bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detoxification activity of bioactive food compounds against ethanol‐induced injuries and hangover symptoms: A review
Authors: Moslemi Masoumeh , Jannat Behrooz , Mahmoudzadeh Maryam , Ghasemlou Mehran , Abedi Abdol‐Samad
Published: July 2023

Alcohol drinking is a popular activity among adolescents in many countries, largely due to its pleasant, relaxing effects. As a major concern, ethanol consumption put the drinkers at risk of nutrients' deficiency due to the disordered eating, anorexia, and malabsorption of nutrients. Moreover, alcohol drinking may lead to the development of hangover symptoms including diarrhea, thirsty, fatigue, and oxidative stress. A broad range of functional food components with antioxidant and/or anti‐inflammatory properties including pectin, aloe vera polysaccharides, chito‐oligosaccharides, and other herbal components have been explored due to their detoxification effects against ethanol. The underlying anti‐hangover mechanisms include reducing the intestinal absorption of ethanol or its metabolites, increasing the activity of ethanol metabolizing enzymes, development of fatty acid β‐oxidation in mitochondria, inhibition of inflammatory response, blocking the target receptors of ethanol in the body, and possession of antioxidant activity under the oxidative stress developed by ethanol consumption. Therefore, the development of bioactive food‐based therapeutic formula can assist clinicians and also drinkers in the alleviation of alcohol side effects.
Understanding depression in older Indians using diathesis‐stress framework: The role of neighborhood safety and physical and functional health
Authors: Muhammad Thalil , Thakkar Shriya , Balachandran Arun
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The interplay between an individual's vulnerability and related stressors, effectively termed as diathesis, is an important contributor towards depressive symptoms. Utilizing the diathesis‐stress model, the present study examines the role of perceived neighborhood safety along with specific indicators of health such as activities of daily living (ADL) and self‐rated health (SRH), and their associations with depressive symptoms among older Indian adults.

Study design

A cross‐sectional study has been conducted.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India wave 1 that was collected during 2017–18. The present study is conducted on respondents aged 60 years and above and the sample included 31,464 older adults. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Short Form Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI‐SF).

Results

In this study, approximately 14.3% of the older participants reported perceiving their neighborhood as unsafe. A total of 23.77% and 24.21% of older adults reported at least one difficulty in ADL and poor SRH, respectively. Older adults who had perceived their neighborhood as unsafe had higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms [AOR: 1.758, CI: 1.497–2.066] than those with the perception of a safe neighborhood. Those with a perceived unsafe neighborhood and low ADL functioning had approximately 3.3 times higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms [AOR: 3.298, CI: 2.553–4.261] than those with a safe perceived neighborhood and high ADL functioning. Further, older adults with unsafe perceived neighborhood, low ADL functioning and poor SRH had much greater odds of reporting depressive symptoms [AOR: 7.725, CI: 5.443–10.960] than those with a safe perceived neighborhood, high ADL functioning and good SRH. Additionally, depressive symptoms were pronounced among older women and those who resided in rural areas with unsafe perceived neighborhood, low ADL functioning and poor SRH than their male peers.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that older women and rural‐dwelling older adults are more prone to have higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than their male and urban‐dwelling peers, especially when they have an unsafe neighborhood and poor functional and physical health, and thus, they should be given focused care and attention by healthcare practitioners.
Change in patient‐centered outcomes of psychological well‐being, sleep, and suicidality following treatment with intravenous ketamine for late‐life treatment‐resistant depression
Authors: Vanderschelden Benjamin , Gebara Marie Anne , Oughli Hanadi Ajam , Butters Meryl A. , Brown Patrick J. , Farber Nuri B. , Flint Alastair J. , Karp Jordan F. , Lavretsky Helen , Mulsant Benoit H. , Reynolds Charles F. , Roose Steven P. , Lenze Eric J.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To examine whether psychological well‐being, sleep, and suicidality improved with treatment with intravenous (IV) ketamine for late‐life treatment‐resistant depression (TRD).

Methods

This is an analysis of secondary outcomes in an open‐label late‐life TRD study examining the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of IV ketamine infusions. In the acute phase, participants (N = 25) aged 60 years or older received twice‐a‐week IV ketamine for 4 weeks. Then, participants with Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score <10 or ≥ 30% reduction from baseline proceeded to the continuation phase, an additional four weeks of once‐a‐week IV ketamine. The secondary outcomes analyzed here are based on the National Institute of Health Toolbox Psychological Well‐Being subscales for Positive Affect and General Life Satisfaction, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Scale for Suicidal Ideation.

Results

Psychological well‐being, sleep, and suicidality improved during the acute phase and those improvements were sustained during the continuation phase. Greater improvements in measures of psychological well‐being and sleep were seen in participants who had greater improvements in MADRS scores and moved onto the continuation phase. All but one of the few participants with high suicidality at baseline improved; there were no cases of treatment‐emergent suicidality.

Conclusions

Psychological well‐being, sleep, and suicidality improved in participants with late‐life TRD who received IV ketamine for 8 weeks. A future larger and longer controlled trial is needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04504175.
The highs and the lows: Recreational marijuana laws and mental health treatment
Authors: Ortega Alberto
Published: July 2023

Recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) continue to grow in popularity, but the effects on mental health treatment are unclear. This paper uses an event‐study within a difference‐in‐differences framework to study the short‐run impact of state RMLs on admissions into mental health treatment facilities. The results indicate that shortly after a state adopts an RML, they experience a decrease in the average number of mental health treatment admissions. The findings are driven by white, Black, and Medicaid‐funded admissions and are consistent for both male and female admissions. The results are robust to alternative specifications and sensitivity analysis.
Lymphadenopathy as a predictor of progression during venetoclax treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A campus chronic lymphocytic leukemia study
Authors: Autore Francesco , Innocenti Idanna , Reda Gianluigi , Visentin Andrea , Vitale Candida , Piciocchi Alfonso , Fresa Alberto , Leone Monica M. A. , Farina Lucia , Quaresmini Giulia , Baratè Claudia , Giordano Annamaria , Ferrari Angela , Angeletti Ilaria , De Paolis Maria Rosaria , Malerba Lara , Chiurazzi Federico , Loseto Giacomo , Catania Gioacchino , Sportoletti Paolo , Scortechini Ilaria , Moia Riccardo , Gentile Massimo , Rigolin Gian Matteo , Mattiello Veronica , Gattei Valter , Coscia Marta , Trentin Livio , Foà Robin , Cuneo Antonio , Laurenti Luca
Published: July 2023

Clinical or biological parameters useful to predict progression during treatment in real‐life setting with ibrutinib, idelalisib and venetoclax in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are still debated. We conducted a multi‐center retrospective study on CLL patients treated with ibrutinib and/or idelalisib who were switched to venetoclax for progression or due to adverse events to identify any clinical and/or biological parameters useful to predict progression during treatment with venetoclax. Of all the 128 evaluable patients, 81 had received ibrutinib prior to switching to venetoclax, 35 had received idelalisib and 12 both. When comparing the three subgroups, we did not notice any statistical difference in terms of clinical or biological features. No variable at baseline and at different time points during the follow‐up (at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months) was found to predict progression nor to have significance for Progression Free Survival (PFS) in the ibrutinib group and in the idelalisib group and in subgroups according to the line of treatment. Analyzing the data of the venetoclax treatment, after a median follow up of 14.3 months, median PFS was not reached and estimated 3‐year PFS was 54%. Of the 128 patients treated with venetoclax, 28 (22%) experienced progressive disease. At multivariate analysis for predictive factors for progression, lymph node diameter >56.5 mm before starting treatment emerged as an independent risk factor for progression. The lymph node predictive role for progression during venetoclax treatment could be a new parameter that deserves to be investigate in future studies.
The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown on smoking habits and lifestyle: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khamees Almu'atasim , Awadi Sajeda , Rawashdeh Shireen , Talafha Muna , Alzoubi Mai , Almdallal Walaa , al‐Eitan Sharaf , Saeed Ahmad , Al‐Zoubi Raed M. , Al‐Zoubi Mazhar Salim
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Throughout the COVID‐19 lockdown, the resultant psychological disturbances led to more tobacco consumption and deteriorated smoking behaviors among smokers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the smoking behaviors of the Jordanian population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was designed using the Google Forms service and distributed by social media platforms. Responses were collected starting from November 12, 2020, until November 24, 2020.

Results

A total of 2511 respondents completed the survey, 77.3% were females. Males were significantly smoking more than females (p < 0.0001). Smoking was significantly more common among respondents who were older than 18 years old, married, held master's and PhD degrees, and working in non‐health‐related fields (p < 0.0001). Participants who smoke were more likely to adopt an unhealthy lifestyle during the pandemic. Females who started smoking last year were 2.6‐fold more than males (p < 0.0001). We also noticed that there is a significant relationship between those who started smoking and are <18 years, living in a family consisting of seven members or more, being unemployed, having a diploma or bachelor's degree in a health‐related major, having no chronic illnesses, increasing of daily meals or night meals, almost daily sugar intake, starting to follow social media account concerning physical activity, exercising once or twice a week, and sleeping more hours per day since the beginning of the pandemic (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of our study showed that the lockdown had a significant impact on people's lifestyles including smoking habits. Most of our sample's smoker participants experienced a change in their smoking level mostly, an increase. While those who had a decrease in their smoking level experienced a somehow healthier lifestyle regarding nutrition and other aspects.
Second primary cancer among 217702 colorectal cancer survivors: An analysis of national German cancer registry data
Authors: Liang Linda A. , Tseng Ying‐Ju , Tanaka Luana F. , Klug Stefanie J.
Published: July 2023

With improvements in survival after colorectal cancer (CRC), more survivors are at risk of developing a second cancer, particularly in younger populations where CRC incidence is increasing. We estimated the incidence of second primary cancer (SPC) in CRC survivors and its potential risk factors. We identified CRC cases diagnosed between 1990 and 2011 and SPCs until 2013 from nine German cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and absolute excess risk (AER) per 10 000 person‐years were calculated and were stratified by index site: colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC), age and sex. Cox regression assessed potential SPC risk factors, including primary tumor‐related therapy considering death as a competing risk. We included 217 202 primary CRC cases. SPC occurred in 18 751 CRC survivors (8.6%; median age: 69 years). Risk of cancer was significantly higher in CRC survivors than in the general population (SIR males 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12‐1.17, AER = 24.7; SIR females 1.20, 95% CI 1.17‐1.23, AER = 22.8). Increased risks of SPCs were observed for the digestive system, urinary system and female and male reproductive organs. CRC incidence increased in younger persons (<50 years) and SPC incidence was 4‐fold in this group (SIR males 4.51, 95% CI 4.04‐5.01, AER = 64.2; SIR females 4.03, 95% CI 3.62‐4.48, AER = 77.0). Primary tumor‐related factors associated with SPC risk were right‐sided cancer and smaller primary tumor size. Treatment and risk of SPC differed for CC (no effect) and RC (lower risk after chemotherapy). CRC survivors have excess risk of developing SPC, with particular characteristics that could guide targeted surveillance.
Contraception and intersection with HIV services in 11 high HIV burden sub‐Saharan African countries: Results from the population‐based HIV Impact Assessment cross‐sectional studies conducted from 2015 to 2018
Authors: Solmo Chelsea , Yuengling Katharine A. , Cooney Michael L. , Sachathep Karampreet , Ayton Sarah , Phillip Neena , Greenleaf Abigail , Gummerson Elizabeth , Hennesy Nora , Lulseged Sileshi , Habte Dereje , Kagashe Magreth , Rogers John H. , Kirungi Wilford , Battey Katherine , Pasipamire Munyaradzi , Namukanja Phoebe , Ndongmo Clement , Bodika Stephane , Low Andrea
Published: July 2023

Objective

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3.7.1 addresses the importance of family planning. The objective of this paper is to provide information on family planning to policymakers to help increase access to contraceptive methods to women in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Population‐based HIV Impact Assessment studies conducted in 11 sub‐Saharan African countries from 2015 to 2018 to assess the relationship between HIV services and family planning. Analyses were restricted to women aged 15–49 years who reported being sexually active within the past 12 months and had data on contraceptive use.

Results

Approximately 46.4% of participants reported using any form of contraception; 93.6% of whom used modern contraceptives. Women with a positive HIV status were more likely to use contraceptives (P < 0.0001) than HIV‐negative women. Unmet need was higher among women who were confirmed to be HIV‐negative in Namibia, Uganda, and Zambia than confirmed to be positive. Women aged 15–19 years used contraception less than 40% of the time.

Conclusion

This analysis highlights crucial gaps in progress among HIV‐negative and young women (aged 15–19 years). To provide access to modern contraception for all women, programs and governments need to focus on women who desire but do not have access to these family planning resources.
Hsa_circ_0003596 enhances the development of cell renal clear cell carcinoma through the miR‐502‐5p/IGF1/PI3K/AKT axis
Authors: Fang Kai , Liang Shengjie , Liu Dong , Yi Qingtong , Li Yang , Zhu Rujian
Published: July 2023

Accumulating research findings have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an indispensable role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The current study aimed to explore the role and modulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0003596 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was adopted to detect the expression of hsa_circ_0003596 in ccRCC tissue and cell lines. 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, cell counting kit 8 and the colony formation assay were utilized to assess the proliferation potential of the ccRCC cells. Transwell along with wound healing assays were adopted to quantify infiltration coupled with the migration potential of the cells. The current research study found that the circRNA hsa_circ_0003596 was overexpressed in ccRCC tissue and cell lines. Further, result showed that hsa_circ_0003596 was associated with distant metastasis of renal cancer. Notably, the knockdown of hsa_circ_0003596 can lower the proliferation, infiltration and migration potential of ccRCC cells. The results of in vivo experiments found that the reduction of hsa_circ_0003596 significantly hampered the growth of tumors in mice. In addition, it was evident that hsa_circ_0003596 acts as a “molecular sponge” for miR‐502‐5p to upregulate the expression of the microRNA‐502‐5p (miR‐502‐5p) target insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1R). Furthermore, it was found that the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling was the downstream cascade of hsa_circ_0003596/miR‐502‐5p/IGF1R cascade, which is partly responsible for the cancer‐promoting effect. Overall, the results of the present study showed that hsa_circ_0003596 facilitated the proliferation, infiltration and migration of ccRCC through the miR‐502‐5p/IGF1R/PI3K/AKT axis. Therefore, it was evident that hsa_circ_0003596 can serve as a possible biomarker and therapeutic target against ccRCC.
One‐pot regioselective synthesis of new imidazo[4,5‐e]thiazolo[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazines by reaction of imidazotriazines with propargyl bromide
Authors: Vinogradova Ekaterina E. , Kravchenko Angelina N. , Gazieva Galina A.
Published: July 2023

A regioselective one‐pot method for the synthesis of imidazo[4,5‐e]thiazolo[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazine derivatives has been developed by the reaction of imidazotriazinethiones with propargyl bromides upon treatment with potassium carbonate in methanol. The synthesis was accomplished by converting the imidazotriazinethiones into S‐propargyl derivatives followed by subsequent 5‐exo‐dig cyclization. The mechanism of the cyclization was studied using deuterium labels.
Design and simulation of T‐gate AlN/β‐Ga2O3 HEMT for DC, RF and high‐power nanoelectronics switching applications
Authors: Singh Rajan , Rao G. Purnachandra , Lenka Trupti Ranjan , Prasad S. V. S. , Boukortt Nour El. I. , Crupi Giovanni , Nguyen Hieu Pham Trung
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we report DC and RF analysis of a T‐gate AlN/β‐Ga2O3 high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) by optimizing the gate‐drain distance (LGD) and two T‐gate dimensions given by the—head‐length (LHL) and the foot‐length (LFL). A two‐dimensional (2‐D) physics‐based device simulator attuned with experimental results is used to perform the analysis. The AlN/β‐Ga2O3 HEMT achieves a high two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density of ~3 × 1013 cm−2, which is attributed to large spontaneous as well as piezoelectric polarization components of the 10 nm AlN thick barrier layer. 2DEG density is also numerically validated using widely used polarization model for III nitrides. It is demonstrated that a highly scaled, both lateral and vertical, device with optimized T‐gate dimensions achieves higher blocking voltage (VBR), low on‐resistance (RON), higher cut‐off frequency (fT) and higher maximum oscillation frequency (fMAX), simultaneously. Consequently, AlN/β‐Ga2O3 HEMT achieves a low specific‐on resistance (RON,sp) of 0.1 mΩ cm2 and an off‐state breakdown voltage of 904 V, which corresponds to the record power figure‐of‐merit (PFoM) of ~8172 MW/cm2. Furthermore, fT of 73 GHz and fMAX of 142 GHz are estimated. These results—low power conduction loss along with higher blocking voltage, and superior RF parameters show the potential of the analyzed device T‐gate AlN/β‐Ga2O3 HEMT for high‐power switching and RF applications.
Two‐hour indirect calorimetry measurement as a predictor of 24‐hour energy expenditure in critically ill surgical patients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Lichter Yael , Sold Oded , Angel Yoel , Nizri Eran , Gerstenhaber Fabian , Gal Oz Amir , Stavi Dekel , Nini Asaph , Singer Pierre , Goder Noam
Published: July 2023

Background

Measuring energy expenditure (EE) by indirect calorimetry (IC) has become the gold standard tool for critically ill patients to define energy targets and tailor nutrition. Debate remains as to the optimal duration of measurements or the optimal time of day in which to perform IC.

Methods

In this retrospective longitudinal study, we analyzed results of daily continuous IC in 270 mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary medical center and compared measurements performed at different hours of the day.

Results

A total of 51,448 IC hours was recorded, with an average 24‐h EE of 1523 ± 443 kcal/day. Night shift (00:00–8:00) was found to have significantly lower EE measurements (mean, 1499 ± 439 kcal/day) than afternoon (16:00–00:00; mean, 1526 ± 435 kcal/day) and morning (8:00–16:00; mean, 1539 ± 462 kcal/day) measurements (P < 0.001 for all). The bi‐hourly time frame that most closely resembled the daily mean was 18:00–19:59, with a mean of 1521 ± 433 kcal/day. Daily EE measurements of the continuous IC at days 3–7 of admission showed a trend toward a daily increase in 24‐h EE, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.081).

Conclusions

Periodic measurements of EE can differ slightly when performed at various hours of the day, but the error range is small and may not necessarily have a clinical impact. When continuous IC is not available, a 2‐h EE measurement between 18:00 and 19:59 can serve as a reasonable alternative.
Raman analyses of Al and Fe/Mg‐rich clays: Challenges and possibilities for planetary missions
Authors: Demaret Lucas , Lerman Hannah N. , McHugh Melissa , Hutchinson Ian B. , Fagel Nathalie , Eppe Gauthier , Malherbe Cedric
Published: July 2023

Clays are fine‐grained rocks that form in the presence of water. Their occurrence typically depends on a combination of geological setting and geochemical conditions. The widespread and diverse clay deposits identified on Mars indicate that the planet experienced multiple episodes of water activity, especially in the early period. The characterisation of Martian clays will reveal key information on geological history, the past climatic conditions and the overall habitability of Mars. Among the analytical techniques typically utilised for such mineralogical characterisation, Raman spectroscopy will be applied for the first time during several robotic exploration missions of Mars in the 2020s. In this study, various clay‐rich samples from Westerwald, Germany were analysed to help inform mission operations and interpretation of data returned by the miniaturised Raman instruments. The samples, as verified by infrared spectroscopy, constitute kaolinites, Al‐rich smectites and Fe/Mg‐rich smectites, which are relevant to the clay mineralogy expected at Martian landing sites (Jezero crater and Oxia Planum). Despite the levels of fluorescence experienced during Raman measurements of the clay‐rich powder samples when using a 532 nm laser, the Raman signatures of phyllosilicates were identified for kaolinite and several different types of smectite (e.g. montmorillonite, nontronite, saponite) in these complex dispersions. Following these measurements, identification of various accessory minerals disseminated in the clay matrix was also achieved using the micro‐Raman system. Finally, a brief discussion concerning the analytical strategies for successful clay analyses using miniaturised Raman instruments is provided.
Comprehensive review of nickel biogeochemistry, bioavailability, and health risks in the environment
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Vinod , Thakur Monika , Bakshi Palak , Koul Anju , Javaid Asma , Radziemska Maja , Pandey Vimal Chandra
Published: July 2023

Elevated nickel (Ni) content in soils and water cause a potential threat to food safety and human health. Owing to its numerous uses from common domestic items to industrial usage, it is vital to assess its bioavailability and speciation in the natural environment. In this review, the biogeochemical cycling of Ni in the natural environment and numerous aspects like dissolution, reducing‐oxidizing condition, pH, precipitation, and biological transformations have been briefly discussed. Moreover, health risks associated with Ni have been assessed based on the datasets (soil samples from diverse countries) collected from the literature, and it exerts various health perils in humans for example punctures of the nasal septum, prolonged rhinitis, and contact dermatitis instigated by the absorption of Ni‐metal dust, Ni alloys, and Ni salts on injured skin etc. The carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic risks inferences showed that dermal interaction is the foremost method of revelation, and children are more susceptible than adults. The findings of this study will be significant for scientists, environmentalists, and policymakers in making strategic strategies for environmental protection and strategic human health management to reduce Ni pollution in the natural environment.
Warming and parasitism impair the performance of Baltic native and invasive macroalgae and their associated fauna
Authors: Bommarito Claudia , Díaz‐Morales Dakeishla M. , Guy‐Haim Tamar , Noè Simona , Delasalle Jules , Buchholz Björn , Khosravi Maral , Rilov Gil , Sures Bernd , Wahl Martin
Published: July 2023

Global warming, bioinvasions, and parasitism affect single‐species performances and species interactions, substantially impacting the structure and stability of marine ecosystems. In light of accelerated global change, the information derived from studies focusing on single species and single drivers is insufficient, calling for a multi‐stressor approach under near‐natural conditions. We investigated the effects of warming (+3°C) on the performance of a benthic community composed of native and invasive macroalgae, consumers and a trematode parasite in a mesocosm setting. We also assessed the effects of warming and parasitism on the survival and growth of gastropods and mussels and the thermal dependency of trematode performance. Our findings show that warming and grazing by infected gastropods had a large detrimental effect on the invasive macroalga growth. Furthermore, the single and interactive effects of parasitism and warming were detrimental to intermediate host survival and growth, especially to large mussels. Finally, cercarial emergence positively correlated to the natural peaks of summer temperatures, while infection intensity in mussels was higher in larger individuals. Our findings suggest that grazing and warming will be detrimental to the invasive macroalga, favoring the native alga. Moreover, parasitism will enhance grazing, especially in summer, when higher temperatures trigger parasite development. However, parasite‐enhanced grazing may be buffered by higher mortality or a shift in the size of infected intermediate hosts under warming. Our findings demonstrate how complex effects of ocean warming can be on food webs and how they can be mediated by parasitism and, as a result, influence native and invasive macroalgae differently.
Reconciling the importance of meiofauna respiration for oxygen demand in muddy coastal sediments
Authors: Maciute Adele , Holovachov Oleksandr , Glud Ronnie N. , Broman Elias , Berg Peter , Nascimento Francisco J. A. , Bonaglia Stefano
Published: July 2023

Meiofauna, organisms smaller than 1 mm, are the most abundant and diverse invertebrates inhabiting the world's ocean floor but their contribution to benthic oxygen demand is still poorly constrained. This knowledge is crucial for understanding seabed respiration, global marine carbon, and oxygen cycles, which are relevant to all nutrient cycling and energy flows in the ecosystem. It is common to predict meiofauna respiration based on their biomass or volume, which are difficult to quantify, and thus meiofauna are rarely included in biogeochemistry studies. In addition, it is still unknown how well the generalized allometric relations describe all meiofauna respiration. Therefore, we used a novel approach specially developed for single meiofauna respiration measurements to derive the respiration rates of 10 meiofauna groups in two marine and one brackish coastal muddy environments under oxic and hypoxic conditions, representing natural sediment conditions. Our estimates suggest that large ostracods and juveniles of macrofauna (e.g., bivalves, trumpet worms, and priapulids) had the highest individual respiration rates. Meiofauna community as a whole contributed 3–33% to sediment oxygen uptake. However, the most important contributors to the overall sediment oxygen uptake were nematodes and foraminifera which had lower respiration rates but were highly abundant. Therefore, out of more than 22 meiofauna phyla, we recommend that nematode and foraminifera respiration, which contributes 3–30% (total 3–33%) to sediment oxygen uptake, should be taken into consideration in any estimations of benthic oxygen and carbon cycles.
Meadow trophic status regulates the nitrogen filter function of tropical seagrasses in seasonally eutrophic coastal waters
Authors: Thomsen Esther , Herbeck Lucia S. , Viana Inés G. , Jennerjahn Tim C.
Published: July 2023

The nutrient filter function is an important ecosystem service of seagrass meadows that mitigates the consequences of coastal eutrophication. In northeast Hainan in China, large seagrass areas were lost due to chronic eutrophication induced by untreated pond aquaculture effluents. However, in adjacent areas, seagrasses could survive due to seasonal exposure (i.e., not chronic) to eutrophication only. In a way, the conditions in these areas represent a transitional environment which allows investigating the effect of eutrophication on seagrass performance and their nitrogen uptake capacity. We tested how a 4‐week in situ nutrient enrichment affected inorganic nitrogen uptake rates of a multispecies seagrass meadow in eutrophic and non‐eutrophic seasons, in light and in darkness. All species maintained nitrogen uptake in the dark and preferred ammonium over nitrate. In the eutrophic season, the seagrass leaf biomass and growth were lower resulting in a lower nitrogen filter capacity. Among the species present, Cymodocea rotundata and Cymodocea serrulata covered 48% and 45%, respectively, of their daily nitrogen demand for leaf growth through leaf uptake from the water column, while it was only 30% for Thalassia hemprichii, the last remaining species in meadows degraded by eutrophication, as deduced from previous studies. It indicates that a multispecies seagrass meadow has a higher nitrogen filter capacity than a monospecific T. hemprichii meadow. By reducing seagrass diversity and, hence, the nitrogen filter function, eutrophication triggers a self‐reinforcing process. Once the nitrogen filtering capacity of a seagrass meadow is exhausted, further eutrophication and seagrass loss are expected.
Organic Functional Group on Carbon Nanotube Modulates the Maturation of SH‐SY5Y Neuronal Models
Authors: Daou Bahaa , Silvestri Alessandro , Lasa Haizpea , Mancino Donato , Prato Maurizio , Alegret Nuria
Published: July 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have proven to be excellent substrates for neuronal cultures, showing high affinity and greatly boosting their synaptic functionality. Therefore, growing cells on CNT offers an opportunity to perform a large variety of neuropathology studies in vitro. To date, the interactions between neurons and chemical functional groups have not been studied extensively. To this end, multiwalled CNT (f‐CNT) is functionalized with various functional groups, including sulfonic (–SO3H), nitro (–NO2), amino (–NH2), and oxidized moieties. f‐CNTs are spray‐coated onto untreated glass substrates and are used as substrates for the incubation of neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y). After 7 d, its effect is evaluated in terms of cell attachment, survival, growth, and spontaneous differentiation. Cell viability assays show quite increased proliferation on various f‐CNT substrates (CNTs‐NO2 > ox‐CNTs ≈ CNTs‐SO3H > CNTs ≈ CNTs‐NH2). Additionally, SH‐SY5Y cells show selectively better differentiation and maturation with –SO3H substrates, where an increased expression of β‐III tubulin is seen. In all cases, intricate cell‐CNT networks are observed and the morphology of the cells adopts longer and thinner cellular processes, suggesting that the type of functionalization may have an effect of the length and thickness. Finally, a possible correlation is determined between conductivity of f‐CNTs and cell‐processes lengths.
Additive Manufacturing of Polymer‐Based Lubrication
Authors: Hossain Khan Rajib , Jiang Pan , Yao Xinle , Wu Jiayu , Hu Danli , Yang Xingxing , Wu Tao , Wang Xiaolong
Published: July 2023

The fast growth of 3D printing technology gives designers many ways to make structures that are hard to see. 3D printing lets you customize complex structures in any way you want and make rapid prototypes of materials. It enables you to simulate things more effectively. So far, experiments with polymer‐based lubrication have been done on atomically smooth surfaces, under dynamic conditions, and on the nano‐ or micro‐scale. Polymer‐based lubrication in 3D printing has been studied in depth, which has made it possible to make significant, multifunctional 3D structures with microscale accuracy. It is a crucial way to approach lubrication and has sparked much scientific interest. A thorough literature review is done to keep track of the latest advances in 3D printing for structural polymer‐based lubrication simulation. The design and lubrication performance quality of bio‐inspired, different‐sized simulation structures is given much attention. The material requirements, skills, and representative applications of various 3D printing technologies are summarized. The efficient directions for future research in designing and making 3D‐printed lubrication structures are also pointed out.
Comprehensive evaluation of passenger road transportation through dynamic network data envelopment analysis: A case study of state road transport undertakings in India
Authors: Tiwari Saransh , Singh Sanjeet , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: July 2023

State road transport undertakings (STUs) in India are public utility services that link diverse terrains and remote and hilly areas throughout the country and play a vital role in enhancing public mobility. These organizations are motivated to work through a sense of social responsibility. For example, they operate in low‐revenue‐generating regions to serve the public. Therefore, they require regular performance monitoring and constant efforts toward course corrections. Existing literature on the performance evaluation of STUs ignores the internal structures of the passenger transportation process and treats the process as a “black‐box.” Consequently, it fails to identify the precise cause of inefficiencies, making course corrections in a multistage transportation process difficult. To close this research gap and comprehensively evaluate the performance of STUs, considering their internal structure and based on long‐term optimization, this study employs a slacks‐based dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA) approach to deconstruct India's publicly owned passenger road transportation process into operations and revenue divisions, subjected to a multiperiod performance evaluation from 2014–2015 to 2017–2018. Moreover, we utilize panel data regression to explore other influential factors not included in the DNDEA, explaining the efficiency variation across STUs. This study is the first to explore the internal structure of STUs in India and perform a comprehensive evaluation of STUs, considering their internal divisions and multiple‐period long‐term optimization. The DNDEA results highlight evidence of capital misallocation in India's public road transport sector. While operational inefficiency can be attributed to improper utilization of resources, price regulation is the major source of inefficiency in the revenue division. Fixed effects panel data regression revealed that STUs with higher bus utilization and passenger lead are more efficient. The contribution of this study lies in its innovative approach of using DNDEA to analyze India's passenger road transportation sector and its inner constructs, providing insights into the efficiency scores of STUs and their dynamic changes in one model. Managers and policymakers can use the findings of this study to revise and frame policies targeted at improving STU efficiency.
Fast hybrid iterative schemes for solving variational inclusion problems
Authors: Reich Simeon , Taiwo Adeolu
Published: July 2023

Tseng's forward‐backward‐forward splitting method for finding zeros of the sum of Lipschitz continuous monotone and maximal monotone operators is known to converge weakly in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces. The inertial and viscosity approximation techniques are the techniques widely used to accelerate iterative algorithms and obtain strong convergence, respectively. In this paper, we propose two fast, strongly convergent modifications of Tseng's method and present some consequences and applications of our results. Moreover, we illustrate the performance and computability of our algorithms with relevant numerical examples. The two hybrid techniques incorporate the inertial and viscosity techniques. Unlike the conventional inertial‐viscosity hybrid techniques in the literature, our new algorithms compute both the inertial extrapolation and viscosity approximation simultaneously at the first step of each iteration.
Interval‐valued variational programming problem with Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative
Authors: Rayanki Vivekananda , Ahmad Izhar , Kummari Krishna
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on a specific type of interval‐valued variational programming problem (IVVCF) involving the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative. The notion of a LU optimal solution is discussed concerning problems of this type. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker type necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are constructed for an (IVVCF) using the LU optimal concept. In addition to this, a Wolfe‐type dual model is developed for an (IVVCF) and discussed the required duality theorems.
Decreased LONP1 expression contributes to DNA damage and meiotic defects in oocytes
Authors: Liu Chuanming , Xu Manlin , Guan Yajie , Li Lilin , Liu Wenwen , Guo Bichun , Sheng Xiaoqiang , Zhang Yang , Zhou Jidong , Zhen Xin , Yan Guijun , Sun Haixiang , Ding Lijun
Published: July 2023

Meiotic defects in oocytes are the primary reason for decreased female fertility with advanced maternal age. In this study, we revealed that decreased expression of ATP‐dependent Lon peptidase 1 (LONP1) in aged oocytes and oocyte‐specific depletion of LONP1 disrupt oocyte meiotic progression accompanying with mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, LONP1 downregulation increased oocyte DNA damage. Moreover, we demonstrated that splicing factor proline and glutamine rich directly interacts with LONP1 and mediate the effect of LONP1 depletion on meiotic progression in oocytes. In summary, our data suggest that decreased expression of LONP1 is involved in advanced maternal age‐related meiosis defects and that LONP1 represents a new therapeutic target to improve aged oocyte quality.
Differential and correlational tractography as tract‐based biomarkers in mild traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal MRI study
Authors: Huang Si‐Hong , Li Meng‐Jun , Yeh Fang‐Cheng , Huang Chu‐Xin , Zhang Hui‐Ting , Liu Jun
Published: July 2023

We evaluated the fiber bundles in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients using differential and correlational tractography in a longitudinal analysis. Diffusion MRI data were acquired in 34 mTBI patients at 7 days (acute stage) and 3 months or longer (chronic stage) after mTBI. Trail Making Test A (TMT‐A) and Digital Symbol Substitution Test changes were used to evaluate the cognitive performance. Longitudinal correlational tractography showed decreased anisotropy in the corpus callosum during the chronic mTBI stage. The changes in anisotropy in the corpus callosum were significantly correlated with the changes in TMT‐A (false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.000094). Individual longitudinal differential tractography found that anisotropy decreased in the corpus callosum in 30 mTBI patients. Group cross‐sectional differential tractography found that anisotropy increased (FDR = 0.02) in white matter in the acute mTBI patients, while no changes occurred in the chronic mTBI patients. Our study confirms the feasibility of using correlational and differential tractography as tract‐based monitoring biomarkers to evaluate the disease progress of mTBI, and indicates that normalized quantitative anisotropy could be used as a biomarker to monitor the injury and/or repairs of white matter in individual mTBI patients.
Parental experiences of prenatal education when preparing for labor and birth of infant with a lethal diagnosis
Authors: Tataj‐Puzyna Urszula , Baranowska Barbara , Szlendak Beata , Szabat Magdalena , Węgrzynowska Maria
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the unique experiences of parents facing a Life Limiting Fetal Conditions (LLFC) diagnosis, who chose to continue with their pregnancy, as they prepare for childbirth through individual and group prenatal education.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

We employed the phenomenological approach and the Colaizzi strategy to analyse semi‐structured interviews. Thirteen persons were interviewed. The participants were couples (n = 6) and women (n = 7) who received LLFC and were preparing for birth.

Results

We described three main paths of prenatal education chosen by parents with LLFC: 'Searching for normality' concerned people participating in conventional prenatal classes (AC) who tried to avoid confronting the situation they faced; ‘Searching for communitas’ concerned the participation in special AC selected for the opportunity of sharing experiences; ‘Searching for an individual way’ concerned people who resorted to individual preparation for childbirth, often as a result of delayed planning. Parents should have a choice of various paths of birth preparation, that best meet their preferences.
Highly endorsed screening and assessment scales for alcohol problems: A systematic review
Authors: Ohtani Yohei , Ueno Fumihiko , Kimura Mitsuru , Matsushita Sachio , Mimura Masaru , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

Background

Problems associated with alcohol use are multidimensional with psychiatric, psychological, physical, and social aspects, which makes it challenging to choose appropriate assessment scales. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of existing alcohol scales.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted for articles that assessed the psychometric properties of scales for alcohol use disorder on March 19, 2023, using Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Only scales whose original development papers were cited more than 20 times were included. The methodological quality and psychometric properties of the scales were evaluated using COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments. The overall rating of the scales were assessed with a score ranging from 0 to 18.

Results

In total, 314 studies and 40 scales were identified. These scales differ widely in measurement methods, target populations, and psychometric properties. The overall mean score was 6.3, and only the following three scales received >9 points suggesting a moderate level of evidence: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD). Measurement error and responsiveness were not evaluated or reported in the included scales.

Conclusions

Although the AUDIT, ADS, and SADD were rated the highest among the 40 scales, they showed, at most, a moderate level of evidence. These findings underscore the need to accumulate further evidence to assure the quality of the scales. It may be advisable to select and combine scales to meet the purpose of the assessment.
Higher body mass index is strongly linked to poor outcomes in adult COVID‐19 hospitalizations: A National Inpatient Sample Study
Authors: Elkhapery Ahmed , Abdelhay Ali , Boppana Hemanth Krishna , Abdalla Zeinab , Mohamed Mohamed , Al‐Ali Omar , Hashem Anas , Mahmoud Amir , Mahmoud Eisa , Niu Chengu , Dalbah Rami , Chow Ming‐Yan
Published: July 2023

Aims

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in more than 6 million deaths worldwide. Studies on the impact of obesity on patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 pneumonia have been conflicting, with some studies describing worse outcomes in patients with obesity, while other studies reporting no difference in outcomes. Previous studies on obesity and critical illness have described improved outcomes in patients with obesity, termed the “obesity paradox.” The study assessed the impact of obesity on the outcomes of COVID‐19 hospitalizations, using a nationally representative database.

Materials and Methods

ICD‐10 code U071 was used to identify all hospitalizations with the principal diagnosis of COVID‐19 infection in the National Inpatient Database 2020. ICD‐10 codes were used to identify outcomes and comorbidities. Hospitalizations were grouped based on body mass index (BMI). Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for demographic characteristics and comorbidities.

Results

A total of 56,033 hospitalizations were identified. 48% were male, 49% were white and 22% were black. Patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 pneumonia in the setting of obesity and clinically severe obesity were often younger. Adjusted for differences in comorbidities, there was a significant increase in mortality, incidence of mechanical ventilation, shock, and sepsis with increased BMI. The mortality was highest among hospitalizations with BMI ≥60, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.66 (95% Confidence interval 2.18–3.24) compared to hospitalizations with normal BMI. There were increased odds of mechanical ventilation across all BMI groups above normal, with the odds of mechanical ventilation increasing with increasing BMI.

Conclusion

The results show that obesity is independently associated with worse patient outcomes in COVID‐19 hospitalizations and is associated with higher in‐patient mortality and higher rates of mechanical ventilation. The underlying mechanism of this is unclear, and further studies are needed to investigate the cause of this.