bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of high‐pressure, enzymatic, and high‐pressure‐assisted enzymatic treatment on the properties of soluble dietary fibers and their use in jelly prepared with grape waste extract
Authors: Baskaya‐Sezer Duygu
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical attributes of soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) of grape, which were isolated after enzymatic (using cellulase [0.1 MPa/60°C/30 min]), high‐pressure (HP) (100 MPa/60°C/30 min), or HP‐assisted enzymatic treatment (using cellulase [100 MPa/60°C/30 min]), then to evaluate textural properties, color, and microbiological load of jelly prepared using grape waste extract and either pectin or SDF types. HP‐assisted enzymatic treatment increased glucose adsorption capacity by more than 50%, and the water‐holding capacity of SDF more than twofold as compared to the levels measured in untreated‐SDF. After treatments, glucose and galactose contents decreased, whereas fructose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, and rhamnose ratios increased. The arabinose ratio increased more than twice by the effect of HP, whereas the xylose content increased almost fivefold with HP‐assisted enzymatic treatment. For the textural properties of jelly, HP‐assisted enzymatic treated‐SDF provided almost double values in gel strength and adhesiveness than those contributed by untreated‐SDF. It was followed by HP‐treated SDF jelly. The results showed that HP‐assisted enzymatic treatment developed more similar outcomes with enzymatic treatment, rather than HP treatment alone. HP‐assisted enzymatic hydrolysis is recommended for treating SDF for use in jelly due to its synergistic effect.

Practical Application

High‐pressure‐assisted cellulase treatment provided the best properties to SDF for jelly. In combined treatment, impacts of cellulase treatment were more prominent than HP effects. Therefore, the use of HP assistance for enzymatic hydrolysis shortens the processing time. Moreover, the technological and functional properties (water holding, glucose adsorption capacity, and monosaccharide composition) of the combined treated‐fiber can improve. In addition, the color and textural properties of the jelly prepared with this treated‐fiber can be enhanced. In this way, it may be possible to obtain a good thickening agent. This material can also be an alternative to pectin.
Heat source replacement strategy using catalytic infrared: A future for energy saving drying of fruits and vegetables
Authors: Bei Xingrui , Yu Xiaojie , Li Daqing , Sun Qiaolan , Yu Yanhua , Wang Yuqing , Okonkwo Clinton Emeka , Zhou Cunshan
Published: November 2023

Drying is an important process for fruits and vegetables, which requires a lot of heat and the heat sources are mainly coal, electricity, natural gas, and solar energy. Most of the heat is usually wasted due to the long drying process and poor transfer efficiency. The use of coal also pollutes the environment. The national electricity curtailment policy regulates the drying industry. Therefore, the fruits and vegetables drying industry is facing new challenges due to its own development needs and external factors. Catalytic infrared drying (CIR) technology brings solutions to these problems. Compared with other drying technologies, CIR has a high drying efficiency and can effectively reduce the use of electric energy, avoid waste, and minimize pollution of water. However, improper processing conditions still cause quality deficits such as severe browning, and the drying is difficult due to weak infrared penetration. Although CIR has shortcomings, it is still expected to establish an energy‐saving and efficient fruit and vegetable drying system.
Dealing with Europe's economic (in‐)security
Authors: Steinberg Federico , Wolff Guntram
Published: November 2023

Economic security is going to occupy an increasingly important role in global politics. While the EU should aim to avoid a fragmentation of the global economy and support multilateralism, it needs to prepare for protectionism, a global subsidy race and weaponisation of interdependencies. First, the EU must take geopolitical risks seriously and use stress tests and a data‐driven approach to identify vulnerabilities. We propose creating a European Economic Security Committee to advance coordination between national security and European economic policymaking. Second, the EU must increase its resilience to better withstand economic coercion and be less affected by shocks. Resilience cannot be increased by protectionism but by keeping markets open and concluding trade agreements. Industrial policy has some role to play, but the EU should apply the ‘narrow yard’ principle in industrial policy and enhance cooperation to reduce the risks and costs of a global subsidy race. Third, economic security will require investments in European public goods such as R&D for defence, decarbonisation, technology and the reconstruction of Ukraine, which will be cheaper to procure at EU level. Strengthening the international role of the euro would add to Europe's economic security and financial power.
Effect of surgeon‐specific feedback on surgical outcomes: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lingard Morgan C. H. , Teo Yahsze , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Hooper Gary J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Surgeon‐specific outcome reporting provides an opportunity for quality assurance and improved surgical results. It is becoming increasingly prevalent and remains contentious amongst surgeons. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the extent to which published literature supports the concept that feedback of surgeon‐level outcomes reduces morbidity and/or mortality. No systematic reviews have previously been completed on this subject.

Methods

Medline and Embase were systematically searched for studies published prior to the 1st of January 2022. Feedback was defined as a summary of clinical performance over a specified period of time provided in written, electronic or verbal format. Studies were required to provide surgeon‐specific feedback to multiple individual consultant surgeons with the primary purpose being to determine if feedback improved outcomes. Primary outcome(s) needed to relate to surgical outcomes as opposed to process measures only. All surgical specialties and procedures were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the review, traversing a wide range of specialties and procedures. Sixteen were non‐randominsed and one randomized. Fifteen were before and after studies. The balance of the non‐randomized studies support the concept that provision of surgeon‐specific feedback can improve surgical outcomes, while the single randomized study suggests feedback may not be effective.

Conclusions

This systematic review supports the use of surgeon‐level feedback to improve outcomes. The strength of this finding is limited by reliance on before and after studies, further randomized studies on this subject would be insightful.
Role and new insights of microfibrillar‐associated protein 4 in fibrotic diseases
Authors: Zhu Long , Gou Wenqun , Ou Lijia , Liu Binjie , Liu Manyi , Feng Hui
Published: November 2023

Fibrosis is one of the most worrisome complications of chronic inflammatory diseases, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and ultimately, death. The most notable pathological characteristic of fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and fibronectin adjacent to foci of inflammation or damage. The human microfibrillar‐associated protein 4 (MFAP4), an important member of the superfamily of fibrinogen‐related proteins, is considered to have an extremely important role in ECM transformation of fibrogenesis. This review summarizes the structure, characteristics, and physiological functions of MFAP4 and the importance of MFAP4 in various fibrotic diseases. Meanwhile, we elaborated the underlying actions and mechanisms of MFAP4 in the development of fibrosis, suggesting that a better understand of MFAP4 broadens novel perspective for early screening, diagnosis, prognostic risk assessment, and treatment of fibrotic diseases.
Proof of concept of triple COMBI therapy to prohibit MPN progression to AML
Authors: Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Larsen Morten Kranker
Published: November 2023

Patients with accelerated or blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms have a dismal prognosis. The report by de Castro et al. provides important information on the rationale and prospect for a novel therapeutic approach combining interferon‐alpha2 with 5‐azacytidine and a JAK1‐2 inhibitor (ruxolitinib) to be explored in well‐designed clinical trials.

Commentary on: Castro et al. Ratio of stemness to interferon signalling as a biomarker and therapeutic target of myeloproliferative neoplasm progression to acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2024;204:206–220.
The impact of CHOP versus bendamustine on bone mineral density in patients with indolent lymphoma enrolled in the GALLIUM study
Authors: Pedersen Mette Abildgaard , Gormsen Lars C. , Jakobsen Lasse H. , Eyre Toby A. , Severinsen Marianne T. , Baech Joachim , Dann Eldad J. , Knapp Andrea , Sahin Denis , Vestergaard Peter , El‐Galaly Tarec C. , Jensen Paw
Published: November 2023

Standard CHOP treatment includes a high cumulative dose of prednisone, and studies have shown increased fracture risk following CHOP. It is unclear whether reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) are caused by glucocorticoids or by the combination with chemotherapy. Our objective was to determine the effect of obinutuzumab (G)/rituximab (R)‐bendamustine versus G/R‐CHOP on BMD in follicular lymphoma patients. Patients in this GALLIUM post hoc study were ≥60 years old and in complete remission at induction treatment completion (ITC), following treatment with G or R in combination with bendamustine or CHOP. To assess BMD, Hounsfield units (HU) were measured in lumbar vertebra L1 on annual computed tomography. Furthermore, vertebral compression fractures were recorded. Of 173 patients included, 59 (34%) received CHOP and 114 (66%) received bendamustine. At baseline, there was no difference in HU between groups. The mean HU decrease from baseline to ITC was 27.8 after CHOP and 17.3 after bendamustine, corresponding to a difference of 10.4 (95% CI: 3.2–17.6). Vertebral fractures were recorded in 5/59 patients receiving CHOP and in 2/114 receiving bendamustine. CHOP was associated with a significant greater decrease in BMD and more frequent fractures. These results suggest that prophylaxis against BMD loss should be considered.
A single‐institution pre–post comparison of subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Suga Makiko , Fuji Shigeo , Tada Yuma , Tsutsumi Kazuhito , Kida Shuhei , Shibata Kumi , Nakata Ryo , Shingai Yasuhiro , Yuda Sayako , Yokota Takafumi , Ishikawa Jun
Published: November 2023

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) reduces the risk of infection in hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and multiple myeloma. However, the benefit of IgRT, especially subcutaneous IgRT (ScIgRT), has not been assessed in hypogammaglobulinaemia after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). We performed a pre–post comparison of the clinical impact of ScIgRT after allo‐HCT in a retrospective analysis of 209 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT at our institution from 2011 to 2019. Since ScIgRT became available at our institution in April 2017, we categorized patients treated from January 2011 to March 2017 as the Pre‐ScIgRT group (n = 118) and those treated from April 2017 to December 2019 as the Post‐ScIgRT group (n = 91). The 2‐year overall survival rate was 65% in the Pre‐ScIgRT group and 81% in the Post‐ScIgRT group (p = 0.02). The cumulative incidence (CI) of non‐relapse mortality at 2 years was 18% and 7% (p = 0.02). There were 78 infectious events in 44 patients in the Pre‐ScIgRT group and 28 such events in 19 patients in the Post‐ScIgRT group. The CI of the documented infection during the observation period was between 38% and 21% (p = 0.01). Our study suggests that ScIgRT may reduce infection rates and improve prognosis after allo‐HCT.
A case of hemichorea associated with nonketotic hyperglycaemia: A new magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) finding and possible future implications
Authors: Trinchillo Assunta , Barchetti Flavio , De Joanna Gabriella , Esposito Marcello , Piccirillo Giovanni , Miniello Stefania
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetic Striatopathy (DS) is a rare complication of a poor‐controlled Diabetes Mellitus consisting of sudden onset of movement disorders. To date, there is still poor knowledge about the pathogenesis.

Case

We describe a 79 year old men affected by sudden onset hemichoreic movements whose cause was a non‐ketotic hyperglycaemia diagnosed despite the normal blood glucose levels thanks to brain CT and magnetic resonance imaging. Then, we introduce a new magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) finding never described until today which allowed us to produce a new pathogenetic theory of a phenomenon still without definitive explanations.

Literature Review

We performed a review of DS cases using the Medline database and we extracted main data regarding imaging findings.

Conclusions

Thanks to our MRS we show new imaging findings never described until today, with a new pathogenetic explanation, since all the causative hypotheses produced during the past years have never found evidence.
Assessing competency in exodontia: A UK perspective
Authors: Chana Pav
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Assessment ensures that undergraduate students and postgraduate trainees are providing optimal patient care. Numerous assessment methods are currently being used within the United Kingdom. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the methods used to assess competency in exodontia and compare methods against criteria defined for good assessment.

Materials and Methods

A systematic narrative review was carried out. Databases were electronically searched for published studies assessing the competence of undergraduate students and postgraduate trainees in exodontia up to October 2023.The validity, reproducibility, equivalence, feasibility, educational impact, catalytic effect and acceptability of each assessment method was considered.

Results

In this review, 591 undergraduate students (n = 529) and postgraduate dental trainees (n = 62) had their competence in exodontia assessed. Undergraduate students were assessed on simple exodontia with forceps and elevators, whereas postgraduate trainees were assessed on the surgical removal of mandibular third molars. Only one study took place in a simulated dental environment, the remaining (n = 7) took place in a clinical environment. A range of formative and summative assessment methods were identified including structured clinical objective tests (SCOT), self‐assessment, peer assessment and logbooks. Common marking criteria such as global rating and checklist scales were also highlighted.

Conclusion

This review highlights the lack of evidence to support one form of assessment and the lack of consensus on assessment within the United Kingdom. Further research related to this topic, alongside the opinion of trainees and trainers is required to improve assessments. This will maximise learning opportunities for trainees and translate to better patient care.
Asymmetric relationships and their effects on coexistence
Authors: Albert Pimsupa Jasmin , Reuman Daniel C.
Published: November 2023

Species coexistence attracts wide interest in ecology. Modern coexistence theory (MCT) identifies coexistence mechanisms, one of which, storage effects, hinges on relationships between fluctuations in environmental and competitive pressures. However, such relationships are typically measured using covariance, which does not account for the possibility that environment and competition may be more related to each other when they are strong than when weak, or vice versa. Recent work showed that such ‘asymmetric tail associations’ (ATAs) are common between ecological variables, and are important for extinction risk, ecosystem stability, and other phenomena. We extend MCT, decomposing storage effects to show the influence of ATAs. Analysis of a simple model and an empirical example using diatoms illustrate that ATA influences can be comparable in magnitude to other mechanisms of coexistence and that ATAs can make the difference between species coexistence and competitive exclusion. ATA influences may be an important new mechanism of coexistence.
How do healthcare professionals and managers view the role of the advanced practice nurse?
Authors: Sevilla Guerra Sonia , Zabalegui Adelaida , Comellas Oliva Montserrat , Estrem Cuesta Mercè , Martín‐Baranera Montse , Rivera Villalobos Darinka , Ferrús Estopà Lena
Published: November 2023

Background

Advanced practice nurses (APN) growth depends on the implementation and acceptance of APNs in each country.

Introduction

Given the diversity of the different contexts and varying population health needs where APNs are developing, this study focuses on exploring the viewpoints of the multidisciplinary and management team who have worked with APNs in public hospitals in Catalonia, Spain.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with previously identified APNs, health professionals, and health managers. EVOHIPA, a valid and reliable scale, was used. The STROBE checklist was followed.

Findings

The results showed high levels of agreement among the 746 participants (predominantly physicians and nurses), with statements relating to the APN's contribution in enhancing care continuity and processes, resulting in safer and more patient‐centered care. The results showed low levels of agreement with statements relating to legal support for the APN position, regulation, and practice scope.

Discussion

The study provides discussion elements and reflection to determine the axes on which it will be necessary to act to promote APNs and their conditions of service in the context of practice within hospital teams.

Conclusion

The study highlights the differences in opinion on APN roles among health professionals and managers who have worked with APNs and allows exploring expectations about current changes in workflows and clinical activities among healthcare team members.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Results highlight the importance of fostering a common understanding among healthcare teams to maximize the benefits of collaborative work and recognize the significant contributions of APNs within the multidisciplinary team.

Health policy plays a crucial role in recognizing and promoting the contribution of APNs within hospital healthcare teams, acknowledging their autonomy and expertise in improving patient outcomes.
The positioning of nursing in Turkish mass media: Before and after the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Ersan Yaman Hilal , Basaran‐Acil Seher , Duygulu Sergul
Published: November 2023

Aim

To explore the way the nursing profession was portrayed in online news coverage before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

The power of the media can be used as a tool to introduce nursing services to society, make nursing visible, and influence the public perception of nursing.

Introduction

Analyzing the image of nursing as portrayed in the news can be a guide for more effective management of the media as a tool for positioning nursing in the future and presenting the right message.

Methods

A qualitative design was applied. Three online newspapers published in the Turkish language—the most widely read newspapers in Turkey—were analyzed. The sample for this research consisted of 505 news articles containing the keywords “nurse” and “nursing” published before and after the COVID‐19 outbreak. The MAXQDA2022 software was used for data management.

Results

The articles selected were themed as news reflecting the nursing profession negatively, positively, and neutrally. When the negative and positive themes were compared, the two most repeated subthemes included (1) working conditions and being unprofessionalism; (2) impact on health, social recognition, and neutral included only subtheme that happens to you as a citizen/individual.

Conclusion

Compared with the pre‐COVID‐19 period, there was an increase in news coverage reflecting portrayed nursing positively on the nursing profession in the post‐COVID‐19 period. Mass media, which are indispensable in social communication, can be used as an effective tool to improve the image of nursing in society.

Implications for nursing

From nursing students to policymakers, all professionals must act in a planned and purposeful manner to present nursing professionals positively as leaders in public healthcare.
Estimation and test of a simple model of robust capital asset pricing: An info‐metrics approach
Authors: García‐Feijóo Luis , Viale Ariel M.
Published: November 2023

We introduce the info‐metrics approach to empirical asset pricing under ambiguity. We apply relative entropy as a pseudo‐metric of model discrepancy, and generalized maximum entropy as a principle of statistical inference, to cross‐sectional asset pricing tests. We show that a single‐factor market representation of the CAPM under ambiguity can explain the cross‐section of U.S. stock returns without the aid of additional risk factors. The additional factors can be interpreted as compensations for idiosyncratic ambiguity. The approach can also recover the market price of ambiguity that sets a lower (entropy‐based) bound on stock prices, which can be understood as investors' “margin of safety” against extreme market events.
Missing voices: Office space discontent as a driving force in employee hybrid work preferences
Authors: Skountridaki Lila , Lee W. Victoria , Rouhani Lilinaz
Published: November 2023

This paper draws on rich qualitative and survey data to show that employee discontent with office space is a major driving force in employee hybrid‐work preferences. Despite voice marginalisation, employees wish to take advantage of increased control over their physical working conditions and the locus of work that hybrid work has unexpectedly brought in their working lives. Taking cues from the literature on employee voice, this paper suggests that employee missing or silenced voices can be conceptualised as latent: hidden but potentially influential and inactive but potentially triggered by shifts in the labour market conditions or other external to organisations changes. The paper also brings attention to empirical academic studies as an employee voice mechanism.
Investigation of the relationship between nurses' perception of toxic leadership and their organizational trust levels and turnover intentions
Authors: Türkmen Keskin Sultan , Özduyan Kiliç Meltem
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nurses' perception of toxic leadership and their organizational trust levels and turnover intentions.

Design

This cross‐sectional study was conducted using an online survey of 168 nurses working in public and university hospitals.

Methods

Data were collected between April and November 2022 with the Toxic Leadership Scale, Organizational Trust Scale and Turnover Intention Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analyses were used to analyse these data.

Results

It was determined that almost half of the nurses (46.4%) were exposed to negative behaviours from their managers within the last year. Nurses' perception of toxic leadership, organizational trust level and turnover intention were moderate. It was found that nurses' perceptions of toxic leadership had a negative effect on organizational trust level (R2 = .691; β = −0.832; p < .05) and a positive significant effect on turnover intention (R2 = .267; β = 0.521; p < .05).

Conclusions

This study revealed that toxic leadership behaviours in health organizations should be struggled with to increase nurses' organizational trust and reduce their turnover. In this context, an organizational culture in which toxic behaviours are not tolerated should be established in health organizations.

Impact

What problem did the study address? In the literature, mostly positive leadership behaviours of nurse managers are emphasized and little is known about their negative behaviours such as toxic leadership.

What were the main findings? It was determined that nurses who perceived more toxic behaviour from their managers had less trust in their organizations and higher turnover intention.

On whom will the research have an impact? To provide a positive working environment and reduce turnover, it is necessary to create an organizational culture in which the toxic behaviours of nurse managers are not tolerated.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Two‐sided productivity heterogeneity, firm boundaries, and assortative matching
Authors: Dam Kaniṣka , Ripperger‐Suhler Daniel , Serfes Konstantinos
Published: November 2023

We consider a market where each firm is created by the combination of two complementary assets that are heterogeneous in their productivity. After assets match endogenously, their owners choose between two ownership structures: centralized organization (integration) and arm's length organization (nonintegration). Our main focus is on the interplay between productivity heterogeneity and firm boundary decisions. When firms choose between distinct ownership structures, the standard single‐crossing condition that guarantees positive assortative matching may fail to hold. We provide a novel condition—the congruent marginal contributions property—which guarantees monotone matching with respect to asset productivity. Furthermore, we provide conditions under which integration at the bottom of the productivity ladder is the market equilibrium; an organizational pattern that has been largely unexplored by the theoretical and empirical literature. We investigate the effect of model primitives on the equilibrium distribution of output. Moreover, our model offers interesting testable implications regarding firm boundary decisions.
3D printing of ultra‐thin veneers made of lithium disilicate using the LCM method in a digital workflow: A feasibility study
Authors: Schweiger J. , Edelhoff D. , Schubert O.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This article highlights the feasibility of the additive fabrication of ultra‐thin veneers made of lithium disilicate using the lithography‐based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) method.

Clinical Considerations

An esthetical appealing restoration of anterior teeth with thin ceramic veneers is considered one of the ultimate challenges in restorative dental prosthetics. These sophisticated restorations can be fabricated in different ways. Both analog and digital subtractive manufacturing processes have been used to date. Either of the methods is highly demanding for the dental technician and dental engineering due to the required low ceramic layer thickness.

Conclusion

Modern additive manufacturing methods, for example LCM technology, enable the production of ultra‐thin lithium disilicate veneers with layer thicknesses of down to 0.2 mm and could therefore represent a viable alternative for this indication in the future.

Clinical Significance

Digital technologies can help streamline workflows, make the outcome more predictable and reproducible, and even further optimize therapeutic restorative options such as highly esthetic veneers for anterior teeth. The reduced material thickness allows for a true non‐prep solution or minimally invasive preparation.
Impact of delay in the diagnosis on the severity of celiac disease
Authors: Mehta Shubham , Agarwal Ankit , Pachisia Aditya Vikram , Singh Alka , Dang Sana , Vignesh Dwarakanathan , Ahmed Anam , Chaudhari Bodhisattya Roy , Prasad Shubham , Goyal Ritik Mahaveer , Chavan Amitkumar , Singh Aagamjit , Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Divya , Chauhan Ashish , Rajput Mahendra Singh , Rajput Sachin , Das Prasenjit , Falodia Sushil , Sinha Saroj Kant , Kochhar Rakesh , Ahuja Vineet , Makharia Govind K
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CeD) has now become a global disease with a worldwide prevalence of 0.67%. Despite being a common disease, CeD is often not diagnosed and there is a significant delay in its diagnosis. We reviewed the impact of the delay in the diagnosis on the severity of manifestations of CeD.

Methods

We reviewed clinical records of 726 consecutive patients with CeD from the Celiac Clinic database and the National Celiac Disease Consortium database. We extracted specific data including the demographics, symptoms at presentation, time of onset of symptoms, time to diagnosis from the onset of the symptoms, and relevant clinical data including fold‐rise in anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA anti‐tTG Ab) and severity of villous and crypt abnormalities as assessed using modified Marsh classification.

Results

The median duration between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of CeD was 27 months (interquartile range 12–60 months). A longer delay in the diagnosis of CeD from the onset of symptoms was associated with lower height for age, lower hemoglobin, higher fold rise in IgA Anti tTG titers, and higher severity of villous and crypt abnormalities. About 18% of patients presented with predominantly non‐gastrointestinal complaints and had a longer delay in the diagnosis of CeD.

Conclusions

There is a significant delay in the diagnosis of CeD since the onset of its symptoms. The severity of celiac disease increases with increasing delay in its diagnosis. There is a need to keep a low threshold for the diagnosis of CeD in appropriate clinical settings.
SCD Probiotics mitigate cafeteria diet‐induced liver damage in Wistar rats during development
Authors: Ceylani Taha , Önlü Harun , Keskin Seda , Allahverdi Hüseyin , Teker Hikmet Taner
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

The liver plays a critical role in metabolic homeostasis, and its health is often compromised by poor dietary habits. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of SCD Probiotics in mitigating adverse liver effects induced by a cafeteria diet in male Wistar rats during their developmental period.

Methods

Four groups of seven male Wistar rats each were subjected to different dietary regimens from day 21 (weaning) to day 56. The groups were as follows: a control group on normal feed; a probiotic‐supplemented group on normal feed; a group on a cafeteria diet mixed with normal feed; and a group on a cafeteria diet mixed with normal feed, supplemented with SCD Probiotics. Liver health was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and histopathological evaluations.

Results

Rats on the cafeteria diet exhibited significant disruptions in lipid, protein, cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and glycogen/phosphate content. Histopathological abnormalities such as lymphocytic infiltration, steatosis, and necrosis were also observed. However, SCD Probiotics supplementation led to notable improvements in the liver's biomolecular composition and mitigated histopathological abnormalities. Serum liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH) also showed beneficial effects, while serum albumin levels remained stable.

Conclusions

SCD Probiotics demonstrated a promising potential to counteract the adverse liver effects induced by a cafeteria diet in male Wistar rats. The study revealed significant improvements in biomolecular composition, histopathology, and serum enzyme levels. However, these findings are preliminary and necessitate further in vivo studies and clinical trials for validation.
LncRNAADAMTS9‐AS2 regulates periodontal ligament cell migration under mechanical compression via ADAMTS9/fibronectin
Authors: Yu Qianyao , Guo Kunyao , Yang Yuhui , Liu Hao , Huang Yiping , Li Weiran
Published: November 2023

Background

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) are key mechanosensory cells involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Mechanical force changes the ECM components, such as collagens and matrix metalloproteinases. However, the associations between the changes in ECM molecules and cellular dynamics during OTM remain largely uncharacterized.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of mechanical force on the morphology and migration of PDLCs and explore the interaction between ECM remodeling and cellular dynamics, including the detailed mechanisms involved.

Methods

Human PDLCs (hPDLCs) were subjected to a static mechanical compression to mimic the compression state of OTM in vitro. A mouse OTM model was used to mimic the OTM procedure in vivo. The migration of hPDLCs was compared by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Moreover, expression levels of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 (ADAMTS9) and fibronectin (FN) in hPDLCs were determined via western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Expression levels of ADAMTS9 and FN in mice were assessed via immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, the relative expression of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) ADAMTS9‐antisense RNA 2 (ADAMTS9‐AS2) was assessed via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. ADAMTS9‐AS2 knockdown was performed to confirm its function in hPDLCs.

Results

Mechanical compression induced changes in the morphology of hPDLCs. It also promoted migration and simultaneous upregulation of FN and downregulation of ADAMTS9, a fibronectinase. The mouse OTM model showed the same expression patterns of the two proteins on the compression side of the periodontium of the moved teeth. RNA sequencing revealed that lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression was significantly upregulated in hPDLCs under mechanical compression. After knocking down ADAMTS9‐AS2, hPDLCs migration was significantly inhibited. ADAMTS9 expression was increased as FN expression decreased compared to that in the control group. Moreover, knockdown of ADAMTS9‐AS2 reduced the effect of mechanical compression on hPDLCs migration and reversed the expression change of ADAMTS9 and FN. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed direct binding between ADAMTS9‐AS2 and ADAMTS9 protein.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that mechanical compression induces the expression of ADAMTS9‐AS2, which directly binds to ADAMTS9 and inhibits its function, leading to the promotion of downstream FN expression and ECM remodeling to facilitate hPDLCs migration and maintain the stability of the periodontium.
Dietary carotenoid supplementation has long‐term and community‐wide effects on the amphibian skin microbiome
Authors: Risely A. , Byrne Phillip G. , Hoye Bethany J. , Silla Aimee J.
Published: November 2023

The amphibian skin microbiome plays a crucial role in host immunity and pathogen defence, yet we know little about the environmental drivers of skin microbial variation across host individuals. Inter‐individual variation in the availability of micro‐nutrients such as dietary carotenoids, which are involved in amphibian immunity, may be one factor that influences skin microbial assembly across different life history stages. We compared the effect of four carotenoid supplementation regimes during different life stages on the adult skin microbiome using a captive population of the critically endangered southern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne corroboree. We applied 16S rRNA sequencing paired with joint‐species distribution models to examine the effect of supplementation on taxon abundances. We found that carotenoid supplementation had subtle yet taxonomically widespread effects on the skin microbiome, even 4.5 years post supplementation. Supplementation during any life‐history stage tended to have a positive effect on the number of bacterial taxa detected, although explanatory power was low. Some genera were sensitive to supplementation pre‐metamorphosis, but most demonstrated either additive or dominant effects, whereby supplementation during one life history stage had intermediate or similar effects, respectively, to supplementation across life. Carotenoid supplementation increased abundances of taxa belonging to lactic acid bacteria, including Lactococcus and Enterococcus, a group of bacteria that have previously been linked to protection against the amphibian fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). While the fitness benefits of these microbial shifts require further study, these results suggest a fundamental relationship between nutrition and the amphibian skin microbiome which may be critical to amphibian health and the development of novel conservation strategies.
Results from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry: A narrative review
Authors: Sundbom Magnus , Näslund Ingmar , Ottosson Johan , Stenberg Erik , Näslund Erik
Published: November 2023

In 2007, the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) was started by the profession to monitor the results of bariatric surgery and to provide a high‐quality database for research. In the end of August 2023, SOReg contains 88,379 patients (body mass index [BMI] 41.7 kg/m2, 41.2 years, 77.1% females, gastric bypass 76.8%). In this narrative review, we demonstrate that preoperative weight loss is of value and that the laparoscopic double omega‐loop technique is highly suitable for gastric bypass. Closing the mesenteric openings is, however, important. Swedish bariatric surgery has low mortality, and our results are comparative to those of other countries. Significant long‐term improvements are found in common obesity‐related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Furthermore, the risk for cardiac failure and major adverse cardiovascular events is significantly reduced. Pregnancy‐related outcomes are also improved. Gastric bypass results in significant improvements in quality of life and seems to be cost saving. We have revealed that low socioeconomic status is associated with reduced chance of undergoing bariatric surgery and inferior outcomes. Of note, we have performed several randomized clinical trials within the registry database. In conclusion, high‐quality national registry databases, such as SOReg, are important for maintaining high‐quality care and present a platform for extensive research.
Trajectory of stratum corneum lipid subclasses in the first year of life and associations with atopic dermatitis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gu Hongjian , Ye Ying , Li Yun , Gao Xiaohua , Ken Kaku , Huang Xiangyuan , Gao Wei , Chen Hongyan , Huang Jun , Wang Liuhui , Yan Weili
Published: November 2023

Background

Trajectories of stratum corneum (SC) lipid subclasses and their associations with infant atopic dermatitis (AD) are unclear. This study aimed to quantify the trajectories of 15 SC subclasses and carbon chain lengths and their associations with AD within 12 months.

Methods

In total, 213 newborns were enrolled at birth with nonlesional skin samples collected from the inner forearm at birth, 42 days, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Lesional skin samples were collected from 120 AD patients at clinic with the disease onset within the first year of life. Mass spectrometry was applied to assess relative contents of 12 ceramide (CER), three free fatty acid (FFA) subclasses, and average carbon chain length (CCL). AD incident within 1 year old was diagnosed by dermatologists according to UK criteria.

Results

Sixty‐four (30.0%) cases of ADs occurred in the cohort. All SC lipid subclasses and CCLs, but EOP varied significantly during the first year. AD infants showed lower NP but higher NS, NH, AP, hydroxy FFA, and CCL of FFAs compared with nonaffected infants. After normalization by age, the differences remained and were more pronounced in lesional skin of clinical AD infants compared with non‐ADs. NS, NH, and CCL of FFAs in lesional skin of AD infants showed positive and significant correlations with the levels of transepidermal water loss at 3 month; some evidence supports a negative correlation for NP.

Conclusions

We provide an overview of developmental trajectories of 15 CER and FFA subclasses across the first year of healthy infants and a link between the imbalance of some subclasses with the development of AD.
The Collaborative Nature of Testimonial Learning
Authors: Li Pearl Han , DeAngelis Erika R. , Glaspie Norwood , Koenig Melissa A.
Published: November 2023

Children's testimonial learning often occurs in epistemic collaborations with others. In this paper, we will discuss ways in which cultural learning emerges in social and interpersonal contexts, and is intrinsically supported and guided by children's collaborative capacities. Much work in cultural learning has focused on children's examination of speaker and model characteristics, but more recent research has investigated the interactive aspects of testimonial exchanges. We will review evidence that children (1) participate in the interpersonal commitments that are shared in testimonial transactions by way of direct address and epistemic buck passing, (2) participate in social groups that affect their selective learning in nuanced ways, and (3) may detect epistemic harms by listeners who refuse to believe sincere and accurate speakers. Implications for conceptualizing children's testimonial learning as an interactive mechanism of collaboration will be discussed.
Analysis of geometric defects in square locally resonant phononic crystals: A comparative study of modeling approaches
Authors: Katch L. , Moghaddaszadeh M. , Willey C. L. , Juhl A. T. , Nouh M. , Argüelles A. P.
Published: November 2023

Phononic crystals can develop defects during manufacturing that alter the desired dynamic response and bandgap behavior. This frequency behavior change can enable successful defect inspection if the characteristic defect response is known. In this study, the behavior of a defective square unit cell comprising a freed and shortened leg is studied using a wave finite element method and an approximate continuous-lumped model to elucidate the defect induced qualitative dynamical features. These metrics are a computationally inexpensive alternative to modeling a defective unit cell within a large pristine array entirely in finite elements. The accuracy of these models is validated by comparing the result to a full finite element model. The impact of a shortened unit cell leg on the behaviors of an infinite array of defective cells and a finite array with a single defect are successfully predicted through dispersion curves and frequency response functions, respectively. These methods reveal defect-induced modes that split the local resonance bandgap of the pristine cell, as well as new anti-resonances resulting from the shortened leg. The study uses both approaches to evaluate the effect of defects in complex phononic crystal geometries and provides a comparative evaluation of the results of each model.
Learning skillful medium-range global weather forecasting
Authors: Lam Remi , Sanchez-Gonzalez Alvaro , Willson Matthew , Wirnsberger Peter , Fortunato Meire , Alet Ferran , Ravuri Suman , Ewalds Timo , Eaton-Rosen Zach , Hu Weihua , Merose Alexander , Hoyer Stephan , Holland George , Vinyals Oriol , Stott Jacklynn , Pritzel Alexander , Mohamed Shakir , Battaglia Peter
Published: November 2023

Global medium-range weather forecasting is critical to decision-making across many social and economic domains. Traditional numerical weather prediction uses increased compute resources to improve forecast accuracy but does not directly use historical weather data to improve the underlying model. Here, we introduce GraphCast, a machine learning–based method trained directly from reanalysis data. It predicts hundreds of weather variables for the next 10 days at 0.25° resolution globally in under 1 minute. GraphCast significantly outperforms the most accurate operational deterministic systems on 90% of 1380 verification targets, and its forecasts support better severe event prediction, including tropical cyclone tracking, atmospheric rivers, and extreme temperatures. GraphCast is a key advance in accurate and efficient weather forecasting and helps realize the promise of machine learning for modeling complex dynamical systems.
Impaired intracellular Ca
2+
signaling contributes to age-related cerebral small vessel disease in
Col4a1
mutant mice
Authors: Yamasaki Evan , Thakore Pratish , Ali Sher , Sanchez Solano Alfredo , Wang Xiaowei , Gao Xiao , Labelle-Dumais Cassandre , Chaumeil Myriam M. , Gould Douglas B. , Earley Scott
Published: November 2023

Humans and mice with mutations in
COL4A1
and
COL4A2
manifest hallmarks of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Mice with a missense mutation in
Col4a1
at amino acid 1344 (

Col4a1
+/G1344D

) exhibit age-dependent intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) and brain lesions. Here, we report that this pathology was associated with the loss of myogenic vasoconstriction, an intrinsic vascular response essential for the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the loss of myogenic constriction resulted from blunted pressure-induced smooth muscle cell (SMC) membrane depolarization. Furthermore, we found that dysregulation of membrane potential was associated with impaired Ca
2+
-dependent activation of large-conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(BK) and transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) cation channels linked to disruptions in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca
2+
signaling.
Col4a1
mutations impair protein folding, which can cause SR stress. Treating

Col4a1
+/G1344D

mice with 4-phenylbutyrate, a compound that promotes the trafficking of misfolded proteins and alleviates SR stress, restored SR Ca
2+
signaling, maintained BK and TRPM4 channel activity, prevented loss of myogenic tone, and reduced ICHs. We conclude that alterations in SR Ca
2+
handling that impair ion channel activity result in dysregulation of SMC membrane potential and loss of myogenic tone and contribute to age-related cSVD in

Col4a1
+/G1344D

mice.
Anterior segment involvement in vitreoretinal lymphoma: clinical manifestations, molecular findings and in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Marchese Alessandro , Di Biase Carlo , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Menean Matteo , Ferrari Giulio , Bandello Francesco , Modorati Giulio , Goldstein Debra Anne , Miserocchi Elisabetta
Published: November 2023

Background

Intermediate and posterior manifestations of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) are well characterised. However, there is limited information on anterior segment involvement in VRL. This study aimed to describe the anterior manifestations of VRL, and their association with molecular testing.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with biopsy-proven VRL. Study variables included anterior segment manifestations, findings from slit-lamp photos and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) when available. MYD88 L265P mutation and cytology in the aqueous humour, retinal and systemic findings were also analysed.

Results

The analysis included 108 eyes of 55 VRL patients. Anterior segment involvement was present in at least one visit in 55 eyes (51%) of 33 patients (60%); it included keratic precipitates (dendritiform with branching and irregular margins in 33 eyes, dust-like in 16 eyes and large granulomatous in 12 eyes), cells in the anterior chamber (51 eyes) and posterior synechiae (2 eyes). IVCM was available for 41 eyes and showed different morphologies of keratic precipitates, including floral, spikes and mulberry patterns (66%, 56% and 20%, respectively). MYD88 L265P mutation in the aqueous humour was detected in 10/21 (48%) eyes with no anterior segment involvement and 24/37 (65%) eyes with anterior segment involvement.

Conclusions

Anterior segment manifestations are often present in VRL and include dendritiform and dust-like keratic precipitates. IVCM in VRL can identify different patterns associated with keratic precipitates. MYD88 L265P mutation in the aqueous humour of VRL patients can also be found in eyes without significant anterior segment involvement.