bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast formation of a black inner α‐Al2O3 layer doped with CuO on Al–Cu–Li alloy by soft sparking PEO process
Authors: He Xiaorui , Feng Tian , Cheng Yulin , Hu Panfeng , Le Zhengzhou , Liu Zihua , Cheng Yingliang
Published: June 2023

Forming high‐temperature α‐Al2O3 phase under soft sparking is an intriguing phenomenon in plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of Al alloys, which contradicts the low energy input of the process. In this study, α‐Al2O3 doped with black CuO is formed beneath an amorphous white outer layer on Al–Cu–Li alloy by PEO in a dilute silicate electrolyte under soft sparking. In comparison, reddish coatings with dominating γ‐Al2O3 are formed under the conventional plasma discharges, although blackish inner layer with α‐Al2O3 can also be exposed by heavily polishing the samples. In order to know the underlying mechanism, temperatures at the coating surface and the underlying substrate have been monitored by a thermocouple under the conventional and soft sparking PEO regimes, respectively. Interestingly, high temperatures are detected in the case of soft sparking rather than PEO with strong discharges. The formation of CuO, quartz, and cristobalite within the soft sparking coating also supports the existence of high temperature. Hence, the formation of α‐Al2O3 under soft sparking can be resolved to the conventional thermal activation mechanism, without the need of seeking other plausible explanations. Thermal condition evaluation for soft sparking PEO suggests that values of the effective thermal conductivity during PEO process for the outer layer and the barrier layer at the coating/substrate interface might be lower than ∼0.05 and ∼0.0017 W m−1 K−1, respectively. It is believed that the amorphous structure of the outer and barrier layers effectively blocks the heat dissipation, facilitating the formation of a highly wear‐resistant inner layer with α‐Al2O3, CuO, and the other high‐temperature species under soft sparking.
Quantitative analysis of parent‐of‐origin effect in reproductive and morphological selection criteria in the Pura Raza Española horse
Authors: Perdomo‐González Davinia I. , Varona Luis , Molina Antonio , Laseca Nora , Valera Mercedes
Published: June 2023

It is generally assumed that parents make a genetically equal contribution to their offspring, but this assumption might not always hold. This is because the expression of a gene can be blocked by methylation during gametogenesis, and the degree of methylation can depend on the origin of the parental gene (imprinting) or by preferential management associated with genetic merit. The first consequences of this for quantitative genetics is that the mean phenotypes of reciprocal heterozygotes need no longer be the same, as would be expected according to Mendelian heritage. We analysed three mare reproductive traits (reproductive efficiency, age at first foaling and foaling number) and three morphological traits (height at withers, thoracic circumference, and scapula‐ischial length) in the Pura Raza Española (PRE) horse population, which possesses a deep and reliable pedigree, making it a perfect breed for analysing the quantitative effect of parent‐of‐origin. The number of animals analysed ranged from 44,038 to 144,191, all of them with both parents known. The model comparison between a model without parent‐of‐origin effects and three different models with parent‐of‐origin effects revealed that both maternal and paternal gametic effects influence all the analysed traits. The maternal gametic effect had a higher influence on most traits, accounting for between 3% and 11% of the total phenotypic variance, while the paternal gametic effect accounted for a higher proportion of variance in one trait, age at first foaling (4%). As expected, the Pearson's correlations between additive breeding values of models that consider parent‐of‐origin and that do not consider parent‐of‐origin were very high; however, the percentage of coincident animals slightly decreases when comparing animals with the highest estimated breeding values. Ultimately, this work demonstrates that parent‐of‐origin effects exist in horse gene transmission from a quantitative point of view. Additionally, including an estimate of the parent‐of‐origin effect within the PRE horse breeding program could be a great tool for a better parent's selection and that could be of interest for breeders, as this value will determine whether the animals acquire genetic categories and are much more highly valued.
Utilizing people, analytics, and AI for decision making in the digitalized retail supply chain
Authors: Brau Rebekah I. , Sanders Nada R. , Aloysius John , Williams Donnie
Published: June 2023

Our research reveals the continued and evolving role of the human factor in decision making in digitalized retail supply chains. We compare managerial roles in a pre‐ and post‐COVID era through conducting in‐depth interviews of 25 executives spanning the retail supply chain ecosystem. We use grounded theory to develop four main contributions. First, we find that the involvement of managerial judgment is found to be progressively greater moving up the retail supply chain, away from the customer and the demand signal. Second, integration of analytics and judgment is now the primary method of decision making, and we identify elements needed for success. Third, we develop an essential framework for a successful integration process. Fourth, we isolate the necessary components of a successful process for analytics/artificial intelligence (AI) implementation. Our paper offers important insights into how analytics and AI are—and should be used—in judgment and decision making and opportunities for researchers to understand the changing role of the human factor in digitalized retail supply chains.
You're driving me crazy! How emotions elicited by negative driver behaviors impact customer outcomes in last mile delivery
Authors: Masorgo Nicolò , Mir Saif , Hofer Adriana Rossiter
Published: June 2023

With the growth of e‐commerce and associated home deliveries, understanding the role of drivers in shaping the customer experience in last‐mile delivery is now more crucial than ever. Delivery drivers increasingly act as retailers' frontline employees and are thus instrumental in developing pseudorelationships between customers and retailers. Industry surveys, however, reveal that drivers admit to engaging in unprofessional behaviors with customers and often refuse to address customers' requests beyond package delivery. Following a middle‐range theorizing approach and leveraging Cognitive Appraisal Theory, we investigate how two negative driver behaviors, inappropriate behavior and inflexibility, impact customer satisfaction and repurchase intentions. We also examine the moderating effect of driver affiliation, private versus outsourced, in altering the magnitude of customer responses. Results from a scenario‐based experiment indicate that while the negative effects of driver inappropriate behavior on customer outcomes are mediated by anger, the effects of driver inflexibility are mediated by sadness. Moreover, the negative effect of driver inflexibility on customer outcomes is weaker for outsourced logistics than for private fleet drivers. In turn, driver inappropriate behavior exhibits similar negative effects on customer outcomes for both driver affiliations. These findings offer important insights for last‐mile delivery strategy and operations research and practice.
Unfolding self‐regulated learning profiles of students: A longitudinal study
Authors: Esnaashari Shadi , Gardner Lesley A. , Arthanari Tiru S. , Rehm Michael
Published: June 2023

Background

It is vital to understand students' Self‐Regulatory Learning (SRL) processes, especially in Blended Learning (BL), when students need to be more autonomous in their learning process. In studying SRL, most researchers have followed a variable‐oriented approach. Moreover, little has been known about the unfolding process of students' SRL profiles.

Objectives

We present the insights derived from a study that measured motivation and the learning strategies used by 198 students of a university entry‐level, business school, BL course to develop an understanding of students' SRL processes.

Methods

The Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was used to survey 198 students three times during a semester to investigate SRL profiles and how they unfolded as the course progressed using a person‐oriented approach. Through a clustering approach, we focus on MSLQ's motivation aspects as its importance has been emphasised by different SRL theories, and extant research into motivation in learning analytics (LA) is still lacking.

Results and Conclusions

Through the longitudinal clustering approach, we identified minimally, average, and highly SRL profiles. We acknowledged that students might change their SRL profiles as the course progressed as a result of feedback they received.

What are the 1 or 2 Major Takeaways from the Study?

This study contributes to the SRL theory by examining students' SRL profiles adaptation longitudinally (addressing the challenge identified regarding the cyclical nature of SRL). This study contributes to LA by investigating motivational constructs currently lacking in the field and bringing forward theory based empirical evidence to inform theory and practice.
Technology‐mediated outdoor learning for primary school student teachers: Focusing on biodiversity
Authors: Eriksson Miikka , Kärkkäinen Sirpa , Tahvanainen Ville
Published: June 2023

Background

Technologies may successfully be used to mediate, aid, and diversify learning, but several studies indicate that technologies cannot substitute outdoor learning and its experiential nature. To halt human‐induced biodiversity loss, teachers should acquire a deep understanding of the principles of ecology, including the challenging concept of biodiversity. Only few studies have investigated learning about biodiversity outdoors guided by technology.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine student teachers' current knowledge of the concept of biodiversity, to test how well technology‐mediated mobile learning in outdoor settings affects their understanding of the concept, and to determine the students' ability to estimate biodiversity in situ.

Methods

Student teachers (N = 121) participated in a technology‐mediated nature trail. Research data was gathered through open‐ended questions in pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires and an assignment during the trail. Data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Results and Conclusions

Results showed that significantly, more students included species and ecosystem diversity in their definitions of biodiversity after the trail, but the inclusion of genetic diversity remained low. Student's estimations of biodiversity in situ and related arguments indicate that they had difficulties in connecting their observations with their assessments of biodiversity.

Implications

The study indicates that biodiversity is still a challenging concept, but also that outdoor learning mediated by technology has potential to untangle the concept. Understanding the importance of genetic diversity for species survival should be given special attention.
RhoA/ROCK1 regulates the mitochondrial dysfunction through Drp1 induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis in endothelial cells
Authors: Dong Qin , Luo Yuxiao , Yin Yuqing , Ma Yiwei , Yu Yingyi , Wang Liu , Yang Huishun , Pan Yaping , Zhang Dongmei
Published: June 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a pivotal pathogen of periodontitis. Our previous studies have confirmed that mitochondrial dysfunction in the endothelial cells caused by P. gingivalis was dependent on Drp1, which may be the mechanism of P. gingivalis causing endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, the signalling pathway induced the mitochondrial dysfunction remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway in regulating mitochondrial dysfunction caused by P. gingivalis. P. gingivalis was used to infect EA.hy926 cells (endothelial cells). The expression and activation of RhoA and ROCK1 were assessed by western blotting and pull‐down assay. The morphology of mitochondria was observed by mitochondrial staining and transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial function was measured by ATP content, mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial permeability transition pore openness. The phosphorylation and translocation of Drp1 were evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence. The role of the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway in mitochondrial dysfunction was investigated using RhoA and ROCK1 inhibitors. The activation of RhoA/ROCK1 pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in P. gingivalis‐infected endothelial cells. Furthermore, RhoA or ROCK1 inhibitors partly prevented mitochondrial dysfunction caused by P. gingivalis. The increased phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 induced by P. gingivalis were both blocked by RhoA and ROCK1 inhibitors. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway was involved in mitochondrial dysfunction caused by P. gingivalis by regulating the phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of Drp1. Our research illuminated a possible new mechanism by which P. gingivalis promotes endothelial dysfunction.
Editorial: What's in a name? Drawing on the examples of autism and schizophrenia, some reflections on diagnostic labels and their future role in child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Ronald Angelica
Published: June 2023

Ten years have passed since the release of DSM‐5, which brought with it some notable changes in diagnostic labels. In this editorial, the impact of labels, and the changes in labels used in child and adolescent psychiatry, are discussed, with examples drawn from autism and schizophrenia. The diagnostic labels that children and adolescents receive feed into their treatment access and future potential but also to their self‐identities. Outside of medicine, extensive budgets and time are spent to test how consumers identify with the labels of products. Diagnoses are not commercial products, of course, but the choice of labels used in child and adolescent psychiatry should remain a priority, in light of their impact on translational science, treatment and on individuals, alongside the ever‐evolving nature of language itself.
Can repeated intranasal oxytocin administration affect reduced neural sensitivity towards expressive faces in autism? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moerkerke Matthijs , Daniels Nicky , Van der Donck Stephanie , Tibermont Laura , Tang Tiffany , Debbaut Edward , Bamps Annelies , Prinsen Jellina , Steyaert Jean , Alaerts Kaat , Boets Bart
Published: June 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction. Crucial for efficient social interaction is the ability to quickly and accurately extract information from a person's face. Frequency‐tagging electroencephalography (EEG) is a novel tool to quantify face‐processing sensitivity in a robust and implicit manner. In terms of intervention approaches, intranasal administration of oxytocin (OT) is increasingly considered as a potential pharmacological approach for improving socio‐communicative difficulties in ASD, through enhancing social salience and/or reducing (social) stress and anxiety.

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, mechanistic pharmaco‐neuroimaging clinical trial, we implemented frequency‐tagging EEG to conduct an exploratory investigation into the impact of repeated OT administration (4 weeks, 12 IU, twice daily) on neural sensitivity towards happy and fearful facial expressions in children with ASD (8–12 years old; OT: n = 29; placebo: n = 32). Neural effects were assessed at baseline, post‐nasal spray (24 hr after the last nasal spray) and at a follow‐up session, 4 weeks after the OT administration period. At baseline, neural assessments of children with ASD were compared with those of an age‐ and gender‐matched cohort of neurotypical (NT) children (n = 39).

Results

Children with ASD demonstrated reduced neural sensitivity towards expressive faces, as compared to NT children. Upon nasal spray administration, children with ASD displayed a significant increase in neural sensitivity at the post‐ and follow‐up sessions, but only in the placebo group, likely reflecting an implicit learning effect. Strikingly, in the OT group, neural sensitivity remained unaffected from the baseline to the post‐session, likely reflecting a dampening of an otherwise typically occurring implicit learning effect.

Conclusions

First, we validated the robustness of the frequency‐tagging EEG approach to assess reduced neural sensitivity towards expressive faces in children with ASD. Furthermore, in contrast to social salience effects observed after single‐dose administrations, repeated OT administration dampened typically occurring learning effects in neural sensitivity. In line with OT's social anxiolytic account, these observations possibly reflect a predominant (social) stress regulatory effect towards emotionally evocative faces after repeated OT administration.
Do surgeons postpone offer of discretionary surgery when patients are experiencing difficult life events?
Authors: Duru Nneoma O. , Crijns Tom J. , Ring David , Ramtin Sina ,   and the Science of Variation Group
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives

There is substantial surgeon‐to‐surgeon variation in offering discretionary surgery. Part of this variation may relate to awareness of, and sensitivity to, mental and social health priorities. This survey‐based experiment randomized features of patient scenarios to measure the relative association of a patient's difficult life event (DLE) in the last year on surgeon decision to (1) delay consideration of discretionary surgery and (2) suggest prioritizing mental and social health with appropriate referral.

Methods

We invited hand and upper extremity surgeon members of the Science of Variation Group to review six scenarios of patients considering discretionary surgery for de Quervain tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis, trapeziometacarpal arthritis, wrist osteoarthritis, non‐displaced scaphoid wrist fracture and displaced partial articular radial head fracture and 106 participated. The following aspects of the scenarios were randomized: gender, age, symptoms and limitations, socioeconomic status, feelings of worry and despair regarding symptoms, and experience of a DLE in the last 12 months. Multi‐level logistic regression was used to seek patient and surgeon factors associated with offer of operative treatment now (vs. postponing) and formal referral for counselling.

Results

Accounting for potential confounders, surgeons were less likely to offer discretionary surgery to patients who experienced a DLE in the last year, women and non‐trauma diagnosis. Surgeon referral for mental and social health support was associated with disproportionate symptom intensity and magnitude of incapability, notable symptoms of worry or despair and a DLE in the last year.

Conclusion

The observation that a recent DLE is associated with surgeon delay in offer of discretionary surgery reflects that surgeons may prioritize mental and social health in this context.
Low‐cost inorganic phase change material improves the storage conditions of on‐farm storage chamber
Authors: Kale Sakharam , Indore Navnath , Nath Prerna , Kannaujia Pankaj , Dukare Ajinath
Published: June 2023

Efficacy of low‐cost inorganic phase change material (PCM) in improving storage conditions of on‐farm storage chamber was investigated. Before fabrication, thermal analysis of chamber was conducted using ANSYS (2021 R2). Results indicated that PCM proved its potentiality to maintain inside temperature. After thermal analysis, prototype of chamber was fabricated with outer and inner dimensions as 450 mm× 360 mm × 360 mm and 330 mm × 250 mm × 250 mm, respectively. PCM requirement, determined through one‐dimensional heat transfer analysis, was found as 2.41 kg. Subsequently, low‐cost, inorganic PCM was prepared from inorganic salt of Na2SO4∙NaCl∙10H2O in proportion of 37:16:47 and packed in pouches. On‐farm experiments were conducted to evaluate efficacy of experimental PCM under three cases, no‐PCM, with‐PCM no‐load, and with‐PCM full‐load. In third case, 14 kg vegetables were kept inside chamber as well as same quantity was kept outside the chamber. Results evidenced that PCM improved storage conditions, in terms of lower temperature (21.5–30.5°C) and increased RH (71.9%–88.6%), of chamber. Vegetables kept outside showed drastic weight loss (up to 80%), while that within chamber had meager losses (up to 10%). Thus, study concluded that low‐cost inorganic PCM is effective in improving storage conditions of on‐farm storage chamber and reduce weight loss of stored produce.

Practical applications

On‐farm storage/transit‐storage/precooling of perishable commodities, such as fruits and vegetables is very important in order to reduce the postharvest losses of these commodities. Storage conditions comprising of low temperature and high humidity are capable of reducing the losses to large extent. However, attaining these conditions in on‐farm storage structures is cost intensive and cannot be afforded by large number of fruit‐vegetable growers of the developing countries. In this context, findings of present study would be useful in designing and developing the low‐cost PCM based on‐farm cold storage rooms/structures that would serve the purpose of reducing the postharvest losses.
Safety and efficacy of vedolizumab in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis: multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Yokoyama Koji , Yamamoto Yoko , Nambu Ryusuke , Hagiwara Shin‐Ichiro , Abukawa Daiki , Mizuochi Tatsuki , Kudo Takahiro , Sado Tomomitsu , Iwata Naomi , Ishige Takashi , Iwama Itaru , Kumagai Hideki , Arai Katsuhiro , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: June 2023

Background

Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to α4β7 integrin expressed in T‐lymphocytes and is gut selective. Few studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of VDZ in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, especially from Asia.

Methods

A longitudinal multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 10 Japanese tertiary medical institutions. Patients aged ≤18 years old who received VDZ for UC between January 2019 and July 2021 were enrolled. Information on the clinical characteristics, prior/concomitant treatment, and safety during the observation period was collected.

Results

The data obtained from 48 patients (males, n = 30; females, n = 18) were analyzed. The median age at VDZ induction was 14 (range 4–18) years old. VDZ was indicated in 73% of patients as switching from previous biologics due to primary failure, loss of response, and adverse events (AEs) and was the first biologic in 27%. Remission was achieved or maintained at weeks 14, 30, and 54 in 79.2%, 75.0%, and 65.8% of patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between the number of previous biologics exposures and VDZ effectiveness. The hematocrit, serum albumin concentrations, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at baseline differed significantly by VDZ effectiveness. Nine AEs, including infusion reaction, were noted in seven (14.3%) patients. There were no severe AEs related to VDZ administration.

Conclusions

VDZ was safe and effective in children with UC. The hematocrit, albumin, and ESR at VDZ initiation might be predictors for VDZ effectiveness. VDZ may be an important option for pediatric patients and can be used as an alternative to immunomodulators.
Influence of preoperative frailty on quality of life after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fehlmann Christophe A. , Bezzina Kathryn , Mazzola Rosetta , Visintini Sarah M. , Guo Ming Hao , Rubens Fraser D. , Wells George A. , McGuinty Caroline , Huang Allen , Khoury Lara , Boczar Kevin Emery
Published: June 2023

Background

Frailty has emerged as an important prognostic marker of increased mortality after cardiac surgery, but its association with quality of life (QoL) and patient‐centered outcomes is not fully understood. We sought to evaluate the association between frailty and such outcomes in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

This systematic review included studies evaluating the effect of preoperative frailty on QoL outcomes after cardiac surgery amongst patients 65 years and older. The primary outcome was patient's perceived change in QoL following cardiac surgery. Secondary outcomes included residing in a long‐term care facility for 1 year, readmission in the year following the intervention, and discharge destination. Screening, inclusion, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Meta‐analyses based on the random‐effects model were conducted. The evidential quality of findings was assessed with the GRADE profiler.

Results

After the identification of 3105 studies, 10 observational studies were included (1580 patients) in the analysis. Two studies reported on the change in QoL following cardiac surgery, which was higher for patients with frailty than for patients without. Preoperative frailty was associated with both hospital readmission (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.48 [0.80–2.74], low GRADE level) as well as non‐home discharge (pooled OR 3.02 [1.57–5.82], moderate GRADE level).

Conclusion

While evidence in this field is limited by heterogeneity of frailty assessment and non‐randomized data, we demonstrated that baseline frailty may possibly be associated with improved QoL, but with increased readmission as well as discharge to a non‐home destination following cardiac surgery. These patient‐centered outcomes are important factors when considering interventional options for older patients.

Study Registration

OSF registries (https://osf.io/vm2p8).
Overtreatment and associated risk factors among multimorbid older patients with diabetes
Authors: Baretella Oliver , Alwan Heba , Feller Martin , Aubert Carole E. , Del Giovane Cinzia , Papazoglou Dimitrios , Christiaens Antoine , Meinders Arend‐Jan , Byrne Stephen , Kearney Patricia M. , O'Mahony Denis , Knol Wilma , Boland Benoît , Gencer Baris , Aujesky Drahomir , Rodondi Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Background

In multimorbid older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the intensity of glucose‐lowering medication (GLM) should be focused on attaining a suitable level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) while avoiding side effects. We aimed at identifying patients with overtreatment of T2DM as well as associated risk factors.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of a multicenter study of multimorbid older patients, we evaluated HbA1clevels among patients with T2DM. Patients were aged ≥70 years, with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diagnoses) and polypharmacy (≥5 chronic medications), enrolled in four university medical centers across Europe (Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, and Switzerland). We defined overtreatment as HbA1c < 7.5% with ≥1 GLM other than metformin, as suggested byChoosing Wiselyand used prevalence ratios (PRs) to evaluate risk factors of overtreatment in age‐ and sex‐adjusted analyses.

Results

Among the 564 patients with T2DM (median age 78 years, 39% women), mean ± standard deviation HbA1cwas 7.2 ± 1.2%. Metformin (prevalence 51%) was the most frequently prescribed GLM and 199 (35%) patients were overtreated. The presence of severe renal impairment (PR 1.36, 1.21–1.53) and outpatient physician (other than general practitioner [GP], i.e. specialist) or emergency department visits (PR 1.22, 1.03–1.46 for 1–2 visits, and PR 1.35, 1.19–1.54 for ≥3 visits versus no visits) were associated with overtreatment. These factors remained associated with overtreatment in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

In this multicountry study of multimorbid older patients with T2DM, more than one third were overtreated, highlighting the high prevalence of this problem. Careful balancing of benefits and risks in the choice of GLM may improve patient care, especially in the context of comorbidities such as severe renal impairment, and frequent non‐GP healthcare contacts.
Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Brito Luciana , Sahade Viviane , Weber Bernardete , Bersch‐Ferreira Ângela Cristine , Marcadenti Aline , Torreglosa Camila , Kovacs Cristiane , Moreira Annie Seixas Bello , Torres Rosileide de Souza , Marinho Helyde , Matos Cristina , Abib Renata , Souza Gabriela Correa , Shirmann Gabriela da Silva , Nagano Francisca Eugenia Zaina , Ramos Maria Estela Monserrat , Poloni Soraia , El Kik Raquel Milani , Feres Nauale Hassan , Dutra Eliane Said , Ferreira Carvalho Ana Paula Perillo , David Marta Marques , Galvão Isa , Sousa Antonio Carlos Sobral , Dantas Clenise de Farias , Gonçalves Amanda , Pinheiro Josilene Maria Ferreira , Vasconcelos Sandra Mary Lima , Penafort Andreza , de Oliveira Carlos Daniele Maria , Luna Adriana , Neto José Albuquerque de Figueiredo , Dias Luciana , Moriguchi Emilio Hideyuki , Bruscato Neide , Izar Maria Cristina , Lopes Sonia , Backes Luciano Marcelo , Bressan Josefina , Raimondi Simone , Kumbier Magali , Daltro Carla
Published: June 2023

Background

An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann–Whitney or Pearson's chi‐squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0–30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high‐quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302–2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097–2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107–1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086–1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence.

Conclusions

A low‐quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.
Sustainable diets among youth: Validity and reliability of a questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to change
Authors: Hashim Mona , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Abbas Nada , Ali Juman , Saeed Fatema , Mohamed Ayah , Mashal Amal , Naja Farah
Published: June 2023

Background

In light of the global commitment to promoting sustainable dietary choices and the pivotal role of young adults in the adoption of these choices, it is paramount to understand their perspectives of healthy and sustainable diets. The present study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of a questionnaire examining the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to change regarding sustainable diets among young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

Male and female students attending University of Sharjah, UAE (n = 436), completed an online questionnaire consisting of four sections: knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to change with regard to sustainable diets. Of the participants, 106 completed the questionnaire a second time, 1 month later. Factor analysis (FA) (both exploratory and confirmatory), Cronbach‐α, interitem correlations, and intra class correlation (ICC) coefficients were used in the data analysis.

Results

Exploratory FA revealed four factors corresponding to the components of the questionnaire. Results of the confirmatory FA indicated a good fit: the χ2 df ratio was < 5 (2.3), root mean squared error of approximation was < 0.08 (0.048) and the comparative fit index was above 0.9 (0.901). Cronbach α and interitem correlations were: knowledge: 0.57 and 0.21; attitude: 0.70 and 0.28; practices: 0.76 and 0.39; willingness to change: 0.69 and 0.27. The ICC coefficients, assessing the reliability of the questionnaire, ranged between 0.48 and 0.92 for the various items.

Conclusions

The developed questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool that could be used to identify the gaps and opportunities for the development of evidence‐based interventions aiming to enhance the uptake of sustainable diets among young adults.
BACE1 SUMOylation deregulates phosphorylation and ubiquitination in Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Zhao Yanna , Zhou Hongyan , Zhao Yan , Liang Zhen , Gong Xiaokang , Yu Jing , Huang Tiantian , Yang Chaoqin , Wu Mengjuan , Xiao Yifan , Yang Youhua , Liu Wei , Wang Xiaochuan , Shu Xiji , Bao Jian
Published: June 2023

BACE1 is essential for the generation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) that likely initiates the toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). BACE1 activity is mainly regulated by post‐translational modifications, but the relationship between these modifications is not fully characterized. Here, we studied the effects of BACE1 SUMOylation on its phosphorylation and ubiquitination. We demonstrate that SUMOylation of BACE1 inhibits its phosphorylation at S498 and its ubiquitination in vitro. Conversely, BACE1 phosphorylation at S498 suppresses its SUMOylation, which results in promoting BACE1 degradation in vitro. Furthermore, an increase in BACE1 SUMOylation is associated with the progression of AD pathology, while its phosphorylation and ubiquitination are decreased in an AD mouse model. Our findings suggest that BACE1 SUMOylation reciprocally influences its phosphorylation and competes against its ubiquitination, which might provide a new insight into the regulations of BACE1 activity and Aβ accumulation.

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Managing leukemia patients via liquid biopsy and super rolling circle amplification (superRCA)
Authors: Eriksson Anna , Chen Lei , Amini Rose‐Marie , Cavelier Lucia , Landegren Ulf
Published: June 2023

The rapidly increasing availability of sequence information for tumor patients, combined with expanding treatment options, motivates efforts to monitor the course of disease for individual patients by analyzing patient‐specific mutations in liquid biopsies, as highly specific markers of the malignancy. We discuss the suitability of established molecular methods to monitor patients with malignancies, in particular leukemias, comparing these to the recently developed super rolling circle amplification technique for highly sensitive, parallel measurements of mutant sequences using readily available instruments. The very high sensitivity for tumor‐specific mutations—in combination with low cost and ready access at clinics—promises to allow routine monitoring of increasing numbers of tumor patients, in order to initiate improved treatments at the earliest timepoint possible, when necessary. A method with high‐enough accuracy to enable monitoring in peripheral blood rather than bone marrow samples would present a great practical advantage, not least from the patient perspective. We describe scenarios in which sufficiently sensitive, inexpensive methods for mutational analysis can provide valuable guidance for the clinician in choosing among therapeutic options and adjusting ongoing treatment and help to promptly identify recurrences of disease in treated patients.
Future time perspective: Factor structure, age pattern, and implications for psychological well‐being and life satisfaction
Authors: Zhang Jia Wei , Howell Ryan T. , Allemand Mathias , Snell Andrew N. , Januchowski Joseph A. , John Oliver P.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Emerging research challenges the one‐factor model of the future time perspective (FTP) scale by demonstrating two‐ and three‐factor models of the FTP scale.

Method

Three samples (i.e., Switzerland and the United States; N = 2022) explored the factor structure, age pattern differences, tested the link between FTP factors, psychological well‐being, and life satisfaction, as well as age as a moderator.

Results

We distinguished FTP into opportunities, extension, and constraint factors that corroborated previous research. We did not find a replicable curvilinear age pattern difference on any of the FTP factors. The association between extension and life satisfaction was stronger among younger than older adults. Alternatively, the association between constraint and life satisfaction was stronger among younger than older adults in Samples A and C, and the pattern was reversed in Sample B. Lastly, the association between constraint and environmental mastery was stronger among older adults than younger adults in Sample B and the pattern was reversed in Sample C.

Conclusion

This variation in the perception of the future is different for people at different periods in life and has an important consequence for living life well, especially a focus on extension and lack of constraint.
Different carbon sources and probiotics in biofloc based common carp (Cyprinus carpio) culture: Effects on water quality, growth performance, fish welfare and liver histopathology
Authors: Ajamhasani Elham , Akrami Reza , Najdegerami Ebrahim H. , Chitsaz Hosein , Shamloofar Mahshid
Published: June 2023

The current study investigated the combined effects of carbon sources and commercial probiotics on common carp welfare in a biofloc‐based system. Three hundred fingerlings (initial weight 43.2 ± 3.1 g) were distributed in 12 tanks including control, PR + BFT (rice bran + probiotics), PM + BFT (molasses + probiotics), and PC + BFT (corn starch + probiotics). After 12 weeks, the results showed that NNH3, NNO2, pH, and dissolved oxygen decreased in the PC + BFT and PR + BFT treatments when compared with the others. Unlike the control treatment, the fish reared in the biofloc treatments had significantly higher growth performances (p < 0.05). The highest protein and lipid content in microbial flocs, protease, and lipase activity followed by protein and lipid muscle content was observed in PR + BFT when compared with PM + BFT and control (p < 0.05). The sero‐immunological and antioxidant indices improved in the PC + BFT and PR + BFT treatments, and a significant difference was found than the control (p < 0.05). The higher ductal dilatation was seen in PM + BFT treatment which is worth more investigation. Overall, the results revealed that adding probiotics to complex carbon resources improves the water quality and common carp fingerlings welfare in the biofloc system.
Effect of fish meal replacement byAzollameal on growth performance, hemato‐biochemical and serum parameters in the diet of scale carp,Cyprinus carpiovar.communis
Authors: Ahmed Imtiaz , Khan Younis Mohd , Lateef Anzar , Jan Kousar , Majeed Aamir , Shah Manzoor A.
Published: June 2023

A 12‐week growth experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability ofAzolla cristataas a fish meal (FM) substitute in diets forCyprinus carpiovar. communisfingerlings. Six iso‐nitrogenous and isocaloric (16.17 kJ/g GE) diets were formulated to contain 42% crude protein and each treatment had three replicates. The mean initial weight of the fish was 3.4 ± 0.2 g. Graded levels ofA.cristata0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in the diets were fed to the fish in triplicate groups, respectively. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in growth performance of fish‐fed diets containing 10% and control (0%) inclusion levels were seen. However, further increase inAzollameal (AM) supplementation resulted in gradual decline in growth performance of fish in terms of live weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. All hematological parameters had a linear declining trend as the proportion of AM in diet was increased. Protein content of fish was found significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in fish‐fed higher inclusion of AM. Serum biochemical parameters were also noted to reduce with increasing inclusion of AM, except for glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). On the basis of results obtained in the present study, it is recommended that 10%Azollameal can be included in the practical diets forC. carpiovar.communisfingerlings as partial replacement for fishmeal without affecting their growth, feed efficiency, and fish quality for the intensive culture of this fish species.
Legitimacy and online proceedings: Procedural justice, access to justice, and the role of income
Authors: Mentovich Avital , Prescott J.J. , Rabinovich-Einy Orna
Published: June 2023

Courts have long struggled to bridge the access-to-justice gap associated with in-person hearings, which makes the recent adoption of online legal proceedings potentially beneficial. Online proceedings hold promise for better access: they occur remotely, can proceed asynchronously, and often rely solely on written communication. Yet these very qualities may also undermine some of the well-established elements of procedural-justice perceptions, a primary predictor of how people view the legal system's legitimacy. This paper examines the implications of shifting legal proceedings online for both procedural-justice and access-to-justice perceptions. It also investigates the relationship of both types of perceptions with system legitimacy, as well as the relative weight these predictors carry across litigant income levels. Drawing on online traffic court cases, we find that perceptions of procedural justice and access to justice are each separately associated with a litigant's appraisal of system legitimacy, but among lower-income parties, access to justice is a stronger predictor, while procedural justice dominates among higher-income parties. These findings highlight the need to incorporate access-to-justice perceptions into existing models of legal legitimacy.
Validation of non‐invasive diagnosis of CSPH in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease according to Baveno VII
Authors: Song Byeong Geun , Goh Myung Ji , Kang Wonseok , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong‐Han , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Paik Seung Woon , Sinn Dong Hyun
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Baveno VII consensus introduced the non‐invasive criteria of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) using liver stiffness measurement (LSM). We evaluated the usefulness of the Baveno VII criteria to predict the risk of decompensation in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1966 patients with cACLD. Patients were categorized into four groups (CSPH excluded (n = 619), grey zone (low risk of CSPH (n = 699), high risk of CSPH (n = 207)), and CSPH included (n = 441)) according to Baveno VII consensus. The risk of events was estimated using a Fine and Gray competing risk regression analysis, with liver transplantation and death as competing events. We calculated standardized hazard ratios (sHR) to assess the relative risk of decompensation.

Results

Among 1966 patients, 178 developed decompensations over a median follow‐up of 3.06 (IQR: 1.03–6.00) years. Patients with CSPH had the highest decompensation risk, followed by the grey zone high‐risk group, grey zone low‐risk group, and those without CSPH with 3‐year cumulative risks of 22%, 12%, 3.3%, and 1.4% respectively (p < .001). Compared to CSPH excluded group, CSPH included group (sHR: 8.00, 95% CI: 4.00–16.0), grey zone high‐risk group (sHR: 6.57, 95% CI: 3.16–13.6), grey zone low‐risk group (sHR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04–4.41) had significantly higher risk of decompensation (Gray's test p < .01).

Conclusion

Non‐invasive diagnosis of CSPH according to the Baveno VII criteria can stratify the risk of decompensation.
Omics in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Li Peng , Liang Xi , Luo Jinjin , Li Jun
Published: June 2023

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a critical syndrome that develops in patients with chronic liver disease and is characterized by acute decompensation, single‐ or multiple‐organ failure and high short‐term mortality. Over the past few decades, ACLF has been progressively recognized as an independent clinical entity, and several criteria and prognostic scores have been proposed and validated by different scientific societies. However, controversies still exist in some aspects across regions, which mainly involve whether the definition of underlying liver diseases should include cirrhosis and non‐cirrhosis. The pathophysiology of ACLF is complicated and remains unclear, although accumulating evidence based on different aetiologies of ACLF shows that it is closely associated with intense systemic inflammation and immune‐metabolism disorder, which result in mitochondrial dysfunction and microenvironment imbalance, leading to disease development and organ failure. In‐depth insight into the biological pathways involved in the mechanisms of ACLF and potential mechanistic targets that improve patient survival still needs to be investigated. Omics‐based analytical techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiomes, have developed rapidly and can offer novel insights into the essential pathophysiologic process of ACLF. In this paper, we briefly reviewed and summarized the current knowledge and recent advances in the definitions, criteria and prognostic assessments of ACLF; we also described the omics techniques and how omics‐based analyses have been applied to investigate and characterize the biological mechanisms of ACLF and identify potential predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ACLF. We also outline the challenges, future directions and limitations presented by omics‐based analyses in clinical ACLF research.