bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate detection of Co2+ by a phthalazine‐based colorimetric chemosensor
Authors: Heo Jae Sung , Kim Cheal
Published: September 2021

We designed a colorimetric chemosensor based on phthalazine ((E)‐9‐((2‐(phthalazin‐1‐yl)hydrazono)methyl)‐2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H,5H‐pyrido[3,2,1‐ij]quinoline‐8‐ol), denoted HPJ, for detecting Co2+. In the presence of Co2+, HPJ undergoes a colour variation from yellow to dark pink. Analysis of a Job plot and electrospray ionisation‐mass spectra enabled the binding mode of HPJ to Co2+ to be determined as a 1:1 ratio. The detection limit of Co2+ with HPJ was 1.74 μM. In addition, the feasibility of using HPJ in the form of a test strip was confirmed. The sensing process of Co2+ by HPJ was monitored by using a Job plot, proton nuclear magnetic resonance titration, electrospray ionisation‐mass spectrometry and ultraviolet‐visible titration.
Efficacy and tolerability of vismodegib treatment in locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma: Retrospective real‐life data
Authors: Gürbüz Mustafa , Doğan İzzet , Akkuş Erman , Ermiş Hande , Utkan Güngör , Vatansever Sezai , Taş Faruk
Published: September 2021

The study aims to evaluate the vismodegib treatment in local advanced (laBCC) and metastatic (mBCC) basal cell carcinoma. The data of 29 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and histopathological features of the patients and adverse events of vismodegib were recorded. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were evaluated with Kaplan–Meier analysis. The median follow‐up period was 17 months (range: 1.6–57.3), and the median age at diagnosis 73 years (range: 39–88). The most common disease location was head and neck (86.2%), and the most common non‐skin sites of disease were lymph nodes (13.8%), bone (13.8%), lung (6.9%), and brain (6.9%). Three (10.3%) patients had Gorlin's syndrome. The number of metastatic patients was 5 (17.2%). With vismodegib treatment, the complete response rate was 27.6%, partial response 55.2%, and stable response 10.3%. Treatment responses were most frequently seen within 2 months from the beginning of vismodegib. The median OS was 43.3 ± 9.0 months (25.6–61.1) for all patients. The median PFS in the laBCC was 15.7 ± 1.8 months (12.2–19.3), and 12.1 ± 4.6 months (2.9–21.2) in the mBCC. In the univariable analysis for the OS, only the treatment after the vismodegib was statistically significant, showing chemotherapy was better comparing to no treatment or surgery. The most common adverse events were fatigue‐58.6%, muscle spasms‐48.3%, alopecia‐13.8%, and weight loss‐13.8%. This real‐life data study shows that vismodegib treatment in locally advanced and metastatic BCC was well tolerated and effective.
Disorganized resting‐state functional connectivity between the dorsal attention network and intrinsic networks in Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait
Authors: Yu Qian , Li Qun , Fang Weidong , Wang Yuchan , Zhu Yingcheng , Wang Juan , Shen Yalian , Han Yu , Zou Dezhi , Cheng Oumei
Published: September 2021

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common and complex manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is associated with impairment of attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional network connectivity (FNc) changes between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and the other seven intrinsic networks relevant to attention, visual–spatial, executive and motor functions in PD with or without FOG. Forty‐three idiopathic PD patients (21 with FOG [FOG+] versus 22 without FOG [FOG−]) and 18 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. The data‐driven independent component analysis (ICA) method was used to extract and analyze the above‐mentioned resting‐state networks (RSNs). Compared with FOG−, FOG+ displayed decreased positive connectivity between the DAN and medial visual network (mVN) and sensory‐motor network (SMN) and increased negative connectivity between the DAN and default mode network (DMN). The within‐network connectivity in the SMN and visual networks were decreased, whereas the connectivity within DMN was increased significantly in FOG+. Correlation analysis showed that the clock drawing test (CDT) scores were positively correlated with the functional connectivity of mVN (r = 0.573, p = 0.008) and lateral visual network (lVN) (r = 0.510, p = 0.022), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) duration were negatively correlated with the connectivity of SMN (r = −0.629, p = 0.003), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) scores were negatively correlated with the connectivity of DMN in FOG+. Functional connectivity was changed in multiple intra‐networks in patients with FOG. Inordinate inter‐network connectivity between the DAN and other intrinsic networks may partly contribute to the mechanism of freezing.
How radical is radical realism?
Authors: Cross Ben
Published: September 2021

Radical realism is distinguished in part from other forms of political realism by its more explicit anti‐status quo objectives. In particular, radical realists generally reject the legitimacy of liberal political institutions, and often defend some version of Marxism or anarchism. However, critics of radical realism sometimes argue that radical realist's aversion to certain kinds of normative theorising hinders their capacity to criticize the status quo. This objection may therefore be best understood as one of “self‐frustration,” rather than “status quo bias.” According to the objection, radical realists want to criticise the status quo, but their own methodological positions prevent them from doing so effectively. I have three aims in this article. First, I will clarify the kinds of normativity which radical realists do (and do not) object. Second, I will then show how this enables us to see that the self‐frustration objection fails. Third, I will suggest that it is not radical realism but its critics who may have a problematic relationship with the status quo.
European Stroke Organisation and European Academy of Neurology joint guidelines on post‐stroke cognitive impairment
Authors: Quinn Terence J. , Richard Edo , Teuschl Yvonne , Gattringer Thomas , Hafdi Melanie , O'Brien John T. , Merriman Niamh , Gillebert Celine , Huygelier Hanne , Verdelho Ana , Schmidt Reinhold , Ghaziani Emma , Forchammer Hysse , Pendlebury Sarah T. , Bruffaerts Rose , Mijajlovic Milija , Drozdowska Bogna A. , Ball Emily , Markus Hugh S.
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

The optimal management of post‐stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains controversial. These joint European Stroke Organisation (ESO) and European Academy of Neurology (EAN) guidelines provide evidence‐based recommendations to assist clinicians in decision making regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Methods

Guidelines were developed according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and made specific recommendations. Expert consensus statements were provided where insufficient evidence was available to provide recommendations.

Results

There was limited randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence regarding single or multicomponent interventions to prevent post‐stroke cognitive decline. Lifestyle interventions and treating vascular risk factors have many health benefits, but a cognitive effect is not proven. We found no evidence regarding routine cognitive screening following stroke, but recognize the importance of targeted cognitive assessment. We describe the accuracy of various cognitive screening tests, but found no clearly superior approach to testing. There was insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for use of cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine nootropics or cognitive rehabilitation. There was limited evidence on the use of prediction tools for post‐stroke cognition. The association between PSCI and acute structural brain imaging features was unclear, although the presence of substantial white matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin on brain magnetic resonance imaging may help predict cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

These guidelines highlight fundamental areas where robust evidence is lacking. Further definitive RCTs are needed, and we suggest priority areas for future research.
The state of CD44 activation in cancer progression and therapeutic targeting
Authors: Guo Qian , Yang Cuixia , Gao Feng
Published: September 2021

CD44, a non‐kinase transmembrane glycoprotein, is ubiquitously expressed on various types of cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), and has been implicated in cancer onset and aggressiveness. The major ligand for the CD44, hyaluronan (HA), binds to and interacts with CD44, which in turn triggers downstream signaling cascades, thereby promoting cellular behaviors such as proliferation, motility, invasiveness and chemoresistance. The CD44‐HA interaction is cell‐specific and strongly affected by the state of CD44 activation. Therefore, the binding of HA to CD44 is essential for the activation of CD44 during which the detailed regulatory mechanism needs to be clarified. Different CD44 activation states distribute in human carcinoma and normal tissue; however, whether CD44 activation is a critical requirement for tumor initiation, progression and notorious CSC properties remains to be clarified. A deeper understanding of the regulation of CD44 activation may facilitate the development of novel targeted drugs in the future. Here, we review the current findings concerning the states of CD44 activation on the cell surface, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of CD44 activation, the known role for CD44 activation in tumor progression and CSC hallmarks, as well as the potential of HA‐coated nanoparticle for targeting activated CD44 for cancer therapy.
Nitrogen effects on plant productivity change at decadal time‐scales
Authors: Liang Guopeng , Luo Yiqi , Zhou Zhenghu , Waring Bonnie G.
Published: September 2021

Aim

Although some long‐term studies have been conducted to quantify the impacts of nitrogen (N) on plant productivity, uncertainties remain regarding whether these impacts change over time and the underlying mechanisms. By overlooking this, we might over‐ or underestimate the impacts of N on terrestrial ecosystems. Our goal was to determine whether the impacts of N on plant productivity change in the long term and what controls these dynamics.

Location

Global.

Time period

1999–2018.

Major taxa studied

Effects of N on plant productivity.

Methods

We synthesized 63 N addition studies with duration ≥ 8 years in natural terrestrial ecosystems.

Results

Our results showed temporally dynamic impacts of N on plant productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. The interannual coefficient of variation (CV) of N impacts ranged from 19 to 768% across 63 studies, with higher variability in acidic soils. Moreover, a substantial proportion (44%) of studies showed evidence of a consistent directional change in the strength of the impacts of N over time. The direction of change varied with biome type (forests, decrease; grasslands and shrublands, increase). The temporal pattern of the impacts of N was mostly responsive to mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT) and initial soil pH, which accounted for 24%, 19% and 19% of the variation, respectively.

Main conclusions

Our findings indicate that temporally dynamic impacts of long‐term N addition on plant productivity and large fluctuations of the impacts of N between years are generally observed among studies in terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, not only the magnitude of N impacts on plant productivity, but also their temporal pattern and variability should be considered in future experimental and model research.
Impact of stage‐grade of periodontitis and self‐reported symptoms on oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Nisanci Yilmaz Mediha Nur , Bulut Sule , Bakirarar Batuhan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of stage‐grade of periodontitis and self‐reported signs and symptoms on oral health‐related quality of life.

Methods

The diagnosis of periodontitis was based on the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐Implant Diseases and Conditions. The Turkish version of Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) was used to assess oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the participants were requested to state their symptoms associated with periodontal diseases.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐six patients were included in the study with a mean age of 46.54 ± 9.24 years. The participants with Stage IV and Grade C periodontitis had the highest total OHIP‐14 scores (median 20.00 [min.‐max, 3.00–35.00] and median 18.50 (min.‐max, 0.00–36.00]; respectively). The OHIP‐14 scores (mean ± SD) were significantly associated with the symptoms of bleeding gums (13.64 ± 9.39), sore gums (18.00 ± 10.47), swollen gums (17.42 ± 10.91), bad breath (15.82 ± 9.44), loose teeth (20.00 ± 8.66) and drifting teeth (24.56 ± 8.46).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significant association between OHRQoL and periodontitis. Stage‐grade of periodontitis and its symptoms were associated with poor quality of life.
Effect of salivary CYP4EM1 and CYP4EM2 gene silencing on the life span of Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) exposed to sublethal dose of deltamethrin
Authors: Paim R. M. M. , Pessoa G. C. D. , Nascimento B. W. L. , Nascimento A. M. D. , Pinheiro L. C. , Koerich L. B. , Diotaiuti L. , Araujo R. N. , Sant'Anna M. R. V. , Gontijo N. F. , Pereira M. H.
Published: September 2021

Control of Chagas disease in endemic countries is primarily accomplished through insecticide spraying for triatomine vectors. In this context, pyrethroids are the first‐choice insecticide, and the evolution of insect resistance to these insecticides may represent an important barrier to triatomine control. In insects, cytochrome P450s are enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous chemicals that are encoded by genes divided into different families. In this work, we evaluated the role of three Rhodnius prolixus CYP4EM subfamily genes during blood meal and after deltamethrin exposure. CYP4 gene members were expressed in different insect organs (integument, salivary glands (SGs), midgut, fat body and malpighian tubules) at distinct transcriptional levels. CYP4EM1 gene was highly expressed in the SG and was clearly modulated after insect blood meal. Injection of CYP4EM1dsRNA promoted significant reduction in mRNA levels of both CYP4EM1 and CYP4EM2 genes and induced deleterious effects in R. prolixus nymphs subsequently exposed to sublethal doses of deltamethrin (3.4 or 3.8 ng/nymph treated). The higher dose reduced the survival over time and increased susceptibility of R. prolixus nymphs to deltamethrin. A better understanding of this mechanism can help in developing of more efficient strategies to reduce Trypanosoma cruzi vector transmission in Americas.
Crosstalk between B cells and neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Karmakar Utsa , Vermeren Sonja
Published: September 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease without known cure that primarily affects synovial joints. RA has a prevalence of approximately 1% of the population worldwide. A vicious circle between two critical immune cell types, B cells and neutrophils, develops and promotes disease. Pathogenic anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) directed against a range of citrullinated epitopes are abundant in both plasma and synovial fluid of RA patients. In addition to stimulating numerous cell types, ACPA and other autoantibodies, notably rheumatoid factor, form immune complexes (ICs) that potently activate neutrophils. Attracted to the synovium by abundant chemokines, neutrophils are locally stimulated by ICs. They generate cytokines and release cytotoxic compounds including neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), strands of decondensed chromatin decorated with citrullinated histones and granule‐derived neutrophil proteins, which are particularly abundant in the synovial fluid. In this way, neutrophils generate citrullinated epitopes and release peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes capable of citrullinating extracellular proteins in the rheumatic joint, contributing to renewed ACPA generation. This review article focusses on the central function of citrullination, a post‐translational modification of arginine residues in RA. The discussion includes ACPA and related autoantibodies, somatic hypermutation‐mediated escape from negative selection by autoreactive B cells, promotion of the dominance of citrullinated antigens by genetic and lifestyle susceptibility factors and the vicious circle between ACPA‐producing pathogenic B cells and NET‐producing neutrophils in RA.
Evidence‐informed implementation of nurse prescribing under supervision: An integrative review
Authors: Fox Amanda , Joseph Ria , Cardiff Lynda , Thoms Debra , Yates Patsy , Nissen Lisa , Chan Raymond Javan
Published: September 2021

Aim

To explore evidence reporting facilitators and barriers to implementation of nurse prescribing and provide practical recommendations for evidence‐informed implementation and adoption of nurse prescribing under a supervision model.

Background

As demand for access to quality health care services increases, health professional roles are expanding to meet population needs. Nurse prescribing has been effective in some countries and is being considered globally to address growing health care demand. Successful implementation of health service models requires careful planning and consideration. No existing reviews have examined implementation factors in the literature.

Design

Integrative review.

Data sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to 15 April 2020.

Review methods

This integrative review is guided by Whittemore and Knafl and adheres to PRISMA reporting guidelines. The sustainability of innovation framework was used to synthesize data concerning implementation and sustainability factors (i.e. innovation, organizational, political, workforce and financial) for nurse prescribing.

Results

A total of 39 articles were reviewed with literature predominantly reporting findings related to non‐medical and nurse prescribing under various models. Variable evidence was found to inform nurse prescribing across five implementation and sustainability factors identifying several areas that require in‐depth consideration. Very little evidence is available on nurse prescribing under supervision.

Conclusion

Introduction of service reform is often costly. This review highlights gaps in the literature and raises areas for consideration prior to implementation of this new service delivery model. The introduction of nurse prescribing must be planned and informed by available evidence to support effective adoption, practice and patient outcomes.

Impact

There are significant gaps in evidence related to nurse prescribing under a supervision model. Based on the evidence synthesized in this review, this paper provides practical recommendations for health service providers, managers, clinicians, educators and researchers to support implementation and adoption of nurse prescribing.
Simplified hypertension screening approaches with low misclassification and high efficiency in the United States, Nepal, and India
Authors: Tang Olive , Kou Minghao , Lu Yifei , Miller Edgar R. , Brady Tammy , Dennison‐Himmelfarb Cheryl , More Arun , Neupane Dinesh , Appel Lawrence , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: September 2021

Standard triplicate blood pressure (BP) measurements pose time barriers to hypertension screening, especially in resource‐limited settings. We assessed the implications of simplified approaches using fewer measurements with adults (≥18 years old) not using anti‐hypertensive medications from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999‐2016 (n = 30 614), and two datasets from May Measurement Month 2017‐2018 (n = 14 795 for Nepal and n = 6 771 for India). We evaluated the proportion of misclassification of hypertension when employing the following simplified approaches: using only 1st BP, only 2nd BP, 2nd if 1st BP in a given range (otherwise using 1st), and average of 1st and 2nd BP. Hypertension was defined as average of 2nd and 3rd systolic BP ≥140 and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg. Using only the 1st BP, the proportion of missed hypertension ranged from 8.2%–12.1% and overidentified hypertension from 4.3%–9.1%. Using only 2nd BP reduced the misclassification considerably (corresponding estimates, 4.9%–6.4% for missed hypertension and 2.0%–4.4% for overidentified hypertension) but needed 2nd BP in all participants. Using 2nd BP if 1st BP ≥130/80 demonstrated similar estimates of missed hypertension (3.8%–8.1%) and overidentified hypertension (2.0%–3.9%), but only required a 2nd BP in 33.8%–59.8% of participants. In conclusion, a simplified approach utilizing 1st BP supplemented by 2nd BP in some individuals has low misclassification rates and requires approximately half of the total number of measurements compared to the standard approach, and thus can facilitate screening in resource‐constrained settings.
The Impact of Immigration on Attitudes toward the EU: Evidence from a Three‐Country Survey Experiment*
Authors: Ringlerova Zuzana
Published: September 2021

Immigration is one of the important issues that influence attitudes toward the EU. It is unclear, however, what causal mechanisms explain this link. Is the causal mechanism rooted in identity the only causal mechanism involved? Or do other causal mechanisms play a role as well? In an analysis of data from an original framing experiment conducted in Germany, Italy, and Czechia, I find that in Italy, exposure to information about negative consequences of immigration leads to more negative attitudes to the EU. This effect happens via causal mechanisms rooted in economic concerns and national politics rather than via the identity mechanism. In Germany and Czechia, the analysis finds no systematic relationship. Overall, this study shows that receiving information about negative consequences of immigration is related to attitudes toward the EU to a lesser degree and via different causal mechanisms than existing literature would have us expect.
Alpha oscillatory activity during attentional control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and ASD+ADHD
Authors: Cañigueral Roser , Palmer Jason , Ashwood Karen L. , Azadi Bahar , Asherson Philip , Bolton Patrick F. , McLoughlin Gráinne , Tye Charlotte
Published: September 2021

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) share impairments in top‐down and bottom‐up modulation of attention. However, it is not yet well understood if co‐occurrence of ASD and ADHD reflects a distinct or additive profile of attention deficits. We aimed to characterise alpha oscillatory activity (stimulus‐locked alpha desynchronisation and prestimulus alpha) as an index of integration of top‐down and bottom‐up attentional processes in ASD and ADHD.

Methods

Children with ASD, ADHD, comorbid ASD+ADHD, and typically‐developing children completed a fixed‐choice reaction‐time task (‘Fast task’) while neurophysiological activity was recorded. Outcome measures were derived from source‐decomposed neurophysiological data. Main measures of interest were prestimulus alpha power and alpha desynchronisation (difference between poststimulus and prestimulus alpha). Poststimulus activity linked to attention allocation (P1, P3), attentional control (N2), and cognitive control (theta synchronisation, 100–600 ms) was also examined. ANOVA was used to test differences across diagnostics groups on these measures. Spearman’s correlations were used to investigate the relationship between attentional control processes (alpha oscillations), central executive functions (theta synchronisation), early visual processing (P1), and behavioural performance.

Results

Children with ADHD (ADHD and ASD+ADHD) showed attenuated alpha desynchronisation, indicating poor integration of top‐down and bottom‐up attentional processes. Children with ADHD showed reduced N2 and P3 amplitudes, while children with ASD (ASD and ASD+ADHD) showed greater N2 amplitude, indicating atypical attentional control and attention allocation across ASD and ADHD. In the ASD group, prestimulus alpha and theta synchronisation were negatively correlated, and alpha desynchronisation and theta synchronisation were positively correlated, suggesting an atypical association between attentional control processes and executive functions.

Conclusions

ASD and ADHD are associated with disorder‐specific impairments, while children with ASD+ADHD overall presented an additive profile with attentional deficits of both disorders. Importantly, these findings may inform the improvement of transdiagnostic procedures and optimisation of personalised intervention approaches.
Preliminary observations on the movement ecology of a crested horn shark (Heterodontus galeatus)
Authors: Bass Nathan Charles , Day Joanna , Guttridge Tristan L. , Knott Nathan A. , Brown Culum
Published: September 2021

The residency and movements of a single acoustically tagged female crested horn shark (Heterodontus galeatus) were monitored in Jervis Bay, Australia. The individual was intermittently detected by receivers throughout the 8‐year study period and showed preference for particular rocky reefs in terms of its residency indices and duration of residency events. This individual exhibited lower residency and dissimilar movement patterns to that of the well‐studied and sympatric Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni), highlighting the need for research into the basic life history and movement ecology of H. galeatus.
Turcichondrostoma, a new genus for the Leuciscidae (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from Southwestern Anatolia
Authors: Turan Davut , Küçük Fahrettin , Güçlü Salim Serkan , Aksu İsmail
Published: September 2021

Turcichondrostoma, a new genus, from the Southwestern Anatolia is distinguished by having fewer gill rakers on first gill arch and morphologies of premaxilla and dentary bones. In addition, as a result of the phylogenetic analyses based on combine data set (mtDNA COI + Cytb) sequences (1706 bp.), Turcichondrostoma genus was recovered with high posterior probability value (BI PP:1.0) and strong‐supported bootstrap value (ML BP: 100%) among the former Chondrostoma groups. Also, high K2P mean genetic distance values (more than 7.84%) differentiated genus Turcichondrostoma from the other genera of former Chondrostoma group. The results of both morphological‐osteological and molecular analyses are congruent with each other. The results of this study revealed that the genus Turcichondrostoma is easily distinguished from the genera in Chondrostoma group.
Technologies for extraction of oil from oilseeds and other plant sources in retrospect and prospects: A review
Authors: Rani Heena , Sharma Sanjula , Bala Manju
Published: September 2021

The vegetable oils are obtained from the oilseeds and also from other oil bearing parts of plants like fruits (mesocarp and/or stones), tubers, germs, sprouts, and so on. A host of methods are employed to obtain the oil from different matrices and each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The traditional methods of oil extraction are exhaustive and have low efficacy, while conventional method of mechanical pressing is simple and involves low cost but considered as an inefficient method because of low oil recovery when compared with chemical extraction methods. Due to higher oil recovery and economic gains, chemical methods of oil extraction are preferred globally; however, the chemical solvents used exhibited detrimental effect on the environment, oil quality, and human health, which impelled the development of new technologies. New advanced eco‐friendly techniques namely, enzyme‐assisted extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction can easily overcome the shortcomings of the conventional methods and holds the potential to meet the ever‐increasing demand of edible oils.

Practical applications

Limited land availability and growing demands for vegetable oils call for the development of improved cultivars for harnessing higher yields as well as more efficient oil extraction technologies to augment oil recovery from different oilseed crops without compromising with the oil quality. Widely practiced traditional and conventional methods of extraction have various disadvantages namely, use of solvents, protractive protocols, and have adverse effects on environment, oil quality, and human health. Therefore, in order to overcome the demerits associated with the existing methods, green extraction technologies have been developed as an alternative, which offer various advantages like less extraction time, high extraction yields, and quality and minimized solvent consumption. The information compiled in this review on various extraction technologies will help oilseed processors and researchers in choosing the most appropriate method of oil extraction in order to achieve high yields without compromising the inherent quality of oil.
Long‐term effects of entecavir and tenofovir treatment on the fibrotic burden in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chon Young Eun , Kim Seung Up , Seo Yeon Seok , Lee Hye Won , Lee Han Ah , Kim Mi Na , Roh Yun Ho , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Tak Won Young , Park Soo Young , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Antiviral therapy (AVT) induces fibrosis regression in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We investigated long‐term effects of entecavir (ETV) versus tenofovir (TDF) on fibrotic burden.

Methods

Treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients who had begun ETV or TDF were recruited from four tertiary hospitals. The aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB‐4) were used to determine fibrotic burden.

Results

In the entire population (n = 3277), although patients treated with ETV had higher baseline APRI (1.71 vs 1.07, P < 0.001) and FIB‐4 (3.60 vs 2.80, P < 0.001) than those treated with TDF, significant fibrosis regression was identified during 6 years of AVT in both ETV (APRI, mean 1.71 → 0.48, P < 0.001; FIB‐4, mean 3.60 → 2.21, P < 0.001) and TDF groups (APRI, mean 1.07 → 0.43, P < 0.001; FIB‐4, mean 2.80 → 2.19, P < 0.001). In patients without cirrhosis (n = 2366), baseline APRI was significantly higher in ETV group than in TDF group (1.72 vs 0.97, P < 0.001); however, they became similar after 6 months. Similarly, baseline FIB‐4 was significantly higher in ETV group than in TDF group (3.25 vs 2.35, P < 0.001), but became similar from 4 to 6 years. In patients with cirrhosis (n = 911), baseline APRI (1.70 vs 1.34, P < 0.001) and FIB‐4 (4.62 vs 3.91, P = 0.005) were higher in ETV group than in TDF, however, both parameters became statistically similar from 6 months to 6 years.

Conclusion

Significant regression of APRI and FIB‐4 was observed during long‐term ETV and TDF treatment. Despite higher baseline fibrotic burden in ETV group, fibrotic burden between the groups eventually converged through significant fibrosis regression after 1 to 4 years of AVT.
Long‐term outcomes of nasogastric tube with Gastrografin for adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Nishie Hirotada , Shimura Takaya , Katano Takahito , Iwai Tomohiro , Itoh Keisuke , Ebi Masahide , Mizuno Yusuke , Togawa Shozo , Shibata Shunsuke , Yamada Tomonori , Mizushima Takashi , Inagaki Yusuke , Kitagawa Mika , Nojiri Yu , Tanaka Yoshito , Okamoto Yasuyuki , Matoya Sho , Nagura Yoshihito , Inagaki Yuki , Koguchi Hiroki , Ono Satoshi , Ozeki Keiji , Hayashi Noriyuki , Takiguchi Shuji , Kataoka Hiromi
Published: September 2021

Background

We had previously reported that the administration of Gastrografin through a nasogastric tube (NGT‐G) followed by long tube (LT) strategy could be a novel standard treatment for adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO); however, the long‐term outcomes after initial improvement remain unknown. This study aimed to analyze the long‐term outcomes of first‐line NGT‐G.

Methods

Enrolled patients with ASBO were randomly assigned to receive LT or NGT‐G between July 2016 and November 2018. Thereafter, the cumulative surgery rate, cumulative recurrence rate, and overall survival (OS) rate were analyzed. In addition, subset analysis was conducted to determine the cumulative recurrence rate according to colonic contrast with Gastrografin at 24 h.

Results

A total of 223 patients (LT group, n = 111; NGT‐G group, n = 112) were analyzed over a median follow‐up duration of 550 days. The cumulative 1‐year surgery rates, cumulative 1‐year recurrence rates, and 1‐year OS rates in the LT and NGT‐G groups were 18.8% and 18.1%, 30.0% and 31.7%, and 99.1% and 96.6%, respectively; no significant differences were observed between both groups. In the NGT‐G group, a negative colonic contrast at 24 h demonstrated a higher tendency for future recurrence compared with a positive colonic contrast at 24 h (1‐year recurrence rate: negative contrast, 46.9% vs positive contrast, 27.6%).

Conclusions

Gastrografin through a nasogastric tube followed by LT can be a promising treatment strategy for ASBO, with long‐term efficacies equivalent to initial LT placement.
Building an advocacy model to improve the dementia‐capability of health plans in California
Authors: Hollister Brooke A. , Yeh Jarmin , Ross Leslie , Schlesinger Jennifer , Cherry Debra
Published: September 2021

Background

Given the high and growing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and the intensity of this population's care needs, it is imperative that healthcare systems increase their capacity to effectively serve people living with dementia (PLwD). The Dementia Cal MediConnect (Dementia CMC) project proposes an advocacy model that may foster dementia‐capable systems change.

Methods

The Dementia CMC project was a 5‐year partnership (2013–2018) between local Alzheimer's organizations and 10 managed care health plans (HPs) in California's duals demonstration. It used an advocacy model with the following steps: (1) Identify dementia‐capable best practices to set as systems change indicators; (2) Identify and leverage public policies in support of systems change indicators; (3) Identify and engage champions; (4) Develop and advocate for a business case to improve dementia care; (5) Identify gaps in dementia‐capable practices; (6) Provide technical assistance, tools, and staff training to address the gaps in dementia‐capable practices; and (7) Track systems change. Systems change data were collected through participant observation with HPs and interviews with key informants representing partnering organizations or government entities.

Results

Participating HPs reported making systems changes toward more dementia‐capable practices such as: better pathways for detection and diagnosis; better identification, assessment, support, and engagement of caregivers; and improved systems of referral to community‐based organizations (CBOs), including Alzheimer's CBOs. Some indicators of systems change were inconclusive due to flawed assumptions around HP's care coordination, and the availability of common electronic health records between HPs and providers.

Conclusion

The application of this advocacy model in California has led to systems changes that can improve care for PLwD and their caregivers and should be replicated to expand the dementia‐capability of other health systems. Continued efforts to refine indicators are needed to capture systems change in complex and changing health systems.
Kappa free light chain index as a diagnostic biomarker in multiple sclerosis: A real‐world investigation
Authors: Rosenstein Igal , Rasch Sofia , Axelsson Markus , Novakova Lenka , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Lycke Jan
Published: September 2021

Kappa free light chain (KFLC) index, a measure for intrathecal production of free kappa chains, has been increasingly recognized for its diagnostic potential in multiple sclerosis (MS) as a quantitative alternative to IgG oligoclonal bands (OCBs). Our objective was to investigate the sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of KFLC index in MS. KFLC index was prospectively determined as part of the diagnostic workup in patients with suspected MS (n = 327) between May 2013 and February 2020. Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), and MS had markedly higher KFLC index (44.6, IQR 16–128) compared with subjects with other neuro‐inflammatory disorders (ONID) and symptomatic controls (SC) (2.19, IQR 1.68–2.98, p < 0.001). KFLC index had a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88–0.95) and specificity of 0.87 (95% CI 0.8–0.92) to discriminate CIS/RIS/MS from ONID and SC (AUC 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97, p < 0.001). KFLC index and intrathecal fraction (IF) KFLC had similar accuracies to detect MS. Treatment with disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) did not influence the level of KFLC index and it was not affected by demographic factors or associated with degenerative or inflammatory biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). KFLC index in MS diagnostics has methodological advantages compared to OCB and is independent to subjective interpretation. Moreover, it is an attractive diagnostic tool since the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of KFLC index are similar with that of OCBs and KFLCIF and better than for IgG index. We show that KFLC index was influenced neither by DMT nor by demographic factors or other inflammatory or degenerative processes in MS as determined by biomarkers in CSF.

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The drebrin/EB3 pathway regulates cytoskeletal dynamics to drive neuritogenesis in embryonic cortical neurons
Authors: Poobalasingam Thanushiyan , Bianco Francesca , Oozeer Fazal , Gordon‐Weeks Phillip R.
Published: September 2021

Co‐ordinating the dynamic behaviour of actin filaments (F‐actin) and microtubules in filopodia is an important underlying process in neuritogenesis, but the molecular pathways involved are ill‐defined. The drebrin/end‐binding protein 3 (EB3) pathway is a candidate pathway for linking F‐actin to microtubules in filopodia. Drebrin binds F‐actin and, simultaneously, the microtubule‐binding protein EB3 when bound to microtubule plus‐ends. We assessed the effect on neuritogenesis of gain‐ or loss‐of‐function of proteins in the drebrin/EB3 pathway in rat embryonic cortical neurons in culture. Loss‐of‐function of drebrin by gene editing or pharmacological inhibition of drebrin binding to F‐actin reduced the number of dynamic microtubules in the cell periphery and simultaneously delayed the initiation of neuritogenesis, whereas over‐expression of drebrin induced supernumerary neurites. Similarly, loss of EB3 inhibited neuritogenesis, whereas loss of end‐binding protein 1 (EB1), a related protein that does not bind to drebrin, did not affect neuritogenesis. Over‐expression of EB3, but not EB1, induced supernumerary neurites. We discovered that EB3 is more proximally located at dynamic microtubule plus‐ends than EB1 in growth cone filopodia allowing for continuous microtubule elongation as the drebrin/EB3 pathway zippers microtubules to F‐actin in filopodia. Finally, we showed that preventing the entry of dynamic microtubules into filopodia using a pharmacological inhibitor of microtubule dynamics is associated with a loss of EB3, but not EB1, from microtubule plus‐ends and a concurrent attenuation of neuritogenesis. Collectively, these findings support the idea that neuritogenesis depends on microtubule/F‐actin zippering in filopodia orchestrated by the drebrin/EB3 pathway.

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Cultural adaptation congruence in immigrant spouses is associated with marital quality
Authors: Sim Lester , Chen Shanting , Zhang Minyu , Edelstein Robin S. , Kim Su Yeong
Published: September 2021

Objective and background

Previous research suggests that cultural adaptation is associated with Mexican‐origin couples' marital outcomes, including marital distress and rates of dissolution. However, research on the marital implications of different types of spousal differences in cultural adaptation often omits important dyadic dynamics (i.e., incongruence between couples and with their partners); this, coupled with existing methodological issues, might contribute to the pattern of mixed findings in the literature.

Method

Using data from 273 Mexican‐origin couples, we conducted response surface analyses to examine how spousal congruence in four adaptation domains (acculturation, enculturation, English proficiency, Spanish proficiency) is associated with wives' and husbands' marital warmth, hostility and satisfaction.

Results

Higher, versus lower, levels of couple matches (except for enculturation) were associated with better marital quality. Mismatches in American (acculturation, English) and Mexican (enculturation, Spanish) orientations were also associated with higher, and lower, marital quality, respectively.

Conclusion and implication

Our findings highlight the importance of examining couple matching, which has historically been understudied. We also suggest that inconsistencies in prior work can be explained by discrepant associations between mismatches in American versus Mexican orientation and relationship outcomes.
Serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain as a diagnostic biomarker for progressive myelomalacia in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation
Authors: Murthy Vishal D. , Li Chai‐Fei , Hicks Jill , Kroll Jacqueline , Giuffrida Michelle , Dickinson Peter , Toedebusch Christine M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Serum phosphorylated neurofilament‐heavy chain (pNF‐H) has not been longitudinally evaluated in dogs that develop progressive myelomalacia (PMM) after Type I intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH).

Objectives

To determine if serum pNF‐H concentrations would predict outcome of neuroligical disease in dogs with acute, severe thoracolumbar myelopathy secondary to Type I IVDH.

Animals

Thirty‐nine client‐owned dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy secondary to IVDH.

Methods

Prospective controlled cohort study. Serum was collected from dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy at multiple timepoints. Final neurological status was established at 12 months and groups were stratified accordingly. Comparisons between outcome and pNF‐H concentration at each timepoint was examined using Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance on ranks and receiver operator characteristics curve analysis.

Results

Median serum pNF‐H concentrations were not significantly different between deep pain negative dogs that did or did not recover at any timepoint (baseline: 0.37 ng/mL [0‐0.9 ng/mL] vs 0 ng/mL [0‐0.9 ng/mL], P > 1; 24 hours: 1.25 ng/mL [0.35‐7.23 ng/mL] vs 1.53 ng/mL [0‐11.94 ng/mL], P > 1; 48 hours: 1.22 ng/mL [0.63‐6.62 ng/mL] vs 2.12 ng/mL [0‐20.72 ng/mL], P >  1; 72 hours: 2.77 ng/mL [1.33‐6.62 ng/mL] vs 16.69 ng/mL [4.02‐40.12 ng/mL], P >  1). Dogs that developed PMM had significantly higher serum pNF‐H concentrations after surgery compared to all other cohorts at 24 hours: 39.88 ng/mL (25.74‐50.68 ng/mL); P < .05 and 72 hours: 223.9 ng/mL (155.4‐263.7 ng/mL); P < .05. A serum pNF‐H concentration ≥31.39 ng/mL was 83.33% sensitive and 100% specific for identifying PMM in this cohort.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum pNF‐H is a promising biomarker for antemortem diagnosis of PMM in dogs with acute, severe thoracolumbar myelopathy secondary to Type I IVDH.
Clinical features and amino acid profiles of dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome or hepatocutaneous‐associated hepatopathy
Authors: Loftus John P. , Center Sharon A. , Astor Michael , Miller Adam J. , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine
Published: September 2021

Background

Superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), hepatocutaneous‐associated hepatopathy (HCH), aminoaciduria, and hypoaminoacidemia define hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) in dogs. Dogs without SND but that possess all other syndrome components are not well described.

Hypothesis/objectives

To define an inclusive syndrome, aminoaciduric canine hypoaminoacidemic hepatopathy syndrome (ACHES) for dogs with HCH or HCS. Compare clinical features, salient clinicopathologic variables, and plasma and urine amino acid (AA) profiles among ACHES cases by skin lesion status.

Animals

Dogs of various breeds and ages diagnosed with ACHES (n = 41). A control (CON) cohort (n = 12) provided AA profile data.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Available medical records of previously identified cases were reviewed for salient clinical features and clinical pathology data. Plasma and urine AA profiles were performed. Cutaneous lesion status was classified as none, mild, or fulminant.

Results

Thirty cases (73%) developed SND at some time. Dogs with fulminant skin lesions at diagnosis (n = 22/41, 54%) had significantly lower hematocrit (P = .05) and mean corpuscular volume (P = .01) than dogs without SND. Principal component analysis of plasma AA profiles identified distinct clustering of CON from ACHES dogs, but not by skin lesion status. Plasma 1‐methylhistidine (<7 nmol/mL) and cystathionine (<7.5 nmol/mL) were robust ACHES biomarkers. Urine lysine (>344 nmol/mg creatinine) and methionine (>68 nmol/mg creatinine) also were useful ACHES biomarkers.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Specific AA biomarkers provide additional diagnostic utility in ACHES. Data suggests that HCH is an early stage, and SND a later stage manifestation of ACHES.
Health humanities and British Romanticism
Authors: Pladek B.
Published: September 2021

This article gives an overview of health humanities (HH) scholarship within British Romanticism as a literary historical field. Romantic literary studies has a peculiar relationship to HH work—one that justifies examining it separately from its adjacent fields, 18th‐century and Victorian studies. The article surveys HH work from the past 20 years of Romantic scholarship, drawing some conclusions about how the field's history has informed its current shape, before offering some tentative predictions about the future.
Crack detection using fusion features‐based broad learning system and image processing
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yuen Ka‐Veng
Published: September 2021

Deep learning has been widely applied to vision‐based structural damage detection, but its computational demand is high. To avoid this computational burden, a novel crack detection system, namely, fusion features‐based broad learning system (FF‐BLS), is proposed for efficient training without GPU acceleration. In FF‐BLS, a convolution module with fixed weights is used to extract the fusion features of images. Feature nodes and enhancement nodes randomly generated by fusion features are used to estimate the output of the network. Meanwhile, the proposed FF‐BLS is a dynamical system, which achieves incremental learning by adding nodes. Thus, the trained FF‐BLS model can be updated efficiently with additional data, and this substantially reduces the training cost. Finally, FF‐BLS was applied to crack detection. Compared with some well‐known deep convolutional neural networks (VGG16, ResNet50, InceptionV3, Xception, and EfficientNet), the FF‐BLS achieved a similar level of recognition accuracy, but the training speed was increased by more than 20 times.