bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer with postoperative regional lymph node recurrence
Authors: Ohtaki Yoichi , Nagashima Toshiteru , Okano Naoko , Kubo Nobuteru , Ohtaka Takeru , Sunaga Noriaki , Sakurai Reiko , Miura Yosuke , Nakazawa Seshiru , Kawatani Natsuko , Yazawa Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Ryohei , Narusawa Eiji , Shirabe Ken
Published: February 2024

Background

Regional lymph node recurrence after radical surgery for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an oligo‐recurrent disease; however, no treatment strategy has been established. In the present study we aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of postoperative regional lymph node recurrence and identify prognostic predictors in the era of molecular‐targeted therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data on clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with regional lymph node recurrence after surgery who underwent treatment for NSCLC between 2002 and 2022.

Results

A total of 53 patients were included in this study. The median time between surgery and detection of recurrence was 1.21 years. Radiotherapy (RT) alone and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) were performed in 38 and six patients, respectively. Driver gene alterations were detected in eight patients (EGFR: 6, ROS1:1, and BRAF: 1) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression was examined in 22 patients after 2016. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after lymph node recurrences were 1.32 and 4.34 years, respectively. Multiple lymph node recurrence was an independent prognostic factor for PFS, whereas driver gene alteration was the only prognostic factor for OS. There was no significant difference in the OS between patients stratified according to the initial treatment modality for lymph node recurrence.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the number of tumor recurrences may correlate with PFS, while detection of driver gene alterations could guide decision‐making for the appropriate molecular‐targeted therapy to achieve longer OS.
Deep learning‐ and image processing‐based methods for automatic estimation of leaf herbivore damage
Authors: Wang Zihui , Jiang Yuan , Diallo Abdoulaye Baniré , Kembel Steven W.
Published: February 2024

Quantifying the intensity of leaf herbivory pressure is crucial for understanding the interaction between plants and herbivores in both applied and basic science. Visual estimates and digital analysis have been commonly used to estimate leaf herbivore damage but are time‐consuming which limits the amount of data that can be collected and prevent answering big picture questions that require large‐scale sampling of herbivory pressure. Recent developments in deep learning have provided a potential tool for automatic collection of ecological data from various sources. However, most applications have focused on identification and counting, and there is a lack of deep learning tools for quantitative estimation of leaf herbivore damage.

Here, we trained generative adversarial networks (GANs) to predict the intact status of damaged leaves and applied image processing technique to estimate the area and percentage of leaf damage. We first described procedures for collecting leaf images, training GAN models, predicting intact leaves and calculating leaf area, with a Python package provided to enable hands‐on application of these procedures. Then, we collected a large leaf data set to train a universal deep learning model and developed an online app HerbiEstim to allow direct use of pretrained models to estimate herbivory damage of leaves. We tested these methods using both simulated and real leaf damage data.

The procedures provided in our study greatly improved the efficiency of leaf herbivore damage estimation. Our test demonstrated that the reconstruction of damaged leaf image resembled the ground‐truth image with a similarity of 98.8%. The estimation of leaf herbivore damage exhibited a high accuracy with an averaged root mean square error of 1.6% and had a general applicability to different plant taxa and leaf shapes.

Overall, our work demonstrated the feasibility of applying deep learning techniques to quantify leaf herbivory intensity. The use of GANs allows automatic estimation of leaf damage, representing a major advantage of the method. The Python package and the online app with pre‐trained models will facilitate the use of our method for the analysis of large data sets of plant–herbivore interactions.
Enhanced TRPC3 transcription through AT1R/PKA/CREB signaling contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tubular epithelial cells in D‐galactose‐induced accelerated aging mice
Authors: Wang Bin , Yu Wenpei , Zhang Weiguang , Zhang Min , Niu Yue , Jin Xinye , Zhang Jie , Sun Ding , Li Hao , Zhang Zehao , Luo Qing , Cheng Xiaowei , Niu Jingxue , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei , Chen Yizhi
Published: February 2024

Aging‐associated renal dysfunction promotes the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tubular epithelial cells is a hallmark of senescence and leads to accelerated progression of renal disorders. Dysregulated calcium profiles in mitochondria contribute to aging‐associated disorders, but the detailed mechanism of this process is not clear. In this study, modulation of the sirtuin 1/angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Sirt1/AT1R) pathway partially attenuated renal glomerular sclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis in D‐galactose (D‐gal)‐induced accelerated aging mice. Moreover, modulation of the Sirt1/AT1R pathway improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by D‐gal treatment. Transient receptor potential channel, subtype C, member 3 (TRPC3) upregulation mediated dysregulated cellular and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis during aging. Furthermore, knockdown or knockout (KO) of Trpc3 in mice ameliorated D‐gal‐induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, membrane potential deterioration, and energy metabolism disorder. Mechanistically, activation of the AT1R/PKA pathway promoted CREB phosphorylation and nucleation of CRE2 binding to the Trpc3 promoter (−1659 to −1648 bp) to enhance transcription. Trpc3 KO significantly improved the renal disorder and cell senescence in D‐gal‐induced mice. Taken together, these results indicate that TRPC3 upregulation mediates age‐related renal disorder and is associated with mitochondrial calcium overload and dysfunction. TRPC3 is a promising therapeutic target for aging‐associated renal disorders.
Spider guilds in a maize polyculture respond differently to plant diversification, landscape composition and stage of the agricultural cycle
Authors: Quijano‐Cuervo Luis G. , del‐Val Ek , Macías‐Ordóñez Rogelio , Dáttilo Wesley , Negrete‐Yankelevich Simoneta
Published: February 2024

Agroecosystem simplification for greater food production has led to the loss of ecosystem services such as pest control by predators. Plant diversification has shown excellent potential to improve the diversity of crop predators such as spiders.

However, in agroecosystems with frequent disturbances such as annual crops, it is unknown whether the effect of plant diversification on spiders depends on the surrounding landscape and the stages of the agricultural cycle (i.e., periods with differences in vegetation, weather and agricultural practices).

Here, we evaluated the effect and interaction of local management (plant diversification), landscape (forest areas) and agricultural cycle on the richness and abundance from the main spider guilds of a maize polyculture in Mexico.

We found that greater crop diversification (i.e., addition of legumes and leafy plants) caused a greater abundance of ground‐hunting spiders. We also show that a larger area of forest around the crop favours a greater richness and abundance of ground‐ and vegetation‐hunting spiders.

We found that each stage of the agricultural cycle had a different spider richness and abundance, ground hunters were more common at the beginning of the agricultural cycle, while vegetation hunters and web‐builders were more common during the peak developmental stages of the crops.

Our findings support the idea that to foster functionally diverse spider communities that potentially enhance natural pest control, we must jointly manage plant elements within the crop, in the surrounding landscape, considering the high dynamics of spider communities throughout the agricultural cycle.
National survey of physicians in Swedish child health centres finds insecurity and unawareness regarding management of undescended testicles
Authors: Lindkvist Emma Hofko , Hallabro Nilla , Anderberg Magnus , Hambraeus Mette , Börjesson Anna , Salö Martin
Published: February 2024

Aim

To investigate underlying factors for previously reported shortcomings in child health centres' (CHC) referral process of boys with undescended testicles.

Methods

A total of 386 physicians working at Swedish CHCs were surveyed regarding their knowledge about undescended testicles and their clinical management. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of non‐adherence to guidelines and self‐reported lack of clinical skills.

Results

The overall knowledge of the health benefits of undescended testicle surgery was high (89%), while two‐thirds were unaware of surgery being recommended <1 year of age. One‐fifth of respondents had never received guidance on examination techniques. Male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.31–0.86), education in paediatrics (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18–0.76) and more experience (aOR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01–0.09) significantly decreased the risk of unfamiliarity with examinations. More experience decreased the risk of stating the incorrect indications for undescended testicle surgery (aOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.95) and finding examinations difficult (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07–0.72). Medical education outside Nordic countries was a risk factor for unawareness of guidelines (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.21–3.51).

Conclusion

The knowledge and confidence level of the study population varied widely. The results indicate a need for further theoretical and practical education among Swedish CHC physicians.
Children had increased risks of impaired motor and visual‐motor skills after prenatal exposure to opioid maintenance therapy
Authors: Aslaksen Anne Kathinka , Hoem Mari Leirdal , Vikesdal Gro Horgen , Voie Marit Torbergsen , Haugen Olav H. , Skranes Jon
Published: February 2024

Aim

Preschool children prenatally exposed to opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. We aimed to investigate long‐term motor and visual‐motor integration outcome in children aged 5–13 Years, born to mothers in OMT.

Methods

From January 2018 to June 2021, 63 children prenatally exposed to OMT and 63 comparison children matched for age and gender, were examined at two Norwegian hospitals. Motor skills were assessed by the Movement‐ABC test and visual‐motor integration by the Beery VMI test. A motor function neurological assessment test was used to examine neuromotor soft signs.

Results

In the OMT‐exposed group, 16% had motor impairment, 35% had motor problems and 19% had visual‐motor integration problems. Forty‐three percent of the exposed children had neuromotor soft signs. Strabismus had some influence on motor and visual‐motor outcomes but could not explain the group differences.

Conclusion

Children prenatally exposed to opioid maintenance therapy have an increased risk of long‐term motor impairment and visual‐motor problems. In addition, they exhibit significantly more neuromotor soft signs, which may affect general well‐being, leisure activities and school performance.
Does an economic crisis deflate education bubble and inequality? Lessons from South Korea 1997–2020
Authors: Ha Taiwon
Published: February 2024

Rapid education expansion has been a main driver of the remarkable economic growth in South Korea for last decades. However, in recent times, its excessive education credentialism is considered a hurdle against further developments. This study examined whether education bubble and inequality decreased during the Asian Financial Crisis 1997–98, the Global Financial Crisis 2008–09, and the COVID‐19 pandemic 2020. It tracked quarterly distributional changes in private education expenditure of Korean households with Changes‐in‐Changes. The findings indicate that Korean households postponed private education expenditure cut in the first quarter of the crises to prevent their children from falling behind in severe education competition. Then, they temporarily downsized it in the second quarter. During the pandemic, vulnerable students experienced higher fluctuations in private education expenditure than they did in previous crises closely related to disproportionate effects of the pandemic on household income and consumption expenditure. Therefore, this study suggests more expansionary measures for disadvantaged students to recover from a learning loss and improving the public education system as a fundamental measure to mitigate severe private education dependency.
Terlipressin therapy is associated with increased risk of colonisation with multidrug‐resistant bacteria in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Mücke Marcus M. , Hernández‐Tejero María , Gu Wenyi , Kuhn Michael , Janz Malte , Keller Marisa I. , Fullam Anthony , Altepeter Laura , Mücke Victoria T. , Finkelmeier Fabian , Schwarzkopf Katharina M. , Cremonese Carla , Hunyady Peter‐Merton , Heilani Myriam W. , Uschner Frank Erhard , Schierwagen Robert , Brol Maximilian J. , Fischer Julia , Klein Sabine , Peiffer Kai‐Henrik , Hogardt Michael , Shoaie Saeed , Coenraad Minneke J. , Bojunga Jörg , Arroyo Vicente , Zeuzem Stefan , Kempf Volkhard A. J. , Welsch Christoph , Laleman Wim , Bork Peer , Fernandez Javier , Trebicka Jonel ,   MICROB‐PREDICT and PREDICT Study Group of the EASL‐CLIF Consortium
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with cirrhosis are susceptible to develop bacterial infections that trigger acute decompensation (AD) and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). Infections with multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO) are associated with deleterious outcome. MDRO colonisation frequently proceeds MDRO infections and antibiotic therapy has been associated with MDRO colonisation.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of non‐antibiotic medication contributing to MDRO colonisation.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐four patients with AD and ACLF admitted to the ICU of Frankfurt University Hospital with MDRO screening were included. Regression models were performed to identify drugs associated with MDRO colonisation. Another cohort (n = 129) from Barcelona was included to validate. A third multi‐centre cohort (n = 203) with metagenomic sequencing data of stool was included to detect antibiotic resistance genes.

Results

A total of 97 patients (30%) were identified to have MDRO colonisation and 35 of them (11%) developed MDRO infection. Patients with MDRO colonisation had significantly higher risk of MDRO infection than those without (p = 0.0098). Apart from antibiotic therapy (odds ratio (OR) 2.91, 95%‐confidence interval (CI) 1.82–4.93, p < 0.0001), terlipressin therapy in the previous 14 days was the only independent covariate associated with MDRO colonisation in both cohorts, the overall (OR 9.47, 95%‐CI 2.96–30.23, p < 0.0001) and after propensity score matching (OR 5.30, 95%‐CI 1.22–23.03, p = 0.011). In the second cohort, prior terlipressin therapy was a risk factor for MDRO colonisation (OR 2.49, 95% CI 0.911–6.823, p = 0.075) and associated with risk of MDRO infection during follow‐up (p = 0.017). The validation cohort demonstrated that antibiotic inactivation genes were significantly associated with terlipressin administration (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study reports an increased risk of MDRO colonisation in patients with AD or ACLF, who recently received terlipressin therapy, while other commonly prescribed non‐antibiotic co‐medications had negligible influence. Future prospective trials are needed to confirm these results.
Hypoxia‐related carbonic anhydrase 9 induces serpinB9 expression in cancer cells and apoptosis in T cells via acidosis
Authors: Harada Mamoru , Kotani Hitoshi , Iida Yuichi , Tanino Ryosuke , Minami Takafumi , Komohara Yoshihiro , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: February 2024

Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors. However, the impact of hypoxia on immune cells within tumor environments remains underexplored. Carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) is a hypoxia‐responsive tumor‐associated enzyme. We previously noted that regardless of human CA9 (hCA9) expression, hCA9‐expressing mouse renal cell carcinoma RENCA (RENCA/hCA9) presented as a “cold” tumor in syngeneic aged mice. This study delves into the mechanisms behind this observation. Gene microarray analyses showed that RENCA/hCA9 cells exhibited elevated mouse serpinB9, an inhibitor of granzyme B, relative to RENCA cells. Corroborating this, RENCA/hCA9 cells displayed heightened resistance to antigen‐specific cytotoxic T cells compared with RENCA cells. Notably, siRNA‐mediated serpinB9 knockdown reclaimed this sensitivity. In vivo tests showed that serpinB9 inhibitor administration slowed RENCA tumor growth, but this effect was reduced in RENCA/hCA9 tumors, even with adjunctive immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Further, inducing hypoxia or introducing the mouse CA9 gene upregulated serpinB9 expression, and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the mouse CA9 gene inhibited the hypoxia‐induced induction of serpinB9 in the original RENCA cells. Supernatants from RENCA/hCA9 cultures had lower pH than those from RENCA, suggesting acidosis. This acidity enhanced serpinB9 expression and T cell apoptosis. Moreover, coculturing with RENCA/hCA9 cells more actively prompted T cell apoptosis than with RENCA cells. Collectively, these findings suggest hypoxia‐associated CA9 not only boosts serpinB9 in cancer cells but also synergistically intensifies T cell apoptosis via acidosis, characterizing RENCA/hCA9 tumors as “cold.”
A prospective cohort study exploring the impact of tonsillectomy on feeding difficulties in children
Authors: Walsh M. E. , Retzler R. , Huang J. , Daglish A. , Tweedie D. , Pepper C.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Paediatric feeding difficulties are common, affecting up to 25% of otherwise healthy children, symptoms include food refusal, gagging, choking, and excessive mealtime duration. These symptoms are commonly described in pre‐operative discussions about tonsillectomy. This prospective study explores the impact of tonsillectomy on paediatric feeding difficulties.

Design

This prospective cohort study invited caregivers of children undergoing tonsillectomy to complete a PediEAT questionnaire about their children's feeding behaviours, pre and post‐operatively. The study was completed in two phases with 9 questions administered in phase 1 and three additional questions added for phase 2. A free text comments box was also provided. Responses were graded from 0 to 5, where 0 is ‘never a problem’ and 5 is ‘always a problem’ with eating behaviours.

Setting

The study was conducted at our institution, a tertiary paediatric ENT unit.

Participants

Children aged between 6 months ‐ 7 years undergoing tonsillectomy for any indication were invited to participate.

Main outcome measures

Changes to the Pedi‐EAT scores pre and post operatively were the main outcome measure.

Results

102 participants were recruited between January 2020 and January 2022. The mean age of participants was 4.1 years, 87% had a concurrent adenoidectomy. The mean time to completion of post‐operative questionnaire was 23 weeks after surgery. 9 of the 12 questions showed a statistically significant improvement in post‐operative scores using a paired student t‐test (p < 0.05). The most significant improvements related to ‘gets tired from eating and is not able to finish’ (1.49 pre‐op, 0.91 post op, p < 0.01) and ‘eats food that needs to be chewed’ (1.4 pre‐op, 0.72 post‐op, p < 0.01). 13% of participants only underwent tonsillectomy and this group also showed a statistically significant improvement in fatigue during eating (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Symptoms of fatigue during eating and avoidance of food requiring mastication are most likely to improve following tonsillectomy in children.
Rebooting nuclear medicine specialist education under the COVID‐19 pandemic: From plenary lectures to active e‐learning
Authors: Tulipan Andreas , Gulati Ankush , Haslerud Torjan , Gray Robert , Biermann Martin
Published: February 2024

Despite major reforms of specialist training in the Nordic countries towards concrete learning outcomes and promoting active learning, most specialist courses continue to be based on lectures. We redesigned our mandatory 5‐day course in clinical nuclear medicine (NM) that was last held in 2016 towards active learning. Thirty 1‐h lectures were replaced with 10 thematic blocks of 3 h each. Each block was taught by a single teacher in a blend of short introductory lectures alternating with small groups of residents reading NM cases from our newly established national case library in diagnostic format. Due to COVID‐19, the entire course in 2021 needed to be run on a videoconferencing system rather than in a computer laboratory as had been originally planned. At the end of the course, we conducted the same anonymized survey as in 2016. All 19 course participants responded. 74% fully agreed that the e‐course format had been ‘good’. One hundred per cent fully agreed that the practical exercises were ‘useful’ versus 50% in 2016 (p < 0.001). In their free text answers on the merits or downsides of e‐learning, 12/12 respondents only mentioned advantages. Our newly established library of anonymized teaching cases within our national health network is an effective tool for organising courses based on active learning. Despite the change towards distance learning enforced by the pandemic, course participants reported the same high levels of satisfaction with active learning in small groups as in the earlier traditional lecture‐based course format.
Bonds for the long run? The rate of return on corporate bonds in Belgium, 1838–1939
Authors: Van Mencxel Kevin , Annaert Jan , Deloof Marc
Published: February 2024

We investigate corporate bond returns for the period 1838–1939 by compiling a unique new database of 201 000 monthly observations of bonds traded on the Brussels Stock Exchange. The value‐weighted annualized total rate of return, net of coupon defaults and taxes, is 4.35 per cent in nominal terms and 2.81 per cent in real terms. Estimates of average returns show that corporate bonds outperformed equities during the entire nineteenth century. We find that the risk‐adjusted performance of corporate bonds based on Sharpe ratios exceeds that of equities and sovereign bonds during the corporate bond market's first centennial.
Estimation of the transmission delays in the basal ganglia of the macaque monkey and subsequent predictions about oscillatory activity under dopamine depletion
Authors: Liénard Jean F. , Aubin Lise , Cos Ignasi , Girard Benoît
Published: February 2024

The timescales of the dynamics of a system depend on the combination of the timescales of its components and of its transmission delays between components. Here, we combine experimental stimulation data from 10 studies in macaque monkeys that reveal the timing of excitatory and inhibitory events in the basal ganglia circuit, to estimate its set of transmission delays. In doing so, we reveal possible inconsistencies in the existing data, calling for replications, and we propose two possible sets of transmission delays. We then integrate these delays in a model of the primate basal ganglia that does not rely on direct and indirect pathways' segregation and show that extrastriatal dopaminergic depletion in the external part of the globus pallidus and in the subthalamic nucleus is sufficient to generate β‐band oscillations (in the high part, 20–35 Hz, of the band). More specifically, we show that D2 and D5 dopamine receptors in these nuclei play opposing roles in the emergence of these oscillations, thereby explaining how completely deactivating D5 receptors in the subthalamic nucleus can, paradoxically, cancel oscillations.
Digital Module 35: Through‐Year Assessment
Authors: Dadey Nathan , Gong Brian , Kim Yun‐Kyung , Sato Edynn
Published: February 2024

Module Abstract

Through‐year assessments are assessments that are administered in multiple parts and at different times over the course of a school year that also produce summative scores that can be used with state accountability systems (Lorié et al., 2021; Dadey & Gong, 2023). These assessments are alternatively known as instructionally embedded, through‐course, or periodic assessments. There are a number of possible through‐year assessment models, and they have recently been the subject of much policy interest as they have the potential to inform subsequent instruction, be more closely aligned with and responsive to curricula and instruction, provide more proximal measures of learning, and be a more sensitive measure of student progress or growth than typical year‐end summative assessments (Clark & Karvonen, 2021; Gong, 2021; NWEA, 2021; Wise, 2011). More research is needed, however, to substantiate these potential uses.
Pain attitudes and pain outcomes among people with bleeding disorders: Results from community voices in research
Authors: Pierce Corey , Branscum Adam , Irvin Veronica L. , Elander James , Bovbjerg Marit , Witkop Michelle , Smit Ellen
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Among people with bleeding disorders (PwBD), pain is a major problem and pain treatments are often ineffective. Understanding of psychological factors involved in pain processing is limited. Maladaptive pain attitudes are associated with worse pain outcomes and adaptive pain attitudes are associated with better outcomes in high pain conditions, but relationships between pain attitudes and pain outcomes are so far unexplored among PwBD.

Aim

To investigate relationships between pain attitudes and pain outcomes among PwBD.

Methods

Pain attitudes were measured with the Survey of Pain Attitudes, containing two adaptive scales (Control and Emotion) and five maladaptive scales (Disability, Harm, Medication, Solicitude, Medical Cure). Adults with bleeding disorders, who had pain, and were enrolled in Community Voices in Research were eligible. Participants (n = 72) completed an online survey. Cross sectional associations between pain attitudes and pain outcomes (pain and prescribed pain medication use) were investigated using logistic regression.

Results

After adjustment for covariates, greater Control attitudes were associated with lower odds of more severe pain, and greater Disability, Harm, and Medication attitudes were all associated with higher odds of more severe pain and with higher odds of any prescribed pain medication use and opioid pain medication use.

Conclusions

We presented compelling evidence of relationships between pain attitudes and pain outcomes in PwBD, though corroboration is needed from other populations. Our findings suggest that modification of pain attitudes presents a possible avenue for interventions to improve pain outcomes and increase patient satisfaction with pain management.
A study on influences of an induced electric field on the Enzymolysis of water caltrop starch by Pullulanase
Authors: Liang Baodong , Yin XuMin , Zhang Wenli , Shang Sang , Zeng Shunde , Wei Haixiang
Published: February 2024

Ours is a study on the influences of an induced electric field on the physicochemical properties, structure and in vitro digestion of water caltrop starch by Pullulanase. The distribution range of molecular weight, the average molecular weight of enzyme‐treated starch, and induction electric field decreased gradually. The amylose content and gel strength of starch samples increased gradually when 50 V, 75 V and 100 V induced electric fields were applied, and the solubility and swelling power decreased with the increase of voltage. When the induced voltage was 100 V, amylose content reached 85.78%, gel strength was 198.56 g, the content of slowly digestible starch (SDS) was 41.34%, and the expected glycaemic index (eGI) was the lowest, 1047/1022, and crystallinity was higher than that of other treated samples. When the induced voltage continued to rise to 125 V and 150 V, the amylose content and gel strength of starch began to decrease, corresponding solubility and swelling power began to increase, and the short‐range order and crystallinity of starch were reduced. The content of SDS decreased gradually and eGI increased. This study provides a reference for research on the modification of starch by induction electric field.
Pattern of multimorbidity in middle‐aged and older‐aged people with mild intellectual disability in Australia
Authors: Rutherford Grace , Hussain Rafat , Tait Kathleen
Published: February 2024

Background

Non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, now constitute a major proportion of ill‐health across most adult and older populations including in people with intellectual disability. The current paper is a comparative analysis of prevalence of NCDs across mid‐aged and older‐aged people with mild intellectual disability.

Method

Comparative data comes from two cross‐sectional surveys using similar methodology and timeframes. The analysis sample comprises mid‐aged group (30–50 years, N = 291) and older‐aged group (≥60 years, N = 391).

Results

People with mild intellectual disability start developing NCDs in early to mid‐adulthood and increases with age. The mean number of NCDs in mid‐aged group was 0.86 (SD, 0.84) compared to 3.82 in older group (SD, 2.67).

Conclusion

There needs to be early identification and management of NCDs using relevant health promotion and preventative measures at optimal intervention points. The training of healthcare professionals needs improvement.
Microfoundations of dynamic new venture partnering capabilities
Authors: Wagner Stephan M. , Kurpjuweit Stefan
Published: February 2024

Managing relationships with new venture suppliers require the adaptation of supplier management practices and routines. This research builds upon the dynamic capabilities perspective to explicate the ability to partner effectively with new venture suppliers as a dynamic capability. We argue that new venture partnering capability (NVPC) encompasses sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities. Firms with sensing capabilities can interpret new ventures' value propositions and then match them to the needs of their business units. Seizing capabilities allow firms to coordinate and develop the relationship with a new venture supplier to capture value. Transforming capabilities enable firms to adapt resources and reconfigure their sensing and seizing capabilities. Our findings suggest that firms accelerate the transformation and strengthen dynamic NVPCs by applying entrepreneurial behavior through high‐quality and regular interactions with new venture suppliers and embedding a dedicated new venture function. We also find that dynamic NVPCs can reside at different levels and that entrepreneurial managers can stimulate the development of organizational NVPCs. In general, we provide further empirical evidence on how buying firms can more effectively leverage the potential of new venture suppliers.
Diet with optimal glutathione supplement improves growth, nonspecific immunity, intestinal microbiota, and antioxidant ability in Micropterus salmoides
Authors: Xiong Chuanyu , Chi Yuyu , Wang Bei , Yi Jianhua , Yu Yongyao , Li Yun , Ye Hua , Yin Jiyuan , Wu Ronghua
Published: February 2024

In this study, Micropterus salmoides were fed with dietary glutathione (GSH, 0, 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) for 56 days to investigate its effects on growth performance, serum nonspecific immunity, liver antioxidant capacity, tissue morphology, and intestinal microbiota. The results showed that the survival rate, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate and condition factor increased, whereas the feed conversion ratio, hepato‐somatic index, and viscerosomatic index decreased in the GSH groups. Compared with the control group, the serum total protein content significantly increased, whereas the triglyceride and total cholesterol significantly decreased in the 300‐mg/kg dietary GSH group. The activities of lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase were significantly higher in GSH‐supplemented groups, peaking at 300‐mg/kg GSH. GSH supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde content, with the most pronounced effects at 300‐mg/kg GSH. Further antioxidant indicators showed that a dietary supplement of 300‐mg/kg GSH significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, endogenous glutathione, glutathione reductase, and catalase. At 300‐mg/kg GSH, the liver exhibited improved characteristics with alleviated vacuolation and hepatocyte nuclear shift, and intestine showed enhanced structure with increased villus height and intestinal wall thickness. Additionally, a 300‐mg/kg GSH supplementation improved the diversity of intestinal microbiota, increased the abundance of probiotics such as Bacillus, and inhibited the development of pathogenic bacteria such as Plesiomonas. Overall, the results suggest that the effect of GSH addition on improving growth performance, nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of M. salmoides is best in the 300‐mg/kg addition group. Based on second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of weight gain, the optimum requirement of dietary GSH in M. salmoides is a 336.84‐mg/kg diet.
Comparison of engineering properties of organic and inorganic coconut: Implications on the design of coir fiber extraction machine
Authors: Pandiselvam Ravi , Manikantan M. R. , Subramanian P. , Khanashyam Anandu Chandra , Shanker M. Anjaly , Surekha R. , Gupta Alka
Published: February 2024

Coconut husk is widely used as a source of natural fibers in the tropics. Dehusking and fiber extraction are some of the important unit operations in coir manufacturing. For the development of an efficient and economically viable fiber extraction machine, the engineering properties of conventional and organically grown coconuts were evaluated. Selected engineering properties of whole coconut were investigated. The average true density and bulk density were in the range of 414.63 ± 111.85 to 529.28 ± 123.02 and 161.66 ± 24.41 to 212.23 ± 18.96 kg/m3, respectively. Along with whole coconuts, engineering properties of husk (weight, moisture content, and husk thickness), shell (weight, thickness, bulk density, and moisture content), and kernel parameters (weight, thickness, and moisture content) were also evaluated. The application of organic treatment (T4) exhibited substantial impacts, leading to a higher coconut weight (1.354 kg) as compared to conventional practices (T5), and increased dimensions (158.599 mm diameter and 205.000 mm height) and improved bulk density (190.97 kg/m3) in comparison to other organic treatments. In deshelled coconuts, T4 showcased a higher shell weight (175.667 g) and shell thickness (4.767 mm). The kernel parameters of T4 displayed enhancements, featuring a kernel weight of 314.334 g and a thickness of 11.774 mm. Although the study could not find any correlation between the farming practices and engineering characteristics of coconut fruit, the data presented herein could be utilized for the design and improvisation of efficient fiber extraction machines.

Practical Applications

Developing countries are exploring the possibilities of implementation of organic farming for the production of agro products. Implementation of organic farming not only affects yield but may also change the engineering properties and nutritional characteristics of products. Understanding the engineering properties of food products grown under organic conditions is important for the modification of the design in the existing machineries and/or development of new food processing equipments.
Investigating the impact of woodland placement and percentage cover on flood peaks in an upland catchment using spatially distributed TOPMODEL
Authors: Monger F. , Spracklen D. V. , Kirkby M. J. , Willis T.
Published: February 2024

Woodlands can reduce downstream flooding, but it is not well known how the extent and distribution of woodland affects reductions in peak flow. We used the spatially distributed TOPMODEL to simulate peak flow during a 1 in 50 year storm event for a range of broadleaf woodland scenarios across a 2.6 km2 catchment in Northern England. Woodland reduced peak flow by 2.6%–15.3% depending on the extent and spatial distribution of woodland cover. Cross slope and riparian woodland resulted in larger reductions in peak flow, 4.9% and 3.3% for a 10‐percentage point increase in woodland cover respectively, compared to a 2.7% reduction for woodland randomly located across the catchment. Our results demonstrate that increased woodland cover can reduce peak flows during a large storm event and suggest that targeted placement of woodland can maximise the effectiveness of natural flood management interventions.
Revolution of Helicobacter pylori treatment
Authors: Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: February 2024

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major global health concern, and its management has witnessed a revolutionary shift with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In this review, I explore the mechanisms of H. pylori antibiotic resistance and highlight the critical need for susceptibility‐based eradication treatments. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant strains requires innovative approaches to combat this resilient pathogen. I also delve into the importance of mass screening as a preventive strategy for early detection and intervention, describing my experience in Bhutan. Additionally, I explore promising alternatives, such as vaccination. The aim of this review is to provide insight into the evolving landscape of H. pylori treatment and highlight the need for a paradigm shift in the approach to combating this persistent bacterial infection.
Challenges for hepatitis B control in Asia‐Pacific areas: Consolidating vaccination and rolling‐out antiviral therapies
Authors: Chen Pei‐Jer
Published: February 2024

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was, and still is, a prevalent liver disease in the world, especially high in the Asia‐Pacific areas. With the advent of preventive vaccines and effective viral suppression drugs and active implementations, CHB has gradually become under control. The world‐wide prevalence reduces from 4.2% in 1980 to 3.2% in 2020 study. CHB patients receiving long‐term antiviral therapies significantly improve the clinical outcomes, saving from end‐stage liver diseases. Despite of these impressive progresses, to meet the WHO sustained development goals (SDG) for CHB control, a 90% reduction of incidence and a 65% reduction of mortality in year 2030, there is still a long way to go. In this review, four ongoing approaches have been proposed: (i) A continuous monitoring of long‐term vaccine efficacy in vaccinated populations; (ii) consolidating the hepatitis B virus vaccination program against vaccine hesitancy and limited resources; (iii) rolling‐out current oral antivirals to more CHB patients not only for diseases treatment but also for infection preventions; and (iv) development of curative therapies, both friendly‐to‐dispense and affordable. A coherent and persevere efforts by the society may succeed and achieve the SDG for CHB in the future.
Patient experiences on the quality of cerebrovascular diseases counselling using digital solutions in hospital—A qualitative research study
Authors: Myllykangas Kirsi , Härkönen Henna , Kääriäinen Maria , Kärppä Mikko , Jansson Miia
Published: February 2024

Aim

To describe patients' experiences of the quality of counselling to develop new digital counselling solutions for patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Design

A descriptive, qualitative approach.

Methods

Semi‐structured in‐person interviews were conducted among 22 patients diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular disease and treated as inpatients at a single university hospital in Finland between September 2021 and February 2022. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis.

Results

The identified facilitators, barriers and possible solutions for the development of new digital counselling solutions were deductively categorized into five main categories: (1) background factors, (2) resources, (3) implementation, (4) sufficiency, and (5) effects and 12 generic categories. Patients with cerebrovascular diseases worry about symptoms affecting their ability to receive information and valued a supportive atmosphere. Staff should have more time for counselling and use motivational digital counselling solutions in plain language, moderate length and with multimedia content. Patients desired reminders, easy search functions and possibilities for two‐way communication.

Conclusion

New digital counselling solutions could be beneficial in supporting the patients' knowledge, emotions and adherence. For the success of such solutions, patients' special needs concerning different levels of cognitive impairment need to be considered.

Impact

The results of this study may benefit healthcare organizations in the development of digital counselling solutions that meet the patients' needs.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines with the COREQ reporting method.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved as the study population.
Association between oxidative stress and chronic orofacial pain and potential druggable targets: Evidence from a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Shao‐Hui , Feng Yao , Zhong Meng‐Mei , Xie Jia‐Hao , Xu Wei
Published: February 2024

Background

Oxidative stress indicators affect chronic orofacial pain (COFP), but how to reduce these effects is uncertain.

Objectives

11 oxidative stress biomarkers were collected as exposures, while four forms of COFP were chosen as outcomes for Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

The effect estimates between oxidative stress and COFP were calculated using inverse variance‐weighted MR (IVW‐MR). Then, functional mapping and annotation (FUMA) was utilized in order to carry out SNP‐based functional enrichment analyses. In addition, the IVW‐MR method was applied to combine effect estimates when using genetic variants associated with oxidative stress biomarkers as an instrument for exploring potential druggable targets.

Results

The results indicated that oxidative stress biomarkers (causal OR of uric acid (UA), 0.998 for myofascial pain, 95% CI 0.996–1.000, p < .05; and OR of glutathione transferase (GST), 1.002 for dentoalveolar pain, 95% CI 1.000–1.003, p < .05) were significantly linked with the probability of COFP. Functional analysis also demonstrated that UA and myofascial pain genes were prominent in nitrogen and uracil metabolism, while GST and dentoalveolar pain genes were enriched in glutathione metabolism. Also, the study provided evidence that solute carrier family 2 member 9 (SLC2A9) and glutathione S‐transferase alpha 2 (GSTA2) cause discomfort in the myofascial pain (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.000–1.006; p < .05) and dentoalveolar region (OR = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.002; p < .05), respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this MR study indicates that genetically predicted myofascial pain was significantly associated with decreased UA and dentoalveolar pain was significantly associated with increased GST level. SLC2A9 inhibitor and GSTA2 inhibitor were novel chronic orofacial pain therapies and biomarkers, but clinical trials are called to examine if these oxidative biomarkers have the protective effect against orofacial pain, and further research are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Exploring the link between vitamin D deficiency and obstructive sleep apnea: A comprehensive review
Authors: Yao Nan , Ma Chenyuan , Dou Ruixue , Shen Chao , Yuan Ye , Li Wei , Qu Jun
Published: February 2024

Despite the high prevalence and significant health burden of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. This comprehensive review explores the emerging connection between vitamin D deficiency and OSA, discusses potential mechanisms underlying this association, and explores the therapeutic implications of these findings. Recent research has consistently highlighted the high incidence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with OSA, which often occurs independently of geographical location. This suggests that factors beyond lack of sunlight exposure may be involved. This review also discusses how reduced vitamin D may be associated with more severe manifestations of OSA. In addition, it explores the potentiality of using vitamin D supplements as a therapeutic strategy for OSA, noting that some studies have found improvements in sleep quality and a reduction in OSA severity. Potential mechanisms are proposed, including the role of vitamin D deficiency in promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, impairing immune function, muscle function, and gene polymorphism of vitamin D receptors, all of which could contribute to the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. The paper underscores the need for future research to validate these observations, to determine optimal vitamin D supplementation dosage and duration, to explore potential side effects and risks, and to investigate potential interactions with other treatments.
Association of a novel dystrophin (DMD) genetic nonsense variant in a cat with X‐linked muscular dystrophy with a mild clinical course
Authors: Muto Harunobu , Yu Yoshihiko , Chambers James K. , Coghill Lyndon M. , Nakamura Yasuharu , Uchida Kazuyuki , Lyons Leslie A.
Published: February 2024

X‐linked muscular dystrophy in cats (FXMD) is an uncommon disease, with few reports describing its pathogenic genetic variants. A 9‐year‐old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented with persistent muscle swelling and breathing difficulty from 3 years of age. Serum activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and creatine kinase were abnormally high. Physical and neurological examinations showed muscle swelling in the neck and proximal limb, slow gait, and occasional breathing difficulties. Electromyography showed pseudomyotonic discharges and complex repetitive discharges with a “dive‐bomber” sound. Histopathology revealed muscle necrosis and regeneration. Whole‐genome sequencing identified a novel and unique hemizygous nonsense genetic variant, c.8333G > A in dystrophin (DMD), potentially causing a premature termination codon (p.Trp2778Ter). Based on a combination of clinical and histological findings and the presence of the DMD nonsense genetic variant, this case was considered FXMD, which showed mild clinical signs and long‐term survival, even though immunohistochemical characterization was lacking.