bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seven decades of plastic flows and stocks in the United States and pathways toward zero plastic pollution by 2050
Authors: Kan Mengqing , Wang Chunyan , Zhu Bing , Chen Wei‐Qiang , Liu Yi , Ren Yucheng , Xu Ming
Published: August 2023

The United States is the world's second‐largest producer and consumer of plastics and the largest producer of plastic waste. Understanding the sources, drivers, and destinations of plastic production, consumption, and waste is critical for the United States to develop strategies toward a zero‐plastic pollution future. Here, we characterize the dynamic material flows and stocks of plastics in the United States for nearly seven decades (1950–2018) and project the future trajectories until 2050 under various scenarios on the basis of reduce, reuse, and recycle to explore pathways toward zero plastic pollution. Our estimation shows that 1479 MMt plastics were produced in the United States from 1950 to 2018, 75 MMt waste plastics were domestically recycled, 139 MMt virgin polymers were exported, and 9 MMt recycled waste plastics were imported. Currently, about 326 MMt of plastics still remain in the society as in‐use stock, most of which (63%) are in the construction sector. Plastic pollution would almost double from 37 MMt in 2018 to 86 MMt in 2050 if current consumption pattern and waste management remain unchanged. Single strategies (i.e., plastic bag ban and extended lifespan) could only contribute limited reductions (2%–12%) of plastics pollution, and would not be able to reverse the increasing trajectory of plastic pollution until 2050. Additional measures are needed, such as improving recycling and avoiding landfilling of plastic waste. Our analysis can provide critical insights to help the United States develop long‐term strategies to mitigate and eliminate plastic pollution.
Quality of hematology and clinical chemistry results in laboratory and zoo nonhuman primates: Effects of the preanalytical phase. A review
Authors: Granat Fanny A. , Trumel Catherine , Braun Jean‐Pierre D. , Bourgès‐Abella Nathalie H.
Published: August 2023

Most errors in clinical pathology originate in the preanalytical phase, which includes all steps from the preparation of animals and equipment to the collection of the specimen and its management until analyzed. Blood is the most common specimen collected in nonhuman primates. Other specimens collected include urine, saliva, feces, and hair. The primary concern is the variability of blood hematology and biochemistry results due to sampling conditions with the effects of capture, restraint, and/or anesthesia. Housing and diet have fewer effects, with the exception of food restriction to reduce obesity. There has been less investigation regarding the impact of sampling conditions of nonblood specimens.
Decision‐making trade‐offs: A classic grounded theory study of Chinese acute leukaemia patients and their family caregivers across the trajectory of illness
Authors: Wang Ying , Wu Yong , Hu Rong
Published: August 2023

Aim and Objectives

To identify the main concern of patients with acute leukaemia and their family caregivers in the process of coping with the disease and to determine how patients and their family caregivers address these concerns on an ongoing basis.

Background

Acute leukaemia is a progressive disease that may lead to physical problems and mental stress in patients. It also affects the psychological well‐being and quality of life of family caregivers. Nevertheless, few studies explore the behavioural pattern across the trajectories of illness in Chinese patients with acute leukaemia and their family caregivers.

Design

Grounded theory.

Methods

Theoretical sampling was performed to collect 14 sets of secondary data from Bilibili platform, literature, articles from WeChat official account, press releases and documentary. A total of 29 participants were selected to participate in semistructured interviews from the haematology department of a tertiary care hospital in Fuzhou, Fujian Province from January 2021 to November 2021. Data collection and analysis were conducted in a synchronous iterative manner until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis included open coding, selective coding and constant comparison, et al. The CCOREQ checklist was utilised.

Results

This study discovered the main concern (i.e. seeking survival) and main behavioural pattern of how patients with acute leukaemia and their family caregivers addressed this issue. Three decision‐making strategies, ‘responding’ ‘accommodating’ and ‘resisting’ also emerged.

Conclusions

This study explored the behavioural pattern of patients with acute leukaemia and their family caregivers in the process of coping with disease. The study found that the main concern of patients with acute leukaemia and their family caregivers, and provided a theoretical basis for disease management and nursing interventions for them in the future.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings of this study contribute to nursing knowledge, practice in the field of patients' participation in decision‐making.

Patient or Public Contribution

Due to the characteristics of grounded theory (no presupposition of research questions), the interviews in this study mainly focus on theory generation. Participants were not asked to assess the burden of the intervention and the time required to participate in the study, as interviews were conducted for theory generation. This study may assist patients and family caregivers in obtaining better understand and adapt to changes across the trajectory of illness, as well as to promote public destigmatisation of acute leukaemia and reforms in family‐hospital‐community diversified care.
Association of normalization of postoperative carbohydrate antigen 125 levels with treatment failure following uterine artery embolization for adenomyosis
Authors: Liu Song , Peng Chaonan , Wang Zhiliang , Zhou Xi , Zhang Shujuan , Li Guangxue , Yang Bing
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level and adenomyosis treatment failure (TF) after uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Methods

We evaluated 224 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis who underwent UAE between January 2016 and December 2020. Improvements in dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were assessed on the basis of symptom relief criteria. The factors associated with TF were investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Patients were analyzed for preoperative CA125 levels, postoperative CA125 levels, and the normalization of postoperative CA125 levels. Long‐term symptom relief and quality of life after UAE were compared between the groups.

Results

During the 24‐month follow‐up, 50 patients (22.3%) experienced TF. Compared to patients in the non‐TF group, those in the TF group had significantly higher preoperative and postoperative CA125 levels (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that failure to normalize postoperative CA125 levels was independently associated with an increased risk of TF (34.7% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001; hazard ratio 3.953, 95% confidence interval 1.567–9.973, p = 0.004). After a 3‐month follow‐up period, patients who normalized their CA125 levels were more likely to achieve complete necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging than those who did not (82.1% vs. 56.8%, p < 0.001). Normalization of postoperative CA125 levels was significantly associated with fewer symptoms and better quality of life 12 months after UAE (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Following UAE, normalization of postoperative CA125 levels, rather than absolute values, was the strongest predictive marker of TF.
Getting on top of work‐email: A systematic review of 25 years of research to understand effective work‐email activity
Authors: Russell Emma , Jackson Thomas W. , Fullman Marc , Chamakiotis Petros
Published: August 2023

In the last 25 years, work‐email activity has been studied across domains and disciplines. Yet, despite the abundance of research available, a comprehensive, unifying framework of how work‐email activity positively impacts both well‐being and work‐performance outcomes has yet to emerge. This is a timely and significant concern; work‐email is the most prominent and popular form of work communication but it is still unclear what people need to do to be effective emailers at work. To address this, we undertook a rigorous cross‐disciplinary systematic literature review of 62 empirical papers. Using action regulation theory, we developed a multi‐action, multi‐goal framework and found four ‘super’ actions that consistently predict effectiveness (positive well‐being and work‐performance outcomes). These actions involve: (i) communicating and adhering to work‐email access boundaries; (ii) regularly triaging emails (iii) sending work‐relevant email and (iv) being civil and considerate in work‐email exchanges. We found that super actions are engaged when workers have the resources to appropriately regulate their activity, and can attend to their self, task and social needs. Our framework synthesizes a broad and disparate research field, providing valuable insights and guiding future research directions. It also offers practical recommendations to organizations and individuals; by understanding and encouraging the adoption of work‐email super actions, effective work‐email practices can be enhanced.
Three‐dimensional evaluation of the temporomandibular joints after unilateral surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion in adults: A preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Karabiber Gülden , Yılmaz Hanife Nuray
Published: August 2023

Background

Unilateral surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (U‐SARME) is a successful method for correction of true unilateral posterior crossbite (TUPC).

Objectives

This retrospective preliminary study aimed to evaluate the position and morphology of condyles in TUPC cases and the effects of U‐SARME on condyle with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

Fifteen patients (mean age: 18.69 ± 1.59 years) who were diagnosed as TUPC and undergone U‐SARME were selected. Preoperative (T0) and after 6‐month retention (T1) DICOM data of CBCT images were evaluated with MIMICs version 19.0 software. Condylar morphology (medio‐lateral and antero‐posterior dimensions) and position (anterior, posterior, medial and lateral joint spaces, frontal/axial axis angles, the ratio of posterior to anterior joint space and the percentage of posterior to anterior joint space) were evaluated. Student's t‐test was used for intergroup (crossbite, normal) comparisons. Paired‐samples t‐test was used for intra‐group comparisons (p = .05).

Results

There were no positional or dimensional asymmetry of the condyles between crossbite and normal sides initially and after expansion. Regarding T0‐T1 changes, while significant increase was determined in medial (0.3 ± 0.29 mm; p = .001) and superior (0.39 ± 0.7 mm; p = .045) joint spaces on crossbite side, posterior (0.79 ± 0.99 mm; p = .008), superior (0.5 ± 0.79 mm; p = .029) and lateral joint spaces (0.31 ± 0.54 mm; p = .042) presented significant increases on normal side. However, no significant changes were found between crossbite and normal sides at T0 and T1.

Conclusions

Condyles were symmetrical in true unilateral posterior crossbite cases and the symmetry were not disrupted following U‐SARME.
A comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of tooth restoration complex restored with PEEK and lithium disilicate endocrowns
Authors: Aher Sakshi Vilas , Fulari Deepti , Adaki Raghavendra , Huddar Dayanand , Dhole Rohit , Badadare Mokshada , Sahare Pratiksha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This in vitro study was conducted to compare the fracture resistance of tooth restoration complex restored with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and lithium disilicate endocrowns.

Materials and Methods

A total of 46 extracted premolars were collected and treated endodontically. The teeth were mounted in cylindrical molds using autopolymerizing resin and were prepared for endocrown restoration. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 23) to receive endocrowns made with two different materials (polyetheretherketone and lithium disilicate). All the specimens were subjected to thermal cycling. The fracture resistance test was carried out using a Universal Testing Machine. Fractographic analysis was carried out using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope after load test. The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Intergroup comparison (two groups) was performed using a t‐test. Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was performed using chi‐square test.

Results

Fracture resistance tests showed a statistically significant difference in values between the two groups (p < 0.01). High fracture resistance values were seen with lithium disilicate endocrowns. Failure mode analysis showed that both groups exhibited mainly catastrophic failure. There were no significant differences in frequencies of the type of fracture between the groups.

Conclusion

The fracture resistance of endocrowns fabricated with lithium disilicate material was found to be significantly higher than polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. Hence, lithium disilicate material is superior for endocrowns.
Using the quality of life framework to operationalize and assess the CRPD articles and the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Gómez Laura E. , Morán M. Lucía , Navas Patricia , Verdugo Miguel Ángel , Schalock Robert L. , Lombardi Marco , Vicente Eva , Guillén Verónica M. , Balboni Giulia , Swerts Chris , Al‐Halabí Susana , Alcedo M. Ángeles , Monsalve Asunción , Brown Ivan
Published: August 2023

This article describes how rights, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the quality of life (QOL) framework are closely interrelated. Although legislation can be used as a tool for the practical application of QOL principles, QOL assessment information is required to further develop legislation and monitor the fulfillment of laws, policies, and the SDGs. A validated QOL model, which provides a set of concepts that can be one useful way for understanding and assessing QOL, can also function to assess many of the rights and goals promulgated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and in the SDGs. This article illustrates the overlap between the CRPD, SDGs and QOL using the #Rights4MeToo Scale, a new measurement instrument for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The instrument's value lies in its potential to: (a) raise awareness about the rights enshrined in the CRPD; (b) design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at facilitating the exercise of those rights and the achievement of the SDGs; and (c) ultimately improve the QOL of people with IDD.
Real‐world epidemiology, treatment patterns and disease burden of patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Hsiu‐Ting , Su Tung‐Hung , Huang Hazel , Chiang Chih‐Lin , Lin Fang‐Ju
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

This study aimed to update the epidemiology, clinical, and economic outcomes of patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in Taiwan.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study using claims data from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Cases were identified between 2010 and 2019 using CHB diagnosis codes and claims for alanine aminotransferase laboratory tests or CHB treatment within one year of the first CHB diagnosis. Patient characteristics, epidemiology, clinical, and economic outcomes were described.

Results

A total of 730 154 CHB‐diagnosed cases were identified. The prevalence of diagnosed CHB increased from 1.13% in 2010 to 2.43% in 2019, with the highest occurring among those aged 55–64 years (4.76%) and 45–54 years (4.37%) and being higher in men (2.98%) than in women (2.21%). The majority of newly diagnosed CHB patients were 35 years of age or older (86.6%), with a median age of 49 years. After a median follow‐up period of 6.42 years, 12.5%, 7.9%, 2.8%, and 0.35% were diagnosed with cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation respectively. Among 456 706 incident CHB‐diagnosed patients, 17.4% had received at least one CHB medication, with the majority taking entecavir (67.9%). Patients with increasing disease severity had higher healthcare resource utilization, and inpatient costs accounted for 48.9%–65.5% of the overall medical cost in different health states.

Conclusion

Despite the decreasing incidence of newly diagnosed CHB, the prevalence of diagnosed CHB remains high and poses a significant healthcare challenge owing to the high economic burden associated with the complications of CHB.
Different trematode parasites in the same snail host: Species‐specific or shared microbiota?
Authors: Salloum Priscila M. , Jorge Fátima , Poulin Robert
Published: August 2023

The concept that microbes associated with macroorganisms evolve as a unit has swept evolutionary ecology. However, this idea is controversial due to factors such as imperfect vertical transmission of microbial lineages and high microbiome variability among conspecific individuals of the same population. Here, we tested several predictions regarding the microbiota of four trematodes (Galactosomum otepotiense, Philophthalmus attenuatus, Acanthoparyphium sp. and Maritrema novaezealandense) that parasitize the same snail host population. We predicted that each parasite species would harbour a distinct microbiota, with microbial composition similarity decreasing with increasing phylogenetic distance among parasite species. We also predicted that trematode species co‐infecting the same individual host would influence each other's microbiota. We detected significant differences in alpha and beta diversity, as well as differential abundance, in the microbiota of the four trematode species. We found no evidence that phylogenetically closely related trematodes had more similar microbiota. We also uncovered indicator bacterial taxa that were significantly associated with each trematode species. Trematode species sharing the same snail host showed evidence of mostly one‐sided bacterial exchanges, with the microbial community of one species approaching that of the other. We hypothesize that natural selection acting on specific microbial lineages may be important to maintain differences in horizontally acquired microbes, with vertical transmission also playing a role. In particular, one trematode species had a more consistent and diverse bacteriota than the others, potentially a result of stronger stabilizing pressures. We conclude that species‐specific processes shape microbial community assembly in different trematodes exploiting the same host population.
Prevalence of the second victim phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses and the support provided by their organizations
Authors: Kappes Maria , Delgado‐Hito Pilar , Contreras Verónica Riquelme , Romero‐García Marta
Published: August 2023

Background

Health professionals can be ‘second victims’ of adverse patient events. Second victimhood involves a series of physical and psychological signs and symptoms of varying severity and is most prevalent among nurses and women and in intensive care units (ICUs). Previous research has described personal and organizational coping strategies.

Aim

The objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of second victimhood, focusing on psychological distress, among Chilean adult intensive care nurses and its relationship with the support provided by their organizations.

Study Design

A descriptive, correlational and cross‐sectional study was conducted in seven intensive care units of Chilean hospitals.

Results

Of a sample of 326 nurses, 90.18% reported having been involved in an adverse event and 67% reported psychological distress resulting from the adverse event. Embarrassment was the most prevalent psychological symptom (69%). Only 2.8% reported that their organization had an action plan for professionals in the event of a serious adverse event. Participants who had spent longer working in an ICU reported more support from their organization around adverse events.

Conclusion

Two‐thirds of Chilean adult intensive care unit nurses report psychological stress following an adverse event. These results should be assessed internationally because second victims have major implications for the well‐being of health professionals and, therefore, for retention and the quality of care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Critical care leaders must actively promote a safe environment for learning from adverse events, and hospitals must establish a culture of quality that includes support programmes for second victims.
Epigenomic divergence correlates with sequence polymorphism in Arabidopsis paralogs
Authors: Kenchanmane Raju Sunil K. , Lensink Mariele , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Niederhuth Chad , Monroe Grey
Published: August 2023

Processes affecting rates of sequence polymorphism are fundamental to the evolution of gene duplicates. The relationship between gene activity and sequence polymorphism can influence the likelihood that functionally redundant gene copies are co‐maintained in stable evolutionary equilibria vs other outcomes such as neofunctionalization.

Here, we investigate genic variation in epigenome‐associated polymorphism rates in Arabidopsis thaliana and consider whether these affect the evolution of gene duplicates. We compared the frequency of sequence polymorphism and patterns of genetic differentiation between genes classified by exon methylation patterns: unmethylated (unM), gene‐body methylated (gbM), and transposon‐like methylated (teM) states, which reflect divergence in gene expression.

We found that the frequency of polymorphism was higher in teM (transcriptionally repressed, tissue‐specific) genes and lower in gbM (active, constitutively expressed) genes. Comparisons of gene duplicates were largely consistent with genome‐wide patterns – gene copies that exhibit teM accumulate more variation, evolve faster, and are in chromatin states associated with reduced DNA repair.

This relationship between expression, the epigenome, and polymorphism may lead to the breakdown of equilibrium states that would otherwise maintain genetic redundancies. Epigenome‐mediated polymorphism rate variation may facilitate the evolution of novel gene functions in duplicate paralogs maintained over evolutionary time.
The neurobiology of vocal communication in marmosets
Authors: Grijseels Dori M. , Prendergast Brendan J. , Gorman Julia C. , Miller Cory T.
Published: August 2023

An increasingly popular animal model for studying the neural basis of social behavior, cognition, and communication is the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Interest in this New World primate across neuroscience is now being driven by their proclivity for prosociality across their repertoire, high volubility, and rapid development, as well as their amenability to naturalistic testing paradigms and freely moving neural recording and imaging technologies. The complement of these characteristics set marmosets up to be a powerful model of the primate social brain in the years to come. Here, we focus on vocal communication because it is the area that has both made the most progress and illustrates the prodigious potential of this species. We review the current state of the field with a focus on the various brain areas and networks involved in vocal perception and production, comparing the findings from marmosets to other animals, including humans.
The influence of electrode‐tissue‐coverage on RF lesion formation and local impedance: Insights from an ex vivo model
Authors: Bahlke Fabian , Wachter Andreas , Erhard Nico , Englert Florian , Krafft Hannah , Popa Miruna , Risse Elena , Kottmaier Marc , Telishevska Marta , Lengauer Sarah , Lennerz Carsten , Reents Tilko , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel , Bourier Felix
Published: August 2023

Background

The influence of power, duration and contact force (CF) on radiofrequency (RF) lesion formation is well known, whereas data on local impedance (LI) and electrode‐tissue‐coverage (ETC) is scarce. The objective was to investigate their effect on lesion formation in an ex vivo model.

Methods and Results

An ex vivo model was developed utilizing cross‐sections of porcine heart preparations and a force‐sensing, LI‐measuring catheter. N = 72 lesion were created systematically varying ETC (minor/full), CF (1–5 g, 10–15 g, 20–25 g) and power (20 W, 30 W, 40 W, 50 W). In minor ETC, the distal tip of the catheter was in electric contact with the tissue, in full ETC the whole catheter tip was embedded within the tissue. Lesion size and all parameters were measured once per second (n = 3320). LI correlated strongly with lesion depth (r = −0.742 for ΔLI; r = 0.781 for %LI‐drop). Lesions in full ETC were significantly wider and deeper compared to minor ETC (p < .001) and steam pops were more likely. Baseline LI, ΔLI, and %LI‐drop were significantly higher in full ETC (p < .001). In lesions resulting in steam pops, baseline LI, and ΔLI were significantly higher. The influence of CF on lesion size was higher in minor ETC than in full ETC.

Conclusions

ETC is a main determinant of lesion size and occurrence of steam pops. Baseline LI and LI‐drop are useful surrogate parameters for real‐time assessment of ETC and ΔLI correlates strongly with lesion size.
Prediction of early postoperative pain using sleep quality and heart rate variability
Authors: Ho Chun‐Ning , Fu Pei‐Han , Hung Kuo‐Chuan , Wang Li‐Kai , Lin Yao‐Tsung , Yang Albert C. , Ho Chung‐Han , Chang Jia‐Hui , Chen Jen‐Yin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Accurate predictions of postoperative pain intensity are necessary for customizing analgesia plans. Insomnia is a risk factor for severe postoperative pain. Moreover, heart rate variability (HRV) can provide information on the sympathetic–parasympathetic balance in response to noxious stimuli. We developed a prediction model that uses the insomnia severity index (ISI), HRV, and other demographic factors to predict the odds of higher postoperative pain.

Methods

We recruited gynecological surgery patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1–3. An ISI questionnaire was completed 1 day before surgery. HRV was calculated offline using intraoperative electrocardiogram data. Pain severity at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was assessed with the 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS). The primary outcome was the model's predictive ability for moderate‐to‐severe postoperative pain. The secondary outcome was the relationship between individual risk factors and opioid consumption in the PACU.

Results

Our study enrolled 169 women. Higher ISI scores (p = 0.001), higher parasympathetic activity (rMSSD, pNN50, HF; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), loss of fractal dynamics (SD2, alpha 1; p = 0.012, p = 0.039) in HRV analysis before the end of surgery were associated with higher NRS scores, while laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.031) was associated with lower NRS scores. We constructed a multiple logistic model (area under the curve = 0.852) to predict higher NRS scores at PACU arrival. The five selected predictors were age (OR: 0.94; p = 0.020), ISI score (OR: 1.14; p = 0.002), surgery type (laparoscopic or open; OR: 0.12; p < 0.001), total power (OR: 2.02; p < 0.001), and alpha 1 (OR: 0.03; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We employed a multiple logistic regression model to determine the likelihood of moderate‐to‐severe postoperative pain upon arrival at the PACU. Physicians could personalize analgesic regimens based on a deeper comprehension of the factors that contribute to postoperative pain.
Nyctinastic movement in legumes: Developmental mechanisms, factors and biological significance
Authors: Wang Min , Zheng Shuze , Han Jingyi , Liu Yuqi , Wang Yun , Wang Weilin , Tang Ximi , Zhou Chuanen
Published: August 2023

In legumes, a common phenomenon known as nyctinastic movement is observed. This movement involves the horizontal expansion of leaves during the day and relative vertical closure at night. Nyctinastic movement is driven by the pulvinus, which consists of flexor and extensor motor cells. The turgor pressure difference between these two cell types generates a driving force for the bending and deformation of the pulvinus. This review focuses on the developmental mechanisms of the pulvinus, the factors affecting nyctinastic movement, and the biological significance of this phenomenon in legumes, thus providing a reference for further research on nyctinastic movement.
Amygdala‐related electroencephalogram neurofeedback as add‐on therapy for treatment‐resistant childhood sexual abuse posttraumatic stress disorder: feasibility study
Authors: Fine Naomi B. , Helpman Liat , Armon Daphna Bardin , Gurevitch Guy , Sheppes Gal , Seligman Zivya , Hendler Talma , Bloch Miki
Published: August 2023

Aim

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among women is an alarmingly prevalent traumatic experience that often leads to debilitating and treatment‐refractory posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), raising the need for novel adjunctive therapies. Neuroimaging investigations systematically report that amygdala hyperactivity is the most consistent and reliable neural abnormality in PTSD and following childhood abuse, raising the potential of implementing volitional neural modulation using neurofeedback (NF) aimed at down‐regulating amygdala activity. This study aimed to reliably probe limbic activity but overcome the limited applicability of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) NF by using a scalable electroencephalogram NF probe of amygdala‐related activity, termed amygdala electrical‐finger‐print (amyg‐EFP) in a randomized controlled trial.

Method

Fifty‐five women with CSA‐PTSD who were in ongoing intensive trauma‐focused psychotherapy for a minimum of 1 year but still met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) PTSD criteria were randomized to either 10 add‐on sessions of amyg‐EFP‐NF training (test group) or continuing psychotherapy (control group). Participants were blindly assessed for PTSD symptoms before and after the NF training period, followed by self‐reported clinical follow‐up at 1, 3, and 6 months, as well as one session of amygdala real‐time fMRI‐NF before and after NF training period.

Results

Participants in the test group compared with the control group demonstrated a marginally significant immediate reduction in PTSD symptoms, which progressively improved during the follow‐up period. In addition, successful neuromodulation during NF training was demonstrated.

Conclusion

This feasibility study for patients with treatment‐resistant CSA‐PTSD indicates that amyg‐EFP‐NF is a viable and efficient intervention.
Morphology, anatomy, and histochemistry of three species of Jatropha: a contribution to plant recognition and selection
Authors: Syahruni R. , Umar A. H. , Todingbua D. , Semba Y. , Irmawati D. , Ratnadewi D.
Published: August 2023

Jatropha, a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticoagulant properties, was the subject of our study.

We examined the morphology and chemical composition of three Jatropha species using cross‐ and longitudinal sections of fresh samples, observed with light microscopy. Histochemical analysis was conducted using various reagents to reveal the metabolites present.

Anatomically, the distinguishing feature among the three Jatropha species was the presence of secretory cavities. These structures were identified in the petiole and stem bark of J. multifida, while in J. gossypiifolia and J. curcas they were present in roots. The stem bark cells of J. gossypiifolia were roundish in shape, whereas the others were rectangular. Laticifers were detected in the leaves, petioles, and stem bark of all three Jatropha species, while idioblasts were present in almost all organs. Histochemical tests revealed that excretory idioblasts and laticifers in Jatropha species contained alkaloids, phenolics, lipophilic compounds, and terpenoids. The cuticle of non‐glandular trichomes contained terpenoids, while phenolic compounds were found within the secretory cavities.

These findings contribute to the identification of Jatropha species and provide valuable insights for the selection and collection of specific plant organs containing bioactive compounds.
Partisan schadenfreude and candidate cruelty
Authors: Webster Steven W. , Glynn Adam N. , Motta Matthew P.
Published: August 2023

We establish the prevalence of partisan schadenfreude—that is, taking “joy in the suffering” of partisan others. Analyzing attitudes on health care, taxation, climate change, and the coronavirus pandemic, we find that a sizable portion of the American mass public engages in partisan schadenfreude and that these attitudes are most expressed by those who are ideologically extreme. Additionally, we find that a sizable portion of the American public is more likely than not to vote for candidates who promise to pass policies that “disproportionately harm” supporters of the opposing political party, and we demonstrate experimental evidence of demand/preference for candidates who promise cruelty among those who exhibit high amounts of schadenfreude. In sum, our results suggest that partisan schadenfreude is widespread and has disturbing implications for American political behavior.
Nanocages and cell‐membrane display technology as smart biomaterials
Authors: Wang Yulan , Miron Richard J. , Zhang Xiaoxin , Zeng Hao , Zhang Yufeng
Published: August 2023

Gold nanocages (AuNCs) have been invented and developed over two decades as biomaterial in clinical medicine with great application potential. AuNCs have a characteristic structure of porous walls with hollow interior and a compact size. This makes it possible for them to transport biomolecules or drugs with the advantages of their photothermal effects that could help further destroy germs or tumors while also regulating the release of drugs inside. Furthermore, their bioactivity and application can be broadened by using cell‐membrane display technology. AuNCs have shown tremendous potential in antibacterial activity, inflammation modulation, and tissue regeneration, which is required in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis treatment. Thus, this article provides an overview of AuNCs synthesis, characteristics, surface modifications, and clinical applications, aiming to serve as a reference for the design and fabrication of AuNCs‐based smart materials for periodontal or peri‐implant application.
Control of tissue homeostasis by the extracellular matrix: Synthetic heparan sulfate as a promising therapeutic for periodontal health and bone regeneration
Authors: Miguez P. A. , Bash E. , Musskopf M. L. , Tuin S. A. , Rivera‐Concepcion A. , Chapple I. L. C. , Liu J.
Published: August 2023

Proteoglycans are core proteins associated with carbohydrate/sugar moieties that are highly variable in disaccharide composition, which dictates their function. These carbohydrates are named glycosaminoglycans, and they can be attached to proteoglycans or found free in tissues or on cell surfaces. Glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and heparin/heparan sulfate have multiple functions including involvement in inflammation, immunity and connective tissue structure, and integrity. Heparan sulfate is a highly sulfated polysaccharide that is abundant in the periodontium including alveolar bone. Recent evidence supports the contention that heparan sulfate is an important player in modulating interactions between damage associated molecular patterns and inflammatory receptors expressed by various cell types. The structure of heparan sulfate is reported to dictate its function, thus, the utilization of a homogenous and structurally defined heparan sulfate polysaccharide for modulation of cell function offers therapeutic potential. Recently, a chemoenzymatic approach was developed to allow production of many structurally defined heparan sulfate carbohydrates. These oligosaccharides have been studied in various pathological inflammatory conditions to better understand their function and their potential application in promoting tissue homeostasis. We have observed that specific size and sulfation patterns can modulate inflammation and promote tissue maintenance including an anabolic effect in alveolar bone. Thus, new evidence provides a strong impetus to explore heparan sulfate as a potential novel therapeutic agent to treat periodontitis, support alveolar bone maintenance, and promote bone formation.
Behavioral and psychiatric correlates of brain responses to social feedback
Authors: Rappaport Brent I. , Kujawa Autumn , Arfer Kodi B. , Pegg Samantha , Kelly Danielle , Jackson Joshua J. , Luby Joan L. , Barch Deanna M.
Published: August 2023

Maladaptive responses to peer acceptance and rejection arise in numerous psychiatric disorders in adolescence; yet, homogeneity and heterogeneity across disorders suggest common and unique mechanisms of impaired social function. We tested the hypothesis that social feedback is processed similarly to other forms of feedback (e.g., monetary) by examining the correspondence between the brain's response to social acceptance and rejection and behavioral performance on a separate reward and loss task. We also examined the relationship between these brain responses and depression and social anxiety severity. The sample consisted of one hundred and thirteen 16–21‐year olds who received virtual peer acceptance/rejection feedback in an event‐related potential (ERP) task. We used temporospatial principal component analysis and identified a component consistent with the reward positivity (RewP) or feedback negativity (FN). RewP to social acceptance was not significantly related to reward bias or the FN to social rejection related to loss avoidance. The relationship between RewP and depression severity, while nonsignificant, was of a similar magnitude to prior studies. Exploratory analyses yielded a significant relationship between lower socioeconomic status (SES) and blunted RewP and between lower SES and heightened loss avoidance and blunted reward bias. These findings build on prior work to improve our understanding of the function of the brain's response to social feedback, while also suggesting a pathway for further study, whereby poverty leads to depression via social and reward learning mechanisms.
Where is an emotion? Using an emotional spatial cueing task to test for emotional localization following targeted visceroception
Authors: Davey Steven , Halberstadt Jamin , Bell Elliot
Published: August 2023

The relationship between emotion and attention is vital for adaptation. Trained attention to bodily sensations can heighten emotional awareness, including during “visceroception” (sensing the viscera, principally the heart, lungs and gut), which has been linked to emotion intensity and regulation. However, it is not always clear when bodily attention is adaptive, and useful to maintain, or maladaptive and best inhibited. The current study, part of a wider exploratory project, investigates “localized emotion” in this context. Localized emotion is a novel construct, articulated within the project, and suggested to be manifested within a visceroceptive system: targeted visceroception could result in disinhibited attention to localized emotion. In particular, whilst evidence points to the importance of the gastrointestinal tract for emotion (e.g., gut biome, enteric nervous system), gut sensations are often barely detectable, consistent with an inhibition process. An emotional spatial cueing task was used to test for localized effects within several groups: one trained for 8 weeks to focus on their lower abdomen (gastroception), with another focused on their chest cavity (cardioception), plus a control group. The spatial cueing task involved rapid responding to the detection of bodily feelings following the presentation of an emotional picture. Participants then indicated on a body map where they had detected the feeling, followed by corresponding valence and arousal levels (i.e., core affect) on a self‐assessment manikin. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. There was some support for localization in the gastroception group relative to the chest‐focused group and controls. Gastroception‐related findings included: greater improvement in interoception (interoceptive sensibility), slowed reaction times, a cluster of lower abdominal detections on a body map, changes in core affect, and indications of improved emotion regulation. Attending to the gut may play a key role in improving one's ability to access emotional feeling, with associated implications for emotion regulation.
Biochemical and functional characteristics of stored (double‐dose) buffy‐coat platelet concentrates treated with amotosalen and a prototype UVA light‐emitting diode illuminator
Authors: Brouard Nathalie , Pissenem‐Rudwill Floriane , Mouriaux Clarisse , Haas Delphine , Galvanin Adeline , Kientz Daniel , Mangin Pierre H. , Isola Hervé , Hechler Béatrice
Published: August 2023

Background

Pathogen reduction of platelet concentrates (PCs) using amotosalen and broad‐spectrum UVA illumination contributes to the safety of platelet transfusion by reducing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections. We evaluated the in vitro quality of stored buffy‐coat (BC) PCs treated with amotosalen and a prototype light‐emitting diode (LED) illuminator.

Methods

Double‐dose BC‐PCs collected into PAS‐III/plasma or SSP+/plasma (55/45%) were treated with amotosalen in combination with either conventional UVA lamps (INT100 Illuminator 320–400 nm) or LED illuminators at 350 nm. Platelet quality and function were evaluated over 7 days.

Results

Platelet counts were conserved during storage in all groups, as was platelet swirling without appearance of macroscopic aggregates. Integrin αIIbβ3 and glycoprotein (GP) VI expression remained stable, whereas GPIbα and GPV declined similarly in all groups. UV lamp‐ and LED‐treated PCs displayed similar glucose consumption, lactate generation, and pH variation. Comparable spontaneous and residual P‐selectin and phosphatidylserine exposure, activated αIIbβ3 exposure, mitochondrial membrane potential, lactate dehydrogenase release, and adhesive properties under flow conditions were observed during storage. The use of SSP+/plasma compared with PAS‐III/plasma better preserved most of these parameters, especially during late storage, irrespective of the type of illuminator.

Conclusion

Replacing the UVA lamp for photochemical treatment by LED illuminators had no impact on platelet metabolism, spontaneous activation, apoptosis or viability, or on the in vitro function of BC‐PCs stored for 7 days in SSP+ or PAS‐III/plasma. These findings support improved procedures for the pathogen reduction and storage of PCs, to ensure transfusion safety and retention of platelet functional properties.
Salmonella assessment along the Spanish food chain: Likelihood of Salmonella occurrence in poultry and pig products is maintained across the food chain stages
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio , Sacristán Carlos , Iglesias Irene , de la Torre Ana
Published: August 2023

Salmonellosis is one of the most important foodborne diseases worldwide, including the European Union. Despite the One Health approach measures for risk assessment and risk management implemented by the European Union, the occurrence of disease and disease outbreaks remains high (e.g. 694 outbreaks were reported in 2020), highlighting the need of new assessment methods. Herein we applied machine learning using the random forests method to evaluate and identify key points regarding the occurrence of Salmonella sp. along the Spanish food chain during 2015–2020, using data provided by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition. We compared the role of the three categorical variables [product (20 categories), region (18 categories) and stage (11 categories)]. Salmonella presence was influenced by the three explanatory variables considered: first by product, followed by region and stage. The most determinant product for Salmonella probability was ‘meat’, while the most important stage was ‘slaughterhouse’. Specifically, the highest values were found in pig and poultry meats. In these products, the Salmonella probability was high at the early and final stages of the food chain, although not at intermediate stages. The presence of Salmonella in the final stages (retail) of the food chain is of concern, as it can cause human cases of salmonellosis, including outbreaks. This study demonstrates the utility of the random forest method to identify key points and evaluate the control efforts. We recommend improving the surveillance and control measures, especially in the product and stages pointed out by our analysis, and enhancing the data collection harmonization among the different autonomous communities.
Word problem and parabolic subgroups in Dyer groups
Authors: Paris Luis , Soergel Mireille
Published: August 2023

One can observe that Coxeter groups and right‐angled Artin groups share the same solution to the word problem. On the other hand, in his study of reflection subgroups of Coxeter groups, Dyer introduces a family of groups, which we call Dyer groups, which contains both, Coxeter groups and right‐angled Artin groups. We show that all Dyer groups have this solution to the word problem, we show that a group which admits such a solution belongs to a little more general family of groups that we call quasi‐Dyer groups, and we show that this inclusion is strict. Then we show several results on parabolic subgroups in quasi‐Dyer groups and in Dyer groups. Notably, we prove that any intersection of parabolic subgroups in a Dyer group of finite type is a parabolic subgroup.
Artificial Neural Network Technique for Seismic Fragility Analysis of a Storage Tank Supported by Multi-Storey Frame
Authors: Quinci Gianluca , Paolacci Fabrizio , Phan Hoang Nam
Published: August 2023

A Fragility function, which defines the conditional probability of exceeding a limit state given an intensity measure of the earthquake, is an essential ingredient of modern approaches like the performance-based earthquake engineering methodology. However, the generation of such curves generally entails a high computational effort to account for epistemic and aleatory uncertainties associated with structural analysis and seismic load. Moreover, a certain probability function, such as the log-normal distribution, is usually assumed in order to carry out the conditional probability of failure of a structure, without any prior information on the correct probability distribution. In this paper, an artificial neural network model is proposed to carry out fragility curves in order to avoid the aforementioned problems. In this respect, this paper investigates the following aspects: (i) implementation of an efficient algorithm to select proper seismic intensity measures as inputs for artificial neural network, (ii) derivation of surrogate models by using the artificial neural network techniques, (iii) computation of fragility curves by means Monte Carlo Simulations, and (iv) validation phase.