bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell membrane biomimetic nanomedicines for cancer phototherapy
Authors: Chen Min , Sun Yun , Liu Huiyu
Published: February 2023

Phototherapy, mainly including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), can kill cancer cells by generating heat or reactive oxygen species, which has the advantages of being minimally invasive, high efficiency, and low toxicity. However, traditional phototherapeutic agents face challenges such as poor tumor targeting, susceptibility to passive immune clearance, and suboptimal biocompatibility, which limit their clinical application. Recently, cell membrane biomimetic technology endows phototherapeutic agents with unique biological functions, such as promoted immune escape, prolonged in vivo circulation time, improved biocompatibility, and enhanced anti‐tumor efficacy. In addition, phototherapy mediated by cancer cell membrane (CCM) or immune cell membrane‐modified phototherapeutic agents can promote broad anti‐tumor immunity. In this review, we deeply analyze the mechanisms of PTT and PDT, systematically discuss the synthesis strategies and biological functions of cell membrane biomimetic nanomaterials, and focus on the progress of phototherapy based on biomimetic nanomaterials and synergistic therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and sonodynamic therapy. Finally, we address the opportunities and future prospects of biomimetic nanomaterials in the field of cancer phototherapy. This comprehensive review is expected to provide insights into promoting the clinical translation of biomimetic phototherapeutic agents.
Thirty years of partnerships to achieve sustainable irrigation through Shepparton Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan
Authors: Walters Carl , Bruce Kelvin , McFarlane Megan
Published: February 2023

The Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR) is an environmentally and economically significant area in northern Victoria of Australia covering 500,000 ha. The 1990–2020 Shepparton Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan (SIRLWMP) was developed in the late 1980s due to community alarm around increasing salinity and groundwater tables. The regional community (with the support of government, farmers and technical experts) started implementing the plan in 1990. The plan was unique and innovative in Australia in its approach to taking a long‐term view of environmental sustainability. A long‐term and adaptive partnership approach across all levels was vital because environmental problems did not always become apparent in the short term. All of the partners involved in the plan learned to persist and adapt their approach to build resilience in the socio‐economic systems. The SIRLWMP has enabled many serious challenges to be successfully navigated and adapted to including extreme climate events, changing land use and community demographics. Each of these challenges required the ongoing collaboration of many partners to continuously improve the direction and achievements of the SIRLWMP. A 2020 review of the achievements of the 30 years of implementation showed the quantifiable breadth and depth of achievements against the plan's goals. However, there is still more work to do, and the SIRLWMP continues beyond 2020 in a challenging environment. It is expected that partners would continue to work together and continue to talk through difficult issues—because this is how real change happens.
Development and test of highly accurate endpoint free energy methods. 1: Evaluation of ABCG2 charge model on solvation free energy prediction and optimization of atom radii suitable for more accurate solvation free energy prediction by the PBSA method
Authors: Sun Yuchen , He Xibing , Hou Tingjun , Cai Lianjin , Man Viet Hoag , Wang Junmei
Published: February 2023

Accurate estimation of solvation free energy (SFE) lays the foundation for accurate prediction of binding free energy. The Poisson‐Boltzmann (PB) or generalized Born (GB) combined with surface area (SA) continuum solvation method (PBSA and GBSA) have been widely used in SFE calculations because they can achieve good balance between accuracy and efficiency. However, the accuracy of these methods can be affected by several factors such as the charge models, polar and nonpolar SFE calculation methods and the atom radii used in the calculation. In this work, the performance of the ABCG2 (AM1‐BCC‐GAFF2) charge model as well as other two charge models, that is, RESP (Restrained Electrostatic Potential) and AM1‐BCC (Austin Model 1‐bond charge corrections), on the SFE prediction of 544 small molecules in water by PBSA/GBSA was evaluated. In order to improve the performance of the PBSA prediction based on the ABCG2 charge, we further explored the influence of atom radii on the prediction accuracy and yielded a set of atom radius parameters for more accurate SFE prediction using PBSA based on the ABCG2/GAFF2 by reproducing the thermodynamic integration (TI) calculation results. The PB radius parameters of carbon, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, chloride, bromide and iodine, were adjusted. New atom types, on, oi, hn1, hn2, hn3, were introduced to further improve the fitting performance. Then, we tuned the parameters in the nonpolar SFE model using the experimental SFE data and the PB calculation results. By adopting the new radius parameters and new nonpolar SFE model, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the SFE calculation for the 544 molecules decreased from 2.38 to 1.05 kcal/mol. Finally, the new radius parameters were applied in the prediction of protein‐ligand binding free energies using the MM‐PBSA method. For the eight systems tested, we could observe higher correlation between the experiment data and calculation results and smaller prediction errors for the absolute binding free energies, demonstrating that our new radius parameters can improve the free energy calculation using the MM‐PBSA method.
Ligand fishing as a tool to screen natural products with anticancer potential
Authors: Miranda de Souza Duarte‐Filho Luiz Antonio , Ortega de Oliveira Pamella Christina , Yanaguibashi Leal Cíntia Emi , de Moraes Marcela Cristina , Picot Laurent
Published: February 2023

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and its incidence is expected to increase with the aging of the world's population and globalization of risk factors. Natural products and their derivatives have provided a significant number of approved anticancer drugs and the development of robust and selective screening assays for the identification of lead anticancer natural products are essential in the challenge of developing personalized targeted therapies tailored to the genetic and molecular characteristics of tumors. To this end, a ligand fishing assay is a remarkable tool to rapidly and rigorously screen complex matrices, such as plant extracts, for the isolation and identification of specific ligands that bind to relevant pharmacological targets. In this paper, we review the application of ligand fishing with cancer‐related targets to screen natural product extracts for the isolation and identification of selective ligands. We provide critical analysis of the system configurations, targets, and key phytochemical classes related to the field of anticancer research. Based on the data collected, ligand fishing emerges as a robust and powerful screening system for the rapid discovery of new anticancer drugs from natural resources. It is currently an underexplored strategy according to its considerable potential.
Managing volunteer service in China: A cross‐sectoral comparison
Authors: Hu Ming
Published: February 2023

A variety of volunteer organizations have arisen in China in the past three decades, including those established by public institutions, neighborhood organizations, nonprofit organizations, and enterprises. However, how volunteer organizations actually operate has little been examined. Undertaking interviews and participant observations in seven eldercare volunteer organizations in Beijing, this study compares their operations from a cross‐sectoral comparison perspective. It finds that despite their organizational characteristics, volunteer organizations did vary their operations along the sectoral divide in terms of structure, culture, process, and environment. Meanwhile, the volunteer organizations across the sectors had some common characteristics, including prominent state intervention, respect for volunteers' basic rights, and pragmatic program management.
In‐situ generation of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) nanofibrillar composites via a facile and cost‐effective strategy of pressure‐induced flow processing
Authors: Yu Peng , Li Shen , Wei Zi , Peng Chang , Cao Nuo , Wan Chao , Bi Siwen , Chen Xuhuang
Published: February 2023

Inspired by the fact that the in‐situ fibrillation structure can enhance the polymer's macroscopic mechanical performance, a facile and cost‐effective strategy based on the pressure‐induced flow (PIF) processing was developed to produce ultra‐strong and super‐tough biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) (PLA/PBS) blends. Under the action of external pressure field, the ductile and flexible PBS droplets deformed along the flow direction (FD) and shifted from spheroid to ellipsoid, eventually to nanofiber as the compression ratio (CR) increased. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results, it was found that the PBS droplets did not in‐situ take shape into nanofibrils until the CR reached to 4, and the PBS nanofibrils served as the central shish to induce the PLA molecular chain to crystallize in the perpendicular direction, resulting in nanohybrid shish‐kebab superstructures. The Raman spectra and differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed the enhancement effect of the CR on the orientation degree, lamellar thickness, and crystallization properties. Benefiting from the abundant interlocked hybrid shish‐kebabs, the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength of the PIF processing PLA/PBS blend (CR = 4) reached the maximum value of 106.4 MPa, 2332.4 MPa, and 87.4 kJ/m2, respectively, which were 116.7%, 40.1%, and 20.8‐folds higher than those of the common PLA/PBS blend. Overall, it is believed that the proposed methodology put forward a facile and cost‐effective way to produce PLA‐based in‐situ fibrillation reinforced composites for engineering applications.
Polylactic acid flame‐retardant composite preparation and investigation of flame‐retardant characteristics
Authors: Pei Meng , Wei Ke , Zhang Daohai , Qin Shuhao
Published: February 2023

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a new type of biodegradable material with good mechanical properties, and is widely used in many fields. However, as PLA is highly flammable, it is necessary to conduct flame‐retardant modification research on PLA. Phosphorus heterophilic flame retardants are low smoke, non‐toxic and have high flame‐retardant efficiency, and also have broad application prospects. In this study, a phosphazene flame retardant, 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphazene‐10‐yl‐hydroxy‐phenol (abbreviated as DOPO‐PHBA), was synthesized. The PLA/ECE/DOPO‐PHBA flame‐retardant composites were prepared by adding DOPO‐PHBA and epoxy chain extender (ECE) into PLA. Thermal, mechanical, and flame‐retardant properties, as well as microscopic morphology of the PLA flame‐retardant composites were characterized and analyzed, and the flame‐retardant mechanism was discussed. Results show that when the flame‐retardant DOPO‐PHBA is added at 5 wt%, the PLA composites can reach the V‐0 level of combustion, and the corresponding LOI value is 30.0% at this time, and the LOI value increases from 22.5% to 33.6% with the increase of the flame‐retardant content. In addition, PLA composites still have good mechanical properties, and the cone heat, carbon residue and the thermal decomposition process shows that the flame‐retardant causes a two‐phase flame‐retardant mechanism on PLA with the gas and condensed phases acting in synergy. High flame retardancy is mainly attributed to free radical quenching, gas dilution, and the thermal barrier caused by the carbon layer. This work provides a simple and scalable method for the preparation of high‐performance flame‐retardant PLA materials.
Therapeutic and cosmeceutical role of glycosylated natural products in dermatology
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kaur Sarabjit , Sangwan Pyare L. , Tasduq Sheikh A.
Published: February 2023

Natural products (NPs) remain the primary source of pharmacologically active candidates for drug discovery. Since time immemorial, NPs have attracted considerable attention because of their beneficial skin effects. Moreover, there has been a great interest in using such products for the cosmetics industry in the past few decades, bridging the gap between modern and traditional medicine. Terpenoids, Steroids, and Flavonoids having glycosidic attachment have proven biological effects with a positive impact on human health. NPs derived glycosides are mainly found in fruits, vegetables, and plants, and most of them have a special reverence in traditional and modern medicine for disease prevention and treatment. A literature review was performed using scientific journals, Google scholar, Scifinder, PubMED, and Google patents. These scientific articles, documents, and patents establish the significance of glycosidic NPs in the areas of dermatology. Considering the human inclination to the usage of NPs rather than synthetic or inorganic drugs (especially in the area of skin care), in the present review we have discussed the worth of NP glycosides in beauty care and skin‐related therapeutics and the mechanistic pathways involved.
Fast fixed‐time attitude tracking control of spacecraft with prescribed performance
Authors: Zhang Haichao , Chen Zhaoyue , Xiao Bing , Li Bo
Published: February 2023

The attitude tracking control problem of rigid spacecraft subjected to external disturbance and prescribed performance is studied. A fast fixed‐time stability theorem is firstly developed. A continuous disturbance observer is then designed with its estimation error can be driven into a tiny neighborhood containing zero within fixed time. Moreover, the spacecraft attitude tracking error constrained by prescribed performance function is transformed into an unconstrained dynamics. A disturbance observer‐based prescribed performance tracking controller is designed to stabilize the unconstrained dynamics within fixed time. It also means that the attitude tracking errors meet the prescribed performance as the stabilization of the unconstrained dynamics. Spacecraft simulation examples are finally given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Antimicrobial resistance of endometrial bacterial isolates collected from UK Thoroughbred mares between 2014 and 2020
Authors: Rathbone Polly , Arango‐Sabogal Juan C. , De Mestre Amanda M. , Scott Camilla J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is important in equine reproduction, as antimicrobials have historically been widely used in the management of breeding mares. However, evidence of the characteristics of AMR in uterine isolates is limited in the UK. The objective of this retrospective study was therefore to describe temporal changes in AMR patterns of bacteria isolated from the endometrium of Thoroughbred broodmares in south‐east England between 2014 and 2020.

Method

Endometrial swabs were processed for microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). For frequently isolated bacteria, changes in AMR patterns over time were assessed using a logistic regression model.

Results

From 18,996 endometrial swabs, 30.5% were positive for microbial culture. AST was performed on 2091 isolates, representing 1924 swabs collected from 1370 mares located at 132 premises. Beta‐haemolytic Streptococcus (BHS, 52.5%) and Escherichia coli (25.8%) were most frequently isolated. In BHS, resistance to enrofloxacin (p = 0.02), nitrofurazone (p < 0.001) and oxytetracycline (p < 0.01) increased significantly between 2014 and 2020, while resistance to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (p < 0.001) decreased. In E. coli, resistance to nitrofurazone increased (p = 0.04) and resistance to gentamycin (p = 0.02) and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (p < 0.001) decreased.

Limitations

Variations in the specimen collection protocols might have affected the frequency of isolates detected.

Conclusion

Between 2014 and 2020, AMR changed in this bacterial population. However, there was no significant increase in resistance to penicillin (99.6% BHS susceptible), gentamycin (81.7% E. coli susceptible) or ceftiofur.
Information criteria for model selection
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Yang Yuhong , Ding Jie
Published: February 2023

The rapid development of modeling techniques has brought many opportunities for data‐driven discovery and prediction. However, this also leads to the challenge of selecting the most appropriate model for any particular data task. Information criteria, such as the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), have been developed as a general class of model selection methods with profound connections with foundational thoughts in statistics and information theory. Many perspectives and theoretical justifications have been developed to understand when and how to use information criteria, which often depend on particular data circumstances. This review article will revisit information criteria by summarizing their key concepts, evaluation metrics, fundamental properties, interconnections, recent advancements, and common misconceptions to enrich the understanding of model selection in general.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Traditional Statistical Data

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Information Theoretic Methods

Statistical Models > Model Selection
Estimating capercaillie Tetrao urogallus population size in Scotland from annual leks and counts of broods over the period 2010–2020
Authors: Baines David , Aebischer Nicholas J.
Published: February 2023

The population size of capercaille Tetrao urogallus in Scotland was estimated from annual counts of males at 151 known spring lek sites and 45 counts of males, females and their broods in August during the period 2010–2020, combined with published survival estimates. Population size declined from an estimated 580 birds (95% CL: 462–698) in 2011 to 304 (239–369) in 2020 and the extinction probability was 23% after 25 years, 95% after 50 years and 100% after 100 years. Removing mortality associated with collisions against fences lowered extinction probabilities to 0, 3 and 40% respectively, emphasizing fence removal as a management priority. Greatest declines occurred in Deeside and Donside, Morayshire and Ross‐shire and Perthshire and Trossachs. In the Badenoch and Strathspey stronghold, where an estimated 83% of males remain, numbers of occupied leks and lekking males have decreased in the last five years and are associated with reduced breeding success over the last 10 years. Our estimates of population size are only half that derived from the last official national survey in winter 2015/2016. We discuss possible reasons for this difference including underestimates from lek‐based surveys linked to male detection probabilities. Finally, we recommend improvements to the current annual monitoring scheme, including repeat counts at leks and use of novel remote acoustic devices and restoration of annual brood counts in remaining key forests.
Closing the Loop: Industrial Ecology, Circular Economy and Material Flow Analysis
Authors: Fet Annik Magerholm , Deshpande Paritosh C.
Published: February 2023

This chapter explores the principles supporting industrial ecology (IE), circular economy (CE) and material flow analysis (MFA). IE concerns constructing industrial and societal processes according to ecological principles. One of the main features within IE is the principle of closing material loops by avoiding pollution. Insights from IE further aid in building the understanding essential for establishing the principles of circularity in the resource economy. MFA is viewed as an analytical method rooted in the field of IE and Systems Engineering (SE).
Introduction to the Case Studies
Authors: Fet Annik Magerholm
Published: February 2023

This chapter provides an introduction and summary of the seven Case Studies in Part III. The reason behind their inclusion is explained here and their relevance to the CapSEM Model highlighted. The emphasis is on continuous and ever evolving research in this area, including a Case Study (Chap. 18) which is deliberately longitudinal in nature. Transition towards sustainability is at the core of these studies, demonstrating that while the starting point may be the need for a remedial solution, the path to resolving such issues differs, is not linear and involves the application of different CapSEM Model Levels. Such problems are of global, not only local, interest. The Case Studies therefore provide a variety of roadmaps, rather than definitive or prescriptive guidance, which should prove of interest to industry and those examining how the CapSEM Model is put into practice.
Input-Output Analysis and Cleaner Production
Authors: Fet Annik Magerholm , Haskins Cecilia , Sparrevik Magnus
Published: February 2023

This chapter gives an overview of the basic principles for analysing material flows for production processes. This type of analysis is based on a calculation of materials going in and out of a process. Typical materials to be accounted for are energy, raw materials and other supporting materials. Likewise, outputs from a production process are waste of different types, emissions to air, water and soil, as well as noise, radiation, vibrations, and loss of heat. In an input-output analysis, the by-products from the process are also accounted for. The chapter also explains the principles of cleaner production starting with the motivation from corporate leadership to make production processes cleaner: to reduce waste and emissions and use material in a more efficient way. The concept of Cleaner Production (CP) also embraces strategic changes for making production and products cleaner and greener. However, the purpose of the chapter to provide information about basic principles for collecting information to be used in an environmental account for organisations, which will help them improve their overall environmental performance.
Environmental Management Systems
Authors: Fet Annik Magerholm , Michelsen Ottar
Published: February 2023

This chapter gives an overview of the history of the development of environmental management systems (EMS) and the purpose of an EMS. It expands on the description of the different steps of an EMS under the model Plan-Do-Check-Act and clarifies the use of concepts within EMS. Companies are motivated by external pressure from stakeholders, national and international authorities, customers demanding greener products etc., as well as the ability to attract new employees and avoid negative publicity. Standards belonging to the ISO 14000-family for environmental management include both product-related standards and audit and evaluation standards.
Portable colorimetric enzymatic disposable biosensor for histamine and simultaneous histamine/tyramine determination using a smartphone
Authors: Sanz-Vicente Isabel , Rivero Irina , Marcuello Lucía , Montano María Pilar , de Marcos Susana , Galbán Javier
Published: February 2023

Tyramine oxidase (TAO), peroxidase (HRP), and Amplex Red (AR) have been immobilized on cellulose to obtain disposable biosensors for the determination of histamine. During the enzymatic reaction, AR is oxidized and a pink spot is obtained. Using a smartphone and measuring the G (green) color coordinate, histamine can be determined in the presence of other biogenic amines (putrescine and cadaverine) in concentrations ranging from 2·10−5 M to 5·10−4 M with a 7.5·10−6 M limit of detection (LoD). Despite tyramine interference, experimental conditions are provided which allow rapid and simple histamine and simultaneous histamine/tyramine (semi)quantitative determination in mixtures. Finally, tyramine and histamine were determined in a tuna extract with good results (compared to the reference HPLC–MS method). The methodology can also be applied in solution allowing histamine (and simultaneous histamine/tyramine) determination with a lower LoD (1.8·10−7 M) and a similar selectivity.

Graphical abstract
Phantom-based radiomics feature test–retest stability analysis on photon-counting detector CT
Authors: Hertel Alexander , Tharmaseelan Hishan , Rotkopf Lukas T. , Nörenberg Dominik , Riffel Philipp , Nikolaou Konstantin , Weiss Jakob , Bamberg Fabian , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Froelich Matthias F. , Ayx Isabelle
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Radiomics image data analysis offers promising approaches in research but has not been implemented in clinical practice yet, partly due to the instability of many parameters. The aim of this study is to evaluate the stability of radiomics analysis on phantom scans with photon-counting detector CT (PCCT).

Methods

Photon-counting CT scans of organic phantoms consisting of 4 apples, kiwis, limes, and onions each were performed at 10 mAs, 50 mAs, and 100 mAs with 120-kV tube current. The phantoms were segmented semi-automatically and original radiomics parameters were extracted. This was followed by statistical analysis including concordance correlation coefficients (CCC), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), as well as random forest (RF) analysis, and cluster analysis to determine the stable and important parameters.

Results

Seventy-three of the 104 (70%) extracted features showed excellent stability with a CCC value > 0.9 when compared in a test and retest analysis, and 68 features (65.4%) were stable compared to the original in a rescan after repositioning. Between the test scans with different mAs values, 78 (75%) features were rated with excellent stability. Eight radiomics features were identified that had an ICC value greater than 0.75 in at least 3 of 4 groups when comparing the different phantoms in a phantom group. In addition, the RF analysis identified many features that are important for distinguishing the phantom groups.

Conclusion

Radiomics analysis using PCCT data provides high feature stability on organic phantoms, which may facilitate the implementation of radiomics analysis likewise in clinical routine.

Key Points

• Radiomics analysis using photon-counting computed tomography provides high feature stability.

• Photon-counting computed tomography may pave the way for implementation of radiomics analysis in clinical routine.
Concept of hidden classes in pattern classification
Authors: Hrebik Radek , Kukal Jaromir
Published: February 2023

Our paper presents a novel approach to pattern classification. The general disadvantage of a traditional classifier is in too different behaviour and optimal parameter settings during training on a given pattern set and the following cross-validation. We describe the term critical sensitivity, which means the lowest reached sensitivity for an individual class. This approach ensures a uniform classification quality for individual class classification. Therefore, it prevents outlier classes with terrible results. We focus on the evaluation of critical sensitivity, as a quality criterion. Our proposed classifier eliminates this disadvantage in many cases. Our aim is to present that easily formed hidden classes can significantly contribute to improving the quality of a classifier. Therefore, we decided to propose classifier will have a relatively simple structure. The proposed classifier structure consists of three layers. The first is linear, used for dimensionality reduction. The second layer serves for clustering and forms hidden classes. The third one is the output layer for optimal cluster unioning. For verification of the proposed system results, we use standard datasets. Cross-validation performed on standard datasets showed that our critical sensitivity-based classifier provides comparable sensitivity to reference classifiers.
The Relational Nature of Gender, the Pervasiveness of Heteronormative Sexual Scripts, and the Impact on Sexual Pleasure
Authors: Harvey Penny , Jones Erielle , Copulsky Daniel
Published: February 2023

This study examined how gender shapes sexual interactions and pleasure outcomes. We highlight varying expectations people have in regard to sex by combining questions about orgasm frequency and sexual pleasure. Our analysis was driven from a sample of 907 survey responses from cis women, cis men, trans women, trans men, non-binary, and intersex millennial respondents, 324 of which had gender-diverse sexual histories. The findings built upon previous literature about the orgasm gap by including those with underrepresented gender identities and expanding our conceptualization of gender’s role in the gap beyond gender identity. Qualitative results indicated that individuals change their behavior based on their partner’s gender and follow strong gendered scripts. Participants also relied upon heteronormative scripts and cis normative roles to set their interactions for the sexual encounter. Our findings support previous research on how gender identity impacts pleasure outcomes and has implications for how we might make gender progress in the arena of sexuality.
Concordance of immunohistochemistry for predictive and prognostic factors in breast cancer between biopsy and surgical excision: a single-centre experience and review of the literature
Authors: Rossi Chiara , Fraticelli Sara , Fanizza Marianna , Ferrari Alberta , Ferraris Elisa , Messina Alessia , Della Valle Angelica , Anghelone Chiara Annunziata Pasqualina , Lasagna Angioletta , Rizzo Gianpiero , Perrone Lorenzo , Sommaruga Maria Grazia , Meloni Giulia , Dallavalle Silvia , Bonzano Elisabetta , Paulli Marco , Di Giulio Giuseppe , Sgarella Adele , Lucioni Marco
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Accurate evaluation of breast cancer on bioptic samples is of fundamental importance to guide therapeutic decisions, especially in the neoadjuvant or metastatic setting. We aimed to assess concordance for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), c-erbB2/HER2 and Ki-67. We also reviewed the current literature to evaluate our results in the context of the data available at present.

Methods

We included patients who underwent both biopsy and surgical resection for breast cancer at San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy, between January 2014 and December 2020. ER, PR, c-erbB2, and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry concordance between biopsy and surgical specimen was evaluated. ER was further analysed to include the recently defined ER-low-positive in our analysis.

Results

We evaluated 923 patients. Concordance between biopsy and surgical specimen for ER, ER-low-positive, PR, c-erbB2 and Ki-67 was, respectively, 97.83, 47.8, 94.26, 68 and 86.13%. Cohen’s κ for interobserver agreement was very good for ER and good for PR, c-erbB2 and Ki-67. Concordance was especially low (37%) in the c-erbB2 1 + category.

Conclusion

Oestrogen and progesterone receptor status can be safely assessed on preoperative samples. The results of this study advise caution in interpreting biopsy results regarding ER-low-positive, c-erbB2/HER and Ki-67 results due to a still suboptimal concordance. The low concordance for c-erbB2 1 + cases underlines the importance of further training in this area, in the light of the future therapeutic perspectives.
Silencing Paritutu
Authors: de Froideville Sarah Monod , Gibbs Andrew
Published: February 2023

This paper exposes the New Zealand (NZ) government’s longstanding campaign to silence evidence of health impacts from dioxin-containing emissions during the production of the herbicide 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) in New Plymouth in the 1960s. Our analysis of official documentation and related literature between 1960–2005 reveals a series of investigations engaging various silencing mechanisms that have culminated in a case of historical pollution. By doing so, they have intensified the acute injuries, chronic disease and multigenerational impacts stemming from the emissions, while discounting the lived experiences of suffering. We argue that silencing be seen as an epistemic violence that is intertwined with, but stands in evidence of, actions to ignore and deny harms that could be utilized in securing the long overdue acknowledgement and appropriate assistance for the Paritutu community.
Supporting and understanding students’ collaborative reflection-in-action during design-based learning
Authors: Zhang Zhongya , Bekker Tilde , Markopoulos Panos , Skovbjerg Helle Marie
Published: February 2023

Design-Based Learning (DBL) is a pedagogical approach where learning is situated in the context of design activities that are typically carried out in groups. During collaborative design inquiry, reflection is of vital importance for learning from design experience. The paper presents a research-through-design study with the intention to generate knowledge on how to design for supporting reflection-in-action during design-based learning. This study addresses the research question: how can a media tool support a group of students in externalizing reflection while they are engaging in DBL? This paper describes the design and evaluation of ReflectionSchema, a tool intended to support reflection-in-action in such a learning environment. The tool offers visualized guidance for coordinating a group of students’ understanding of how they can combine reflecting with making design representations. The tool was trialed by 13 groups of students aged 12 to 13, who used the tool to record short reflection videos along their whole DBL process. We analyzed the efficacy of ReflectionSchema in terms of supporting collaborative reflection-in-action. Furthermore, we investigated the process of reflection-in-action during Design-based learning processes by examining the collaborative reflection patterns in the reflection videos that include the actions, roles, recording preference/style, and strategies employed. We discussed how these findings can inform the design of other reflection tools for similar settings.
Biomaterials for orthopedic applications and techniques to improve corrosion resistance and mechanical properties for magnesium alloy: a review
Authors: Gutiérrez Púa Lizeth Del Carmen , Rincón Montenegro Juan Carlos , Fonseca Reyes Ana María , Zambrano Rodríguez Habib , Paredes Méndez Virginia Nathaly
Published: February 2023

The present study aims to collect data, compare results and assess techniques used for improving corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of biodegradable Mg alloys for fixation elements and orthopedic applications. A general description of biomaterials used for orthopedic implants is performed, including non-bioabsorbable materials. Different methods for reducing the corrosion rate in Mg alloys are researched, and the efficiencies are assessed. After evaluating different techniques, surface modification is found to be the most promising technique to reduce the corrosion rate with an efficiency of 85%. Regarding the Mg alloying agents, Zn is considered as the best candidate to improve the corrosion response and biocompatibility of the Mg.
Approximation of the Number of Descendants in Branching Processes
Authors: Kutsenko Anton A.
Published: February 2023

We discuss approximations of the relative limit densities of descendants in Galton–Watson processes that follow from the Karlin–McGregor near-constancy phenomena. These approximations are based on the fast exponentially decaying Fourier coefficients of Karlin–McGregor functions and the binomial coefficients. The approximations are sufficiently simple and show good agreement between approximate and exact values, which is demonstrated by several numerical examples.
Model reduction for constrained mechanical systems via spectral submanifolds
Authors: Li Mingwu , Jain Shobhit , Haller George
Published: February 2023

Dynamical systems are often subject to algebraic constraints in conjunction with their governing ordinary differential equations. In particular, multibody systems are commonly subject to configuration constraints that define kinematic compatibility between the motion of different bodies. A full-scale numerical simulation of such constrained problems is challenging, making reduced-order models (ROMs) of paramount importance. In this work, we show how to use spectral submanifolds (SSMs) to construct rigorous ROMs for mechanical systems with configuration constraints. These SSM-based ROMs enable the direct extraction of backbone curves and forced response curves and facilitate efficient bifurcation analysis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this SSM-based reduction procedure on several examples of varying complexity, including nonlinear finite-element models of multibody systems. We also provide an open-source implementation of the proposed method that also contains all details of our numerical examples.
Examining the psychometric properties of a split version of the EQ-5D-5L anxiety/depression dimension in patients with anxiety and/or depression
Authors: Belay Yared Belete , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Lee Yong Yi , Mulhern Brendan , Engel Lidia
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study explored differences in self-reported responses and the psychometric performance of the composite EQ-5D-5L anxiety/depression (A/D) dimension compared with a split version of the dimension where ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’ are measured separately.

Methods

People with anxiety and/or depression who visited the Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia completed the standard EQ-5D-5L with the added subdimensions. Correlation analysis was used to examine convergent validity with validated measures of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), while ANOVA was used to assess known-groups’ validity. Agreement between ratings for composite and split dimensions was compared using percent agreement and Cohen’s Kappa, while the proportion of ‘no problems’ reports was compared using the chi-square test. Discriminatory power analysis was undertaken using the Shannon index (H’) and Shannon Evenness index (J’). Open-ended questions explored participants' preferences.

Results

Of the 462 respondents, 30.5% reported no problems with the composite A/D, while 13.2% reported no problems on both subdimensions. Agreement between ratings for composite and split dimensions was highest for respondents with comorbid anxiety and depression. The depression subdimension had higher correlation with PHQ-9 (r = 0.53) and GAD-7 (r = 0.33) than the composite A/D dimension (r = 0.36 and r = 0.28, respectively). The split subdimensions and composite A/D could adequately differentiate respondents based on their severity of anxiety or depression. Slightly better informativity was observed in EQ-4D-5L + anxiety (H’ = 5.4; J’ = 0.47) and EQ-4D-5L + depression (H’ = 5.31; J’ = 0.46) than EQ-5D-5L (H’ = 5.19; J’ = 0.45).

Conclusions

Adopting two subdimensions within the EQ-5D-5L tool appears to perform slightly better than the standard EQ-5D-5L.
When non-target wildlife species and alien species both affect negatively to an artisanal fishery: the case of trammel net in the Alboran Sea
Authors: Báez José C. , Camiñas Juan A. , Aguilera Raquel , Castro-Gutiérrez Jairo , Real Raimundo
Published: February 2023

In the Northern Alboran Sea, artisanal small-scale fisheries using trammel nets suffer economic losses, and local fishermen see their way-of-life endangered, due to interactions with wildlife species such as alien species and dolphins. On the one hand, the alien seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae, which was first recorded in the Alboran Sea in 2015, has undergone an intensive expansion in the sub-region, monopolizing the available seabed, causing radical changes in the underwater seascape and clogging the trammel nets. On the other hand, the damage caused to the fishing nets by dolphin fish predation is an ancient problem worldwide, but it is intensifying in the last years. The main objective of this study is to understand the main environmental and technical conditions that favor damages of fishing trammel nets in the Alboran Sea, which entails an important loss of catchability, due to (i) the clogging of the artisanal fishing trammel nets by invasive seaweed, and (ii) the breaking of the nets by dolphin predation. Through close monitoring of fishermen in port, we obtained direct information of 548 sets. Our results indicate that approximately 30% of trammel sets suffered a damage due to unwanted interaction with alien seaweeds and dolphins. As seaweeds invasion is a global problem while dolphin-fishing gear interaction is more local, we concluded that only a large-scale management of exotic algae, together with the involvement of local fishermen, could solve the economic problems of this activity.
Multimorbidity prevalence and patterns in chronic kidney disease: findings from an observational multicentre UK cohort study
Authors: Hawthorne Grace , Lightfoot Courtney J. , Smith Alice C. , Khunti Kamlesh , Wilkinson Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Multimorbidity [defined as two or more long-term conditions (LTCs)] contributes to increased treatment and medication burden, poor health-related quality of life, and worse outcomes. Management strategies need to be patient centred and tailored depending on existing comorbidities; however, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of comorbidities in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity and comorbidity patterns across all CKD stages.

Methods

Multimorbidity was assessed, using a composite of self-report and clinical data, across four CKD groups stratified by eGFR [stage 1–2, stage 3a&b, stage 4–5, and kidney transplant (KTx)]. Principal component analysis using varimax rotation was used to identify comorbidity clusters across each group.

Results

Of the 978 participants (mean 66.3 ± 14 years, 60% male), 96.0% had multimorbidity. In addition to CKD, the mean number of comorbidities was 3.0 ± 1.7. Complex multimorbidity (i.e. ≥ 4 multiple LTCs) was identified in 560 (57.3%) participants. When stratified by CKD stage, the two most prevalent comorbidities across all stages were hypertension (> 55%) and musculoskeletal disorders (> 40%). The next most prevalent comorbidity for CKD stages 1–2 was lung conditions and for CKD stages 3 and 4–5 it was heart problems. CKD stages 1–2 showed different comorbidity patterns and clustering compared to other CKD stages.

Conclusion

Most people across the spectrum of CKD have multimorbidity. Different patterns of multimorbidity exist at different stages of CKD, and as such, clinicians should consider patient comorbidities to integrate care and provide effective treatment strategies.
Metformin and Dapagliflozin Attenuate Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats: An Electrocardiographic, Biochemical, and Histopathological Approach
Authors: Satyam Shakta Mani , Bairy Laxminarayana Kurady , Shetty Prakashchandra , Sainath P. , Bharati Sanjay , Ahmed Akheruz Zaman , Singh Varun Kumar , Ashwal A. J.
Published: February 2023

Doxorubicin is a widely used anticancer drug whose efficacy is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. There is no ideal cardioprotection available against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the anticipated cardioprotective potential of metformin and dapagliflozin against doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. At the beginning of the experiment, cardiac screening of experimental animals was done by recording an electrocardiogram (ECG) before allocating them into the groups. Thereafter, a total of thirty healthy adult Wistar rats (150–200 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated for eight days as follows: group I (normal control), group II (doxorubicin control), group III (metformin 250 mg/kg/day), group IV (metformin 180 mg/kg/day), and group V (dapagliflozin 0.9 mg/kg/day). On the 7th day of the treatment phase, doxorubicin 20 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneal to groups II, III, IV, and V. On the 9th day (immediately after 48 h of doxorubicin administration), blood was collected from anesthetized animals for glucose, lipid profile, CK-MB & AST estimation, and ECG was recorded. Later, animals were sacrificed, and the heart was dissected for histopathological examination. We found that compared to normal control rats, CK-MB, AST, and glucose were significantly increased in doxorubicin control rats. There was a significant reversal of doxorubicin-induced hyperglycemia in the rats treated with metformin 250 mg/kg compared to doxorubicin control rats. Both metformin (180 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) and dapagliflozin (0.9 mg/kg) significantly altered doxorubicin-induced ECG changes and reduced the levels of cardiac injury biomarkers CK-MB and AST compared to doxorubicin control rats. Metformin and dapagliflozin protected the cellular architecture of the myocardium from doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury. Current study revealed that both metformin and dapagliflozin at the FDA-recommended antidiabetic doses mitigated doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. The obtained data have opened the perspective to perform chronic studies and then to clinical studies to precisely consider metformin and dapagliflozin as potential chemoprotection in the combination of chemotherapy with doxorubicin to limit its cardiotoxicity, especially in patients with comorbid conditions like type II diabetes mellitus.
Bacillus subtilis — Topmodel für Forschung, Gesundheit und Biotechnologie
Authors: Stülke Jörg
Published: February 2023

The hay bacillus Bacillus subtilis has attracted scientific interest for more than 100 years due to its ability to form heat-stable spores as an example of a rather simple differentiating organism. Thus, this bacterium became one of most studied model organisms. Moreover, B. subtilisis used in many biotechnological applications and even for food production. Current research still adds novel amazing properties to the huge body of knowledge on this remarkable bacterium.
Terpenoidsynthese in dem phototrophen Bakterium Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Knapp Fabienne , Klaus Oliver , Svensson Vera , Heck Achim , Loeschcke Anita , Drepper Thomas
Published: February 2023

Terpenoids offer various properties relevant for biotech and pharma industries. Production in microbes is a sustainable way to provide these compounds for industrial use. The phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus has some unique characteristics making it a promising alternative host for terpenoid production. Recombinant biosynthetic pathways can be individually adapted through modular engineering to meet the specific requirements of each microbial terpenoid production process.
Biased signaling: Option für die Entwicklung von Adipositas-Medikamenten?
Authors: Kühnen Peter , Wiegand Susanna , Biebermann Heike
Published: February 2023

The leptin-melanocortin pathway is playing a pivotal role for central body weight regulation. The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is essential to induce satiety after activation by the endogenous ligands α-/β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The relevance of biased signaling is exemplified by an MC4R agonist, which has been approved for the treatment of rare forms of monogenic obesity. Here biased signaling is discussed as new option to develop drugs with an improved safety profile.