bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Myopia in Children Before, During, and After COVID-19 Restrictions in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Xiu Juan , Zhang Yuzhou , Kam Ka Wai , Tang Fangyao , Li Yi , Ng Mandy P. H. , Young Alvin L. , Ip Patrick , Tham Clement C. , Chen Li Jia , Pang Chi Pui , Yam Jason C.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Childhood myopia increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited evidence exists about whether myopia development was reversed or worsened after the lockdown.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of myopia and its associated factors before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based, repeated cross-sectional study evaluated children aged 6 to 8 years from the Hong Kong Children Eye Study between 2015 and 2021 in 3 cohorts: before COVID-19 (2015-2019), during COVID-19 restrictions (2020), and after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted (2021).

Exposures

All the children received ocular examinations, including cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length. Data about the children’s lifestyle, including time spent outdoors, near-work time, and screen time, were collected from a standardized questionnaire.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the prevalence of myopia, mean spherical equivalent refraction, axial length, changes in lifestyle, and the associated factors over 7 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and generalized estimating equations.

Results

Of 20 527 children (mean [SD] age, 7.33 [0.89] years; 52.8% boys and 47.2% girls), myopia prevalence was stable from 2015 to 2019 (23.5%-24.9%; P = .90) but increased to 28.8% (P < .001) in 2020 and 36.2% (P < .001) in 2021. The mean (SD) time spent outdoors was much lower in 2020 (0.85 [0.53] h/d; P < .001) and 2021 (1.26 [0.48] h/d; P < .001) compared with pre–COVID-19 levels (1.40 [0.47]-1.46 [0.65] h/d). The trend was reversed for total near-work time and screen time. High myopia prevalence was associated with the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; 95% CI, 1.28-1.54; P < .001), younger age (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.76-1.93; P < .001), male sex (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21; P = .007), lower family income (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09; P = .04), and parental myopia (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.52-1.70; P < .001). During the pandemic, mean (SD) near-work and screen times in children from lower-income families were 5.16 (2.05) h/d and 3.44 (1.97) h/d, more than from higher-income families (4.83 [1.85] and 2.90 [1.61] h/d, respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study revealed that after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Hong Kong, myopia prevalence among children was higher than before the pandemic, and lifestyle did not return to pre–COVID-19 levels. Younger children and those from low-income families were at a higher risk of myopia development during the pandemic, suggesting that collective efforts for myopia control should be advocated for these groups.
Assessment of Team Dynamics and Operative Efficiency in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Cousins Henry C. , Cahan Eli M. , Steere Joshua T. , Maloney William J. , Goodman Stuart B. , Miller Matthew D. , Huddleston James I. , Amanatullah Derek F.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Surgical team communication is a critical component of operative efficiency. The factors underlying optimal communication, including team turnover, role composition, and mutual familiarity, remain underinvestigated in the operating room.

Objective

To assess staff turnover, trainee involvement, and surgeon staff preferences in terms of intraoperative efficiency.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective analysis of staff characteristics and operating times for all total joint arthroplasties was performed at a tertiary academic medical center by 5 surgeons from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from May 1, 2021, to February 18, 2022. The study included cases with primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) comprising all primary total joint arthroplasties performed over the 1-year study interval.

Exposures

Intraoperative turnover among nonsurgical staff, presence of trainees, and presence of surgeon-preferred staff.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incision time, procedure time, and room time for each surgery. Multivariable regression analyses between operative duration, presence of surgeon-preferred staff, and turnover among nonsurgical personnel were conducted.

Results

A total of 641 cases, including 279 THAs (51% female; median age, 64 [IQR, 56.3-71.5] years) and 362 TKAs (66% [238] female; median age, 68 [IQR, 61.1-74.1] years) were considered. Turnover among circulating nurses was associated with a significant increase in operative duration in both THAs and TKAs, with estimated differences of 19.6 minutes (SE, 3.5; P < .001) of room time in THAs and 14.0 minutes (SE, 3.1; P < .001) of room time in TKAs. The presence of a preferred anesthesiologist or surgical technician was associated with significant decreases of 26.5 minutes (SE, 8.8; P = .003) of procedure time and 12.6 minutes (SE, 4.0; P = .002) of room time, respectively, in TKAs. The presence of a surgeon-preferred vendor was associated with a significant increase in operative duration in both THAs (26.3 minutes; SE, 7.3; P < .001) and TKAs (29.6 minutes; SE, 9.6; P = .002).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that turnover among operative staff is associated with procedural inefficiency. In contrast, the presence of surgeon-preferred staff may facilitate intraoperative efficiency. Administrative or technologic support of perioperative communication and team continuity may help improve operative efficiency.
Nature‐Skin‐Derived e‐Skin as Versatile “Wound Therapy‐Health Monitoring” Bioelectronic Skin‐Scaffolds: Skin to Bio‐e‐Skin
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Cui Boqiang , Wang Xuechuan , Zheng Manhui , Bai Zhongxue , Yue Ouyang , Fei Yifan , Jiang Huie
Published: March 2023

Electronic skins (e‐skins) have the potential to turn into breakthroughs in biomedical applications. Herein, a novel acellular dermal matrix (ADM)‐based bioelectronic skin (e‐ADM) is used to fabricate versatile “wound therapy‐health monitoring” tissue‐nanoengineered skin scaffolds via a facile “one‐pot” bio‐compositing strategy to incorporate the conductive carbon nanotubes and self‐assembled micro‐copper oxide microspheres with a cicada‐wing‐like rough surface and nanocone microstructure. The e‐ADM exhibits robust tensile strength (22 MPa), flexibility, biodegradability, electroactivity, and antibacterial properties. Interestingly, e‐ADM exhibits the pH‐responsive ability for intelligent command between sterilization and wound repair . Additionally, e‐ADM enables accurate real‐time monitoring of human activities, providing a novel flexible e‐skin sensor to record injury and motions. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that with electrical stimulation, e‐ADM could prominently facilitate cell growth and proliferation and further promote full‐thickness skin wound healing, providing a comprehensive therapeutic strategy for smart sensing and tissue repair, guiding the development of high‐performance “wound therapy‐health monitoring” bioelectronic skin‐scaffolds.
Atroposelective Three‐Component Coupling of Cyclic Diaryliodoniums and Sodium Cyanate Enabled by the Dual‐Role of Phenol
Authors: Yang Shan , Zheng Tianze , Duan Longhui , Xue Xiaoping , Gu Zhenhua
Published: March 2023

A copper‐catalyzed atroposelective ring‐opening reaction of cyclic diaryliodoniums, sodium cyanate (NaOCN) and phenols is reported. The reaction chemoselectively affords axially chiral carbamates by sequential coupling of cyclic diaryliodonium and NaOCN, followed by phenol. Mechanistic investigations revealed that phenol is not only a reagent to trap highly active intermediate isocyanates, but it also activates the copper catalyst as a standby ligand. The carbamates were readily transformed into highly functionalized urea derivatives within a simple nucleophilic substitution reaction.
Establishment and validation of a sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of KRASG12C protein PROTAC molecule LC‐2 in rat plasma and its application to in vivo pharmacokinetic studies of LC‐2 PEGylated liposomes
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Zhiyu , Wang Xiaowen , Li Xiao , Liu Xueqi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Sha
Published: March 2023

LC‐2, is a molecule of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), with a large molecular weight, poor water solubility and low system bioavailability, which was designed to degrade KRASG12C protein. In this study, LC‐2 PEGylated liposomes were developed and characterized. Moreover, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method in rat plasma was established and effectively utilized for an in vivo pharmacokinetic investigation. LC‐2 PEGylated liposomes with better properties were prepared by an improved ethanol injection method. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse XDB‐CN column (100 × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm) with acetonitrile–ammonium deionized water (5 mm; 80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The mass spectra of LC‐2 and the IS (gefitinib) were obtained at m/z 1132.5 → 626.4 and 447.1 → 128.2, respectively. The pharmacokinetic study was carried out by analyzing plasma concentrations of LC‐2 solution or produced LC‐2 PEGylated liposomes in rats using the developed and validated method. The pharmacokinetic results indicate that PEGylated liposome‐encapsulation protected LC‐2 from the influence of endogenous protein binding, improved insolubility, prolonged half‐life and increased system bioavailability. This study provides a feasible solution for future preclinical and clinical studies of LC‐2 and/or other PROTACs.
Teucrium fruticans L., a Multi‐Scale Study: From Trichomes to Essential Oil
Authors: Giuliani Claudia , Bottoni Martina , Santagostini Laura , Spada Alberto , Papini Alessio , Milani Fabrizia , Fico Gelsomina
Published: March 2023

This work represents the first multi‐scale study on Teucrium fruticans L. cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Lombardy, Northern Italy), combining a micromorphological and a phytochemical survey on the plant's aerial parts. Micromorphological investigations, performed by Light Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, highlighted the presence of five trichomes morphotypes, distinguished by a different distribution pattern: peltates, short‐stalked and ball‐like medium‐stalked capitates, ubiquitous on the whole plant, medium‐stalked and long‐stalked capitates, exclusive to the floral whorls. Both peltates and medium‐stalked capitates were recognized as the main terpene production sites. Phytochemical characterization focused on the essential oils (EOs), obtained by Clevenger‐type hydrodistillation in February and April 2022 and characterized by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), which resulted mainly formed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The February EO profile was characterized by β‐caryophyllene (28.30 %) and germacrene D (19.16 %) as main compounds, while in April β‐myrcene was detected at high percentage (13.77 %), in addition to the previous two components (15.72 % and 11.55 %, respectively). Literature data, dealing with the biological activities of the main oil constituents, highlighted an anti‐microbial, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐tumor potential, due to the high content in sesquiterpenes and, particularly, of β‐caryophyllene and germacrene D.
Measuring the costs of crime using the willingness‐to‐pay method
Authors: Raffan Gowar Bea L. , Farrington David P. , Ttofi Maria M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Criminal justice policy decisions are increasingly being influenced by the ratio of the monetary benefits to the monetary costs. While policies based on evidence and analysed via cost‐benefit studies are a welcome development, cost‐benefit calculations are only as robust as the data upon which they are based. For England and Wales up to the present, cost‐of‐crime estimates used in cost‐benefit analyses have been calculated by the Home Office using a multi‐method approach. However, the intangible costs of crime have not been estimated adequately in England and Wales.

Aim

The main aim was to quantify the intangible costs of crime using the willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) method. Also, stated preferences for different crime reduction methods were investigated.

Method

This study utilises samples from the City of Cambridge (n = 534) and from Criminal Justice Practitioners (n = 124), to assess their WTP to prevent a range of crimes from happening in their neighbourhood, and their preferred crime reduction techniques. A Contingent Valuation Survey (CVS) was used.

Results

Overall, both samples gave a higher WTP for low volume, high harm crimes than for high volume, low harm crimes. Both samples supported funding youth programmes in preference to other forms of crime reduction initiatives.

Conclusion

It is proposed that a CVS should be included in the next Crime Survey for England and Wales, in order to collect relevant WTP data on crime at the national level.
Paramagnetic Relaxation Agents for Enhancing Temporal Resolution and Sensitivity in Multinuclear FlowNMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Bara‐Estaún Alejandro , Harder Marie C. , Lyall Catherine L. , Lowe John P. , Suturina Elizaveta , Hintermair Ulrich
Published: March 2023

Sensitivity in FlowNMR spectroscopy for reaction monitoring often suffers from low levels of pre‐magnetisation due to limited residence times of the sample in the magnetic field. While this in‐flow effect is tolerable for high sensitivity nuclei such as 1H and 19F, it significantly reduces the signal‐to‐noise ratio in 31P and 13C spectra, making FlowNMR impractical for low sensititvity nuclei at low concentrations. Paramagnetic relaxation agents (PRAs), which enhance polarisation and spin‐lattice relaxation, could eliminate the adverse in‐flow effect and improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Herein, [Co(acac)3], [Mn(acac)3], [Fe(acac)3], [Cr(acac)3], [Ni(acac)2]3, [Gd(tmhd)3] and [Cr(tmhd)3] are investigated for their effectiveness in improving signal intensity per unit time in FlowNMR applications under the additional constraint of chemical inertness towards catalytically active transition metal complexes. High‐spin Cr(III) acetylacetonates emerged as the most effective compounds, successfully reducing 31P T1 values four‐ to five‐fold at PRA concentrations as low as 10 mM without causing adverse line broadening. Whereas [Cr(acac)3] showed signs of chemical reactivity with a mixture of triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine oxide and triphenylphosphate over the course of several hours at 80° C, the bulkier [Cr(tmhd)3] was stable and equally effective as a PRA under these conditions. Compatibility with a range of representative transition metal complexes often used in homogeneous catalysis has been investigated, and application of [Cr(tmhd)3] in significantly improving 1H and 31P{1H} FlowNMR data quality in a Rh‐catalysed hydroformylation reaction has been demonstrated. With the PRA added, 13C relaxation times were reduced more than six‐fold, allowing quantitative reaction monitoring of substrate consumption and product formation by 13C{1H} FlowNMR spectroscopy at natural abundance.
Deceleration capacity of heart rate predicts 1‐year mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair
Authors: Mizera Lars , Rath Dominik , Schreieck Jürgen , Seizer Peter , Gawaz Meinrad Paul , Duckheim Martin , Eick Christian , Müller Karin A. L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Risk stratification for transcatheter procedures in patients with severe mitral regurgitation is challenging. Deceleration capacity (DC) has already proven to be a reliable risk predictor in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. We hypothesized, that DC provides prognostic value in patients undergoing transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TEER).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed electrocardiogram signals from 106 patients undergoing TEER at the University Hospital of Tübingen. All patients received continuous heart‐rate monitoring to assess DC following the procedure. One‐year all‐cause mortality was defined as the primary end point.

Results

Sixteen patients (15.1%) died within 1 year. The DC in nonsurvivors was significantly reduced compared to survivors (5.1 ± 3.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.6 ms, p = 0.002). A higher EuroSCORE II and impaired left ventricular function were furthermore associated with poor outcome. In Cox regression analyses, a DC < 4.5 ms was found a strong predictor of 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 0.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.13–0.79, p = 0.029). Finally, a significant negative correlation was found between DC and residual mitral regurgitation after TEER (r = −0.41, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with severe mitral regurgitation undergoing TEER, DC may serve as a new predictor of follow‐up mortality.
Remediation of Lead Toxicity Using Phosphorus in Lead‐Contaminated Agricultural Soils
Authors: Patra Sanmay Kumar , Sengupta Sudip , Das Som Sankar , Mazumdar Debashis
Published: March 2023

Phosphorus (P) plays dual role in providing plant nutrition while suppressing lead (Pb) toxicity in soil–plant system. Remediation of lead toxicity with soluble P is a promising low‐cost soil rehabilitation technology. An incubation experiment is conducted for assessing the bioavailability of Pb and P under simultaneous application in Pb‐laden soils. The treatments consist of four Pb levels, 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg kg−1soil, and four P levels, 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg kg−1soil, with five periods of incubation (0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days) arranged in a 4 × 4 × 5 factorial design. The important physical, physicochemical and chemical characteristics of soil samples are analyzed. Bioavailable P and Pb contents of the soil samples after incubation with Pb and/or P are determined. The results indicate that Pb×P interactions significantly decrease bioavailable soil‐Pb concentrations by 38.9–43.9%. Likewise, interactions of Pb×day and P×day significantly reduce soil‐Pb concentrations by 33.1–35.1 and 31.8–33.6% at different levels of Pb and P spiking, respectively. A ready reckoner is developed using the antagonism manifestation of Pb and P in soil, which suggests the administration of P doses with respect to Pb‐loading and time elapsed to rejuvenate Pb‐contaminated soils for healthy crop production.
A miniaturized uniplanar MIMO antenna for n79/n46/millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Joseph Jeevitha , Let Gunamony Shine , Pratap Chandran Benin , Winston J Jenkin
Published: March 2023

This research suggests a compact uniplanar multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) with four ports for n79/n46/millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave) applications. The size of the quad MIMO is only 30 × 30 × 0.8 mm3. MIMO system consists of four identical Z‐shaped radiators and common ground on the same plane and no decoupling structures are used for isolation. The system covers the bandwidth of 1.9 GHz (4.4–6.3 GHz) with a mid‐frequency of 5.6 GHz and also covers the high‐band frequencies ranging from 18 to 30 GHz with a bandwidth of 12 GHz. The suggested quad MIMO is fabricated on an FR‐4 board, and the measured outcomes are well in line with the simulated results. An isolation value of −11 dB has been achieved for mid‐band frequency and −24 dB has been attained for mm‐wave bands. Through the value of DG = 10 dB, ECC < 0.07, TARC < −3 dB, MEG < −5 dB, and the ratio of MEG = 1 dB, uniplanar quad MIMO shows acceptable MIMO diversity performance. The entire system was evaluated for the users' hand specific absorption rate (SAR) impacts and is within the limits. After the complete analysis of the miniature quad MIMO antenna, an 8‐port, and a 16‐port uniplanar MIMO are simulated for smartphone‐sized dielectric substrates and the performances were examined. The suggested MIMO system provides an efficient single‐layer MIMO antenna to 5G smartphones with high bandwidth and low SAR. The proposed quad MIMO systems are suitable for both the sub‐6 GHz band and the mm‐wave band.
CE2RV: Commissioned energy‐efficient virtualization for large‐scale heterogeneous wireless sensor networks
Authors: Babu M. Vasim , Sekaran Ramesh , Kannan Suthendran , Ravi Vinayakumar
Published: March 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) comprises sensor networks, intelligent things, devices, and humans for heterogeneous services and applications. Energy constraints in conventional wireless networks impact IoT performance resulting in service failures. For reducing the adverse impact of energy, this article introduces a commissioned energy‐efficient resource virtualization (CE2RV) scheme. This proposed scheme classifies the sensor nodes as fast and slow‐depleting for identifying service failures. The fast‐depleting nodes are discontinued from the service replications, and the remaining energy high‐node‐connected resources are identified. Such resources are virtualized for thwarting the existing energy failures over various services. The node classifications are performed using a tree‐learning algorithm. The classifications are performed for node replacement and service virtualization under different energy depletion rates. This is required for preventing sensor network disconnections between the users and service providers. The classification is required for overcoming multiple virtualizations between common nodes across different service providers. The proposed scheme's performance is analyzed using the metrics of service disconnections, energy utilization, energy efficiency, and service delay.
Race‐related population attributable fraction of preventable risk factors of dementia: A Latino population‐based study
Authors: Borelli Wyllians Vendramini , Formoso Carolina Rodrigues , Bieger Andrei , Ferreira Pamela Lukasewicz , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Pascoal Tharick Ali , Chaves Marcia Lorena Fagundes , Castilhos Raphael Machado
Published: March 2023

Background

Risk factors for dementia have distinct frequency and impact in relation to race. Our aim was to identify differences in modifiable risk factors of dementia related to races and estimate their population attributable fraction (PAF).

Methods

An epidemiological cohort was used to estimate the prevalence of 10 modifiable risk factors for dementia among five races—White, Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous. Sample weighting was used to estimate the prevalence and PAF of each risk factor in each race.

Results

A total of 9070 individuals were included. Overall adjusted PAF was the lowest in Indigenous (38.9%), and Asian individuals (41.2%). Race‐related prevalence of individual risk factors was widely variable in our population, but hearing loss was the most important contributor to the overall PAF in all races.

Conclusions

Public policies aiming to reduce preventable risk factors for dementia should take into consideration the race of the target populations.

HIGHLIGHTS

Preventable risk factors for dementia vary according to race.

Hearing loss presented the highest prevalence among all races studied.

Indigenous and Asian individuals presented the lowest population attributable fractions.

Black and Brown individuals were more vulnerable to social determinants.
Development and validation of the Dimensional Inventory of Stress and Trauma Across the Lifespan (DISTAL): A novel assessment tool to facilitate the dimensional study of psychobiological sequelae of exposure to adversity
Authors: Cohodes Emily M. , McCauley Sarah , Pierre Jasmyne C. , Hodges H. R. , Haberman Jason T. , Santiuste Isabel , Rogers Marisa K. , Wang Jenny , Mandell Jeffrey D. , Gee Dylan G.
Published: March 2023

Decades of research underscore the profound impact of adversity on brain and behavioral development. Recent theoretical models have highlighted the importance of considering specific features of adversity that may have dissociable effects at distinct developmental timepoints. However, existing measures do not query these dimensions in sufficient detail to support the proliferation of this approach. The Dimensional Inventory of Stress and Trauma Across the Lifespan (DISTAL) was developed with the aim to thoroughly and retrospectively assess the timing, severity (of exposure and reaction), type, persons involved, controllability, predictability, threat, deprivation, proximity, betrayal, and discrimination inherent in an individual's exposure to adversity. Here, we introduce this instrument, present descriptive statistics drawn from a sample of N = 187 adults who completed the DISTAL, and provide initial information about its psychometric properties. This novel measure facilitates the expansion of research focused on assessing the relative impact of exposure to key dimensions of adversity on the brain and behavior across development.
A metric‐based framework for climate‐smart conservation planning
Authors: Buenafe Kristine Camille V. , Dunn Daniel C. , Everett Jason D. , Brito‐Morales Isaac , Schoeman David S. , Hanson Jeffrey O. , Dabalà Alvise , Neubert Sandra , Cannicci Stefano , Kaschner Kristin , Richardson Anthony J.
Published: March 2023

Climate change is already having profound effects on biodiversity, but climate change adaptation has yet to be fully incorporated into area‐based management tools used to conserve biodiversity, such as protected areas. One main obstacle is the lack of consensus regarding how impacts of climate change can be included in spatial conservation plans. We propose a climate‐smart framework that prioritizes the protection of climate refugia—areas of low climate exposure and high biodiversity retention—using climate metrics. We explore four aspects of climate‐smart conservation planning: (1) climate model ensembles; (2) multiple emission scenarios; (3) climate metrics; and (4) approaches to identifying climate refugia. We illustrate this framework in the Western Pacific Ocean, but it is equally applicable to terrestrial systems. We found that all aspects of climate‐smart conservation planning considered affected the configuration of spatial plans. The choice of climate metrics and approaches to identifying refugia have large effects in the resulting climate‐smart spatial plans, whereas the choice of climate models and emission scenarios have smaller effects. As the configuration of spatial plans depended on climate metrics used, a spatial plan based on a single measure of climate change (e.g., warming) will not necessarily be robust against other measures of climate change (e.g., ocean acidification). We therefore recommend using climate metrics most relevant for the biodiversity and region considered based on a single or multiple climate drivers. To include the uncertainty associated with different climate futures, we recommend using multiple climate models (i.e., an ensemble) and emission scenarios. Finally, we show that the approaches we used to identify climate refugia feature trade‐offs between: (1) the degree to which they are climate‐smart, and (2) their efficiency in meeting conservation targets. Hence, the choice of approach will depend on the relative value that stakeholders place on climate adaptation. By using this framework, protected areas can be designed with improved longevity and thus safeguard biodiversity against current and future climate change. We hope that the proposed climate‐smart framework helps transition conservation planning toward climate‐smart approaches.
Process Intensification in Gas–Liquid Mass Transfer by Modification of Reactor Design: A Review
Authors: Zhang Huan , Song Naijian , Yu Tao , Qu Chengtun
Published: March 2023

Process intensification is one way of developing new efficient production pathways for the chemical industry to overcome the increasing global energy demand and solve global energy and environmental problems. Process intensification plays an important role in the gas–liquid mass transfer processes. Herein, an overview of the development in gas–liquid mass transfer enhancement is provided. Classical mass transfer models such as two‐film theory, penetration theory, and surface renewal theory are analyzed. Major enhancement methods, namely, mechanical modification of reactor, are summarized and discussed here. The most recent accomplishments in gas–liquid mass transfer engineering are also provided. This review is expected to inspire new research on gas–liquid mass transfer engineering to enhance the future development and potential applications of gas–liquid mass transfer in scientific and industrial fields. Suggestions for the enhancement of gas–liquid mass transfer are also provided.
Small‐Scale Demonstration of a High‐Temperature Coelectrolyzer—Experimental Results and Model Validation
Authors: Reichelt Erik , Adam Paul , Näke Ralf , Herz Gregor , Megel Stefan
Published: March 2023

High‐temperature electrolysis is known to offer a huge potential for efficient generation of hydrogen and syngas. However, experimental data on technically relevant electrolyzer systems are scarce. Herein, experimental data on a coelectrolyzer with a nominal electric input power of Pel,stack,nom,DC = 12 kW will be presented. The electrolyzer is operated for over 500 h in H2O and coelectrolysis mode under full‐ and part‐load operation. The results not only prove the viability of the chosen system approach and the high efficiency that can be reached with this electrolysis technology, but they are also applied to validate a 0D solid oxide electrolysis model.
Subsidy Quality Affects Common Riparian Web-Building Spiders: Consequences of Aquatic Contamination and Food Resource
Authors: Pietz Sebastian , Kolbenschlag Sara , Röder Nina , Roodt Alexis P. , Steinmetz Zacharias , Manfrin Alessandro , Schwenk Klaus , Schulz Ralf , Schäfer Ralf B. , Zubrod Jochen P. , Bundschuh Mirco
Published: March 2023

Anthropogenic stressors can affect the emergence of aquatic insects. These insects link aquatic and adjacent terrestrial food webs, serving as high-quality subsidy to terrestrial consumers, such as spiders. While previous studies have demonstrated that changes in the emergence biomass and timing may propagate across ecosystem boundaries, the physiological consequences of altered subsidy quality for spiders are largely unknown. We used a model food chain to study the potential effects of subsidy quality: Tetragnatha spp. were exclusively fed with emergent Chironomus riparius cultured in the absence or presence of either copper (Cu), Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), or a mixture of synthetic pesticides paired with two basal resources (Spirulina vs. TetraMin®) of differing quality in terms of fatty acid (FA) composition. Basal resources shaped the FA profile of chironomids, whereas their effect on the FA profile of spiders decreased, presumably due to the capacity of both chironomids and spiders to modify (dietary) FA. In contrast, aquatic contaminants had negligible effects on prey FA profiles but reduced the content of physiologically important polyunsaturated FAs, such as 20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid) and 20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid), in spiders by approximately 30% in Cu and Bti treatments. This may have contributed to the statistically significant decline (40%–50%) in spider growth. The observed effects in spiders are likely related to prey nutritional quality because biomass consumption by spiders was, because of our experimental design, constant. Analyses of additional parameters that describe the nutritional quality for consumers such as proteins, carbohydrates, and the retention of contaminants may shed further light on the underlying mechanisms. Our results highlight that aquatic contaminants can affect the physiology of riparian spiders, likely by altering subsidy quality, with potential implications for terrestrial food webs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1346–1358. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Adult Corals Are Uniquely More Sensitive to Manganese Than Coral Early-Life Stages
Authors: Binet Monique T. , Reichelt-Brushett Amanda , McKnight Kitty , Golding Lisa A. , Humphrey Craig , Stauber Jenny L.
Published: March 2023

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element and is generally considered to be one of the least toxic metals to aquatic organisms, with chronic effects rarely seen at concentrations below 1000 µg/L. Anthropogenic activities lead to elevated concentrations of Mn in tropical marine waters. Limited data suggest that Mn is more acutely toxic to adults than to early life stages of scleractinian corals in static renewal tests. However, to enable the inclusion of sufficient sensitive coral data in species sensitivity distributions to derive water quality guideline values for Mn, we determined the acute toxicity of Mn to the adult scleractinian coral, Acropora muricata, in flow-through exposures. The 48-h median effective concentration was 824 µg Mn/L (based on time-weighted average, measured, dissolved Mn). The endpoint was tissue sloughing, a lethal process by which coral tissue detaches from the coral skeleton. Tissue sloughing was unrelated to superoxidase dismutase activity in coral tissue, and occurred in the absence of bleaching, that is, toxic effects were observed for the coral host, but not for algal symbionts. We confirm that adult scleractinian corals are uniquely sensitive to Mn in acute exposures at concentrations 10–340 times lower than those reported to cause acute or chronic toxicity to coral early life stages, challenging the traditional notion that early life stages are more sensitive than mature organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1359–1370. © 2023 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Prognostic nomogram and treatment efficacy analysis for vaginal cancer: A SEER database and external validation study
Authors: Gao Chen , Li Hui , Wu Rongrong , Chen Wenjuan
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To analyze the prognosis and treatment decisions for patients with vaginal cancer through a large retrospective cohort study, in order to assist clinicians to evaluate the condition and choose treatment methods.

Methods

This was a retrospective study analyzed with Cox regression, nomogram, and external validation. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used for comparative analysis of various treatment modalities.

Results

A total of 6650 cases of vaginal cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and 106 cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2021 from Fujian Cancer Hospital were identified. Young age, early FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage, well‐differentiated, squamous and adenocarcinoma, first primary malignancy, married, undergoing surgery, and chemoradiotherapy were good independent prognostic factors (P < 0.001). The internal and external validation concordance indices were 0.7102 and 0.7785, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy significantly improved survival in patients with vaginal cancer. Forest plots suggest that radiotherapy combined with surgery was superior to radiotherapy alone (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We established a specific nomogram to predict vaginal cancer prognosis. Surgery combined with external beam radiation plus brachytherapy may be the most recommended treatment option.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of YAP‐1 in biliary epithelial cells mediates posthepatectomy liver regeneration and is affected by serotonin
Authors: Starlinger Patrick , Brunnthaler Laura , Watkins Ryan , Pereyra David , Stift Judith , Finsterbusch Michaela , Santol Jonas , Gruenberger Thomas , Assinger Alice , Smoot Rory
Published: March 2023

Experimental data suggested activation of yes‐associated protein (YAP‐1) as a critical regulator of liver regeneration (LR). Serotonin (5‐HT) promotes LR in rodent models and has been proposed to act via YAP‐1. How 5‐HT affects LR is incompletely understood. A possible mechanism how 5‐HT affects human LR was explored. Sixty‐one patients were included. Tissue samples prior and 2 h after induction of LR were collected. Circulating levels of 5‐HT and osteopontin (OPN) were assessed. YAP‐1, its phosphorylation states, cytokeratin 19 (CK‐19) and OPN were assessed using immunofluorescence. A mouse model of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) specific deletion of YAP/TAZ was developed. YAP‐1 increased as early as 2 h after induction of LR (p = 0.025) predominantly in BECs. BEC specific deletion of YAP/TAZ reduced LR after 70% partial hepatectomy in mice (Ki67%, p < 0.001). SSRI treatment, depleting intra‐platelet 5‐HT, abolished YAP‐1 and OPN induction upon LR. Portal vein 5‐HT levels correlated with intrahepatic YAP‐1 expression upon LR (R = 0.703, p = 0.035). OPN colocalized with YAP‐1 in BECs and its circulating levels increased in the liver vein 2 h after induction of LR (p = 0.017). In the context of LR tyrosine‐phosphorylated YAP‐1 significantly increased (p = 0.042). Stimulating BECs with 5‐HT resulted in increased YAP‐1 activation via tyrosine‐phosphorylation and subsequently increased OPN expression. BECs YAP‐1 appears to be critical for LR in mice and humans. Our evidence suggests that 5‐HT, at least in part, exerts its pro‐regenerative effects via YAP‐1 tyrosine‐phosphorylation in BECs and subsequent OPN‐dependent paracrine immunomodulation.
Encapsulation of vortioxetine with cyclodextrins via host–guest inclusion complex: Synthesis, characterization, solubility, and in vitro dissolution studies
Authors: Inam Muhammad , Phan Chi Uyen , Wang Jian‐Wei , Jamshed Muhammad , Hu Xiurong , Tang Guping
Published: March 2023

Drug solubility plays a significant role in the development of drug formulation. The objectives of this work are to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of vortioxetine (VT) by preparing its inclusion complexes (ICs) with β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and γ‐Cyclodextrin (γ‐CD). The ICs were prepared in 1:1 M ratio via recrystallization method and characterized by P‐XRD, FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 2D NOESY, and DSC. Further, the crystal structure of VT‐β‐CD was analyzed by SC‐XRD. P‐XRD data obtained for ICs describe the crystalline pattern. The DSC analysis shows change in the thermal behavior of VT, CDs and ICs. FT‐IR analysis shows shifting of frequencies in ICs when compared with the pristine VT drug and CDs. The 2D NOESY in DMSO‐d6 indicates weak interaction between the VT and CD molecules. The crystal structure of VT‐β‐CD consists of one guest VT, one host CD, and nine water molecules in the crystal lattice. The solubility of ICs was significantly improved in distilled water, pH 1.2 acidic, and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 medium, as compared with the solubility of the pristine VT drug. The in vitro dissolution rate of ICs in different dissolution media was investigated, which was higher than that of the commercial product of VT.
Body regard disrupts emotional cascade processes in nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Myntti Warner W. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study sought to empirically examine the Emotional Cascade Model of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI), and to examine if body regard mitigates these variables' impact on NSSI in college students. We tested a three‐way interaction between emotional reactivity, maladaptive cognitive regulation strategies, and body regard predicting NSSI frequency.

Methods

Two thousand sixty‐six undergraduate students (Mage = 20.38; 72.4% identified as female; 91.7% White; 22.7% with NSSI) completed measures of emotion reactivity, maladaptive cognitive regulation strategies, body regard, and lifetime NSSI frequency.

Results

The three‐way interaction between emotion reactivity, maladaptive cognitive regulation strategies, and body regard was significant. The interaction effect of emotional reactivity and maladaptive cognitive regulation strategies on NSSI was significant when body regard was low but not significant at average and high levels of body regard. The highest NSSI frequency was reported by those high in emotion reactivity and maladaptive cognitive regulation strategies, and low in body regard.

Conclusion

These results support the emotional cascade theory of NSSI, and support assertions that body regard might act as a protective barrier against NSSI in the context of heightened emotion reactivity and maladaptive cognitive regulation strategies.
Regulation of PIEZO1 channels by lipids and the structural components of extracellular matrix/cell cytoskeleton
Authors: Vasileva Valeria , Chubinskiy‐Nadezhdin Vladislav
Published: March 2023

PIEZO1 is a mechanosensitive channel widely presented in eukaryotic organisms. Although the PIEZO family was discovered in 2010, main questions related to the molecular structure as well as to specific activation mechanisms and regulating pathways remain open. Two hypotheses of PIEZO1 gating were formulated: the first, as a dominant hypothesis, through the plasma membrane (force‐from‐lipids) and the second, via the participation of the cytoskeleton and the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) (force‐from‐filaments). Many researchers provide convincing evidence for both hypotheses. It was demonstrated that PIEZO1 has a propeller‐like shape forming a membrane curvature within the lipid bilayer. That suggests the participation of lipids in channel modulation, and many studies demonstrate the critical role of lipids and compounds that modify the lipid bilayer in the regulation of PIEZO1 properties. At the same time, the components of ECM and cortical cytoskeleton can be affected by the membrane curvature and thus have an impact on PIEZO1 properties. In living cells, PIEZO1 properties are reported to be critically dependent on channel microenvironment that is on combinatorial influence of plasma membrane, cytoskeleton and ECM. Thus, it is necessary to understand which factors can affect PIEZO1 and consider them when interpreting the role of PIEZO1 in various physiological processes. This review summarizes the current knowledge about regulation of Piezo1 by lipids and the components of ECM and cytoskeleton.
RBM24 is required for mouse hair cell development through regulating pre‐mRNA alternative splicing and mRNA stability
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Zhang Cuiqiao , Peng Wu , Du Haibo , Xi Yuehui , Xu Zhigang
Published: March 2023

As the sensory receptor cells in vertebrate inner ear and lateral lines, hair cells are characterized by the hair bundle that consists of one tubulin‐based kinocilium and dozens of actin‐based stereocilia on the apical surface of each hair cell. Hair cell development is tightly regulated, and deficits in this process usually lead to hearing loss and/or balance dysfunctions. RNA‐binding motif protein 24 (RBM24) is an RNA‐binding protein that is specifically expressed in the hair cells in the inner ear. Previously, we showed that RBM24 affects hair cell development in zebrafish by regulating messenger RNA (mRNA) stability. In the present work, we further investigate the role of RBM24 in hearing and balance using conditional knockout mice. Our results show that Rbm24 knockout results in severe hearing and balance deficits. Hair cell development is significantly affected in Rbm24 knockout cochlea, as the hair bundles are poorly developed and eventually degenerated. Hair bundle disorganization is also observed in Rbm24 knockout vestibular hair cells, although to a lesser extent. Consistently, significant hair cell loss is observed in the cochlea but not vestibule. RNAseq analysis identified several genes whose mRNA stability or pre‐mRNA alternative splicing is affected by Rbm24 knockout. Among them are Cdh23, Pcdh15, and Myo7a, which have been shown to play important roles in stereocilia development as well as mechano‐electrical transduction. Taken together, our present work suggests that RBM24 is required for mouse hair cell development through regulating pre‐mRNA alternative splicing as well as mRNA stability.
STAM transports STING oligomers into extracellular vesicles, down‐regulating the innate immune response
Authors: Liang Jiaqi , Yin Hang
Published: March 2023

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) mediates the innate immune response against damaged endogenous double‐strand DNA and exogenous virus infection. The location of STING is critical to the accurate control of defence signalling pathways. Recently, the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the regulation of innate immune signalling have been reported. Nevertheless, the particular roles played by STING in EVs and the related mechanisms have remained largely unknown. Herein, we report that when STING was activated in cells, EVs derived from these cells carried STING oligomers. Signal transducing adapter molecule 1 (STAM) was found to be a STING transporter that directly interacted with STING and facilitated STING transport into EVs. Importantly, the translocation of STING into EVs was a mechanism by which STING was degraded, suppressing the innate immune response. In summary, we elucidated the mechanism and function of the translocation of STING into EVs, adding to the understanding of STING activity regulation.
An experimental critique of the population carrying capacity concept
Authors: Subach Aziz , Gilad Tomer , Rosenfeld Adar , Ovadia Ofer , Scharf Inon
Published: March 2023

Carrying capacity has multiple definitions, but nowadays, it is mainly referred to as the maximum number of individuals of a particular species sustained by the environment. We examined whether multiple populations of two flour beetle species grown under controlled laboratory conditions reach similar asymptotic population sizes when provided with similar amounts of food resources. We demonstrate that the variation in the asymptotic population sizes was considerably larger than that of the initial food resources and that the latter had no significant effect on the former. Our results experimentally contribute to past literature criticizing the carrying capacity concept, demonstrating that there is no single carrying capacity even under strict laboratory conditions. Therefore, we should not expect to often find “carrying capacities” in nature, where resources fluctuate over time, and interspecific interactions are ubiquitous. We suggest that the classic meaning of carrying capacity should be revisited or saved chiefly for didactic purposes.
Viral metagenomics unveils MW (Malawi) polyomavirus infection in Brazilian pediatric patients with acute respiratory disease
Authors: da Silva Anielly S. , de Campos Gabriel Montenegro , Giovanetti Marta , Zucherato Victória Simonatto , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Santos Elaine Vieira , Haddad Rodrigo , Ciccozzi Massimo , Carlos Júnior Alcantara Luiz , Elias Maria Carolina , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Kashima Simone , Slavov Svetoslav Nanev
Published: March 2023

Viral metagenomics has been extensively applied for the identification of emerging or poorly characterized viruses. In this study, we applied metagenomics for the identification of viral infections among pediatric patients with acute respiratory disease, but who tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2. Twelve pools composed of eight nasopharyngeal specimens were submitted to viral metagenomics. Surprisingly, in two of the pools, we identified reads belonging to the poorly characterized Malawi polyomavirus (MWPyV). Then, the samples composing the positive pools were individually tested using quantitative polymerase chain reaction for identification of the MWPyV index cases. MWPyV‐positive samples were also submitted to respiratory virus panel testing due to the metagenomic identification of different clinically important viruses. Of note, MWPyV‐positive samples tested also positive for respiratory syncytial virus types A and B. In this study, we retrieved two complete MWPyV genome sequences from the index samples that were submitted to phylogenetic inference to investigate their viral origin. Our study represents the first molecular and genomic characterization of MWPyV obtained from pediatric patients in South America. The detection of MWPyV in acutely infected infants suggests that this virus might participate (coparticipate) in cases of respiratory symptoms. Nevertheless, future studies based on testing of a larger number of clinical samples and MWPyV complete genomes appear to be necessary to elucidate if this emerging polyomavirus might be clinically important.