bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of the diabetes prevention program for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot study
Authors: Hershman Melissa , Torbjornsen Karen , Pang Daniel , Wyatt Brooke , Dieterich Douglas T. , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Branch Andrea D. , Dinani Amreen M.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is the gold standard lifestyle modification program that reduces incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with prediabetes and patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often share metabolic features; we hypothesized that the DPP could be adapted and used to improve outcomes in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

NAFLD patients were recruited into a 1 year modified DPP. Demographics, medical comorbidities, and clinical laboratory values were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The primary endpoint was change in weight at 12 months. Secondary endpoints were changes in hepatic steatosis, metabolic comorbidities, and liver enzymes (per‐protocol basis) and retention at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Fourteen NAFLD patients enrolled; three dropped out before 6 months. From baseline to 12 months, hepatic steatosis (p = 0.03), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.02), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.02), high‐density lipoprotein (p = 0.01) and NAFLD fibrosis score (p < 0.001) improved, but low‐density lipoprotein worsened (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Seventy‐nine percent of patients completed the modified DPP. Patients lost weight and had improvements in five out of six indicators of liver injury and lipid metabolism.

Clinical Trial Registry Number

NCT04988204.
Effect of NdFeB particle size on the performance of 3D printed bonded magnets of polyamide‐based composites
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Chen Feng , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Kewen , Tang Zhifa , Bo Xinqian , Jiang Shengqiang
Published: August 2022

Additive manufacturing has been widely used in the field of bonded magnets manufacturing. However, there are some key issues to be faced in order to obtain bonded magnets (BMs) with high performance. In this study, four different particle sizes of flake NdFeB powder (volume‐weighted mean diameter [VMD] of 5.60 μm, 19.21 μm, 33.25 μm, and 66.69 μm) were obtained by vibratory sieving. Flexible filaments for 3D printing BMs were produced using polyamide‐6 (PA6) as the substrate, and the production process is reported in this paper. Characterization of the performance of the 3D‐printed BMs revealed that the BMs with VMD less than 10 μm have excellent mechanical strength, but the ductility of the magnets decreases with decreasing VMD of NdFeB powder. As the NdFeB VMD decreases, the coercivity of the sample decreases and the remanence increases. This study provides a reference for the selection of filler particle size for 3D printing BMs, which can be used to develop 3D‐printed BMs with excellent performance.
High‐efficiency recombinant protein purification using mCherry and YFP nanobody affinity matrices
Authors: Cong Anh T. Q. , Witter Taylor L. , Schellenberg Matthew J.
Published: August 2022

Mammalian cell lines are important expression systems for large proteins and protein complexes, particularly when the acquisition of post‐translational modifications in the protein's native environment is desired. However, low or variable transfection efficiencies are challenges that must be overcome to use such an expression system. Expression of recombinant proteins as a fluorescent protein fusion enables real‐time monitoring of protein expression, and also provides an affinity handle for one‐step protein purification using a suitable affinity reagent. Here, we describe a panel of anti‐GFP and anti‐mCherry nanobody affinity matrices and their efficacy for purification of GFP/YFP or mCherry fusion proteins. We define the molecular basis by which they bind their target proteins using X‐ray crystallography. From these analyses, we define an optimal pair of nanobodies for purification of recombinant protein tagged with GFP/YFP or mCherry, and demonstrate these nanobody‐sepharose supports are stable to many rounds of cleaning and extended incubation in denaturing conditions. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the mCherry‐tag system by using it to purify recombinant human topoisomerase 2α expressed in HEK293F cells. The mCherry‐tag and GFP/YFP‐tag expression systems can be utilized for recombinant protein expression individually or in tandem for mammalian protein expression systems where real‐time monitoring of protein expression levels and a high‐efficiency purification step is needed.
Caprylic acid in Vitex mollis fruit and its inhibitory activity against a thiabendazole‐resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain
Authors: López‐Velázquez Jordi G , Ayón‐Reyna Lidia E , Vega‐García Misael O , López‐Angulo Gabriela , López‐López Martha E , López‐Zazueta Blanca A , Delgado‐Vargas Francisco
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose in a large number of crops. Synthetic fungicides are employed to prevent this disease, even though their effectiveness and safety is questionable. Thus, effective and innocuous antifungal compounds are proposed as natural alternatives against anthracnose. The hexane fraction of Vitex mollis pulp (HF‐VM) reduces anthracnose incidence in papaya fruit; however, the active compounds and antifungal mechanism of HF‐VM are unknown. The aims of this study were to characterize the activity of HF‐VM sub‐fractions (sHF1–sHF7) against a thiabendazole‐resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain, identify the chemical components and investigate the mechanism of the most active sub‐fraction.

RESULTS

The sHF3 showed the highest inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 mg mL−1, whereas thiabendazole (TBZ) had a MIC value higher than 2 mg mL−1. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that the compounds in sHF3 were methyl 4‐decenoate, caprylic acid, and 24‐methylencycloartanol. These compounds are rarely found in fruits and are reported for the first time on Vitex species. The purified 24‐methylencycloartanol was inactive (MIC > 0.5 mg mL−1). In contrast, the commercial standard of caprylic acid presented an elevated activity (MIC = 0.125 mg mL−1), indicating that this compound is the main one responsible for the antifungal properties of sHF3. Furthermore, the sHF3 inhibited the spore germination and induced membrane disruption in both the spore and mycelium of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

CONCLUSION

Vitex mollis fruit is a novel source of antifungal caprylic acid that could be employed as a marker to prepare standardized extracts with antifungal properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
High resolution mass spectrometry‐driven metabolite profiling of baricitinib to report its unknown metabolites and step‐by‐step reaction mechanism of metabolism
Authors: Rachmale Megha , Rajput Niraj , Jadav Tarang , Sahu Amit Kumar , Sharma Satyasheel , Sengupta Pinaki
Published: August 2022

Rationale

Metabolite profiling is an integral part of the drug development process for selecting candidates with high therapeutic efficacy and low risk. Baricitinib (BARI) was approved in 2018 by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis. According to the available literature, no systematic study has been reported on the metabolite profiling of BARI. The biotransformation pathway of the drug has also not been established until recently. This study aims to identify BARI metabolites generated in in vitro matrices.

Methods

The in vitro metabolism study was carried out using rat liver microsome, human liver microsomes, and human S9 fraction. Ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (U‐HPLC‐Q/TOF) and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/linear ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (U‐HPLC/LTQ‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS) were used to identify and characterize the metabolites of BARI. The in silico toxicity of BARI and its metabolite was studied using ProTox‐II toxicity predictor software.

Results

A total of five new metabolites have been identified amongst which two (M1 and M2) were detected on both U‐HPLC/LTQ‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS and U‐HPLC‐Q/TOF and two additional metabolites (M4 and M5) were detected on U‐HPLC/LTQ‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS. Moreover, one metabolite (M3) was only detected on LC‐QTOF.

Conclusions

The major metabolic changes were found to be N‐dealkylation, demethylation, hydroxylation, and hydrolysis. Metabolites M3 and M4 were found to have the potential for carcinogenicity. The novelty of the study can be justified by the unavailability of any previous research on in vitro metabolite profiling of BARI. Furthermore, this is the first time the biotransformation pathway of BARI and the toxicity potential of its metabolites have been reported.
Sustainable development and stakeholder engagement in the agri‐food sector: Exploring the nexus between biodiversity conservation and information technology
Authors: Aké Kouassi Marius Honoré , Boiral Olivier
Published: August 2022

Organizations across various industries engage in biodiversity conservation as a way to achieve sustainable development and to manage stakeholder engagement expectations. Although the importance of information and communication technology to promote biodiversity conservation has been recognized, little attention has been devoted to shedding more light on corporate practices in this area. This study explores how organizations do use information technology and reporting practices to influence stakeholders' perceptions on biodiversity initiatives. Data are collected from agri‐food companies listed by the Fortune Global 500. Based on a qualitative content analysis approach, this research found that geospatial technologies and web‐based features support organizations' impression management efforts with regard to their biodiversity conservation practices. More precisely, our findings suggest that organizational impression management tactics of abstraction, selectivity and self‐promotion are used to rationalize corporate actions in this area. The paper develops a better understanding of corporate tactics aimed at influencing stakeholders' perceptions of the reliability and credibility of companies' biodiversity conservation practices. Implications of the results for the stakeholders of business organizations are also discussed. This study offers contributions to the body of literature on biodiversity reporting, communication technology and impression management tactics. Managerial implications and avenues for future research are also described.
A Sub‐20 nm Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Dielectric for Ultralow‐Power Organic Thin‐Film Transistor (OTFT) With Enhanced Operational Stability
Authors: Choi Junhwan , Lee Chungryeol , Kang Juyeon , Lee Changhyeon , Lee Seung Min , Oh Jungyeop , Choi Sung‐Yool , Im Sung Gap
Published: August 2022

Organic/inorganic hybrid materials are utilized extensively as gate dielectric layers in organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). However, inherently low dielectric constant of organic materials and lack of a reliable deposition process for organic layers hamper the broad application of hybrid dielectric materials. Here, a universal strategy to synthesize high‐k hybrid dielectric materials by incorporating a high‐k polymer layer on top of various inorganic layers generated by different fabrication methods, including AlOx and HfOx, is presented. Those hybrid dielectrics commonly exhibit high capacitance (>300 nF·cm–2) as well as excellent insulating properties. A vapor‐phase deposition method is employed for precise control of the polymer film thickness. The ultralow‐voltage (<3 V) OTFTs are demonstrated based on the hybrid dielectric layer with 100% yield and uniform electrical characteristics. Moreover, the exceptionally high stability of OTFTs for long‐term operation (current change less than 5% even under 30 h of voltage stress at 2.0 MV·cm–1) is achieved. The hybrid dielectric is fully compatible with various substrates, which allows for the demonstration of intrinsically flexible OTFTs on the plastic substrate. It is believed that this approach for fabricating hybrid dielectrics by introducing the high‐k organic material can be a promising strategy for future low‐power, flexible electronics.
Insights into the Potassium Ion Storage Behavior and Phase Evolution of a Tailored Yolk–Shell SnSe@C Anode
Authors: Sun Qing , Yang Maoxiang , Zeng Guifang , Li Jing , Hu Zhibiao , Li Deping , Wang Shang , Si Pengchao , Tian Yanhong , Ci Lijie
Published: August 2022

Tin chalcogenides are regarded as promising anode materials for potassium ion batteries (PIBs) due to their considerable specific capacity. However, the severe volume effect, limited electronic conductivity, and the shuttle effect of the potassiation product restrict the application prospect. Herein, based on the metal evaporation reaction, a facile structural engineering strategy for yolk–shell SnSe encapsulated in carbon shell (SnSe@C) is proposed. The internal void can accommodate the volume change of the SnSe core and the carbon shell can enhance the electronic conductivity. Combining qualitative and quantitative electrochemical analyses, the distinguished electrochemical performance of SnSe@C anode is attributed to the contribution of enhanced capacitive behavior. Additionally, first‐principles calculations elucidate that the heteroatomic doped carbon exhibits a preferable affinity toward potassium ions and the potassiation product K2Se, boosting the rate performance and capacity retention consequently. Furthermore, the phase evolution of SnSe@C electrode during the potassiation/depotassiation process is clarified by in situ X‐ray diffraction characterization, and the crystal transition from the SnSe Pnma(62) to Cmcm(63) point group is discovered unpredictably. This work demonstrates a pragmatic avenue to tailor the SnSe@C anode via a facile structural engineering strategy and chemical regulation, providing substantial clarification for the phase evolution mechanism of SnSe‐based anode for PIBs.
Sponge‐Like Microfiber Electrodes for High‐Performance Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Sun Jing , Wan Yuhan , Jian Qinping , Fan Xinzhuang , Zhao Tianshou
Published: August 2022

Fabricating fiber‐based electrodes with a large specific surface area while maintaining high flow permeability is a challenging issue in developing high‐performance redox flow batteries. Here, a sponge‐like microfiber carbon electrode is reported with a specific surface area of as large as 853.6 m2 g−1 while maintaining a fiber diameter in the range of 5–7 µm and a macropore size of ≈26.8 µm. The electrode is developed by electrospinning cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol)‐lignin‐polytetrafluoroethylene precursors, followed by oxidation and pyrolysis. Applying the as‐synthesized electrodes to a vanadium redox flow battery enables the battery to achieve an energy efficiency of 79.1% at the current density of 400 mA cm−2 and a capacity retention rate of 99.94% over 2000 cycles, representing one of the best battery performances in the open literature. The strategy to fabricate sponge‐like porous carbon microfibers holds great promise for versatile applications in redox flow batteries and other energy storage systems.
Mackinawite‐Supported Reduction of C1 Substrates into Prebiotically Relevant Precursors
Authors: Grosch Mario , Stiebritz Martin T. , Bolney Robert , Winkler Mario , Jückstock Eric , Busch Hannah , Peters Sophia , Siegle Alexander F. , van Slageren Joris , Ribbe Markus , Hu Yilin , Trapp Oliver , Robl Christian , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by Wolfgang Weigand's group at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and was designed by Mario Grosch. The image shows a hypothetical version of the Earth's early surface, where mackinawite produced from the reaction between iron and sulfur in water can react with C1 substrates like HCN to form CH4, NH3, CH3SH and CH3CHO. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/syst.202200010.
Thinking about thinking about thinking … & feeling: A model for metacognitive and meta‐affective processes in task engagement
Authors: Thomas Ayanna K. , Wulff Alia N. , Landinez Dominique , Bulevich John B.
Published: August 2022

Metacognition, or thinking about thinking, is a phenomenon that has received much attention across the numerous fields of Psychological Science. The overarching goal has centered on understanding how humans monitor their internal mental processes and exert control over these processes. However, discipline‐focused approaches with little generalized discussion across the field have yielded an incomplete understanding of the construct of metacognition. Consider, for example, the cognitive approach: from this perspective, researchers have developed predictive models and useful frameworks. Further, the field has produced sophisticated techniques to measure monitoring accuracy and define attributes that contribute to monitoring assessments and control process selection. However, the impact of this research has been relatively limited and isolated from metacognitive investigations that consider other important constructs such as motivation and affect. The approaches taken in subfields, such as educational psychology, emotion, and neuropsychology when combined with the cognitive approach, may result in a more complete picture and thorough understanding of metacognition. In this article, we present an argument that the study of metacognition should bridge the various subfields of psychological inquiry. We present a framework toward an integrative approach to understanding metacognition as a complementary process to meta‐affect and encourage researchers to consider the study of metacognition from a broader perspective.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
Wilson loops in large symmetric representations through a double-scaling limit
Authors: Rodriguez-Gomez D. , Russo J. G.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We derive exact formulas for circular Wilson loops in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2* theories with gauge groups U(N) and SU(N) in the k-fold symmetrized product representation. The formulas apply in the limit of large k and small Yang-Mills coupling g, with fixed effective coupling κ ≡ g2k, and for any finite N. In the SU(2) and U(2) cases, closed analytic formulas are obtained for any k, while the 1/k series expansions are asymptotic. In the N ≫ 1 limit, with N ≪ k, there is an overlapping regime where the formulas can be confronted with results from holography. Simple formulas for correlation functions between the k-symmetric Wilson loops and chiral primary operators are also given.
A Remark on Torsors under Affine Group Schemes
Authors: Wibmer Michael
Published: August 2022

We present an elementary proof of the fact that every torsor under an affine group scheme over an algebraically closed field is trivial. This is related to the uniqueness of fibre functors on neutral Tannakian categories.
Epidural Blood Patching in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension—Do we Really Seal the Leak?
Authors: Piechowiak Eike I. , Aeschimann Benjamin , Häni Levin , Kaesmacher Johannes , Mordasini Pasquale , Jesse Christopher Marvin , Schankin Christoph J. , Raabe Andreas , Schär Ralph T. , Gralla Jan , Beck Jürgen , Dobrocky Tomas
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Epidural blood patch (EBP) is a minimally invasive treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Follow-up after EBP primarily relies on clinical presentation and data demonstrating successful sealing of the underlying spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the rate of successfully sealed spinal CSF leaks in SIH patients after non-targeted EBP.

Methods

Patients with SIH and a confirmed spinal CSF leak who had been treated with non-targeted EBP were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome was persistence of CSF leak on spine MRI or intraoperatively. Secondary outcome was change in clinical symptoms after EBP.

Results

In this study 51 SIH patients (mean age, 47 ± 13 years; 33/51, 65% female) treated with non-targeted EBP (mean, 1.3 EBPs per person; range, 1–4) were analyzed. Overall, 36/51 (71%) patients had a persistent spinal CSF leak after EBP on postinterventional imaging and/or intraoperatively. In a best-case scenario accounting for missing data, the success rate of sealing a spinal CSF leak with an EBP was 29%. Complete or substantial symptom improvement in the short term was reported in 45/51 (88%), and in the long term in 17/51 (33%) patients.

Conclusion

Non-targeted EBP is an effective symptomatic treatment providing short-term relief in a substantial number of SIH patients; however, successful sealing of the underlying spinal CSF leak by EBP is rare, which might explain the high rate of delayed symptom recurrence. The potentially irreversible and severe morbidity associated with long-standing intracranial hypotension supports permanent closure of the leak.
Gastric aspiration in sudden unexpected infant death of Prader–Willi syndrome: immunohistochemical detection of feeding components
Authors: Osawa Motoki , Ikeda Haruka , Ueda Atsushi , Naito Haruaki , Nagao Ryoko , Kakimoto Yu
Published: August 2022

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in infants is characterized by hypotonia and poor sucking with feeding difficulties. Two autopsy cases of sudden unexpected death during sleep after tube feeding are described herein. For one, gastric aspiration caused by the possible milk regurgitation was suspected. Immunohistochemical examination of lung sections was performed using three antibodies to human α-lactalbumin, human gross cystic disease fluid protein 15, and cow whey β-lactoglobulin. Five cases of sudden unexpected infant death occurring earlier than at 6 months old were selected as controls. Marked immune-staining for infant formula in one PWS subject was evident within terminal bronchioles and alveoli with granular and amorphous features. However, no positive staining was apparent in the other subject, who exhibited contrasting features in milk distribution. Among control cases, one showed mild staining in the bronchiole, but the others did not. The antibody to β-lactoglobulin reacted specifically with formula, with no nonspecific background. Gastric contents in the airway can be a difficult issue because of the consequent terminal gasping. However, because of an episode of antemortem symptoms of potential regurgitation, and from findings at autopsy such as petechiae, we inferred that fatal regurgitation occurred in this PWS infant after tube feeding. Several clinical reports have described milk aspiration, but this pathological report is the first related to aspiration in PWS during tube feeding.
Chronische Schmerzen im Seniorenalter vor dem Hintergrund der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Teichmüller K. , Bast L. , Rittner H. L. , Kindl G.
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Internationale Studien belegen negative Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie auf Stimmung und Stresslevel befragter Personen. Auch konnten Zusammenhänge zwischen der Pandemie und höheren Schmerzstärken sowie stärkerer schmerzbedingter Beeinträchtigung nachgewiesen werden. Die Studienlage dazu, ob ältere Menschen besser oder schlechter mit der Pandemie und ihren Auswirkungen umgehen können als jüngere Personen, ist aber uneindeutig.

Methodik

Seit einigen Jahren bietet das Universitätsklinikum Würzburg ein multimodales Schmerztherapieprogramm für SeniorInnen an. Für die vorliegende Arbeit wurden retrospektiv klinische Routinedaten zum Zeitpunkt des interdisziplinären multimodalen Assessments von n = 75 TeilnehmerInnen in den Jahren 2018 und 2019 mit denen von n = 42 Patientinnen während der COVID-19-Pandemie 2020–2021 verglichen. Wir untersuchten Schmerz, psychische Belastung und körperliches Funktionsniveau mithilfe des Deutschen Schmerzfragebogens, klinischer Diagnostik und geriatrischer Funktionstests.

Ergebnisse

Die beiden Teilstichproben unterschieden sich nicht in demografischen Merkmalen. Bezüglich Schmerzintensität und Beeinträchtigung sowie der psychischen Belastung fanden sich ebenfalls keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Lediglich die Anzahl der schmerzbedingt beeinträchtigten Tage war vor Corona signifikant höher. Die geriatrischen Funktionstests zeigten signifikant bessere Werte während der Pandemie an.

Diskussion

Die vorliegenden Daten zeigen keine Verschlechterung von Schmerz und körperlichem sowie psychischem Wohlbefinden bei SeniorInnen vor dem Hintergrund der Pandemie. Weitere Studien sollten die möglichen Gründe dafür untersuchen. Diese könnten in einer höheren Resilienz der SeniorInnen basierend auf ihrer Lebenserfahrung, finanziellen Sicherheit oder einer geringeren Veränderung des Lebensalltags liegen.
Restauration & Ökologie des Sterlets in der österreichischen Donau – das LIFE-Sterlet-Projekt 2015–2022
Authors: Friedrich Thomas , Neuburg Jakob , Eichhorn Heidrun , Popp Stephanie
Published: August 2022

Störe sind ein wesentliches Faunenelement der Donau und stellten in der Vergangenheit durch ihre Migration ein prägendes ökologisches Verbindungsglied zwischen dem alpinen Donauraum und dem Schwarzen Meer dar. Heute sind zwei von sechs Donaustörarten bereits ausgestorben und die verbliebenen Arten sind durch Wilderei, Beifang, Migrationsbarrieren und Habitatverlust vom Aussterben bedroht. Eine Vielzahl von Projekten forciert Bemühungen zum Schutz und zur Wiederansiedelung, welche jedoch nur koordiniert und in internationaler Kooperation Aussicht auf Erfolg haben. Ziel des LIFE-Sterlet-Projekts war es, den Bestand des in der Oberen Donau stark bedrohten Sterlets (Acipenser ruthenus) zu stärken sowie das Wissen über Habitatnutzung, Migration und Autökologie zu steigern.
Dividend policy issues in the European pharmaceutical industry: new empirical evidence
Authors: Basse Tobias , Schwarzbach Christoph , Graf von der Schulenburg J.-Matthias
Published: August 2022

This paper examines dividend policy issues in the European pharmaceutical industry. This sector is of particular interest because of the high research and development expenditures and the associated risks characterizing the business models of many firms in this industry. In fact, from the perspective of corporate finance theory, this is a particular challenge for the managers of these corporations that may also have implications for the dividend policy implemented by the firms forming this sector. Moreover, the level of internal financing and litigation risks also seem to be high in the pharmaceutical industry. These facts could also affect the payout policy of the firms. Employing techniques of time series analysis, there is no evidence for dividend signaling and clear evidence for dividend smoothing in the European pharmaceutical industry. Given that dividend increases under certain assumptions can negatively affect the firms' ability to finance new investments in general and research and development projects in particular, these results of our empirical investigations could be described as highly plausible.
Lactoferrin and its digestive peptides induce interferon-α production and activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells ex vivo
Authors: Kubo Shutaro , Miyakawa Momoko , Tada Asuka , Oda Hirotsugu , Motobayashi Hideki , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Tamura Shinobu , Tanaka Miyuki , Hashimoto Shinichi
Published: August 2022

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) recognise viral single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) or CpG DNA via Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7 and TLR9, and produce interferon (IFN)-α. Activated pDCs upregulate human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and CD86 expression levels. Ingestion of bovine lactoferrin (LF) activates pDCs, but little is known about its effects. In this study, the effects of LF and its pepsin hydrolysate (LFH) on the production of IFN-α from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and pDCs were examined. PBMCs were prepared from peripheral blood of healthy adults and incubated with LF, LFH, or lactoferricin (LFcin) in the absence or presence of ssRNA derived from human immunodeficiency virus. The concentration of IFN-α in the supernatant and the expression levels of IFN-α, HLA-DR, and CD86 in pDCs were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. In the absence of ssRNA, the concentration of IFN-α was negligible and LF had no effect on it. In the presence of ssRNA, IFN-α was detected at a certain level, and LF and LFH significantly increased its concentration. The increase caused by LFH and LFcin were comparable. In addition, LF significantly upregulated the expression levels of IFN-α, HLA-DR, and CD86 in pDCs. LF and its digestive peptides induced IFN-α production and activated pDCs in the presence of ssRNA, suggesting that LF modulates the immune system by promoting pDC activation upon viral recognition.
Nutritional Deficiencies 3 Years After Sleeve Gastrectomy Can Be Limited by a Specialized Multivitamin Supplement
Authors: Heusschen Laura , Berendsen Agnes A. M. , Deden Laura N. , Hazebroek Eric J. , Aarts Edo O.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Lifelong daily multivitamin supplementation is highly recommended after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Based on previous research, a specialized multivitamin supplement (MVS) for SG patients was developed and optimized (WLS Optimum 1.0 and 2.0). This study presents its mid-term effectives and compares micronutrient status of SG patients using this specialized MVS to users of standard MVS (sMVS) and non-users of multivitamin supplementation during the first three years post-surgery.

Materials and Methods

Of the 226 participants that were included at baseline, yearly follow-up blood tests were completed by 193 participants (85%) at 12 months, 176 participants (78%) at 24 months, and 140 participants (62%) at 36 months of follow-up. At each time point, participants were divided into four groups: (1) Optimum 1.0, (2) Optimum 2.0, (3) sMVS, and (4) non-users. Serum concentrations (linear mixed-effects models) and the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (chi-square tests) during follow-up were compared between the groups.

Results

Users of specialized MVS (Optimum 1.0 and 2.0) had higher serum concentrations of hemoglobin, folic acid, and vitamin D compared to sMVS users and non-users during follow-up. Serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and (corrected) calcium were also higher in specialized MVS users than in non-users. Overall, fewer deficiencies for folic acid and vitamin D were observed in the Optimum groups.

Conclusion

Although the perfect multivitamin supplement for all SG patients does not exist, WLS Optimum was more effective in sustaining normal serum concentrations than standard, over-the-counter supplementation. Non-users of MVS presented with most micronutrient deficiencies and will evidently develop poor nutritional status on the longer term.

Graphical abstract
Holistic multi-class classification & grading of diabetic foot ulcerations from plantar thermal images using deep learning
Authors: Muralidhara Shishir , Lucieri Adriano , Dengel Andreas , Ahmed Sheraz
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Diabetic foot is a common complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) leading to ulcerations in the feet. Due to diabetic neuropathy, most patients have reduced sensitivity to pain. As a result, minor injuries go unnoticed and progress into ulcers. The timely detection of potential ulceration points and intervention is crucial in preventing amputation. Changes in plantar temperature are one of the early signs of ulceration. Previous studies have focused on either binary classification or grading of DM severity, but neglect the holistic consideration of the problem. Moreover, multi-class studies exhibit severe performance variations between different classes.

Methods

We propose a new convolutional neural network for discrimination between non-DM and five DM severity grades from plantar thermal images and compare its performance against pre-trained networks such as AlexNet and related works. We address the lack of data and imbalanced class distribution, prevalent in prior work, achieving well-balanced classification performance.

Results

Our proposed model achieved the best performance with a mean accuracy of 0.9827, mean sensitivity of 0.9684 and mean specificity of 0.9892 in combined diabetic foot detection and grading.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study sets a new state-of-the-art in plantar foot thermogram detection and grading, while being the first to implement a holistic multi-class classification and grading solution. Reliable automatic thermogram grading is a first step towards the development of smart health devices for DM patients.
Market Mechanisms and Technology Transition in Australia’s National Electricity Market
Authors: Marshall Luke , Bruce Anna , MacGill Iain
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

To investigate the interaction between restructured electricity market designs, in particular Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM), and variable renewable generators. In particular, to examine how the expansion of near-zero marginal cost, variable renewable generators may impact participant incentives and market power.

Recent Findings

The technology transition may significantly impact bidding behaviour in electricity markets such as the NEM.

This paper identifies and explores key challenges including the impact of renewables on electricity market power, incentive structures for variable renewables, potential for exercise of market power in the Australia’s electricity market as well as contracting and bidding strategies for variable renewables.
Implementierungstreue der Lebensstilberatung gemäß des Selektivvertrags zur Versorgung im Fachgebiet Orthopädie nach § 73c SGB V
Authors: Füzéki Eszter , Giesche Florian , Rink Jan , Würzberger Laura , Banzer Winfried
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Der Selektivvertrag zzur Versorgung im Fachgebiet Orthopädie in Baden-Württemberg (FAV Orthopädie) gemäß § 73c SGB V hat das Ziel, die Über‑, Unter- und Fehlversorgung bei muskuloskeletalen Erkrankungen zu mindern und durch eine leitliniengerechte Patientenversorgung die Qualität dieser zu verbessern. Ein Kernelement der FAV Orthopädie ist die Einführung einer Pauschale für eine motivationale und präventiven Beratung zur Lebensstiländerung und Stärkung des Selbstmanagements nach einem für das FAV Orthopädie entwickelten 4‑Stufen-Konzept. Ziel unserer Untersuchung war es, die Implementierbarkeit des FAV Orthopädie aus Sicht der teilnehmenden Ärztinnen und Ärzten und medizinischen Fachangestellten zu erfassen, die Implementierungstreue der Lebensstilberatung nach dem 4‑Stufen-Konzept, den selbsteingeschätzten Beratungserfolg sowie Barrieren der Lebensstilberatung zu dokumentieren.

Methode

Es wurde eine anonyme Onlinebefragung der beiden Zielgruppen durchgeführt. Die Implementierbarkeit wurde mithilfe des Hexagon-Tools erfasst. Die Teilnehmenden gaben zudem an, welche Beratungsinhalte sie nach dem 4‑Stufen-Konzept durchführen (Implementierungstreue) und welche Hindernisse hierbei auftraten (Barrieren). Der selbsteingeschätzte Beratungserfolg wurde für die Bereiche Bewegung, Ernährung, Rauchen und Stressmanagement dokumentiert. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Ein Drittel der angeschriebenen Ärztinnen und Ärzten (n = 191) und 101 medizinische Fachangestellte haben die Fragen bzgl. der Umsetzung beantwortet. Die Mehrheit schätzte die Implementierbarkeit des FAV Orthopädie positiv ein. Es zeigte sich eine (sehr) hohe Implementierungstreue (Lebensstilberatung nach dem 4‑Stufen-Konzept; n = 53 Ärztinnen und Ärzte; n = 81 medizinische Fachangestellte). Während etwas mehr als ein Drittel der Ärztinnen und Ärzte keine Barrieren sah, gaben über 60 % weiterhin Barrieren zur routinemäßigen Beratung an. Der Beratungserfolg beider befragten Berufsgruppen wurde im Bereich Bewegung als relativ hoch, in den Bereichen Ernährung und Stressmanagement als mäßig und im Bereich Raucherentwöhnung als eher gering eingeschätzt.

Diskussion

Nach den vorliegenden Daten lässt sich der FAV Orthopädie in den Praxisalltag integrieren. Der FAV stellt Rahmenbedingungen her, die eine hohe Lebensstilberatungsprävalenz ermöglichen, auch wenn teilweise weiterhin von räumlichen und zeitlichen Barrieren sowie patientenbezogenen Hindernissen berichtet wird. Resümierend liefert unsere Studie erste Hinweise dafür, dass der FAV Orthopädie die biopsychosoziale und leitliniengerechte Versorgung im Bereich muskuloskeletalen Erkrankungen stärkt.
Little Effect of Executive Functioning on Behaviour Problems of Those with Attachment or Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Davies Joanna , Reed Phil
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study explored whether executive functioning (EF) mediated the relationship between either autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attachment disorder (AD) and behaviour problems for a sample of children with learning disabilities.

Methods

A sample of 79 pupils with learning disabilities was examined in terms of their AD and ASD traits, their levels of behaviour problems and performance on four EF tasks (WCST, Hungry Donkey, Stroop and Tower of London) was assessed.

Results

There were positive correlations between levels of ASD and AD and between both of these traits and behaviour problems. However, there was no relationship between these traits and EF, and no relationship between EF and behaviour problems.

Conclusions

That there was little influence of EF as a mediator between these conditions and behaviour problems for a sample with learning disabilities suggests that EF has limited usefulness as a target for educational intervention in such a sample.
The impact of noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4 and noradrenaline transporter knockout (NET-KO) on the activity of liver cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in male and female mice
Authors: Bromek Ewa , Danek Przemysław Jan , Wójcikowski Jacek , Basińska-Ziobroń Agnieszka , Pukło Renata , Solich Joanna , Dziedzicka-Wasylewska Marta , Daniel Władysława Anna
Published: August 2022

Background

Our earlier studies have shown that the brain noradrenergic system regulates cytochrome P450 (CYP) in rat liver via neuroendocrine mechanism. In the present work, a comparative study on the effect of intraperitoneal administration of the noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4 and the knockout of noradrenaline transporter (NET-KO) on the CYP3A in the liver of male and female mice was performed.

Methods

The experiments were conducted on C57BL/6J WT and NET–/– male/female mice. DSP-4 was injected intraperitoneally as a single dose (50 mg/kg ip.) to WT mice. The activity of CYP3A was measured as the rate of 6β-hydroxylation of testosterone in liver microsomes. The CYP3A protein level was estimated by Western blotting.

Results

DSP-4 evoked a selective decrease in the noradrenaline level in the brain of male and female mice. At the same time, DSP-4 reduced the CYP3A activity in males, but not in females. The level of CYP3A protein was not changed. The NET knockout did not affect the CYP3A activity/protein in both sexes.

Conclusions

The results with DSP-4 treated mice showed sex-dependent differences in the regulation of liver CYP3A by the brain noradrenergic system (with only males being responsive), and revealed that the NET knockout did not affect CYP3A in both sexes. Further studies into the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal hormones in DSP-4 treated mice may explain sex-specific differences in CYP3A regulation, whereas investigation of monoaminergic receptor sensitivity in the hypothalamic/pituitary areas of NET–/– mice will allow for understanding a lack of changes in the CYP3A activity in the NET-KO animals.
Watery assemblages: the affective and material swimming-becomings of a Muslim girl’s queer body with nature
Authors: Zarabadi Shiva
Published: August 2022

This paper materialises the affective emergence of watery assemblages between sea, shark, swimming and British-Bangladeshi Muslim schoolgirls of my PhD research. Watery assemblages pushed further my participant’s lived experiences into another layer of ‘force field of differentiation’ (Alaimo,Bodily natures: Science, environment, and the material self. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2010, p. 14) where stories, flesh and sea became no longer discrete, where the ground is not solid but watery, the movement is not walking or speaking but swimming and the body is not just human but human-animal. Watery assemblages enabled the fluid and affective entanglements with complex and thick experiences of gender and racial harassment. Entangling with images and stories I explore how the affective and material agency of sea, swimming and shark as concept and a performative multiplicity (Protevi,Life, war, earth: Deleuze and the sciences. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2013) works as praxis and provocations for thinkings and doings.
The Value of Criminological Theories in Explaining Cybersecurity in South African Smart Cities
Authors: Cornelius François Paul , Jansen van Rensburg Shandré Kim , Kader Sarika
Published: August 2022

The development of smart cities in South Africa has the potential to enrich quality of life, encourage economic growth and reduce the human ecological footprint. It can advance and elevate service delivery in urban areas by applying various information and communication technologies. However, despite the countless benefits available, smart cities are at risk for major cybersecurity breaches that can produce devastating consequences. Criminological theories provide a foundation for understanding and explaining the criminal activity. Advancements in computer technologies and increased use of electronic devices and the Internet have resulted in crimes committed in cyberspace. As such, criminology scholars have been forced to think differently about how crimes are committed in cyberspace and how theoretical perspectives can be advanced to explain these non-traditional crimes. This article contends that criminological theories can inform cybersecurity risks in smart cities. This paper is based on theoretical findings through a qualitative inquiry, and the data were analysed thematically. The authors illustrate the value of social learning theory, neutralization theory, code of the street theory, space transition theory, actor-network theory and integrated model theory in explaining cybersecurity risks in smart cities.
Neighborhood Association, Peer Communication, and Self-Assistance Behaviors Against Disaster Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Takahashi Kyo
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are vulnerable in case of disaster, and it is unknown how they can prepare themselves for such events. This study explored factors associated with self-assistance behaviors against disasters.

Methods:

An internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Japan. The participants were 70 individuals with SCI in a self-help group in Japan. Self-assistance behaviors against disaster were defined in terms of personal network, escape, information, essential items, disaster drill participation, and list registration. After identifying significant variables through binary analyses, logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for age and sex.

Results:

Neighborhood association and peer communication significantly predicted list registration (AOR:2.97; 95% CI:1.05 – 8.40; P = 0.04; AOR:2.79, 95% CI:1.00–7.74, P = 0.05). However, no significant factor was found in relation to other self-assistance behaviors against disasters.

Conclusion:

Belonging to a neighborhood association and having communication with peers could help individuals with SCI register on a list for assistance during disaster. To promote self-assistance behaviors against disasters, access to neighborhood associations, and opportunities for peer communication should be increased.
France Bans “Meaty” Terms for Plant-Based Products: Will the European Union Follow?
Authors: Carreño Ignacio
Published: August 2022

Plant-based meat-like food is increasingly popular, and the meat industry has been opposing the use of terms traditionally used for meat and meat products for plant-based alternatives. Against this background, on 29 June 2022 the Government of France adopted Decree No. 2022-947 on the use of certain names used to designate foodstuffs containing vegetable proteins1 (hereinafter, Decree No. 2022-947), which prohibits the use of names designating foodstuffs of animal origin to be used to describe, market or promote foodstuffs containing vegetable proteins. This article discusses the new French legislation and looks at the situation at the European Union (EU) level where, differently from dairy terms such as “milk” and “yoghurt”, “meaty” terms such as “burger” and “sausage” are not reserved for meat and meat products. France has become the first EU Member State to impose such a ban, while the EU rejected in 2020 a similar proposal that would have resulted in EU-wide restrictions.
Antibiotic prescribing for acute gastroenteritis during ambulatory care visits—United States, 2006–2015
Authors: Collins Jennifer P. , King Laura M. , Collier Sarah A. , Person John , Gerdes Megan E. , Crim Stacy M. , Bartoces Monina , Fleming-Dutra Katherine E. , Friedman Cindy R. , Francois Watkins Louise K.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To describe national antibiotic prescribing for acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

Setting:

Ambulatory care.

Methods:

We included visits with diagnoses for bacterial and viral gastrointestinal infections from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS/NHAMCS; 2006–2015) and the IBM Watson 2014 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. For NAMCS/NHAMCS, we calculated annual percentage estimates and 99% confidence intervals (CIs) of visits with antibiotics prescribed; sample sizes were too small to calculate estimates by pathogen. For MarketScan, we used Poisson regression to calculate the percentage of visits with antibiotics prescribed and 95% CIs, including by pathogen.

Results:

We included 10,210 NAMCS/NHAMCS AGE visits; an estimated 13.3% (99% CI, 11.2%–15.4%) resulted in antibiotic prescriptions, most frequently fluoroquinolones (28.7%; 99% CI, 21.1%–36.3%), nitroimidazoles (20.2%; 99% CI, 14.0%–26.4%), and penicillins (18.9%; 99% CI, 11.6%–26.2%). In NAMCS/NHAMCS, antibiotic prescribing was least frequent in emergency departments (10.8%; 99% CI, 9.5%–12.1%). Among 1,868,465 MarketScan AGE visits, antibiotics were prescribed for 13.8% (95% CI, 13.7%−13.8%), most commonly for Yersinia (46.7%; 95% CI, 21.4%–71.9%), Campylobacter (44.8%; 95% CI, 41.5%–48.1%), Shigella (39.7%; 95% CI, 35.9%–43.6%), typhoid or paratyphoid fever (32.7%; (95% CI, 27.2%–38.3%), and nontyphoidal Salmonella (31.7%; 95% CI, 29.5%–33.9%). Antibiotics were prescribed for 12.3% (95% CI, 11.7%–13.0%) of visits for viral gastroenteritis.

Conclusions:

Overall, ∼13% of AGE visits resulted in antibiotic prescriptions. Antibiotics were unnecessarily prescribed for viral gastroenteritis and some bacterial infections for which antibiotics are not recommended. Antibiotic stewardship assessments and interventions for AGE are needed in ambulatory settings.