bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological description of the alimentary canal and adnexal glands in Amazilia tzacatl, Amazilia saucerottei, Amazilia amabilis and Anthrachotorax nigricollis species
Authors: Muñoz‐Zuluaga John Edisson , Monroy‐Hurtado Julián Andrés , Muñoz‐Duque Julián David , Franco‐Montoya Luz Natalia , Tamayo‐Arango Lynda
Published: October 2023

The hummingbird family (Trochilidae) includes the smallest and most metabolically active vertebrates. They have a high energy demand because of their extraordinarily high metabolic rates during hovering while looking for food. The morphology of the digestive apparatus is related to the feeding habits of the species. The anatomy and histology of the digestive apparatus in these birds have not been thoroughly described except for their tongue. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the gross anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal and adnexal glands in four species from the hummingbird family: Amazilia tzacatl (n = 2), Amazilia saucerottei (n = 1), Amazilia amabilis (n = 1) and Anthracothorax nigricollis (n = 1). The alimentary canal was found to be very short. The epithelium of the oesophagus and crop showed variable degrees of keratinization and parakeratotic areas as normal conditions. A dorsal crop was observed as a differential characteristic of these birds. Like other birds, the ventricular mucosa in hummingbirds was covered and protected by the cuticle and showed a tunica muscularis constituted by three muscle layers. There was no isthmus between the proventriculus and ventriculus. The intestine presents a well‐differentiated duodenum and jejunum. However, no ileum nor caeca were identified. The intestinal villi length, base width, crypt depth and area showed differences among the specimens studied among the small and large intestines. In addition, variations in thickness were observed in the smooth muscle tunica along the intestine. In all the studied species, the liver was composed of two lobes (right and left), and no gall bladder was observed during gross inspection or in histological sections. Finally, the pancreas was observed as a diffused organ forming islets related to all the small intestines. Some anatomical differences were observed among the studied species, mainly concerning Anthracothorax nigricollis. Hummingbirds showed very interesting and distinctive morphological characteristics. Hummingbirds possess unique and intriguing morphological characteristics. Future comparative studies related to the anatomy, histology and function of the digestive apparatus of hummingbirds are required. Expanding our understanding of the digestive morphophysiology in these bird species is crucial. However, it is necessary to conduct more comprehensive studies encompassing a wider range of hummingbird species and including a larger number of individuals to obtain more conclusive findings.
Commodity storage and the cost of capital: Evidence from Illinois grain farms
Authors: Janzen Joseph P. , Paulson Nicholas D. , Tsay Juo‐Han
Published: October 2023

Commodity inventories are the key state variable determining the magnitude of commodity price responses to supply and demand shocks. Many firms in commodity supply chains use storage, but we know little about which firms and why. The economic theory of storage asserts that firms in a competitive market for inventories will store based on current and expected market prices and the per‐unit cost of storing. We empirically test at the firm‐level the importance of one major cost of storage: the opportunity cost of capital used to value foregone revenue from deferred commodity sales. To do so, we use panel data from thousands of Illinois farms who hold inventories of corn and soybeans. Although interest rates as a measure of capital costs are unlikely to vary widely across firms in this context, we exploit variation in the weighted average cost of capital due to cross‐firm differences in capital structure. Using two‐way fixed effects regressions, we find a statistically significant average effect of capital costs on inventory that masks notable heterogeneity across firms. Panel quantile regressions reveal two groups of firms: one whose inventory holdings are responsive to changes in the opportunity cost of storage and another whose are not. Our results suggest some farms behave like the profit‐maximizing ones from theory but substantial inframarginal commodity inventories are held by farms for other reasons.
Population pharmacokinetics of lisinopril in hypertensive children and adolescents with normal to mildly reduced kidney function
Authors: Sandra Louis , Degraeuwe Eva , De Bruyne Pauline , De Baere Siegrid , Croubels Siska , Van Bocxlaer Jan F. P. , Raes Ann , Vande Walle Johan , Gasthuys Elke , Vermeulen An
Published: October 2023

Aims

Lisinopril, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, is a frequently prescribed antihypertensive drug in the paediatric population, while being used off‐label under the age of 6 years in the USA and for all paediatric patients globally. The SAFEPEDRUG project (IWT‐130033) investigated lisinopril pharmacokinetics in hypertensive paediatric patients corresponding with the day‐to‐day clinical population.

Methods

The dose‐escalation pilot study included 13 children with primary and secondary hypertension who received oral lisinopril once daily in the morning; doses ranged from 0.05 to 0.2 mg kg−1. Patients were aged between 1.9 and 17.9 years (median 13.5 years) and weight ranged between 9.62 and 97.2 kg (median 53.2 kg). All data were analysed using Monolix version 2020R1 (Lixoft, France) and R version 3.6.2.

Results

A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination optimally describes the data. Parameter estimates of absorption rate constant (0.075 h−1 [0.062, 0.088], typical value [95% confidence interval]), volume of distribution (31.38 L 70 kg−1 [10.5, 52.3]) and elimination clearance (24.2 L h−1 70 kg−1 [19.5, 28.9]) show good predictive ability. Significant covariate effects include total body weight on elimination clearance, and distribution volume and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on elimination clearance. The effects of eGFR on the elimination clearance are optimally described by a linear effect centred around 105 mL min−1 1.73 m−2. The effects of body weight were implemented using fixed allometric exponents centred around an adult weight of 70 kg.

Conclusion

Lisinopril dose and regimen adjustments for paediatric patients should include eGFR on top of weight adjustments. An expanded model characterizing the pharmacodynamic effect is required to identify the optimal dose and dosing regimen.
A randomized clinical trial of a gamified app for the treatment of perfectionism
Authors: Abramovitch Amitai , Uwadiale Akuekegbe , Robinson Anthony
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Perfectionism is a common transdiagnostic problem that may lead to substantial distress and functional impairments. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for perfectionism. However, the existing significant barriers to access and utilization of mental health services, including among college students, demand the development of low‐intensity accessible interventions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low‐intensity CBT‐based self‐help gamified app developed specifically for perfectionism in a sample of college students.

Methods

Participants completed assessments of perfectionism, related symptoms, emotional burden and functional impairments at pretreatment, posttreatment and at one‐month follow‐up.

Results

Compared with the waitlist condition (n = 35), the app condition (n = 35) demonstrated a significant and greater reduction in perfectionism, obsessive‐compulsive symptoms, functional impairments and subjective ratings of emotional burden.

Conclusions

Results suggest that a brief, daily app‐based game‐like intervention targeting maladaptive perfectionistic beliefs may be a viable, low‐cost alternative to traditional CBT treatments for vulnerable populations on college campuses.
Glucose metabolism in the pathogenic free‐living amoebae: Tempting targets for treatment development
Authors: Milanes Jillian E. , Kwain Samuel , Drawdy Allyson , Dodson Laura , Monaghan Matthew T. , Rice Christopher A. , Dominy Brian N. , Whitehead Daniel C. , Morris James C.
Published: October 2023

Pathogenic free‐living amoebae (pFLA) are single‐celled eukaryotes responsible for causing intractable infections with high morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Current therapeutic approaches include cocktails of antibiotic, antifungal, and antimicrobial compounds. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these can be limited, driving the need for the discovery of new treatments. Pan anti‐amebic agents would be ideal; however, identifying these agents has been a challenge, likely due to the limited evolutionary relatedness of the different pFLA. Here, we discuss the potential of targeting amoebae glucose metabolic pathways as the differences between pFLA and humans suggest specific inhibitors could be developed as leads for new therapeutics.
Process of co‐production of mental health service plans for refugee children in Turkey
Authors: Seyda Eruyar , Merve Yilmaz , Michelle O' Reilly , Panos Vostanis
Published: October 2023

Refugee children and young people have high levels of unmet mental health needs. A trauma‐informed service transformation framework was applied with 14 professionals in Turkey. Through participatory focus groups, professionals co‐produced service plans and considered enabling and challenging factors for implementation. Data were analysed through a thematic codebook approach. Established themes suggested that implementation should concurrently address societal barriers, agency fragmentation, lack of contextual interventions and sustainability. These led to the development of a Theory of Change. A trauma‐informed and scaled service model of collaborative care can holistically meet refugee children and young people's complex needs, while maximising sparse resources.
Regulatory mechanism of circular RNAs in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Xiao Feng , He Zhi , Wang Siqi , Li Jiamei , Fan Xiaolan , Yan Taiming , Yang Mingyao , Yang Deying
Published: October 2023

Background

Neurodegenerative disease is a collective term for a category of diseases that are caused by neuronal dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non‐coding RNAs without the 3′ cap and 5′ poly(A) and are linked by covalent bonds. CircRNAs are highly expressed in brain neurons and can regulate the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases by affecting the levels of various deposition proteins.

Aims

This review is aiming to suggest that the majority of circRNAs influence neurodegenerative pathologies mainly by affecting the abnormal deposition of proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

We systematically summarized the pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases and the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in various types of neurodegenerative diseases.

Results

Neurodegenerative disease main features include intercellular ubiquitin–proteasome system abnormalities, changes in cytoskeletal proteins, and the continuous deposition of insoluble protein fragments and inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm or nucleus, resulting in impairment of the normal physiological processes of the neuronal system. CircRNAs have multiple mechanisms, such as acting as microRNA sponges, binding to proteins, and regulating transcription. CircRNAs, which are highly stable molecules, are expected to be potential biomarkers for the pathological detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and PD.

Conclusions

In this review, we describe the regulatory roles and mechanisms of circRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases and aim to employ circRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Was there a ‘consumer revolution’ in the Ottoman Empire?
Authors: Ceylan Pınar
Published: October 2023

Whether the ‘democratization’ of consumption during the early modern period was specifically a characteristic of the European economic shift or observable in other parts of the world remains a central question in understanding the early roots of consumerism, as well as explaining pre‐industrial growth and divergence. However, the scarcity of quantitative evidence from the non‐Western world limits our ability to make comparisons and grasp the nature of changes that occurred in the material environment. Based on a sample of 380 probate inventories from the Ottoman town of Üsküdar, this paper examines the change in possession of domestic goods from 1700 to 1850. It reveals that, from the 1760s onwards, ordinary Ottomans in the town, who were neither wealthier nor better positioned in the social hierarchy compared with their ancestors in 1700, owned a greater quantity and variety of domestic goods. As a result, they enjoyed richer and more elaborate domestic interiors. The findings strongly suggest that democratization of consumer goods, a hallmark of the early modern consumer revolutions in Europe, was experienced in the Ottoman town of Üsküdar during the second half of the eighteenth century.
Microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of dental polychromic multilayer zirconia of uniform composition
Authors: Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Moschovas Dimitrios , Tulyaganov Dilshat U. , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to compare the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of three commercially available dental polychromatic multilayer zirconia materials of uniform composition: Dima Mill Zirconia ML, VITA YZ/ST Multicolor, and VITA YZ/XT Multicolor (with 3, 4, and 5 mol% Y2O3, respectively); thus, the influence of Y2O3 content on the above properties of the produced materials was experimentally studied. Homogeneous zirconia ceramics with a dense micro‐ and nanostructure, without pores or defects, were produced after milling the blocks and sintering, which resulted in yttrium‐stabilized tetragonal and cubic zirconia. Statistical analysis of the results of measurable magnitudes was performed by the one‐way ANOVA test. The increase of Y2O3 content (from 3 to 5 mol%) favored larger grain and crystallite sizes and a decrease of the values of the mechanical properties; yet, the differences were statistically insignificant. Clinically, these differences are expected to have no impact on their function in the oral cavity, both in terms of their fracture propensity and the damage that can be caused to the opposing teeth. Accordingly, the experimental results qualify the polychromic multilayer zirconia ceramics of uniform composition fabricated by milling technology for use in dental restorations.
A deep learning algorithm to detect cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma on frozen sections in Mohs micrographic surgery: A retrospective assessment
Authors: Davis Matthew J. , Srinivasan Gokul , Chacko Rachael , Chen Sophie , Suvarna Anish , Vaickus Louis J. , Torres Veronica C. , Hodge Sassan , Chen Eunice Y. , Preum Sarah , Samkoe Kimberley S. , Christensen Brock C. , LeBoeuf Matthew R. , Levy Joshua J.
Published: October 2023

Intraoperative margin analysis is crucial for the successful removal of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC). Artificial intelligence technologies (AI) have previously demonstrated potential for facilitating rapid and complete tumour removal using intraoperative margin assessment for basal cell carcinoma. However, the varied morphologies of cSCC present challenges for AI margin assessment. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the accuracy of an AI algorithm for real‐time histologic margin analysis of cSCC. To do this, a retrospective cohort study was conducted using frozen cSCC section slides. These slides were scanned and annotated, delineating benign tissue structures, inflammation and tumour to develop an AI algorithm for real‐time margin analysis. A convolutional neural network workflow was used to extract histomorphological features predictive of cSCC. This algorithm demonstrated proof of concept for identifying cSCC with high accuracy, highlighting the potential for integration of AI into the surgical workflow. Incorporation of AI algorithms may improve efficiency and completeness of real‐time margin assessment for cSCC removal, particularly in cases of moderately and poorly differentiated tumours/neoplasms. Further algorithmic improvement incorporating surrounding tissue context is necessary to remain sensitive to the unique epidermal landscape of well‐differentiated tumours, and to map tumours to their original anatomical position/orientation.
Hepatitis C virus NS5B triggers an MDA5‐mediated innate immune response by producing dsRNA without the replication of viral genomes
Authors: Dansako Hiromichi , Ikeda Masanori , Ariumi Yasuo , Togashi Yosuke , Kato Nobuyuki
Published: October 2023

During the replication of viral genomes, RNA viruses produce double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), through the activity of their RNA‐dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) as viral replication intermediates. Recognition of viral dsRNA by host pattern recognition receptors – such as retinoic acid‐induced gene‐I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors and Toll‐like receptor 3 – triggers the production of interferon (IFN)‐β via the activation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)‐3. It has been proposed that, during the replication of viral genomes, each of RIG‐I and melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 (MDA5) form homodimers for the efficient activation of a downstream signalling pathway in host cells. We previously reported that, in the non‐neoplastic human hepatocyte line PH5CH8, the RdRp NS5B derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) could induce IFN‐β expression by its RdRp activity without the actual replication of viral genomes. However, the exact mechanism by which HCV NS5B produced IFN‐β remained unknown. In the present study, we first showed that NS5B derived from another Flaviviridae family member, GB virus B (GBV‐B), also possessed the ability to induce IFN‐β in PH5CH8 cells. Similarly, HCV NS5B, but not its G317V mutant, which lacks RdRp activity, induced the dimerization of MDA5 and subsequently the activation of IRF‐3. Interestingly, immunofluorescence analysis showed that HCV NS5B produced dsRNA. Like HCV NS5B, GBV‐B NS5B also triggered the production of dsRNA and subsequently the dimerization of MDA5. Taken together, our results show that HCV NS5B triggers an MDA5‐mediated innate immune response by producing dsRNA without the replication of viral genomes in human hepatocytes.
Technological challenges in production of goat milk products and strategies to overcome them: a review
Authors: Akshit F.N.U. , Deshwal Gaurav Kr , Sharma Heena , Kumar Parveen , Maddipatla Dharani Kumar , Singh Manan Preet , Goksen Gulden
Published: October 2023

In comparison to bovine milk, compositional differences in goat milk such as lower αs1‐casein and higher β‐casein content, small‐sized fat globules, higher mineral content and medium‐chain fatty acids generate difficulties in manufacturing goat milk products. Majorly, soft and fragile gel structure, lower yield, salty taste and goaty flavour result in decreased acceptability of goat milk products. Therefore, the present review discusses the technological challenges in preparation of goat milk‐based products, mainly yogurt and cheeses. Understanding the challenges involved in preparing goat milk products and overcoming them by modifying the processing parameters and product formulations could help to improve the quality of goat milk products. Thermal treatment, admixture with bovine milk, enzymatic modifications, and membrane processing have shown promising results in improving the final quality of goat milk products. This review strengthens the existing knowledge for producing goat milk products with improved textural and sensorial attributes.
Heterologous immunoprecipitates also have potential for therapeutic use
Authors: Hadley K. , Lindemann D. , Sato P.
Published: October 2023

Potential therapeutic usefulness of administered enzymes is limited by toxicity and allergenicity. To overcome these problems we are using scurvy to test various enzyme modifications that may be suitable for therapy. L‐Gulonolactone oxidase, which catalyzes the final step in ascorbic acid biosynthesis, is immunoprecipitated with specific antisera from rabbits and then cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde. The modified enzyme retains activity sufficient to elicit ascorbic acid synthesis in scorbutic guinea pigs. Intraperitoneal injection of this altered enzyme to animals supplemented with L‐gulonolactone increases plasma concentrations of the vitamin. Importantly, multiple doses of the complex are tolerated. Therefore, it is possible to prolong survival time of animals fed an ascorbic acid‐deficient diet by this enzyme replacement therapy. This procedure can also be applied to other enzymes that have potential therapeutic use. Serum cholinesterase and asparaginase both retain activity after this modification and are tolerated in single or in weekly repeated injections. Following three or four weekly injections, an anaphylactic reaction to serum but not to enzyme can be elicited if they are injected intravascularly. We conclude that the stability of the immobilized foreign enzyme is a critical factor in lessening the toxicity to multiple injections of these foreign proteins.
Analysis of bacterial exopolysaccharides
Authors: Kennedy AF , Sutherland IW
Published: October 2023

Extracellular polysaccharides have been isolated from cultures of freshwater and marine bacteria originally isolated from material adhering to surfaces and underivatized hydrolysates have been analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography methods. A scheme has been developed whereby the uronic acids can be identified on strong anion‐exchange columns, while neutral monosaccharides can be separated and identified using aminobonded columns or cation‐exchange adsorbent loaded with a heavy metal ion. The methods permit rapid and accurate comparison of polysaccharides with differing chemotype. The strains studied show a range of different chemotypes, all containing a uronic acid and several neutral monosaccharides. Some of the polysaccharides isolated from marine bacteria possessed a very high acetyl content.
Generation of monoclonal antibodies to human prolactin and applications in solid‐phase immunoassays
Authors: Lee CY , Chow SN , Coleman P. , DeTuri MP
Published: October 2023

Monoclonal antibodies specific to human prolactin were generated by an improved hybridoma technique. Following immunization with hormone conjugated with hemocyanin and cell fusion, hybrid cells were first cultured in a semisolid medium containing methylcellulose and later transferred to liquid medium for subculture. Out of 1500 colonies that were initially recovered in one single cell fusion experiment, 300 were shown to exhibit affinity to human prolactin by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay. Finally, nine monoclonal antibodies having high affinity and specificity to human prolactin were selected for further evaluations. From the results of a cross‐matching procedure, one pair of antibodies reacting with discrete antigenic determinants of human prolactin was identified. Using a pair of monoclonal antibodies, the solid phase sandwich immunoradiometric assay and enzyme immunoassay were designed. The sensitivity of these 1‐h immunoassay procedures for the determination of human prolactin was 2 ng/ml.
Monoclonal Antibody to Human Lung Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme
Authors: Danilov SM , Allikmets EYu , Sakharov IYu , Dukhanina EA , Trakht IN
Published: October 2023

The hybridoma producing monoclonal antibody (IgG1) to human angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) has been prepared by fusion of murine myeloma P3O1 with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with a purified human lung ACE preparation. A high specificity of monoclonal antibody (MAb) binding to immobilized ACE has been demonstrated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and that of soluble ACE by an immunoadsorption test. The latter technique permits the use of impure ACE preparations for the screening procedure. This MAb did not affect ACE activity. We believe this antibody will be useful not only for immunoassay and immunopurification of ACE, but also as a tool for the investigation of the tissue distribution of the enzyme as well as for the study of the structure and mechanism of action of ACE.
Evidence for the Existence of A Specific Binding Site for Indomethacin on Bovine Vesicular Gland Microsomes
Authors: Mazzoni MR , Lucacchini A.
Published: October 2023

Using bovine vesicular gland microsomes and [14C]indomethacin we demonstrated the presence of a specific binding site for nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Specific binding of [14C]indomethacin to microsomes was rapid, with most of the ligand bound by 2 min at 4 degrees C. In routine binding assays the incubation temperature was maintained at 4 degrees C, because the maximal specific binding was obtained. Specific [14C]indomethacin binding appeared to increase linearly with increasing protein concentration over the range of 0.1‐1.0 mg of microsomal protein. Specific binding was saturable and Scatchard analysis of binding data showed a single class of binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 3.8 microM and a maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) of about 1272 pmol/mg of protein. When these binding data were plotted according to the Hill equation, a straight line was obtained with a Hill coefficient of 1.0. Structural specificity of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug site was studied with diclofenac, arylpropionic acids (ketoprofen and indoprofen), and aspirin. Diclofenac and arylpropionic derivatives were able to compete with [14C]indomethacin for binding to microsomes, while aspirin was a weak inhibitor.
Elucidation of Conservative Elements of Calmodulin‐Dependent Enzymes with the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Alakhov VYu , Modyanov NN , Shakhparonov MI , Zvaritch EI , Feschenko MS , Lutzenko SV
Published: October 2023

Monoclonal antibodies against human erythrocyte membrane Ca2+‐ATPase were obtained. The binding of monoclonal antibodies to the enzyme resulted in a decrease in the enzyme sensitivity to calmodulin (CaM). The effects of monoclonal antibodies on other CaM‐dependent enzymes, namely, on the phosphodiesterase of cAMP, phosphorylase kinase, and Ca2+‐CaM‐dependent protein kinase II (PK II), were studied. It was found that all four enzymes contain a common antigenic site. However, the inhibitory effect of antibodies was observed only with respect to Ca2+‐ATPase and PK II. The kinetics of the binding of monoclonal antibodies and their inhibitory action were investigated. It was shown that the antigenic site is confined to the calmodulin‐binding portion of Ca2+‐ATPase and PK II.
Formation and Changes of the Subembryonic Liquid from Turned, Unturned, and Cultured Japanese Quail Eggs
Authors: Wittmann J. , Kaltner H.
Published: October 2023

Japanese quail eggs belonging to the same flock of hens were incubated under different conditions: group 1 eggs were turned 3 times a day, group 2 eggs were left unturned, and group 3 eggs were cultured and left unturned. The results indicate that failure to turn eggs results in a delayed efflux of liquid and glucose from albumen and from the subembryonic liquid. Furthermore, the major difference between unturned and cultured eggs was that in the first group the glucose levels and in the second group the lactate levels of the subembryonic liquid were increased. It is suggested that reduced glucose supply may be involved in the disturbance of development of unturned and cultured eggs.
Determination of Parameters for Enzyme Therapy Using L‐Asparaginase Entrapped in Canine Erythrocytes
Authors: Naqi A. , DeLoach JR , Andrews K. , Satterfield W. , Keeling M.
Published: October 2023

The antitumor agent L‐asparaginase was entrapped in canine erythrocytes by a single dialysis encapsulation (efficiency mean = 30%). Concentration of asparaginase in carrier cells was about 240 IU/ml, with an average of 62% cell recovery. Use of a double dialysis procedure increased the L‐asparaginase concentration within carrier cells to 530 IU/ml, with an overall cell recovery of 53.9%. In vitro efflux experiments showed L‐asparaginase‐loaded canine carriers were stable at both 4 and 37 degrees C for an 18‐h period. In vivo cell survival studies showed that carrier cells did circulate and that L‐asparaginase had a half‐life of 6.5 days. No evidence suggesting that the enzyme left the cell was found. Carrier cells prepared with [3H]inulin and [14C]sucrose were stored at 4 degrees C for 2 weeks and began to show signs of deterioration after 2 days.
Growth‐Promoting Activity of Tuna Growth Hormone and Expression of Tuna Growth Hormone Cdna in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Sato N. , Murata K. , Watanabe K. , Hayami T. , Kariya Y. , Sakaguchi M. , Kimura S. , Nonaka M. , Kimura A.
Published: October 2023

Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) growth hormone (GH) was purified by using a column of Sepharose 4B to which tuna GH‐specific IgG was linked. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of tuna GH were 21,000 and 6.5, respectively. The growth of snapper (Pagrus major) was remarkably accelerated when the purified hormone was administered by four intraperitonial injections at intervals of 5 days: 1.5‐fold in length and 1.9‐fold in body weight/60 days. To produce tuna GH in Escherichia coli cells, expression plasmids pTES8 and pTES8S for tuna GH cDNA with or without the signal peptide region were constructed and GH production in E. coli cells was examined with the Maxicell system. The product specified by the plasmids in E. coli cells was immunologically identified to be tuna GH.
Isolation and characterization of the human adenocarcinoma‐associated glycoprotein gp40
Authors: Sportsman JR , Taber LD , Slisz MC , Apelgren LD , Bumol TF
Published: October 2023

The human adenocarcinoma‐associated antigen gp40 is a cell surface glycoprotein recognized by murine monoclonal antibody KS1/4. A KS1/4‐Sepharose affinity matrix was utilized to purify gp40 from detergent lysates of either tissue culture cells or nude mouse xenograft tumors of the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line P3‐UCLA. This single immunoaffinity chromatography step yielded an antigen preparation of approximately 95% purity which was further characterized by immunochemical and enzymatic techniques. The gp40 molecule was shown to have both complex and high‐mannose oligosaccharides comprising some 16% of the apparent molecular weight. The antigen preparation was suitable for gas‐phase N‐terminal amino acid sequencing and the first 16 residues of the N‐terminus were determined. Despite considerable molecular heterogeneity, gp40 shows a single N‐terminal sequence.
Metal affinity precipitation of proteins
Authors: Van Dam ME , Wuenschell GE , Arnold FH
Published: October 2023

Proteins containing multiple surface‐accessible histidine residues can be precipitated using small quantities of bis‐copper chelates. The chelates serve to crosslink the proteins, presumably via the accessible histidines, leading to the formation of large, insoluble complexes. When excess copper chelate is used to carry out the precipitation, the resulting precipitate has a stoichiometry of 1:1 copper:accessible histidine. The precipitation is analogous to antibody‐antigen precipitin reactions and can be described qualitatively using simple equilibrium theory developed for those systems. Human hemoglobin contains a large number of surface histidines and is efficiently precipitated by the copper salt CuSO4 as well as by bis‐copper chelates. Sperm whale myoglobin contains many fewer surface histidines and is precipitated only by the bis‐chelates. The effects of the number of accessible histidines on the protein, the chain length separating the two chelates, and the pH on the precipitation reaction have been investigated.
Lactate dehydrogenase of concentric zones of human senile cataracts and calf lenses produced by ultrasound
Authors: Gershbein LL , Lieberman HL
Published: October 2023

Cataractous lenses from men and women averaging 77.7 years of age were sonicated for intervals of 10 min with 0.85% saline under cooling in a laboratory sonicator, followed by centrifugation. The respective supernatants were analyzed for LDH and the weights of the zonal portions obtained by difference. The initial fraction averaged 60 and 47% in solids and LDH, respectively, with decreasing contents to the final harder core residue. The procedures were also applied to calf lenses. Much shorter sonication periods and stepwise increases in wattage from one fraction to the next were also investigated. The calf lens displayed higher LDH activity/mg at settings of 6–8 W in contrast to the cataracts, the initial fraction containing 80% of the enzyme activity and the solids; the values were far lower at settings of 1–3 W. As compared to the sonicated outer layer fractions, the calf nuclear portions showed small but significant decrements in the isoenzymes, LDH‐1 and LDH‐2, and increases in LDH‐4 and LDH‐5, possibly indicative of heightened anaerobiasis.
Vignettes as a novel research tool in spiritual care: A methods paper
Authors: Grabenweger Reinhard , Völz Daniela , Bumes Elisabeth , Weck Christiane , Best Megan , Paal Piret
Published: October 2023

Aims

To discuss the construction and use of vignettes as a novel approach in spiritual care research and education.

Design

Methods paper.

Methods

In this methods paper, the authors introduce the use of vignettes in spiritual care research and provide insight into the construction of vignettes. The vignette presented was part of a study of neurosurgical nurses' attitudes and responses to the spiritual needs of neuro‐oncology patients. The development process, consisting of four steps, is explained in this paper.

Results

Using a vignette to explore nurses' attitudes towards spiritual care is an innovative way to understand what behaviours nurses consider appropriate in situations where the patient is seeking meaning and connection. Transparent description of the development process is crucial to ensure reproducibility.

Conclusion

The use of theoretically constructed and validated vignettes in spiritual care research is new. Vignettes used in surveys have the potential to elicit nurses' responses to patients' search for meaning and connectedness.

Implications

In order to investigate nurses' attitudes and behaviours towards patients' spiritual needs, carefully constructed and validated vignettes are valuable research tools.

Impact

Vignettes have proven to be a valuable research tool in the social and health sciences. So far, their use as a survey instrument in spiritual care research has not been investigated. Therefore, this method paper introduces vignettes as a novel approach to spiritual care research. Our findings contribute to the further development of vignettes in nursing science, as there are similarities with case development and simulation training in nursing education.

Reporting Method

Reporting guideline is not applicable.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Efficacy and safety of community‐based moxibustion for primary hypertension: A randomized controlled trial with patient preference arms
Authors: Zhou Xu , Xue Qiuyun , You Jianyu , Li Shuqing , Li Ling , Zhu Weifeng , Fu Yong , Sun Xin
Published: October 2023

Moxibustion has been shown to have a potential antihypertensive effect, but its applicability for the primary care of hypertension is unclear. The authors conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) with patient preference arms to investigate the effect, safety, cost‐effectiveness, and compliance of moxibustion in community patients with hypertension. Patients with primary hypertension were enrolled from seven communities randomly or nonrandomly assigned to receive self‐administered moxibustion + the original hypertensive regimen or the original hypertensive regimen alone for 6 months. The authors mainly evaluated the effects of moxibustion on hypertensive outcomes and adverse events. As a result, a total of 160 and 240 patients were recruited into the randomized and nonrandomized arms, respectively, with 87.5% completing the follow‐up. At month 6, there was a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (difference: −10.57 mmHg), a higher proportion of responders (82.2% vs. 53.7%; odds ratio 4.00), and better improvements in hypertensive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in the moxibustion group than in the control group in the randomized population, but there was no significant between‐group difference in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The nonrandomized findings showed the same effect direction for all outcomes, except for DBP. All moxibustion‐related adverse events were mild. In conclusion, moxibustion can reduce SBP and improve hypertensive symptoms and QoL in community patients with hypertension, with good safety and low cost, although its effect on DBP remains uncertain. The findings suggest that moxibustion may be an appropriate technique for community primary care of hypertension.
Patients' perspective, quality of life and treatment goals in Hailey–Hailey disease: Lessons learned from the German National Registry
Authors: Rogner D. , Heimerl L. , Heyer S. , Biedermann T. , Sattler E. , Zink A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) remains a difficult‐to‐treat dermatosis and little is known about the patient's perception of the disease activity, the treatment success and its impact on quality‐of‐life (QoL).

Objective

To obtain better understanding of HHD patients' needs regarding their medical condition, financial burden, QoL, subjective well‐being and treatment thereof as well as satisfaction to evaluate common treatments' ‘real‐life’ relevance.

Methods

With initiation of the national registry for Darier's disease (DD; Morbus Darier, MD) and Hailey–Hailey disease (HH) MDHHgermany, patients with HHD diagnosis were included starting June 2020. To assess subjective symptoms, patients filled out questionnaires such as the DLQI (dermatological life quality index), numeric rating scale (NRS) for itch, pain and burning sensation, as well as the SWLS (satisfaction with life scale) questionnaire to quantify overall satisfaction in life. Additionally, data on therapies were collected along with the patients’ satisfaction of those and their medical care. Furthermore, patients assessed financial aspects and work ability.

Results

One hundred and two patients were recruited from dermatology clinics, office‐based dermatologists and self‐help platforms across Germany between June 2020 and February 2023, 90 were eligible and analysed (mean: 49.91 years, 73.33% females, 26.67% males). 39.77% stated according to the DLQI their life is severely/very severely affected. Satisfaction with life was mediocre. Burning sensation was most pronounced among subjective symptoms (NRS 5.85 ± 2.80). Systemic treatments were rated as ineffective according to 56.92%, 25.56% had never received one. Most prescribed systemic treatments were corticosteroids (73.8%), followed by low‐dose naltrexone (LDN) (26.2%), retinoids (15.4%) and antibiotics (13.8%). Satisfaction with medical care was generally low.

Conclusion

Our ‘real‐life’ data state a major disease burden and impact on the QoL for affected individuals, as well as limited disease control due to inadequate therapies. MDHHgermany can provide insights into improvement of healthcare support with this debilitating disease and improve QoL. In the long term, it aims to provide basis for further clinical trials, epidemiological studies and immunological investigations.
Factors related to motivation, organisational climate and work engagement within the practice environment of nurse practitioners in the Netherlands
Authors: ten Hoeve Yvonne , Drent Gerda , Kastermans Marijke
Published: October 2023

Aim

To explore motivation, organisational climate, work engagement and related factors within the practice environment of nurse practitioners.

Background

Motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement are important to motivate nurse practitioners and prevent early exit. However, little is known about related factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional design using a digital survey with multiple‐choice and open‐ended questions. Data were collected from 1 November 2019 to 30 March 2020.

Methods

The survey contained demographic and job‐related data, instruments on motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement. Three open‐ended questions were added to invite respondents to tell about their next career step, (dis)satisfaction with salary and additional comments. Quantitative data were not normally distributed (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test). Kruskal Wallis tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Answers on the open‐ended questions were coded and categorised in themes. The STROBE checklist was followed.

Results

In total 586 questionnaires were completed. The majority of the respondents were female (85%), and their mean age was 47 years (range 26–66 years). Aged 45 or over, more work experience, working in nursing homes, experiencing more autonomy, collaboration with other nurse practitioners, a firmly anchored position, satisfaction with salary and developmental opportunities contributed positively to the practice environment. Answers on the open‐ended questions supported the quantitative results.

Conclusions

Work motivation, organisational climate and work engagement are positively related to a large variety of personal and work‐related factors. Therefore, policymakers and professional organisations should be aware of the impact of these influencing factors to enhance an inspiring work environment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Awareness of factors that influence nurse practitioners' practice environment can be used as a tool to screen and improve the present work environment.
Bertrand under Uncertainty: Private and Common Costs*
Authors: Lagerlöf Johan N. M.
Published: October 2023

Does asymmetric information about costs in a homogeneous‐good Bertrand model soften competition? Earlier literature has shown that the answer (perhaps counter‐intuitively) is “no,” while assuming (i) private (i.e., independent) cost draws and (ii) no drastic innovations. I first show, in a fairly general setting, that by relaxing (i) and instead allowing for sufficiently much common (interdependent) cost draws, asymmetric information indeed softens competition. I then study a specification that yields a closed‐form solution and show that relaxing (ii) but not (i) does not alter the result in the earlier literature. While relying on specific functional forms, this specification is quite rich and might be useful in applications. It allows for any (positive) degree of interdependence between the cost draws, for any demand elasticity, and for any number of firms. The closed‐form solution is simple and in pure strategies.
Orchestrating resources with suppliers for product innovation
Authors: Chirico Francesco , Naldi Lucia , Hitt Michael A. , Sieger Philipp , Sirmon David G. , Xu Kai
Published: October 2023

How orchestrating external, supplier‐provided resources affects product innovation is an important question. While product innovation is essential to achieve a competitive advantage, it is costly as it requires significant investments. It thus puts a severe strain on firm resources, which is particularly critical for resource‐scarce small–medium enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, these firms must combine their own resources with those of external parties, particularly suppliers, to enhance their product innovation. However, knowledge about how orchestrating these resources affects product innovation is limited, because empirical studies on resource orchestration have largely focused on firm‐internal resources; furthermore, there is ambiguity regarding the extent to which drawing on external resources is beneficial. In addition, the conditions that affect the resource orchestration–product innovation relationship remain unexplored. Therefore, we focus on supplier logistics integration (SLI), an important resource orchestration action referring to the orchestration of external, supplier‐provided resources; we draw on the resource orchestration framework and the related work on organizational rigidity to theorize that there is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between SLI and product innovation. Additionally, we suggest that learning orientation and environmental dynamism mitigate rigidities associated with high levels of SLI and thus facilitate the translation of SLI into product innovation. Testing our hypotheses with data from Swedish SMEs supports our theorizing and provides important contributions. Most importantly, we extend the resource orchestration framework to include the focus on external, supplier‐provided resources, thereby advancing our knowledge and understanding of resource orchestration for product innovation in SMEs.
Short‐term effects of canagliflozin on glucose and insulin responses in insulin dysregulated horses: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, study
Authors: Lindåse Sanna , Nostell Katarina , Forslund Anders , Bergsten Peter , Bröjer Johan
Published: October 2023

Background

Decreasing hyperinsulinemia is crucial in preventing laminitis in insulin dysregulated (ID) horses. Complementary pharmacological treatments that efficiently decrease postprandial hyperinsulinemia in ID horses are needed.

Objectives

Compare short‐term effects of canagliflozin vs placebo on glucose and insulin responses to an oral sugar test (OST) as well as the effects on body weight and triglyceride concentrations in horses with ID.

Animals

Sixteen privately‐owned ID horses.

Methods

A single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel design study. The horses were randomized (ratio 1:1) to either once daily PO treatment with 0.6 mg/kg canagliflozin or placebo. The study consisted of an initial 3‐day period for obtaining baseline data, a 3‐week double‐blind treatment period at home, and a 3‐day follow‐up period similar to the initial baseline period but with continued double‐blind treatment. Horses were subjected to an 8‐sample OST in the morning of the third day on both visits.

Results

Maximal geometric least square (LS) mean insulin concentration (95% confidence interval [CI]) during the OST decreased after 3 weeks of canagliflozin treatment compared with placebo (83.2; 55.4‐125.0 vs 215.2; 143.2‐323.2 μIU/mL). The geometric LS mean insulin response (insulin AUC0‐180) for canagliflozin‐treated horses was >66% lower compared with placebo. Least square mean body weight decreased by 11.1 (4‐18.1) kg and LS mean triglyceride concentrations increased by 0.99 (0.47‐1.5) mmol/L with canagliflozin treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canagliflozin is a promising drug for treatment of ID horses that requires future studies.