bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the consequences of over and undertreatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a frail population? A systematic review
Authors: O'Neil Helen , Todd Adam , Pearce Mark , Husband Andrew
Published: February 2024

Aims

This review aims to identify the evidence base for the consequences of over and undertreatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a frail population.

Method

In this systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for studies from January 2001 to 15th August 2022. We included a variety of study types that assessed and reported frailty including patients ≥18 years old. Studies included those that reported the prevalence of over or undertreatment of diabetes mellitus in a frail population and those examining outcomes related to glucose control in frail older people living with diabetes. Data were extracted using a bespoke extraction table using a narrative synthesis approach.

Results

A total of 4114 articles were identified with 112 meeting inclusion criteria. These included 15,130 participants across the 11 studies with sample sizes ranging from 101 to 11,140. Several areas were identified in the included studies where under or overtreatment of diabetes impacted outcomes for patients. These included hospital admissions, readmissions, length of stay, falls, mortality, cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Conclusion

The results showed that there was a high heterogeneity of outcomes between the studies and that many examined small numbers of participants. In this review, both over and undertreatment were shown to increase adverse outcomes in frail older people. Further research around optimal glycaemic control for frail older people living with diabetes is required with the aim to identify ideal target ranges and produce practical clinical guidelines to promote attainment of these.
A single‐source switched‐capacitor‐based 25‐level sextuple boost inverter with a low switch count
Authors: Noori Meysam , Hosseinpour Majid , Seifi Ali , Shahparasti Mahdi
Published: February 2024

Today, multilevel inverters are widely utilized in various applications. Reducing the number of components in the design of these converters is one of the crucial goals so that they have less volume and cost. This paper presents a single‐source structure for a multilevel switched‐capacitor inverter with voltage boost capability. The proposed structure can generate 25 sinusoidal‐like step voltage levels with a six times amplitude increase compared to the input. This converter uses only one direct current (DC) power source, 14 switches, and four capacitors. The nearest level control switching method has been used to control the converter, create voltage levels, and select the switching modes. A comprehensive comparison has been made with other recently presented structures to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed structure. The advantages of the proposed structure include using only one DC voltage source, the ability to increase the output voltage six times compared to the input, the use of fewer power electronics components compared to the number of voltage levels, proper efficiency, self‐balancing of capacitors, and as a result, the lower cost. The performance accuracy of the proposed converter has been simulated in the MATLAB Simulink environment and then evaluated by a laboratory prototype.
Fuel injection performance and spray characteristic of high‐pressure common rail systems at low temperatures
Authors: Ma Fukang , Xu Ruifan , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: February 2024

The fuel injection performance and spray characteristics of the high‐pressure common rail (HPCR) system at low temperatures are investigated with experiment. The effects of environmental temperature, common rail pressure, and fuel injection pulse width on the injection quantity and spray characteristics are discussed. The fuel injection quantity at −30°C decreases by about 10% compared to the target fuel quantity. For the different target fuel quantity, the decrease of fuel injection quantity with temperature is the same under different rail pressures. The impact of temperature change on fuel injection quantity is relatively greater when the fuel injection pulse width is small. At the same common rail pressure and injector control pulse width, the injection quantity of −35# diesel is greater than that of −10# diesel for the same temperature condition. The low‐temperature fluidity can ensure normal diesel supply and injection in the fuel supply system. When the viscosity of diesel fuel rises and fluidity deteriorates in a low‐temperature environment, the spray beam produced by the same spray pressure becomes difficult to spread, and the spray penetration distance and cone angle decrease. The spray penetration distance differs by about 2.2 mm between the two temperatures. At low temperatures, the viscosity of diesel fuel rises and the fluidity deteriorates. The minimum injection pressure of the spray increases, and the spray angle is relatively small.
Encapsulation techniques, action mechanisms, and evaluation models of probiotics: Recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Yang Shoufeng , Wei Siyu , Wu Yan , Fang Yapeng , Deng Zilong , Xu Jianxiong , Zhang Hongcai
Published: February 2024

The related studies of probiotics‐based functional foods have recently attracted increasing interests in developing new types of oral administration systems. Probiotics has various biological functions, including increasing adsorption ability of nutrients, competitively rejecting pathogenic organisms, and regulating the immune system. It is well known that probiotics cannot be worked until their colonies reach the intestine alive, as well as the amount reaches 106–107 colony‐forming units/g at the end of product's shelf life. However, the delivery of probiotics to the colon through oral administration is always challenging due to weak viability under exposure to harsh conditions in the presence of ions and small molecules from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the low viability of the probiotics due to the lack of resistance to the acidity of food matrices, high temperature during food processing, and oxygen changes during storage also limit the applications of probiotics in food products. Therefore, encapsulation of probiotics could particularly protect the probiotics from degradation and inactivation, resulting in enhanced viability during the transition from consumption to digestion in the gut. Emulsion cross‐linking, complex coacervation, microcapsules, spray drying, layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly, electrospinning, hydrogel, and other methods are used to encapsulate probiotics. Herein, this review mainly highlights the gut health functions and encapsulation techniques of probiotics, followed by the current challenges and future development prospects.
Predicting aerosol transmission in airplanes: Benefits of a joint approach using experiments and simulation
Authors: Leithäuser Christian , Norrefeldt Victor , Thiel Elisa , Buschhaus Michael , Kuhnert Jörg , Suchde Pratik
Published: February 2024

We investigate the transmission of aerosol particles in an airplane cabin with a joint approach using experiments and simulation. Experiments were conducted in a realistic aircraft cabin with heated dummies acting as passengers. A Sheffield head with an aerosol generator was used to emulate an infected passenger and particle numbers were measured at different locations throughout the cabin to quantify the exposure of other passengers. The same setting was simulated with a computational fluid dynamics model consisting of a Lagrange continuous phase for capturing the air flow, coupled with a Lagrange suspended discrete phase to represent the aerosols. Virtual measurements were derived from the simulation and compared with the experiments. Our main results are: the experimental setup provides good measurements well suited for model validation, the simulation does correctly reproduce the fundamental mechanisms of aerosol dispersion and simulations can help to improve the understanding of aerosol transmission for example by visualizing particle distributions. Furthermore, with findings from the simulation it was possible to crucially improve the experimental setup, proving that feedback between the numerical and the hardware world is indeed beneficial.
Credit risk prediction based on causal machine learning: Bayesian network learning, default inference, and interpretation
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Zhang Xuemei , Xiong Haitao
Published: February 2024

The predictive and interpretable power of models is crucial for financial risk management. The purpose of this study was to perform credit risk prediction in a structured causal network with four stages—data processing, structural learning, parameter learning, and interpretation of inferences—and use six real credit datasets to conduct empirical research on the proposed model. Compared with traditional machine learning algorithms, we comprehensively explain the results of credit default through forward and reverse reasoning. We also compared our model with the post hoc interpretation models local interpretable model‐agnostic explanations (LIME) and shapley additive explanations (SHAP) to verify the interpretability of Bayesian networks. The experimental results show that the prediction performance of Bayesian networks is superior to traditional machine learning models and similar to the performance of ensemble models. Furthermore, Bayesian networks offer valuable insights into the interplay of features by considering their causal relationships and enable an assessment of how individual features influence the prediction outcome. In this study, what‐if analysis was performed to assess credit default probabilities under various conditions. This analysis provides decision‐makers with the necessary tools to make informed judgments about the risk profile of borrowers. Consequently, we consider Bayesian networks as a viable tool for credit risk prediction models in terms of prediction performance and interpretability.
Closing of the east Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean: Source–sink records from Middle Triassic sediments, Hainan Island, China
Authors: Gao Shiyao , Xu Zhongjie , Kong Jintao , Cheng Rihui
Published: February 2024

During the Late Palaeozoic to Early Mesozoic, the eastern segment of the Palaeo–Tethys Ocean closed, resulting in the collision and amalgamation of the South and North Hainan Islands. However, the exact location of the collision and amalgamation remains controversial. The main collision locations are the Baisha, Jiusuo–Lingshui and Changjiang–Qionghai faults. The U–Pb age of detrital zircons was used to determine the main source area of the Middle Triassic basin in the eastern part of Hainan Island and the closed position of the eastern section of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean. The U–Pb dating of detrital zircons revealed that the Middle Triassic Lingwen Formation contains four age groups: 235–258, 335–446, 766–986 and >1000 Ma. Notably, rock masses aged 248–252 Ma that were formed in a post‐orogenic tension setting have been identified in the western region of Hainan Island, whereas no igneous rocks from this period have been discovered in the eastern region. The detrital zircon samples from the Lingwen Formation revealed a peak at 249 ± 2 Ma U–Pb age, which is important evidence indicating that the Changjiang–Qionghai Fault is the product of collision between the southern and northern Hainan terranes. Affected by the bipolar subduction of the eastern segment of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean, the collision and amalgamation of the South and North Hainan terranes occurred, and experienced a post‐collision (extensional) process at ca. 249 ± 2 Ma.
Jewish on campus: Complexity and tikkun
Authors: Selznick Benjamin S. , Greene Sandra
Published: February 2024

In an era of profound antisemitism, it is essential that higher education leaders and campus communities provide additional, direct support to Jewish students. In this space, we introduce recent literature on Jewish identity expressions and campus climates for bolstering Jewish appreciation in hopes of catalyzing necessary conversations with respect to Jewish students. We specifically consider Jewishness—its expressions(s) of religion, race, and ethnicity—as central aspects of students’ college experiences and provide considerations for engaging the complexity of Jewish identity. Drawing on findings from a large‐scale national study, we further suggest that climatic features which support Jewish appreciation (e.g., space for expression; productive interfaith exchange) not only benefit Jews, but all students. We then introduce practical recommendations along three areas: affirming Jewish identity expression, providing structural and organizational supports, and uncompromisingly combating antisemitism. We close on a hopeful tone that this piece can guide and motivate efforts toward repairing college communities for Jews and their allies.

Practical Takeaways

Jewishness is a complex identity space encompassing religion, race, ethnicity, and integrated forms of expression. Understanding this complexity is essential to creating welcoming collegiate learning environments for Jewish students.

Robust findings support the claim that colleges can be instrumental in developing undergraduates' appreciative attitudes toward Jews. Colleges should strive to achieve this outcome by creating climates that support religious expression and encouraging productive exchanges across worldview differences.

Affirming Jewish identity expression, leveraging structural and organizational changes to directly include and support Jewish students, and vigorously confronting pronounced antisemitism and violence against Jews must be high priorities for campus leaders and college communities.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a curcumin, protects chondrocytes, and reduces cartilage inflammation via the NRF2/HO‐1/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Jin Gang , Xu Wei , Tang Huilin , Cui Yaying , Zhang Han
Published: February 2024

Background

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on osteoarthritis (OA) and comprehensively evaluate the role of the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2‐Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in chondrocytes.

Method

In our study, we treated chondrocytes with BDMC in an in vitro chondrocyte assay and measured its influence on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, downstream heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels.

Results

Our study indicates that BDMC significantly activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 1β, recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4 and (ADAMTS)5 was significantly suppressed by BDMC.

Conclusion

This study confirms the potential for BDMC to activate the Nrf2/HO‐1/NLRP3 signalling pathway and alleviate OA symptoms. Therefore, BDMC is a promising therapeutic agent for OA that offers new insights and treatment methods.
Potency, immunogenicity, and efficacy of rabies vaccine: In vitro and in vivo approach
Authors: Akter Fahima , Shamimuzzaman Md.
Published: February 2024

Background

Rabies, a potentially lethal virus, affects more than 150 countries. Although the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin have been available since 1908, Bangladesh is new to vaccine manufacturing. We checked the quality of the local manufacturing rabies vaccine for substandard.

Methods

The potency and immunogenicity of 20 vaccines were analyzed by three in vivo and in vitro methods from March 2020 to May 2023. Single radial immunodiffusion, fluorescent antibody virus neutralization, and national institutes of health tests were carried out to evaluate the vaccine's efficacy to provide sufficient protection against the rabies virus.

Results

The potency of the rabies vaccine was determined by the in vitro SRID method by measuring glycoprotein content. An average of 16 articles from each batch was calculated. The minimum and maximum average mean values of the 20 batches were 5.058 and 5.346, respectively. The variance was calculated at 0.00566. We found a coefficient of variation (CV) between 9.36% and 14.80%. The 100% sample was satisfactory, as these samples had a potency of over 2.5 IU/mL. To observe immunogenicity, we applied the FAVN method for determining antibody titers. An average of 16 articles from every batch were counted to quantify antibody titers. The mean quantity of antibody titers ranged from 2.389 to 3.3875. The CV was slightly lower because of the dispersion of the data. At last, we performed an in vivo method, the NIH test method, to determine potency based on mortality rate. We found a mean value of 4.777 IU/SHD with a standard deviation of 1.13 IU/SHD. All 20 batches were found 100% satisfactory in the NIH test.

Conclusion

The study implies that the rabies human vaccines manufactured in Bangladesh are potent enough to provide sufficient immunogenicity. Our research is warranted testimony for healthcare providers who work to extirpate rabies.
RNA‐Guided RNA Pseudouridylation and 2’‐O‐Methylation
Authors: Adachi Hironori , Chen Jonathan L. , Leeder W.‐Matthias , Morais Pedro , Yu Yi‐Tao
Published: February 2024

RNA‐guided RNA modifications, including pseudouridylation and 2′‐O‐methylation, are naturally occurring processes that introduce pseudouridines (Ψ) and 2’‐O‐methylated residues (2’‐O−Me) into various types of RNA. This modification is orchestrated by two distinct families of ribonucleoprotein complexes: Box H/ACA RNP and Box C/D RNP. Each complex comprises a unique guide (g)RNA (Box H/ACA gRNA or Box C/D gRNA) and a set of core proteins responsible for pseudouridylation and 2’‐O‐methylation, respectively. The specificity of these modifications is conferred by base‐pairing of Box H/ACA gRNA and Box C/D gRNA with their RNA substrates. Here, we discuss the mechanism and function of RNA‐guided pseudouridylation and 2’‐O‐methylation.
Investigating racial and ethnic disparities in interhospital transfer within an academic integrated healthcare system: A matched cohort study
Authors: Shannon Evan Michael , Fiskio Julie , Yoon Catherine , Schnipper Jeffrey L. , Mueller Stephanie K.
Published: February 2024

The presence of racial and ethnic disparities in interhospital transfer (IHT) within integrated healthcare systems has not been fully explored. We matched Black and Latinx patients admitted to community hospitals in our integrated healthcare system between June 2015 and December 2019 to White patients by origin hospital, age, time of year, and disease severity. We performed conditional logistic regression models to determine if race or ethnicity was associated with IHT in one of the tertiary academic medical centers in the system, adjusting for covariates. The sample contained 107,895 admissions (82.6% White, 7.8% Black, and 9.6% Latinx). Transfer rates were 2.2% versus 2.2% after the Black/White match and 1.8% versus 1.8% after the Latinx/White match. After adjusting for covariates, there was no association between race or ethnicity and IHT (Black vs. White odds ratio [OR]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–1.07; Latinx vs. White OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.79–1.40). This may be due to reduced barriers to transfer with an integrated healthcare system.
Sources and paths of extreme cold surges over China and their associated atmospheric circulations
Authors: Ma Li , Wei Zhigang , Li Xianru , Wu Shuting
Published: February 2024

The extreme cold surges (ECSs) are among the extreme weather events that affect China. Here, a total of 31 ECSs that occurred from 1962 to 2018 in China were identified using observed temperature data. In addition, we used the hybrid single‐particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model to trace their sources. And the atmospheric circulation of ECSs with different paths were investigated. The ECSs were classified to K‐type, B‐type and S‐type ECSs (which was subdivided into the S1‐type, S2‐type and S3‐type) according to their origins and entry locations into China. The S‐type ECSs occurred the most, accounting for 58.06%. The duration and temperature drop of the K‐type ECSs were higher than those of others. And K‐type and S1‐type ECSs mainly affected Northeast China, S2‐type ECSs mainly affected the regions east of 105° E. For decadal variation, Since the 1980s, ECSs frequency has decreased (especially only one ECS occurred in the 1980s), and K‐type and S2‐type ECSs disappeared. Different types of cold surges have different atmospheric circulation characteristics. The “positive–negative–positive” wave train structures of geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa were very conducive to the formations of K‐type, B‐type and S3‐type ECSs. For K‐type and S1‐type ECSs, the cold high gradually moved south to Siberia, and combined with the cyclone anomalies, causing the cold air to enter China. Before the B‐type ECSs occurred, cold high appeared in the west of Xinjiang, which made the southeast cold air invade China. Regarding S1‐type and S2‐type ECSs, the negative anomalies over Eurasia from day −6 to day −4 and the subsequent cyclone anomalies at 850 hPa accompanied by the southeastward extension of cold high led to ECSs.
Resolution of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis with estradiol in a transgender female: A case report
Authors: Steiger Athreya , VanderVeen Nathan T. , Kang Esther H. , Weimer Amy K.
Published: February 2024

A 16‐year‐old trans female patient presented to our Gender Health Program for gender‐affirming care. Her intake evaluation revealed signs of hepatocellular injury and fibrosis concerning for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and she was referred to a Pediatric Hepatologist. Subsequent delays in initiating hormone therapy caused a decline in her mental health, and she began experiencing suicidal ideations. Gender‐affirming hormone therapy has been shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations in transgender and gender diverse youth, and studies in animal models suggest improvement in hepatic steatosis in response to estrogen. A multidisciplinary meeting with Gender Health, Psychiatry, and Hepatology appropriately weighed the benefits of life‐saving hormone therapy and the possibility of an improvement in her comorbid liver condition with the risk of further liver damage from estrogen therapy. The teams and the patient agreed to start estradiol with subsequent resolution of laboratory and radiographic evidence of MASH.
Food insecurity screening practices in a pediatric gastroenterology population
Authors: Morrow Ryan , Stahl Marisa G. , Liu Ed , Shull Mary , Germone Monique , Nagle Sadie , Griffith Isabel , Mehta Pooja
Published: February 2024

Food insecurity is a rising concern for US households and leads to adverse child health outcomes. Pediatric gastroenterology providers are uniquely equipped to help guide families experiencing this challenge given their specialized training in nutritional support and dietary therapy for disease management. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate food insecurity screening practices from the perspectives of patient caregivers and healthcare providers in a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology practice. A survey was administered to 1279 caregivers and 121 providers. Of the 248 completed caregiver responses, 10%−15% reported being asked about food insecurity. Among the 36 healthcare provider responses, 53% expressed comfort in conducting food insecurity screening but only 14% routinely screened. The most cited barrier to screening was the lack of readily available patient resources. Further research is imperative to address these screening barriers and assess the impact of food insecurity screening and interventions on pediatric gastrointestinal health outcomes.
Microbial community shifts indicate recovery of soil physical properties in a post‐tin‐mining area on Belitung Island, Indonesia
Authors: Putra Hirmas Fuady , Bui Long Thanh , Mori Yasushi
Published: February 2024

Mineral mining often results in changes to the soil environment, reducing the sustainability of the surrounding environment. Restoring the physical and chemical properties of soil in post‐tin‐mining areas on the tropical island of Belitung, Indonesia, has been a laborious process after more than 10 decades of land reclamation. We aimed to determine which parameter of the soil properties was responsible for the slow recovery process and if there were other properties that indicated more rapid changes. We measured the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils of different periods in the post‐tin‐mining areas. We sampled soil from three areas: 0, 1, and 6 years after mining and an adjacent natural forest as a reference site. The soil water content, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, particle distribution, mineral content, and soil microbial composition were measured in the field and analyzed in the laboratory. The soil showed a fine particle loss and despite the absence of clay, water‐holding capacity was significantly increased in the 6‐year‐old soil. Organic carbon increased by 0.2% after 6 years of reclamation. Copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in the soils fluctuated less. Minimal amounts of Pb and Cd were found. Soil bacterial communities shift with land age. Actinobacteria were dominant a few years after mining, while Proteobacteria colonized the mined area after 6 years. This study examined the more profound changes in the soil properties of tropical post‐tin‐mined land. Soil and bacterial characteristics can be used as markers to monitor the progress of land rehabilitation.
Natural resources, food, energy and water: Structural shocks, food production and clean energy for USA in the view of COP27
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Xinling , Si Dingwen , Zhang Hong , Ageli Mohammed Moosa , Mentel Grzegorz
Published: February 2024

There is a notable scarcity of literature addressing the complex affiliation amidst natural resources, water productivity (WPROD), and the food production index (FPI). Existing research focuses on emerging and developing countries, primarily centering on the initial objectives of sustainable development. To bridge this literature gap, our research delves into the nexus of WPROD, FPI, and total land resources (TLRS). Additionally, the study explores the persuasive roles of income (GDP) and renewable energy consumption (REC). Employing time series methodologies, we utilize the DF‐GLS unit root assessment to assess the variable static method and the Bayer‐Hanck test to scrutinize long‐term equilibrium. The primary analysis employs the least squares approach with breakpoints, supplemented by the Robust least squares method for validation. For causal relationships between variables, we deployed the Granger causality approach. Our outcomes disclose that variables are static at the first difference, indicating long‐run equilibrium among all variables. Empirical outcomes suggest a resource curse associated with TLRS, as it negatively influences both WPROD and FPI, regardless of breaks. The increase in coefficients of land resources by 1% causes decrease in water productivity and food production by −0.35% and −0.185%. In contrast, GDP and renewable energy positively impact water productivity and food production index, even in the presence of structural breaks. Robustness checks yield‐mixed outcomes, though the overall results remain significant and consistent with the main methods. Causality analysis indicates a bi‐directional linkage between natural resources, renewable energy, and water productivity, and food production, while GDP demonstrates a uni‐directional linkage in the study. We provide relevant policies under the targets of COP 27 to manage land resources in the USA.
Switches between nitrogen limitation and nitrogen–phosphorus co‐limitation in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Yuan Zhongwei , Achterberg Eric P. , Engel Anja , Dai Minhan , Browning Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

Concentrations of bioavailable inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are simultaneously depleted in the (sub)tropical North Atlantic Ocean, but it remains unclear if phytoplankton growth rates are N limited or N–P co‐limited. Here we present findings from three bottle‐scale experiments using a four‐by‐four matrix of low‐level N and P additions, conducted at one site in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean. Phytoplankton responses were assessed both in terms of bulk chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations and intracellular Chl a of dominant Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus groups. Two matrix experiments suggested that N was independently limiting in situ growth, with no co‐limiting role for P, while the third showed co‐limitation by both N and P in this region. This switch from N limitation to N–P co‐limitation was attributed to an episodic wet deposition event that supplied N, thereby stimulating phytoplankton growth and consuming available P. Such rapid transitions in nutrient limitation in response to environmental forcing might be common in oceanic systems with multiple depleted nutrients.
A Novel Food Bore Protein Hydrogel with Silver Ions for Promoting Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Fu Xiaowen , Hu Gan , Abker Adil M. , Oh Deog‐Hwan , Ma Meihu , Fu Xing
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels have emerged as a promising option for treating local scald wounds due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ovalbumin/gelatin composite hydrogels in repairing deep II‐degree scald wounds using a mouse dorsal skin model. Trauma tissues collected at various time points are analyzed for total protein content, hydroxyproline content, histological features, and expression of relevant markers. The results reveal that the hydrogel accelerates the healing process of scalded wounds, which is 17.27% higher than the control group. The hydrogel treatment also effectively prevents wound enlargement and redness of the edges caused by infection during the initial stage of scalding. The total protein and hydroxyproline content of the treated wounds are significantly elevated. Additionally, the hydrogel up‐regulates the expression of VEGF (a crucial angiogenic factor) and down‐regulates CD68 (a macrophage marker). In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of multifunctional protein‐based hydrogels in wound healing.
TMED3 stabilizes SMAD2 by counteracting NEDD4‐mediated ubiquitination to promote ovarian cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Zhang Wei , Han Xiaotian , Li Xiaoqi , Xia Lingfang , Wu Yong , Zhou Yang
Published: February 2024

Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death among cancer patients. Recent research has shown that the transmembrane emp24 domain (TMED) protein family plays a role in the progression of various types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the expression of TMED3 in ovarian cancer tumors compared to nontumor tissues using immunohistochemical staining. We found that TMED3 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer tumors, and its high expression was associated with poor disease‐free and overall survival. To understand the functional implications of TMED3 overexpression in ovarian cancer, we conducted experiments to knockdown TMED3 using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). We observed that TMED3 knockdown resulted in reduced cell viability and migration, as well as increased cell apoptosis. Additionally, in subcutaneous xenograft models in BALB‐c nude mice, TMED3 knockdown inhibited tumor growth. Further investigation revealed that SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) was a downstream target of TMED3, driving ovarian cancer progression. TMED3 stabilized SMAD2 by inhibiting the E3 ligase NEDD4‐mediated ubiquitination of SMAD2. To confirm the importance of SMAD2 in TMED3‐mediated ovarian cancer, we performed functional rescue experiments and found that SMAD2 played a critical role in this process. Moreover, we discovered that the PI3K‐AKT pathway was involved in the promoting effects of TMED3 overexpression on ovarian cancer cells. Overall, our study identifies TMED3 as a prognostic indicator and tumor promoter in ovarian cancer. Its function is likely mediated through the regulation of the SMAD2 and PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer progression and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
JD‐02, a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, induces ROS/SRC axis‐dependent cytoprotective autophagy in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lan Ni , Su Yuan , Zeng Qiongzhen , Zhou Pengjun , Hu Yuze , Zhang Zhuo , Wang Yifei , Liu Kaisheng
Published: February 2024

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a tumor marker that accelerates cancer growth by disrupting protein homeostasis. However, concerns such as low clinical efficacy and drug resistance continue to be obstacles to the successful marketing of Hsp90 inhibitors. The cytoprotective function of autophagy has been identified as one of the mechanisms by which tumor cells gain resistance to chemotherapy. JD‐02 was identified as a new Hsp90 inhibitor that suppressed colorectal cancer (CRC) growth by lowering client protein levels in vivo and in vitro. We found that JD‐02 increased cellular autophagy, which inhibited apoptosis. JD‐02 enhanced cytoprotective autophagy and regulated apoptotic suppression by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibiting SRC protein levels, as demonstrated by quantitative proteomics, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting, and flow cytometry. This effect was reversed by autophagy inhibition. Therefore, due to the synergistic effects of Hsp90 and autophagy inhibitors in efficiently activating apoptotic pathways, they could potentially serve as promising therapeutic options for CRC.
Promotion incentives and water pollution control in the context of environment tournaments: Evidence on the age of officials from a fuzzy regression discontinuity design
Authors: Yang Jiankun , Gong Xiaochen
Published: February 2024

China has suffered from severe water quality degradation over the past decades. In view of officials' promotion tournaments in China, this study employs a fuzzy regression discontinuity design to empirically examine the impact of promotion incentives, which is influenced by officials' individual characteristics, on water governance. Results indicate that younger mayors, especially those below the age of 53 and with higher promotion prospects, are more proactive in enforcing water pollution control measures. Further analysis indicates that officials reduce water pollution emissions primarily by implementing environmental incentives and adopting strategic measures according to geographical location and the nature of pollutants.
On subjective well‐being and excess strategy to cope with financial‐scarcity problem
Authors: Sherman Arie , Axelrad Hila , Barokas Guy
Published: February 2024

Modern economic theory asserts that consumers experiencing the scarcity problem should try to enlarge their budget. By contrast, relying on the ancient Greeks' perspective, we present a mathematical model demonstrating that higher investment in reducing material desires is positively associated with higher welfare. We present evidence from 999 participants aged 25–65 survey, showing that adopting the ancient Greek strategy for dealing with the gap between material desires and financial means is positively correlated with individuals' subjective well‐being, while adopting the modern economics strategy is not. Moreover, we show that the prudent desire management becomes less productive with age.
Optimization of passive Q‐switched fiber laser employing MAX phase chromium aluminum carbide film
Authors: Najm Mustafa Mohammed , Zhang Pei , Almukhtar Aya A. , Hmood Jassim K. , Abdullah Mohammed Najm , Harun Sulaiman Wadi
Published: February 2024

In this work, we proposed a mechanical exfoliation technique to compose a saturable absorber (SA) from MAX phase chromium aluminum carbide (Cr2AlC). The performance of a passive Q‐switched erbium‐doped fiber laser (EDFL) based on Cr2AlC‐SA was experimentally demonstrated. The optical properties of SA showed appropriate nonlinear absorption, with a non‐saturable absorption of 92.5%, and saturable absorption of 1.2%. The proposed EDFL was investigated using 50:50 and 80:20 output couplers (OCs). At 167 mW pumping power and 3 dB OC, the EDFL produced pulses with 2 μs width, and 163 kHz repetition rate. Moreover, with 80:20 OC, the EDFL produced shorter laser pulses with 1.46 μs width, and 135.2 kHz pulsing rate. The results reveal that the higher repetition rate with high energy can be obtained with a 3 dB coupler, while narrower pulse width is achieved with an 80:20 OC.
Impact of cone‐beam computed tomography artifacts on dose calculation accuracy for lung cancer
Authors: Schröder Lukas , Bootsma Gregory , Stankovic Uros , Ploeger Lennert , Sonke Jan‐Jakob
Published: February 2024

Background

To implement image‐guided adaptive radiotherapy (IGART), many studies investigated dose calculations on cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). A high HU accuracy is crucial for a high dose calculation accuracy and many imaging sites showed satisfactory results. It has been shown that the dose calculation accuracy for lung cancer lags behind.

Purpose

To examine why the dose calculation accuracy for lung is insufficient, the relative effects of the field‐of‐view (FOV), breathing motion, and scatter on dose calculation accuracy were studied.

Methods

A framework was built to simulate CBCT scans for lung cancer patients by forward projecting repeat CT (rCT) scans for two scan geometries: small (SFOV) and medium FOV (MFOV). Breathing motion was modeled by applying a 4D deformation vector field to the mid‐position rCT. Scatter was modeled by Monte‐Carlo simulations with/without an anti‐scatter grid (ASG). Simulated projections were reconstructed using filtered back‐projection with/without scatter correction. In case of the SFOV, the CBCT images were patched with the planning CT scan in axial direction. The treatment plan was recalculated on the rCT and simulated CBCT. The mean Hounsfield unit (HU) difference (ΔHUmean), the structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and γ metrics were calculated for the CBCT datasets of various imaging settings.

Results

The differences in HU, SSIM and dose calculation accuracy for CBCTs with and without breathing motion were negligible (mean ΔHUmean = 6.4 vs. 13.7, mean SSIM = 0.941 vs. 0.957, mean γ (ref = MFOV) = 0.75). The SFOV resulted in a lower HU (mean ΔHUmean = −9.2 vs. 13.7) and SSIM (mean SSIM = 0.912 vs. 0.957), and therefore in dose differences compared to the MFOV (mean γ = 1.22). Scatter led to considerable discrepancies in all metrics. Adding only the ASG improved the results more than only applying a scatter correction algorithm. Combining ASG and scatter correction algorithm resulted in an even higher dose calculation accuracy.

Conclusions

Scatter and FOV are the main contributors to dose inaccuracies and motion has only a minor effect on dose calculation accuracy. Therefore, utilizing an appropriate scatter correction and FOV is important to achieve sufficient dose calculation accuracy to facilitate IGART for lung.
VICTR: Venous transit time imaging by changes in T1 relaxation
Authors: Shi Wen , Jiang Dengrong , Hu Zhiyi , Yedavalli Vivek , Ge Yulin , Moghekar Abhay , Lu Hanzhang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Abnormalities in cerebral veins are a common finding in many neurological diseases, yet there is a scarcity of MRI techniques to assess venous hemodynamic function. The present study aims to develop a noncontrast technique to measure a novel blood flow circulatory measure, venous transit time (VTT), which denotes the time it takes for water to travel from capillary to major veins.

Methods

The proposed sequence, venous transit time imaging by changes in T1 relaxation (VICTR), is based on the notion that as water molecules transition from the tissue into the veins, they undergo a change in T1 relaxation time. The validity of the measured VTT was tested by studying the VTT along the anatomically known flow trajectory of venous vessels as well as using a physiological vasoconstrictive challenge of caffeine ingestion. Finally, we compared the VTT measured with VICTR MRI to a bolus‐tracking method using gadolinium‐based contrast agent.

Results

VTT was measured to be 3116.3 ± 326.0 ms in the posterior superior sagittal sinus (SSS), which was significantly longer than 2865.0 ± 390.8 ms at the anterior superior sagittal sinus (p = 0.004). The test–retest assessment showed an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.964. VTT was significantly increased by 513.8 ± 239.3 ms after caffeine ingestion (p < 0.001). VTT measured with VICTR MRI revealed a strong correlation (R = 0.84, p = 0.002) with that measured with the contrast‐based approach. VTT was found inversely correlated to cerebral blood flow and venous oxygenation across individuals.

Conclusion

A noncontrast MRI technique, VICTR MRI, was developed to measure the VTT of the brain.
Chronic glucocorticoid management in neuromuscular disease: A survey of neuromuscular neurologists
Authors: Stepanian Lora , Laughlin Ruple S. , Bacher Corey , Izenberg Aaron , Hodgkinson Victoria , Dyck Adrienna , Breiner Ari , Kassardjian Charles D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Aims

Glucocorticoids (GC) are first‐line therapy for many neuromuscular diseases. There is a lack of guidelines regarding the prevention and management of GC complications in the context of neuromuscular disease, introducing the potential for practice variation, that may compromise quality of care. Our aim was to evaluate the practice patterns among Canadian adult neuromuscular neurologists on the screening, management, and treatment of GC‐related complications and to identify variances in practice.

Methods

A web‐based anonymous questionnaire was disseminated to 99 Canadian adult neuromuscular neurologists. Questions addressed patterns of screening, prevention, monitoring, and treatment of GC‐induced adverse events, including infection prophylaxis, vaccination, bone health, hyperglycemia, and other complications.

Results

Seventy‐one percent completed the survey. Of those, 52% perform screening blood work prior to initiating GC, 56% screen for infections, and 18% for osteoporosis. The majority monitor glycemic control and blood pressure (>85%). Thirty‐two (46%) reported that they do not primarily monitor GC complications, but rather provide recommendations to the primary care physician. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis was never used by 29%, and 29% recommend vaccinations prior to GC initiation. Calcium supplementation was recommended by 80% to prevent osteoporosis. Only 36% were aware of any existing guidelines for preventing GC complications, and 91% endorsed a need for neurology‐specific guidelines.

Discussion

There is substantial variability in the management of GC adverse effects among neuromuscular neurologists, often not corresponding to limited published literature. Our results support the need for improved education and neurology‐specific guidelines to help standardize practice and improve and prevent complications.
Functionalized nanocellulose as a bifunctional material for efficient adsorption of mercuric ions with antimicrobial properties
Authors: Jamwal Pooja , Chauhan Sandeep , Chauhan Ghanshyam S. , Kumar Kiran , Ranote Sunita , Kumar Rajesh , Gupta Nitika
Published: February 2024

To develop a green nanomaterial for specialty applications, spherical nanocellulose (SNC) was functionalized to a semicarbazone‐Schiff base via a polymer analogous reaction. Firstly, SNC was synthesized from cellulose extracted from huge forest biomass, pine needles (PNs). The glucopyranose ring of SNC was oxidatively cleaved at C2–C3 to form SNC‐dialdehyde (SNC‐DA) by periodate oxidation. Both the aldehydic groups generated were reacted with semicarbazide to form a semicarbazone‐Schiff base, referred to as functional spherical nanocellulose (FSNC). All the materials synthesized were characterized by FTIR, FESEM, EDS, TEM, and XRD studies. The FSNC was evaluated as an adsorbent for Hg2+ ions. The adsorption adhered to pseudo‐second order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm having a maximum adsorption capacity/Lungmuir adsorption capacity of 172.412 mg/g at 60 min. The selectivity of FSNC for Hg2+ ions was confirmed from its appreciable removal (82%) from solution in tap water and 70% with other metal ions. FSNC exhibited bifunctional nature as it possesses antimicrobial activity against bacteria, that is, Gram (+) (Bacillus aereus) and Gram (−) (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi), and a fungus Byssochlamys fulva. FSNC showed good recyclability up to eight sorption–desorption cycles. Thus, we have valorized biomass into an eco‐friendly and low‐cost bifunctional material as an adsorbent for Hg2+ ions cum antimicrobial agent.

Highlights

Spherical nanocellulose (SNC) prepared via acidic hydrolysis from pine needles

SNC functionalized to semicarbazone‐based bifunctional Schiff base

The Schiff base is a rapid and efficient Hg2+ ions adsorbent

The Schiff base has good antimicrobial activities against Gram (−) bacteria

Biowaste‐based adsorbent has the potential to sustain the bio‐circular economy
Use of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test in community adult patients with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: DeGroot Andrew , Huber Daniel L. , Leddy John J. , Raff Hershel , McCrea Michael A. , Johnson Blair D. , Nelson Lindsay D.
Published: February 2024

Background

The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) is used to establish exercise tolerance for rehabilitation and identify injury subtypes for youth athletes after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Its utility in adult community members is unknown.

Objective

Primary: To describe how adults with and without mTBI tolerate the BCTT. Secondary: To explore relationships between baseline factors, mTBI‐related symptoms, and BCTT duration.

Design

Prospective, observational, longitudinal.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Thirty‐seven adults treated in a level 1 trauma center emergency department with mTBI;  24 uninjured controls (UC).

Interventions

N/A.

Main Measures

Participants completed two visits 3 weeks apart (1 week and 1 month after mTBI) including a 15‐minute BCTT, the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), and preinjury International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Analyses characterized BCTT response and associations between baseline factors, RPQ scores, and BCTT duration.

Results

Persons with mTBI discontinued earlier than UC at 1‐week postinjury using standard discontinuation criteria for exercise intolerance. The percentage of mTBI participants with signs of possible mTBI‐related intolerance was 55.6% at 1 week (36.1% for mTBI‐related symptom exacerbation, 19.4% for exertion/fatigue before reaching 85% of one's age‐predicted maximum heart rate [HR]) and 48.0% at 1 month (40.0% mTBI‐related symptom exacerbation, 8.0% exertion without reaching the target HR). Thirty percent of UCs completed the BCTT at both assessments. UCs met discontinuation criteria for increased nonspecific symptoms (eg, pain/general discomfort and increased Visual Analog Scale ratings; 39–61%) and physical exertion (9–26%). Shorter duration was associated with higher body mass index (r = −0.42 – −0.45), shorter height (r = 0.22–0.29), female gender (r = −0.26 – −0.27), and greater RPQ symptoms (r = −0.28 – ‐0.47).

Conclusion

The BCTT exacerbates mTBI‐related symptoms in adult community members. Participant characteristics and noninjury factors influence performance. The findings imply the BCTT could be useful in clinical assessments of adults with mTBI. Interpretation should account for the unique characteristics of nonathletes.