bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distilled beverage aging: A review on aroma characteristics, maturation mechanisms, and artificial aging techniques
Authors: Wang Lulu , Chen Shuang , Xu Yan
Published: December 2022

The market value of distilled beverage relies on its quality with a major contribution of distinctive and fascinating aromas. The aroma of distilled beverage is built on the basis of chemical components and can be modified through a series of physical and chemical processes such as aging. Revealing the hidden knowledge behind the evolution of numerous chemical components during these physicochemical processes in distilled beverages is not only significant but also challenging due to its complex system. In this review, the trends in the changes of associated aroma compounds over aging are proposed on the basis of understanding the relationship between chemical components and aroma profiles of numerous typical distilled beverages. The different aging systems, both classical platforms from Eastern countries (pottery jars) to Western countries (wood barrels), and modern platforms such as artificial aging technologies are outlined and compared with their respective applications. Optimizing aging processes is a challenging but imperative step, which warrants further fundamental knowledge from targeting aging‐related molecules to the exploration of multitude physicochemical reaction mechanisms that occur during this process, such as the formation of potent odorant compounds in specific containers and environments, as well as mass transfer processes between solid and liquid interfaces. Understanding these maturation mechanisms of distilled beverages expressed by chemosensory signature holds promise for major improvements in future aging technologies that can efficiently yield stable and high‐quality products.
Potential implications of oxidative modification on dietary protein nutritional value: A review
Authors: Li Fang , Wu Xiaojuan , Liang Ying , Wu Wei
Published: December 2022

During food processing and storage, proteins are sensitive to oxidative modification, changing the structural characteristics and functional properties. Recently, the impact of dietary protein oxidation on body health has drawn increasing attention. However, few reviews summarized and highlighted the impact of oxidative modification on the nutritional value of dietary proteins and related mechanisms. Therefore, this review seeks to give an updated discussion of the effects of oxidative modification on the structural characteristics and nutritional value of dietary proteins, and elucidate the interaction with gut microbiota, intestinal tissues, and organs. Additionally, the specific mechanisms related to pathological conditions are also characterized. Dietary protein oxidation during food processing and storage change protein structure, which further influences the in vitro digestion properties of proteins. In vivo research demonstrates that oxidized dietary proteins threaten body health via complicated pathways and affect the intestinal microenvironment via gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal morphology. This review highlights the influence of oxidative modification on the nutritional value of dietary proteins based on organs and the intestinal tract, and illustrates the necessity of appropriate experimental design for comprehensively exploring the health consequences of oxidized dietary proteins.
Screening new breeding japonica rice varieties by rice quality, three processing characteristics, and odor characteristics
Authors: Asimi Sailimuhan , Xin Ren , Min Zhang , Sixuan Li , Lv Qixin , Lingqi Meng
Published: December 2022

Rice's yield, cooking, and sensory quality are primary considerations in selecting new breeding rice varieties, which are determined by the rice eating quality such as processing and flavor characteristics. Thus, in this study, to advance the breed of new superior japonica rice varieties, the differences in the rice quality, processing characteristics, and flavor characteristics between 12 newly‐bred varieties (H2‐36, H2‐42, H2‐53, H2‐59, H2‐63, H2‐73, H2‐74, H2‐79, H2‐81, H2‐82, H2‐89, and H2‐91) and 1 commercial variety (Kenyu38) were analyzed. The results indicated that H2‐42 has a reasonable length‐to‐width ratio (1.51), high rice yield, good color, reasonable amylose, protein content, excellent water existence index, accessible storage, and the highest taste value. Electronic nose results showed significant differences in aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols among 13 rice varieties. Aroma analysis results showed that H2‐42 had the highest n‐hexanal (14.63 µg/kg), (E,E)‐2,4‐nonadienal (37.24 µg/kg), nonanal (19.93 µg/kg), and decanal (4.81 µg/kg); those were important aroma components in cooked rice. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, trough viscosity, peak time, and pasting temperature were the crucial factors that affected rice quality. According to partial least squares regression analysis, total color change, final viscosity, setback, (E)‐2‐heptenal, and 2‐methyl‐undecanol were the most important factors that distinguished the rice quality. In conclusion, H2‐42 rice was better apparent quality, processing characteristics, and aroma compounds. Therefore, H2‐42 has the potential for identification and promotion.

Practical Application

The results from this study will provide data support for the cultivation, application, and quality improvement of high‐quality rice varieties. In addition, it gives new ideas and methods for studying rice eating quality.
Serum interleukin‐18 level as a possible early diagnostic marker of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Souma Kento , Fujimura Junya , Nishiyama Atushi , Oyazato Yoshinobu , Kaneko Shuya , Shimizu Masaki , Morisawa Takeshi
Published: December 2022

Early diagnosis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s‐JIA) is a prerequisite for therapeutic efficacy. However, it is often challenging because most patients with s‐JIA do not show arthritis at disease onset and are simply diagnosed with fever of unknown origin. Serum ferritin levels have commonly been used to diagnose s‐JIA because they increase in patients with this condition by more than 5 times their normal value. However, there are no definite biomarkers for s‐JIA, which makes the clinical diagnosis of s‐JIA difficult. We report a case of s‐JIA in which interleukin (IL)‐18 elevation was observed before ferritin elevation at the early phase of s‐JIA. We propose serum IL‐18 levels as a more useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of s‐JIA compared to serum ferritin levels.
Rural and socioeconomic differences in the effectiveness of the HEART Pathway accelerated diagnostic protocol
Authors: O'Neill James C. , Ashburn Nicklaus P. , Paradee Brennan E. , Snavely Anna C. , Stopyra Jason P. , Noe Greg , Mahler Simon A.
Published: December 2022

Background

The HEART Pathway is a validated accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP) for patients with possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of the HEART Pathway based on patient rurality (rural vs. urban) or socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

We performed a preplanned subgroup analysis of the HEART Pathway Implementation Study. The primary outcomes were death or myocardial infarction (MI) and hospitalization at 30 days. Proportions were compared by SES and rurality with Fisher's exact tests. Logistic regression evaluated for interactions of ADP implementation with SES or rurality and changes in outcomes within subgroups.

Results

Among 7245 patients with rurality and SES data, 39.9% (2887/7245) were rural and 22.2% were low SES (1607/7245). The HEART Pathway identified patients as low risk in 32.2% (818/2540) of urban versus 28.1% (425/1512) of rural patients (p = 0.007) and 34.0% (311/915) of low SES versus 29.7% (932/3137) high SES patients (p = 0.02). Among low‐risk patients, 30‐day death or MI occurred in 0.6% (5/818) of urban versus 0.2% (1/425) rural (p = 0.67) and 0.6% (2/311) with low SES versus 0.4% (4/932) high SES (p = 0.64). Following implementation, 30‐day hospitalization was reduced by 7.7% in urban patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.87), 10.6% in low SES patients (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.86), and 4.5% in high SES patients (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94). However, rural patients had a nonsignificant 3.3% reduction in hospitalizations.

Conclusions

HEART Pathway implementation decreased 30‐day hospitalizations regardless of SES and for urban patients but not rural patients. The 30‐day death or MI rate was similar among low‐risk patients.
COVID‐19 pandemic‐related changes in utilization of telehealth and treatment overall for alcohol use problems
Authors: Palzes Vanessa A. , Chi Felicia W. , Metz Verena E. , Campbell Cynthia , Corriveau Caroline , Sterling Stacy
Published: December 2022

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, specialty alcohol treatment transitioned rapidly to telehealth, which may have created barriers for some patients but increased access for others. This study evaluated the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on alcohol treatment utilization and potential disparities.

Methods

We analyzed electronic health record and claims data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California for adults with alcohol use problems (alcohol use disorder or unhealthy alcohol use diagnoses) during pre‐COVID‐19 (March to December 2019, n = 32,806) and COVID‐19 onset (March to December 2020, n = 26,763). Generalized estimating equation models were fit to examine pre‐COVID‐19 to COVID‐19 onset changes in alcohol treatment initiation, engagement, and retention (days in treatment). Heterogeneity in pre‐COVID‐19 to COVID‐19 onset changes in treatment utilization by age, race, and ethnicity; neighborhood deprivation index (NDI); and comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders were also examined.

Results

Treatment initiation increased during the COVID‐19 onset period (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.41–1.52). The increases in odds of treatment initiation during the COVID‐19 onset period compared with the pre‐COVID period were largest among patients aged 18–34 years (aOR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.48–1.71), those without medical conditions (aOR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.49–1.65), and those without psychiatric disorders (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.51–1.69). Patients aged 18–34 years (aOR = 5.21; 95% CI = 4.67–5.81), those with the second highest NDIs (aOR = 4.63; 95% CI = 4.12–5.19), and those without medical (aOR = 4.34; 95% CI = 4.06–4.65) or psychiatric comorbidities (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 4.11–4.89) had the greatest increases in telehealth treatment initiation from pre‐COVID‐19 to COVID‐19 onset. Treatment engagement and retention also increased during COVID‐19 onset, with the greatest increase among patients aged 35–49 years who initiated treatment via telehealth (engagement: aOR = 2.33; 95% CI = 1.91–2.83; retention: adjusted mean difference [aMD] = 3.3 days; 95% CI = 2.6–4.1). We found no significant variation of changes in treatment utilization by race and ethnicity.

Conclusions

The transition to telehealth in this healthcare system may have attracted subgroups of individuals who have historically underutilized care for alcohol use problems, particularly younger and healthier adults, without exacerbating pre‐pandemic racial and ethnic disparities in treatment utilization.
Effect of discharge opioid on persistent postoperative opioid use: a retrospective cohort study comparing tapentadol with oxycodone
Authors: Lam T. , Xia T. , Biggs N. , Treloar M. , Cheng O. , Kabu K. , Stevens J. A. , Evans J. D. , da Gama M. E. , Lubman D. I. , Nielsen S.
Published: December 2022

Opioid harm can vary by opioid type. This observational study examined the effect of opioid type (oxycodone vs. tapentadol) on rates of persistent postoperative opioid use (‘persistence’). We linked hospital and community pharmacy data for surgical patients who were dispensed discharge opioids between 1 January 2016 and 30 September 2021. Patients were grouped by opioid experience (‘opioid‐naive’ having received no opioids in the 3 months before discharge) and formulation of discharge opioid (immediate release only or modified release ± immediate release). Mixed‐effects logistic regression models predicted persistence (continued use of any opioid at 90 days after discharge), controlling for key persistence risk factors. Of the 122,836 patients, 2.31% opioid‐naive and 27.24% opioid‐experienced patients met the criteria for persistence. For opioid‐naive patients receiving immediate release opioids, there was no significant effect of opioid type. Tapentadol modified release was associated with significantly lower odds of persistence compared with oxycodone modified release, OR (95%CI) 0.81 (0.69–0.94) for opioid‐naive patients and 0.81 (0.71–0.93) for opioid‐experienced patients. Among patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery (n = 19,832), regardless of opioid experience or opioid formulation, the odds of persistence were significantly lower for those who received tapentadol compared with oxycodone. This was one of the largest and most extensive studies of persistent postoperative opioid use, and the first that specifically examined persistence with tapentadol. There appeared to be lower odds of persistence for tapentadol compared with oxycodone among key subgroups, including patients prescribed modified release opioids and those undergoing orthopaedic surgery.
A drug–drug interaction study with letermovir and acyclovir in healthy participants
Authors: Menzel Karsten , McCrea Jacqueline B. , Fancourt Craig , Witter Rose , Zhao Tian , Stoch S. Aubrey , Iwamoto Marian
Published: December 2022

Letermovir inhibits renal tubular organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) in vitro and is predicted to inhibit OAT3 in vivo. Acyclovir, a substrate for OAT3, is likely to be coadministered with letermovir; therefore, letermovir may increase acyclovir concentrations. A drug–drug interaction study was conducted in healthy participants (N = 16) to assess the effect of letermovir on acyclovir pharmacokinetics. On Day 1, participants received a single oral dose of 400 mg acyclovir; on Days 2–7, participants received oral doses of 480 mg letermovir once daily with a single oral dose of 400 mg acyclovir coadministered on Day 7. Coadministration with letermovir resulted in geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for acyclovir area under the concentration–time curve from administration to infinity and maximum plasma concentration of 1.02 (0.87–1.20) and 0.82 (0.71–0.93), respectively. No notable safety issues were reported. No clinically significant interaction was observed between letermovir and acyclovir in healthy participants and no dose adjustment is required for coadministration.
The risk of fragility fractures following initiation of gabapentin and pregabalin—A Danish, nationwide, high‐dimensional propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Jørgensen Emilie Berg , Overgaard Lærke Karner , Folkestad Lars , Damkier Per , Hallas Jesper , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard
Published: December 2022

Gabapentin and pregabalin have been associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. Due to differences in pharmacokinetics, we aimed to assess the fracture‐risk difference between the two medicines. We performed a Danish nationwide new user, high‐dimensional propensity score‐matched cohort study to assess the 90‐day risk of fragility fractures among adults, from January 1996 to December 2018. We applied a high‐dimensional propensity score to match new users of gabapentin with new users of pregabalin in a 1:1 intention‐to‐treat approach. Hazard ratios (HRs), incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate difference (IRD) were obtained.

We identified 388 236 eligible patients of which 294 223 and 98 869 initiated gabapentin and pregabalin, respectively. We included 48 272 matched pairs for further analysis. The mean age was 56 (IQR 44–69) years, and the average follow‐up was approximately 11 500 person‐years (PY). The IRs of fragility fractures were 23.7 (95%CI 21.0–26.7) and 23.2 (95%CI 20.5–26.2) per 1000 PY for gabapentin and pregabalin‐exposed patients, respectively. This yielded an HR of 1.02 (95%CI 0.86–1.21) when using gabapentin as the intervention drug and pregabalin as the reference drug. The IRD was estimated to 0.5 PY (95%CI −3.5–4.5).

In conclusion, short‐term risk of fragility fractures among gabapentin initiators was not different compared to those initiating pregabalin.
Why do I teach? Teachers' instrumental and prosocial motivation predict teaching quality across East and West
Authors: Nalipay Ma. Jenina N. , King Ronnel B. , Yeung Susanna S. S. , Chai Ching Sing , Jong Morris Siu‐Yung
Published: December 2022

Background

Individuals pursue teaching careers for numerous reasons, such as for instrumental or prosocial purposes.

Aims

This study examined the personal (instrumental motivation) and social (prosocial motivation) utility of teaching as predictors of teaching quality in terms of clarity of instruction, classroom management, and cognitive activation.

Sample

We used data from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2018, which included 50,595 teachers from 1252 schools in 10 countries and regions.

Methods

We performed a series of regression analyses to test a model of instrumental and prosocial motivation to predict three indicators of teaching quality (clarity of instruction, classroom management, and cognitive activation) while controlling for demographic characteristics (age, sex, educational level, and teaching experience). We examined this model in countries and regions from Eastern (Japan, Korea, Singapore, Shanghai and Taipei) and Western (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America) cultures.

Results

Results demonstrated that instrumental motivation predicted clarity of instruction in the East and classroom management in both the East and West; prosocial motivation, however, was a more consistent predictor of all indicators of teaching quality, except classroom management in the West, across cultures.

Conclusion

Teachers' prosocial motivation to benefit others and contribute to society must be considered to understand teaching quality across various cultural contexts. Implications for theory, practice and policy are discussed.
Neuraminidase is a host‐directed approach to regulate neutrophil responses in sepsis and COVID‐19
Authors: de Oliveira Formiga Rodrigo , Amaral Flávia C. , Souza Camila F. , Mendes Daniel A. G. B. , Wanderley Carlos W. S. , Lorenzini Cristina B. , Santos Adara A. , Antônia Juliana , Faria Lucas F. , Natale Caio C. , Paula Nicholas M. , Silva Priscila C. S. , Fonseca Fernanda R. , Aires Luan , Heck Nicoli , Starick Márick R. , Queiroz‐Junior Celso M. , Santos Felipe R. S. , de Souza Filipe R. O. , Costa Vivian V. , Barroso Shana P. C. , Morrot Alexandre , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Sordi Regina , Alisson‐Silva Frederico , Cunha Fernando Q. , Rocha Edroaldo L. , Chollet‐Martin Sylvie , Hurtado‐Nedelec Maria Margarita , Martin Clémence , Burgel Pierre‐Régis , Mansur Daniel S. , Maurici Rosemeri , Macauley Matthew S. , Báfica André , Witko‐Sarsat Véronique , Spiller Fernando
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose

Neutrophil overstimulation plays a crucial role in tissue damage during severe infections. Because pathogen‐derived neuraminidase (NEU) stimulates neutrophils, we investigated whether host NEU can be targeted to regulate the neutrophil dysregulation observed in severe infections.

Experimental Approach

The effects of NEU inhibitors on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated neutrophils from healthy donors or COVID‐19 patients were determined by evaluating the shedding of surface sialic acids, cell activation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Re‐analysis of single‐cell RNA sequencing of respiratory tract samples from COVID‐19 patients also was carried out. The effects of oseltamivir on sepsis and betacoronavirus‐induced acute lung injury were evaluated in murine models.

Key Results

Oseltamivir and zanamivir constrained host NEU activity, surface sialic acid release, cell activation, and ROS production by LPS‐activated human neutrophils. Mechanistically, LPS increased the interaction of NEU1 with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9). Inhibition of MMP‐9 prevented LPS‐induced NEU activity and neutrophil response. In vivo, treatment with oseltamivir fine‐tuned neutrophil migration and improved infection control as well as host survival in peritonitis and pneumonia sepsis. NEU1 also is highly expressed in neutrophils from COVID‐19 patients, and treatment of whole‐blood samples from these patients with either oseltamivir or zanamivir reduced neutrophil overactivation. Oseltamivir treatment of intranasally infected mice with the mouse hepatitis coronavirus 3 (MHV‐3) decreased lung neutrophil infiltration, viral load, and tissue damage.

Conclusion and Implications

These findings suggest that interplay of NEU1–MMP‐9 induces neutrophil overactivation. In vivo, NEU may serve as a host‐directed target to dampen neutrophil dysfunction during severe infections.
The complexity‐aesthetics relationship for musical rhythm is more fixed than flexible: Evidence from children and expert dancers
Authors: Cameron Daniel J. , Caldarone Nicole , Psaris Maya , Carrillo Chantal , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: December 2022

The urge to move to music (groove) depends in part on rhythmic syncopation in the music. For adults, the syncopation‐groove relationship has an inverted‐U shape: listeners want to move most to rhythms that have some, but not too much, syncopation. However, we do not know whether the syncopation‐groove relationship is relatively sensitive to, or resistant to, a listener's experience. In two sets of experiments, we tested whether the syncopation‐groove relationship is affected by dance experience or changes through development in childhood. Dancers and nondancers rated groove for 50 rhythmic patterns varying in syncopation. Dancers’ and nondancers’ ratings did not differ (and Bayesian tests provided substantial evidence that they were equivalent) in terms of mean groove and the optimal level of syncopation. Similarly, ballet and hip‐hop dancers’ syncopation‐groove relationships did not differ. However, dancers had more robust syncopation‐groove relationships (higher goodness‐of‐fit) than nondancers. Children (3–6 years old) completed two tasks to assess their syncopation‐groove relationships: In a 2‐alternative‐forced choice task, children compared rhythms from 2 of 3 possible levels of syncopation (low, medium, and high) and chose which rhythm in a pair was better for dancing. In a dance task, children danced to the same rhythms. Results from both tasks indicated that for children, as for adults, medium syncopation rhythms elicit more groove than low syncopation rhythms. A follow‐up experiment replicated the 2‐alternative‐forced choice task results. Taken together, the results suggest the optimal level of syncopation for groove is resistant to experience, although experience may affect the robustness of the inverted‐U relationship.

Research Highlights

In Experiment 1, dancers and nondancers rated groove (the urge to move) for musical rhythms, demonstrating the same inverted‐U relationships between syncopation and groove.

In Experiment 2, children and adults both chose rhythms with moderate syncopation more than low syncopation as more groove‐inducing or better for dancing.

Children also danced more for moderate than low syncopation, showing a close perception‐behavior relationship across tasks.

Similarities in the syncopation‐groove relationship regardless of dance training and age suggest that this perceptual and behavioral groove response to rhythmic complexity may be quite resistant to experience.
A pilot study on the use of a novel digital real‐time evaluation system in undergraduate preclinical training of tooth preparation in fixed prosthodontics
Authors: Yu Weiqiang , Zhu Ziyuan , Su Tingshu , Weng Weimin , Xu Chun
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In the light of the digital teaching, it is necessary that the effectiveness of a new digital real‐time evaluation system in the preclinical training of tooth preparation be evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Forty undergraduate dental students of the fourth year were randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group to complete the training task of tooth preparation for porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown restoring the upper right central incisor. The control students received conventional training with instructor's guidance. The experimental students received training with the digital system without instructor's guidance. Every student exercised preparation in two resin incisors in 3 h training by respective training methods. A third incisor was prepared on a dental model in the simulated head phantom by each student as the test on the next day. All students' tooth preparations were scored by the same two experienced experts. The experimental students were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their attitudes and opinions on the digital evaluation system in preclinical training.

Results

There was no significant difference between the scores of the experimental group and the control group (p > .05). The students of two groups obtained the similar scores in the test (p > .05). Most of the students were supportive of the application of digital training system in the preclinical tooth preparation training course.

Conclusions

The digital real‐time evaluation system could provide effective training effects for the dental undergraduate students in the preclinical training of tooth preparation in fixed prosthodontics.
Interactions among microorganisms open up a new world for anti‐infectious therapy
Authors: Zhang Yejia , Zhang Hanchi , Xu Tian , Zeng Lingbing , Liu Fadi , Huang Xiaotian , Liu Qiong
Published: December 2022

The human microbiome, containing bacteria, fungi, and viruses, is a community that coexists peacefully with humans most of the time, but with the potential to cause disease under certain conditions. When the environment changes or certain stimuli are received, microbes may interact with each other, causing or increasing the severity of disease in a host. With the appropriate methods, we can make these microbiota work for us, creating new applications for human health. This review discusses the wide range of interactions between microorganisms that result in an increase in susceptibility to, severity of, and mortality of diseases, and also briefly introduces how microorganisms interact with each other directly or indirectly. The study of microbial interactions and their mechanisms has revealed a new world of treatments for infectious disease. The regulation of the balance between intestinal flora, the correct application of probiotics, and the development of effective drugs by symbiosis all demonstrate the great contributions of the microbiota to human health and its powerful potential value. Consequently, the study of interactions between microorganisms plays an essential role in identifying the causes of diseases and the development of treatments.
Expression of paired box 9 defines an aggressive subset of lung adenocarcinoma preferentially occurring in smokers
Authors: Hayashi Takuo , Kishi Monami , Takamochi Kazuya , Hosoya Masaki , Kohsaka Shinji , Kishikawa Satsuki , Ura Ayako , Sano Kei , Sasahara Noriko , Suehara Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Fumiyuki , Saito Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Kenji , Yao Takashi ,   the Tokyo Metropolitan Innovative Oncology Research Group (TMIG)
Published: December 2022

Aims

A distinct subset of lung adenocarcinomas (LADs), arising from a series of peripheral lung cells defined as the terminal respiratory unit (TRU), is characterised by thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) expression. The clinical relevance of transcription factors (TFs) other than TTF‐1 remains unknown in LAD and was explored in the present study.

Methods and results

Seventy‐one LAD samples were subjected to high‐throughput transcriptome screening of LAD using cap analysis gene expression (CAGE) sequencing data; CAGE provides genome‐wide expression levels of the transcription start sites (TSSs). In total, 1083 invasive LAD samples were subjected to immunohistochemical examination for paired box 9 (PAX9) and TTF‐1 expression levels. PAX9 is an endoderm development‐associated TF that most strongly and inversely correlates with the expression of TTF‐1 TSS subsets. Immunohistochemically, PAX9 expression was restricted to the nuclei of ciliated epithelial and basal cells in the bronchi and bronchioles and the nuclei of epithelial cells of the bronchial glands; moreover, PAX9 expression was observed in 304 LADs (28%). PAX9‐positive LADs were significantly associated with heavy smoking, non‐lepidic subtype, EGFR wild‐type tumours and PD‐L1 expression (all P < 0.0001). All these characteristics were opposite to those of TRU‐type LADs with TTF‐1 expression. PAX9 expression was an independent prognostic factor for decreased overall survival (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Our results revealed that PAX9 expression defines an aggressive subset of LADs preferentially occurring in smokers that may arise from bronchial or bronchiolar cells.
DIGITAL DOPING FOR HISTORIANS: CAN HISTORY, MEMORY, AND HISTORICAL THEORY BE RENDERED ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT?
Authors: KANSTEINER WULF
Published: December 2022

Artificial intelligence is making history, literally. Machine learning tools are playing a key role in crafting images and stories about the past in popular culture. AI has probably also already invaded the history classroom. Large language models such as GPT‐3 are able to generate compelling, non‐plagiarized texts in response to simple natural language inputs, thus providing students with an opportunity to produce high‐quality written assignments with minimum effort. In a similar vein, tools like GPT‐3 are likely to revolutionize historical studies, enabling historians and other professionals who deal in texts to rely on AI‐generated intermediate work products, such as accurate translations, summaries, and chronologies. But present‐day large language models fail at key tasks that historians hold in high regard. They are structurally incapable of telling the truth and tracking pieces of information through layers of texts. What's more, they lack ethical self‐reflexivity. Therefore, for the time being, the writing of academic history will require human agency. But for historical theorists, large language models might offer an opportunity to test basic hypotheses about the nature of historical writing. Historical theorists can, for instance, have customized large language models write a series of descriptive, narrative, and assertive histories about the same events, thereby enabling them to explore the precise relation between description, narration, and argumentation in historical writing. In short, with specifically designed large language models, historical theorists can run the kinds of large‐scale writing experiments that they could never put into practice with real historians.
Ultralow‐k hollow glass microsphere filled perfluoroalkoxy composites
Authors: Zeng Ling Wei , Bian J.J.
Published: December 2022

Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) composites filled with different volume fractions of hollow glass microsphere (HGM) and HGM/PFA–HGM/HBO3–HGM/PFA sandwich layered composites were prepared by simple dry mixing and hot‐pressing process. The dielectric frequency and temperature response characteristics, thermal expansion coefficient, and mechanical strength were investigated as a function of the loading fraction of HGM fillers. The obtained .6VfHGM/.4VfPFA composite demonstrates ultralow‐k (εr ∼ 1,63@1 MHz; 1.57@10 GHz) with low‐dielectric loss (∼7.2 × 10−4@1 MHz; ∼1.73 × 10−3@10 GHz), water absorption of ∼1.21%, in‐plane thermal expansion coefficient of 42 ppm/°C, and temperature coefficient of dielectric permittivity (τεr) of ∼−92 ppm/°C. The temperature stabilities of dimension and dielectric permittivity for the .6VfHGB/.4VfPFA composite could be substantially improved by forming .6VfHGM/.4VfPFA–.6VfHGM/.4VfHBO3–.6VfHGM/.4VfPFA sandwich–layered composite, which still maintained reasonable dielectric properties and mechanical rigidity with flexural strength of ∼8.1 MPa.
Effects of argon dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma treatment on mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties of chitosan film
Authors: Kongboonkird Marisa , Chuesiang Piyanan , Ryu Victor , Siripatrawan Ubonrat
Published: December 2022

This research studied the effects of argon dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on properties of chitosan film to be used as active food packaging. The effects of plasma treatment time (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 s) on tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), colour, water vapour permeability (WVP), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), contact angle and antimicrobial activity of films were investigated. Depending on the plasma treatment time, the TS values of plasma‐treated film increased, but there were no significant differences between the EAB of control and treated films. The formation of the oxygen‐containing groups and the occurrence of etching affected the WVP, contact angle, roughness and antimicrobial activity of plasma‐treated film. Chitosan film treated with 60 s of DBD plasma had good OTR (<0.05 cc m−2 day−1), hydrophilicity and antimicrobial activity against various kinds of bacteria. However, it may need longer than 60 s of the treatment time to increase the WVP of the films. Overall, these results implied that plasma treatment can be used as an alternative non‐thermal approach for improving the characteristics of film packaging.
Diagnostic challenges for dementia in Australia: are blood‐based biomarkers the solution?
Authors: Loveland Paula M. , Watson Rosie , Yassi Nawaf
Published: December 2022

The burden of dementia will increase as the Australian population ages and grows in coming decades. Early and accurate diagnosis remains challenging, and disproportionately so for particular groups, including rural communities. Recent advances in technology, however, now allow reliable measurement of blood biomarkers that could improve diagnosis in a range of settings. We discuss the most promising biomarker candidates for translation into clinical practice and research in the near future.
Neutrophil interactions with T cells, platelets, endothelial cells, and of course tumor cells
Authors: Segal Brahm H. , Giridharan Thejaswini , Suzuki Sora , Khan ANM Nazmul H. , Zsiros Emese , Emmons Tiffany R. , Yaffe Michael B. , Gankema Angela A. F. , Hoogeboom Mark , Goetschalckx Ines , Matlung Hanke L. , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: December 2022

Neutrophils sense microbes and host inflammatory mediators, and traffic to sites of infection where they direct a broad armamentarium of antimicrobial products against pathogens. Neutrophils are also activated by damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are products of cellular injury that stimulate the innate immune system through pathways that are similar to those activated by microbes. Neutrophils and platelets become activated by injury, and cluster and cross‐signal to each other with the cumulative effect of driving antimicrobial defense and hemostasis. In addition, neutrophil extracellular traps are extracellular chromatin and granular constituents that are generated in response to microbial and damage motifs and are pro‐thrombotic and injurious. Although neutrophils can worsen tissue injury, neutrophils may also have a role in facilitating wound repair following injury. A central theme of this review relates to how critical functions of neutrophils that evolved to respond to infection and damage modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ways that can promote or limit tumor progression. Neutrophils are reprogrammed by the TME, and, in turn, can cross‐signal to tumor cells and reshape the immune landscape of tumors. Importantly, promising new therapeutic strategies have been developed to target neutrophil recruitment and function to make cancer immunotherapy more effective.
Preferred outcome measures in treatments for challenging behaviour in individuals with intellectual disabilities: Results of an inclusive Delphi method
Authors: de Kuijper Gerda M. , Den Besten‐van Ravenswaaij Janneke J. C. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , de Bildt Annelies
Published: December 2022

Background

Interventions for challenging behaviours in individuals with intellectual disabilities benefit from outcome monitoring that takes clients' preferences into account. We determined clients' and representatives' preferred outcome domains and measures to secure their involvement in treatment decisions for challenging behaviours.

Method

We used an inclusive Delphi method. A focus group of individuals with mild intellectual disabilities and representatives of those with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities prepared the first round by assisting us in collecting possible outcomes. Panels of individuals with intellectual disabilities and representatives were composed to achieve consensus on instruments for preferred outcome domains.

Results

Preferred outcome domains were behaviour, side‐effects of psychotropic drugs, quality of life, daily functioning, caregiver burden and family quality of life. Corresponding outcome measures included self‐report, interview and proxy‐scales, including spoken versions.

Conclusion

Including the preferred domains on outcomes of interventions for challenging behaviours is recommended. Research on corresponding outcome measures is necessary.
Use of coaching and technology to improve blood pressure control in Black women with hypertension: Pilot randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Abel Willie M. , Efird Jimmy T. , Crane Patricia B. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Foy Capri G. , DeHaven Mark J.
Published: December 2022

Hypertension is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, especially in women. Black women (58%) are affected by higher rates of hypertension than other racial/ethnic groups contributing to increased cardio‐metabolic disorders. To decrease blood pressure (BP) in this population, a pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of Interactive Technology Enhanced Coaching (ITEC) versus Interactive Technology (IT) alone in achieving BP control, adherence to antihypertensive medication, and adherence to lifestyle modifications among Black women diagnosed with and receiving medication for their hypertension. Participants completed a 6‐week Chronic Disease Self‐Management Program (CDSMP), and 83 participants were randomly assigned to ITEC versus IT. Participants were trained to use three wireless tools and five apps that were synchronized to smartphones to monitor BP, weight, physical activity (steps), diet (caloric and sodium intake), and medication adherence. Fitbit Plus, a cloud‐based collaborative care platform was used to collect, track, and store data. Using a mixed‐effects repeated measures model, the main effect of group means indicated no significant difference between the treatment and referent groups on study variables. The main effect of time indicated significant differences between repeated measures for systolic BP (p < .0001), weight (p < .0001), and steps (p = .018). An interaction effect revealed differences over time and was significant for study measures except diastolic BP. An important goal of this preliminary analysis is to help Black women prioritize self‐care management in their everyday environment. Future research is warranted in a geographically broader population of hypertensive Black women.
Genetic sex determination, sex chromosome size and sex‐specific lifespans across tetrapods
Authors: Sultanova Zahida , Downing Philip A. , Carazo Pau
Published: December 2022

Sex differences in lifespan are ubiquitous across the tree of life and exhibit broad taxonomic patterns that remain a puzzle, such as males living longer than females in birds and vice versa in mammals. The prevailing unguarded X hypothesis explains sex differences in lifespan by differential expression of recessive mutations on the X or Z chromosome of the heterogametic sex, but has only received indirect support to date. An alternative hypothesis is that the accumulation of deleterious mutations and repetitive elements on the Y or W chromosome might lower the survival of the heterogametic sex (‘toxic Y’ hypothesis). Here, we use a new database to report lower survival of the heterogametic relative to the homogametic sex across 136 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as expected if sex chromosomes shape sex‐specific lifespans, and consistent with previous findings. We also found that the relative sizes of both the X and the Y chromosomes in mammals (but not the Z or the W chromosomes in birds) are associated with sex differences in lifespan, as predicted by the unguarded X and the ‘toxic Y’. Furthermore, we report that the relative size of the Y is negatively associated with male lifespan in mammals, so that small Y size correlates with increased male lifespan. In theory, toxic Y effects are expected to be particularly strong in mammals, and we did not find similar effects in birds. Our results confirm the role of sex chromosomes in explaining sex differences in lifespan across tetrapods and further suggest that, at least in mammals, ‘toxic Y’ effects may play an important part in this role.
Investigation of the effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the functional properties of pea protein isolate
Authors: Kalayci Asuhan , Ozel Baris , Oztop Mecit Halil , Alpas Hami
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on some functional properties of pea protein isolate (PPI). HHP was combined with various temperature and pH conditions to investigate the combined effects of HHP‐based food processing conditions on the functional properties of PPI. Herein, PPI solutions prepared at different pH conditions (3.0, 5.0, and 7.0) were subjected to 300, 400, and 500 MPa HHP treatment at 25 and 50°C for 5 min. Water‐holding capacity (WHC), solubility, and emulsification activity of PPI samples were determined. Additionally, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments were performed for further analysis. Maximum WHC (p < 0.05) was observed for the samples treated at 500 MPa‐pH 5.0‐50°C whereas maximum solubility (p < 0.05) belonged to the samples subjected to 300 MPa‐pH 7.0‐50°C treatment conditions. Better emulsification activity was achieved at pH 3.0 regardless of the pressure level applied. The novelty of this study is that NMR relaxometry was introduced as a fast/nondestructive technique to investigate the changes in the functional properties of PPI samples and one of the functional parameters was correlated with NMR relaxation data. Herewith, the longest transverse relaxation time (T2) (p < 0.05) belonged to the samples with maximum WHC. The results showed that HHP is able to modify the functional properties of PPI at specific temperature‐pH combinations, and NMR relaxometry technique has a high potential for such studies.

Practical Applications

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an emerging technology which is used for its diverse range of applications in food science and technology. Modification of physicochemical and functional properties of food ingredients is one of the latest applications of HHP treatment. This study demonstrated that HHP treatment was able to modify some functional properties of pea protein isolate (PPI) samples such as water‐holding capacity (WHC), solubility, and emulsification activity. In addition to pressure level, pH and temperature were also effective on modifying the functional properties of PPI samples. For instance, a high pressure (500 MPa) was required to improve WHC whereas lower pressures (300 MPa) improved the solubility of the samples at high pH and temperature. The results of this study could be used in model HHP studies to improve some functional properties of PPI for different purposes.
High glucose levels contribute to vascular fibrosis via the activation of the endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in periodontitis
Authors: Li Yuyang , Zhao Yue , Song Lutong , Xiong Liping , Li Wen , Wu Wenlei , Miao Leiying
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the changes of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) growth and metabolism and identify whether the vascular epithelium change could be induced in diabetic periodontitis.

Background

Maintaining favourable vascular function is a precondition for periodontal regeneration. In diabetic periodontitis, high glucose levels could enhance the metabolism of pathogens, and a complex condition involving inflammation and high glucose levels would disrupt homeostasis of the epithelium and promote fibrosis by endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT).

Methods

Porphyromonas gingivalis was cultured with glucose to judge its metabolic activity. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with P. gingivalis‐lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 μg/ml) and/or high glucose concentrations (25 mM), and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β inhibitor was used to block EndMT. Inflammation level was assessed by flow cytometry. Multiple biological functions including EndMT, angiopoiesis, and cell migration were analysed. Additionally, gene expressions and protein levels were determined with qPCR and western blot, respectively. Finally, blood vessels were cultured ex vivo, and EndMT and fibrosis markers were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Glucose could promote P. gingivalis growth and biofilm formation as well as the expression of virulence factor genes including FimA, RgpA, RgpB, and Kgp. P. gingivalis‐LPS and glucose could increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promote fibrosis via EndMT in HUVECs, along with attenuating angiopoiesis and cell migration, which could be resumed by blocking EndMT with TGF‐β inhibitor. Vascular fibrosis was observed after the addition of glucose via EndMT regulation.

Conclusion

Glucose augmented the growth and metabolism of P. gingivalis and promoted fibrosis by the activation of EndMT, as well as the inhibition of angiopoiesis and cell migration.
Evaluation of treatment access and scope of a multistate hepatitis C virus Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes telehealth service in the US Indian Health System, 2017‐2021
Authors: Wirth Ashley N. , Cushman Nicholas A. , Reilley Brigg A. , Leston Jessica D. , Mera Jorge R. , Levander Ximena A. , Stephens David J.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

American Indians/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board Indian Country Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) telehealth clinic supports primary care providers (PCPs) in treating HCV. We evaluated the extent to which Indian Country ECHO increases access to HCV treatment and holistically serves AI/AN patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of Indian Country ECHO treatment recommendations from 2017 to 2021. Recommendations were classified into the following categories: HCV treatment with direct‐acting antiviral medication, prevention, substance use disorder treatment, lab or imaging orders, pharmacological considerations, behavior changes, other, and referral. Subanalysis of treatment recommendations was completed for patients with cirrhosis.

Findings

Of the 776 patients from 77 Indian Health System facilities who presented at Indian Country ECHO, 718 (93%) received treatment recommendations. Most patients (93%) received recommendations for HCV treatment by their PCP; only 3% received a recommendation for referral to a hepatologist or liver transplant center for additional care. Most patients received at least 1 recommendation beyond the scope of HCV treatment provision. Cirrhosis criteria were met by 8% of patients, of which 80% received recommendations for HCV treatment by their PCP and 25% received recommendations for referral to a specialist for additional care.

Conclusions

Most patients presented at the Indian Country ECHO received recommendations for HCV treatment by their PCP, along with recommendations beyond the scope of HCV. Indian Country ECHO telehealth clinic provides comprehensive recommendations to effectively integrate evidence‐based HCV treatment with holistic care at the primary care level.