bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of monkeypox virus infections among men with and without HIV: A large outbreak cohort in Germany
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Jessen Heiko , Wyen Christoph , Grunwald Stephan , Noe Sebastian , Teichmann Jörn , Krauss Anja‐Sophie , Kolarikal Henning , Scholten Stefan , Schuler Christoph , Bickel Markus , Roll Clemens , Kreckel Peter , Köppe Siegfried , Straub Matthias , Klausen Gerd , Lenz Johannes , Esser Stefan , Jensen Björn , Rausch Michael , Unger Stefan , Pauli Ramona , Härter Georg , Müller Matthias , Masuhr Anja , Schäfer Guido , Seybold Ulrich , Schellberg Sven , Schneider Jochen , Monin Malte Benedikt , Wolf Eva , Spinner Christoph D. , Boesecke Christoph
Published: September 2022

Background

Since May 2022, increasing numbers of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections have been reported from across Europe and North America. Studies, mainly from Africa, have suggested a higher risk for severe MPXV cases in people living with HIV.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all confirmed MPXV infections observed in the participating centres since 19 May 2022. We conducted a chart review to evaluate clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and coinfections, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Results

By 30 June 2022, a total of 546 MPXV infections were reported from 42 German centres. All patients were men who have sex with men (MSM), of whom 256 (46.9%) were living with HIV, mostly with a preserved immune system and with viral suppression. In total, 232 (42.5%) MSM were also taking HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 58 (10.6%) MSM had no known HIV infection or PrEP use. The median age was 39 years (range 20–67), and comorbidities were rare. However, 52.4% and 29.4% of all patients had been diagnosed with at least one STI within the last 6 months or within the last 4 weeks, respectively. The most frequent localizations of MPXV infection were genital (49.9%) and anal (47.9%), whereas fever (53.2%) and lymphadenopathy (42.6%) were the most frequent general symptoms. The hospitalization rate was low (4.0%), and no fatal course was observed. The clinical picture showed no apparent differences between MSM with or without HIV.

Conclusions

In this preliminary cohort analysis from a current large outbreak among MSM in Germany, the clinical picture of MPXV infection did not differ between MSM with and without HIV infection. Severe courses were rare and hospitalization rates were low. However, most patients were relatively healthy, and only a few people living with HIV were viremic or severely immunosuppressed.
Intra‐pulpal connective tissue formation and the advanced carious lesion: Is chondrogenesis and heterotopic ossification a response to pulpal inflammation?
Authors: Demant Sune , Schoenmaker Ton , van Erck Sophie M. G. , Dabelsteen Sally , de Vries Teun J. , Bjørndal Lars
Published: September 2022

Aims

(a) The aim of this study was to investigate both the formation of dense connective tissue within the dental pulp, and its association with pulpal inflammation in teeth with advanced carious lesions; and (b) to investigate in vitro whether inflammation affects the expression of markers related to chondrogenesis/osteogenesis in pulp cells.

Materials and methods

Radiology and Histology: Forty‐six teeth with advanced carious lesions were radiographically investigated for intra‐pulpal radiodense structures. Specimens were processed for histology and stained with haematoxylin/eosin and proteoglycan‐specific stains. The intra‐pulpal connective tissue was scored as pulp stones or ectopic connective tissue. Cell culture: pulpal cells from human third molars (n = 5) were cultured in chondrogenic medium +/− TLR2/4 agonists. Expression of the genes IL6, TLR2/4, SOX9, COL1A1, COL2A1, TGFB1, RUNX2 and ALPL was assessed by qPCR. Proteoglycan content within cultures was assessed spectrophotometrically.

Results

Radiodense structures were discovered in about half of all pulps. They were associated with ectopic connective tissue (χ2 = 8.932, p = .004, OR = 6.80, 95% CI: [1.84, 25.19]) and with pulp stones (χ2 = 12.274, df = 1, p < .001, OR = 22.167, 95% CI: [2.57, 200.00]). The morphology of the ectopic tissue resembled cartilage and was associated with inflammatory infiltration of the pulp (χ2 = 10.148, p = .002, OR = 17.77, 95% CI: [2.05, 154.21]). After continuous stimulation of cultured cells with TLR2/4 agonists, the expression of two inflammatory markers increased: IL6 at Days 7 (p = .020) and 14 (p = .008); TLR2 at Days 7 (p = .023) and 14 (p = .009). Similarly, expression of chondrogenic markers decreased: SOX9 at Day 14 (p = .035) and TGFB1 at Day 7 (p = .004), and the osteogenic marker COL1A1 at Day 7 (p = .007). Proteoglycan content did not differ between unstimulated and stimulated cells.

Conclusions

Ectopic connective tissue resembling cartilage can form in teeth affected by advanced carious lesions. This tissue type is radiographically visible and is associated with inflammatory infiltration of the pulp. Although TLR2/4 agonists led to an inflammatory response in cell culture of pulp cells, the effect on the expression of osteogenic/chondrogenic markers was limited, suggesting that immune cells are needed for connective tissue formation in vivo.
Morphophysiological alterations in fruit‐eating bats after oral exposure to deltamethrin
Authors: Oliveira Jerusa Maria , Condessa Suellen Silva , Destro Ana Luiza Fonseca , Lima Graziela Domingues Almeida , do Carmo Cupertino Marli , Cardoso Silvia Almeida , Freitas Mariella Bontempo , de Oliveira Leandro Licursi
Published: September 2022

Deltamethrin (DTM) is a synthetic pyrethroid widely used in the cultivation and management of several crops due to its insecticidal action. Application to crops of pyrethroids such as DTM can result in the exposure of water and fruit consumed by fruit bats having a high pyrethroid content which may be harmful. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of short‐term oral exposure of the fruit‐eating bats (Artibeus lituratus) to two concentrations of DTM (0.02 and 0.04 mg/kg of papaya) on histopathology of the intestine, liver and kidney. The intestine of the animals exposed to both concentrations showed inflammatory infiltrate, degeneration, necrosis and goblet cell hyperplasia as the most frequent pathologies. Besides, the acid mucins showed an increase in the frequency of non‐viable cells. The liver showed hepatocyte vacuolizatio and nuclear enlargement, as well as inflammatory infiltrate and steatosis. The kidneys of the exposed animals showed and inflammatory infiltrate, benign nephrosclerosis, vacuolization and necrosis. Also, DTM reduced nitric oxide synthesis, decreased glomerular diameter and increased glycogen percentage in the proximal tubules. Our results suggest that acute exposure to DTM at low concentrations has the potential to induce pronounced histopathological changes in vital organs, such as intestine, liver and kidney of fruit‐eating bats.
UNCERTAINTY AND MONETARY POLICY DURING THE GREAT RECESSION
Authors: Pellegrino Giovanni , Castelnuovo Efrem , Caggiano Giovanni
Published: September 2022

We employ a nonlinear proxy‐VAR approach to document the large response of real activity to a financial uncertainty shock during and in the aftermath of the Great Recession. We replicate this evidence with an estimated DSGE framework that we employ to quantify the output loss due to the large uncertainty shock that materialized in 2008Q4. We find such a shock to be able to explain about 60% of the output loss in the 2008–2014 period. Our model also points to the powerful role played by the Federal Reserve's systematic monetary policy in limiting the loss of output during the Great Recession.
SETTLING LAWSUITS WITH PIRATES
Authors: Hua Xinyu , Spier Kathryn E.
Published: September 2022

A firm licenses a product to overlapping generations of heterogeneous consumers. Consumers may purchase the product, pirate/steal it, or forego it. Higher consumer types enjoy higher gross benefits and are caught stealing at a higher rate. The firm may commit to an out‐of‐court settlement policy that is “soft” on pirates, so high types purchase the product and low types steal it until caught. Settlement contracts, which include both cash payments and licenses for future product use, facilitate price discrimination. Settlement may either create social value by expanding the market or destroy value by limiting market access and possibly deterring more efficient entrants.
Mechanical properties of oxynitride glasses
Authors: Pomeroy Michael J. , Hampshire Stuart , Sangleboeuf Jean‐Christophe , Rouxel Tanguy
Published: September 2022

Oxynitride glasses combine a high refractoriness, with Tg typically >850°C, and remarkable mechanical properties in comparison with their parent oxide glasses. Their Young's modulus and fracture toughness reach 170 GPa and 1.4 MPa m.5, respectively. Most reports show good linear relationships between glass property values and nitrogen content. There is a clear linear dependence of Young's modulus and microhardness on fractional glass compactness (atomic packing density). They also have a better resistance to surface damage induced by indentation or scratch loading. The improvements stem from the increase of the atomic network cross‐linking—because of three‐fold coordinated nitrogen—and of the atomic packing density, despite nitrogen being lighter than oxygen and the Si–N bond being weaker than the Si–O bond. For constant cation composition, viscosity increases by ∼3 orders of magnitude as ∼17 eq.% oxygen is replaced by nitrogen. For rare earth oxynitride glasses with constant N content, viscosity, Young's modulus, Tg, and other properties increase with increasing cation field strength (decreasing ionic radius). Research continues to find lighter, stiffer materials, including glasses, with superior mechanical properties. With higher elastic moduli, hardness, fracture toughness, strength, surface damage resistance, increased high temperature properties, oxynitride glasses offer advantages over their oxide counterparts.
Equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging on postharvest quality and antioxidant activity of strawberry
Authors: Lei Ting‐ting , Qian Jing , Yin Cheng
Published: September 2022

Microporous film and MAP were evaluated to find the optimal method for extending the postharvest storage of strawberry. To determine the most suitable MAP system for strawberry, fruits were stored in controlled atmospheres (O2/CO2 partial pressures in kPa: 5/10; 10/10; 5/15), and in a separate experiment, strawberries were sealed in the container with different microporous PET/PE films. Results showed that the optimum atmosphere of strawberries was 10 kPa O2 + 10 kPa CO2 which could be achieved and maintained by using the microporous film with four perforations of 100 μm. By maintaining the optimal atmosphere, active EMAP could increase polyphenol compounds accumulation, with total phenolic content increased by 25% and the content of anthocyanin and total flavonoid was 13% and 29% higher than control at the end of storage. Meanwhile, active EMAP significantly increased CAT PAL and APX activities and the shelf‐life was prolonged for 6 and 3 days, respectively, compared with strawberries packed in control and passive EMAP.
Development and shelf‐life assessment of Ready‐to‐Bake frozen potato Paranthas fortified with iron and zinc
Authors: Kaul Shivani , Kaur Kamaljit , Kaur Preetinder , Kaur Jaspreet
Published: September 2022

The present investigation was carried out to prepare iron‐ and zinc‐fortified ready‐to‐bake frozen potato paranthas that were packed in aluminium laminates and vacuum packs and stored under frozen conditions (−18°C). Paranthas were evaluated for proximate, bioactive, microbial and organoleptic parameters. In vitro bioavailability of iron was 70.24% and the zinc was 72.68% in EFP. Iron and zinc compounds in UFP and EFP remained stable throughout the storage period irrespective of their packaging material and thus improved the nutritional profile of the paranthas. Total phenols decreased from 109 mg to 105 mg and 109 mg to 107 mg/100 g in aluminium laminate and vacuum‐packed samples respectively. The shelf‐life analysis revealed that the product can be effectively stored for 3 months in aluminium laminates and 5 months in vacuum packs. Hence, to tackle malnutrition, fortified ready‐to‐bake frozen potato paranthas will be an effective technology to deliver convenience and industrial applicability.
Effects of high‐pressure processing on aquatic products with an emphasis on sensory evaluation
Authors: Chen Lihang , Wang Yuying , Zhu Chen , Zhang Dali , Liu Huimin
Published: September 2022

Previous intensive research has described the molecular impacts of high‐pressure processing (HPP) on fish meat chemical composition, such as myofibril structural proteins, enzymes, myoglobin and lipids. This work aims to collect articles on sensory evaluation of pressure‐treated aquatic products to determine the practical effects of HPP on aquatic products, especially sensory properties, by comparing the differences between instrumental tests and sensory evaluation, between trained sensory assessors and consumers to guide and improve the processing of aquatic products. The findings indicate that laboratory devices such as spectrophotometers, texture analysers and electronic noses, and trained sensory assessors can detect pressure‐induced changes in appearance, texture, off‐odour, and flavour, such as discoloration, whitening, increased hardness and initiation of lipids oxidation. However, consumers did not perceive the pressure‐induced changes in odour and colour. Besides, consumers' attitudes towards pressure‐treated aquatic products are ambiguous in the range of 300 to 600 MPa, and professional testing and assessment fail to replace hedonic tests. In complex matrices of aquatic products, particular attention is needed to be paid to changes in sensory qualities dominated by microorganisms, endogenous enzymes and bioactive compounds after HPP treatment and throughout commercial storage.
Union membership and job satisfaction over the life course
Authors: Blanchflower David G. , Bryson Alex
Published: September 2022

We examine the relationship between union membership and job satisfaction over the life‐course using data from the National Child Development Study (NCDS) tracking all those born in Great Britain in a single week in March in 1958 through to age 55 (2013). We find there is a significant negative correlation between union membership and job satisfaction that is apparent across the life‐course. Lagged union membership status going back many years is negatively correlated with current job satisfaction, though its effects become statistically non‐significant when conditioning on current union membership status. These results provide a different perspective to longitudinal studies showing short‐term positive responses to switches in membership status. They are consistent with earlier work showing that this cohort of workers, and others before them, have persistently lower job satisfaction as union members compared to their non‐union counterparts.
TSG‐6 inhibits hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation by regulating IRE1α/TRAF2/NF‐κB signalling
Authors: Ma Li , Hua Lei , Yu Wenyuan , Ke Li , Li Liang‐yong
Published: September 2022

TNF‐stimulated gene (TSG‐6) was reported to suppress hypertrophic scar (HS) formation in a rabbit ear model, and the overexpression of TSG‐6 in human HS fibroblasts (HSFs) was found to induce their apoptotic death. The molecular basis for these findings, however, remains to be clarified. HSFs were subjected to TSG‐6 treatment. Treatment with TSG‐6 significantly suppressed HSF proliferation and induced them to undergo apoptosis. Moreover, TSG‐6 exposure led to reductions in collagen I, collagen III, and α‐SMA mRNA and protein levels, with a corresponding drop in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression indicative of impaired proliferative activity. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was also suppressed in these HSFs as demonstrated by decreases in Bip and p‐IRE1α expression, downstream inositol requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) ‐Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2) pathway signalling was inhibited and treated cells failed to induce NF‐κB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 expression. Overall, ER stress was found to trigger inflammatory activity in HSFs via the IRE1α‐TRAF2 axis, as confirmed with the specific inhibitor of IRE1α STF083010. Additionally, the effects of TSG‐6 on apoptosis, collagen I, collagen III, α‐SMA, and PCNA of HSFs were reversed by the IRE1α activator thapsigargin (TG). These data suggest that TSG‐6 administration can effectively suppress the proliferation of HSFs in part via the inhibition of IRE1α‐mediated ER stress‐induced inflammation (IRE1α/TRAF2/NF‐κB signalling).
Steam oxidation and microstructural evolution of rare earth silicate environmental barrier coatings
Authors: Ridley Mackenzie , Kane Kenneth , Lance Michael , Parker Cory , Su Yi‐Feng , Sampath Sanjay , Garcia Eugenio , Sweet Marshall , O'Connor Molly , Pint Bruce
Published: September 2022

A primary failure mode for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) on SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) is the oxidation of the intermediate Si‐bond coating, where the formation of SiO2 at the bond coating–EBC interface results in debonding and spallation. This work compares the microstructure evolution and steam oxidation kinetics of the Si‐bond coating beneath yttrium/ytterbium disilicate ((Y/Yb)DS) and ytterbium disilicate/monosilicate (YbDS/YbMS) EBCs to better understand the impact of EBC composition on oxidation kinetics. After 500 1‐h cycles at 1350°C, (Y/Yb)DS displayed a decreasing concentration of the monosilicate minor phase and increasing concentration of porosity as furnace cycling time increased, whereas the YbDS/YbMS EBC displayed negligible microstructural evolution. For both EBC systems, thermally grown oxide growth rates in steam were found to increase by approximately an order magnitude compared to dry air oxidation. The (Y/Yb)DS EBC displayed a reduced steam oxidation rate compared to YbDS/YbMS.
Decontamination efficacy of common liquid disinfectants against non-spore-forming biological agents in soil matrices
Authors: Richter William R. , Sunderman Michelle M. , Fulton Megan L. , Willenberg Zachary , Serre Shannon , Oudejans Lukas , Wood Joseph , Calfee Michael W.
Published: September 2022

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate decontamination efficacy, within three soil types, against Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV).

Methods and Results

One of three liquid disinfectants (dilute bleach, Virkon-S or Klozur One) was added to three soil types (sand, loam, or clay) and allowed contact for four pre-spike durations: 0, 15, 30 and 60 min. Y. pestis, B. pseudomallei, or VEEV was then spiked into the soil (10 microliters or approx. 1 × 107 CFU or PFU into 1 g soil) and decontamination efficacy assessed at post-spike contact times of 10 or 60 min at ambient environmental conditions. Across all soil types, sandy soil resulted in the least quenching to all three disinfectants tested as shown by sustained decontamination efficacy across all pre-spike and post-spike timepoints. Clay and loam soil types exhibited quenching effects on the hypochlorite and peroxygen based disinfectants (dilute bleach and Virkon S) and in general resulted in decreased efficacy with increased pre-spike contact time. The sodium persulfate (Klozur One) performance was the most consistent across all soil types and pre-spike contact times, resulting in greater efficacy with increased post-spike time.

Conclusions

Liquid disinfectants can provide high levels of decontamination in soil for both viral and non-spore-forming bacterial select agents. Hypochlorite and peroxygen based disinfectants used in soils containing higher organic content (loam or clay) may require extended contact times or re-application of liquid disinfectant, in as little as 15 min of application, to achieve a 6-log reduction.

Significance and Impact of the Study

These results provide information for the performance of three disinfectants in soil against non-spore-forming select agents. These data may aid response decision makers following a biological contamination incident by informing the selection of disinfectant as well as the re-application time to achieve effective site remediation.
Patients' experiences and perceptions of dignity in end‐of‐life care in emergency departments: A qualitative study
Authors: Martí‐García Celia , Fernández‐Férez Alba , Fernández‐Sola Cayetano , Pérez‐Rodríguez Rocío , Esteban‐Burgos Ana Alejandra , Hernández‐Padilla José Manuel , Granero‐Molina José
Published: September 2022

Aims

To explore and understand the experiences of patients with advanced illness in relation to dignity during end‐of‐life care in emergency departments.

Design

Qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutics.

Methods

Between September 2019 and February 2020, 16 in‐depth interviews were carried out with advanced illness patients who attended emergency departments. The participants were informed priorly and signed informed consent. The data were analysed using an inductive strategy for finding emerging themes. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used for writing the study's report.

Results

In the data analysis process, two main themes emerged that glean the experiences of patients in relation to dignity during end‐of‐life care in emergency departments. ‘Dignity as an individual's attribute’ and ‘Acting with dignity: Dignity as a behavioural attribute’.

Conclusion

Patient dignity in end‐of‐life care is centred around the principle of control (of oneself, one's death and one's emotions). The strategies required for patients to preserve their dignity can be somewhat incompatible with the dynamics and objectives of healthcare professionals who work in emergency departments.

Impact statement

The dignity of patients with advanced illness who attend emergency departments is a relevant issue that merits being addressed from the patients' perspective. Participants have identified that dignity is a way of being and behaving in the face of illness. Emergency departments need to respect end‐of‐life patients' desires by supporting and accompanying them, avoiding therapeutic obstinacy. We recommend care to be centred on patients' well‐being, to respect their autonomy and decision‐making processes, and to allow prompt referrals to palliative care services.

Patient or Public Contribution

Managers from the Emergency Departments participated in the study design and patients' recruitment. Patients' relatives were informed about the study's aim, and they contributed to the development of the interview protocol.
Risk Dilution: Or, How to Run a Minimal‐Risk HIV Challenge Trial
Authors: Steel Robert
Published: September 2022

Bioethicists broadly agree that there is a limit to the level of net risk that biomedical research may permissibly impose on participants, even in cases where the potential of that research to improve the health of the population health would be great. Although some may permissibly volunteer to take on some degree of pro‐social risk, no one, not even a willing volunteer, may ever be outright sacrificed for others. One might think this perspective, if correct, makes it effectively impossible to study interventions with high intrinsic risks. But I describe a method – risk dilution – by which an extremely high‐risk intervention can nonetheless be effectively studied in the context of an acceptably low‐risk trial. I then defend risk dilution from objections.
Lead independent directors and accruals quality
Authors: Bryan David B. , Mason Terry W.
Published: September 2022

We investigate the association between firms having a lead independent director (LID) who serves on the audit committee and accruals quality using a sample of 32,346 observations during 2001–2018 period. Our results suggest that firms with an LID who serves on the audit committee are associated with higher accruals quality. The results suggest that these firms are associated with an increase in accruals quality equal to 6.60% of the accruals quality metric's median value. We also find that as board size increases, the positive influence of an LID on accruals quality weakens—but only for firms with an LID who does not serve on the audit committee. Supplemental analyses indicate that our inferences still hold when using a changes model, when examining a firm's initial adoption or elimination of the LID position, and when using an entropy balancing approach.
Are all types of real transaction management equal in the eyes of bank lenders?
Authors: Chen Po‐Chang , Moser William J. , Narayanamoorthy Gans
Published: September 2022

This study examines whether bank lenders react differently to various types of real transaction management (RTM) by borrowing firms. Drawing upon the differential cash and cash flow effects of alternative forms of RTM, we predict and find that banks provide more favorable loan terms, that is, lower interest spread and reduced likelihood of required collateral, for firms reporting more discretionary reductions in research and development (R&D) expenditures. In contrast, lending banks respond unfavorably to borrowers’ engagement in RTM through aggressive sales discounts and overproduction of inventories. Additional analysis reveals that the favorable effect of discretionary R&D reductions on loan pricing is greater (smaller) for borrowing firms with a prior relationship with the bank or with a lower level of cash holdings (loans with longer maturity). Overall, our findings suggest that banks, with their unique payoff functions and monitoring incentives, do not view all forms of RTM negatively.
Reproductive isolation is a heuristic, not a measure: a commentary on Westram et al., 2022
Authors: Mallet James , Mullen Sean P.
Published: September 2022

Reproductive isolation is the heuristic basis of the biological species concept, but what is it? Westram et al. (this issue) propose that it is a measurable quantity, “barrier strength,” that prevents gene flow among populations. However, their attempt to make the concept of reproductive isolation more scientific is unlikely to satisfy the diverse opinions of all evolutionary biologists. There are many different opinions about the nature of species, even under the biological species concept. Complete reproductive isolation, where gene flow is effectively zero, is regarded by some biologists as an important end point of speciation. Others, including Westram et al., argue for a more nuanced approach, and they also suggest that reproductive isolation may differ in different parts of the genome due to variation in genetic linkage to divergently selected loci. In contrast to both these approaches, we favour as a key criterion of speciation the stable coexistence of divergent populations in sympatry. Obviously, such populations must be reproductively isolated in some sense, but neither the fraction of the genome that is exchanged, nor measures of overall barrier strength acting on neutral variation will yield very precise predictions as to species status. Although an overall measure of reproductive isolation is virtually unattainable for these reasons, its early generation components, such as assortative mating, divergent selection, or hybrid inviability and sterility are readily measurable and remain informative. For example, we can make the prediction that to remain divergent in sympatry, almost all sexual species will require strong assortative mating, as well as some sort of ecological or intrinsic selection against hybrids and introgressed variants.
Improving portfolio investment performance with distance‐based portfolio‐combining algorithms
Authors: Kim Hongseon , Lee Soonbong , Soh Seung Bum , Kim Seongmoon
Published: September 2022

We propose distance‐based portfolio‐combining algorithms to improve out‐of‐sample performance in the presence of estimation errors. Our algorithms use approaches similar to the shrinkage method but with a different weighting scheme: the Euclidean distance. The Euclidean distance of a portfolio is its 2‐norm distance to the in‐sample tangency portfolio. These algorithms aim to construct a portfolio with a small Euclidean distance by making a convex combination of any number of portfolios. We propose three distance‐based portfolio‐combining algorithms: a distance‐based portfolio combination, a distance‐based asset combination, and a distance‐based asset combination with systematic errors (DAc‐S). Each algorithm consists of two steps. First, we predict the Euclidean distance of each portfolio using time‐series forecasting methods. Second, we increase (decrease) the combination level of a portfolio whose predicted Euclidean distance is small (large). We use 11 empirical data sets, and the numerical results show that our proposed algorithms significantly improve the Sharpe ratio with reasonably low portfolio turnovers. This outperformance stems from successfully decreasing the Euclidean distance. Most important, the DAc‐S achieves a significantly high Sharpe ratio and the smallest Euclidean distance.
Extraction of ferulic acid from rice bran using NADES‐ultrasound‐assisted extraction: Kinetics and optimization
Authors: Gharat Neha N. , Rathod Virendra K.
Published: September 2022

The application of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) has been studied for the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of ferulic acid (FA) from Defatted rice bran at 25 kHz. Choline chloride‐hydrogen bond acceptor and D‐glucose‐hydrogen bond donor in 1:1 (w/v) ratio with 50% NADES and 1:20 (w/v) solute to solvent ratio has been employed. Essential ultrasonic parameters such as power, temperature, and duty cycle have been optimized. The kinetics have been studied using Peleg's model to predict the extraction yield of FA. The experimental yield was found to be in agreement with the predicted yield of FA, suggesting a good fit for the model. The maximum yield of 9.34 mg/g was estimated through optimized parameters of 50 W power, 50°C temperature, 50 % duty cycle and extraction time of 16 mins. At the same time, the obtained yield of FA in conventional extraction and NADES extraction (without ultrasound) was 3.33 mg/g and 8.71 mg/g, respectively. The proposed NADES for the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of FA was a superior alternative in terms of less time, greener solvent, and high yield.

Practical Application

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction is a green method that is commonly used for the extraction of natural ingredients. In this study, the NADES mixture was irradiated with ultrasound to extract the maximum amount of ferulic acid. Various parameters have been studied by both experimentally as well as kinetically. Peleg's model has been used for the kinetic study. This greener approach of NADES‐ultrasound‐assisted extraction showed the highest yield of ferulic acid compared with other extraction methods. Also, the extracted ferulic acid finds application in various industries.
B vitamins and homocysteine as determinants of bone health: A literature review of human studies
Authors: Ilesanmi‐Oyelere Bolaji L. , Kruger Marlena C.
Published: September 2022

Although there are several factors related to bone diseases such as physical activity, gender (oestrogen), race/ethnicity, smoking and alcohol habits, nutrition is a modifiable risk factor that could be employed to prevent or manage the onset of bone health diseases such as osteoporosis in humans. Aside from calcium and vitamin D, B vitamins are a group of water‐soluble vitamins that play a vital role in cell metabolism. In this review, current evidence on B vitamins and bone health is assessed. Clinical trials (interventions) indicate that treatment with B vitamins impact the concentrations of total plasma/serum homocysteine concentrations (tHcy); however, most studies have reported the lack of an effect of low homocysteine concentrations on bone turnover markers, bone mineral density or fracture risks. Current studies have been inconsistent in their reports on the role of B vitamins and homocysteine in bone health. More data are therefore required to show the mechanism and effect of tHcy and B vitamins on bone mineral density, bone metabolism and fracture risk.
Co‐designing nutrition interventions with consumers: A scoping review
Authors: Meloncelli Nina , Young Adrienne , Christoffersen Anja , Rushton Alita , Zhelnov Pavel , Wilkinson Shelley A. , Scott Anna Mae , de Jersey Susan
Published: September 2022

Background

There is little known about nutrition intervention research involving consumer co‐design. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and synthesise the existing evidence on the current use and extent of consumer co‐design in nutrition interventions.

Methods

This scoping review is in line with the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute using an adapted 2weekSR approach. We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Cochrane. Only studies that included consumers in the co‐design and met the ‘Collaborate’ or ‘Empower’ levels of the International Association of Public Participation's Public Participation Spectrum were included. Studies were synthesised according to two main concepts: (1) co‐design for (2) nutrition interventions.

Results

The initial search yielded 8157 articles, of which 19 studies were included (comprising 29 articles). The studies represented a range of intervention types and participants from seven countries. Sixteen studies were published in the past 5 years. Co‐design was most often used for intervention development, and only two studies reported a partnership with consumers across all stages of research. Overall, consumer involvement was not well documented. No preferred co‐design framework or approach was reported across the various studies.

Conclusions

Consumer co‐design for nutrition interventions has become more frequent in recent years, but genuine partnerships with consumers across all stages of nutrition intervention research remain uncommon. There is an opportunity to improve the reporting of consumer involvement in co‐design and enable equal partnerships with consumers in nutrition research.
Metabolic responses to 8 weeks of consuming cottonseed oil versus olive oil in adults with dyslipidaemia: a randomised trial
Authors: Prater Mary Catherine , Scheurell Alexis R. , Paton Chad M. , Cooper Jamie A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Differences in metabolic responses between diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) could affect energy balance and weight maintenance. The present study was a secondary analysis to investigate 8‐week diet interventions rich in either PUFA (cottonseed oil [CSO]) or MUFA (olive oil [OO]) on metabolic responses in adults with dyslipidaemia.

Methods

Forty‐one adults with dyslipidaemia completed this randomised trial consisting of an 8‐week partial‐outpatient feeding trial. Provided foods accounted for about 60% of their daily energy needs, with about 30% of energy needs provided by CSO (n = 20) or OO (n = 21). At pre‐ and postdiet intervention visits, participants consumed a high saturated fatty acid (SFA) meal (35% daily energy needs, 47.9% from SFA), and fasting and 3.5‐h postprandial indirect calorimetry were used to measure energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation.

Results

No changes were observed in fasting measures. The OO group had greater increases in postprandial EE (p = 0.002); however, there were no differences in substrate oxidation between groups. A lack of metabolic flexibility was found in both groups, which was partially explained by changes in insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance).

Conclusions

The results of the present study show that OO, but not CSO, diet enrichment improves EE after an occasional high SFA meal, which may improve weight maintenance over time. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04397055).
Topical therapy for pain management in malignant fungating wounds: A scoping review
Authors: da Costa Ferreira Suzana Aparecida , Serna González Carol Viviana , Thum Magali , da Costa Faresin Adriane Aparecida , Woo Kevin , de Gouveia Santos Vera Lúcia Conceição
Published: September 2022

Aims and objectives

To map and synthesise the existing literature on topical therapies for malignant fungating wounds pain management and the gaps involved.

Background

Most cancer patients with malignant fungating wounds suffer from wound‐related pain, affecting their quality of life. Unfortunately, even though pain is a relevant symptom in cancer and palliative care, little is currently known about topical treatments' availability and impact on pain management.

Design

A scoping review following JBI® methodology

Methods

Searches were performed in CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, NICE, Scopus, JBISRIR and grey literature, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, with no time limit. Two authors independently reviewed all citations and a third was called in case of divergence, and studies in adults with malignant fungal wounds reporting topical pain interventions were included. In addition, a data extraction tool for synthesis and thematic analysis was developed. This study followed the PRISMA‐ScR Checklist.

Results

Seventy publications were selected from 796 records retrieved from databases. The studies mainly included non‐systematic reviews and case studies with only six clinical trials. According to the narrative synthesis, twenty therapies were identified, including the use of wound dressings (58.6%), analgesic drugs (55.7%), topical antimicrobials (25.7%), skin barriers (15.7%), cryotherapy (5.7%) and negative pressure wound therapy (4.3%). Therapies were recommended to be applied to the wound bed or the periwound skin. In 68.5% of the studies, a standardised assessment for pain was not described.

Conclusions

Topical therapies applied to malignant fungating wounds or periwound areas had been examined for pain management. However, their effectiveness was analysed in a few interventional studies, indicating the need for further primary studies to inform evidence‐based practice.

Implication for practice

Highlighted topical therapies for clinical practice consideration are opioids, anaesthetics and antimicrobials, with positive results described in randomised clinical trials.

This study did not include patients.
Assessment of long‐term sexual function of cervical cancer survivors after treatment: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Hui‐Zhong , He Rui‐Ju , Zhuang Xin‐Rong , Xue Yi‐Wei , Lu Ye
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the long‐term sexual function of patients with cervical cancer who underwent treatment and to explore influential factors.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted at Peking University First Hospital in (Beijing, China). A total of 207 patients, who were diagnosed with Stage IA‐IIA cervical cancer and had undergone surgical treatment (some patients had also been treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy) between January 2010 and August 2020, completed questionnaires via telephone. The median time since diagnosis was 54 (range, 13–138) months. Sexual function was assessed using the validated short form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ‐12). The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors influencing sexual function after treatment.

Results

The mean preoperative PISQ‐12 score was 39.42 ± 3.922, and the mean postoperative PISQ‐12 score was 32.60 ± 6.592, indicating a significant decrease in postoperative PISQ‐12 score compared with preoperation (p < 0.001). In total, 49.8% of the patients had sexual dysfunction after treatment. According to the results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis, longer follow‐up (months), ovariectomy, lack of hormone replacement therapy after ovariectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction after treatment (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation among surgical method, tumor stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, and sexual dysfunction after treatment.

Conclusions

The sexual function of cervical cancer survivors significantly decreased after treatment, which was related to the length of follow‐up, ovariectomy, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Hormone replacement therapy after ovariectomy can help patients to improve their sexual function.
Safety and efficacy of a modified technique of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer
Authors: Yang Ni , Fan Xiang , Wang Li , Zhu Pengfeng , Xu Peizhen
Published: September 2022

Aim

Objective to investigate the feasibility, safety, and short‐term efficacy of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy without uterine lifter combined with self‐locking nylon band.

Methods

The clinical data of 152 patients who underwent a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in the Department of gynecology and oncology of Changzhou maternal and child health hospital from January 2017 to June 2020 were analyzed retrospectively, including 97 patients who used uterine lifter (traditional laparoscopic radical hysterectomy) and 55 patients who underwent operation without uterine lifter but combining with self‐locking nylon band (modified laparoscopic radical hysterectomy). The differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the width of excised parauterine tissue, the length of the excised vaginal wall, postoperative pathology and short‐term prognosis between the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the width of parauterine tissue, and the length of the vaginal wall (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of lymph nodes, pelvic lymph node metastasis rate and depth of cervical interstitial infiltration between the two groups (p > 0.05), the infiltration rate of lymphatic vascular space in the traditional group was higher than that in the improved group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It is feasible and safe for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy without uterine lifter combining with a self‐locking nylon band to seal the vaginal wall. The uterine lifter may lead to lymphatic vascular space infiltration of tumor cells.
Therapeutic effects of silodosin and urapidil on underactive bladder associated with diabetic cystopathy
Authors: Yonekubo‐Awaka Saori , Tezuka Motohiro , Tatemichi Satoshi , Takeda Hiroo
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Pharmacological treatment options for underactive bladder (UAB) syndrome are limited. Urapidil is the only alpha1‐adrenoceptor (AR) antagonist that can be used for urinary disorders in women in some countries. However, no studies have directly verified the effects of alpha1‐AR antagonists on the female urethra and UAB‐like dysfunctions. We investigated the effects of silodosin (alpha1A‐AR antagonist) and urapidil (nonselective alpha1‐AR antagonist) on the voiding function in female rats with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Changes in intraurethral pressure (IUP) induced by midodrine (alpha1‐AR agonist) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were continuously measured in normal female rats to verify the pharmacological profiles of the drugs. To establish a DM model, rats were administered streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg, intravenous). Eight weeks after STZ administration, drugs were subcutaneously delivered through an osmotic pump. Four weeks after drug administration, emptied bladder blood flow (BBF), intravesical pressure, and the micturition volume were measured.

Results

Both silodosin and urapidil inhibited the midodrine‐induced increase in IUP and decreased MBP in a dose‐dependent manner. Silodosin had a more substantial effect on the lower urinary tract than on MBP. Twelve weeks after STZ administration, DM rats exhibited UAB‐like dysfunction (increased bladder capacity/bladder weight and residual volume and decreased bladder voided efficiency) and decreased BBF. Both drug treatments controlled this dysfunction.

Conclusions

Alpha1‐AR antagonists induced dose‐dependent urethral relaxation in female rats. These drugs ameliorated UAB‐like dysfunction in STZ‐induced DM rats. In addition, alpha1A‐AR antagonists such as silodosin, which have limited effects on blood pressure, appear to be useful for treating UAB.
Notes on the accumulation and utilization of capital: Some theoretical issues
Authors: Nikiforos Michalis
Published: September 2022

This paper discusses some issues related to the triangle between capital accumulation, distribution, and capacity utilization. First, it explains why utilization is a crucial variable for the various theories of growth and distribution, and, more precisely, with regards to their ability to combine an autonomous role for demand (along Keynesian lines) and an institutionally determined distribution (along classical lines). Second, it responds to some recent criticism by Girardi and Pariboni (2019) and I explain that their interpretation of the model in Nikiforos (2013) is misguided, and that the results of the model can be extended to the case of a monopolist. Third, it provides some concrete examples on why demand is a determinant for the long‐run rate of utilization of capital. Finally, it argues that when it comes to the normal rate of utilization it is the expected growth rate of demand that matters, and not the level of demand. This insight provides a more straightforward way to link the adjustment at the micro and the macro level.
A metacognitive account of phenomenal force
Authors: Teng Lu
Published: September 2022

According to phenomenal conservatism or dogmatism, perceptual experiences can give us immediate justification for beliefs about the external world in virtue of having a distinctive kind of phenomenal character—namely phenomenal force. I present three cases to show that phenomenal force is neither pervasive among nor exclusive to perceptual experiences. The plausibility of such cases calls out for explanation. I argue that contrary to a long‐held assumption, phenomenal force is a separate, non‐perceptual state generated by some metacognitive mechanisms that monitor one's first‐order mental processes and states. This new account advances our understanding of the nature of phenomenal force.
Roles and interactions of the specialized initiation factors EIF4E2, EIF4E5, and EIF4E6 in Trypanosoma brucei: EIF4E2 maintains the abundances of S‐phase mRNAs
Authors: Falk Franziska , Melo Palhares Rafael , Waithaka Albina , Clayton Christine
Published: September 2022

Trypanosoma brucei has six versions of the cap‐binding translation initiation factor EIF4E. We investigated the functions of EIF4E2, EIF4E3, EIF4E5, and EIF4E6 in bloodstream forms. We confirmed the protein associations previously found in procyclic forms and detected specific copurification of some RNA‐binding proteins. Bloodstream forms lacking EIF4E5 grew normally and differentiated to replication‐incompetent procyclic forms. Depletion of EIF4E6 inhibited bloodstream‐form trypanosome growth and translation. EIF4E2 copurified only the putative RNA‐binding protein SLBP2. Bloodstream forms lacking EIF4E2 multiplied slowly, had a low maximal cell density, and expressed the stumpy‐form marker PAD1 but showed no evidence for enhanced stumpy‐form signaling. EIF4E2 knock‐out cells differentiated readily to replication‐competent procyclic forms. EIF4E2 was strongly associated with a subset of mRNAs that are maximally abundant in the S‐phase, and these all had decreased abundances in EIF4E2 knock‐out cells. Three EIF4E2 target mRNAs are also bound and stabilized by the Pumilio domain protein PUF9. Yeast 2‐hybrid results suggested that PUF9 interacts directly with SLBP2, but PUF9 was not detected in EIF4E2 pull‐downs. We speculate that the EIF4E2‐SLBP2 complex might interact with its target mRNAs, perhaps via PUF9, only early during G1/S, stabilizing the mRNAs in preparation for translation later in S‐phase or in early G2.