bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early adversity changes the economic conditions of mouse structural brain network organization
Authors: Carozza Sofia , Holmes Joni , Vértes Petra E. , Bullmore Ed , Arefin Tanzil M. , Pugliese Alexa , Zhang Jiangyang , Kaffman Arie , Akarca Danyal , Astle Duncan E.
Published: June 2023

Early adversity can change educational, cognitive, and mental health outcomes. However, the neural processes through which early adversity exerts these effects remain largely unknown. We used generative network modeling of the mouse connectome to test whether unpredictable postnatal stress shifts the constraints that govern the organization of the structural connectome. A model that trades off the wiring cost of long‐distance connections with topological homophily (i.e., links between regions with shared neighbors) generated simulations that successfully replicate the rodent connectome. The imposition of early life adversity shifted the best‐performing parameter combinations toward zero, heightening the stochastic nature of the generative process. Put simply, unpredictable postnatal stress changes the economic constraints that reproduce rodent connectome organization, introducing greater randomness into the development of the simulations. While this change may constrain the development of cognitive abilities, it could also reflect an adaptive mechanism that facilitates effective responses to future challenges.
Effect of thyroid hormones administration on urinary endogenous steroid profile of the athlete biological passport
Authors: Martínez_Brito Dayamin , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: June 2023

This work focused on the possible alterations of the markers of the steroidal module of the athlete biological passport, considering samples of athletes declaring and not‐declaring the supplementation of thyroid hormones (TH) in the Doping Control Form (DCF). Concentrations of 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol (5α‐Adiol), 5β‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol (5β‐Adiol), testosterone (T), androsterone (A), etiocholanolone (Etio), epitestosterone (E), pregnanediol (PD), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and 11β‐hydroxy‐androsterone (OHA) were calculated using internal standards and external calibration by gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Also, ratios between the above biomarkers were also estimated. The data set was composed of samples from females and males declaring and not‐declaring TH supplementation in the DCF. To corroborate these observations, a controlled urinary excretion study was carried out with multiple doses of sodium liothyronine (T3). Female data showed significant differences for the concentrations of 5α‐Adiol, A, DHEA, E, OHA, and T and the ratio A/Etio between FD and FND groups, whereas the male groups only showed significant differences in OHA concentration. In both cases, males and females declaring the consumption of levothyroxine showed narrower data distribution and diminished percentiles from 17% to 67% with respect to the not‐declaring corresponding groups (p < 0.05). Concentrations of 5α‐metabolites showed a higher depression for the FND, and both FD and MD groups showed a peculiar behavior for the PD concentrations. The controlled study agreed with the observations, mainly for the female group with significant differences for concentrations of E, Etio, 5α‐Adiol, and 5β‐Adiol after TH administration. The interpretation of the steroid markers of the ABP should consider TH administrations.
Survival rates in the world's southernmost forest bird community
Authors: Sandvig Erik M. , Quilodrán Claudio S. , Altamirano Tomás A. , Aguirre Francisco , Barroso Omar , Rivero de Aguilar Juan , Schaub Michael , Kéry Marc , Vásquez Rodrigo A. , Rozzi Ricardo
Published: June 2023

The Magellanic sub‐Antarctic Forest is home to the world's southernmost avian community and is the only Southern Hemisphere analogue to Northern Hemisphere temperate forests at this latitude. This region is considered among the few remaining pristine areas of the world, and shifts in environmental conditions are predominantly driven by climate variability. Thus, understanding climate‐driven demographic processes is critical for addressing conservation issues in this system under future climate change scenarios. Here, we describe annual survival patterns and their association with climate variables using a 20‐year mark–recapture data set of five forest bird species in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. We develop a multispecies hierarchical survival model to jointly explore age‐dependent survival probabilities at the community and species levels in a group of five forest passerines. At the community level, we assess the association of migratory behavior and body size with survival, and at the species level, we investigate the influence of local and regional climatic variables on temporal variations of survival. We found a positive effect of precipitation and a negative effect of El Niño Southern Oscillation on juvenile survival in the white‐crested Elaenia and a consistent but uncertain negative effect of temperature on survival in juveniles and 80% of adults. We found only a weak association of climate variables with survival across species in the community and no temporal trends in survival for any of the species in either age class, highlighting apparent stability in these high austral latitude forests. Finally, our findings provide an important resource of survival probabilities, a necessary input for assessing potential impacts of global climate change in this unique region of the world.
Juvenile survival and movements of two threatened oceanic sharks in the North Atlantic Ocean inferred from tag‐recovery data
Authors: Mucientes Gonzalo , Fernández‐Chacón Albert , Queiroz Nuno , Sims David W. , Villegas‐Ríos David
Published: June 2023

Understanding population dynamics, movements, and fishing mortality is critical to establish effective shark conservation measures across international boundaries in the ocean. There are few survival and dispersal estimates of juveniles of oceanic shark species in the North Atlantic despite it being one of the most fished regions in the world. Here we provide estimates of dispersal, survival, and proportion of fishing mortality in the North Atlantic for two threatened oceanic sharks: the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus). Our results are based on multi‐event models applied to tag‐recovery data of 700 blue sharks and 132 shortfin makos tagged over a decade. A total of 60 blue sharks (8.57% of tagged) and 30 makos (22.73%) were recovered by the longline fishery between 2009 and 2017. Tag‐reporting rate (percentage of returned information when a tagged shark was caught) was estimated to be high (0.794 ± 0.232 SE). Mean annual survival, as predicted from the models, was higher for blue shark (0.835 ± 0.040 SE) than for shortfin mako (0.618 ± 0.189 SE). Models predicted that fishing caused more than a half of total mortality in the study area for both species (0.576 ± 0.209), and more than a third of tagged individuals dispersed from the study area permanently (0.359 ± 0.073). Our findings, focused mainly on juveniles from oceanic areas, contribute to a better understanding of shark population dynamics in the North Atlantic and highlight the need for further conservation measures for both blue shark and shortfin mako, such as implementing efficient bycatch mitigation measures and static/dynamic time–area closures in the open ocean.
Predatory walls may impair climate warming‐associated population expansion
Authors: Durant Joël M. , Holt Rebecca E. , Ono Kotaro , Langangen Øystein
Published: June 2023

Climate change has a profound impact on species distribution and abundance globally, as well as local diversity, which affects ecosystem functioning. In particular, changes in population distribution and abundance may lead to changes in trophic interactions. Although species can often shift their spatial distribution when suitable habitats are available, it has been suggested that predator presence can be a constraint on climate‐related distribution shifts. We test this using two well‐studied and data‐rich marine environments. Focusing on a pair of sympatric fishes, Atlantic haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus and cod Gadus morhua, we study the effect of the presence and abundance of the latter on the former distribution. We found that the distribution of cod and increased abundance may limit the expansion of haddock to new areas and could consequently buffer ecosystem changes due to climate change. Though marine species may track the rate and direction of climate shifts, our results demonstrate that the presence of predators may limit their expansion to thermally suitable habitats. By integrating climatic and ecological data at scales that can resolve predator–prey relationships, this analysis demonstrates the usefulness of considering trophic interactions to gain a more comprehensive understanding and to mitigate the effects of climate change on species distributions.
Polyoxometalates‐Modulated Hydrophilic‐Hydrophobic Composite Interfacial Material for Efficient Solar Water Evaporation and Salt Harvesting in High‐Salinity Brine
Authors: Cheng Sihang , Liu Cuimei , Li Yingqi , Tan Huaqiao , Wang Yonghui , Li Yangguang
Published: June 2023

Solar vapor generation (SVG) represents a promising technique for seawater desalination to alleviate the global water crisis and energy shortage. One of its main bottleneck problems is that the evaporation efficiency and stability are limited by salt crystallization under high‐salinity brines. Herein, we demonstrate that the 3D porous melamine‐foam (MF) wrapped by a type of self‐assembling composite materials based on reduced polyoxometalates (i.e. heteropoly blue, HPB), oleic acid (OA), and polypyrrole (PPy) (labeled with MF@HPB‐PPyn‐OA) can serve as efficient and stable SVG material at high salinity. Structural characterizations of MF@HPB‐PPyn‐OA indicate that both hydrophilic region of HPBs and hydrophobic region of OA co‐exist on the surface of composite materials, optimizing the hydrophilic and hydrophobic interfaces of the SVG materials, and fully exerting its functionality for ultrahigh water‐evaporation and anti‐salt fouling. The optimal MF@HPB‐PPy10‐OA operates continuously and stably for over 100 h in 10 wt% brine. Furthermore, MF@HPB‐PPy10‐OA accomplishes complete salt‐water separation of 10 wt% brine with 3.3 kg m−2 h−1 under 1‐sun irradiation, yielding salt harvesting efficiency of 96.5%, which belongs to the record high of high‐salinity systems reported so far and is close to achieving zero liquid discharge. Moreover, the low cost of MF@HPB‐PPy10‐OA (2.56 $ m−2) suggests its potential application in the practical SVG technique.
CoFe2O4 with MoS2‐xOy Nanosheets as a Co‐catalyst for Enhanced Activation of Peroxydisulfate in Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Du Shumin , Zhao Guanyu , Zhang Runmeng , Wang Xuzhen , Zhao Zongbin , Qiu Jieshan
Published: June 2023

The application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on sulfate radicals for degrading persistent organic pollutants faces challenges due to the inefficient activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) oxidant. Herein, a composite CoFe2O4/MoS2‐xOy (CFM) catalyst consisting of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the nanosheets of oxygen‐incorporated MoS2 (MoS2‐xOy) with flower‐like morphology are fabricated through a facile two‐step hydrothermal method, which results in the enhanced activation of PDS and a highly efficient degradation of phenolic pollutants. The oxygen‐doping in MoS2‐xOy leads to unsaturated sulfur and active sites on the surface of MoS2 for accelerating the rate limiting step of FeIII/FeII reduction cycle in PDS‐CFM reaction. Aiming at the refractory organic pollutants in actual coking wastewater, CFM co‐catalyst is introduced into a hydrogel made up of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and coal‐tar pitch oxides (PO) to construct a multifunctional CFM@PO/PVA hydrogel. Upon hybrid CFM@PO/PVA, the coupling of the enhanced AOP with solar‐driven interfacial vapor generation (SIVG) technology contributes to the degradation efficiency, the removal rate of phenol in solution and the total organic carbon in coking wastewater can reach 98 % and 91 %, respectively. The integration of heterogeneous AOPs with SIVG system provides a feasible strategy for the eco‐friendly efficient purification of industrial wastewater.
Rh‐Catalyzed Hydroheteroarylation of Styrenes: Access to Alkylated Heteroarenes with All‐Carbon Quaternary Centers
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Yi‐Xin , Yang Xiao‐Hui
Published: June 2023

Heteroarenes are common moieties in pharmaceuticals and naturally bioactive compounds. In this work, an efficient and atom‐economic rhodium and thiophenol co‐catalyzed hydroheteroarylation of styrenes with heteroarenes is reported. Alkylated unprotected heteroarenes are accessed under low catalyst loading. This protocol provides straightforward access to indoles bearing an all‐carbon quaternary center at the C3‐position.
Influence of Substitution on the Supramolecular Chemistry of Cycloparaphenylene‐Fullerene Complexes
Authors: Kohrs Daniel , Volkmann Jannis , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: June 2023

We present a comprehensive host‐guest study of four substituted and unsubstituted [10]cycloparaphenylenes with the fullerenes C60 and C70. Within this study, the influence on the complexation behavior was investigated experimentally and computationally. Due to the increased steric demand the substitution on the nanohoop results in an energetic penalty, which could be partially compensated by additional substituent‐fullerene interactions. These attractive interactions are intensified in the C70 complexes and with an increased degree of substitution. For the computational investigation conformer ensembles were taken into account, providing reliable structures with Boltzmann weighted energies. An analysis of the noncovalent interactions elucidated the origin of the enhanced substituent‐C70 interaction. The ellipsoid fullerene C70 can be considered as a π‐extended version of C60, which is able to increase the attractive van der Waals interactions within these supramolecular complexes.
Contextualizing the current state of research on the use of machine learning for student performance prediction: A systematic literature review
Authors: Alalawi Khalid , Athauda Rukshan , Chiong Raymond
Published: June 2023

Today, educational institutions produce large amounts of data with the deployment of learning management systems. These large datasets provide an untapped potential to support and enhance decision‐making and operations. In recent times, machine learning (ML) has been applied to develop models utilizing this “big” data to assist in decision‐making. This study presents a systematic literature review into the application of ML to predict student performance. A total of 162 research articles from January 2010 to October 2022 were critically reviewed and analyzed by applying Kitchenham's systematic literature review approach. Our analysis categorized the literature predicting students' academic performance into two categories: (i) predicting student performance in assessments, courses or programs, and identifying students at‐risk of failing their course/program (129 studies); and (ii) predicting student dropout or retention in a course or program (33 studies). Classification is the most commonly used approach for predicting student performance (138 studies), followed by regression (25 studies) and clustering (9 studies). Supervised learning methods are used more often than semi‐supervised learning. Five most popular ML algorithms include the Decision Tree, Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, Artificial Neural Network, and Support Vector Machine. Historical records of students' grades and class performance, academic related data from learning management systems, and students' demographics are the most common features used for predicting students' performance. The most common methods used for feature selection are Information Gain‐based selection algorithms, Correlation‐based feature selection, and Gain Ratio. The general platforms/tools/libraries used in the studies include WEKA, Python, R, Rapid Miner, and MATLAB. We also investigated possible actions considered in the literature to help at‐risk students. We only found very few studies that deployed remedial actions and evaluated their impact on students' performance. In conclusion, ML has shown great potential in the prediction of student performance, but also has many areas of further research.
Evaluation of adsorptive performance of Adhatoda vasica on lead by batch process
Authors: Syed Farooq Ahmed , Battula Vijayasaradhi
Published: June 2023

Powdered leaves of Adhatoda vasica are used to investigate the adsorptive capacity of lead in a batch system. The conventional heavy metal removal approaches like ion exchange, membranes, precipitation, adsorption, etc. are proven, but are costly and harmful to the environment. The proposed approach explores the possibility of a biosorption technique for removing lead from aqueous solutions using A. vasica leaf powder. It is a low‐cost, non‐conventional, readily, and abundantly available plant‐based material. The equilibrium biosorption data was analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models, with the Freundlich model providing the best description of the equilibrium dynamics. The kinetic analysis shows pseudo‐second order to be the best fit, revealing the spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption. The maximum biosorption capacity for lead is 5.903 mg g−1 indicating the adsorptive capacity of A. vasica under favorable process conditions.
Lingering Effects of Legacy Industrial Pollution on Yellow Perch of the Detroit River
Authors: Yin-Liao Irene , Mahabir Pria N. , Fisk Aaron T. , Bernier Nicholas J. , Laberge Frédéric
Published: June 2023

We used yellow perch (Perca flavescens) captured at four sites differing in legacy industrial pollution in the Lake St. Clair–Detroit River system to evaluate the lingering sublethal effects of industrial pollution. We emphasized bioindicators of direct (toxicity) and indirect (chronic stress, impoverished food web) effects on somatic and organ-specific growth (brain, gut, liver, heart ventricle, gonad). Our results show that higher sediment levels of industrial contaminants at the most downstream Detroit River site (Trenton Channel) are associated with increased perch liver detoxification activity and liver size, reduced brain size, and reduced scale cortisol content. Trenton Channel also displayed food web disruption, where adult perch occupied lower trophic positions than forage fish. Somatic growth and relative gut size were lower in perch sampled at the reference site in Lake St. Clair (Mitchell's Bay), possibly because of increased competition for resources. Models used to determine the factors contributing to site differences in organ growth suggest that the lingering effects of industrial pollution are best explained by trophic disruption. Thus, bioindicators of fish trophic ecology may prove advantageous to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2158–2170. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Stable isotope analysis at Trenton Channel, Detroit River, where polyaromatic hydrocarbon and polychlorinated biphenyl sediment contamination is highest, revealed trophic disruption compared with other sites in the Lake St. Clair–Detroit River system.
A gene‐based association test of interactions for maternal–fetal genotypes identifies genes associated with nonsyndromic congenital heart defects
Authors: Huang Manyan , Lyu Chen , Liu Nianjun , Nembhard Wendy N. , Witte John S. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Li Ming ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2023

The risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) may be influenced by maternal genes, fetal genes, and their interactions. Existing methods commonly test the effects of maternal and fetal variants one‐at‐a‐time and may have reduced statistical power to detect genetic variants with low minor allele frequencies. In this article, we propose a gene‐based association test of interactions for maternal–fetal genotypes (GATI‐MFG) using a case‐mother and control‐mother design. GATI‐MFG can integrate the effects of multiple variants within a gene or genomic region and evaluate the joint effect of maternal and fetal genotypes while allowing for their interactions. In simulation studies, GATI‐MFG had improved statistical power over alternative methods, such as the single‐variant test and functional data analysis (FDA) under various disease scenarios. We further applied GATI‐MFG to a two‐phase genome‐wide association study of CHDs for the testing of both common variants and rare variants using 947 CHD case mother–infant pairs and 1306 control mother–infant pairs from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). After Bonferroni adjustment for 23,035 genes, two genes on chromosome 17, TMEM107 (p = 1.64e−06) and CTC1 (p = 2.0e−06), were identified for significant association with CHD in common variants analysis. Gene TMEM107 regulates ciliogenesis and ciliary protein composition and was found to be associated with heterotaxy. Gene CTC1 plays an essential role in protecting telomeres from degradation, which was suggested to be associated with cardiogenesis. Overall, GATI‐MFG outperformed the single‐variant test and FDA in the simulations, and the results of application to NBDPS samples are consistent with existing literature supporting the association of TMEM107 and CTC1 with CHDs.
Quality of life of dental patients treated with laser surgery: A scoping review
Authors: Leuke Bandara Dhanushka , Kanmodi Kehinde K. , Salami Afeez A. , Amzat Jimoh , Jayasinghe Ruwan D.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

The use of lasers has been increasing in various surgical procedures. Its specific characteristics have conquered the scalpel used to a major extent in certain surgical procedures. This scoping review aimed to assess the empirical evidence that exists on the quality of life (QoL) of dental patients treated with laser surgery.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley's guidelines for scoping reviews. Four electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycInfo) were systematically searched through a stepwise approach, informed by the PEO (Population [P], Exposure [E], and Outcome [O]) framework, to retrieve literatures relevant to the review question. After a two‐staged and Rayyan‐aided screening process, only those literatures meeting the inclusion criteria were included into the review. From the included literatures, data were extracted, collated, summarized, and presented.

Results

The literature search retrieved 246 articles, of which only 10 articles were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Five of the studies were from the United Kingdom and three were from Italy. Study designs were either cohort (60%) or randomized controlled trials (40%). A vast variation was observed in the study populations. The used QoL instruments were mostly disease/condition‐specific and oral cancer was the most reported disease in the included articles. The patients who underwent laser surgery had better QoL on the 7th day postoperatively, although it was not significant in later days.

Conclusion

Depending on the indication, Laser is a safe surgical approach that could enhance the clinical outcome as well as the QoL of dental patients. Laser effects were more significant in the domain of postoperative pain. Due to the limited number of studies evaluated in this review, further longitudinal studies are needed to corroborate the findings of this review.
Self‐powered wireless body area network for multi‐joint movements monitoring based on contact‐separation direct current triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Liu Feng , Feng Yuan , Qi Youchao , Liu Guoxu , Zhou Han , Lin Yuan , Fan Beibei , Zhang Zhi , Dong Sicheng , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2023

Body area network has attracted extensive attention for its applications in athletics, medical, diagnosis, and rehabilitation training in the next generation personalized health care solutions. Here, a contact‐separation direct current triboelectric nanogenerators (CSDC‐TENGs) based self‐powered wireless body area network (SWBAN) is reported that enables multi‐joint movements monitoring for human motion. The CSDC‐TENG is designed as a flexible active sensor with an internal contact switch, and the flexible substrate makes the TENG‐sensor stick onto skin easily. Due to the internal switch, the CSDC‐TENG could generate a DC current, a large instantaneous output voltage exceeds 700 V, and an instantaneous power can reach 1.076 W, which is more than 23 000 times higher than that of the traditional contact‐separation mode TENG in same size and materials without the switch. By coupling with flexible coil, the fixed high‐frequency radio signals can be modulated and emitted clearly ranging from 6 to 16 MHz, which can be wirelessly received and demodulated through a reader. Moreover, the SWBAN is demonstrated in a real time monitoring system for joints motion. This work has realized the wearable TENG for self‐powered wireless real‐time monitoring of body movements driven by low‐frequency human daily activities, which may promote a tremendous development of intelligent healthcare, wireless sensing system and body area network.

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Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in diabetic wound
Authors: Jiang Guoyong , Jiang Tao , Chen Jing , Yao Haibo , Mao Renqun , Yang Xiaofan , Chen Zhenbing , Li Wenqing
Published: June 2023

Diabetic wounds nowadays have become a major health challenge with the changes of the disease spectrum. Mitochondria are closely associated with stubborn nonhealing diabetic wounds for their vital role in energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and signal transduction. There is significant mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in diabetic wounds. However, the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction in oxidative stress induced nonhealing diabetic wound is still not fully understood. In this review, we will briefly summarize the current knowledge of the reported signaling pathways and therapeutic strategies involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic wounds. The findings provide further understanding of strategies that focus on mitochondria in diabetic wound treatment.
Buspirone attenuated methotrexate‐induced hippocampal toxicity in rats by regulating Nrf2/HO‐1, PPAR‐γ, NF‐κB/nNOS, and ROS/NLRP3/caspase‐1 signaling pathways
Authors: Althagafy Hanan S. , Sharawi Zeina W. , Batawi Ashwaq H. , Almohaimeed Hailah M. , Al‐Thubiani Wafa S. , Hassanein Emad H. M. , Rateb Amal
Published: June 2023

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat a variety of tumors. Nonetheless, MTX‐induced hippocampal neurotoxicity is a well‐defined dose‐limiting adverse effect that limits clinical utility. Proinflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress are possible mechanisms for MTX‐induced neurotoxicity. Buspirone (BSP), a partial agonist of the 5‐HT1a receptor (5‐HT1aR), has emerged as an anxiolytic drug. BSP has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. The current study investigated BSP's potential anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects in attenuating MTX‐induced hippocampal toxicity. Rats received either BSP (1.5 mg/kg) orally for 10 days and MTX (20 mg/kg) i.p. on Day 5. BSP administration markedly protected hippocampal neurons from drastic degenerated neuronal changes induced by MTX. BSP significantly attenuated oxidative injury by downregulating Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 expression while potently elevating hippocampal Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor expression. BSP dampened inflammation by reducing NO2−, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, IL‐6, and interleukin 1 beta levels mediated by downregulating NF‐κB and neuronal nitric oxides synthase expression. Moreover, BSP potently counteracted hippocampal pyroptosis by downregulating NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved‐caspase‐1 proteins. Therefore, BSP may represent a promising approach to attenuate neurotoxicity in patients receiving MTX.
Cathepsin S inhibition in dendritic cells prevents Th17 cell differentiation in perivascular adipose tissues following vascular injury in diabetic rats
Authors: Peng Hongyu , Lv Yuan , Li Changjiang , Cheng Zichao , He Songyuan , Wang Cong , Liu Jinghua
Published: June 2023

In the context of diabetes mellitus (DM), the circulating cathepsin S (CTSS) level is significantly higher in the cardiovascular disease group. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of CTSS in restenosis following carotid injury in diabetic rats. To induce DM, 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) in citrate buffer was injected intraperitoneally into Sprague‐Dawley rats. After successful modeling of DM, wire injury of the rat carotid artery was performed, followed by adenovirus transduction. Levels of blood glucose and Th17 cell surface antigens including ROR‐γt, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐22, and IL‐23 in perivascular adipose tissues (PVAT) were evaluated. For in vitro analysis, human dendritic cells (DCs) were treated with 5.6−25 mM glucose for 24 h. The morphology of DCs was observed using an optical microscope. CD4+T cells derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cocultured with DCs for 5 days. Levels of IL‐6, CTSS, ROR‐γt, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐22 and IL‐23 were measured. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect DC surface biomarkers (CD1a, CD83, and CD86) and Th17 cell differentiation. The collected DCs presented a treelike shape and were positive for CD1a, CD83, and CD86. Glucose impaired DC viability at the dose of 35 mM. Glucose treatment led to an increase in CTSS and IL‐6 expression in DCs. Glucose‐treated DCs promoted the differentiation of Th17 cells. CTSS depletion downregulated IL‐6 expression and inhibited Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. CTSS inhibition in DCs inhibits Th17 cell differentiation in PVAT tissues from diabetic rats following vascular injury.
A symptom network model of misophonia: From heightened sensory sensitivity to clinical comorbidity
Authors: Andermane Nora , Bauer Mathilde , Simner Julia , Ward Jamie
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Misophonia—an unusually strong intolerance of certain sounds—can cause significant distress and disruption to those who have it but is an enigma in terms of our scientific understanding. A key challenge for explaining misophonia is that, as with other disorders, it is likely to emerge from an interaction of traits that also occur in the general population (e.g., sensory sensitivity and anxiety) and that are transdiagnostic in nature (i.e., shared with other disorders).

Methods

In this preregistered study with a large sample of participants (N = 1430), we performed a cluster analysis (based on responses to questions relating to misophonia) and identified two misophonia subgroups differing in severity, as well as a third group without misophonia. A subset of this sample (N = 419) then completed a battery of measures designed to assess sensory sensitivity and clinical comorbidities.

Results

Clinical symptoms were limited to the most severe group of misophonics (including autistic traits, migraine with visual aura, anxiety sensitivity, obsessive‐compulsive traits). Both the moderate and severe groups showed elevated attention‐to‐detail and hypersensitivity (across multiple senses). A novel symptom network model of the data shows the presence of a central hub linking misophonia to sensory sensitivity which, in turn, connects to other symptoms in the network (relating to autism, anxiety, etc.).

Conclusion

The core features of misophonia are sensory‐attentional in nature with severity linked strongly to comorbidities.
Comparison of survival for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPI‐613 versus resected borderline‐resectable pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Mangieri Christopher W. , Valenzuela Cristian D. , Solsky Ian B. , Erali Richard A. , Pardee Timothy , Lima Caio Max S. Rocha , Howerton Russell , Clark Clancy J. , Shen Perry
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Treatment of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains suboptimal. Therapeutic agents with a novel mechanism of action are desperately needed; one such novel agent is CPI‐613 targets. We here analyze the outcomes of 20 metastatic pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPI‐613 and FOLFIRINOX in our institution and evaluate their outcomes to borderline‐resectable patients treated with curative surgery.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was performed of the phase I CPI‐613 trial data (NCT03504423) comparing survival outcomes to borderline‐resectable cases treated with curative resection at the same institution. Survival was measured by overall survival (OS) for all study cases and disease‐free survival (DFS) for resected cases with progression‐free survival for CPI‐613 cases.

Results

There were 20 patients in the CPI‐613 cohort and 60 patients in the surgical cohort. Median follow‐up times were 441 and 517 days for CPI‐613 and resected cases, respectively. There was no difference in survival times between CPI‐613 and resected cases with a mean OS of 1.8 versus 1.9 year (p = 0.779) and mean PFS/DFS of 1.4 versus 1.7 years (p = 0.512). There was also no difference in 3‐year survival rates for OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.063, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.302–3.744, p = 0.925) or DFS/PFS (HR = 1.462, 95% CI 0.285–7.505, p = 0.648).

Conclusion

The first study to evaluate the survival between metastatic patients treated with CPI‐613 versus borderline‐resectable cases undergoing curative resection. Analysis revealed no significant differences in survival outcomes between the cohorts. Study results are suggestive that there may be potential utility with the addition of CPI‐613 to potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, although additional research with more comparable study groups are required.
Mixed Hyperbranched/Triblock Copolymer Micelle Assemblies: Physicochemical Properties and Potential for Drug Encapsulation
Authors: Gerardos Angelica Maria , Balafouti Anastasia , Pispas Stergios
Published: June 2023

Mixed micelles have numerous advantages while requiring little to no effort in preparation. This study aims to produce mixed micelle nanostructures from a linear triblock copolymer and a hyperbranched random copolymer, and is able to be loaded with the weakly water‐soluble drugs curcumin and indomethacin. Different preparation techniques are employed to produce mixed micelles comprised of Pluronic F127 block copolymer, and hyperbranched poly[(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate‐co‐lauryl methacrylate], H‐[P(OEGMA‐co‐LMA)], copolymer. Few studies have dabbled in these types of coassemblies, which provides insight into how structural differences of each copolymer can affect the formation of micelles. To determine the properties of the emerging nanostructures in aqueous environments, including their size, homogeneity, and surface charge, different physicochemical techniques are used, such as light scattering and spectroscopic methods. The results reveal that the copolymers combine, and spontaneously self‐assemble into mixed micelle‐like nanostructures in aqueous environments, whereas both systems of neat and drug‐loaded nanostructures exhibit desirable properties such as small average micelle hydrodynamic radii and low size polydispersity indices. The nanostructures that result from the effective encapsulation of curcumin exhibit outstanding stability over 169 days. The fluorescent qualities of curcumin persist after encapsulation, making the novel nanostructures excellent candidates for bioimaging applications.
Exponential densities and compound Poisson measures
Authors: Baraniewicz Miłosz , Kaleta Kamil
Published: June 2023

We prove estimates at infinity of convolutions and densities of the corresponding compound Poisson measures for a class of radial decreasing densities on , , which are not convolution equivalent. Existing methods and tools are limited to the situation in which the convolution is comparable to initial density at infinity. We propose a new approach, which allows one to break this barrier. We focus on densities, which are products of exponential functions and smaller order terms—they are common in applications. In the case when the smaller order term is polynomial, estimates are given in terms of the generalized Bessel function. Our results can be seen as the first attempt to understand the intricate asymptotic properties of the compound Poisson and more general infinitely divisible measures constructed for such densities.
Trends in incidence and mortality of acute kidney disease following coronary angiography in Chinese population: 2008–2017
Authors: Li Qiang , Huang Haozhang , Chen Weihua , Shi Shanshan , Lu Xiaozhao , Lai Wenguang , Liang Guoxiao , Wu Jielan , Chen Jiyan , Liu Jin , Chen Shiqun , Wang Amanda Y. , Liu Yong
Published: June 2023

Background

Acute kidney disease (AKD) has received increasing attention owing to its poor prognosis. However, few studies have investigated the trends in AKD incidence and prognosis among patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). Therefore, this study was designed to explore trends in the incidence and mortality of AKD following CAG in China.

Methods

We enrolled patients undergoing CAG using data of the Cardiorenal Improvement (CIN) cohort registry of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the incidence of AKD from 2008 to 2017. Mortality rates are presented as deaths per 1000 person‐years and were evaluated in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

A total of 9665 patients (mean age: 61.6 ± 9.6 years, 40% women) were enrolled in the final analysis. From 2008 to 2017, the overall incidence and mortality of AKD were 19% and 323.0 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The incidence of AKD decreased from 25% to 13% during 2008–2017 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–0.51; p < 0.01; p for trend <0.01). However, the mortality of AKD increased significantly from 138.2 to 544.1 per 1000 person‐years (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.20–6.73; p = 0.02, p for trend = 0.02). The above trends were observed consistently in patients stratified by sex and age.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a significant decrease in incidence and an increase in mortality of AKD following CAG from 2008 to 2017 in China. We advocate for more proactive measures to prevent AKD and improve the prognosis of patients with AKD.
A high‐order numerical technique for generalized time‐fractional Fisher's equation
Authors: Choudhary Renu , Singh Satpal , Kumar Devendra
Published: June 2023

The generalized time‐fractional Fisher's equation is a substantial model for illustrating the system's dynamics. Studying effective numerical methods for this equation has considerable scientific importance and application value. In that direction, this paper presents designing and analyzing a high‐order numerical scheme for the generalized time‐fractional Fisher's equation. The time‐fractional derivative is taken in the Caputo sense and approximated using Euler backward discretization. The quasilinearization technique is used to linearize the problem, and then a compact finite difference scheme is considered for discretizing the equation in space direction. Our numerical method is convergent of
, where
and
are step sizes in spatial and temporal directions, respectively. Three problems are tested numerically by implementing the proposed technique, and the acquired results reveal that the proposed method is suitable for solving this problem.
A mixed methods study using case studies prepared by nursing students as a clinical practice evaluation tool
Authors: Palmar‐Santos Ana María , Oter‐Quintana Cristina , Olmos Ricardo , Pedraz‐Marcos Azucena , Robledo‐Martin Juana
Published: June 2023

Aim

To identify the presence of variability in the evaluation of case studies prepared by nursing students during their primary care rotations based on the existing evaluation rubric. To explore the difficulties experienced by link lecturers and students in preparing and evaluating case studies.

Design

A mixed methods study.

Methods

The scores for the rubric items and the final grades for the case studies were collected from a sample of 132 cases. Qualitative information was collected by conducting open‐ended interviews with lecturers and a focus group session with students.

Results

Statistically significant differences were identified between the lecturers' mean final grades [F(5.136) = 3.984, p = 0.002] and a variety of items in the evaluation rubric (p < 0.05). In addition, effect sizes [η2 (≈0.14)] of considerable magnitude were found.

Two themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1). the challenge of preparing the case studies and (2). the variable nature of the evaluations.
Stakeholder consensus suggests strategies to promote sustainability in an artisanal fishery with high rates of poaching and marine mammal bycatch
Authors: Svolkinas Linas , Holmes George , Dmitrieva Lilia , Ermolin Ilya , Suvorkov Pavel , Goodman Simon J.
Published: June 2023

Illegal fishing for high value species in artisanal fisheries drives incidental catch and declines of marine mammals and other large vertebrates of conservation importance around the world. Engaging with stakeholders is essential to understand which strategies will be effective in motivating the development of more sustainable practices, and disengagement from illegal fisheries.

Here we present the results of a Q study carried out in autumn 2018 with 50 stakeholders from the Caspian Sea coast of Dagestan (Russian Federation), including fishers illegally targeting sturgeon (Acipenseridae) and Caspian seals Pusa caspica, traders and fisheries managers. We assess viewpoints on biodiversity governance; illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and conservation.

Three distinct viewpoint groups emerged from a factor analysis, which we designated as ‘Nostalgists’, ‘Optimists’ and ‘Pessimists’. Nostalgists were concerned with decline in environmental quality, and emphasised a need for increased centralised involvement of authorities reminiscent of the old Soviet system. Optimists expressed support for a well‐regulated legal fisheries sector, while Pessimists were very aware of the negative impact of illegal fisheries and IWT, but felt they could not be controlled.

Among all groups we found a strong desire for alternative livelihoods (ALs), improved sustainability and agreement on the potential effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) and increased regulation, even if some stakeholders felt they were not achievable goals.

We used our results to inform three workshops in which Dagestani fishers and fishery experts discussed potential conservation interventions, and the barriers to their implementation. Six action types were identified including enhanced law enforcement, increased regulation, protected areas, alternative livelihoods, reducing demand for sturgeon and seal products and the need for further research to guide policy development.

This consensus suggests that communities are willing to reduce participation in illegal fishing given appropriate support. The socioeconomic factors driving illegal fisheries and bycatch for Caspian seals parallel those for other endangered marine mammals such as Vaquita Phocoena sinus and suggest that Q studies could be applied in other artisanal fisheries with high rates of marine mammal bycatch to help identify policy interventions supported by involved communities.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Fiber optics for quantum
Authors: Knigge Anja , Knothe Christian , Kroker Tobias
Published: June 2023

Technical progress in both industry and science has enabled the preparation, manipulation, and probing of quantum systems with an unprecedented level of control. This provides the basis for a multitude of so‐called quantum technologies like quantum cryptography, quantum sensors and quantum computers, which are currently developing from laboratory experiments into commercial applications.
Fastlane to quantum advantage through co‐design
Authors: Rank Stefan , Deppe Frank
Published: June 2023

Quantum computers promise to solve certain advanced computational tasks with higher computational speed, higher accuracy, and less energy consumption. To be useful for real‐world applications, traditional quantum algorithms typically require significantly more sophisticated quantum computers than are available today.

Co‐designing application‐specific quantum integrated circuits (ASICs) is one avenue being explored by quantum computing scientists and engineers to achieve quantum advantage in the near future. Currently, the co‐design paradigm is most prominently pursued in the field of superconducting quantum systems, which operate in the microwave regime.

Nevertheless, due to the universality of the underlying light‐matter coupling mechanisms, insights taken from the field of photonics could provide valuable contributions to the advancement of co‐designed quantum computers.
Micromachining gains from simulation
Authors: Wagner Jan , Schlüter Holger
Published: June 2023

Developing laser processes for industrial applications is a challenging and laborious task. Conventional controllers for laser scan systems lack the ability to predict the actual path of the laser beam on the workpiece, making extensive trial‐and‐error testing of different parameters and delay settings necessary in order to achieve satisfactory results. Finding a balance between the accuracy achieved and throughput is typically a compromise, and varies from user to user. Thanks to the introduction of SCANmotionControl, a new software solution by Scanlab, the programming of laser processes has been revolutionized.
“Making lives easier for integrators …”
Authors: Nikitski Ivan
Published: June 2023

The Swiss developer of high quality, high‐speed signal acquisition products, reveals his secrets in a conversation with EPIC's technology manager for quantum and PICs.
“We find new applications every week”
Authors: Pfalz Maike
Published: June 2023

The physicist Michael Förtsch founded the high‐tech startup Qant out of the Trumpf Group in 2018 to develop novel sensors and photonic computer chips. The company uses light as the fundamental resource to realize the potential of quantum technology. Qant now has almost eighty employees at its Stuttgart location.
Construction of CpG Delivery Nanoplatforms by Functionalized MoS2 Nanosheets for Boosting Antitumor Immunity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Hongxia , Liu Ming , Zhang Shuaiyin , Xie Xinran , Zhu Yuefei , Liu Tianrun , Li Jian , Tu Zhaoxu , Wen Weiping
Published: June 2023

Despite the promising achievements of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for tumor treatment, its therapeutic effect against solid tumors is limited due to the suppressed tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Herein, a series of polyethyleneimine (Mw = 0.8k, PEI0.8k)‐covered MoS2 nanosheets with different sizes and charge densities are synthesized, and the CpG, a toll‐like receptor‐9 agonist, is enveloped to construct nanoplatforms for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It is proved that functionalized nanosheets with medium size display similar CpG loading capacity regardless of low or high PEI0.8k coverage owing to the flexibility and crimpability of 2D backbone. CpG‐loaded nanosheets with medium size and low charge density (CpG@MM‐PL) could promote the maturation, antigen‐presenting capacity, and proinflammatory cytokines generation of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (DCs). Further analysis reveals that CpG@MM‐PL effectively boosts the TIME of HNSCC in vivo including DC maturation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration. Most importantly, the combination of CpG@MM‐PL and ICB agents anti‐programmed death 1 hugely improves the tumor therapeutic effect, inspiring more attempts for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, this work uncovers a pivotal feature of the 2D sheet‐like materials in nanomedicine development, which should be considered for the design of future nanosheet‐based therapeutic nanoplatforms.