bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2 in 1 versus 1 plus 1 – Outcomes of the transformation of adsorptive stripping method for the Ni2+ and Co2+ determination
Authors: Pastor Ferenc T. , Dojčinović Biljana P. , Kodranov Igor D. , Gorjanović Stanislava Ž. , Ivanović Tijana , Popović Daniela Ž. , Miladinović Jelena
Published: November 2023

Due to the similar chemical properties of Ni2+ and Co2+, several dozens of adsorptive stripping voltammetric (AdSV) methods have been developed for their simultaneous determination. The question was would there be some benefits if a stripping method made for simultaneous determination of Ni2+ and Co2+ will be optimized for the determination of only one of them (Ni2+). It was found that the optimized method has for an order of magnitude lower LOQ (1.89×10−10 M), an order of magnitude lower influence of Co2+, and the applicability of one calibration line for four orders of magnitude of Ni2+ concentration. The influence of some common anions and cations has been examined. The developed method was successfully applied for nickel content determination in real samples. The suitability of the developed method for the determination of Co2+ from the same solution in the second run, upon optimizations of deposition potential and time, was also explored. The LOQ obtained for Co2+ (3.61×10−11 M) is almost two orders of magnitude lower than LOQ of the method for simultaneous determination of both cations and, its LOD and LOQ are among few lowest obtained by AdSV methods for Co2+ determination. The developed method for Ni2+ and Co2+ determination from the same solution in two successive runs has significantly better analytical performances than the starting method for their simultaneous determination in one run.
A new state‐of‐health estimation method for Li‐ion batteries based on interpretable belief rule base with expert knowledge credibility
Authors: Yin Xiuxian , Jia Ruxia , Xu Bing , Li Hongyu , Zhu Hailong , He Wei
Published: November 2023

State‐of‐health (SOH) estimation methods for Li‐ion batteries are important for the safe operation of the entire system. However, it is often challenging due to the uncertainty within the batteries and the criteria for model interpretability. Belief rule base (BRB) is a rule‐based expert system that has certain advantages for both aspects. However, several problems with BRB interpretability need to be solved urgently. First, expert knowledge credibility is often given subjectively, while objective information is neglected to be considered. Second, BRB interpretability is easily ignored or corrupted in the optimization process. Third, expert knowledge is assumed to be completely reliable information to be used as interpretability evaluation criterion. Therefore, a new SOH estimation method for Li‐ion batteries based on interpretable BRB with expert knowledge credibility (IBRB‐c) is proposed. In the IBRB‐c, the calculation method of expert knowledge credibility is given. Then, an optimization algorithm with interpretability strategies is used. Finally, the concept of the fuzzy interpretable interval is proposed to design the interpretable evaluation criterion. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by using the experiment of NASA Li‐ion battery as a case study.
Fortification of dough with moringa, coriander, and amaranth improves the nutritional composition, health‐benefiting properties, and sensory attributes of Nigerian wheat bread
Authors: Oyinloye P. O. , Ajala A. S. , Asogwa N. T. , Galani Y. J. H.
Published: November 2023

Consumption of bread can be associated with some health issues, which can be improved by fortifying it with plants that are good sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study investigated the effects of fortifying bread with 3 leafy vegetables on the quality of Nigerian wheat bread. Leave powders of coriander, moringa, and amaranths were added to wheat dough at 0% (control), 1%, 3%, 5%, or 7%, and the blends obtained were used to bake vegetable breads, which were then analyzed for proximate, minerals, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, reducing sugars, glycemic index, and sensory evaluation. Results showed that vegetable fortification significantly increased bread ash (from 0.84% in control up to 1.93% in fortified bread), crude fiber (from 1.68% to 3.29%), and nutritionally important minerals Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and Zn (up to 5.2‐fold, 5.1‐fold, 18.1‐fold, 4.1‐fold, and 14.0‐fold, respectively); it reduced carbohydrates (from 65.65% down to 43.16%), crude lipids (from 2.25% down to 0.44%), and caloric value (from 1239.65 down to 1125.19 kJ/100 g), with little or no effect on proteins and moisture content. The fortification also improved the bioactive properties of the bread, as evidenced by a considerably higher phenolic content (from 0.40 up to 13.95 mg/100 g GAE) and increased antioxidant activities. There was a significant 1.1‐to 3.4‐fold decrease in the reducing sugars of composite breads with 5% and 7% vegetable powder, and the selected bread formulation with Moringa 7% lowered the glycemic index of rats by 3.5‐fold. Fortification did not generally affect the appearance and taste of the breads but decreased other sensory parameters and overall acceptability; the bread sample enriched with 1% amaranth received the highest general acceptance. In conclusion, fortifying wheat bread with the 3 vegetables improves its nutritional quality and can be recommended as a new pathway for the development of more nutritious and healthy bread.
From medical strategy to foodborne prophylactic strategy: Stabilizing dental collagen with aloin
Authors: Jia Chongzhi , Li Hua , Yang Zhongliang , Xu Rongchen , Wang Lijun , Li Hongbo
Published: November 2023

Infectious oral diseases are longstanding global public health concerns. However, traditional medical approaches to address these diseases are costly, traumatic, and prone to relapse. Here, we propose a foodborne prophylactic strategy using aloin to safeguard dental collagen. The effect of aloin on the stability of dental collagen was evaluated by treating dentin with a solution containing aloin (0.1 mg/mL) for 2 min. This concentration is comparable to the natural aloin content of edible aloe. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the interactions between aloin and dentin collagen. Our findings, obtained through fluorescence spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Gaussian peak fitting, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, revealed that aloin interacts with dental collagen through noncovalent bonding, specifically hydrogen bonding in situ. This interaction leads to a reduction in the distance between molecules and an increase in the proportion of stable α‐helical chains in the dental collagen. The ultimate tensile strength and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that dental collagen treated with aloin exhibited improved mechanical strength and thermostability. Additionally, the release of hydroxyproline, cross‐linked carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and C‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide of type I collagen, along with weight loss, indicated an enhancement in the enzymatic stability of dental collagen. These findings suggest that aloin administration could be a daily, nondestructive, and cost‐effective strategy for managing infectious oral diseases.
Mildew detection in rice grains based on computer vision and the YOLO convolutional neural network
Authors: Sun Ke , Tang Mengdi , Li Shu , Tong Siyuan
Published: November 2023

At present, detection methods for rice microbial indicators are usually based on microbial culture or sensory detection methods, which are time‐consuming or require expertise and thus cannot meet the needs of on‐site rice testing when the rice is taken out of storage or traded. In order to develop a fast and non‐destructive method for detecting rice mildew, in this paper, micro‐computer vision technology is used to collect images of mildewed rice samples from 9 image locations. Then, a YOLO‐V5 convolutional neural network model is used to detect moldy areas of rice, and the mold coverage area is estimated. The relationship between the moldy areas and the total number of bacterial colonies in the image is obtained. The results show that the precision and the recall of the established YOLO‐v5 model in identifying the mildewed areas of rice in the validation set were 82.1% and 86.5%, respectively. Based on the mean mildewed area identified by the YOLO‐v5 model, the precision and recall for light mold detection were 100% and 95.3%, respectively. The proposed method based on micro‐computer vision and the YOLO convolutional neural network can be applied to the rapid detection of mildew in rice taken out of storage or traded.
Dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH), but not Mediterranean and MIND, dietary pattern protects against Parkinson's disease
Authors: Keramati Majid , Kheirouri Sorayya , Etemadifar Masoud
Published: November 2023

The neuroprotective effects of dietary patterns have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to examine the association between the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), and the Mediterranean‐DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) with the severity and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this comparative cross‐sectional study, 120 patients with PD and 50 healthy participants participated. Adherence to DASH, MeDi, and MIND dietary patterns was determined according to the dietary intake data using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Severity of PD was determined by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The mean score of the DASH was significantly lower in the PD group compared to the healthy group (p = .006), but the mean score of MeDi and MIND did not significantly differ between the two groups (p > .05). Also, the mean score of the DASH was significantly lower in men than in women in the healthy group (p = .018). High adherence to the DASH diet decreased the risk of PD by 15% (OR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.751, 0.976, p = .020). Participants in quartiles 3 and 4 of the DASH dietary pattern had 86% (p = .003) and 87% (p = .007), respectively, lower risk of PD. MeDi and MIND diets were not significantly associated with the risk of PD. There was no significant association between dietary patterns and the severity of PD. The findings indicate that high adherence to the DASH dietary pattern may protect against PD.
Signaling pathways regulating the immune function of cochlear supporting cells and their involvement in cochlear pathophysiology
Authors: Hayashi Yushi
Published: November 2023

The inner ear, including the cochlea, used to be regarded as an immune‐privileged site because of its immunologically isolated environment caused by the blood‐labyrinthine barrier. Cochlear resident macrophages, which originate from the yolk sac or fetal liver during the embryonic stage and are maintained after birth, are distributed throughout various regions of the cochlear duct. Intriguingly, these cells are absent in the organ of Corti, where hair cells (HCs) and supporting cells (SCs) are located, except for a limited number of ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)‐positive cells. Instead, SCs exert glial functions varying from a quiescent to an emergency state. Notably, SCs acquire the nature of macrophages and begin to secrete inflammatory cytokines during viral infection in the organ of Corti, which is ostensibly unprotected owing to the lack of general resident macrophages. This review provides an overview of both positive and negative functions of SCs enabled to acquire macrophage phenotypes upon viral infection focusing on the signaling pathways that regulate these functions. The former function protects HCs from viral infection by inducting type I interferons, and the latter function induces HC death by necroptosis, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. Thus, SCs play contradictory roles as immune cells with acquired macrophage phenotypes; thereby, they are favorable and unfavorable to HCs, which play a pivotal role in hearing function.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for head and neck malignancies utilizing simultaneous radioisotope gamma probe and indocyanine green fluorescence navigation
Authors: Sethi Harleen K. , Sina Elliott M. , Mady Leila J. , Fundakowski Christopher E.
Published: November 2023

We depict an innovative surgical approach for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in head and neck malignancies that utilizes both near‐infrared (NIR) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) dye and hand‐held gamma probe intraoperatively to isolate and excise SLNs. Twenty‐one patients presented to our institution with cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and oral cavity SCC tumors that met criteria for SLNB based on tumor depth and histology. The video offers a step‐by‐step approach for this technique along with descriptions of recommended equipment. Among 21 patients, two patients had positive SLNs on final pathology. One patient developed a local recurrence over an average of 16.2 months of follow‐up (SD = 15.6). SLNB with ICG and radionucleotide co‐localization may enhance the identification of sentinel nodes without compromising outcomes in the hands of surgeons well‐versed in the technique.
Undergraduate enrollment intentions and willingness‐to‐pay for online to in‐person teaching modalities: Capturing heterogeneity across and within universities in the United States during the pandemic
Authors: Bergtold Jason S. , Penn Jerrod , Boys Kathryn A. , Kiesel Kristin , Ehmke Mariah D. , Katare Bhagyashree
Published: November 2023

This study analyzes undergraduate students' enrollment intentions and preferences for alternate teaching modalities during the pandemic under a range of reopening scenarios and flexible teaching modalities to investigate the value of flexible learning options and campus life offerings for students. Using primary survey data from six land‐grant universities, our findings suggest that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all policy for tackling significant shocks like the pandemic. Business‐as‐usual was the most divisive, with wide differences in preferences both within and across universities. These results have important implications for future responses to major disruptions in higher education.
Using behavioral economics to optimize safer undergraduate late‐night transportation
Authors: Gelino Brett W. , Graham Madison E. , Strickland Justin C. , Glatter Hannah W. , Hursh Steven R. , Reed Derek D.
Published: November 2023

Many universities sponsor student‐oriented transit services that could reduce alcohol‐induced risks but only if services adequately anticipate and adapt to student needs. Human choice data offer an optimal foundation for planning and executing late‐night transit services. In this simulated choice experiment, respondents opted to either (a) wait an escalating delay for a free university‐sponsored “safe” option, (b) pay an escalating fee for an on‐demand rideshare service, or (c) pick a free, immediately available “unsafe” option (e.g., ride with an alcohol‐impaired driver). Behavioral‐economic nonlinear models of averaged‐choice data describe preference across arrangements. Best‐fit metrics indicate adequate sensitivity to contextual factors (i.e., wait time, preceding late‐night activity). At short delays, students preferred the free transit option. As delays extend beyond 30 min, most students preferred competing alternatives. These data depict a policy‐relevant delay threshold to better safeguard undergraduate student safety.
Therapeutic properties, biological effects, antiliver cancer, and anticolon cancer effects of some natural compounds: A biochemical approach
Authors: Li Long , Zhu Yu , Huang Ying‐Guang , Hou De‐Zhi , Ahmed Zaki Mohamed Samir , Sideeg Abulqasim M. , Mohammed Heitham , El‐kott Attalla F. , Al‐Saeed Fatimah A. , Ling Ping
Published: November 2023

Natural compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, or terpenoids, are physiologically active components found in plants (pigments), often known as phytochemicals or phytonutrients. The in vitro cytotoxic and anticolon cancer effects of biologically bavachin, bavachinin, artepillin C, and aromadendrin compounds against SW48, SNU‐C1, COLO 205, RKO, LS411N, and SW1417 cancer cell lines were assessed. Results of enzymes and antibacterial, antifungal were in level of micromolar that is good impacts. These natural compounds may be antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibacterial candidates for drug design. IC50 results were obtained between 14–19 and 5–119 µM for α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, respectively. Good inhibitor Bavachinin was detected for both enzymes (IC50 for α‐amylase: 14.37 µM and IC50 for α‐glucosidase: 5.27 µM). The chemical activities of aromadendrin, artepillin C, bavachin, and bavachinin against pancreatic α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase were assessed by conducting the molecular docking study. The chemical activities of aromadendrin, artepillin C, bavachin, and bavachinin against some of the expressed surface receptor proteins (CD44, CD47, CXCR4, EGFR, folate receptor, HER2, and endothelin receptor) in the mentioned cell lines were investigated using the molecular docking calculations. The results illustrated the atomic‐level properties and potential interactions. These chemicals have high binding affinities to the enzymes and proteins, according to the docking scores. In addition, the compounds formed strong contacts with the enzymes and receptors. Thus, these compounds could be potential inhibitors for enzymes and cancer cells.
Silencing of GDF11 suppresses hepatocyte apoptosis to relieve LPS/D‐GalN acute liver failure
Authors: Zhou Rongsheng , Li Shuang , Wang Qun , Bi Yang , Li Xiaogang , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we generated a short hairpin RNA growth differentiation factor‐11 (sh‐GDF11) and evaluated the effects of sh‐GDF11 on the pathogenesis of acute liver failure (ALF) in vitro and in vivo. Through bioinformatics study, the key gene related to ALF was assayed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐galactoamine (D‐GalN) were applied to establish the mouse model of LPS/D‐GalN‐induced liver injury, and TNF‐α and D‐Gal were used to construct an in vitro cell model, followed by treatment of sh‐GDF11 for analysis of liver cell proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the protective effect of sh‐GDF11 on ALF may be mediated by phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The results of in vitro study found that sh‐GDF11 could promote cell proliferation and inhibit death by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo animal experiments further confirmed that sh‐GDF11 could suppress hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. sh‐GDF11 relieved LPS/D‐GalN‐induced ALF by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, emphasizing its critical role in LPS/D‐GalN‐induced ALF treatment.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Caffeine in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease and Associations with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth J. , Zimmerman Kanecia O. , Gonzalez Daniel , Foote Henry P. , Park Sangah , Hill Kevin D. , Hurst Jillian H. , Hornik Chi D. , Chamberlain Reid C. , Gbadegesin Rasheed A. , Hornik Christoph P.
Published: November 2023

Cardiac surgery‐associated acute kidney injury (CS‐AKI) occurs in approximately 65% of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Caffeine may reduce CS‐AKI by counteracting adenosine receptor upregulation after bypass, but pharmacokinetics (PK) in this population are unknown. The goal of our analysis is to address knowledge gaps in age‐, disease‐, and bypass‐related effects on caffeine disposition and explore preliminary associations between caffeine exposure and CS‐AKI using population PK modeling techniques and an opportunistic, electronic health record‐integrated trial design.

We prospectively enrolled neonates receiving preoperative caffeine per standard of care and collected PK samples. We retrospectively identified neonates without caffeine exposure undergoing surgery on bypass as a control cohort. We followed US Food and Drug Administration guidance for population PK model development using NONMEM. Effects of clinical covariates on PK parameters were evaluated. We simulated perioperative exposures and used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between caffeine exposure and CS‐AKI.

Twenty‐seven neonates were included in model development. A 1‐compartment model with bypass time as a covariate on clearance and volume of distribution best fit the data. Twenty‐three neonates with caffeine exposure and 109 controls were included in the exposure‐response analysis. Over half of neonates developed CS‐AKI. On multivariable analysis, there were no significant differences between CS‐AKI with and without caffeine exposure. Neonates with single‐ventricle heart disease without CS‐AKI had consistently higher simulated caffeine exposures. Our results highlight areas for further study to better understand disease‐ and bypass‐specific effects on drug disposition and identify populations where caffeine may be beneficial.
Enhancing kitchen waste minimization and energy generation at 20 °C: a psychrophilic anaerobic co‐digestion study
Authors: Esparza‐Soto Mario , Alcaraz‐Ibarra Sergio , Lucero‐Chavez Mercedes , Jimenez‐Moleon Maria del Carmen , Mier‐Quiroga Miroslava de los Angeles , Fall Cheikh
Published: November 2023

Background

In developing countries, anaerobic digestion still represents an emerging technology for solid waste management, despite the great energy potential of methane in biogas for heating purposes, especially in low‐temperature regions. This research evaluated the effect of hydraulic retention time (40–120 days) on the anaerobic co‐digestion of 35% w/w waste activated sludge and 65% w/w organic kitchen waste at a low temperature (20 °C). The anaerobic co‐digestion was conducted in five 11‐L semicontinuous anaerobic digesters. Additionally, the expected energy production from organic kitchen waste was calculated.

Results

The specific methane yield (SMY) ranged from 0.20 to 0.27 LCH4 g‐VSadd−1, comparable to the SMY reported for meso‐ and thermophilic anaerobic digestion. Moreover, the expected energy production was 1.06 MJ day−1 of equivalent liquefied petroleum gas, which could satisfy ≤6.6% of the daily water heating requirements of an average Mexican household. The hydraulic retention time in the range of 60–120 days did not seem to significantly affect the performance of the digesters.

Conclusions

These digesters could easily be installed in low temperature regions for domestic use. The waste activated sludge substrate can be replaced with other nitrogen‐rich substances for indoor use. The data shown in this research set the basis for further investigations and domestic applications. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Iron overload in hemodialysis patients: Comparison of serum iron parameters with T2* MRI sequence
Authors: Delibaş Deniz , Evrimler Şehnaz , Ercan Karabekir , Gümüş Mehmet , Sarıyıldırım Abdullah , Arslan Halil
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate correlation between serum iron parameters and liver T2* value in hemodialysis patients with iron overload due to parenteral iron therapy.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 30 hemodialysis patients using a multiecho T2*‐weighted MRI sequence. Age, sex, duration of dialysis, iron and erythropoietin doses taken in the past year, and serum iron parameters were recorded. Liver T2* values were averaged from three distinct liver regions. A T2* value of 33 ± 7 ms is considered normal. Declines below 24, 21, and 14 ms signify iron overload grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference comparing the measurements of 3 different ROIs (p > 0.05). A total of 23 patients (76.6%) had iron overload. Serum ferritin levels of patients with iron overload were significantly higher than those without iron overload (687.25 [186.5–1489] ng/mL vs. 371.25 [127.5–542.5] ng/mL, p = 0.008). No linear correlation was observed between age, dialysis duration, serum iron metrics, medication doses, and T2* values. Likewise, no significant differences were found among patients based on iron overload status or its grades concerning these parameters.

Conclusion

While standard serum markers might overlook iron overload, elevated ferritin levels are promising. MRI reliably detects iron overload in patients receiving parenteral iron.
Sex‐specific dendritic morphology of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the adolescent and young adult rats
Authors: Yarmohammadi‐Samani Parisa , Vatanparast Jafar
Published: November 2023

CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons are the major sources of hippocampal efferents. The structural features of these neurons are presumed to be involved in various normal/abnormal cognitive and emotional outcomes by influencing the pattern of synaptic inputs and neuronal signal processing. Although many studies have described hippocampal structure differences between males and females, these reports mainly focused on gross anatomical features in adult or aged models, and such distinctions on neuronal morphology and dendritic spine density during adolescence, a period of high vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders, have received much less attention. In this work, we analyzed dendritic architecture and density of spines in CA1 and CA3 neurons of male and female rats in early adolescence (postnatal day, PND 40) and compared them with those in late adolescence/young adulthood (PND 60). On PND 40, CA1 neurons of male rats showed more Sholl intersections and spine density in apical and basal dendrites compared to those in females. The Sholl intersections in basal dendrites of CA3 neurons were also more in males, whereas the number of apical dendrite intersections was not significantly different between sexes. In male rats, there was a notable decrease in the number of branch and terminal points in the basal dendrite of CA1 neurons of young adults when compared to their sex‐matched adolescent rats. On the other hand, CA1 neurons in young adult females also showed more Sholl intersections in apical and basal dendrites compared to adolescent females. Meanwhile, the total cable length, the number of branches, and terminal points of apical dendrites in CA3 neurons also exhibited a significant reduction in young adult male rats compared to their sex‐matched adolescents. In young adult rats, both apical and basal dendrites of CA3 neurons in males showed fewer intersections with Sholl circles, but there were no significant differences in dendritic spine density or count estimation between males and females. On the other hand, young adult female rats had more Sholl intersections and dendritic spine count on the basal dendrites of CA3 neurons compared to adolescent females. Although no significant sex‐ and age‐dependent difference in neuronal density was detected in CA1 and CA3 subareas, CA3 pyramidal neurons of both male and female rats showed reduced soma area compared to adolescent rats. Our findings show that the sex differences in the dendritic structure of CA1 and CA3 neurons vary by age and also by the compartments of dendritic arbors. Such variations in the morphology of hippocampal pyramidal neurons may take part as a basis for normal cognitive and affective differences between the sexes, as well as distinct sensitivity to interfering factors and the prevalence of neuropsychological diseases.
Prostate‐derived circulating microRNAs add prognostic value to prostate cancer risk calculators
Authors: Zenner Morgan L. , Kirkpatrick Brenna , Leonardo Trevor R. , Schlicht Michael J. , Saldana Alejandra Cavazos , Loitz Candice , Valyi‐Nagy Klara , Maienschein‐Cline Mark , Gann Peter H. , Abern Michael , Nonn Larisa
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of malignancy‐related deaths among American men. Active surveillance is a safe option for many men with less aggressive disease, yet definitively determining low‐risk cancer is challenging with biopsy alone. Herein, we sought to identify prostate‐derived microRNAs in patient sera and serum extracellular vesicles, and determine if those microRNAs improve upon the current clinical risk calculators for prostate cancer prognosis before and after biopsy. Prostate‐derived intracellular and extracellular vesicle‐contained microRNAs were identified by small RNA sequencing of prostate cancer patient explants and primary cells. Abundant microRNAs were included in a custom microRNA PCR panel that was queried in whole serum and serum extracellular vesicles from a diverse cohort of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The levels of these circulating microRNAs significantly differed between indolent and aggressive disease and improved the area under the curve for pretreatment nomograms of prostate cancer disease risk. The microRNAs within the extracellular vesicles were the most informative and improved the AUC to 0.739 compared to the existing nomogram alone, which has an AUC of 0.561. The microRNAs in the whole serum improved it to AUC 0.675. In summary, quantifying microRNAs circulating in extracellular vesicles is a clinically feasible assay that may provide additional information for assessing prostate cancer risk stratification.
De‐implementing low‐value continuous pulse oximetry practice in infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis: A multicentre qualitative study
Authors: Yama Brie , Wahi Gita , Zhou Kim , Bayliss Ann , Sakran Mahmoud , Breen‐Reid Karen , Pound Catherine , Beck Carolyn , Friedman Jeremy , Arafeh Dana , Kanani Ronik , Parkin Patricia , Mahant Sanjay ,   For the Canadian Paediatric Inpatient Research Network (PIRN)
Published: November 2023

Background

Clinical trial evidence supports the routine use of intermittent pulse oximetry in stabilized infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. However, continuous pulse oximetry use is common.

Objective

This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to de‐implement continuous pulse oximetry and implement intermittent pulse oximetry in infants hospitalized with stabilized bronchiolitis.

Methods

This multicentre qualitative study interviewed attending pediatricians, residents, nurses, respiratory therapists, and caregivers of infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis at hospitals in Ontario, Canada, to explore beliefs, attitudes, and experiences regarding pulse oximetry use in bronchiolitis management. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to understand barriers and facilitators to practice change, mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains.

Results

Sixty‐seven participants from six hospitals were interviewed using individual interviews and focus groups. Healthcare providers emphasized the importance of identifying and understanding who is responsible for bedside pulse oximetry practice (physicians vs. nurses). Clinical experience, knowledge of guidelines, importance versus competing priorities, and the tensions among team members due to practice variation in monitoring, influenced monitoring practice. Nurses believed in the advantages of intermittent monitoring (reduced alarm fatigue, facilitation of timely discharges, and reduced workload). Clinicians identified ways to clarify indications for continuous monitoring (based on patient risk factors), versus indications to transition to intermittent monitoring (established oral feeding, sleeping without desaturations). Caregivers did not express a clear preference for monitoring type; rather, they described the need for clear communication around interpreting monitor readings, management decisions, and care transitions.

Conclusions

Understanding professional roles, clarity around local practice standards and supporting families' understanding of pulse oximetry practice is essential for practice change. These findings may inform hospital quality improvement efforts to de‐implement continuous monitoring in bronchiolitis hospital care.
HPV co‐infections with other pathogens in cancer development: A comprehensive review
Authors: Akbari Elahe , Milani Alireza , Seyedinkhorasani Masoud , Bolhassani Azam
Published: November 2023

High‐risk human papillomaviruses (HR‐HPVs) cause various malignancies in the anogenital and oropharyngeal regions. About 70% of cervical and oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18. Notably, some viruses including herpes simplex virus, Epstein–Barr virus, and human immunodeficiency virus along with various bacteria often interact with HPV, potentially impacting its replication, persistence, and cancer progression. Thus, HPV infection can be significantly influenced by co‐infecting agents that influence infection dynamics and disease progression. Bacterial co‐infections (e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis) along with bacterial vaginosis‐related species also interact with HPV in genital tract leading to viral persistence and disease outcomes. Co‐infections involving HPV and diverse infectious agents have significant implications for disease transmission and clinical progression. This review explores multiple facets of HPV infection encompassing the co‐infection dynamics with other pathogens, interaction with the human microbiome, and its role in disease development.
Friend or foe? The impact of refurbished products in markets with network effects and standards competition
Authors: Zheng Yilong (Eric) , Wang Qi , Park Chang Hee
Published: November 2023

The practice of offering refurbished products has become increasingly prevalent, yet limited research has studied the potential consequences of this emerging product strategy on the market performance of the corresponding brand‐new products. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of refurbished products in markets characterized by network effects and standards competition, while considering the developmental stage of the technology standard employed by the products. Introducing refurbished products, primarily remanufactured from returned items, can pose challenges such as sales cannibalization and negative perceptions of product quality. We propose that introducing refurbished products can also generate positive effects, because the availability of refurbished products can be perceived as an indication of sizable prior sales of the brand‐new counterparts, alleviating consumers' concerns regarding an insufficient user base and limited availability of complementary products. Our empirical and experimental studies consistently demonstrate that the availability of refurbished products adversely affects the market value and purchase intention of the corresponding brand‐new products employing established technology standards. In contrast, the introduction of refurbished products does not have such a detrimental effect on products utilizing unestablished standards. Moreover, for a specific group of consumers, this green product strategy increases their purchase intention of brand‐new products. The managerial implications of the findings are discussed.
A thorny taxonomic issue of Quaternary deer (Cervidae: Mammalia) from the South American Highlands resolved based on the recognition of a paleopathology
Authors: Avilla Leonardo Santos , Román‐Carrión José Luis , Rotti Alline
Published: November 2023

The diversity of South American deer genera during the Quaternary is considered one of the greatest in the world. However, this was established during the beginning of the twentieth century, when the recognition of new extinct deer taxa was based only on differences in antler morphology. Thus, South American extinct deer taxa need a detailed taxonomic revision, and this is the case of the Andean deer genera Agalmaceros and Charitoceros. First, both taxa are diagnosed by the presence of thorns in their antlers. Consequently, by taxonomic priority, Agalmaceros is a senior synonym of Charitoceros. Second, we recognize here that the thorns of the antlers of Agalmaceros are the symptom of a pathology that also affects some extant deer. Excluding the thorns of the antlers, the antler of Agalmaceros is identical to that of Odocoileus virginianus, indicating that Agalmaceros is a junior synonym to this extant deer. The recognition of epizootic hemorrhagic disease as the possible cause for the thorny antlers of Andean O. virginianus and the ample record of this affecting antlers in deer from the tropical Andes suggests that an epidemic occurred in this region in the Late Pleistocene. Before describing a new taxon, taxonomists must exhaust all possibilities to explain morphological variations. In this regard, this contribution provides an interesting, important and weakly explored area in paleontology, namely taxonomic revision under a paleopathology context. With the taxonomic invalidation of Agalmaceros and Charitoceros proposed here, the diversity of South American deer genera during the Pleistocene is poorer than previously established and includes 11 taxa – seven extant and four extinct.
Sur lies élevage practice to modulate the features of red wines from calcareous soils with different textures
Authors: Pollon Matteo , Bambina Paola , Vitaggio Clara , Cinquanta Luciano , Corona Onofrio
Published: November 2023

Background

In Sicilian calcareous soils, red wines often display unripeness and bitterness features. To enhance wine quality, we employed the ‘sur lies élevage’ technique, involving prolonged contact of dead yeast cells with the wine to favor the extraction of yeast cellular components through cell lysis. The 7 month treatment utilized two types of Chardonnay lies: fresh and previously matured. To overcome challenges in retrieving lies from red winemaking, we have recovered the lies from a white winemaking. Additionally, the lies underwent a preliminary passage on a red wine to minimize color adsorption on yeast cell walls.

Results

The sur lies treatment effectively reduced astringency, bitterness, and brown pigment in wines, with partial removal of red color. It successfully eliminated quercetin aglycone and induced remarkable changes in the aromatic profile, showing increased ethyl esters and relative fatty acids. Sensory evaluations revealed sur lies‐treated wines had fruitier and more complex characteristics compared to untreated wines. Matured lies had a greater impact on enhancing fruitiness than fresh lies.

Conclusions

The treatments mitigated the unripeness and bitterness of studied wines. Sur lies treatment improved the aromatic profile, leading to fruitier and more complex notes, enhancing overall sensory quality. Matured lies showed greater efficacy in elevating fruitiness than fresh lies. These findings highlight the value of the sur lies technique in enhancing the quality and sensory attributes of Nero d'Avola and Syrah wines from Sicilian calcareous soils. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of microwave drying on physicochemical characteristics, microstructure, and antioxidant properties of propolis extract
Authors: Ozdemir Murat , Karagoz Sakine
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The heat sensitivity of phenolics and flavonoids leads to considerable losses of these compounds during conventional drying. Microwave drying has the advantage of shorter drying time and rigorous process control, minimizing damage to heat‐sensitive compounds. Microwave drying kinetics and the impacts of microwave drying on physicochemical characteristics, morphological structure, antioxidant properties, total phenolics, and flavonoid content of propolis extract were investigated.

RESULTS

Increasing the microwave power output from 180 to 900 W resulted in a 67% reduction in drying time. Morphological changes were more noticeable at higher microwave power levels as shown in scanning electron microscopy images. Water activity values of microwave dried propolis extracts were below 0.4, which satisfied the requirement for shelf‐stable dry products. The solubility of microwave dried propolis extract increased with increasing microwave power level, and the highest solubility was achieved for the propolis extract microwave dried at 900 W. Microwave dried propolis extracts exhibited lower total phenolic content levels than fresh propolis extract. The microwave power level did not affect the total flavonoid content but it affected 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free‐radical scavenging activity of microwave dried propolis extracts. The DPPH free‐radical scavenging activity closest to the fresh propolis extract was obtained for the microwave dried propolis extract at 900 W. This also showed the highest 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐2‐carboxylic acid (Trolox) equivalent antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSION

Microwave drying of propolis extract at 900 W was found to be the most efficient drying condition because it yielded the shortest drying time, the highest effective moisture diffusivity, and phenolic and flavonoid content levels that were very similar to those in fresh propolis extract. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Needle‐free electronically‐controlled jet injector treatment with bleomycin and lidocaine is effective and well‐tolerated in patients with recalcitrant keloids
Authors: Bekkers Vazula Zulfra , Khan Fatima , Aarts Pim , Zdunczyk Katarzyna , Prens Errol Prospero , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Rissmann Robert , van Doorn Martijn Bastiaan Adriaan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The treatment of recalcitrant keloids is challenging. Although intralesional bleomycin using conventional needle injectors (CNI) is effective, it has important drawbacks, such as the need for repetitive and painful injections. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability and patient satisfaction of intralesional bleomycin with lidocaine administered with a needle‐free electronically‐controlled pneumatic jet‐injector (EPI) in recalcitrant keloids.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with recalcitrant keloids who had received three intralesional EPI‐assisted treatments with bleomycin and lidocaine. Effectiveness was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) at baseline and four to six weeks after the third treatment. Additionally, treatment related pain scores numeric rating scale, adverse effects, patient satisfaction and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were assessed.

Results

Fifteen patients with a total of >148 recalcitrant keloids were included. The median total POSAS physician‐ and patient‐scores were respectively 40 and 41 at baseline, and reduced with respectively 7 and 6‐points at follow‐up ( p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The median pain scores during EPI‐assisted injections were significantly lower compared to CNI‐assistant injections, (2.5 vs. 7.0, respectively ( p < 0.001)). Adverse effects were mild. Overall, patients were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the treatments (14/15, 93.3%). The GAIS was “very improved” in one patient, “improved” in nine patients and “unaltered” in four patients.

Conclusions

EPI‐assisted treatment with bleomycin and lidocaine is an effective, well tolerated, patient‐friendly alternative for CNI in patients with recalcitrant keloid scars. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm our findings and improve the clinical management of recalcitrant keloids.
Hilbert complexes with mixed boundary conditions part 3: Biharmonic complexes
Authors: Pauly Dirk , Schomburg Michael
Published: November 2023

We show that the biharmonic Hilbert complex with mixed boundary conditions on bounded strong Lipschitz domains is closed and compact. The crucial results are compact embeddings that follow by abstract arguments using functional analysis together with particular regular decompositions. Higher Sobolev order results are also proved.
Myelin abnormalities in merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Saito Yoshihiko , Ishiyama Akihiko , Saito Yuko , Komaki Hirofumi , Sasaki Masayuki
Published: November 2023

Introduction/Aims

Merosin is a protein complex located in the basement membrane of skeletal muscles and laminin α2‐containing regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, because of the prominence of muscle‐related symptoms, peripheral neuropathy associated with merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) has received little clinical attention. This study aimed to present pathological changes in intramuscular nerves of three patients with MDC1A and discuss their relationship with electrophysiological findings to provide new evidence of peripheral nerve involvement in MDC1A.

Methods

MDC1A was confirmed by clinical features, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing for variants in LAMA2. To clarify peripheral nerve involvement, we statistically evaluated electrophysiological and muscle pathology findings of intramuscular nerves. These findings were compared with those of age‐matched boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as controls with normal nerves. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed before biopsy. Biopsied intramuscular nerves were examined with electron microscopy using g‐ratio, which is the ratio of axon diameter to myelinated fiber diameter.

Results

The myelin sheaths were significantly thinner in MDC1A patients than in age‐matched DMD patients, with a mean g‐ratio of 0.76 ± 0.07 in MDC1A patients and 0.65 ± 0.14 in DMD patients (p < .0001). No neuropathic changes were identified in muscle pathology. Low compound muscle action potential amplitudes, positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials, and low‐amplitude motor unit potentials with increased polyphasia indicated myopathic changes; no neurogenic changes were seen.

Discussion

We postulate that the thin myelin associated with MDC1A reflects the role of merosin in myelin maturation.
Mucosal Microbiome Disruption in Acute Laryngeal Injury Following Intubation
Authors: Davis Ruth J. , Shilts Meghan H. , Strickland Britton A. , Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Das Suman R. , Wootten Christopher T. , Gelbard Alexander
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to characterize mucosal microbial shifts in patients with acute laryngeal injury (ALgI) after intubation. This cross‐sectional study included 20 patients with ALgI who underwent early endoscopic intervention with tissue culture, 20 patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) who underwent tissue culture during the routine endoscopic intervention, and 3 control patients who underwent mucosal swab culture. 70% of the ALgI patients had a positive culture compared to 5% of the iSGS patients and none of the controls. The most identified microbes isolated from ALgI patients included Staphylococcus species in 30% and Streptococcus species in 25%. The high rate of pathologic bacterial infiltration into postintubation laryngeal wounds supports efforts to reduce bacterial colonization of endotracheal tubes and highlights the role of culture‐directed antibiotic therapy as a part of early intervention to improve outcomes for patients with ALgI.