bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of cross‐linked enzyme crystals of engineered halohydrin dehalogenase HheG in different chemical reactor systems
Authors: Staar Marcel , Schallmey Anett
Published: August 2023

Halohydrin dehalogenase HheG is an industrially interesting biocatalyst for the preparation of different β‐substituted alcohols starting from bulky internal epoxides. We previously demonstrated that the immobilization of different HheG variants in the form of cross‐linked enzyme crystals (CLECs) yielded stable and reusable enzyme immobilizes with increased resistance regarding temperature, pH, and the presence of organic solvents. Now, to further establish their preparative applicability, HheG D114C CLECs cross‐linked with bis‐maleimidoethane have been successfully produced on a larger scale using a stirred crystallization approach, and their application in different chemical reactor types (stirred tank reactor, fluidized bed reactor, and packed bed reactor) was systematically studied and compared for the ring opening of cyclohexene oxide with azide. This revealed the highest obtained space‐time yield of 23.9 kgproduct gCLEC−1 h−1 Lreactor volume−1 along with the highest achieved product enantiomeric excess [64%] for application in a packed‐bed reactor. Additionally, lyophilization of those CLECs yielded a storage‐stable HheG preparation that still retained 67% of initial activity (after lyophilization) after 6 months of storage at room temperature.
High‐performance countercurrent membrane purification for host cell protein removal from monoclonal antibody products
Authors: Mohammadzadehmarandi Aylin , Determan Amy , Krumm Christian , McIntosh Lucas D. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: August 2023

The transition to continuous biomanufacturing has led to renewed interest in alternative approaches for downstream processing of monoclonal antibody (mAb) products. In this study, we examined the potential of using high‐performance countercurrent membrane purification (HPCMP) for the removal of host cell proteins (HCPs) derived from Chinese Hamster Ovary cells in the purification of a mAb. Initial studies used several model proteins to identify appropriate operating conditions for the hollow fiber membrane modules. HPCMP was then used for mAb purification, with mAb yield >95% and more than 100‐fold reduction in HCP. Stable operation was maintained for 48 h for feeds that were first prefiltered through the 3MTM Harvest RC chromatographic clarifier to remove DNA and other foulants. In addition, the Process Mass Intensity for HPCMP can be much less than that for alternative HCP separation processes. These results highlight the potential of using HPCMP as part of a fully continuous mAb production process.
A project‐oriented biochemistry laboratory for protein engineering and structure–function using small laccase enzyme from Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Van Wieren Arie , Colen Philip , Majumdar Sudipta
Published: August 2023

An understanding of structure–function relationships in proteins is essential for modern biochemical studies. The integration of common freely accessible bioinformatics tools available online with the knowledge of protein‐engineering tools provide a fundamental understanding of the application of protein structure–function for biochemical research. In order for students to apply their prior knowledge of recombinant protein technology into the understanding of protein structure–function relationships, we developed a semester‐long project‐oriented biochemistry laboratory experience that is the second laboratory course of a series. For easier integration of knowledge and application, we organized this course into four sequential modules: protein structure visualization/modification, mutagenesis target identification, site‐directed mutagenesis, and mutant protein expression, purification, and characterization. These tasks were performed on the protein small laccase (SLAC) that was cloned and characterized by students in the previous semester during the first biochemistry laboratory course of the series. This goal‐oriented project‐based approach helped students apply their prior knowledge to newly introduced techniques to understand protein structure–function relationships in this research‐like laboratory setting. A student assessment before and after the course demonstrated an overall increase in learning and enthusiasm for this topic.
Prangos ferulacea (L.) ameliorates behavioral alterations, hippocampal oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic deficits in a rat model of autism induced by valproic acid
Authors: Saadat Maryam , Taherian Abbas Ali , Aldaghi Mohammad Reza , Raise‐Abdullahi Payman , Sameni Hamid Reza , Vafaei Abbas Ali
Published: August 2023

Background

Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) may enhance the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. This study investigated the effect of Prangos ferulacea (L.) on behavioral alterations, hippocampal oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic deficits in a rat model of autism induced by valproic acid.

Methods

Pregnant rats received VPA (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) or saline on gestational day 12.5 (E 12.5). Starting from the 30th postnatal day (PND 30), the pups were i.p. administered Prangos ferulacea (PF, 100 and 200 mg/kg), or the vehicle, daily until PND 58. On PND 30 and 58, various behavioral tasks were used to evaluate pups, including the open field, elevated plus‐maze, hot‐plate, and rotarod test. On PND 65, the animals were euthanized, and their brains were removed for histopathological and biochemical assay.

Results

Prenatal exposure to VPA caused significant behavioral changes in the offspring, reversed by administering an extract of Prangos ferulacea (L.). Additionally, prenatal VPA administration resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde and deficits in antioxidant enzyme activities in the hippocampus, including catalase and glutathione, ameliorated by PF. Likewise, postnatal treatment with PF improved VPA‐induced dysregulation of Bax and Blc2 in the hippocampus and reduced neuronal death in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that postnatal administration of PF can prevent VPA‐induced ASD‐like behaviors by exhibiting antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties. Therefore, PF may have the potential as an adjunct in the management of ASD.
Remote limb ischemic postconditioning inhibits microglia pyroptosis by modulating HGF after acute ischemia stroke
Authors: Yu Lu , Zhang Zuohui , Chen Hao , Wang Miao , Mao Wenqi , Hu Jinxia , Zuo Dandan , Lv Bingchen , Wu Weifeng , Qi Suhua , Cui Guiyun
Published: August 2023

The repetitive inflation–deflation of a blood pressure cuff on a limb is known as remote limb ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC). It prevents brain damage induced by acute ischemia stroke (AIS). Pyroptosis, executed by the pore‐forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), is a type of regulated cell death triggered by proinflammatory signals. It contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury. However, the effects of RIPostC on pyroptosis following AIS remain largely unknown. In our study, linear correlation analysis confirmed that serum GSDMD levels in AIS patients upon admission were positively correlated with NIHSS scores. RIPostC treatment significantly reduced GSDMD level compared with patients without RIPostC at 3 days post‐treatment. Besides, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery was performed on C57BL/6 male mice and RIPostC was induced immediately after MCAO. We found that RIPostC suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome to reduce the maturation of GSDMD, leading to decreased pyroptosis in microglia after AIS. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was identified using the high throughput screening. Importantly, HGF siRNA, exogenous HGF, and ISG15 siRNA were used to reveal that HGF/ISG15 is a possible mechanism of RIPostC regulation in vivo and in vitro.
Interstitial lung abnormalities after hospitalization for COVID‐19 in patients with cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Noh Sungryong , Bertini Christopher , Mira‐Avendano Isabel , Kaous Maryam , Patel Bela , Faiz Saadia A. , Shannon Vickie R. , Balachandran Diwakar D. , Bashoura Lara , Adachi Roberto , Evans Scott E. , Dickey Burton , Wu Carol , Shroff Girish S. , Manzano Joanna‐Grace , Granwehr Bruno , Holloway Shannon , Dickson Kodwo , Mohammed Alyssa , Muthu Mayoora , Song Hui ,   D3CODE Team, Chung Caroline , Wu Jia , Lee Lyndon , Jiang Ying , Khawaja Fareed , Sheshadri Ajay
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Survivors of SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia often develop persistent respiratory symptom and interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) after infection. Risk factors for ILA development and duration of ILA persistence after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are not well described in immunocompromised hosts, such as cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 95 patients at a major cancer center and 45 patients at a tertiary referral center. We collected clinical and radiographic data during the index hospitalization for COVID‐19 pneumonia and measured pneumonia severity using a semi‐quantitative radiographic score, the Radiologic Severity Index (RSI). Patients were evaluated in post‐COVID‐19 clinics at 3 and 6 months after discharge and underwent comprehensive pulmonary evaluations (symptom assessment, chest computed tomography, pulmonary function tests, 6‐min walk test). The association of clinical and radiological factors with ILAs at 3 and 6 months post‐discharge was measured using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Sixty‐six (70%) patients of cancer cohort had ILAs at 3 months, of whom 39 had persistent respiratory symptoms. Twenty‐four (26%) patients had persistent ILA at 6 months after hospital discharge. In adjusted models, higher peak RSI at admission was associated with ILAs at 3 (OR 1.5 per 5‐point increase, 95% CI 1.1–1.9) and 6 months (OR 1.3 per 5‐point increase, 95% CI 1.1–1.6) post‐discharge. Fibrotic ILAs (reticulation, traction bronchiectasis, and architectural distortion) were more common at 6 months post‐discharge.

Conclusions

Post‐COVID‐19 ILAs are common in cancer patients 3 months after hospital discharge, and peak RSI and older age are strong predictors of persistent ILAs.
Effect of PIVKA‐II and AFP secretion status on early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after open and laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Cai Yunshi , Xie Kunlin , Adeeb Alhmoud Mohammad Natheir , Lan Tian , Wan Haifeng , Hu Die , Lan Ling , Liu Chang , Wu Hong
Published: August 2023

Background

Prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence‐II (PIVKA‐II) and Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) have been widely used as diagnostic markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the prognostic values of the two serum markers and their clinical usefulness in patient selection for different surgical approaches remain largely unclear.

Methods

HCC patients received surgical treatment between 2015 and 2019 were included. Patients were divided into four statuses according to the serum PIVKA‐II and AFP secretion status: PIVKA‐II (−) AFP (−) (status 1); PIVKA‐II (+) AFP (−) (status 2); PIVKA‐II (−) AFP (+) (status 3); PIVKA‐II (+) AFP (+) (status 4). Kaplan–Meier analyses were conducted to compare the survivals of the four groups and the HCC patients received different surgical interventions; time‐dependent AUC curves were introduced to evaluate the prognostic value of the PIV‐AFP status; Cox regression model was used to identify prognostic indexes for overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

A total of 518 patients were included. Patients with PIVKA‐II (+) and APF (+) presented significantly decreased OS and RFS comparing to the other statuses. The areas under ROC curves of PIV‐AFP status in predicting OS and RFS were superior to the PIVKA‐II or the AFP alone. The HCC patients in early stages with PIVKA‐II (+) and APF (+) had worse RFS when received laparoscopic hepatectomy than those who received open hepatectomy, whereas there was no difference in other secretion statuses. The PIVKA‐II (+) and AFP (+) secretion status was an independent risk factor for OS, RFS.

Conclusions

The PIV‐AFP secretion status is of favorable clinical utility in predicting the OS and RFS of the HCC patients; extra caution is needed when applicated the laparoscopic approach in the HCC patients with PIVKA‐II (+) and AFP (+).
Vemurafenib for BRAF V600‐mutant Erdheim–Chester disease presenting with bilateral orbital involvement
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Cao Jie , Du Weijiao , Ma Wenchao , Meng Bin , Cao Shui
Published: August 2023

ECD is considered to have rapid progression and poor prognosis. Studies have shown that vemurafenib is effective for ECD patients with orbital involvement, but not for ECD with multiple organs. The refinement of treatment approaches and the increased awareness of ECD have led to a dramatic improvement in prognosis.
Outcomes and factors associated with mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: FARAONIC study
Authors: Gómez Doblas Juan José , Cepeda‐Rodrigo José María , Agra Bermejo Rosa , Blanco Labrador Elvira , Blasco Maria Teresa , Carrera Izquierdo Margarita , Lekuona Iñaki , Recio Mayoral Alejandro , Rafols Carles , Manito Nicolás
Published: August 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common and coexistent conditions.

Hypothesis

To investigate the adverse events and mortality risk factors in patients with AF and HF treated with rivaroxaban in Spain.

Methods

Multicenter, prospective and observational study with a follow‐up of 2 years, that included adults, with a diagnosis of nonvalvular AF and chronic HF, anticoagulated with rivaroxaban at least 4 months before being enrolled.

Results

A total of 672 patients from 71 Spanish centers were recruited, of whom 658 (97.9%) were included in the safety analysis and 552 (82.1%) in the per protocol analysis. At baseline, the mean age was 73.7 ± 10.9 years, 65.9% were male, 51.3% had HF with preserved ejection fraction and 58.7% were on New York Heart Association functional class II. CHA2DS2‐VASc was 4.1 ± 1.5. During the follow‐up, 11.6% of patients died and around one‐quarter of patients were hospitalized or visited the emergency department, being HF worsening/progression the main cause (51.1%), with a 2.9% of thromboembolic events and 2.0% of acute coronary syndromes. Major bleeding occurred in 3.1% of patients, with 0.5% experiencing intracranial bleeding but no fatalities. Compliance with HF treatment was associated with a lower risk of death (hazard ratio: 0.092; 95% confidence interval: 0.03–0.31).

Conclusions

Among patients with HF and AF anticoagulated with rivaroxaban, incidences of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications were low. The most important factor for improving survival was compliance with HF drugs, what strengths the need for early treatment with HF disease‐modifying therapy and anticoagulation.
The influence of corporate philanthropic donations on private investors' valuation judgments: Experimental evidence
Authors: Theis Jochen , Nipper Marvin , Meier Marco
Published: August 2023

Corporate donations towards disaster relief efforts, often called corporate philanthropic disaster relief (CPDR), are commonplace practice and one critically observed subcategory of CSR, with high visibility in the global media. We investigate whether private investors value firms differently based on their perception of firm's engagement in CPDR. Therefore, we created an experimental investment scenario in which we manipulate the magnitude of a hypothetical Firm Y's CPDR efforts to evaluate investment decisions of private investors recruited from Amazon's Cloud Research platform. Our findings suggest that higher CPDR generally affects private investors' assessment of a firm's value positively. Using a structural equation model and the CSR skepticism concept to examine private investors motive attribution to firms' CPDR, we find that private investors perceive high CPDR as an indicator for honest and values‐driven corporate social behavior and a low CPDR as an ingratiating attempt to win favor. Thus, we extend prior research by unveiling through which channels of impact CPDR potentially affects firm value and find an explanation why CPDR can have adverse effects on firm value.
BSLPSDN: Base station location privacy via software‐defined networking (SDN) in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Abbas Bangash Yawar , Iqbal Waseem , Rubab Saddaf , Waheed Khan Abdul , Aman Waqas
Published: August 2023

Base station's location privacy in a wireless sensor network (WSN) is critical for information security and operational availability of the network. A key part of securing the base station from potential compromise is to secure the information about its physical location. This paper proposes a technique called base station location privacy via software‐defined networking (SDN) in wireless sensor networks (BSLPSDN). The inspiration comes from the architecture of SDN, where the control plane is separated from the data plane, and where control plane decides the policy for the data plane. BSLPSDN uses three categories of nodes, namely, a main controller to instruct the overall operations, a dedicated node to buffer and forward data, and lastly, a common node to sense and forward the packet. We employ three kinds of nodes to collaborate and achieve stealth for the base station and thus protecting it against the traffic‐analysis attacks. Different traits of the WSN including energy status and traffic density can actively be monitored by BSLPSDN, which positively affects the energy goals, expected life of the network, load on common nodes, and the possibility of creating diversion in the wake of an attack on the base station. We incorporated multiple experiments to analyze and evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithm. We use single controller with multiple sensor nodes and multiple controllers with multiple sensor nodes to show the level of anonymity of BS. Experiments show that providing BS anonymity via multiple controllers is the best method both in terms of energy and privacy.
Design of a portable sweat glucose testing system
Authors: Chen Yan Zhang , Xu Chuan Pei , Li Wen Han , Huang Xi Jun , Huang He Yue , Yang Hong
Published: August 2023

na
Mendelian randomization reveals no causal relationship between COVID‐19 susceptibility, hospitalization, or severity and epilepsy
Authors: He Zihua , Li Yinghong , Liu Shengyi , Li Jinmei
Published: August 2023

Objective

Observational studies have shown an association between COVID‐19 and epilepsy. However, causality remains unproven. This study aimed to investigate the causative effect of genetically predicted COVID‐19 phenotypes on epilepsy risk using a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

We retrieved summary‐level datasets for three COVID‐19 phenotypes (COVID‐19 susceptibility, COVID‐19 hospitalization, and COVID‐19 severity) and epilepsy from the genome‐wide association studies conducted by the COVID‐19 Host Genetics Initiative (COVID‐19 HGI) and International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) consortium, respectively. To analyze the final results, nine MR analytic methods were utilized. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was chosen as the primary approach for data analysis to evaluate the potential causal effect. Other MR analytic methods (MR‐Egger regression, weighted median estimator, mode based‐estimator, and MR‐PRESSO) were used as a supplement to IVW to ensure the robustness of the results.

Results

The IVW approach demonstrated no causal association between any genetically predicted COVID‐19 phenotype and the risk of epilepsy [COVID‐19 susceptibility: odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.86–1.14, p = 0.92; COVID‐19 hospitalization: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.96–1.04, p = 0.95; COVID‐19 severity: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.96–1.01, p = 0.25]. Other MR complementary methods revealed consistent results. Additionally, no evidence for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy was found.

Significance

This MR study revealed no genetically predicted causal relationship between COVID‐19 phenotypes and epilepsy.
Dune movement under climatic changes on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau as recorded by long‐term satellite observation versus ERA‐5 reanalysis
Authors: Dörwald Lukas , Lehmkuhl Frank , Walk Janek , Delobel Lucie , Boemke Bruno , Baas Andreas , Zhang Deguo , Yang Xiaoping , Stauch Georg
Published: August 2023

The movement of active dunes is tightly linked to climatic conditions (e.g., wind regime, temperature and precipitation) as well as human influence (e.g., grazing, dune fixation and greening). Dune migration rates can be studied to draw conclusions of changing wind conditions over time. The Gonghe Basin (GB), located on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), offers a good testing ground for these assumptions. The intramontane basin is highly influenced by two major wind regimes: the mid‐latitude Westerlies and the East Asian summer monsoon. To investigate environmental changes, this study combines optical remote sensing techniques with climatic datasets. High‐resolution satellite images of the last five decades, such as CORONA KH‐4B, are used to map dunes and calculate their respective migration rates. Further, height information was extracted as well. Climatic changes from the ERA‐5 reanalysis dataset and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values were processed alongside. Relating the dunes' surface processes to climate model data shows an accordance between slowing migration, expanding vegetation and a decrease in sand drift potential. From 1968 to present time, an average dune migration rate of 7.3 m a−1 was extracted from the satellite images, with an overall reduction of −1.81 m a−1. The resultant drift potential (RDP) values for the GB are calculated to be below 10 m3 s−3 with a spatial decrease, following a direction from the NW to the SE, fitting well with a corresponding decrease in the migration rates. Our results indicate a good agreement between the development of aeolian landforms and the ERA‐5 climate reanalysis model data, even in a high‐altitude setting with complex topography, which is known to influence such datasets.
Deterpenation techniques of citrus essential oils and the role of oxyterpenes in food industry
Authors: Türkmenoğlu Aykut , Özmen Dilek
Published: August 2023

Application of EOs in the food industry are wide‐ranging from preservation to production of food packaging materials. As a flavouring agent, citrus oil is one of the most popular EO used in food and beverages with other EOs. For instance, there are many studies relating the volatile compounds of sweet orange and more than 200 components of sweet orange EOs have been described as ‘components of flavor’. Oxygenated derivatives, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters and epoxides, provide preservative and flavour effects on food products but their levels are no more than 10% in citrus EOs generally. Therefore, deterpenation methods can be applied to EOs and oxygenated derivative concentrations would be increased. This study reviews primary oxyterpenes existing in citrus EOs, their use in the food industry, deterpenation methods applied to some types of citrus EOs and gives information about their main advantages and disadvantages. In conclusion, membrane separation techniques are proposed in order to purify citrus EOs on the basis of being environmentally friendly and not required any solvents both for separation.
EPU spillovers and sovereign CDS spreads: A cross‐country study
Authors: Gong Yuting , He Zhongzhi , Xue Wenjun
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the spillover effect of global economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on sovereign credit default swap (CDS) spreads in a sample of 21 countries. We use a multivariate quantile model to measure EPU spillovers for each country and find that global EPU spillovers have a significant and positive effect on subsequent CDS spreads in both developed and emerging markets. The spillover effect is stronger in developed markets compared to emerging markets. The positive relationship between EPU spillovers and CDS spreads remain significant when controlling for various economic, financial, and political risk factors. Our results are robust to alternative measures of EPU spillovers and sovereign credit risk, across different forecast horizons, and to potential endogeneity resulting from omitted variables.
Usability of a memory aid handbook for older people with subjective cognitive impairment—An explorative pilot study
Authors: Ross Sabrina D. , Rodriguez Francisca S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Memory problems are common in advanced age. Memory strategies can be used to manage such challenges. To assist older people facing memory problems, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the usability of a memory aid handbook that we developed specifically for this purpose.

Method

A memory aid handbook with a 7‐week program was developed based on a systematic review. A total of 19 older people with self‐reported memory problems (mean age: 76.11 years, female: 73.68%) tested the memory aid handbook and completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), a checklist on the relevance of the strategies in the handbook, and questionnaires on daily life functioning and self‐efficacy. Further, they participated in cognitive tests. In a pre‐post design, within‐subject differences were determined using paired t‐tests.

Results

The usability of the memory aid handbook scores as were high (mean SUS score: 99.21). The checklist indicated that the handbook was perceived as beneficial for confirming already established memory strategies and stimulating new ones, such as self‐acceptance, visualizing and verbalizing daily routines, and asking for help. In addition, the checklist revealed that using a calendar was considered the most helpful strategies for daily living, followed closely by taking notes, having specific places for certain items and creating routines in daily life. After the 7 weeks, participants scored significantly better in the cognitive and self‐efficacy tests. The exploratory nature of the study combined with the small sample size should be considered when interpreting the results.

Conclusion

The usability of the handbook was high, reflecting the relevance of the strategies it contains. Teaching memory strategies can be a useful, inexpensive method to foster independence among those at risk for cognitive impairment.
Investigation of the abortion‐related experience of the providers, women, and advocators in South Korea: The neglected essential healthcare service
Authors: Moon Juhyeon , Oh Rora , Chang Eun Jee , Park Jiwon , Choe Seung‐Ah , Kim Saerom
Published: August 2023

Objective

The decriminalization of abortions in South Korea in 2019 has not been followed by the establishment of policies ensuring access to abortion services. This study aimed to explore the current challenges and barriers for quality abortion services in the Korean healthcare system.

Methods

Eleven women, six healthcare providers, and 11 advocates participated in in‐depth interviews in 2020. Experiences of abortion were analyzed using the modified Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality (AAAQ) framework.

Results

While informal, access to surgical abortion services was possible in general. However, accessibility to services and information varied according to women's age, marital status, and physical condition. Considering that the Korean government has been reluctant to adopt proactive measures to ensure access to abortion services, the quality of abortion care in Korea remains questionable, with the mandate of male consent for abortion prevailing. The women interviewed in this study expressed dissatisfaction with their current access to and the quality of abortion services.

Conclusion

Abortion is an essential service that ensures the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women. Although abortion was decriminalized in Korea in 2019, it remains an informal and stigmatized service. Further research and policy efforts are required to ensure access to abortion in Korea.
Developing a simple method for estimating soil infiltration in furrow and border irrigation using advance, recession and runoff data
Authors: Rabbaniha Hossein , Ebrahimian Hamed
Published: August 2023

Estimating soil infiltration is important in designing and managing surface irrigation systems. To date, various methods have been proposed to estimate infiltration coefficients. In this research, a simple method for estimating the coefficients of the Kostiakov–Lewis infiltration equation in surface irrigation is presented. Then, the performance of this method is compared with other similar methods, including the Elliott–Walker two‐point, IPARM and Merriam–Keller methods, using eight furrow irrigation datasets and six border irrigation datasets. The proposed method calculates the coefficients of the infiltration equation through the comparison between the measured and calculated infiltrated water amount by an optimization method, the normal decreasing gradient algorithm, using advance and recession data. The mean relative errors in estimating the infiltrated water volume were 13.63, 3.92, 0.005 and 0.00 for the two‐point, IPARM, Merriam–Keller and proposed methods for border irrigation, respectively. Similarly, the respective mean relative error values were 14.35, 6.31, 1.90 and 0.00 for furrow irrigation. In addition, to ensure the optimality of the obtained coefficients, response surfaces were drawn. The coefficients obtained from the proposed method are located in the minimum place of the response surface, while no similar behaviour was observed in the other methods. These results prove the effectiveness of the proposed method in addition to its simplicity.
Accelerated in vitro oxidative degradation testing of polypropylene surgical mesh
Authors: Jain Tanmay , Tantisuwanno Chinnapatch , Paul Arindam , Takmakov Pavel , Joy Abraham , Isayeva Irada , Simon David D.
Published: August 2023

Polypropylene (PP) surgical mesh had reasonable success in repair of hernia and treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI); however, their use for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) resulted in highly variable results with lifelong complications in some patients. One of several factors that could be associated with mesh‐related POP complications is changes in the properties of the implanted surgical mesh due to oxidative degradation of PP in vivo. Currently, there are no standardized in vitro bench testing methods available for assessing the susceptibility to oxidative degradation and estimating long‐term in vivo stability of surgical mesh. In this work, we adapted a previously reported automated reactive accelerated aging (aRAA) system, which uses elevated temperatures and high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), for accelerated bench‐top oxidative degradation testing of PP surgical mesh. Since H2O2 is highly unstable at elevated temperatures and for prolonged periods, the aRAA system involves a feedback loop based on electrochemical detection methods to maintain consistent H2O2 concentration in test solutions. Four PP mesh samples with varying mesh knit designs, filament diameter, weight, and % porosity, were selected for testing using aRAA up to 4 weeks and characterized using thermal analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the oxidation index (OI) values were calculated based on the FTIR‐ATR spectra to estimate the oxidative degradation and oxidation reaction kinetics of PP surgical mesh. The OI values and surface damage in the form of surface flaking, peeling, and formation of transverse cracks increased with aRAA aging time. The aRAA test method introduced here could be used to standardize the assessment of long‐term stability of surgical mesh and may also be adopted for accelerated oxidative degradation testing of other polymer‐based medical devices.
Prognostic role of radiomics‐based body composition analysis for the 1‐year survival for hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Saalfeld Sylvia , Kreher Robert , Hille Georg , Niemann Uli , Hinnerichs Mattes , Öcal Osman , Schütte Kerstin , Zech Christoph J. , Loewe Christian , van Delden Otto , Vandecaveye Vincent , Verslype Chris , Gebauer Bernhard , Sengel Christian , Bargellini Irene , Iezzi Roberto , Berg Thomas , Klümpen Heinz J. , Benckert Julia , Gasbarrini Antonio , Amthauer Holger , Sangro Bruno , Malfertheiner Peter , Preim Bernhard , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max , Pech Maciej , Surov Alexey
Published: August 2023

Background

Parameters of body composition have prognostic potential in patients with oncologic diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyse the prognostic potential of radiomics‐based parameters of the skeletal musculature and adipose tissues in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Radiomics features were extracted from a cohort of 297 HCC patients as post hoc sub‐study of the SORAMIC randomized controlled trial. Patients were treated with selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in combination with sorafenib or with sorafenib alone yielding two groups: (1) sorafenib monotherapy (n = 147) and (2) sorafenib and SIRT (n = 150). The main outcome was 1‐year survival. Segmentation of muscle tissue and adipose tissue was used to retrieve 881 features. Correlation analysis and feature cleansing yielded 292 features for each patient group and each tissue type. We combined 9 feature selection methods with 10 feature set compositions to build 90 feature sets. We used 11 classifiers to build 990 models. We subdivided the patient groups into a train and validation cohort and a test cohort, that is, one third of the patient groups.

Results

We used the train and validation set to identify the best feature selection and classification model and applied it to the test set for each patient group. Classification yields for patients who underwent sorafenib monotherapy an accuracy of 75.51% and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7576 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6376–0.8776). For patients who underwent treatment with SIRT and sorafenib, results are accuracy = 78.00% and AUC = 0.8032 (95% CI: 0.6930–0.9134).

Conclusions

Parameters of radiomics‐based analysis of the skeletal musculature and adipose tissue predict 1‐year survival in patients with advanced HCC. The prognostic value of radiomics‐based parameters was higher in patients who were treated with SIRT and sorafenib.
Kidney urinary biomarkers in patients with branched‐chain amino acid and cobalamin metabolism defects
Authors: Köpfer Felix , Garbade Sven F. , Klingbeil Kristina , Schmidt‐Mader Brigitte , Westhoff Jens H. , Okun Jürgen G. , Zorn Markus , Hoffmann Georg F. , Peters Verena , Morath Marina
Published: August 2023

There is a clinical need for early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with organic acidurias. We measured kidney markers in a longitudinal study over 5 years in 40 patients with methylmalonic aciduria (Mut0), propionic aciduria (PA), cobalamin A (CblA), and cobalamin C (CblC) deficiencies. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), calprotectin (CLP), kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1), dickkopf‐3 (DKK‐3), albumin and beta‐2‐microglobulin (B2MG) in urine, as well as cystatin C (CysC) in serum were quantified. In Mut0 patients, mean concentrations of B2MG, KIM‐1, and DKK‐3 were elevated compared with healthy controls, all markers indicative of proximal tubule damage. In PA patients, mean B2MG, albumin, and CLP were elevated, indicating signs of proximal tubule and glomerulus damage and inflammation. In CblC patients, mean B2MG, NGAL, and CLP were increased, and considered as markers for proximal and distal tubule damage and inflammation. B2MG, was elevated in all three diseases, and correlated with DKK‐3 in Mut0/CblA and with eGFR(CysC) and KIM‐1 in PA patients, respectively. None of the markers were elevated in CblA patients. Significant deterioration of kidney function, as determined by steady increase in CysC concentrations was noted in seven patients within the observation period. None of the investigated biomarker profiles showed a clear increase or added value for early detection. In conclusion, we identified disease‐specific biomarker profiles for inflammation, tubular, and proximal damage in the urine of Mut0, PA, and CblC patients. Whether these biomarkers can be used for early detection of CKD requires further investigation, as significant kidney function deterioration was observed in only a few patients.
When leaders are forced to stay: The indirect effects of leaders' reluctant staying on subordinates' performance
Authors: Fan Xueqing , Wang Danni , Wang Fuxi , Kraimer Maria L.
Published: August 2023

Leaders who desire to leave the current organization are sometimes forced to stay. The leadership behaviors of these leaders are underexplored in the current literature. Building on proximal withdrawal states theory, this study examines two pathways through which leaders' reluctant staying mindset (i.e., desire but are unable to quit) relates to their subordinates' task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). One pathway proposes increased laissez‐faire leadership behaviors due to leaders' lower intrinsic motivation; the second pathway proposes increased delegation behaviors due to leaders' higher extrinsic motivation. Using three‐wave data collected from 100 leaders and 313 subordinates, we found that leaders' reluctant staying was indirectly and negatively associated with subordinates' task performance and OCB through leaders' lower perceptions of task significance and higher laissez‐faire leadership behaviors. At the same time, leaders' reluctant staying increased their bottom‐line mentality and delegation behaviors, but the indirect effects on subordinates' performance outcomes were not significant. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory, practices, and future research regarding how to manage leaders who stay reluctantly in the organization.
Rising age‐specific rates of immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy: Report from an Italian Breast Unit
Authors: Fancellu Alessandro , Deiana Giulia , Sanna Valeria , Rubino Corrado , Cossu Antonio , Cottu Pietrina , Giuliani Giuliana , Sant Lisa , Norcia Giuseppe , Porcu Alberto
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) represents a fundamental part in the management of patients receiving mastectomy. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in the use of IBR in all age groups. The study aims were to evaluate the age‐specific trend of IBR, and to discuss its effects in work organization at an Italian Breast Unit.

Methods

We searched for women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2019, focusing on IBR rates in patients who received mastectomy. Age‐specific trends were assessed using the Cochrane–Armitage test. Differences in operative times and hospital stay between women undergoing mastectomy + IBR (Ma + IBR) or mastectomy alone (Ma) were evaluated by Student's t test or χ2 test.

Results

Among 1915 patients, 62.4% underwent breast conserving surgery (BCS), and 37.6% mastectomy. Overall, rates of Ma + IBR increased from 32% in 2010 to 58% in 2019 (p < 0.001). Although rates of IBR rose in all age groups, the trend was significantly increased among patients aged 50–59 (p < 0.001), 60–69 (p < 0.0001), and 70–79 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Rates of Ma + IBR have increased over years, especially among older women. Ma + IBR resulted in longer operative times and hospital stay than Ma alone. These findings imply that, in the near future, resources should be implemented to improve and strengthen the surgical activity of Breast Units, to support the increasing use of IBR in women of all age groups.
Raccoon densities across four land cover types in the southeastern United States
Authors: Hill Jacob E. , Helton James L. , Bernasconi David A. , Dixon Wesley C. , Hamilton Matt T. , Chipman Richard B. , Gilbert Amy T. , Beasley James C. , Dharmarajan Guha , Rhodes Olin E.
Published: August 2023

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are the primary reservoir for rabies virus in eastern North America. Management of rabies in raccoons is achieved primarily with the use of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) and effective ORV bait densities are determined in part by the densities of raccoons. Decisions regarding ORV bait densities, however, are limited by an incomplete understanding of raccoon densities across the spectrum of landscapes they occupy. We carried out a mark‐recapture study of raccoons on the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, USA, from 2017–2019, to develop sex‐ and landscape‐specific raccoon density estimates across 4 rural land cover types in the southeastern United States: bottomland hardwood, riparian forest, isolated wetland, and upland pine (Pinus spp.). We captured 404 unique raccoons 773 times over the 3‐year trapping period. Estimated densities were 5.44 ± 0.37 (SE) animals/km2 in bottomland hardwood forest, 2.62 ± 0.32 animals/km2 in riparian forest, 2.19 ± 0.29 animals/km2 in isolated wetlands, and 2.14 ± 0.23 animals/km2 in upland pine. Densities were significantly higher in bottomland hardwood than all other land cover types, whereas densities among the remaining cover types were similar. These patterns are likely the result of landscape fragmentation and configuration, with riparian forests typically embedded in a matrix of less suitable cover types, leading to low densities despite presumably high resource availability. There were higher densities of males than females in every cover type except upland pine, where the sex ratio was balanced. Densities on our site were low compared to other rural areas, which likely results from the lack of human influence in terms of agriculture or development. The financial cost of baiting for ORV distribution may be reduced by considering the comparatively low densities of raccoons in these rural landscapes in the southeastern United States.
Effects of organic amendments on soil bacterial community structure and yield in a saline‐sodic soil cropped with rice
Authors: Guo Liangliang , Nie Zhaoyang , Zhou Jie , An Fenghua , Zhang Lu , Zhang Shixin , Tóth Tibor , Yang Fan , Wang Zhichun
Published: August 2023

Organic improvement measures play a crucial role in the reclamation of saline‐sodic soil. However, there is still a limited understanding regarding the relationships between soil microbes and soil properties and crop yield in response to the application of these organic materials to saline‐sodic soils. In a field trial, the following treatments were carried out: no modifier input (CK) and compound lignite organic modifier 30 t/ha (LOM) with 2 years of rice cultivation, no modifier input (RF) with 5 years of rice cultivation, and the full amount of straw was returned to the field with rice‐duck farming (SW). Compared with RF and CK, the SOM content in the 0–20 cm soil layer of SW and LOM was significantly increased by 4.600 and 5.020 g kg−1, respectively, while the total alkalinity and pH were significantly decreased. In the 20–40 cm soil layer, the LOM treatment resulted in decreased pH and total alkalinity compared with other treatments. Overall, changes in soil microbial structure changes were significantly associated with SOM and pH levels. In the 0–20 cm soil layer, the LOM treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, while SW treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes compared with CK. Moreover，the relative abundances of Longobacteriaceae of Bacteroidetes, Hydrogenaceae, and Xanthomonas of Proteobacteria were positively correlated with crop yield. The yields of SW and LOM were 6985.587 and 7879.910 kg ha−1, respectively. These results demonstrate that implementing comprehensive organic improvement measures can enhance the properties of saline‐sodic soil and increase crop yield, with lignite composite organic amendments may be more suitable for sustainable agricultural development.
Aberration Modeling in Deep Learning for Volumetric Reconstruction of Light‐Field Microscopy
Authors: Zhou You , Jin Zhouyu , Zhao Qianhui , Xiong Bo , Cao Xun
Published: August 2023

Optical aberration is a crucial issue in optical microscopes, fundamentally constraining the achievable imaging performance. As a commonly encountered one, spherical aberration is introduced by the refractive index mismatches between samples and their surrounding environments, leading to problems like low contrast, blurring, and distortion in imaging. Light‐field microscopy (LFM) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for rapid volumetric imaging. The presence of spherical aberration in LFM will cause substantial changes of the point spread function (PSF) and thus greatly affects the imaging performance. Here, the aberration‐modeling view‐channel‐depth (AM‐VCD) network is proposed for LFM reconstruction, effectively mitigating the influence of severe spherical aberration. By quantitatively estimating the spherical aberration in advance and incorporating it into the network training, the AM‐VCD achieves aberration‐corrected high‐speed visualization of 3D processes with uniform spatial resolution and real‐time reconstruction speed. Without necessitating hardware modifications, this method provides a convenient way for directly observing the 3D dynamics of samples in solution. The capability of AM‐VCD under a large refractive index mismatch is demonstrated through volumetric imaging of a large‐scale fishbone of a largemouth bass. Furthermore, the capability of AM‐VCD in nearly 100 Hz volumetric imaging of neutrophil migration and a beating heart in living zebrafish is investigated.
EEF1E1 promotes glioma proliferation by regulating cell cycle through PTEN/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Han Ruiqin , Li Qiao , Kang Wei , Dong Qiang , Yin Hang , Niu Liang , Dai Junqiang , Yan Yunji , Su Yuanping , Yao Xuan , Zhang He , Yuan Guoqiang , Pan Yawen
Published: August 2023

The cell cycle, a pivotal regulator of cell proliferation, can be significantly influenced by the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/AKT signaling pathway's modulation of cyclin‐related proteins. In our study, we discovered the crucial role of EEF1E1 in this process, as it appears to downregulate PTEN expression. Furthermore, our findings affirmed that EEF1E1 modulates downstream cell cycle‐related proteins by suppressing the PTEN/AKT pathway. Cell cycle assay results revealed that EEF1E1 downregulation stunted the advancement of glioma cells in both the G1 and S phases. A suite of assays—Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, and ethyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine—substantiated that the EEF1E1 downregulation markedly curtailed glioma proliferation. We further validated this phenomenon through animal studies and coculture experiments on brain slices. Our comprehensive investigation indicates that EEF1E1 knockdown can effectively inhibit the glioma cell proliferation by regulating the cell cycle via the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway. Consequently, EEF1E1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment, signifying critical clinical implications.