bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allelic strengths of encephalopathy-associated UBA5 variants correlate between in vivo and in vitro assays
Authors: Pan Xueyang , Alvarez Albert N. , Ma Mengqi , Lu Shenzhao , Crawford Michael W. , Briere Lauren C. , Kanca Oguz , Yamamoto Shinya , Sweetser David A. , Wilson Jenny L. , Napier Ruth J. , Pruneda Jonathan N. , Bellen Hugo J.
Published: November 2023

Protein UFMylation downstream of the E1 enzyme UBA5 plays essential roles in development and ER stress. Variants in the
UBA5
gene are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 44 (DEE44), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by early-onset encephalopathy, movement abnormalities, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and seizures. DEE44 is caused by at least twelve different missense variants described as loss of function (LoF), but the relationships between genotypes and molecular or clinical phenotypes remains to be established. We developed a humanized
UBA5
fly model and biochemical activity assays in order to describe
in vivo
and
in vitro
genotype-phenotype relationships across the
UBA5
allelic series.
In vivo
, we observed a broad spectrum of phenotypes in viability, developmental timing, lifespan, locomotor activity, and bang sensitivity. A range of functional effects was also observed
in vitro
across comprehensive biochemical assays for protein stability, ATP binding, UFM1 activation, and UFM1 transthiolation. Importantly, there is a strong correlation between
in vivo
and
in vitro
phenotypes, establishing a classification of LoF variants into mild, intermediate, and severe allelic strengths. By systemically evaluating
UBA5
variants across
in vivo
and
in vitro
platforms, this study provides a foundation for more basic and translational UBA5 research, as well as a basis for evaluating current and future individuals afflicted with this rare disease.
Structural basis for kinase inhibition in the tripartite E. coli HipBST toxin–antitoxin system
Authors: Bærentsen René L , Nielsen Stine V , Skjerning Ragnhild B , Lyngsø Jeppe , Bisiak Francesco , Pedersen Jan Skov , Gerdes Kenn , Sørensen Michael A , Brodersen Ditlev E
Published: November 2023

Many bacteria encode multiple toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems targeting separate, but closely related, cellular functions. The toxin of the Escherichia coli hipBA system, HipA, is a kinase that inhibits translation via phosphorylation of glutamyl-tRNA synthetase. Enteropathogenic E. coli O127:H6 encodes the hipBA-like, tripartite TA system; hipBST, in which the HipT toxin specifically targets the tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, TrpS. Notably, in the tripartite system, the function as antitoxin has been taken over by the third protein, HipS, but the molecular details of how activity of HipT is inhibited remain poorly understood. Here, we show that HipBST is structurally different from E. coli HipBA and that the unique HipS protein, which is homologous to the N-terminal subdomain of HipA, inhibits the kinase through insertion of a conserved Trp residue into the active site. We also show how auto-phosphorylation at two conserved sites in the kinase toxin serve different roles and affect the ability of HipS to neutralize HipT. Finally, solution structural studies show how phosphorylation affects overall TA complex flexibility.
Heritable epigenetic changes are constrained by the dynamics of regulatory architectures
Authors: Jose Antony M
Published: November 2023

Interacting molecules create regulatory architectures that can persist despite turnover of molecules. Although epigenetic changes occur within the context of such architectures, there is limited understanding of how they can influence the heritability of changes. Here I develop criteria for the heritability of regulatory architectures and use quantitative simulations of interacting regulators parsed as entities, their sensors and the sensed properties to analyze how architectures influence heritable epigenetic changes. Information contained in regulatory architectures grows rapidly with the number of interacting molecules and its transmission requires positive feedback loops. While these architectures can recover after many epigenetic perturbations, some resulting changes can become permanently heritable. Such stable changes can (1) alter steady-state levels while preserving the architecture, (2) induce different architectures that persist for many generations, or (3) collapse the entire architecture. Architectures that are otherwise unstable can become heritable through periodic interactions with external regulators, which suggests that the evolution of mortal somatic lineages with cells that reproducibly interact with the immortal germ lineage could make a wider variety of regulatory architectures heritable. Differential inhibition of the positive feedback loops that transmit regulatory architectures across generations can explain the gene-specific differences in heritable RNA silencing observed in the nematode
C. elegans
, which range from permanent silencing, to recovery from silencing within a few generations and subsequent resistance to silencing. More broadly, these results provide a foundation for analyzing the inheritance of epigenetic changes within the context of the regulatory architectures implemented using diverse molecules in different living systems.
Research Literacy and Teaching: The Peculiar Case of Research about Teaching about Research
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: November 2023

In recent times, the relationship between research and teaching has often been framed in terms of experimental investigations demonstrating what are effective pedagogical techniques. However, this is only one of several influential models of that relationship. While research literacy plays a key role in all of them, these models vary according to the type of research knowledge and skill felt to be of value to teachers, and in how teaching and education are conceptualised. This can be illustrated by the diverse forms of educational action research, and by different interpretations of “reflective practice”. To further explore the role of research literacy, I examine the case of research on teaching about research methods, addressing the following questions: What role does pedagogical research play in research methods teaching? What might this tell us about the relationship between research and teaching more generally? What does it say about the notion of research literacy?
Morphological Variability of the Curvularia lunata Associated with Grain Discoloration of Rice
Authors: Shivakumar  , Patil M. B.
Published: November 2023

Rice is an important staple crop and India is the largest grower in the world. Rice suffers from many diseases caused by fungi of which grain discoloration disease is a complex disease due to infection by certain microorganisms on the glumes, kernels, or both. Curvularia lunata is a one of major fungal plant pathogen that infects rice and causes grain discolouration. On the basis of cultural and morphological identification, 60 isolates of Curvularia lunata were collected from different locations of Karnataka. These isolates were grown on PDA media and were characterized for colony morphology. The Curvularia lunata isolates, maximum size of conidia was observed in Cl-22 (20.30 \(\mu\)m long ×10.90 \(\mu\)m wide) and maximum dry mycelium weight was observed in Cl-15 (482.22 mg), while poor sporulations (<1-10 conidia per microscope field) was noticed in Cl-17, 19, 28, 30, 45 and Cl-50.
The effect of Edaravone on lung injury after lower limb ischemiareperfusion in a rat model: Biochemical and histopathological insights
Authors:   Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Tokat, Türkiye, Ceber Mehmet , Akar Ilker ,   Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Tokat, Türkiye, Ince Ilker ,   Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Ankara, Türkiye  ORCID, Aslan Cemal ,   Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Tokat, Türkiye, Alagha Sameh ,   Bozok University Hospital School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Yozgat, Türkiye
Published: November 2023

Aim: Lower limb ischemia/reperfusion leads to distant organ dysfunction, notably affecting the lungs, resulting in respiratory failure and significant morbidity and mortality. Edaravone is a new free radical scavenger and has attracted the attention of researchers. This study aims to examine edaravone's influence on lung injury arising from lower limb ischemia-reperfusion. Material and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were categorized into groups: Sham, Ischemia/Reperfusion (IR), Solvent, and Edaravone. The infrarenal abdominal aorta was clamped for 120 minutes and then reperfused for another 120 minutes. Edaravone was administered 30 minutes before the ischemic event. Then we analyzed serum and lung tissue samples for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Furthermore, a thorough histopathological assessment was conducted. Results: In the IR group, edaravone notably reduced serum and lung MDA levels. While significant differences in serum SOD and NO levels existed between the IR and edaravone groups, similar differences were not found in the lung tissue samples. There appeared to be no significant impact of edaravone on serum and lung GPx levels. The histopathological investigation revealed that the lung injury score was significantly higher in the IR group compared to the control group, a difference mitigated by edaravone treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that edaravone mitigates lower limb ischemia-reperfusion-induced lung injury, both biochemically and histopathologically. Our findings imply the potential utility of this agent in the context of acute ischemia-reperfusion injury following vascular surgery.
The Tip of the Iceberg—Concealing of Advanced Conduction Abnormality
Authors: Buraphat Pongsakorn , Kurusathian Pornanong , Winijkul Arjbordin
Published: November 2023

This case report describes a patient in their 80s who presented with dyspnea and syncope during exercise and a history of essential hypertension and Parkinson disease.
Talking About Dying
Authors: Schenker Yael
Published: November 2023

This essay describes a palliative medicine physician’s experience with a dying patient and reflections on life.
Automated Electronic Frailty Index–Identified Frailty Status and Associated Postsurgical Adverse Events
Authors: Khanna Ashish K. , Motamedi Vida , Bouldin Bethany , Harwood Timothy , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Saha Amit K. , Segal Scott
Published: November 2023

Importance

Electronic frailty index (eFI) is an automated electronic health record (EHR)–based tool that uses a combination of clinical encounters, diagnosis codes, laboratory workups, medications, and Medicare annual wellness visit data as markers of frailty status. The association of eFI with postanesthesia adverse outcomes has not been evaluated.

Objective

To examine the association of frailty, calculated as eFI at the time of the surgical procedure and categorized as fit, prefrail, or frail, with adverse events after elective noncardiac surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care academic medical center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The cohort included patients 55 years or older who underwent noncardiac surgery of at least 1 hour in duration between October 1, 2017, and June 30, 2021.

Exposure

Frailty calculated by the eFI tool. Preoperative eFI scores were calculated based on available data 1 day prior to the procedure and categorized as fit (eFI score: ≤0.10), prefrail (eFI score: >0.10 to ≤0.21), or frail (eFI score: >0.21).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a composite of the following 8 adverse component events: 90-item Patient Safety Indicators (PSI 90) score, hospital-acquired conditions, in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, 30-day emergency department visit after surgery, transfer to a skilled nursing facility after surgery, or unexpected intensive care unit admission after surgery. Secondary outcomes were each of the component events of the composite.

Results

Of the 33 449 patients (median [IQR] age, 67 [61-74] years; 17 618 females [52.7%]) included, 11 563 (34.6%) were classified as fit, 15 928 (47.6%) as prefrail, and 5958 (17.8%) as frail. Using logistic regression models that were adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and comorbidity burden, patients with prefrail (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.18-1.30; P < .001) and frail (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.58-1.82; P < .001) statuses were more likely to experience postoperative adverse events compared with patients with a fit status. Subsequent adjustment for all other potential confounders or covariates did not alter this association. For every increase in eFI of 0.03 units, the odds of a composite of postoperative adverse events increased by 1.06 (95% CI, 1.03-1.13; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that frailty, as measured by an automatically calculated index integrated within the EHR, was associated with increased risk of adverse events after noncardiac surgery. Deployment of eFI tools may support screening and possible risk modification, especially in patients who undergo high-risk surgery.
Cross‐Linked Binary Polymeric Binder of Polyacrylic Acid–Carboxymethyl Cellulose for Improving Phosphorus Anode
Authors: Han Muyao , Liang Xu , Han Chengyu , Zhou Chaoyi , Xiang Qianxin , Cao Yu , Sun Jie
Published: November 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a promising anode material with high capacity (2596 mAh g−1 and 6075–6924 mAh cm−3), low lithium‐ion diffusion barrier (0.08 eV), and appropriate lithiation potential (≈0.7 V vs Li+/Li). However, the problems of huge volume expansion (≈300%), low electronic conductivity (10−14–102 S cm−1), and soluble intermediates (lithium polyphosphides, LixpPs) restrict its performance. In this work, a robust, cross‐linked binary polymeric binder polyacrylic acid–carboxymethyl cellulose (PAA/CMC) binder is designed, which has good Li+ conductivity and is not reactive with lithium polyphpsphode (LixpPs). The resulting composite P/CNT‐PAA/CMC displays a high reversible capacity of 1230.2 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1300 mA g−1, achieving 10 times as much as the control sample P/CNT‐PVDF. The volume expansion after lithiation of P/CNT‐PAA/CMC is only 6%, far less than that of the control sample (83%).
Influences of Metal Electrodes on Stability of Non‐Fullerene Acceptor‐Based Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Yoon Sangcheol , Schopp Nora , Choi Dylan G. , Wakidi Hiba , Ding Kan , Ade Harald , Vezin Hervé , Reddy G. N. Manjunatha , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen
Published: November 2023

Understanding chemical degradation at the interface between different layers in an organic photovoltaic device (OPV) is crucial to improving the long‐term stability of OPVs. Herein, molecular‐level insights are provided into the impact of different metal top electrodes on the interfacial morphology and stability of photoactive layers in PM6:Y6 bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) OPVs. OPVs with an aluminum (Al) top electrode exhibit inferior stability compared to silver (Ag) electrode devices upon thermal annealing, whereby thermal stress induces the diffusion of both Al and Ag atoms to the PM6:Y6 BHJ layer. The diffused Al atoms cause surface recombination at the interface between the photoactive layer and an interlayer. Specifically, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests the different local chemical environments of PM6 and Y6 moieties in PM6:Y6/Al‐contact devices. These results are corroborated by solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements, indicating the formation of ionic and organo‐metallic‐like species at the sub‐layers of the PM6:Y6 BHJ morphology, which are estimated to be less than 5 wt% of the PM6:Y6/Al blend. By comparison, the Ag atoms do not adversely affect PM6:Y6 BHJ morphology and the associated device physics. The investigation of reactive electrode‐BHJ interfaces by multiscale characterization techniques and device physics is expected to provide guidance to future interfacial engineering strategies to develop stable and efficient OPVs.
Subvoxel‐Controlled Microfluidic Printing of Dual‐Material and Multi‐Structural Filaments
Authors: Bai Zihan , Zhang Liwen , Zhou Xinzhao , Zhao Song , Yang Changjun , Zhou Yu , Tan Kuntao , Zhao Zehui , Chen Huawei
Published: November 2023

Filaments with multi‐materials, complex structures, and sophisticated functions are of great importance to wearable electronics, flexible actuators, and sensors. Direct ink writing (DIW) is mainly adopted to fabricate functional filaments. However, finely regulating the filament's structure is difficult due to the unmovable and static extruding nozzle parts. Here, a dynamically adjustable DIW platform is presented with a movable needle in a Y‐shaped microfluidic nozzle, enabling precise subvoxel control over the structure of the inner layer to print dual‐material and multi‐structure filaments. The position, proportion, and shape of the filaments’ inner layer can be precisely manipulated by adjusting the extruding pressure and the motion of the needle's position in the microfluidic nozzle. Therefore, filaments with various complex structures can be fabricated. Via the printing platform, wavy inner structures are manufactured for stretchable conductance‐stable and triboelectric nanogenerator fibers to realize energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing. Such subvoxel‐controlled microfluidic printing significantly increases the complexity of dual‐material filaments to provide potential applications for flexible electronics.
Pre‐intercalation of Ammonium Ions in Layered δ‐MnO2 Nanosheets for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yao Haixin , Yu Huan , Zheng Yaqi , Li Nian Wu , Li Sheng , Luan Deyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David) , Yu Le
Published: November 2023

Layered manganese dioxide is a promising cathode candidate for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries. However, the narrow interlayer spacing, inferior intrinsic electronic conductivity and poor structural stability still limit its practical application. Herein, we report a two‐step strategy to incorporate ammonium ions into manganese dioxide (named as AMO) nanosheets as a cathode for boosted Zn ion storage. K+‐intercalated δ‐MnO2 nanosheets (KMO) grown on carbon cloth are chosen as the self‐involved precursor. Of note, ammonium ions could replace K+ ions via a facile hydrothermal reaction to enlarge the lattice space and form hydrogen‐bond networks. Compared with KMO, the structural stability and the ion transfer kinetics of the layered AMO are enhanced. As expected, the obtained AMO cathode exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties in terms of high reversible capacity, decent rate performance and superior cycling stability over 10000 cycles.
Heavy Atom Effect on the Intersystem Crossing of a Boron Difluoride Formazanate Complex‐Based Photosensitizer: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Khrootkaew Tunyawat , Wangngae Sirilak , Chansaenpak Kantapat , Rueantong Kasin , Wattanathana Worawat , Pinyou Piyanut , Panajapo Pannipa , Promarak Vinich , Sagarik Kritsana , Kamkaew Anyanee
Published: November 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a photochemical‐based treatment approach that involves using light to activate photosensitizers (PSs). Attractively, PDT is one of the alternative cancer treatments due to its noninvasive technique. By utilizing the heavy atom effect, this work modified a class of formazan dyes to improve intersystem crossing (ISC) to improve reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for PDT treatment. Two methods were used to observe the ROS generation enhanced by ISC of the synthesized complexes including, (1) recording DPBF decomposition caused by the ROS, and (2) calculating the potential energy curves for photophysical mechanisms of BF2‐formazanate dyes using the DFT and nudged elastic band (NEB) methods. The photophysical properties of the dyes were studied using spectroscopic techniques and X‐ray crystallography, as well as DFT calculations. The experimental and theoretical results and in vitro cellular assays confirmed the potential use of the newly synthesized iodinated BF2‐formazanate dyes in PDT.
Tuning the Catalytic Activity of Covalent Metal‐Organic Frameworks for CO2 Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Song Jing‐Yi , Chen Xu , Wang Yu‐Mei , Luo Xiao , Zhang Tian‐E. , Ning Guo‐Hong , Li Dan
Published: November 2023

The development of efficient, recyclable and low‐cost heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into epoxides is highly desired, yet remain a challenge. Herein, we have prepared three two‐dimensional (2D) copper(I) cyclic trinuclear units (Cu(I)‐CTUs) based covalent metal–organic frameworks (CMOFs), namely JNM‐13, JNM‐14, and JNM‐15, via a one‐pot reaction by combination of coordination and dynamic covalent chemistry. Among them, JNM‐15 contained the highest density of copper catalytic sites, and exhibited the highest capacity for adsorption of CO2. More interestingly, JNM‐15 delivered the highest catalytic activity for cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides with good yields (up to 99 %), good substrate compatibility (11 examples) and reusability (four catalytic cycles) under mild condition.
Techno‐economic viability analysis of a downdraft gasification system for hydrogen production from date molasses waste in Iraq
Authors: Malik Abbas Safaa , Dakhel Alhassany Hend , Vera David , Jurado Francisco
Published: November 2023

In the current study, a fixed‐bed downdraft gasifier was used, in addition to gas cleaning and treatment units, to evaluate hydrogen production from the waste from a date molasses factory. Date pits and pomace were gasified at a temperature of 800°C with oxygen‐rich air and standard air as the gasifying agents. Simulations were performed using the Cycle‐Tempo simulation tool. The impact of many process parameters (air–fuel ratio, gasification temperature, moisture content, oxygen concentration and temperature of the water–gas shift) on gas composition was investigated. The economic evaluation of hydrogen production is also discussed in this paper. Depending on the operating conditions, the results indicate that gasification of biomass in oxygen‐rich air improves hydrogen yield compared with air gasification of biomass. Over the range of operating conditions examined, the maximum hydrogen production reached 45.86% for pits and 35.81% for pomace from gasification with oxygen‐rich air while the H2 content reached 36.71 and 28.72% respectively for air gasification of pits and pomace. The cost analysis for the date waste gasification unit showed that the hydrogen production cost is $3/kg for date pits and $4/kg for pomace. The production of hydrogen from date molasses manufacturing waste helps to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and is an environmentally beneficial alternative source of renewable energy.
Synergistic co‐utilization of biomass‐derived sugars enhances aromatic amino acid production by engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Arren , Machas Michael , Mhatre Apurv , Hajinajaf Nima , Sarnaik Aditya , Nichols Nancy , Frazer Sarah , Wang Xuan , Varman Arul M. , Nielsen David R.
Published: November 2023

Efficient co‐utilization of mixed sugar feedstocks remains a biomanufacturing challenge, thus motivating ongoing efforts to engineer microbes for improved conversion of glucose−xylose mixtures. This study focuses on enhancing phenylalanine production by engineering Escherichia coli to efficiently co‐utilize glucose and xylose. Flux balance analysis identified E4P flux as a bottleneck which could be alleviated by increasing the xylose‐to‐glucose flux ratio. A mutant copy of the xylose‐specific activator (XylR) was then introduced into the phenylalanine‐overproducing E. coli NST74, which relieved carbon catabolite repression and enabled efficient glucose−xylose co‐utilization. Carbon contribution analysis through 13C‐fingerprinting showed a higher preference for xylose in the engineered strain (NST74X), suggesting superior catabolism of xylose relative to glucose. As a result, NST74X produced 1.76 g/L phenylalanine from a model glucose−xylose mixture; a threefold increase over NST74. Then, using biomass‐derived sugars, NST74X produced 1.2 g/L phenylalanine, representing a 1.9‐fold increase over NST74. Notably, and consistent with the carbon contribution analysis, the xylR* mutation resulted in a fourfold greater maximum rate of xylose consumption without significantly impeding the maximum rate of total sugar consumption (0.87 vs. 0.70 g/L‐h). This study presents a novel strategy for enhancing phenylalanine production through the co‐utilization of glucose and xylose in aerobic E. coli cultures, and highlights the potential synergistic benefits associated with using substrate mixtures over single substrates when targeting specific products.
Reactions of Medicinal Gold Compounds with Cathepsin B Explored through Electrospray Mass Spectrometry Measurements
Authors: Geri Andrea , Massai Lara , Novinec Marko , Turel Iztok , Messori Luigi
Published: November 2023

Medicinal gold compounds, a novel class of potential anticancer drugs, are believed to produce their pharmacological effects mainly through direct gold binding to protein targets at the level of solvent exposed cysteine (or selenocysteine) residues. We have explored therein the reactions of a panel of seven representative gold compounds with the cysteine protease cathepsin B according to an established ESI MS approach. Detailed information on the mode of protein binding of these gold compounds is gained; notably, quite distinct patterns of cathepsin B metalation have emerged from these studies. It is shown that panel gold compounds interact preferentially, often exclusively, with the free cysteine located in the active site of the enzyme.
Effectiveness of educational interventions for diabetes‐related foot disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Drovandi Aaron , Seng Leonard , Golledge Jonathan
Published: November 2023

This systematic review and meta‐analysis pooled evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of educational programs for people with or at risk of diabetes‐related foot disease (DFD). A systematic search identified RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs in preventing or managing DFD. The primary outcome was risk of developing a foot ulcer. Secondary outcomes included any amputation, mortality, changes in cardiovascular risk factors, foot‐care knowledge and self‐care behaviours. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's ROB‐2 tool. Education programs were tested in 29 RCTs (n = 3891) and reduced risk of a foot ulcer by approximately half although the upper 95% confidence interval (CI) reached 1.00 (odds ratio [OR], OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.29, 1.00, I2 = 65%). Education programs reduced risk of any amputation (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.13, 0.88, I2 = 38%) and HbA1c levels (standardized mean difference −0.73; 95% CI −1.26, −0.20, I2 = 93%) without affecting all‐cause mortality (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.57, 2.07, I2 = 0%). Education programs mostly significantly improved DFD knowledge (13 of 16 trials) and self‐care behaviour scores (19 of 20 trials). Only one trial was deemed at low risk of bias. Previously tested education programs have mostly effectively improved participants' knowledge and self‐care behaviours and reduced risk of foot ulceration and amputation. Larger high quality trials with longer follow‐up are needed.
Gut microbiota regulate wheat starch‐induced metabolic disorders via control of colonic SCD1
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Do Moon Ho , Jhun Hyunjhung , Park Jae‐Ho , Park Ho‐Young
Published: November 2023

Unbalanced carbohydrate diets are linked to metabolic disorders; however, there is limited information on the role of gut microbiota. We explored differences in mice gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes resulting from diets with different carbohydrate sources. To investigate the metabolic dysfunction and mechanism of the wheat flour and starch on metabolic disorders, we analyzed the changes of phenotype and biomarkers in rice and wheat flour diet in C57BL/6 mice (specific pathogen‐free) and fecal transplantation from antibiotic‐treated or germ‐free (GF) mice model. Rice‐fed mice presented normal metabolic reactions, whereas wheat‐fed mice exhibited increased body weight, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels. Wheat starch‐fed mice displayed lower fecal microbiota alpha diversity, with a reduced abundance of Bacteroidetes, than high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed and chow‐fed mice. Fecal transplantation from antibiotic‐treated or GF mice revealed that metabolic disruption induced by wheat diet feeding was mediated through gut microbiota and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) signaling in the colon. Taken together, wheat‐based diets induce gut microbiota alterations, causing obesity and metabolic diseases through molecular activity linked to colonic SCD1. Therefore, colonic SCD1 could be a therapeutic target for patients with metabolic diseases who consume high‐carbohydrate diets.
Self‐reported sleep fragmentation and sleep duration and their association with cognitive function in PROTECT, a large digital community‐based cohort of people over 50
Authors: Aakre Jon Arild , Schulz Jörn , Ballard Clive , Corbett Anne , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Aarsland Dag , Creese Byron , Hampshire Adam , Brooker Helen , Testad Ingelin
Published: November 2023

Objective

Sleep is vital for normal cognitive function in daily life, but is commonly disrupted in older adults. Poor sleep can be detrimental to mental and physical health, including cognitive function. This study assessed the association between self‐reported short (<6 h) and long (>9 h) sleep duration and sleep fragmentation (3≥ nightly awakenings) in cognitive function.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from 8508 individuals enroled in the PROTECT study aged 50 and above formed the basis of the univariate linear regression analysis conducted on four cognitive outcomes assessing visuospatial episodic memory (VSEM), spatial working memory, verbal working memory (VWM), and verbal reasoning (VR).

Results

Short (ß = −0.153, 95% CI [−0.258, −0.048], p = 0.004) and long sleep duration (ß = −0.459, 95% CI [−0.826, −0.091], p = 0.014) were significantly associated with poorer cognitive performance in VWM. Long sleep duration (ß = −2.986, 95% CI [−5.453, −0.518], p = 0.018) was associated with impaired VR. Short sleep (ß = −0.133, 95% CI [−0.196, −0.069], p = <0.001) and sleep fragmentation (ß = −0.043, 95% CI [−0.085, −0.001], p = 0.043) were associated with reduced VSEM. These associations remained significant when including other established risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline (e.g., depression, hypertension).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that short and long sleep durations and fragmented sleep, may be risk factors for a decline in cognitive processes such as working memory, VR and episodic memory thus might be potential targets for interventions to maintain cognitive health in ageing.
The value of Demetics ultrasound‐assisted diagnosis system in diagnosis of breast lesions and in assessment Ki‐67 status of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yao , Nie Fang , Liu Ting , Zhu Yangyang , Jia Yingying , Li Nana , Wu Ruichao
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the diagnostic efficiency of the Demetics for breast lesions and assessment of Ki‐67 status.

Material

This retrospective study included 291 patients. Three combined methods (method 1: upgraded BI‐RADS when Demetics classified the breast lesion as malignant; method 2: downgraded BI‐RADS when Demetics classified the breast lesion as benign; method 3: BI‐RADS was upgraded or downgraded according to Demetrics' diagnosis) were used to compare the diagnostic efficiency of two radiologists with different seniority before and after using Demetics. The correlation between the visual heatmap by Demetics and the Ki‐67 expression level of breast cancer was explored.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC) of diagnosis by Demetics, junior radiologist and senior radiologist were 89.5%, 83.1%, 0.863; 76.9%, 82.4%, 0.797 and 81.1%, 89.9%, 0.855, respectively. Method 1 was the best for senior radiologist, which increased AUC from 0.855 to 0.884. For junior radiologist, Method 3 was the best method, improving sensitivity (88.8% vs. 76.9%) and specificity (87.2% vs. 82.4%). Demetics paid more attention to the peripheral area of breast cancer with high expression of Ki‐67.

Conclusion

Demetics has shown good diagnostic efficiency in the assisted diagnosis of breast lesions and is expected to further distinguish Ki‐67 status of breast cancer.
Transversals in regular uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Henning Michael A. , Yeo Anders
Published: November 2023

The transversal number of a hypergraph is the minimum number of vertices that intersect every edge of . This notion of transversal is fundamental in hypergraph theory and has been studied a great deal in the literature. A hypergraph is ‐regular if every vertex of has degree , that is, every vertex of belongs to exactly edges. Further, is ‐uniform if every edge of has size , and so every edge of is a ‐element subset of . For and , let be the class of all ‐regular ‐uniform hypergraphs of order . In this paper we study the problem posed by Tuza to determine or estimate the best possible constants (which depend only on and ) for each and , such that for all . These constants are given by , where the supremum is taken over all . Tuza presented closed formulas when or , and showed that for all , for even, and for odd. We conjecture that for all and that for all . We show that both these conjectures hold for . Moreover we show, for example, that and . We show that for every and for sufficiently large and , the growth of is given by .
Rainbow powers of a Hamilton cycle in Gn,p
Authors: Bell Tolson , Frieze Alan
Published: November 2023

We show that the threshold for having a rainbow copy of a power of a Hamilton cycle in a randomly edge colored copy of is within a constant factor of the uncolored threshold. Our proof requires times the minimum number of colors.
Reoperation after surgery for bone metastasis of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tsukamoto Shinji , Aiba Hisaki , Zuccheri Federica , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Kido Akira , Honoki Kanya , Tanaka Yasuhito , Donati Davide Maria , Errani Costantino
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

The prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has markedly improved with the advent of molecular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the therapeutic response in patients with bone metastasis remains low; therefore, surgery still plays a significant role in treatment of bone metastasis. It is important to maintain quality of life for patients with bone metastasis from RCC and avoid reoperation after surgery for bone metastasis. Therefore, we investigated the risk factors for reoperation after surgery in patients with bone metastasis from RCC.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 103 bones of 97 patients who underwent surgery for bone metastasis of RCC from 2001 to 2023 at our institutions.

Results

Reoperation was performed in 10 (9.7%) of 103 bones. There was no correlation between reoperation‐free survival and any of the following variables: preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy, site of bone metastasis, indication for surgery (solitary bone metastasis or impending or pathologic fractures), surgical method (intramedullary nailing fixation, curettage, or en bloc resection), preoperative embolization, or survival.

Conclusion

The risk of reoperation for bone metastasis of RCC does not appear to be based on the surgical method.
Resolving phytoplankton pigments from spectral images using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Salmi Pauliina , Pölönen Ilkka , Beckmann Daniel Atton , Calderini Marco L. , May Linda , Olszewska Justyna , Perozzi Laura , Pääkkönen Salli , Taipale Sami , Hunter Peter
Published: November 2023

Motivated by the need for rapid and robust monitoring of phytoplankton in inland waters, this article introduces a protocol based on a mobile spectral imager for assessing phytoplankton pigments from water samples. The protocol includes (1) sample concentrating; (2) spectral imaging; and (3) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to resolve concentrations of chlorophyll a (Chl a), carotenoids, and phycocyanin. The protocol was demonstrated with samples from 20 lakes across Scotland, with special emphasis on Loch Leven where blooms of cyanobacteria are frequent. In parallel, samples were prepared for reference observations of Chl a and carotenoids by high‐performance liquid chromatography and of phycocyanin by spectrophotometry. Robustness of the CNNs were investigated by excluding each lake from model trainings one at a time and using the excluded data as independent test data. For Loch Leven, median absolute percentage difference (MAPD) was 15% for Chl a and 36% for carotenoids. MAPD in estimated phycocyanin concentration was high (102%); however, the system was able to indicate the possibility of a cyanobacteria bloom. In the leave‐one‐out tests with the other lakes, MAPD was 26% for Chl a, 27% for carotenoids, and 75% for phycocyanin. The higher error for phycocyanin was likely due to variation in the data distribution and reference observations. It was concluded that this protocol could support phytoplankton monitoring by using Chl a and carotenoids as proxies for biomass. Greater focus on the distribution and volume of the training data would improve the phycocyanin estimates.
The purity premium effect: The asymmetrical value change around pure products
Authors: Li Yi , Pandelaere Mario
Published: November 2023

This research documents a purity premium effect, showing that consumers perceive a greater value difference between a pure product containing 100% of a single material (e.g., 100% wool) and a non‐pure product containing lower quality material (e.g., 80% wool + 20% cotton), compared to two non‐pure products with the same composition difference (e.g., 80% wool + 20% cotton vs. 60% wool + 40% cotton), suggesting a nonlinear value change. However, the value change is linear in the higher‐quality direction, suggesting an asymmetrical change in value distance around pure products. This effect happens because consumers use pure products to categorize products into different quality groups such that pure products belong to a different quality category from the lower quality non‐pure products, but to the same quality category as the higher quality non‐pure products. Based on this theorizing, the perceived quality difference between the pure and non‐pure products, which integrates both the objective material quality difference and the categorical difference, serves as the mechanism to drive the asymmetrical change of value around pure products. Five studies support this asymmetrical purity premium effect and the proposed process. The findings offer direct implications for pricing decisions around pure products. A price premium can be extracted when pricing a higher quality pure product compared to the non‐pure products. However, such a price premium does not apply when the pure product is of lower quality than the non‐pure products.
Eliminating customer experience pain points in complex customer journeys through smart service solutions
Authors: Holz Heiko F. , Becker Marc , Blut Markus , Paluch Stefanie
Published: November 2023

Scholarly understanding of customer journeys has evolved from a linear, single service provider perspective to encompass complex service delivery networks that involve multiple touchpoints governed by various service providers. This intricate setting often gives rise to experiential pain points for customers. To investigate this phenomenon within the context of airport services, our research employs critical incident and problem‐centered interviews as well as an analysis of 7192 online airport reviews. In Studies 1a and 2a, we explore the crucial pain points that travelers encounter throughout their airport journey. Complementing these insights, Studies 1b and 2b assess the impact of the identified pain points on travelers' emotions. Building upon a classification of pain points into information, performance, and hospitality themes, Study 3 further examines how smart service solutions, as new technologies, can address and resolve these pain points, ultimately enhancing the customer experience (CX). By accomplishing these objectives, our work contributes a comprehensive classification scheme for experiential pain points in complex customer journeys to the academic discourse on customer journeys. Furthermore, it establishes a connection to the emerging field of research on the impact of smart service solutions on the CX.
Preoperative detection of lymphovascular invasion in rectal cancer using intravoxel incoherent motion imaging based on radiomics
Authors: Wong Chinting , Liu Tong , Zhang Chunyu , Li Mingyang , Zhang Huimao , Wang Quan , Fu Yu
Published: November 2023

Background

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status plays an important role in treatment decision‐making in rectal cancer (RC). Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging has been shown to detect LVI; however, making better use of IVIM data remains an important issue that needs to be discussed.

Purpose

We proposed to explore the best way to use IVIM quantitative parameters and images to construct radiomics models for the noninvasive detection of LVI in RC.

Methods

A total of 83 patients (LVI negative (LVI‐): LVI positive (LVI+) = 51:32) with postoperative pathology‐confirmed LVI status in RC were divided into a training group (n = 58) and a validation group (n = 25). Images were acquired from a 3.0 Tesla machine, including oblique axial T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) and IVIM with 11 b values. The ADC, D, D* and f values were measured on IVIM maps. The ROIs of tumors were delineated on T2WI, DWI, ADCmap, and Dmap images, and three mapping methods were used: ROIs_mapping from DWI, ROIs_mapping from ADCmap, and ROIs_mapping from Dmap. Three‐dimensional radiomics features were extracted from the delineated ROIs. Multivariate logistic regression was used for radiomics feature selection. Radiomics models based on different mapping methods were developed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration, and decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the models.

Results

Model B, which was constructed with radiomics features from ADCmap, Dmap and fmap by “ROIs_mapping from DWI” and T2WI (AUC 0.894), performed better than other models based on single sequence (AUC 0.600‐0.806) and even better than Model A, which was based on “ROIs_mapping from ADC” and T2WI (AUC 0.838). Furthermore, an integrated model was constructed with Model B and the IVIM parameter (f value) with an AUC of 0.920 (95% CI: 0.820‐1.000), which was higher than that of Model B, in the validation group.

Conclusions

The integrated model incorporating the radiomics features and IVIM parameters accurately detected LVI of RC. The “ROIs_mapping from DWI” method provided the best results.
Optimal dose for the efficacy of asenapine in patients with schizophrenia: Real‐world data
Authors: Takekita Yoshiteru , Hiraoka Shuichi , Iwama Yasuhiro , Matsui Daisuke , Aoki Nobuatsu , Ogata Haruhiko , Funatsuki Toshiya , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Murase Yuji , Koshikawa Yosuke , Kato Masaki , Kinoshita Toshihiko
Published: November 2023

Aims

A meta‐analysis of short‐term studies revealed no significant differences between the doses of asenapine, 10 and 20 mg/day, in the acute treatment of schizophrenia. However, it should be noted that many patients from clinical practice were excluded, and the dose–response to asenapine in a real‐world setting is still unclear. Additionally, the dose–response in the maintenance phase is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of different asenapine doses in patients with maintenance phase of schizophrenia in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This study conducted post‐marketing surveillance of asenapine in clinical settings in Japan. It followed patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who received asenapine for the first time for a maximum of 52 weeks. These patients were divided into two categories based on their average daily asenapine dosage: ≤10 mg/day and >10 mg/day. Asenapine efficacy was assessed by adjusting for patient demographics using multivariate logistic regression analysis, employing the Clinical Global Impression‐Global Improvement (CGI‐I) scale, which has seven categories.

Results

A total of 2774 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 1689 and 1085 patients were treated with asenapine ≤10 mg/day and >10 mg/day, respectively. The CGI‐I improvement rate was significantly higher in the asenapine >10 group (p = 0.012) after adjusting for patient background factors.

Conclusion

These results suggest that asenapine doses >10 mg/day may be more effective than 10 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Realistic simulation of GPR for landmine and IED detection including antenna models, soil dispersion and heterogeneity
Authors: Stadler Sam , Schennen Stephan , Hiller Thomas , Igel Jan
Published: November 2023

Ground‐penetrating radar is an effective tool for detecting landmines and improvised explosive devices, but its performance is strongly influenced by subsurface properties as well as the characteristics of the target. To complement or replace labour‐intensive experiments on test sites, cost‐efficient electromagnetic wave propagation simulations using the finite‐difference time‐domain method are being increasingly used. However, to obtain realistic synthetic data, accurate modelling of signal alteration caused by dispersion, scattering from soil material, target contrast, shape, and inner setup, as well as the coupling effects of the antenna to the ground is required. In this study, we present a detailed three‐dimensional model of a shielded ground‐penetrating radar antenna applied to various scenarios containing metallic and non‐metallic targets buried in different soils. The frequency‐dependent intrinsic material properties of soil samples were measured with the coaxial transmission‐line technique, while a discrete random media was used to implement the heterogeneity of a gravel based on its grain‐size distribution. Our simulations show very good agreement with experimental validation data collected under controlled conditions. We accurately reproduce the amplitude, frequency, and phase of target signals, the subsurface background noise, antenna crosstalk and associated interference with target signals, and the effect of antenna elevation. The approach allows for a systematic investigation of the effects of soil, target, and sensor properties on detection performance, providing insight into novel and complex ground‐penetrating radar scenarios and the potential for a wide range of simulation possibilities for demining with ground‐penetrating radar. These investigations have the potential to improve the safety and effectiveness of landmine and improvised explosive device detection in the future, such as building a database for training deminers or developing automatic signal pattern recognition algorithms.