate serum levels. This case emphasizes the importance for clinicians to consider ARC in the dosing of all renally cleared drugs, including antibiotics, low molecular weight heparins, and sedatives, to prevent subtherapeutic drug levels and treatment failure.
Structural and functional insights into the flexible β‐hairpin of glycerol dehydrogenase
Authors: Park Taein , Hoang Huyen Nga , Kang Jung Youn , Park Jongseo , Mun Sang A. , Jin Minwoo , Yang Jihyeong , Jung Che‐Hun , Eom Soo Hyun
Published: May 2023

During glycerol metabolism, the initial step of glycerol oxidation is catalysed by glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH), which converts glycerol to dihydroxyacetone in a NAD+‐dependent manner via an ordered Bi‐Bi kinetic mechanism. Structural studies conducted with GDH from various species have mainly elucidated structural details of the active site and ligand binding. However, the structure of the full GDH complex with both cofactor and substrate bound is not determined, and thus, the structural basis of the kinetic mechanism of GDH remains unclear. Here, we report the crystal structures of Escherichia coli GDH with a substrate analogue bound in the absence or presence of NAD+. Structural analyses including molecular dynamics simulations revealed that GDH possesses a flexible β‐hairpin, and that during the ordered progression of the kinetic mechanism, the flexibility of the β‐hairpin is reduced after NAD+ binding. It was also observed that this alterable flexibility of the β‐hairpin contributes to the cofactor binding and possibly to the catalytic efficiency of GDH. These findings suggest the importance of the flexible β‐hairpin to GDH enzymatic activity and shed new light on the kinetic mechanism of GDH.
Crack tip fields effects on crack propagation through the heat affected zone in an overmatched welded joint
Authors: Adziev Gorgi , Sedmak Aleksandar , Sedmak Simon , Adziev Todor , Radakovic Zoran
Published: May 2023

The mismatching constraint effect on crack propagation through the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) in a welded joint is presented in this paper. It is shown that due to this effect, the fracture behavior of an overmatched welded joint depends on the mechanical properties and the size of the region of the crack tip location, as well as on the properties and the size of surrounding regions. The finite element analysis of high‐strength low‐alloyed (HSLA) steel welded joints with crack tips in the heat‐affected zone is performed based on previous experimental work. Two locations of the crack tip are analyzed: fine‐grained HAZ (FGHAZ) and coarse‐grained HAZ (CGHAZ). In both cases, after the initial propagation of the crack in FGHAZ or CGHAZ, its propagation is directed toward more ductile base metal, thus increasing the fracture resistance of a welded joint. Some new observations about the reasons for such behavior due to crack tip strain fields are presented as well.
Effect of current density and polytetrafluoroethylene on the properties of micro‐arc oxide coating of pure aluminum
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Wangning , Xu Jinxin , Bai Zhongdong , Wang Changkai , Wang Saisai
Published: May 2023

Micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) is a surface treatment technology that enhances the surface properties of valves by creating a ceramic oxide layer on the metal surface. The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of current density on the properties of aluminum coatings during preparation and to improve the tribological properties of MAO/PTFE self‐lubricating films on the coating surface. The characterization of the coating was performed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The roughness, hardness, and elastic modulus of the coatings were tested using atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation. Tribological experiments were conducted to evaluate the tribological properties of the coatings. The experimental results show that the friction coefficient (COF), roughness, hardness, and elastic modulus of the MAO coating increase with the increase of current density. Additionally, the friction coefficient of the MAO composite coating significantly decreases after the addition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), improving the service life and application range of the metal coating. These findings are expected to promote the development of valve metal in various application fields.
XCT damage evaluation and analysis of SiC/SiC turbine guide vanes after thermal shocks
Authors: Liu Xiaochong , Zhao Wenliang , Guo Hongqiang , Su Yangzhi , Li Longbiao , Liu Chidong
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the two‐dimensional (2D) (0°/90°) plain‐woven Amosic‐3 SiC/SiC turbine guide vane (TGV) was fabricated using the chemical vapor infiltration method. Thermal and stress analysis of the TGV was conducted using the finite element method analysis. Multiple thermal shock tests at T = 1250, 1350, 1400, 1420, 1450, 1470, and 1480°C were conducted for N = 100, 100, 400, 300, 200, 200, and 700 cycles. After thermal shock tests, the surface damage of the TGV was observed visually, and the micro damage mechanism was analyzed using the scanning electronic microscopy. Micro X‐ray computed tomography was adopted to characterize the internal damages in the SiC/SiC guide vanes. The delamination occurred at the positions approaching internal hollow, due to the weak binding force along the thickness direction and the high thermal shock stress caused by the temperature change. The diameter, area, volume, and sphericity distributions of the pores inside of the guide vanes were also obtained.
Sensory characterisation of gluten‐free orange‐flavoured cake with rice, sorghum, teff and yacon flours: flash profile and ComDim as study methods
Authors: de Souza Nespeca Lucas , Cardoso Flávia Aparecida Reitz , Droval Adriana Aparecida , Marques Leila Larisa Medeiros , Bona Evandro , Beneti Stéphani Caroline , Heck Stênio Cristaldo , Fuchs Renata Hernandez Barros
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to optimise an orange flavour gluten‐free cake formulation using rice flour, teff, sorghum and yacon. Nine cake formulations were initially submitted for acceptance and purchase intent tests with 66 assessors, where colour, odour, flavour, texture and overall acceptance were judged. After the result of the acceptance test and purchase intention, an optimised formulation (OP) was elaborated through the desirability function. This formulation was composed of 25% rice flour, 60% sorghum flour and 15% teff flour. After that, the sensory test of the Flash Profile was carried out to evaluate the consensus of the assessors about the optimised formulation, and for the 33 assessors of the Flash Profile test, with the method of analysis by Common Dimensions (ComDim), 92.29% described the F3 formulations (100% teff) and FO (optimised) are similar. This can be explained by the fact that the formulations have teff flour in their composition, while formulations F1 and F2 are made only with 100% rice flour and 100% sorghum flour, respectively. It was found that it is possible to use the flour under study to develop gluten‐free cakes with orange flavour with good sensory acceptance.
Effect of multi‐step chaptalisation on physicochemical properties, potentially harmful alcohols, nutritional composition and volatile profiles of kiwi wine
Authors: Huang Di , Ren Xiaona , Zhong Yao , Liu Yanlin , Jiang Jiao , Song Yuyang , Xin Lei , Lu Yao , Qin Yi
Published: May 2023

Chaptalisation is commonly used to ameliorate the potential alcohol of kiwi wine prior to fermentation. It can be performed either by one‐time sugaring or via multiple supplementations of sugar. However, for both approaches, their precise effects on chemical composition of kiwi wine are unclear. Thus, this study evaluated the influence of five different multi‐step chaptalisation strategies on physicochemical parameters, potentially harmful alcohols, nutritional composition and volatile compounds of kiwi wine. Results show that multi‐step chaptalisation significantly reduced total acidity and harmful alcohols of the resulting kiwi wine. Among the harmful alcohols, the greatest reduction was seen for isoamyl alcohol and isobutanol. Additionally, multi‐step chaptalisation also modified volatile profile of the kiwi wine, particularly in acetate esters (isoamyl acetate and phenethyl acetate), ethyl esters, n‐octanal and decanal. Together, our results highlight the potential of using multi‐step chaptalisation to produce ‘healthier’ kiwi wines with more balanced alcohol and more complexed flavour.
Pivot© and check‐all‐that‐apply techniques for the analysis of honey adulteration: impact on consumer liking, emotions and memories
Authors: Ramón‐Canul Lorena Guadalupe , Cabal‐Prieto Adán , Rodríguez‐Ramírez Teresita Amairani , Sánchez‐Arellano Lucia , Ramírez‐Sucre Manuel Octavio , Rodríguez‐Buenfil Ingrid Mayanin , Valdivia‐Sánchez Jasiel , Can‐Herrera Luis Alfonso , Herrera‐Corredor José Andrés , de Jesús Ramírez‐Rivera Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

The study aimed to combine Pivot© Profile and Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) sensory techniques to determine the sensory attributes of adulterated honey and the impact of honey adulteration on consumer liking, emotions, and memories. Consumers (130) performed the Pivot technique to generate the sensory vocabulary. The CATA technique was then used to filter the relevant attributes from samples. This process allowed to reduce the preliminary list from Pivot© Profile (50 attributes) to 12 relevant attributes. Consumers determined liking, emotions and memories on each sample. Regarding preference, the pivot samples and honey with 20% and 40% adulteration were located in the 40% and 80% preference regions in the PREFMAP. The adulterated honey with 60% and 80% had the lowest preference, causing their total rejection. This may be associated with emotions (Aggressive, Disgusted and Bored) and negative memories (Pain, Interpersonal conflict, and Poverty). The combined use of Pivot© and CATA sensory techniques allows for the identification of sensory attributes associated with adulteration. An increase in honey adulteration was associated with negative emotions and memories evoked in consumers that may lead to the rejection of honey.
Impact of glucose oxidase on characteristics of corn dough with different frozen storage times
Authors: Huang Xiaoqian , Wang Naijuan , Yu Mingfu , Wei Siwen , Xu Dan , Jin Yamei , Xu Xueming , Wu Fengfeng
Published: May 2023

We have studied the impact of different concentrations of GOX on corn doughs' processing characteristics and protein structure. The doughs were frozen for different periods, and the quality of their products, like corn tortillas, was studied. The results showed that adding GOX attenuated the adverse effects of ice crystals produced during the freezing period and improved the dough's viscoelasticity and low‐temperature stability. In addition, GOX further enhanced its water‐holding capacity, limited water mobility, and re‐established the dough's secondary structure. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that GOX improved the texture and delayed the staling rate of corn tortillas prepared with fresh and frozen corn dough. We further concluded that 100 mg kg−1 of GOX exhibited the best improvement effect on the corn dough characteristics and quality of the produced tortillas.
The impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on global influenza surveillance: Insights from 18 National Influenza Centers based on a survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022
Authors: Staadegaard Lisa , Del Riccio Marco , Wiegersma Sytske , El Guerche‐Séblain Clotilde , Dueger Erica , Akçay Meral , Casalegno Jean‐Sebastien , Dückers Michel , Caini Saverio , Paget John ,   The NIC Collaborators
Published: May 2023

Background

National Influenza Centers (NICs) have played a crucial role in the surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2. The FluCov project, covering 22 countries, was initiated to monitor the impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on influenza activity.

Methods

This project consisted of an epidemiological bulletin and NIC survey. The survey, designed to assess the impact of the pandemic on the influenza surveillance system, was shared with 36 NICs located across 22 countries. NICs were invited to reply between November 2021 and March 2022.

Results

We received 18 responses from NICs in 14 countries. Most NICs (76%) indicated that the number of samples tested for influenza decreased. Yet, many NICs (60%) were able to increase their laboratory testing capacity and the “robustness” (e.g., number of sentinel sites) (59%) of their surveillance systems. In addition, sample sources (e.g., hospital or outpatient setting) shifted. All NICs reported a higher burden of work following the onset of the pandemic, with some NICs hiring additional staff or partial outsourcing to other institutes or departments. Many NICs anticipate the future integration of SARS‐CoV‐2 surveillance into the existing respiratory surveillance system.

Discussion

The survey shows the profound impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on national influenza surveillance in the first 27 months of the pandemic. Surveillance activities were temporarily disrupted, whilst priority was given to SARS‐CoV‐2. However, most NICs have shown rapid adaptive capacity underlining the importance of strong national influenza surveillance systems. These developments have the potential to benefit global respiratory surveillance in the years to come; however, questions about sustainability remain.
From plague to plague: COVID‐19 and the New Decameron(s)
Authors: Angeletti Valerio
Published: May 2023

This article reflects on the role of narration in times of crisis. Drawing on studies on storytelling and bibliotherapy, it compares the Decameron, a collection of short stories written during and immediately after the 1348 Black Death, with two Decameron‐based collections written during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic: The New York Times Magazine's The Decameron Project: 29 Stories From the Pandemic and Nuovo Decameron. The article argues that narration has two ways of relating to times of crisis: as an escape from reality and as a therapeutic means of overcoming trauma. Both ways emphasize that storytelling is a future‐oriented tool that can have a positive impact on both the individual and the community: sometimes finding unexpected silver linings, sometimes making sense of a reality that seems surreal. In this sense, the article concludes, the narration is a process of choral reconstruction that brings life back to the stage.
Flash in argon atmosphere yields electronically conducting yttria‐stabilized zirconia at ambient temperature
Authors: Jo Seohyeon , Jalali Syed I. A. , Raj Rishi
Published: May 2023

This is the second report on the retention of electronic conductivity in yttria‐stabilized zirconia at room temperature after cooling down from the state of flash . In the first report, the specimens (which were flashed in air) were quenched by in‐flash immersion into liquid nitrogen. Now we show that if the specimens are flashed in Ar in a glove box (O2 < 1 ppm), then they remain electronic conductors under nominal cooling. Indeed, the conductivity of the Ar‐flashed specimens is higher than the conductivity of LN2‐quenched samples. In both instances, their conductivity increases with flash current. In contrast, specimens flashed in air, and then air‐cooled, become insulating akin to their original condition. We propose a possible pathway for such a reaction. In addition, we report measurements of the interface resistance at the anode and the cathode by the four‐point technique. In air, the resistance at anode is higher than at the cathode, and the sum of the interface resistances is about one half of the total end‐to‐end resistance.
Resolving the ethical quagmire of the persistent vegetative state
Authors: Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: May 2023

Background

A patient is diagnosed with the persistent vegetative state (PVS) when they show no evidence of the awareness of the self or the environment for an extended period of time. The chance of recovery of any mental function or the ability to interact in a meaningful way is low. Though rare, the condition, considering its nature as a state outwith the realm of the conscious, coupled with the trauma experienced by the patient's kin as well as health care staff confronted with painful decisions regarding the patient's care, has attracted a considerable amount of discussion within the bioethics community.

Aims

At present, there is a wealth of literature that discusses the relevant neurology, that elucidates the plethora of ethical challenges in understanding and dealing with the condition, and that analyses the real‐world cases which have prominently featured in the mainstream media as a result of emotionally charged, divergent views concerning the provision of care to the patient. However, there is scarcely anything in the published scholarly literature that proposes concrete and practically actionable solutions to the now widely recognized moral conundrums. The present article describes a step in that direction.

Materials & Methods

I start from the very foundations, laying out a sentientist approach which serves as the basis for the consequent moral decision‐making, and then proceed to systematically identify and deconstruct the different cases of discord, using the aforementioned foundations as the basis for their resolution.

Results

A major intellectual contribution concerns the fluidity of the duty of care which I argue is demanded by the sentientist focus.

Discussion

The said duty is shown initially to have for its object the patient, which depending on the circumstances, can change to the patient's kin, or the health care staff themselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed framework represents the first comprehensive proposal regarding the decision‐making processes involved in the deliberation on the provision of life sustaining treatment to a patient in a PVS.
Unveiling motivations and keeping what's sacred: Engaging reflexivity in a research program on diverse romantic relationships
Authors: Rice TeKisha M.
Published: May 2023

Guided by Allen's (2023) call for developing a critical consciousness, this paper applies feminist reflexive practice to uncover the personal curiosities and contradictions that have motivated my research program on diverse romantic relationships. Specifically, I examine faith, race, and heterosexism as the root of an unresolved collision of privilege and oppression that undergird my burgeoning research program. I begin by reviewing my own positionality before sharing how my personal experiences with family and identity collided with my profession. Finally, I discuss how the personal and professional have motivated praxis, or the leveraging of research as a pathway toward social justice. In doing so, I unveil how personal motivations and complacency in oppression shaped the development of my research program in hopes of spurring innovative theorizing and empirical research rooted in the authenticity of lived experiences.
Digital workflow for proximal adjustment of teeth adjacent to implant‐supported fixed restorations using a predesigned computer‐aided grinding guide
Authors: Shi Lei , Lu Hongye , Xu Xia , Zheng JiaJia , Hu Jun
Published: May 2023

Clinically, the proximal surfaces of teeth adjacent to an implant restoration usually need to be adjusted to build a preferable adjacency relationship. However, it is difficult for freehand preparation to get a favorable proximal contour in some cases. In the workflow presented here, virtual grinding can be made to adjacent teeth, under the consideration of functional reconstruction and biological requirements, and then the grinding can be implemented using digital templates and a specialized bur. This allows for more precise and accurate adjustments to be made during the clinical procedure, reducing the risk of over‐ or under‐preparation of the proximal surfaces. In addition, the use of specialized diamond burs and grinding guides can make the procedure more efficient and streamlined, reducing the time required for proximal adjustment and minimizing patient discomfort. The resulting implant‐supported prosthesis is more likely to function properly and last longer, as the precise proximal contacts can help distribute occlusal forces more evenly across the dentition. Overall, the use of digital technology for precise adjustment of proximal contacts during implant restorations represents an important advancement in modern dentistry, enabling dentists to provide their patients with more accurate, efficient, and effective dental care.
The origin and dispersal of Firmiana danxiaensis among isolated specific landscapes
Authors: Chen Su‐Fang , Zhao Wan‐Yi , Huang Yan‐Shuang , Meng Kai‐Kai , Huang Kang‐You , Hou Rong‐Feng , Luo Xiao‐Ying , Chen Zai‐Xiong , Li Yuan‐Qiu , Zhou Ren‐Chao , Liao Wen‐Bo , Fan Qiang
Published: May 2023

China has the most numerous Danxia and Karst landscapes, which serve as special terrestrial islands harboring ample endemic species, though how did these endemic species spread among those isolated sites is still an unresolved issue. To address this question, we explored the phylogeographical structure and demographic history of Firmiana danxiaensis, a tree species endemic to Danxia and Karst landscapes. We collected 295 samples (28 populations) of F. danxiaensis. Plastid genomes were assembled for 25 representative samples. Sanger sequencing of four plastid regions and restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing were performed on the 28 populations. The phylogenetic tree constructed from plastid genomes and restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) data supported that F. danxiaensis originated from Mount Danxia and Nanxiong Basin, spread to Karst landscapes near Yingde City, and then back to Danxia Mountain and the Nanxiong Basin. In the Nanxiong Basin, the latter arrivals captured the plastid of the former. Population analyses revealed strong population structure among and within Danxia and Karst landscapes, possibly due to low seed and pollen dispersal abilities of the species. The demographic and ecological niche modeling approaches suggested that F. danxiaensis have widely occurred in the southeast of China during the last glacial period, and later retreated to the cliffs of Danxia and Karst landscapes due to temperature rising and competition failure. The declining of the effective population size of the species throughout the postglacial period suggested that global warming, agriculture, and industrial civilizations could have affected the survival of this species, and more measures should be taken to conserve these species.
The Minimal Model of Argumentation: Qualitative data analysis for epistemic speech, text and policy
Authors: Buhagiar Luke J. , Sammut Gordon
Published: May 2023

Social scientific work on argumentation is yet to address the perennial tension between social cognition and social constructionism. Moreover, argumentation‐based qualitative analysis protocols are needed for interview and textual data. Nonetheless, argumentation models remain too complex to reflect everyday argumentation and are not necessarily reflective of underlying cognitive processes. This presents the need for further theorising social behaviour, with a view to formulating a model of argumentation that (a) is parsimonious, and (b) aligns with the literature on joint projects, due to the fact that in social cognition terms, argumentation is for doing. In this paper, we draw upon interdisciplinary literature on argumentation, noting convergences among different approaches. We then proceed to consider the socio‐cognitive bedding provided by Lay Epistemic Theory, to present our Minimal Model of Argumentation (MMA). In MMA, interlocutors are held to make claims concerning an issue of concern, and defend them using warrants, evidence and qualifiers. We end by providing empirical examples supporting the utility of our model in qualitative research.
Effects of acetic, malic, and citric acids on the large deformation behaviors of fish gelatin gels
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Liu Xiang , Lai Keqiang , Fan Yuxia , Liu Yongle , Wang Yifen , Huang Yiqun
Published: May 2023

This research was aimed to quantify the effects of acetic acid, malic acid, and citric acid (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/100 g H2O) on the stress–strain responses of fish gelatin (FG) gels (2, 4, and 6.67 g/100 g H2O) under uniaxial compression up to 68% of deformation. The first‐order Ogden model fitted quite well for the compression responses of FG gels (R2 = 0.9909–0.9997). Protons from the acids played a key role on weakening the FG gel structures (gel rigidity, μ, decreased 11%–27%), as the μ values and pH values of FG gels were linearly correlated (R2 = 0.8240–0.9748), regardless of the acid type. The addition of an acid also resulted in a significant increase (p < .002) in the strain hardening capacity (α) of gels with 2 g FG/100 g H2O. Both μ and α values of FG gels with higher gelatin concentrations were less affected by an acid partly due to their stronger buffering effects. The μ and α values of FG gels as affected by acids could not be fully explained based upon the pH changes, implying that the effects of acetate, malate, and citrate ions on the gel structure could not be ignored.