bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of postoperative cognitive training on health‐related quality of life and cognitive failures in daily living after heart valve surgery: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Butz Marius , Gerriets Tibo , Sammer Gebhard , El‐Shazly Jasmin , Tschernatsch Marlene , Schramm Patrick , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Braun Tobias , Boening Andreas , Mengden Thomas , Choi Yeong‐Hoon , Schoenburg Markus , Juenemann Martin
Published: February 2023

Background

Heart surgery is a risk factor for objectively and subjectively assessable postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), which is relevant for everyday life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether early postoperative cognitive training has an impact on health‐related quality of life and cognitive failures in daily living after cardiac surgery.

Methods

The study was a two‐arm, randomized, controlled, outcome‐blinded trial involving older patients undergoing elective heart valve surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Recruitment took place at the Departments of Cardiac Surgery of the Kerckhoff Clinic in Bad Nauheim (Germany) and the University Hospital in Giessen (Germany). The patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to either a paper‐and‐pencil–based cognitive training group or a control group. We applied the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) prior to surgery and 3 months after the cognitive training. Data were analyzed in a per‐protocol fashion.

Results

Three months after discharge from rehabilitation, the training group (n = 31) showed improvement in health‐related quality of life compared to the control group (n = 29), especially in role limitations due to emotional problems (U = −2.649, p = .008, η2 = 0.121), energy and fatigue (F[2.55] = 5.72, p = .020, η2 = 0.062), social functioning (U = −2.137, p = .033, η2 = 0.076), the average of all SF‐36 factors (U = −2.374, p = .018, η2 = 0.094), health change from the past year to the present time (U = −2.378, p = .017, η2 = 0.094), and the mental component summary (U = −2.470, p = .013, η2 = 0.102).

Conclusion

As our cognitive training has shown beneficial effects, this intervention could be a promising method to enhance health‐related quality of life after cardiac surgery.
Azaphilones from the Fungus Penicillium multicolor LZUC‐S2 and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Shen Shi‐Jin , Feng Zi‐Yun , Jiang Song‐Jie , Liu Li , Fu Shi‐Jing , Chen Wan‐Hong , Sun Qi‐Yue , Chen Jian‐Jun
Published: February 2023

Two new azaphilones, penimultiones A and B, together with seven known analogs were isolated from the culture of Penicillium multicolor LZUC‐S2. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data analysis and chemical transformation. Penimultiones A and B belong to a rare class of azaphilones possessing a 1,3‐dioxolane moiety. In addition, all compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against five clinically bacterial strains in vitro, and three compounds showed potent antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 12.5 to 50.0 μg/mL.
The PROGRESS‐CTO perforation risk score. Are you in?
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Lamelas Pablo M.
Published: February 2023

Key Points

Coronary perforation is a life‐threatening complication of chronic total occlusion angioplasty.

In a large assessment, the PROGRESS‐CTO perforation risk score was validated with good discriminatory and calibration performance.

The use of this score may help operators to identify patients at high risk of coronary perforation in the real‐world practice and also use it for research purposes.
Controlled Synthesis of Polymers†
Authors: Sun Jingshan , Yang Jiazhen , Ding Jianxun
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Controlled synthesis is central to obtaining polymers with accurate structures and excellent performances. Recent research in the controlled synthesis of polymers has focused on optimizing monomers, initiation systems, and reaction conditions. The satisfactory sequence, topological structure, and dispersity have been achieved to satisfy the growing demand for functional polymers. This review summarizes the selection of monomers of various types and structures, the innovation of initiation systems, and the optimization of reaction conditions in the controlled synthesis of polymers and discusses their challenges and opportunities.
The activation of EP300 by F11R leads to EMT and acts as a prognostic factor in triple‐negative breast cancers
Authors: Li Chien‐Hsiu , Fang Chih‐Yeu , Chan Ming‐Hsien , Lu Pei‐Jung , Ger Luo‐Ping , Chu Jan‐Show , Chang Yu‐Chan , Chen Chi‐Long , Hsiao Michael
Published: February 2023

Cancer progression is influenced by junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) family members. The relationship between JAM family members and different types of cancer was examined using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. mRNA levels of the F11R (F11 receptor) in tumours were inversely correlated to the expression of JAM‐2 and JAM‐3. This relationship was unique to breast cancer (BCa) and was associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.024, hazard ratio = 1.44 [1.05–1.99]). A 50‐gene molecular signature (prediction analysis of microarray 50) was used to subtype BCa. F11R mRNA expression significantly increased in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐enriched (p = 0.0035) and basal‐like BCa tumours (p = 0.0005). We evaluated F11R protein levels in two different compositions of BCa subtype patient tissue array cohorts to determine the relationship between BCa subtype and prognosis. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that a high F11R protein level was associated with poor overall survival (p < 0.001; Taipei Medical University [TMU] cohort, p < 0.001; Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital [KVGH] cohort) or disease‐free survival (p < 0.001 [TMU cohort], p = 0.034 [KVGH cohort]) in patients with BCa. Comparison of F11R levels in different subtypes revealed the association of poor prognosis with high levels of F11R among luminal (p < 0.001 [TMU cohort], p = 0.027 [KVGH cohort]), HER2 positive (p = 0.018 [TMU cohort], p = 0.037 [KVGH cohort]), and triple‐negative (p = 0.013 [TMU cohort], p = 0.037 [KVGH cohort]) BCa. F11R‐based RNA microarray analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis were successful in profiling the detailed gene ontology of triple‐negative BCa cells regulated by F11R. The EP300 transcription factor was highly correlated with F11R in BCa (R = 0.51, p < 0.001). By analysing these F11R‐affected molecules with the L1000CDs datasets, we were able to predict some repurposing drugs for potential application in F11R‐positive BCa treatment.
Controlling Thickness of ZnSe Intermediate Shell Narrows FWHM of Green‐Emitting Spectra of InP/ZnSe/ZnS Multi‐Shell Quantum Dots
Authors: Okamoto Akihito , Bai Haruki , Toda Shintaro , Huang Maowei , Kajii Hirotake , Kawai Kentaro , Murakami Hirohiko
Published: February 2023

Multi‐shell InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are expected to be applied to next‐generation displays. While the effect of the thickness of the ZnSe intermediate shell on the properties of InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs has been reported for red‐emission, there are few reports on green‐emitting ones. Here we show the effects of ZnSe thickness on full width at half maximum (FWHM) and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the emission spectra of green‐emitting InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs. The results revealed that the ZnSe intermediate shell of green‐emitting InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs has an optimum thickness (1.2 nm in this study). Excessive or insufficient ZnSe intermediate shell broadened FWHM and decreased PLQY. This means that difference in the thickness of the ZnSe intermediate shell changes the band structure and the electron behavior. The ZnSe thickness is one of the dominant factors that determine the optical properties in green‐emitting InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs.
Phosphoproteomic analysis of metformin signaling in colorectal cancer cells elucidates mechanism of action and potential therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Salovska Barbora , Gao Erli , Müller‐Dott Sophia , Li Wenxue , Cordon Carlos Chacon , Wang Shisheng , Dugourd Aurelien , Rosenberger George , Saez‐Rodriguez Julio , Liu Yansheng
Published: February 2023

Background

The biguanide drug metformin is a safe and widely prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, hundreds of clinical trials have been set to evaluate the potential role of metformin in the prevention and treatment of cancer including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the “metformin signaling” remains controversial.

Aims and Methods

To interrogate cell signaling induced by metformin in CRC and explore the druggability of the metformin‐rewired phosphorylation network, we performed integrative analysis of phosphoproteomics, bioinformatics, and cell proliferation assays on a panel of 12 molecularly heterogeneous CRC cell lines. Using the high‐resolute data‐independent analysis mass spectrometry (DIA‐MS), we monitored a total of 10,142 proteins and 56,080 phosphosites (P‐sites) in CRC cells upon a short‐ and a long‐term metformin treatment.

Results and Conclusions

We found that metformin tended to primarily remodel cell signaling in the long‐term and only minimally regulated the total proteome expression levels. Strikingly, the phosphorylation signaling response to metformin was highly heterogeneous in the CRC panel, based on a network analysis inferring kinase/phosphatase activities and cell signaling reconstruction. A “MetScore” was determined to assign the metformin relevance of each P‐site, revealing new and robust phosphorylation nodes and pathways in metformin signaling. Finally, we leveraged the metformin P‐site signature to identify pharmacodynamic interactions and confirmed a number of candidate metformin‐interacting drugs, including navitoclax, a BCL‐2/BCL‐xL inhibitor. Together, we provide a comprehensive phosphoproteomic resource to explore the metformin‐induced cell signaling for potential cancer therapeutics. This resource can be accessed at https://yslproteomics.shinyapps.io/Metformin/.
Ecological impacts of the industrial revolution in a lowland raised peat bog near Manchester, NW England
Authors: Garcés‐Pastor Sandra , Fletcher William J. , Ryan Peter A.
Published: February 2023

(1) Ombrotrophic peat bogs provide valuable records of environmental change on long timescales but are rarely preserved near the major centers of industrial activity. Holcroft Moss is a rare example of a stratigraphically intact lowland peat bog in NW England, which provides a valuable opportunity to trace industrial impacts on vegetation in a sensitive environmental archive close to the early industrializing cities of Manchester and Liverpool. (2) We reconstructed environmental changes at Holcroft Moss before and after the Industrial Revolution using a decadal‐scale record of pollen, non‐pollen palynomorphs, microcharcoal, peat composition (organic content and ash‐free bulk density) and heavy metal content, constrained by a radiocarbon and SCP (spheroidal carbonaceous particle) chronology. We examine the relationship between abiotic and biotic environmental tracers using principal component analysis and evaluate the role of local and regional climatic and anthropogenic drivers using canonical redundancy analysis and partitioning of variation. (3) Results show significant changes in bog vegetation composition during the last 700 years. Prior to 1750 CE, climate and agro‐pastoral activity (grazing and fires) were the main drivers of vegetation change. Subsequently, regional coal‐fired industry contributed to major increases in atmospheric pollutants (dust, heavy metals, and acid deposition) that severely impacted vegetation, driving the decline of Sphagnum. Grasses rose to dominance in the 20th century associated especially with bog conversion and cumulative nitrogen deposition. Although atmospheric pollution significantly decreased in the post‐industrial era, vegetation has not returned to pre‐industrial conditions, reflecting the ongoing impact of global change drivers which pose challenges for conservation and restoration. (4) Synthesis. Paleoecological studies are needed to reveal the long‐term history of vegetation degradation and to offer guidelines for restoration and conservation practices. This study reconstructs the last 700 years of a peat bog located between Manchester and Liverpool, revealing the timing and nature of vegetation changes across the trajectory of early industrialization and eventual post‐industrial decline. Our study reveals the progressive dominance of regional anthropogenic forcing and highlights that the present‐day vegetation does not have past analogs within the last 700 years. Conservation measures favoring the reintroduction of Sphagnum are justified in redressing the major biological legacy of the Industrial Revolution, while steps to increase Calluna should also be considered in light of its resilience to dry and fire‐prone conditions.
Plant–moth community relationships at the degraded urban peat‐bog in Central Europe
Authors: Płóciennik Mateusz , Pabis Krzysztof , Zima Angelika , Kucharski Leszek , Sobczyk Robert
Published: February 2023

Peatlands have their own, specific insect fauna. They are a habitat not only for ubiquistic but also stenotopic moths that feed on plants limited to wet, acid and oligotrophic habitats. In the past, raised bogs and fens were widely distributed in Europe. This has changed since 20th c. Due to irrigation, modern forestry, and increasing human settlement, peatlands have become isolated islands in an agricultural and urban landscape. Here, we analyze the flora in a degraded bog situated in a large Lodz city agglomeration in Poland in relation to the diversity and composition of moth fauna. Over the last 40 years since the bog has become protected as a nature reserve, birch, willow, and alder shrubs replaced the typical raised bog plant communities due to the decreased water level. The analysis of moth communities sampled in 2012 and 2013 indicates dominance of ubiquistic taxa associated with deciduous wetland forests and rushes. Tyrphobiotic and tyrphophile moth taxa were not recorded. We conclude that the absence of moths typical of bog habitats and the dominance of common, woodland species are associated with hydrological changes, the expansion of trees and brushes over typical bog plant communities, and light pollution.
Monitoring of long‐term vegetation dynamics and responses to droughts of various timescales in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Tong Siqin , Bao Gang , Bao Yuhai , Huang Xiaojun
Published: February 2023

The characteristics of vegetation and drought for different seasons between 1982 and 2015 in Inner Mongolia were studied based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The response of vegetation to drought over various timescales for different seasons and vegetation types was investigated using the maximum Pearson correlation, allowing a discussion about the possible causes of any changes. The results indicate that the vegetation NDVI in Inner Mongolia showed an increasing trend in different seasons, with spring vegetation NDVI (April–May) having the largest significant increasing rate, followed by the growing season (April–October), autumn (September–October), and summer (June–August). Accordingly, the proportion of stations with decreasing SPEI was, in descending order, summer, growing season, autumn, and spring. Additionally, the magnitude of the SPEI decrease was greater in eastern Inner Mongolia. NDVI and SPEI were positively correlated in most regions of Inner Mongolia, indicating that changes in vegetation in most parts of this region were affected by the spatial and temporal characteristics of drought, the correlation being them being strongest in the growing season, followed by summer, then spring and autumn. Considering the different types of vegetation, forests were less affected by drought, with broadleaf forests more affected than coniferous forests. The meadow steppes and typical steppes were more affected by 12‐month droughts in the growing season and summer, 6‐month droughts in spring, and 3‐month droughts in autumn, with desert steppes mainly affected by 3‐month droughts. The shrubs, sandy vegetation, and cropland were mostly affected by droughts in summer, and show a greater response to 3‐month droughts in autumn. Finally, the water balance was found to be the most important factor affecting the response of vegetation to drought in Inner Mongolia.
Holocene fire regimes, fire‐related plant functional types, and climate in south‐coastal British Columbia forests
Authors: Giuliano Camille , Lacourse Terri
Published: February 2023

Paleoecological records of past fire events and forest composition provide long‐term ecological context for modern changes in fire regimes and forest dynamics. Here, we use pollen and contiguous macroscopic charcoal analyses of lake sediments from Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada to reconstruct changes in fire regimes over the last 10,000 years and investigate how these interact with changes in climate and forest composition with a focus on fire‐related plant functional types. The relatively warm and dry early Holocene was characterized by high charcoal accumulation rates, fire episodes of moderate severity, and a mean fire return interval of 100 ± 27 years. Forests at the time were open‐canopy Pseudotsuga menziesii forests with abundant fire endurer taxa (e.g., Pteridium aquilinum) that have a competitive advantage in regimes of frequent fire. Fire continued to occur every ~100 years, on average, during the establishment of Quercus garryana savanna communities; however, a decrease in charcoal peak magnitudes suggests the fire regime shifted to one characterized by smaller and/or lower intensity surface fires. As temperature and moisture deficits decreased in the mid‐ and late Holocene (i.e., after ~6000 calendar years before present), mean fire return intervals lengthened to 176 ± 54 years and increased variability in charcoal peak magnitudes suggests a mixed fire regime of low‐moderate‐intensity fires combined with infrequent crown or stand‐replacing fires. Relatively stable and moderate climate, longer fire return intervals, and mixed‐severity fires allowed P. menziesii (a fire resister) to dominate closed‐canopy forests and for fire avoiders to gradually become more common forest constituents. Millennial‐scale climate change has acted as the dominant driver of changes in both fire regimes and forest composition over the last 10,000 years; however, changes in fire‐related plant functional types highlight the important role that interactions between vegetation and fire play in long‐term fire regimes and forest dynamics.
Diagnostic accuracy of natriuretic peptide screening for left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the community: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Goyder Clare R. , Roalfe Andrea K. , Jones Nicholas R. , Taylor Kathy S. , Plumptre Charles D. , James Olivia , Fanshawe Thomas R. , Hobbs F D Richard , Taylor Clare J.
Published: February 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a global health burden and new strategies to achieve timely diagnosis and early intervention are urgently needed. Natriuretic peptide (NP) testing can be used to screen for left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), but evidence on test performance is mixed, and international HF guidelines differ in their recommendations. Our aim was to summarize the evidence on diagnostic accuracy of NP screening for LVSD in general and high‐risk community populations and estimate optimal screening thresholds.

Methods

We searched relevant databases up to August 2020 for studies with a screened community population of over 100 adults reporting NP performance to diagnose LVSD. Study inclusion, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. Diagnostic test meta‐analysis used hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves to obtain estimates of pooled accuracy to detect LVSD, with optimal thresholds obtained to maximize the sum of sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Twenty‐four studies were identified, involving 26 565 participants: eight studies in high‐risk populations (at least one cardiovascular risk factor), 12 studies in general populations, and four in both high‐risk and general populations combined. For detecting LVSD in screened high‐risk populations with N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), the pooled sensitivity was 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–0.94] and specificity 0.84 (95% CI 0.55–0.96); for BNP, sensitivity was 0.75 (95% CI 0.65–0.83) and specificity 0.78 (95% CI 0.72–0.84). Heterogeneity between studies was high with variations in positivity threshold. Due to a paucity of high‐risk studies that assessed NP performance at multiple thresholds, it was not possible to calculate optimal thresholds for LVSD screening in high‐risk populations alone. To provide an indication of where the positivity threshold might lie, the pooled accuracy for LVSD screening in high‐risk and general community populations were combined and gave an optimal cut‐off of 311 pg/mL [sensitivity 0.74 (95% CI 0.53–0.88), specificity 0.85 (95% CI 0.68–0.93)] for NT‐proBNP and 49 pg/mL [sensitivity 0.68 (95% CI 0.45–0.85), specificity 0.81 (0.67–0.90)] for BNP.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in high‐risk community populations NP screening may accurately detect LVSD, potentially providing an important opportunity for diagnosis and early intervention. Our study highlights an urgent need for further prospective studies, as well as an individual participant data meta‐analysis, to more precisely evaluate diagnostic accuracy and identify optimal screening thresholds in specifically defined community‐based populations to inform future guideline recommendations.
Late gadolinium enhancement and the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in NYHA class I patients with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Di Marco Andrea , Brown Pamela , Mateus Gemma , Faga Valentina , Nucifora Gaetano , Claver Eduard , Viedma Jisela , Galvan Francisco , Bradley Joshua , Dallaglio Paolo D. , de Frutos Fernando , Miller Christopher A. , Comín‐Colet Josep , Anguera Ignasi , Schmitt Matthias
Published: February 2023

Aim

To compare the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden death (SD) between New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I and NYHA class II–III patients with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

Methods and results

Observational retrospective cohort study including patients with NICM who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at two hospitals. The primary endpoint included appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies, sustained ventricular tachycardia, resuscitated cardiac arrest and SD. The secondary endpoint included heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, heart transplant, left ventricular assist device implant or HF death. Overall, 698 patients were included, 33% in NYHA class I. During a median follow‐up of 31 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 57 patients (8%), with no differences between NYHA class I and NYHA class II–III cases (7% vs. 9%, p = 0.62). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was the only independent predictor of the primary outcome both in NYHA class I and NYHA class II–III patients. LGE+ NYHA class I patients had a similar cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint as compared to LGE+ NYHA class II–III (p = 0.92) and a significantly higher risk as compared to LGE– NYHA class II–III cases (p < 0.001). The risk of the secondary endpoint was significantly higher in patients in NYHA class II–III as compared to those in NYHA class I (hazard ratio 3.2, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with NICM in NYHA class I are not necessarily at low risk of VA and SD. Actually, LGE+ NYHA class I patients have a high risk. NYHA class I patients with high‐risk factors, such as LGE, could benefit from primary prevention ICD at least as much as those in NYHA class II–III with the same risk factors.
Bone status in men with heart failure: results from the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure
Authors: Loncar Goran , Garfias‐Veitl Tania , Valentova Miroslava , Vatic Mirela , Lainscak Mitja , Obradović Danilo , Dschietzig Thomas Bernd , Doehner Wolfram , Jankowska Ewa A. , Anker Stefan D. , von Haehling Stephan
Published: February 2023

Aim

To assess bone status expressed as hip bone mineral density (BMD) in men with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

A total of 141 male patients with HF underwent dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry to assess their BMD. We analysed markers of bone metabolism. Patients were classified as lower versus higher BMD according to the median hip BMD (median = 1.162 g/cm2). Survival was assessed over 8 years of follow‐up. Patients with lower BMD were older (71 ± 10 vs. 66 ± 9 years, p = 0.004), more likely to be sarcopenic (37% vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and to have lower peak oxygen consumption (absolute peak VO2 1373 ± 480 vs. 1676 ± 447 ml/min, p < 0.001), had higher osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin levels (both p < 0.05) compared to patients with higher BMD. Among 47 patients with repeated BMD assessments, a significant reduction in BMD was noted over 30 months of follow‐up. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum osteocalcin remained independently related with lower BMD (odds ratio [OR] 1.738, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.136–2.660, p = 0.011). Hip BMD and serum osteoprotegerin were independent predictors of impaired survival on Cox proportional hazard analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.069, 95% CI 0.011–0.444, p = 0.005, and HR 0.638, 95% CI 0.472–0.864, p = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with HF lose BMD over time. Markers of bone turnover can help in identifying patients at risk with osteocalcin being an independent marker of lower hip BMD and osteoprotegerin an independent predictor of death. HF patients with increased osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin may benefit from BMD assessment as manifest osteoporosis seems to be too late for clinically meaningful intervention in HF.
Forecasting the 2020 and 2024 U.S. presidential elections
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: February 2023

American popular and Electoral College presidential elections are forecast for 2020 and 2024, employing auto‐regressive time series and cross‐section probit models. Predictions are between the Republican and Democratic parties, not named persons. Year 2020: In July 2020, the Democrats' two party popular vote was predicted to be 52.7%. They received 52.2%. The cross‐section Electoral College model showed Democrats could not win the White House without winning all of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada, which they did with 306 Electoral Votes. Year 2024: Democrats are predicted to win the 2024 presidency with 272 electoral votes, including Nevada's six votes and most of the large states they won in 2020. Democrats are predicted to win 53.7% of the popular vote. Fed's policies are expected to reduce inflation to 5.5%. Trump announced his candidacy in November 2022; however, other candidates are announcing for 2024. Trump's extreme positions in office and erratic behavior after losing in 2020 and then encouraging the January 6 insurrection are experiences Democrats can exploit. Events occurring after December 31, 2022, do not influence the predictions presented here.
Serine Hydrolase Activity‐Based Probes for Use in Chemical Proteomics
Authors: Racioppo Brittney , Qiu Nan , Adibekian Alexander
Published: February 2023

Serine hydrolases (SHs) comprise a large superfamily of enzymes that play critical roles in many biological processes. Despite their importance, many SHs remain uncharacterized and the vast majority of SHs lack selective inhibitors. In response, activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) and activity‐based probes (ABPs) have been leveraged to construct a more comprehensive picture of the SH proteome. Since the utility of ABPP is largely dictated by the reactivity profile of the ABPs deployed, novel scaffolds and chemotypes are needed to expand the breadth and selectivity of SH‐targeting ABPs. In this review, we highlight recent innovations in SH probe development, covering both established and emerging electrophilic warheads. We then discuss how strategic implementation of SH‐targeting ABPs has yielded selective, potent inhibitors and imaging agents with broad use. Finally, we present methods for ABP diversification and explore cutting‐edge applications in therapeutics development and discovery biology.
The effect of alginate scaffolds on bone healing in defects formed with drilling model in rat femur diaphysis
Authors: Arslan Arslan Kagan , Aydoğdu Ali , Tolunay Tolga , Basat Çağdaş , Bircan Resul , Demirbilek Murat
Published: February 2023

Alginate (ALG) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Mechanical weakness is one of the main problems for the alginate‐based scaffolds. Various plasticizer additives or modifications tested to improve the mechanical properties. In the presented study, ALG plasticized with triacetin (TA), and tributyl citrate (TBC) than tested on bone healing. In the presented study, the alginate modified with triacetin or tributyl citrate. In‐vitro, and in‐vivo efficiency of the scaffolds tested on bone tissue regeneration. Scaffolds fabricated by solvent casting, and physicochemical characterizations performed. Monocytes (THP‐1) cultured with scaffolds, and macrophage‐released cytokines was determined. In‐vivo efficacy of the scaffolds was tested in the rat drill hole model. Alginate and tributyl citrate‐modified scaffolds have no cytotoxic effect on osteoblastic cells (MC‐3T3). Tributyl citrate modification increased tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) level but did not increase interleukin ‐1 beta (IL‐1 beta) level. In vivo studies showed that osteoblastic growth was significant in alginate and triacetin‐modified scaffolds. However, the best values for osteoclastic activity and osteoid tissue formation seen in the triacetin modification. The results demonstrated that the modified alginate scaffolds were more successful than non‐modified alginate scaffolds and can used as long‐term bone repairing treatments.
Loss control case reports to OPE25 on FinTech for SOX ratio to consider for solvency and insurance underwriting
Authors: Koeplin John P. , Lélé Pascal
Published: February 2023

With the OPE25 we now have a 3rd ratio for the capital structure: Economic Capital/Incentivized Pay. The SOX ratio is the financial instrument for internal audit, solvency monitoring by the investor and banking supervision for OPE—Calculation of RWA for operational risk, new version in force on January 1, 2023. It is part of the entity's process to meet the three minimum conditions required by BCBS for the use of the standardized approach: (a) Its board of directors and senior management, as appropriate, are actively involved in the oversight of the operational risk management framework; (b) It has an operational risk management system that is conceptually sound and is implemented with integrity; and (c) It has sufficient resources in the use of the approach in the major business lines as well as the control and audit areas. Equity corresponds to the means made available to a bank by its shareholders or other investors, as well as to the profits it has made, and which have not been distributed. Economic Capital (EC) belongs to this last category of means. The OPE30 in force so far based on the mathematical approach (statistics and probabilities), will expire on December 31, 2022.
Population Pharmacokinetics, Exposure–Safety, and Probability of Target Attainment Analyses for Isavuconazole in Japanese Patients With Deep‐Seated Mycoses
Authors: Shirae Shinichiro , Tsuruya Yuri , Kozaki Tomohito , Mizuhata Junnosuke , Ose Atsushi
Published: February 2023

Isavuconazonium sulfate is the water‐soluble prodrug of the novel, broad‐spectrum, triazole antifungal agent isavuconazole. Its pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure–response relationship have been well investigated, but not in a Japanese patient population. The objectives of this analysis were to (1) develop a population PK model for Japanese patients with deep‐seated mycoses and healthy subjects, and to identify significant covariates; (2) determine the probability of PK‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) target attainment in Japanese patients by a clinical dosing regimen; and (3) evaluate the exposure–safety relationship of isavuconazole in Japanese patients. Data from 2 phase 1 studies and 1 phase 3 study in Japanese patients were pooled to develop the population PK model using NONMEM. The PK of isavuconazole in Japanese patients was best described as a 2‐compartment model with a Weibull absorption function and first‐order elimination. The identified covariates on clearance were creatinine clearance and lean body mass. The probability of target attainment showed that >90% of simulated Japanese patients would achieve the PK‐PD target, an exposure index corresponding to 50% survival of nonneutropenic infected mice, with minimal inhibitory concentration values of ≤1 mg/L according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology and of ≤2 mg/L according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing methodology by the clinical dosing regimen. No apparent relationships were found for any of the exposure parameters of isavuconazole with any assessed safety end points in Japanese patients. Taken together, the clinical dosing regimen is appropriate for the treatment of Japanese patients with deep‐seated mycoses.
Improving prenatal detection of abdominal supraumbilical anomalies: The sonographic examination of fetal anechoic spaces of upper abdomen revisited
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Wong Amy E. , Ranzini Angela C.
Published: February 2023

Visualization of the axial plane of the fetal abdomen is mandatory to obtain abdominal biometry in the assessment of fetal growth in the second and third trimesters. The main anatomic landmarks that must be identified in this view include the fetal stomach and the intrahepatic portion of the umbilical vein, which are easily identifiable as they appear anechoic on ultrasound. The gallbladder is the other prominent anechoic structure in this plane. Focused study of the morphological characteristics of, and spatial relationship among, these three anechoic spaces is a simple technique to detect anomalies involving fetal upper abdominal organs. In this review, the sonographic features of those conditions that can be detected using this technique, which was termed the Fetal Examination of the Anechoic Spaces of upper abdomen Technique (FEAST), are classified and illustrated.
Delineating early developmental pathways to ADHD: Setting an international research agenda
Authors: Miller Meghan , Arnett Anne B. , Shephard Elizabeth , Charman Tony , Gustafsson Hanna C. , Joseph Heather M. , Karalunas Sarah , Nigg Joel T. , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Sullivan Elinor L. , Jones Emily J. H.
Published: February 2023

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent, impairing, and highly heritable condition typically diagnosed in middle childhood. However, it is now recognized that symptoms emerge much earlier in development. Research focused on understanding—using multiple units of analysis—the cascade of early‐life (i.e., prenatal‐infant‐toddler) developmental changes that will later emerge as ADHD has the potential to transform early identification, prevention, and intervention. To this end, we introduce the recently established Early ADHD Consortium, an international network of investigators engaged in prospective, longitudinal studies of risk for ADHD beginning early in life, conducted within a developmental framework, and which incorporate multimethod approaches. This network seeks to harmonize measures and methodological approaches to increase the potential for data sharing and subsequent impact.

Methods

This perspective paper highlights the importance of investigating pre‐diagnostic markers of ADHD, and potential models and mechanisms of ADHD risk and development, with the long‐term objective of facilitating development of preemptive interventions that will minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms on everyday functioning and maximize health and developmental outcomes.

Results

We selectively describe key challenges and questions for this field related to theoretical models and developmental mechanisms in ADHD and recommend next steps for the science, including methodological, measurement, and study design considerations. We then describe potential implications for preemptive intervention development. We conclude by considering other issues including ethical concerns and the critical value of incorporating stakeholder input.

Conclusions

It is hoped that this perspective puts forth a research agenda that will enhance collaborative efforts and accelerate progress in understanding developmental mechanisms and the early ADHD phenotype, with implications for early intervention enhancement of healthy development for infants, young children, and their families.
Mutation pattern of cancer suppressor p53 gene in factory workers exposed to polypropylene and impact on their reproductive hormones
Authors: Razak Suhail , Asharf Naeem Mahmood , Abbas Hira , Shaheen Ghazala , Ahmad Waqar , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Shabbir Maria , Shafique Huma , Jahan Sarwat
Published: February 2023

Background

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer playing the role of an endocrine disruptor that interferes with the union, emission, transport or elimination of normal hormones. Epidemiological information indicated the relation of endocrine‐disturbing chemicals with prostate cancer, testis tumor and diminished fertility. p53 is a key tumor silencer gene. The present study aimed to evaluate luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and the risk of p53 mutations as a result of exposure to polypropylene in non‐tumorous adult male factory workers.

Methods

In total, 150 (controls = 35, workers = 115) subjects were recruited. Groups were maintained according to the tenure of exposure G1 (1–5 years), G2 (6–10 years), G3 (11–15 years) and G4 (16–20 years). Concentrations of LH and FSH were determined through an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction based gel electrophoresis followed by DNA sequencing. The structural and functional impact of the mutation on the p53 structure was evaluated using 50‐ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and protein‐DNA docking.

Results

Mean plasma LH levels were significantly decreased in G1 (p > 0.05) as well as the G2, G3 and G4 (p > 0.001) groups. Similarly, FSH levels were significant decrease in G1 (p > 0.05), G2 (p > 0.01), G3 (p > 0.001) and G4 (p > 0.001) compared to the control group. Sequencing results found three variants i.e. g.13450 T>G, g.13430C>T and g.13737G>A. One of them was predicted to be disease‐causing others are polymorphisms. MD simulation of missense mutation R273H showed no structural impact on the protein structure in MD simulation, but it resulted in weaker binding of p53 with the DNA that might lower the gene expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins.

Conclusions

These findings predict decreased fertility and risk of malignancies in the future. The spectrum of p53 mutations as a result of polypropylene exposure in the Pakistani population has not been investigated before. Further studies and meta‐analyses are required to elucidate the role of different plasticizers in reproduction and cancer‐causing risk factors in a larger population.
Field experiments in operations management
Authors: Gao Yang , Li Meng , Sun Shujing
Published: February 2023

While the field experiment is a powerful and well‐established method to investigate causal relationships, operations management (OM) has embraced this methodology only in recent years. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the existing OM literature leveraging field experiments. It also serves as a one‐stop guide for future application of field experiments in the OM area. We start by recapping the characteristics that distinguish field experiments from other common types of experiments and organizing the relevant OM studies by topic. Corresponding to the commonly overlooked issues in field experiment‐based OM studies, we then provide a detailed roadmap, ranging from experimental design and implementation to post‐experiment analysis. We further outline the methodological and practical issues as well as corresponding solutions when applying field experiments. We conclude by identifying future research directions from an OM perspective.
A novel radial orientation treatment of nematic liquid crystals using magnetic field lines with permanent magnet and applying the assisted electric field
Authors: Takahashi Taiju , Kudoh Yukihiro , Saito Yuichi , Aoyagi Yoshihiro
Published: February 2023

Recently, there has been considerable research on optical devices, such as liquid crystal (LC) lenses and special optical plates, using LCs. In such devices, relatively small LC cells are frequently used, or unique LC orientations are required. As an LC orientation process, we focused on the LC director's orientation induced by the magnetic force line distribution of a small neodymium magnet. We propose a simple method for obtaining radial orientation, which is rather difficult to obtain using the ordinary rubbing method. The initial orientation in the LC cell is a vertical orientation cell with almost zero azimuth anchoring. With the proposed method, the reorientation process is performed with an assisting electric field and a small permanent magnet, unlike the conventional magnetic field orientation process that requires a large electromagnet. Furthermore, a polymer stabilization treatment is used to fix the obtained radial orientation pattern in the LC cell. After the treatment, the applying voltage can control the tilt angle of the director in weak polymer treatment, and a completely fixed orientation pattern can be obtained that in strong.
The role of symptom accommodation in trauma‐focused treatment engagement and response
Authors: Howard Kristen P. , Spoont Michele R. , Polusny Melissa A. , Eftekhari Afsoon , Rosen Craig S. , Meis Laura A.
Published: February 2023

Although trauma‐focused treatments (TFTs) are generally effective, not all patients improve. Symptom accommodation (i.e., altering one's behavior in response to another's symptoms) by loved ones may be particularly relevant to TFT treatment response and engagement. We examined the role of symptom accommodation by support persons (SPs) in veterans’ PTSD treatment response, including the mediating role of treatment engagement and the moderating role of relationship strain. Veterans engaging in prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy and a loved one (N = 172 dyads) were sampled at two time points approximately four months apart. Measures of treatment engagement (i.e., highest session completed from the treatment protocol and homework completion) were obtained from hospital records. We found that relationship strain moderated the effect of symptom accommodation on treatment response, ∆R2 = .02. Specifically, Time 1 (T1) accommodation predicted poorer treatment response (i.e., Time 2 [T2] PTSD symptom severity, controlling for T1 symptoms) among veterans who reported below‐average relationship strain only. Additionally, symptom accommodation was indirectly related to treatment response such that T1 accommodation predicted higher T2 PTSD symptom severity specifically through reduced homework completion, β = .01. The findings suggest that attending to accommodating behaviors of veterans’ supportive partners may be an important way to boost both engagement in and response to TFTs for PTSD.
Detailed tribological analysis of compressor lubricants used in electrical technology
Authors: Vasco Marina Cardozo , Dill Laís Pastre , Moreira Heloisa Colli , Wollmann Daniela , Wilhelm Helena , Zanin Thiago L. , Pintaude Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

This work presents a comprehensive tribological analysis comparing the performance of two types of lubricants—a synthetic and a natural ester—used in industrial reciprocating air compressors. A comprehensive tribological analysis comparing the performance of two types of lubricants—synthetic and natural esters—used in industrial reciprocating air compressors were carried out using surface characterisation methods and lubricant analyses. The formed and detected tribo‐films were not efficient to avoid the wear observed on the cylinders, although they may have been to avoid the wear on the rings. Regarding the lubricant analyses, particle analysis showed that none of the lubricants favoured solid particle leaching to a greater extent. A biolubricant such as the one employed in this study would be suitable for replacing a mineral lubricant in situations like the ones observed in this work.
The implications of the carbon tax on the vehicle remanufacturing industry in the complex competitive environment
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Zhe , Gong Yande , Li Bangyi , Cheng Yongbo
Published: February 2023

Under the carbon tax policy, the vehicle remanufacturing has become popular, which threatens the new vehicle market. Facing the complicated competitive environment, the automobile manufacturer always adjusts product modular design to deal with the challenges from the internal and external remanufacturing. Currently, considering the impacts of the complicated market competitions and product modular design on the enterprise's operation management, how the carbon tax policy affects the vehicle remanufacturing is still uncertain. Thus, we construct a duopoly remanufacturing competition model consisting of an automobile manufacturer and remanufacturer with the aim of maximizing profit and determine the optimal product modular design, production, and remanufacturing decisions as well as profits. Then, we explore the impacts of the carbon tax on the vehicle remanufacturing supply chain from the perspectives of the economic, environment, and consumer surplus. The results show that the carbon tax is always disadvantageous to automobile manufacturer's profit but may benefit the automobile remanufacturer's profit. Contrary to the intuition, improving the carbon tax is not always conducive to the environment and harmful to the consumer.
A note concerning to approximate controllability of Atangana–Baleanu fractional neutral stochastic integro‐differential system with infinite delay
Authors: Dineshkumar Chendrayan , Hoon Joo Young
Published: February 2023

This article is primarily targeting the approximate controllability outcomes for the Atangana–Baleanu fractional neutral stochastic integro‐differential equation with infinite delay. First, by using stochastic analysis, fractional calculus, and Krasnoselskii fixed point techniques, we demonstrate the existence of mild solutions for the fractional stochastic evolution equations. Then we present a sufficient condition that ensures the approximate controllability of the stochastic evolution equations. Our findings are then applied to nonlocal conditions. At last, an example is provided to define our primary results.
Future time perspective and academic procrastination among nursing students: The mediating role of mindfulness
Authors: Li Shuang , Su Jingwen , Zhao Di , Wang Juan , Wang Gongchao
Published: February 2023

Aim

To explore the relationship between university nursing students' academic procrastination, mindfulness, and future time perspective.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 343 university nursing students recruited from eight provinces in China have reported procrastination characteristics through fulfilling an online website link. The main instruments involved Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Zimbardo Time Perspective Scale, and Procrastination Assessment Scale (PASS).

Results

Participants who self‐assessed higher frequency and degree of academic procrastination tended to possess lower future time consciousness, and lower mindfulness. Mindfulness served as a mediation effect between future time perspective and academic procrastination. The study indicates that weakening an individual's procrastination can be alleviated through future time awareness and mindfulness. Concentrating on influencing factors, strengthening nursing student's future time perspective, and practicing mindfulness training could assist educators to decrease students' procrastination intentions and behaviours.