bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Multiple Doses of Sparsentan on the Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Dapagliflozin: An Open‐Label Drug–Drug Interaction Study in Healthy Adults
Authors: Chen Shang‐Chiung , Cai Danlin , Winnett Claire , Nguyen Mai , Verma Neeraj , Liu Kai , Preciado Priscila
Published: February 2023

Sparsentan is a single‐molecule dual antagonist of the endothelin type A receptor and angiotensin II type 1 receptor under investigation for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, has recently been indicated in chronic kidney disease. Sparsentan may be considered for concomitant use with dapagliflozin. The purpose of this open‐label, 1‐sequence crossover study was to determine whether drug–drug interactions between sparsentan and dapagliflozin affect dapagliflozin pharmacokinetics (PK). In addition, exposure to the inactive metabolite of dapagliflozin, dapagliflozin‐3‐O‐glucuronide, was used to evaluate the effect of sparsentan on the primary metabolizing enzyme of dapagliflozin, uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A9. The study included 22 healthy adults treated with 10 mg of dapagliflozin on day 1, and 800 mg/day of sparsentan on days 5–14, with a 10‐mg dose of dapagliflozin coadministered on day 11. PK samples were taken for dapagliflozin, dapagliflozin‐3‐O‐glucuronide, and sparsentan before and after treatment throughout the study. Steady‐state concentrations of sparsentan following daily dosing did not affect the PK of single‐dose dapagliflozin in healthy adults. Dapagliflozin‐3‐O‐glucuronide PK suggests a minimal effect of sparsentan on metabolism of dapagliflozin by uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A9. No deaths, serious adverse events, or unusual safety signals occurred. Results suggest dapagliflozin PK is not affected by sparsentan daily dosing.
Parallel aeroacoustic computation of unsteady transonic weapon bay using detached‐eddy simulation via open computational fluid dynamics source codes
Authors: Fadıl Ali Can , Zafer Baha
Published: February 2023

Cavity flow research has been ongoing experimentally since the 1940s, especially for weapon bay use in fighter aircraft. Technology advancement has led to the beginning of simulations of experimental studies. The success of these simulations has increased with the emergence of High‐Performance Clusters, and simulation studies have started to take the role of experimental studies. In this paper, an open rectangular, unsteady transonic cavity with a length to depth ratio of 5, Mach number 0.85 and Reynolds number of approximately 6.5 × 106 is simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) on a High‐Performance Cluster. Likewise, cavity door is used to model a real weapon bay. Detached‐Eddy Simulation is used to resolve turbulent properties in the flow domain. Results compatible with experimental data are obtained with OpenFOAM, an open‐source CFD code based on the finite volume method. Additionally, computational costs are given in the clock‐time analysis section, and the necessity of high‐performance clusters for CFD and Computational Aeroacoustics studies is emphasized.
Prevalence of heart failure phenotypes and current use of therapies in primary care: results from a nationwide study
Authors: Jensen Jesper , Poulsen Mikael Kjær , Petersen Per Warrer , Gerdes Bo , Rossing Kasper , Schou Morten
Published: February 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is an increasing concern worldwide. A rising HF burden is expected due to the prospected future demographic changes with aging populations. Consequently, the long‐term follow‐up and treatment will be performed increasingly by primary care physicians in the future. Contemporary data on HF patients in primary care are needed to plan and ensure an effective and safe follow‐up of future patients.

Methods and results

The electronic patient journals of 148 primary care clinics in Denmark were searched in a standardized manner to identify patients with HF [code K77 of the International Classification of Primary Care, Second Edition]. Prespecified variables including demographic information, clinical variables, co‐morbidities, prescribed medications, and setting of follow‐up were recorded. In total, 1111 patients were included in the study. The mean timepoint for the HF diagnosis was August 2018. In 95% of cases, the diagnosis of HF was made in a specialized setting. The echocardiogram data used for phenotyping were available in 1042 (94%) of the 1111 patients. HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) was present in 43%, recovered HFrEF in 31%, and HF with mildly reduced (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in 26%. In patients with HFrEF or recovered HFrEF, fundamental treatments were prescribed in 86% for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), in 82% for beta‐blocker, in 38% for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), and in 12% for sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2i). Older patients were treated to a significantly lesser extent than young patients for all drug classes [odds ratio (OR) point estimates 0.50 to 0.69, all P‐values < 0.05]. In patients with HFmrEF or HFpEF, an ACEI, ARB, or ARNI was prescribed in 67%, beta‐blocker in 67%, MRA in 22%, and SGLT2i in 7.4% with significantly lower probability of treatment compared to patients with HFrEF or recovered HFrEF [OR point estimates 0.33 to 0.57, all P‐values < 0.05]. The setting of follow‐up was available in 96% of patients. Irrespective of HF phenotype, follow‐up was performed solely in primary care in 64%. These patients were generally treated to a lesser extent with HF therapies compared with patients where follow‐up included specialized care, yet differences were generally small.

Conclusions

HFrEF is the most common phenotype of HF in primary care followed by recovered HFrEF and fundamental therapies are markedly underutilized. Initiatives to increase the use of recommended therapies are needed to improve the future care of patients with HF.
New Synthetic Route for Reaching Higher Phase Stabilization in LAMOX‐Based Electrolyte for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Hchicha Khouloud , Mhadhbi Noureddine , Guesmi Ahlem , Soltani Taoufik , Hamadi Naoufel Ben , Naïli Houcine
Published: February 2023

S‐substituted La2Mo2O9 were synthesized by a solid‐state procedure employing ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 as a sulfur source. The synthesized powders were examined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared, and Raman spectroscopies. The results divulged that the stabilization of the β‐La2Mo2O9 polymorph occurred in the interval of sulfur composition 0.1≤y≤0.6. This substitution generates a linear dwindling of the unit cell volume. The decomposition of all substituted samples started above 900 °C with a total weight loss linearly dependent on the sulfur content. Electrical studies confirmed that substituting S6+ for Mo6+ suppresses the phase transition of La2Mo2O9 and stabilizes the cubic polymorph down to ambient temperature. It was also remarkable that this substitution caused a decrease in the conductivity, and unfortunately, none of the tested compositions allowed exceeding the conductivity of La2Mo2O9. Infrared and Raman spectra confirmed the presence of the characteristic peaks of sulfates and molybdates groups.
Chemically modified pencil electrodes for application in reagentless chronopotentiometric antioxidant activity measurement
Authors: Muthuri Lawrence K. , Nagy Livia , Nagy Géza
Published: February 2023

Recently a novel chronopotentiometric method has been introduced that was found useful for assessing antioxidant activity. In our experiments, the performance of chemically modified working electrodes made of different pencil materials were tested in the novel method. Redox mediator film of Meldola Blue was formed on electrode surfaces. The stability of the film, the number of molecules structuring it has been studied. In antioxidant measurements, controlled potential oxidation of the mediator was made followed by recording the open cell potential in time. The initial slope of this was used as analytical signal. Results proved applicability of the pencil probes.
A smart mechanical‐energy harvesting and self‐heating textile device for photo‐thermal energy utilization
Authors: Wang Hui , Yu Yunfei , Yang Xiaoyu , Wang Shuo , Ge Jing , Yang Qingbin , Zhou Xinlei , Zheng Guoqiang , Dai Kun , Dai Xingyi , Feng Yiyu , Huang Long‐Biao , Feng Wei
Published: February 2023

A smart textile that could harvest mechanical‐energy for photo‐thermal energy utilization facilitates the development of a flexible self‐heating wearable device. This study presents novel triboelectric materials with a dynamic‐bond‐cross‐linking azobenzene‐based polymer (PAzo‐M) with diverse metal ions. The flexible nylon fabric coated with PAzo‐M (NF@PAzo‐M) serves as a friction layer of the photothermal triboelectric nanogenerator (PT‐TENG) to harvest human mechanical energy. The prepared PT‐TENG could exhibit a maximum open‐circuit voltage of up to 188.8 V with excellent electron loss capability because of its minimum vertical electron affinity of internal ion. And it can harvest mechanical energy from human motion (0.5–1 Hz) to drive the self‐powering irradiation of ultraviolet light or visible light, leading to the reversible isomerization of NF@PAzo‐M. The NF@PAzo‐M textile cyclically utilizes photo‐thermal energy for self‐heating. These results suggest new opportunities to harvest human mechanical energy for self‐powering multifunctional wearable devices for functions.

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Klimabezogene Optimierung von Baugrundverbesserungen – Multidisziplinärer Ansatz zur Verknüpfung von Ökobilanz und technischen Aspekten
Authors: Knabe Birthe , Tinat Christopher , Rosenberg Matthias
Published: February 2023

Die Bewertung von Bauprozessen hinsichtlich umweltrelevanter Aspekte nimmt an Bedeutung zu und ist für die Baupraxis von besonderem Interesse. Es wird eine Bewertungsmethode für die Rüttelstopfverdichtung (RSV) und die dynamische Intensivverdichtung (DYNIV) mit Einschlagen von sog. DYNIV‐Säulen vorgestellt, welche sowohl technische als auch umweltrelevante Kriterien einbezieht. Zur Bewertung der umweltrelevanten Aspekte wird die Ökobilanzierung angewendet. Aufgrund der durch die Klimakrise zunehmenden Bedeutung des globalen Erwärmungspotenzials (GWP) wird dieses als maßgeblicher Indikator für die Beurteilung der Umweltrelevanz festgelegt.

Mit den beiden hier betrachteten Verfahren zur Baugrundverbesserung werden granulare Säulen hergestellt, wobei die DYNIV in verdichtbaren Böden zusätzlich eine signifikante Verbesserung der Bodeneigenschaften unterhalb des Säulenfußes erzeugt. An einem konkreten Projektbeispiel eines Logistikzentrums zeigen die Analyseergebnisse daher Vorteile der DYNIV hinsichtlich der Umweltwirkungen. Bei dem im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung definierten Setzungskriterium können die DYNIV‐Säulen im Vergleich zu der RSV bis zu 60 % des GWP einsparen. Lässt man größere Setzungen zu, könnten die Umweltwirkungen beider Verfahren weiter reduziert werden. Diese Entscheidung wird künftig durch die Bauherren zu treffen sein. Am vorliegenden Beispiel wird die multidisziplinäre Optimierung mit den beiden Kriterien Minimierung der Setzung sowie Minimierung des GWP durchgeführt.
Boots on the ground: Foreign direct investment by born digital firms
Authors: Stallkamp Maximilian , Chen Liang , Li Sali
Published: February 2023

Research Summary

Recent global strategy research on born digital firms (i.e., firms with digital products distributed through digital channels) has paid only limited attention to the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the internationalization of such firms. We argue that exploiting digital technologies requires a range of complementary, non‐digital resources. Born digitals typically deploy FDI when large cultural and geographic distances limit the fungibility and scalability of such complementary resources, leading to a positive relationship between distance (cultural and geographic) and FDI. The positive distance effect is moderated by business model type. Using a sample of US‐based born digital firms with over 800 FDIs, we find support for our hypotheses and contribute an important empirical baseline to recent discussions of digitalization in global strategy.

Managerial Summary

Companies selling digital products (e.g., software, cloud‐based services) are theoretically able to offer their products in foreign markets through internet‐based channels, without ever setting foot in a foreign country. And yet, many “born digital” firms establish a physical presence in foreign markets by undertaking foreign direct investment (FDI). This phenomenon remains insufficiently explained. We argue that FDI can supply important complementary resources that help exploit and monetize digital assets in foreign markets. Using data from over 800 FDI projects, we show that FDI is more likely to occur if the foreign market is far away or culturally very different from the company's home country, and that the strength of this relationship differs among B2C and B2B business models.
Diagnostic value of peripheral blood miR‐296 combined with vascular endothelial growth factor B on the degree of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Xu Lei , Fu Ting , Wang Yu , Ji Ningning
Published: February 2023

Objective

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a disorder resulting from organic and functional coronary artery stenosis (CAS), thus causing reduced oxygenated blood in the heart. miRNAs are useful biomarkers in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, CHD, and acute coronary syndrome. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is closely related to CHD. This study explored the correlation of miR‐296 and VEGF‐B expression levels in peripheral blood with CAS degree in CHD patients.

Methods

Totally 220 CHD patients were enrolled and classified into mild‐(71 cases)/moderate‐(81 cases)/severe‐CAS (68 cases) groups, with another 80 healthy cases as controls. The serum miR‐296 and VEGF‐B expression levels were detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between miR‐296 and CAS‐related indexes was assessed via Pearson analysis. The binding relationship of miR‐296 and VEGF‐B was first predicted and their correlation was further analyzed via the Pearson method. The clinical diagnostic efficacy of miR‐296 or VEGF‐B on CAS degree was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Serum miR‐296 was downregulated in CHD patients and was the lowest in patients with severe‐CAS. miR‐296 was negatively‐correlated with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide, and cardiac troponin I. miR‐296 targeted VEGF‐B. VEGF‐B was upregulated in CHD patients and inversely‐related to miR‐296. Low expression of miR‐296 and high expression of VEGF‐B both had high clinical diagnostic values on CAS degree in CHD patients. miR‐296 combined with VEGF‐B increased the diagnostic value on CAS.

Conclusion

Low expression of miR‐296 combined with high expression of its target VEGF‐B predicts CAS degree in CHD patients.
Prevalence and whole‐genome sequencing characterization of Salmonella in urban karst groundwater and predominantly groundwater‐fed surface waters for serotypes and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Agga Getahun E. , Kaiser Rachel , Polk Jason , Allard Marc
Published: February 2023

Karst aquifers provide a significant source of drinking water around the world; however, they are prone to bacterial contamination. We investigated the prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) of Salmonella in urban karst groundwater and groundwater‐fed surface waters. Weekly water samples (n = 443) were collected from nine groundwater sites and the Barren River in Bowling Green, KY. Additionally, cross‐sectional samples were collected from 45 sites, including groundwaters and two rivers, in Tampa, FL. Salmonella was detected in 14.5% of Bowling Green samples resulting in 176 isolates representing 18 serotypes. Two (4.4%) of the Tampa samples were positive yielding eight isolates representing two serotypes. In Bowling Green, Salmonella prevalence varied by sampling site, week, month, and season, with the highest prevalence in surface water in the month of November and during summer. Salmonella Newport was the most common serotype detected. Nine of the serotypes detected in the study were among the top 20 serotypes commonly associated with human infections in the United States. Isolates were clustered with human clinical isolates, or isolates obtained from food animals, suggesting the importance of humans and agricultural practices as a source of water contamination. ARGs were detected in 12.5% (n = 176) of the Bowling Green isolates; overall, 81.8% (n = 22) of these were multidrug‐resistant (resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes). Notably, the four Salmonella Agona isolates were resistant to four antimicrobial classes, mercury, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Seasonality and the widespread occurrence of Salmonella both in the groundwater and groundwater‐fed surface waters is a potential risk to public health.
Sex effects on gingival transcriptomic patterns during initiation, progression, and resolution of periodontitis
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Kirakodu Sreenatha S. , Nguyen Linh M. , Gonzalez Octavio A.
Published: February 2023

Background

The prevalence and severity of periodontitis demonstrates altered population distribution with age, sex, and race and ethnicity. While males exhibit greater frequency of disease, particularly with aging, the underlying basis for this observation remains obscure.

Objective

This study used a nonhuman primate (Macaca mulatta) model of experimental ligature‐induced periodontitis in adult animals to evaluate gingival transcriptomic differences stratified based upon sex of the animal.

Methods

The 18 animals represented humans ages 40–80 years, with gingival tissue samples obtained at baseline, 0.5 months (initiation), 1 and 3 months (progression), and at 5 months that were 60 days after ligature removal for clinical disease resolution. Microarray analysis was used to quantify gene expression profiles in the gingival tissues.

Results

The results demonstrated clear gene expression differences in healthy (baseline) tissues between the sexes, with elevations in females associated with immune responses and elevation in males related to tissue structural genes. With disease initiation, fewer genes differed between the sexes, while these differences were significantly increased in progressing disease and resolution, particularly in male animals. Overexpressed biological processes showed tissue structural/functional genes at initiation, with host response pathways altered during disease progression. Resolution samples generally demonstrated biological processes of cellular metabolism that differed from baseline healthy samples.

Conclusion

The transcriptomic findings support sex as a biological variable in periodontitis using a nonhuman primate model of experimental periodontitis.
Preparation of degradable amphoteric surfactant and property evaluation of clean fracturing fluid
Authors: Chen Mengjin , Pi Jinyu , Shi Yali , Chen Tianqi , Fu Chaoyang
Published: February 2023

The main agent of clean fracturing fluid, cationic quaternary ammonium salt surfactant, is difficult to degrade in natural conditions because of its long alkyl chain. In this study, a biodegradable amphoteric surfactant, stearate sulfobetaine (SESB), was synthesized by esterification of long‐chain stearic acid and N,N‐dimethyl ethanolamine followed by quaternization to serve as the main agent of clean fracturing fluid. The structure of the synthetic degradable surfactant was verified by infrared and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. In addition, a series of indoor performance evaluations were carried out, including shear resistance, viscoelasticity, sand carrying capacity, and gel‐breaking performance. A series of experimental evaluations showed that the clean fracturing fluid prepared with 2% SESB and 0.4% EDTA‐4Na had an excellent comprehensive performance. The apparent viscosity was higher than 50 mPa s at 80°C for a shear rate of 170 s−1. It has good heat and shear resistance performance. In addition, the system processed high shear stability and recovery at room temperature. According to the viscoelastic test, the system mainly relies on elasticity to carry sand. The static settling velocity of sand was 0.042 mm/s under high‐temperature conditions of 95°C.
Fine structural features and antioxidant capacity of ferulated arabinoxylans extracted from nixtamalized maize bran
Authors: Marquez‐Escalante Jorge A , Carvajal‐Millan Elizabeth , Martínez‐López Ana L , Martínez‐Robinson Karla G , Campa‐Mada Alma C , Rascon‐Chu Agustín
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The nixtamalization process improves the nutritional and technological properties of maize. This process generates nixtamalized maize bran as a by‐product, which is a source of arabinoxylans (AX). AX are polysaccharides constituted of a xylose backbone with mono‐ or di‐arabinose substitutions, which can be ester‐linked to ferulic acid (FA). The present study investigated the fine structural features and antioxidant capacity (AC) of nixtamalized maize bran arabinoxylans (MBAX) to comprehend the structure–radical scavenging capacity relationship in this polysaccharide deeply.

RESULTS

MBAX presented a molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, and hydrodynamic radius of 674 kDa, 1.8 dL g−1, and 24.6 nm, respectively. The arabinose‐to‐xylose ratio (A/X) and FA content were 0.74 and 0.25 g kg−1 polysaccharide, respectively. MBAX contained dimers (di‐FA) and trimer (tri‐FA) of FA (0.14 and 0.07 g kg−1 polysaccharide, respectively). The main di‐FA isomer was the 8–5′ structure (80%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed MBAX molecular identity, and the second derivate of the spectral data revealed a band at 958 cm−1 related to the presence of arabinose disubstitution. 1H‐Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed mono‐ and di‐arabinose substitution in the xylan backbone with more monosubstituted residues. MBAX registered an AC of 25 and 20 μmol Trolox equivalents g−1 polysaccharide despite a low FA content, using ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) and DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) methods, respectively.

CONCLUSION

AC in MBAX could be related to the high A/X ratio (mainly monosubstitution) and the high 8–5′ di‐FA proportion in this polysaccharide. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improvement of shelf‐life of cherry (Prunus avium L.) by combined application of modified‐atmosphere packaging and antagonistic yeast for long‐distance export
Authors: Cabañas Catalina M. , Hernández Alejandro , Serradilla Manuel J. , Moraga Carlos , Martín Alberto , Córdoba María de Guía , Ruiz‐Moyano Santiago
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The last decade has seen a growing interest in reducing the use of chemical fungicides for postharvest decay control. In the research for new, safe alternatives, the combined application of biocontrol agents and passive modified‐atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been shown to be a promising strategy to extend fruit quality. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the combined application of MAP and two antagonistic yeasts, Metschnikowia pulcherrima L672 and Pichia kudriavzevii PK18, on sweet cherry shelf life.

RESULTS

Microbiological, physico‐chemical, and quality fruit analysis from batches treated with antagonistic yeast were compared with a control batch without yeast application and a batch to which fludioxonil (Scholar®) was applied. The composition of the atmosphere and physico‐chemical traits showed similar values among the different batches during cold storage. However, interestingly, the combination of MAP with the antagonistic yeasts M. pulcherrima L672 and P. kudriavzevii PK18 increases the control of microbiological spoilage with results comparable to the application of fludioxonil. In addition, these batches experienced a slight decrease in volatile compounds associated with fresh fruit aroma, whereas in the control batch an increase of altered fruit aromas was observed. The same effect of control of spoilage was observed during the shelf life period.

CONCLUSION

These results showed the positive effect of the combination of antagonistic yeasts and MAP, obtaining similar results in terms of control of microbiological spoilage and physico‐chemical quality compared with the application of fludioxonil. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Technical and Interpretive Pitfalls in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Authors: Gupta Amit , Bagri Narendra , Spalkit Stanzin , Jana Manisha
Published: February 2023

The use of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound (US) in pediatric rheumatology has expanded rapidly with various diagnostic and therapeutic indications. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), US allows real‐time dynamic assessment, evaluation of multiple joints in a single session and comparison with contralateral limb. However, a long learning curve and lack of experience with MSK US in pediatric patients still precludes its routine use at many imaging centers. It is prudent for pediatric radiologists to be aware of normal US appearances of the growing MSK structures to avoid their misinterpretation as pathology. The normal MSK US findings in children which can be confused with pathology and create diagnostic difficulty can arise due to variable states of maturation of bones, cartilage and tendons, complex anatomical locations, accessory structures, and artifacts. Herein, we describe the various technical and interpretive challenges encountered with MSK US in pediatric patients.
Use of metagenomics and metabolomics to quantify changes in rhizosphere soil microbial function in response to mulching regimes
Authors: Tian Lixin , Zhang Feifei , Zhang Lei , Gao Xiaoli , Feng Baili
Published: February 2023

The effects of distinct mulching regimes on the microbial functional properties and metabolic profiles of rhizosphere soil remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted metagenomic and metabolomic analyses to explore the microbial functional specificity and metabolic pathways under three mulching regimes, namely, traditional flat planting with non‐mulch (TP), ridge‐furrow plastic film mulching (RF), and plastic film mulching (PFM). Compared to TP treatment, RF and PFM treatments significantly improved the soil temperature and moisture content, stimulated the increase of five extracellular enzyme activities, thereby reducing soil nutrient content (soil pH, total N, soil organic carbon, NH4+‐N, and NO3−‐N) to meet crop demand for nutrients. In addition, RF treatment significantly decreased the relative abundance of nxrA, while increasing the relative abundance of nasA, thereby further decreasing NO3−‐N content. However, RF and PFM treatments had no significant effect on the relative abundance of nirB, nirD, nrfA, and nrfH. Meanwhile, PFM and RF treatment stimulated the increase of extracellular enzyme activities accelerated microbial metabolism, thereby promoting the synthesis of metabolites involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Metabolomics and network analyses revealed that RF and PFM treatments not only enriched organoheterocyclic compounds, organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid‐like molecules, and organic oxygen compounds but also increased their relative abundance in the major modules. Overall, this study provides deep insights into how mulching regimes alter soil microbial functional potential and metabolic profiles, which may have predictable impacts on the rhizosphere soil nutrient cycling of agroecosystems under mulching systems in semiarid regions.
Examining superoxide dynamics in irradiated natural waters
Authors: Arlinghaus Kandis , Frossard Amanda A. , Miller William L.
Published: February 2023

Superoxide () is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is primarily produced by the one‐electron transfer of photooxidized chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) to O2 in sunlit natural waters. Here we examine the environmental and chemical parameters (pH, ionic strength, buffer, and halides) that may influence photochemical production rates and decay pathways in natural water. Using the enzyme superoxide dismutase and H2O2 measurements, we present results from an irradiated freshwater CDOM source indicating that reductive decay pathways (P/PSOD) dominate with increased pH and NaCl additions and maximal photoproduction rates () increase with carbonate compared to borate buffer. Over 2 h of irradiation, a significant decline in was seen for all samples along with a minor increase in oxidative pathways. These results imply shifts in decay pathways and production rates that seem to vary across natural waters and as a function of irradiation history.
Preparation and Investigation of Thermally Annealed Zein–Propolis Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hochheim Sabrina , Sampaio Naiara M. F. M. , da Cruz Anderson Fraga , del Mercato Loretta L. , D'Amone Eliana , da Silva Bruno José Gonçalves , Saul Cyro Ketzer , de Oliveira Carolina Camargo , Riegel‐Vidotti Izabel
Published: February 2023

Zein, a corn‐derived protein, has a variety of applications ranging from drug delivery to tissue engineering and wound healing. This work aims to develop a biocompatible scaffold for dermal applications based on thermally annealed electrospun propolis‐loaded zein nanofibers. Pristine fibers' biocompatibility is determined in vitro. Next, propolis from Melipona quadrifasciata is added to the fibers at different concentrations (5% to 25%), and the scaffolds are studied. The physicochemical properties of zein/propolis precursor dispersions are evaluated and the results are correlated to the fibers' properties. Due to zein's and propolis' very favorable interactions, which are responsible for the increase in the dispersions surface tension, nanometric size ribbon‐like fibers ranging from 420 to 575 nm are obtained. The fiber's hydrophobicity is not dependent on propolis concentration and increases with the annealing procedure. Propolis inhibitory concentration (IC50) is determined as 61.78 µg mL−1. When loaded into fibers, propolis is gradually delivered to cells as Balb/3T3 fibroblasts and are able to adhere, grow, and interact with pristine and propolis‐loaded fibers, and cytotoxicity is not observed. Therefore, the zein–propolis nanofibers are considered biocompatible and safe. The results are promising and provide prospects for the development of wound‐healing nanofiber patches—one of propolis' main applications.
Evaluating Potential Impacts of Offshore Wind Development on Fishing Operations by Comparing Fine- and Coarse-Scale Fishery-Dependent Data
Authors: Allen-Jacobson Lianne M. , Jones Andrew W. , Mercer Anna J. , Cadrin Steven X. , Galuardi Benjamin , Christel Doug , Silva Angela , Lipsky Andrew , Haugen Janne B.
Published: February 2023

Climate change will disrupt many aspects of the marine environment, with anticipated effects for half of northeastern U.S. fisheries. To mitigate effects of climate change, the United States has designated 90,650 km2 (35,000 mi2) of ocean for offshore wind energy development, but this growing industry could impact fisheries in the region. Hence, there is a need to measure the spatial distribution of fishing operations to support multiple goals, including spatial planning and compensatory mitigation. In the U.S. Northeast, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries developed fishing footprints previously by using logbooks. However, logbook footprints rely on coarse data: a single location, the center point of fishing trips reported in logbooks. Therefore, we evaluated bias in these logbook footprints by restricting the size of logbook footprints and by generating active-fishing footprints from fine-scale location data collected by a reference fleet operating in the same region. Active-fishing footprints act as a benchmark approximating the “true” fishing footprint and exposure to wind farms. We focused on the longfin inshore squid Doryteuthis pealeii fishery, including 336 trips from 2016 to 2019, and 38 wind farms in southern New England and the Middle Atlantic Bight. Compared to the benchmark active-fishing footprints, unrestricted logbook footprints detected all exposed trips. As we restricted the logbook footprints, the logbook analysis failed to detect exposed trips but better approximated the amount of exposed revenue. Finally, unrestricted logbook footprints underestimated the exposed revenue for high-impact wind farms and overestimated the exposed revenue for low-impact wind farms, and this bias declined with logbook footprint restriction. We show how restricting logbook footprints could improve exposure analysis that depends on coarse-scale data when fine-scale data are unavailable. Furthermore, our analysis highlights the limits of coarse-scale data (i.e., logbook footprints). Therefore, we recommend additional incentives for voluntary participation in programs collecting fine-scale data. These incentives should be prioritized because informed, time-sensitive decisions depend on data collected prior to construction of offshore wind farms.
Brain and Systemic Inflammation in De Novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Yacoubian Talene A. , Fang Yu‐Hua Dean , Gerstenecker Adam , Amara Amy , Stover Natividad , Ruffrage Lauren , Collette Christopher , Kennedy Richard , Zhang Yue , Hong Huixian , Qin Hongwei , McConathy Jonathan , Benveniste Etty N. , Standaert David G.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess the presence of brain and systemic inflammation in subjects newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Background

Evidence for a pathophysiologic role of inflammation in PD is growing. However, several key gaps remain as to the role of inflammation in PD, including the extent of immune activation at early stages, potential effects of PD treatments on inflammation and whether pro‐inflammatory signals are associated with clinical features and/or predict more rapid progression.

Methods

We enrolled subjects with de novo PD (n = 58) and age‐matched controls (n = 62). Subjects underwent clinical assessments, including the Movement Disorder Society‐United Parkinson's Disease rating scale (MDS‐UPDRS). Comprehensive cognitive assessment meeting MDS Level II criteria for mild cognitive impairment testing was performed. Blood was obtained for flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine analyses. Subjects underwent imaging with 18F‐DPA‐714, a translocator protein 18kd ligand, and lumbar puncture if eligible and consented.

Results

Baseline demographics and medical history were comparable between groups. PD subjects showed significant differences in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living, Scales for Outcomes in PD autonomic dysfunction, and MDS‐UPDRS scores. Cognitive testing demonstrated significant differences in cognitive composite, executive function, and visuospatial domain scores at baseline. Positron emission tomography imaging showed increased 18F‐DPA‐714 signal in PD subjects. 18F‐DPA‐714 signal correlated with several cognitive measures and some chemokines.

Conclusions

18F‐DPA‐714 imaging demonstrated increased central inflammation in de novo PD subjects compared to controls. Longitudinal follow‐up will be important to determine whether the presence of inflammation predicts cognitive decline. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Utility of whole‐exome sequencing for patients with multiple congenital anomalies with or without intellectual disability/developmental delay in East Asia population
Authors: Hsu Rai‐Hseng , Lee Chen‐Hao , Chien Yin‐Hsiu , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Hung Miao‐Zi , Chen Nai‐Chi , Lin Yi‐Lin , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Lee Ni‐Chung
Published: February 2023

Background

Congenital anomalies (CAs) with or without intellectual disability (ID)/developmental delay (DD) comprise a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases that affect approximately 3% of live births worldwide. Recently, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) demonstrated the highly heterogeneous genetic causes of CAs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a referral system to increase the yield of WES for CAs.

Methods

From August 2018 to July 2019, patients with CAs, with or without ID/DD, after excluding gross chromosomal aberrations, were referred to geneticists in two medical centers. Variant prioritization was conducted with an AI‐assisted tool for whole exomes or a CA‐related gene panel.

Results

Forty patients (27 males and 13 females) with CAs were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 4.71 years (range, 0.01–18.2). Pathogenic variants in 14 genes were discovered in 16 patients (three patients with CHD7 and 13 patients with one gene each of ATP6V1B2, TAF6, COL4A3BP, ANKH, BMP2, SMARCA4, CUL4B, PGAP3, SOX11, FBN2, PTPN11, SOS1, or PROKR2), with a positive diagnostic rate of 40%. Among the 16 positive cases, 13 (81%) also had ID/DD. The inheritance was autosomal dominant in 13 (81%), autosomal recessive in two (13%), and X‐linked in one (6%). Only five patients received a correct clinical diagnosis before WES. The analyses of patients with a negative genetic diagnosis revealed a phenotype and gene mutation load similar to those of the positive‐finding patients but with a lower percentage of ID/DD.

Conclusions

The careful selection of patients by experienced geneticists and the exclusion of chromosomal aberrations raises the positive rate of the molecular diagnosis for CAs to 40%. However, more than half of the patients with CAs still do not have a genetic diagnosis by current technologies.
Musculoskeletal pain and its impact on prognosis following acute coronary syndrome or stroke: A linked electronic health record cohort study
Authors: Mason Kayleigh J. , Jordan Kelvin P. , Heron Neil , Edwards John J. , Bailey James , Achana Felix A. , Chen Ying , Frisher Martin , Huntley Alyson L. , Mallen Christian D. , Mamas Mamas A. , Png May Ee , Tatton Stephen , White Simon , Marshall Michelle
Published: February 2023

Objective

Musculoskeletal painful conditions are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but less is known about whether musculoskeletal pain also worsens prognosis from CVD. The objective was to determine whether patients with musculoskeletal pain have poorer prognosis following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke.

Methods

The study utilised UK electronic primary care records (CPRD Aurum) with linkage to hospital and mortality records. Patients aged ≥45 years admitted to hospital with incident ACS/stroke were categorised by healthcare use for musculoskeletal pain (inflammatory conditions, osteoarthritis [OA], and regional pain) based on primary care consultations in the prior 24 months. Outcomes included mortality, length of stay, readmission and management of index condition (ACS/stroke).

Results

There were 171,670 patients with incident ACS and 138,512 with stroke; 30% consulted for musculoskeletal pain prior to ACS/stroke and these patients had more comorbidity than those without musculoskeletal pain. Rates of mortality and readmission, and length of stay were higher in those with musculoskeletal pain, particularly OA and inflammatory conditions, in ACS. Readmission was also higher for patients with musculoskeletal pain in stroke. However, increased risks associated with musculoskeletal pain did not remain after adjustment for age and polypharmacy. Inflammatory conditions were associated with increased likelihood of prescriptions for dual anti‐platelets (ACS only) and anti‐coagulants.

Conclusions

Patients with musculoskeletal pain have higher rates of poor outcome from ACS which relates to being older but also increased polypharmacy. The high rates of comorbidity including polypharmacy highlight the complexity of patients with musculoskeletal pain who have new onset ACS/stroke.
Deep capsule encoder–decoder network for surrogate modeling and uncertainty quantification
Authors: Thakur Akshay , Chakraborty Souvik
Published: February 2023

We propose a novel capsule‐based deep encoder–decoder model for surrogate modeling and uncertainty quantification of systems in mechanics from sparse data. The proposed framework is developed by adapting Capsule Network (CapsNet) architecture into an image‐to‐image regression encoder–decoder network. Specifically, the aim is to exploit the benefits of CapsNet over convolution neural network (CNN) – retaining pose and position information related to an entity to name a few. The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated by solving two different variants of elliptic partial differential equations (PDE): a stochastic version without a source term having an input dimensionality of 1024 and a deterministic pressure Poisson equation for flow past a cylinder. The first PDE, that is, the stochastic PDE (SPDE), also governs systems in mechanics such as steady heat conduction, groundwater flow, or other diffusion processes. In this article, the problem definition for this SPDE is such that it does not restrict the random diffusion field to a particular covariance structure, and the more strenuous task of response prediction for an arbitrary diffusion field is solved. Finally, we also evaluate the performance of our model on the uncertainty propagation problem based on this equation. The obtained results from the performance evaluation of the developed model on the mentioned problems indicate that the proposed approach is accurate, data efficient, and robust.
“Energize your life” virtually: Lessons learned from online gardening workshops
Authors: Spaccarotella Kim , Wheeler Bridget , Mishra Sasmita
Published: February 2023

Virtual gardening classes that started in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic continue to attract participants. Little is known about characteristics that improve their effectiveness and enable participants to continue gardening. The purpose of this project was to pilot test a nutrition‐focused, virtual container gardening program, obtain feedback on its content and delivery, and identify features that may impact the long‐term effectiveness of virtual gardening interventions. Gardening curricula were adapted for a virtual program offering adults five, 1‐h sessions. At baseline, participants (n = 12) were very interested in consuming produce (mean score 4.6 ± 1.0 out of 5) and consumed fruit and vegetables at a mean of 2.6 ± 1.4 times/day. There were no significant differences in consumption based on prior gardening experience (p = .6). Participants requested recipes that were inexpensive, quick, and easy to adapt. They suggested resources on storing and preparing produce, garden care, and getting seeds as support. Although the ability to rewatch recorded workshops and participate remotely were convenient, follow‐up with asynchronous participants, inadequate lighting, over‐watering, indoor pests, and failure of seeds to germinate indoors were challenges. Future work should identify ways to enhance social support and interaction among virtual workshop participants and determine how virtual gardening programs affect produce consumption among those with limited intake.
Effect of telehealth‐based versus in‐person nutritional and exercise intervention on type II diabetes mellitus improvement and efficiency of human resources utilization in patients with obesity
Authors: Rajkumar Shruthi , Davidson Elana , Bell Michael , Reardon Christina , Lapolla Abby , Michelakis Maria , Raftopoulos Yannis
Published: February 2023

Aims

Telehealth became a patient necessity during the COVID pandemic and evolved into a patient preference in the post‐COVID era. This study compared the % total body weight loss (%TBWL), HbA1c reduction, and resource utilization among patients with obesity and diabetes who participated in lifestyle interventions with or without telehealth.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with obesity and diabetes who were followed every 4–6 weeks either in‐person (n = 83) or via telehealth (n = 67), were included. All patients were provided with an individualized nutritional plan that included a weight‐based daily protein intake from protein supplements and food, an activity/sleep schedule‐based meal times, and an aerobic exercise goal of a 2000‐calorie burn/week, customized to patient's preferences, physical abilities, and comorbidities. The goal was to lose 10%TBWL. Telehealth‐based follow‐up required transmission via texting of weekly body composition measurements and any blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dl for medication adjustments. Weight, BMI, %TBWL, HbA1c (%), and medication effect score (MES) were compared. Patient no‐show rates, number of visits, program duration, and drop‐out rate were used to assess resource utilization based on cumulative staff and provider time spent (CSPTS), provider lost time (PLT) and patient spent time (PST).

Results

Mean age was 47.2 ± 10.6 years and 74.6% were women. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased from 44.1 ± 7.7–39.7 ± 6.7 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). Mean program duration was 189.4 ± 169.3 days. An HbA1c% unit decline of 1.3 ± 1.5 was achieved with a 10.1 ± 5.1%TBWL. Diabetes was cured in 16% (24/150) of patients. %TBWL was similar in regards to telehealth or in‐person appointments (10.6% ± 5.1 vs. 9.6% ± 4.9, p = 0.14). Age, initial BMI, MES, %TBWL, and baseline HbA1c had a significant independent effect on HbA1c reduction (p < 0.0001). Program duration was longer for in‐person follow‐up (213.8 ± 194 vs. 159.3 ± 127, p = 0.019). The mean annual telehealth and in‐person no‐show rates were 2.7% and 11.2%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean number of visits (5.7 ± 3.0 vs. 8.6 ± 5.1) and drop‐out rates (16.49% vs. 25.83%) were lower in telehealth group (p < 0.0001). The CSPTS (440.4 ± 267.5 min vs. 200.6 ± 110.8 min), PLT (28.9 ± 17.5 min vs. 3.1 ± 1.6 min), and PST (1033 ± 628 min vs. 113.7 ± 61.4 min) were significantly longer (p < 0.0001) for the in‐person group.

Conclusions

Telehealth offered comparable %TBWL and HbA1c decline as in‐person follow‐up, but with a shorter follow‐up, fewer appointments, and no‐shows. If improved resource utilization is validated by other studies, telehealth should become the standard of care for the management of obesity and diabetes.