bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UndocuCare: Strategies for mental health services that affirm undocumented college students’ psychological needs
Authors: Nienhusser H. Kenny , Cadenas Germán A. , Sosa Raquel , Moreno Oswaldo
Published: August 2023

There are an estimated 427,000 undocumented college students enrolled in higher education. Undocumented college students encounter unique challenges associated with their precarious immigration status that impacts their psychological well‐being. In this article, we contextualize the mental health of undocumented college students and the role of college mental health services and professionals in supporting college students’ psychological well‐being. We end with recommendations and, in some cases, examples for campus mental health services, college counseling professionals, and counseling‐related preparation programs to develop policies and practices that affirm and support the mental health of undocumented college students.

Practical Takeaways

Undocumented college students face a higher education landscape that is riddled with discriminatory public policies and college environments that largely neglect their specific needs and fail to promote their success.

Immigration policies shape the well‐being of immigrant students by way of immigration status. For instance, college students with precarious immigration status (lacking access to permanent legal protections) have been found to have lower psychosocial well‐being compared to groups with more secure or permanent statuses (i.e., naturalized citizens).

College mental health services are paramount in developing strategies and efforts that affirm the specific psychological needs of undocumented college students.

We provide recommendations for higher education institutions in three areas: campus mental health services, college counseling professionals (developing cultural competency for mental health services with undocumented students, engaging in structural changes to affirm undocumented students’ mental health, holding broader campus initiatives to advocate for immigrant rights), and counseling‐related preparation programs.
Human‐centred design thinking and public health education: A scoping review
Authors: Romero Vivian , Donaldson Holly
Published: August 2023

Issue Addressed

Human‐centred design thinking (HCDT) is gaining traction to develop appropriate public health interventions. The HCDT process helps frame problems with intention and encourages experimentation through collaboration. Public health graduates need an expanded toolkit to solve both the complex known problems of today, and the adaptability to solve the unknown problems of tomorrow. But how is the health promotion workforce being prepared with this innovation capability? This scoping review aims to provide a pedagogical understanding of teaching HCDT in public health education.

Methods

The Arksey & O'Malley framework is used to structure this review. Peer‐reviewed articles written from 2000 to 2023 across eight databases were analysed. The data extracted included: author/year, setting, aim/purpose, participants, HCDT framework, HCDT methods, outcomes and challenges.

Results

Nine relevant publications were included from a total of 208 records. The first reported use of HCDT in public health and health promotion teaching was in 2015. Teaching inspiration drew from established HCDT frameworks: d.school and IDEO which promote the iterative process of empathy/inspiration, ideation and testing/implementation.

Conclusions

HCDT has been used for both designing public health curricula and for teaching students to apply it in their practice. First, HCDT methods can be used to problem‐solve teaching and learning issues such as creating inviting learning environments and designing an HCDT unit. Second, the teaching of HCDT can prepare and equip the public health workforce to solve problems requiring tailored solutions from an empathetic and iterative stance working as a team. The teaching and practice of HCDT exemplifies the process of social innovation in health promotion.

So What?

As an emerging field, future studies and applications should include clarifying and evaluating the HCDT stages used. More publications will enable a fuller understanding and potentially advocate the necessity of teaching and learning HCDT in public health and health promotion.
Receptors expressions on peripheral lymphocytes and CD4+CD183+ as a diagnostics biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis: A case–control study in Ghana
Authors: Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Buckman Tonnies Abeku , Yeboah‐Mensah Kwame , Senu Ebenezer , Effah Alfred , Antwi‐Berko Daniel , Dey Dzifa , Antwi Maxwell H. , Yorke Joseph , Boateng Andy O. , Addei Akwasi M. , Tanko Muniru M. , Boateng Richard
Published: August 2023

Background

T cell receptors play important roles in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Their involvement has been reported in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. However, their role in predicting RA is still under exploration. This study evaluated the expression of CD183 (CXCR3) receptors on T‐cells and other relevant biomarkers for detecting RA and determine their relationship with disease activity.

Methods

This unmatched case–control study included 48 newly diagnosed RA patients and 30 apparent healthy controls from the orthopedic units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi and Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Sociodemographic data was obtained, and blood samples were also collected and processed for flow cytometric analysis. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and R programming language. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

This study found a significant difference in age group (p < .0001), marital status (p = .0210), occupation (p = .0140), educational level (p = .0210) and religion (p = .0100) between RA patients and healthy controls. Moreover, hemoglobin level (p = .0010), waist circumference (p < .0001) and hip circumference (p = .0040) were significantly different between RA patients and controls. RA patients had significantly lower levels of CD4+CD183+ compared with the control group (p < .001), and was positively correlated with DAS score (r = .0397, p = .789). In Receiver Operator Characteristics analysis, CD4+CD183+ could significantly detect RA with a high area under the curve (AUC = 0.687, p = .018). At a cut‐off of 0.082, CD4+CD183+ was the best receptor biomarker for detecting RA with a sensitivity of 90.0%, specificity of 25.9%, a positive predictive value of 69.2%, and a negative predictive value of 58.3%.

Conclusion

CD4+CD183+ best predict RA and is positively correlated with disease activity. CD4+CD183+ could serve as diagnostics and disease‐monitoring biomarker for RA; however, it demonstrates low specificity. Future studies should be directed on CD4+CD183+ and other biomarkers to augment their diagnostics performances and routine management in RA.
High systemic immune‐inflammation index is relevant to osteoporosis among middle‐aged and older people: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Suli , Ni Wenyan
Published: August 2023

Background

As one of novel inflammatory indexes proposed in recent years, systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) can comprehensively reflect the inflammatory and immune state of the body. This study aims to explore the relationship between SII and osteoporosis among middle‐aged and older people.

Materials and Methods

Our study includes 20,497 individuals from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008, and target study population are confined to people aged 45 years and above. SII is calculated as platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count. Multivariate logistic regression analysis is used to explore the link between SII and osteoporosis, and receiver operating characteristics curve is used to screen optimal cut‐off value of SII for indicating the occurrence of osteoporosis.

Results

A total of 435 people with osteoporosis are screened among 4625 middle‐aged and older people, and individuals in osteoporosis group have higher SII than those in nonosteoporosis group (p = .024). Logistic regression analysis indicates that with the enhancement of SII, prevalence of osteoporosis in each tertile category also increases (p < .001). This tendency is also not changed in univariate model (p < .001), as well as the adjustments for different parameters. Moreover, we also identify that SII of 530.09 is the optimal cut‐off value for indicating the occurrence of osteoporosis among middle‐aged and older people.

Conclusions

This present NHANES‐based study noticed that higher SII is positively linked to osteoporosis among middle‐aged and older people, and SII should not exceed 530.09 for them to obtain a potentially lower risk of osteoporosis.
Stretchable, skin‐conformable neuromorphic system for tactile sensory recognizing and encoding
Authors: Wu Mengge , Zhuang Qiuna , Yao Kuanming , Li Jian , Zhao Guangyao , Zhou Jingkun , Li Dengfeng , Shi Rui , Xu Guoqiang , Li Yingchun , Zheng Zijian , Yang Zhihui , Yu Junsheng , Yu Xinge
Published: August 2023

Expanding wearable technologies to artificial tactile perception will be of significance for intelligent human–machine interface, as neuromorphic sensing devices are promising candidates due to their low energy consumption and highly effective operating properties. Skin‐compatible and conformable features are required for the purpose of realizing wearable artificial tactile perception. Here, we report an intrinsically stretchable, skin‐integrated neuromorphic system with triboelectric nanogenerators as tactile sensing and organic electrochemical transistors as information processing. The integrated system provides desired sensing, synaptic, and mechanical characteristics, such as sensitive response (~0.04 kPa−1) to low‐pressure, short‐ and long‐term synaptic plasticity, great switching endurance (>10 000 pulses), symmetric weight update, together with high stretchability of 100% strain. With neural encoding, demonstrations are capable of recognizing, extracting, and encoding features of tactile information. This work provides a feasible approach to wearable, skin‐conformable neuromorphic sensing system with great application prospects in intelligent robotics and replacement prosthetics.
Exploring the factors influencing Mobile‐based Ubiquitous System adoption in the Bangladesh RMG sector: A view through DOI and TOE
Authors: Ahad Taimur , Busch Peter
Published: August 2023

Relatively little is known about micro‐ and macro‐level determinants of mobile phone ubiquitous system (MbUS) adoption by the manufacturing industry, such as is the case with the ready‐made garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. This research closes this gap, by presenting the adoption factors of MbUS in RMGs through applying the Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory and technology, organization, environment framework, to explore individual, technological, organizational, and environmental determinants of MbUS adoption. The study also reports on critical country level‐factors, organizational success factors and obstacles in MbUS adoption in RMGs. A qualitative method using interviews with the ready‐made garment (RMG) factory owners, managers, employees, and IT experts, suggests technological readiness, easily understandable MbUS technology, RMG capability, government intervention, and a supportive regulatory environment, were found to be macro‐level determinants of successful MbUS adoption. A survey was also conducted to explore the micro‐level customer‐centric factors, which found the relative advantages of MbUS, cost, the age of user's (p < 0.000), and influence on intention to use MbUS. This paper also identifies MbUS as a technical solution for time‐critical information in RMGs, the competitive environment of RMGs, empowerment opportunities and countrywide demands to improve the RMG situation, are important adoption factors of MbUS rarely identified in prior literature. The findings will be of value to RMGs, government, and MbUS developers, to accelerate development of MbUS in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the findings have implications for other developing countries by improving the capacity of RMGs, while realizing their own development goals through mobile technologies.
The relationship between mother and father racial‐ethnic socialization profiles and family cohesion and sociopolitical values among Asian American adolescents
Authors: Atkin Annabelle L. , Ahn Lydia HaRim , Yi Jacqueline
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Although research on racial‐ethnic socialization with Asian American families examines academic and psychological outcomes, less is known about whether messages from mothers and fathers are related to their adolescent's Asian American sociopolitical values and family cohesion.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data were collected from 308 Asian American adolescents, ages 14−18, in the United States in 2021 (Mage = 16.83; standard deviation = 1.15).

Results

Using latent profile analysis, we found that there were three socialization profiles for mothers (integration socialization, moderate separation socialization, and high separation socialization) and two for fathers (integration socialization and high separation socialization). The integration socialization reported more maintenance of heritage culture and becoming American messages, with the lowest reports of awareness of discrimination and avoidance of outgroups. The high separation profile had the highest amount of maintenance of heritage culture messages, awareness of discrimination, and avoidance of outgroups but lowest amount of becoming American messages. Looking at profiles for youths' perceptions of mothers, the moderate separation profile had slightly lower scores on maintenance of heritage culture messages, moderate scores on avoidance of outgroups, and higher reports of becoming American and awareness of discrimination compared to the high separation profile. Adolescents with mothers in the integration profile had the greatest mother‐child cohesion and highest level of sociopolitical values. With fathers, Asian American adolescents reported greater father−child cohesion in the integration profile, but there were no differences between socialization profiles and youth's Asian American sociopolitical values.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of parental messages on both identity outcomes (i.e., sociopolitical values) and family processes (i.e., family cohesion).
Vaginal wall thickness as potential biomarker of vaginal health. A proposal for standardized ultrasound measurement using three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound
Authors: Alcazar Juan Luis , Para Elisa , Tomaizhe Aida , Laza Maria Victoria , Guerriero Stefano
Published: August 2023

Vaginal wall thickness could be used as a biomarker of vaginal health. We propose a standardized method using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound for measuring vaginal wall thickness. Fill the vagina with gel. Insert the endovaginal transducer into the vagina up to the middle third. In the sagittal plane, visualizing the cervix and vaginal fornices, capture a 3D volume of the upper third of the vagina. Using tomographic ultrasound imaging function in the sagittal plane and the posterior vaginal fornix as the reference obtain at least three axial planes of the vagina, separated by 1 cm. Measure the vaginal wall thickness at a distance of 2 cm from the posterior vaginal fornix at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The reproducibility of measurements was high. Measurements of vaginal wall thickness can be reliably performed.
A surrogate forelimb: Evolution, function and development of the avian cervical spine
Authors: Marek Ryan D.
Published: August 2023

The neck is a critical portion of the avian spine, one that works in tandem with the beak to act as a surrogate forelimb and allows birds to manipulate their surroundings despite the lack of a grasping capable hand. Birds display an incredible amount of diversity in neck morphology across multiple anatomical scales—from varying cervical counts down to intricate adaptations of individual vertebrae. Despite this morphofunctional disparity, little is known about the drivers of this enormous variation, nor how neck evolution has shaped avian macroevolution. To promote interest in this system, I review the development, function and evolution of the avian cervical spine. The musculoskeletal anatomy, basic kinematics and development of the avian neck are all documented, but focus primarily upon commercially available taxa. In addition, recent work has quantified the drivers of extant morphological variation across the avian neck, as well as patterns of integration between the neck and other skeletal elements. However, the evolutionary history of the avian cervical spine, and its contribution to the diversification and success of modern birds is currently unknown. Future work should aim to broaden our understanding of the cervical anatomy, development and kinematics to include a more diverse selection of extant birds, while also considering the macroevolutionary drivers and consequences of this important section of the avian spine.
Predictors of morbidity and in‐hospital mortality following procedure‐related cardiac tamponade
Authors: Deshpande Saurabh , Swatari Hiroyuki , Ahmed Raheel , Collins George , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Somers Virend K. , Chahal Anwar A. , Padmanabhan Deepak
Published: August 2023

Background

Cardiac tamponade (CT) can be a complication following invasive cardiac procedures. We assessed CT following common cardiac electrophysiology (EP) procedures to facilitate risk prediction of associated morbidity and in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

Patients who underwent various EP procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab (ablations and device implantations) were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10‐CM, respectively) from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Patient demographics, presence of comorbidities, CT‐related events, and in‐hospital death were also abstracted from the NIS database.

Results

The frequency of CT‐related events in patients with EP intervention from 2010 to 2017 ranged from 3.4% to 7.0%. In‐hospital mortality related to CT‐related events was found to be 2.2%. Increasing age was the only predictor of higher mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) groups (OR [95% CI]: AF ablation = 11.15 [1.70–73.34], p = .01; CRT = 1.41 [1.05–1.90], p = .02).

Conclusions

In the real‐world setting, CT‐related events in EP procedures were found to be 3.4%–7.0% with in‐hospital mortality of 2.2%. Older patients undergoing AF ablation were found to have higher mortality.
Reversing seasonality of Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode trend in the 21st century
Authors: Zheng Fei , Liu Xiaoning , Wang Hao , Li Yuxun , Wang Rui , Yao Shuailei , Dong Wenjie
Published: August 2023

The Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode (SAM) is the dominant mode of atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere extratropical region. In the late 20th century, the SAM underwent a remarkable positive trend, with the strongest trend occurring in austral summer because of Antarctic ozone depletion. In this study, we quantitatively explore changes in the seasonality of the SAM trend under the background of ozone recovery. As expected, accompanied by ozone recovery since 2001, the summer SAM trend has decreased, thus reducing the seasonal difference in the SAM trend between summer and winter. However, what was not expected and found in this study is that the winter SAM has meanwhile shown an increasing positive trend in the early 21st century, which further reverses the seasonality of the SAM trend, leading to a stronger trend in winter rather than summer, which is different from the seasonality in the late 20th century. The reason underlying the winter SAM changes is explored from the perspective of natural variability. Winter SAM exhibits clear multidecadal variability, and the recent increasing trend is a part of multidecadal oscillation. The multidecadal variability of winter SAM may partly originate from the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. The seasonality of linear trend in extratropical surface climate also exhibits reversing characteristics since 2001. In the early 21st century, the acceleration of westerlies and the strengthening of Amundsen Sea Low are stronger in winter, reversing the previous seasonality in the late 20th century, in which the acceleration of westerlies and the strengthening of Amundsen Sea Low is stronger in summer.
Down the drain: The dynamic interplay of governance adjustments addressing setbacks in large public–private projects
Authors: Fang F. , van der Valk W. , Vos B. , Akkermans H. A.
Published: August 2023

Large government projects involving public–private collaborations inherently suffer from setbacks such as delays, cost overruns, or failure to meet contracted performance. Such setbacks may effectively be addressed through adjustments to contractual and relational governance; yet to date, the dynamics of governance adjustments and their interplay in addressing setbacks is not well understood. This research presents a dynamic theory of how parties can effectively address project setbacks through adjustments to contractual and relational governance. The dynamic theory was generated using longitudinal case data from two large public–private projects in the Netherlands that faced comparable project setbacks but deployed opposing governance adjustments, leading to drastically different project outcomes (i.e., collapse vs. recovery). This theory was then elaborated through two more cases and evidence from the literature. A system dynamics simulation model was then built that reproduces the different governance adjustments and outcomes observed in the four projects and serves to extend theory building. The refined theory not only shows under what conditions adjustments to contractual or relational governance are most effective, but also that governance adjustment interplay may trigger unintended side effects. As such, the theory explains why the careful balancing of governance adjustments is critical to project outcomes.
Effects of gait modifications on tissue‐level knee mechanics in individuals with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis: A proof‐of‐concept study towards personalized interventions
Authors: Esrafilian Amir , Halonen Kimmo S. , Dzialo Christine. M. , Mannisi Marco , Mononen Mika E. , Tanska Petri , Woodburn Jim , Korhonen Rami K. , Andersen Michael S.
Published: August 2023

Gait modification is a common nonsurgical approach to alter the mediolateral distribution of knee contact forces, intending to decelerate or postpone the progression of mechanically induced knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Nevertheless, the success rate of these approaches is controversial, with no studies conducted to assess alterations in tissue‐level knee mechanics governing cartilage degradation response in KOA patients undertaking gait modifications. Thus, here we investigated the effect of different conventional gait conditions and modifications on tissue‐level knee mechanics previously suggested as indicators of collagen network damage, cell death, and loss of proteoglycans in knee cartilage. Five participants with medial KOA were recruited and musculoskeletal finite element analyses were conducted to estimate subject‐specific tissue mechanics of knee cartilages during two gait conditions (i.e., barefoot and shod) and six gait modifications (i.e., 0°, 5°, and 10° lateral wedge insoles, toe‐in, toe‐out, and wide stance). Based on our results, the optimal gait modification varied across the participants. Overall, toe‐in, toe‐out, and wide stance showed the greatest reduction in tissue mechanics within medial tibial and femoral cartilages. Gait modifications could effectually alter maximum principal stress (~20 ± 7%) and shear strain (~9 ± 4%) within the medial tibial cartilage. Nevertheless, lateral wedge insoles did not reduce joint‐ and tissue‐level mechanics considerably. Significance: This proof‐of‐concept study emphasizes the importance of the personalized design of gait modifications to account for biomechanical risk factors associated with cartilage degradation.
Software‐based screening for efficient sgRNAs in Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Wang Hui , Ai Lianzhong , Xia Yongjun , Wang Guangqiang , Xiong Zhiqiang , Song Xin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The two essential editing elements in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) editing system are promoter and single‐guide RNA (sgRNA), the latter of which determines whether Cas protein can precisely target a specific location to edit the targeted gene. Therefore, the selection of sgRNA is crucial to the efficiency of the CRISPR editing system. Various online prediction tools for sgRNA are currently available. These tools can predict all possible sgRNAs of the targeted gene and rank sgRNAs according to certain scoring criteria according to the demands of the user.

RESULTS

We designed sgRNAs for Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 LLNZ_RS02020 (ldh) and LLNZ_RS10925 (upp) individually using online prediction software – CRISPOR – and successfully constructed a series of knockout strains to allow comparison of the knockout efficiency of each sgRNA and analyze the differences between software predictions and actual experimental results.

CONCLUSION

Our experimental results showed that the actual editing efficiency of the screened sgRNAs did not match the predicted results – a phenomenon that suggests that established findings from eukaryotic studies are not universally applicable to prokaryotes. Software prediction can still be used as a tool for the initial screening of sgRNAs before further selection of suitable sgRNAs through experimental experience. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antinutrient removal in yellow lentils by malting
Authors: Cimini Alessio , Poliziani Alessandro , Morgante Lorenzo , Moresi Mauro
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

To improve the current low per capita consumption of lentils, the present study first aimed to minimize the anti‐nutrient content of two yellow Moroccan and Italian lentil seeds by resorting to the malting process and then testing the resulting decorticated flours as ingredients in the formulation of gluten‐free fresh egg pastas.

RESULTS

The most proper operating conditions for the three malting process steps were identified in a bench‐top plant. The first (water steeping) and second (germination) steps were studied at 18, 25 or 32 °C. After 2 or 3 h of steeping at 25 °C and almost 24 h of germination, 95–98.8% of the lentil seeds sprouted. By prolonging the germination process to 72 h, the raffinose or phytic acid content was reduced by about 80% or 95% or 27% or 37%, respectively. The third step (kilning) was carried out under fluent dry air at 50 °C for 24 h and at 75 °C for 3 h. The cotyledons of the resulting yellow lentil malts were cyclonically recovered, milled and chemico‐physically characterized.

CONCLUSION

Both flours were used to prepare fresh egg‐pastas essentially devoid of oligosaccharides, and low in phytate (4.6–6.0 mg g−1) and in vitro glycemic index (38–41%). However, the cooking quality of the fresh egg pasta made of malted Moroccan lentil flour was higher with respect to its crude protein content and lower with respect to its water solubility index. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
μ‐PESI‐based MS profiling combined with untargeted metabolomics analysis for rapid identification of red wine geographical origin
Authors: Pu Keyuan , Wang Yue , Wei Huiwen , Hu Jun , Qiu Jiamin , Chen Siyu , Liu Qian , Lin Yan , Ng Kwan‐Ming
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The commercial value of red wine is strongly linked to its geographical origin. Given the large global market, there is great demand for high‐throughput screening methods to authenticate the geographical source of red wine. However, only limited techniques have been established up to now.

RESULTS

Herein, a sensitive and robust method, namely probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (μ‐PESI‐MS), was established to achieve rapid analysis at approximately 1.2 min per sample without any pretreatment. A scotch near the needle tip provides a fixed micro‐volume for each analysis to achieve satisfactory ion signal reproducibility (RSD < 26.7%). In combination with a machine learning algorithm, 16 characteristic ions were discovered from thousands of detected ions and were utilized for differentiating red wine origin. Among them, the relative abundances of two characteristic metabolites (trigonelline and proline) correlated with geographical conditions (sun exposure and water stress) were identified, providing the rationale for differentiation of the geographical origin.

CONCLUSION

The proposed μ‐PESI‐MS‐based method demonstrates a promising high‐throughput determination capability in red wine traceability.
In vitro study of biogenic amine production and gastrointestinal stress tolerance by some enterococci strains
Authors: Houicher Abderrahmane , Kuley Esmeray , Bensid Abdelkader , Yazgan Hatice , Özogul Fatih
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Owing to the toxic effects of enterococci, their biogenic amine production is a negative aspect of safe strain selection and unfavourable activity in food. Additionally, the ability to tolerate acid and bile are two important traits for the selection of probiotic strains since they show the probiotic bacteria's capacity to survive throughout gastrointestinal transit. In the present work, six enterococci strains belonging to Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus hirae were subjected to in vitro evaluation of their ability to produce biogenic amines and to tolerate gastrointestinal stress in order to investigate their possibility for future intended use as probiotics.

RESULTS

All enterococci isolates possessed good viability at low pH (pH 4) and in the presence of bile salts (0.3%), indicating their ability to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, selected strains had a high ability to produce tyramine in tyrosine decarboxylase broth, while medium levels of histamine were detected (below 74 mg L−1) in experimental media in vitro. Other biogenic amines were also formed at various levels by most of the enterococci strains.

CONCLUSION

All enterococci strains, with the exception of E. gallinarum DM 29, are powerful tyramine producers, and their capacity to create histamine is inferior to that of tyramine. However, more investigations are needed before considering their use as bio‐preservatives or starter cultures in foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Global patterns and controls of soil greenhouse gas fluxes and crop yield under biochar application
Authors: Jia Xiaoyu , Yan Weiming , Yang Jingyi , Chen Weiguang , Ma Hongze , Chen Xi , Liu Jin , Zhong Yangquanwei , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: August 2023

Biochar application has been proven to be a viable technique in mitigating soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving crop yield; however, the global patterns and responses of soil GHG fluxes, global warming potential (GWP), crop yield, and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) to biochar application, as well as the key drivers of biochar‐induced changes, are not fully synthesized. Hence, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 3883 paired observations from 220 studies. Overall, biochar application significantly increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (7.4%) and yield (9.4%) and decreased soil methane (CH4, −13.0%) and nitrous oxide (N2O, −26.8%) emissions, as well as GWP (−7.7%) and GHGI (−14.3%). CH4 uptake was, however, not observed to change. The responses of soil GHG fluxes to the biochar application were more sensitive in the incubation and pot experiments compared to the field studies. In addition, increased CO2 emissions were mainly derived from incubation and pot experiments, whereas the biochar application did not significantly change CO2 emissions in the field studies. The climate, soil, and experimental conditions also affected the responses of soil GHG fluxes to biochar application, and the biochar‐induced change in soil pH was the most essential factor associated with the variations in soil GHG fluxes. Globally, biochar application boosted the soil carbon (C) pool (38.1% in upland and 33.4% in paddy) and decreased soil GHGI (−18.7% in upland and −14.5% in paddy). Our study highlights the role of the reduced CH4 and N2O emissions in the biochar‐induced mitigation of soil GHG emissions while exploring the relative importance of the influencing factors and providing crucial insights for the development of individualized biochar management measures.
Chaperone‐mediated autophagy: Molecular mechanisms, biological functions, and diseases
Authors: Yao Ruchen , Shen Jun
Published: August 2023

Chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) is a lysosomal degradation pathway that eliminates substrate proteins through heat‐shock cognate protein 70 recognition and lysosome‐associated membrane protein type 2A‐assisted translocation. It is distinct from macroautophagy and microautophagy. In recent years, the regulatory mechanisms of CMA have been gradually enriched, including the newly discovered NRF2 and p38–TFEB signaling, as positive and negative regulatory pathways of CMA, respectively. Normal CMA activity is involved in the regulation of metabolism, aging, immunity, cell cycle, and other physiological processes, while CMA dysfunction may be involved in the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders, tumors, intestinal disorders, atherosclerosis, and so on, which provides potential targets for the treatment and prediction of related diseases. This article describes the general process of CMA and its role in physiological activities and summarizes the connection between CMA and macroautophagy. In addition, human diseases that concern the dysfunction or protective role of CMA are discussed. Our review deepens the understanding of the mechanisms and physiological functions of CMA and provides a summary of past CMA research and a vision of future directions.
Thymol targeting interleukin 4 induced 1 expression reshapes the immune microenvironment to sensitize the immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Tong , Shi Jie , Wang Longlong , Qin Xuan , Zhou Rui , Dong Ming , Ren Fan , Li Xin , Zhang Zihe , Chen Yanan , Liu Yanhua , Piao Yongjun , Shi Yi , Xu Song , Chen Jun , Li Jia
Published: August 2023

Immune checkpoint blockades are the most promising therapy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the response rate remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for effective sensitizers. Interleukin 4 induced 1 (IL4I1) is reported to have immunoinhibitory and tumor‐promoting effects in several cancers. However, the targetable value of IL4I1 in sensitizing the immunotherapy is not clear, and there is a lack of effective small molecules that specifically target IL4I1. Here, we show that silencing IL4I1 significantly remodels the immune microenvironment via inhibiting aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling, thereby enhancing the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 antibody in LUAD, which suggests that IL4I1 is a potential drug target for the combination immunotherapy. We then identify thymol as the first small molecule targeting IL4I1 transcription through a drug screening. Thymol inhibits the IL4I1 expression and blocks AHR signaling in LUAD cells. Thymol treatment restores the antitumor immune response and suppresses the progression of LUAD in an orthotopic mouse model. Strikingly, the combination treatment of thymol with anti‐PD‐1 antibody shows significant tumor regression in LUAD mice. Thus, we demonstrate that thymol is an effective small molecule to sensitize the PD‐1 blockade in LUAD via targeting IL4I1, which provides a novel strategy for the immunotherapy of LUAD.
Thoracic dumbbell giant schwannoma in a young woman: A case report
Authors: Jun Zheng , Bing Yu , Qing Song Li
Published: August 2023

Schwannomas, which are benign, are one of the most common intraspinal tumors, accounting for 29% of primary spinal tumors. Schwannomas have several other names, including neurinoma, neurilemmoma, and neuroma. They originate from Schwann cells, which were first described by Theodor Schwann, a German physiologist, biologist, and histologist. Here, we present a patient with a giant, thoracic, dumbbell‐shaped schwannoma. This benign tumor protruded into the subcutaneous fascial layer, compressing the pleura and the left side of the thoracic spinal cord. Additionally, some of the spinous processes and laminae of the thoracic vertebrae were missing. Most patients with this type of tumor are asymptomatic; however, up to 11.7% of patients have symptoms that depend on the size and location of the tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging can accurately determine the extent of the tumor and any intraspinal component and is thus helpful in selecting the optimal surgical procedure.
Newer antidepressant for Japanese adults with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kishi Taro , Sakuma Kenji , Hatano Masakazu , Matsuda Yuki , Esumi Satoru , Miyake Nobumi , Miura Itaru , Hori Hikaru , Kato Masaki , Iwata Nakao
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The question remains to be elucidated: “Is treatment with antidepressants at doses approved in Japan effective for Japanese patients with MDD?” It is crucial to confirm this in order to provide appropriate treatments for Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and random‐effects pairwise meta‐analysis including these nine double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials.

Methods

We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Pooled newer antidepressants outperformed placebo regarding improvement of depressive symptom scale scores [SMD (95% CI) = −0.20 (−0.27, −0.12), p < 0.00001], response to treatment [RR (95% CI) = 1.23 (1.13, 1.32), p < 0.00001], and remission rate [RR (95% CI) = 1.30 (1.16, 1.45), p < 0.00001]. Although all‐cause discontinuation was not significantly different between the treatment groups, the pooled antidepressant group showed a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse event [RR (95% CI) = 1.60 (1.13, 2.26), p = 0.007] and a higher incidence of at least one adverse event than the placebo group [RR (95% CI) = 1.13 (1.08, 1.18), p < 0.00001].

Discussion

We concluded that newer antidepressants are effective for Japanese adults with MDD although the clinicians must monitor the health conditions of these individuals.
Enhancing the foaming properties of polypropylene/basalt fiber composites by altering their rheological and crystallization behavior via polyethylene–octene blending modification
Authors: Zhu Nenggui , Shen Chao , Zeng Xiangbu , Li Shengnan , Jiang Tuanhui , Gong Wei , He Li
Published: August 2023

The quality of foam in polypropylene/basalt fiber (PP/BF) composite materials is currently unsatisfactory, which restricts their use in industrial applications. To address this limitation, the objective of this study is to improve the foaming properties of PP/BF composite foam by modifying their rheological and crystallization behavior using polyethylene–octene (POE) blending modification. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of POE has a beneficial impact on the rheological and crystallization characteristics of PP/BF composites. Consequently, this creates favorable conditions for the foaming process of PP/BF composite foam. It is conducive to obtaining high foaming quality PP/BF composite foam. The results demonstrate that a 5 wt% POE content yields the best foaming performance for the PP/BF composite foam, with the most uniform cell distribution, a cell size of 54 μm and a cell density is measured at 3.43 × 107 cells/cm3. The optimal temperature range for foaming is between 180 and 200°C. The introduction of POE in PP/BF composite foam may lead to a decrease in its tensile and flexural strength. However, this drawback is offset by a significant improvement in the notch impact strength of the foam. This study's findings will enhance our understanding of the production and application of PP/BF composite foam, making it a valuable material for applications that require exceptional toughness.

Highlights

Improved the crystallization and rheological properties of PP/BF composites.

Significantly improve the foaming quality of PP/BF composites.

Make PP/BF composite foam has excellent impact toughness.
A novel epoxy adhesive with ground rubber tire powder and carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kazemi Esfeh Tannaz , Arefinia Reza , Moini Jazani Omid , Fallahi Mohsen
Published: August 2023

The present study was an attempt to improve the toughness, mechanical and adhesion properties, and thermal stability of a two‐phase epoxy DGEBA/Resole phenolic resin through the use of carboxyl‐modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWCNTs) and ground rubber tire (GRT) powder. The effect of a hybrid reinforcement containing GRT and c‐MWCNT blend on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and microstructure of the epoxy‐phenolic adhesive were evaluated by tensile test, TGA, and FESEM, respectively. The formulated adhesive was utilized in a lap joint metal to a composite in order to peruse the adhesion features, where the composite was an epoxy resin reinforced with carbon fibers and the metal was stainless steel 316 L. According to the tensile test, there were 32% rise in tensile strength, 27% rise in modulus, and a 64% rise in toughness with adding 0.5% wt c‐MWCNTs and 15 phr waste GRT powder to the epoxy‐phenolic matrix. Furthermore, adding 1% wt c‐MWCNTs of nanoparticles and GRT powder has resulted in a 15% increase in lap shear strength. It also can be seen that thermal stability for the formulated samples has experienced an upward trend compared to the neat epoxy composite.

Highlights

Epoxy adhesives based on GRT Powder, c‐MWCNTs particles and phenolic resin have been successfully prepared.

The hybrid uses of GRT Powder and c‐MWCNTs particles can synergistically increase the tensile and lap shear strength

The addition of c‐MWCNT nano particles and GRT Powder in an epoxy adhesive can have a dramatic rise in the toughness system compared to the neat epoxy adhesive.

Maximum degradation temperature of the produced newly adhesive has increased considerably in contrast with the neat epoxy adhesive.
The importance of the continuity of practice: Ethnobotany of Kihnu island (Estonia) from 1937 to 2021
Authors: Sõukand Renata , Kalle Raivo , Prakofjewa Julia , Sartori Matteo , Pieroni Andrea
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Local knowledge is highly endangered in the modern world, and therefore, it is important to understand the factors contributing to the preservation of biocultural diversity. Three major aspects were identified: continuity of the practice, support for the ritual related to the use, and external acknowledgment of the local use by an authoritative source. Moreover, strong centralization of current local knowledge in institutionalized domains (ethnomedicine) was identified, which has excluded unacknowledged or officially unapproved local knowledge from circulation. The inclusion of local ecological knowledge as a practice in school curricula and the highlighting of local historical uses in herbals and popularizing activities are recommended.

Plant use in local communities changes over time along with changing social, political, economic, and environmental conditions. The study aimed to understand the factors influencing the continuity of certain interactions between plants and people.

To understand the drivers of resilience of the use of local flora, the historical (1930s) and current (2021) uses of plants on the small island of Kihnu in Estonia were compared, and the resilient uses were identified.

Use resilience depended on the use domain. While the ethnoveterinary domain completely disappeared, the most resilient uses were those related to ritual (religious) activities, with 75% being retained (6 of 8 taxa used historically). This was followed by the wild food plant domain, in which 66% of taxa (21 of 32) have been retained, along with the highest proportion of taxa‐use combinations (57%, 21 of 37). Historically the largest domain, ethnomedicine showed low resilience: 18 of 73 taxa have been retained, with only eight emic (or local) plant uses (PU). Moreover, we observed that 75% of the retained emic PU (6 out of 8) were supported by a centralized medical system, while this proportion was 87% for current uses and only 15% for interrupted uses that were promoted or acknowledged in centralized herbals.

As the most important aspects influencing the resilience of plant use are the continuity of practice, ritualization, and external support for usage, the inclusion of local ecological knowledge as a practice in school curricula and the highlighting of local historical uses in herbals and popularizing activities are strongly recommended.
Dynamic computed tomography for evaluation of tracheobronchomalacia in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Pugh Charles Preston , Ali Sumera , Agarwal Amit , Matlock David N. , Sharma Megha
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Dynamic computed tomography (dCT) gives real‐time physiological information and objective descriptions of airway narrowing in tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). There is a paucity of literature in the evaluation of TBM by dCT in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this study is to describe the findings of dCT and resultant changes in management in premature infants with TBM.

Methods

A retrospective study of 70 infants was performed. Infants included were <32 weeks gestation without major anomalies. TBM was defined as ≥50% expiratory reduction in cross‐sectional area with severity defined as mild (50%–75%), moderate (≥75%–90%), or severe (≥90%).

Results

Dynamic CT diagnosed malacia in 53% of infants. Tracheomalacia was identified in 49% of infants with severity as 76% mild, 18% moderate, and 6% severe. Bronchomalacia was identified in 43% of infants with varying severity (53% mild, 40% moderate, 7% severe). Resultant management changes included PEEP titration (44%), initiation of bethanechol (23%), planned tracheostomy (20%), extubation trial (13%), and inhaled ipratropium bromide (7%).

Conclusion

Dynamic CT is a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for airway evaluation of premature infants. Presence and severity of TBM can provide actionable information to guide more precise clinical decision making.