bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties and characterization of cross-linked VAc-VeoVa10 latex emulsified with reactive surfactants
Authors: Chen Lijun , Zhao Wanting , Gong Zheqing
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The traditional vinyl ester of neodecanoic acid-vinyl acetate (VeoVa10-VAc) copolymer latex is a linear structure with poor film formation, thus causing solvent resistance and wear resistance of the latex film to be poor. This study aims to investigate the use of cross-linkers in emulsion polymerization to modify the latex. During the course of film formation, the reactive functional groups react to form cross-linkage. The network structure can effectively improve the compactness of the resin, thereby greatly improving the water resistance, solvent resistance and heat resistance of the resultant film. In addition, the reactive emulsifier is used to replace the conventional emulsifier. Thus, the drawbacks of the conventional emulsifier molecules migrate and desorb can be avoided when the polymer latex is stored.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-linked VAc-VeoVa10 latex has been synthesized with the reactive surfactants, in which VAc and VeoVa10 are used as the main monomers and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was used as the cross-linked monomer. Potassium persulfate (KPS) and mixed surfactants of alkyl allyl polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulfate (JS-20) and allyl nonyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether (ANPEO-10) were used as the initiator and emulsifier, respectively. The structure of resultant latex film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The latex films were tested by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and contact angle (CA). The particle size and its distribution of the latex were measured by the nano particle size analyzer.

Findings

The factors that had an influence on the properties of the latex and the film were investigated in detail. The stability of the resultant latex is good. The average particles of the latex and its distribution are small and uniform, respectively. In comparison with the conventional latex film, the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of the resultant latex film are improved obviously.

Practical implications

The resultant latex can be used in both the waterborne interior and exterior wall coatings, pickering stabilized waterborne polymer dispersions, polymer powders, environmentally friendly polymer-modified waterproof mortar and other fields, which can be satisfied with the high demand of thermal stability and hydrophobicity.

Originality/value

The modification of poly (VAc-VeoVa10) by reactive emulsifier and cross-linker is seldom reported. In this study, the cross-linked poly (VAC-VeoVa) latex is prepared through the reactive surfactants, with VAc and VeoVa10 used as the main monomers and EGDMA used as the cross-linked monomer. KPS and mixed surfactants of JS-20 and ANPEO-10 are used as the initiator and emulsifier, respectively.
Exploring the bidirectional causal associations between pain and circulating inflammatory proteins: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhou Wenyu , Zhang Faqiang , Wei Juan , Wang Sheng , Min Keting , Chen Yuanli , Yang Hao , Lv Xin
Published: July 2024

Multisite chronic pain (MCP) and site‐specific chronic pain (SSCP) may be influenced by circulating inflammatory proteins, but the causal relationship remains unknown. To overcome this limitation, two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to analyse data for 91 circulating inflammatory proteins, MCP and SSCP encompassing headache, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, stomach abdominal pain and facial pain. The primary MR method used was inverse variance weighting, sensitivity analyses included weighted median, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier and the Egger intercept method. Heterogeneity was also detected using Cochrane's Q test and leave‐one‐out analyses. Finally, a causal relationship between 29 circulating inflammatory proteins and chronic pain was identified. Among these proteins, 14 exhibited a protective effect, including MCP (T‐cell surface glycoprotein cluster of differentiation 5), headache (4E‐binding protein 1 [4EBP1], cluster of differentiation 40, cluster of differentiation 6 and C‐X‐C motif chemokine [CXCL] 11), back pain (leukaemia inhibitory factor), shoulder pain (fibroblast growth factor [FGF]‐5 and interleukin [IL]‐18R1), stomach abdominal pain (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]‐α), hip pain (CXCL1, IL‐20 and signalling lymphocytic activation molecule 1) and knee pain (IL‐7 and TNF‐β). Additionally, 15 proteins were identified as risk factors for MCP and SSCP: MCP (colony‐stimulating factor 1, human glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and IL‐17C), headache (fms‐related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, IL‐20 receptor subunit α [IL‐20RA], neurotrophin‐3 and tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9), facial pain (CXCL1), back pain (TNF), shoulder pain (IL‐17C and matrix metalloproteinase‐10), stomach abdominal pain (IL‐20RA), hip pain (C‐C motif chemokine 11/eotaxin‐1 and tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12) and knee pain (4EBP1). Importantly, in the opposite direction, MCP and SSCP did not exhibit a significant causal impact on circulating inflammatory proteins. Our study identified potential causal influences of various circulating inflammatory proteins on MCP and SSCP and provided promising treatments for the clinical management of MCP and SSCP.
Faithful men and false women: Love‐suicide in early modern English popular print
Authors: Knox Imogen
Published: July 2024

This article explores the representation of suicide committed for love in English popular print in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It shows how, within ballads and pamphlets, suicide resulting from failed courtship was often portrayed as romantic and an expression of devotion. Within this literature, however, young women often bore the blame for male suicide, influenced by early modern ideas about the innate characteristics of men and women. This examination interrogates a context in which suicide, rather than being condemned, was consistently depicted sympathetically. It also sheds crucial light on the representation and performance of masculinity and femininity in courtship and matters of love.
The impact of biomarkers of malignancy (IMWG SLiM criteria) in myeloma in a real‐world population: Clinical characteristics, therapy and outcomes from the Australian and New Zealand Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (ANZ MRDR)
Authors: Ho P. Joy , Moore Elizabeth , Wellard Cameron , Quach Hang , Blacklock Hilary , Harrrison Simon J. , MacDonald Emma‐Jane , McQuilten Zoe K. , Wood Erica M. , Mollee Peter , Spencer Andrew
Published: July 2024

A decade after International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) biomarkers (SLiM criteria) were introduced, this real‐world study examined their impact on diagnosis, therapy and outcomes in myeloma. Using the ANZ MRDR, 3489 newly diagnosed patients from 2013 to 2023, comprising 3232 diagnosed by CRAB (‘CRAB patients’, including 1758 who also satisfied ≥1 SLiM criteria) and 257 by SLiM (‘SLiM patients’) criteria were analysed. CRAB patients had higher R‐ISS and lower performance status, with no difference in cytogenetic risk. SLiM patients had improved progression‐free survival (PFS, 37.5 vs. 32.2 months, hazard ratio [HR] 1.31 [1.08–1.59], p = 0.003), overall survival (80.9 vs. 73.2 months, HR 1.64 [1.26–2.13], p < 0.001) and PFS2 (54.6 vs. 40.3 months, HR 1.51 [1.22–1.86], p < 0.001) compared with CRAB patients, partially explained by earlier diagnosis, with no differential impact between the plasma cell and light‐chain criteria on PFS. However, 34% of CRAB patients did not manifest SLiM characteristics, raising the possibility that SLiM features are associated with different biological behaviours contributing to a better prognosis, for example, improved PFS2 in SLiM patients suggested less disease resistance at first relapse. These data support earlier initiation of therapy by SLiM. The superior survival outcomes of SLiM versus CRAB patients highlight the importance of defining these subgroups when interpreting therapeutic outcomes at induction and first relapse.
Advancements in inhibitors of crucial enzymes in the cysteine biosynthetic pathway: Serine acetyltransferase and O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase
Authors: Qin Yinhui , Teng Yuetai , Yang Yan , Mao Zhenkun , Zhao Shengyu , Zhang Na , Li Xu , Niu Weihong
Published: July 2024

Infectious diseases have been jeopardized problem that threaten public health over a long period of time. The growing prevalence of drug‐resistant pathogens and infectious cases have led to a decrease in the number of effective antibiotics, which highlights the urgent need for the development of new antibacterial agents. Serine acetyltransferase (SAT), also known as CysE in certain bacterial species, and O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS), also known as CysK in select bacteria, are indispensable enzymes within the cysteine biosynthesis pathway of various pathogenic microorganisms. These enzymes play a crucial role in the survival of these pathogens, making SAT and OASS promising targets for the development of novel anti‐infective agents. In this comprehensive review, we present an introduction to the structure and function of SAT and OASS, along with an overview of existing inhibitors for SAT and OASS as potential antibacterial agents. Our primary focus is on elucidating the inhibitory activities, structure–activity relationships, and mechanisms of action of these inhibitors. Through this exploration, we aim to provide insights into promising strategies and prospects in the development of antibacterial agents that target these essential enzymes.
Accuracy of navigation guided implant surgery for immediate loading complete arch restorations: Prospective clinical trial
Authors: Pozzi Alessandro , Carosi Paolo , Laureti Andrea , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Chow James , Arcuri Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To assess navigation accuracy for complete‐arch implant placement with immediate loading of digitally prefabricated provisional.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive edentulous and terminal dentition patients requiring at least one complete‐arch FDP were treated between December 2020 and January 2022. Accuracy was evaluated by superimposing pre‐operative and post‐operative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), recording linear (mm) and angular (degrees) deviations. T‐tests were performed to investigate the potential effect of the registration algorithm (fiducial‐based vs. fiducial‐free), type of references for the fiducial‐free algorithm (teeth vs. bone screws), site characteristic (healed vs. post‐extractive), implant angulation (axial vs. tilted), type of arch (maxilla vs. mandible) on the accuracy with p‐value <0.05.

Results

Twenty‐five patients, 36 complete‐arches, and 161 implants were placed. The overall mean angular deviation was 2.19° (SD 1.26°). The global platform and apex mean deviations were 1.17 mm (SD 0.57 mm), and 1.30 mm (SD 0.62 mm). Meaningful global platform (p = 0.0009) and apical (p = 0.0109) deviations were experienced only between healed and post‐extraction sites. None of the analyzed variables significantly influenced angular deviation. Minor single‐axis deviations were reported for the type of jaw (y‐axis at implant platform and apex), registration algorithm (y‐axis platform and z‐axis deviations), and type of references for the fiducial‐free algorithm. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to implant angulation.

Conclusions

Within the study limitations navigation was reliable for complete‐arch implant placement with immediate loading digitally pre‐fabricated FDP. AI‐driven surface anatomy identification and calibration protocol made fiducial‐free registration as accurate as fiducial‐based, teeth and bone screws equal as references. Implant site characteristics were the only statistically significant variable with healed sites reporting higher accuracy compared to post‐extractive. Live‐tracked navigation surgery enhanced operator performance and accuracy regardless of implant angulation and type of jaw. A mean safety room of about 1 mm and 2° should be considered.
1104. Dactylorhiza purpurella (T.Stephenson & T.A.Stephenson) Soó
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Raistrick Reinhild
Published: July 2024

Dactylorhiza purpurella (northern marsh orchid) is illustrated here (t. 1104). It is a north‐western European allotetraploid species, and allotetraploidy and different treatments of the diploid progenitors of this and other allotetraploids in the genus have led to a complicated taxonomic history. A detailed description is provided, with notes on the habitat. Its conservation status has been assessed as Least Concern in Britain, although populations may be at risk from drainage and other agricultural change. It is available for sale from specialist nurseries; notes on cultivation are provided.
Size and financing of external growth strategies among small and medium enterprises
Authors: Chalençon Ludivine , Marion Alain
Published: July 2024

This research analyzes the effects of size on the financial decisions of unlisted small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in external growth. Among 259 French SMEs that undertook external growth investments, this effort accelerated their growth trajectories when they were able to overcome financial constraints specific to their size. Despite the resulting loss of control, financing of external growth thus requires equity raising. In the specific context of consolidating sectors, in which increasing size is vital, operations can be financed partly by share‐based payments. In this way, targets' owners remain shareholders and benefit from the improved performance brought about by consolidation.
Problematising the Anthropocene: Geographic perspectives upon the riverscapes of Waimatā Catchment, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Thomas Megan , Lythberg Billie , Hikuroa Dan , Brierley Gary
Published: July 2024

Drawing on a Critical Physical Geography perspective, this paper problematises conceptualisations of the Anthropocene landscape of the Waimatā catchment on the East Cape, Gisborne district of Aotearoa New Zealand, through three lenses: forestry, restoration and indigeneity. Historical practices of arbitrary land division and resultant unsustainable forestry have caused multiple environmental, social and cultural problems within the catchment. Despite significant efforts of restoration groups and volunteers to remedy this, as yet programmes do not align with holistic Māori ideologies of seeing themselves as the land from which they trace their tribal identity. Fragmentation of the land has disrupted senses of identity and place. A kinship‐based worldview between humans, the universe and everything in it suggests a more holistic lens through which humans are conceived as inseparable from nature. Such a more‐than‐human lens exposes a critical flaw in interpretations of the Anthropocene. Even when only considering its lexical construction, the word ‘Anthropocene’ innately centres the human. Continued use of such framings extends inequitable and unjust practices that imprint colonial forcings on the landscape and its people in ways inconsistent with intertwined Māori views of people, land and ancestors. No matter the lens through which it is interpreted, the Anthropocene term has little practical value in Aotearoa New Zealand, especially when considered in relation to emerging socio‐natural river‐centric perspectives.
Fatty acid preference for beta‐oxidation in mitochondria of murine cultured astrocytes
Authors: Corales Laarni Grace , Inada Hitoshi , Owada Yuji , Osumi Noriko
Published: July 2024

The brain utilizes glucose as a primary energy substrate but also fatty acids for the β‐oxidation in mitochondria. The β‐oxidation is reported to occur mainly in astrocytes, but its capacity and efficacy against different fatty acids remain unknown. Here, we show the fatty acid preference for the β‐oxidation in mitochondria of murine cultured astrocytes. Fatty acid oxidation assay using an extracellular flux analyzer showed that saturated or monosaturated fatty acids, palmitic acid and oleic acid, are preferred substrates over polyunsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. We also report that fatty acid binding proteins expressed in the astrocytes contribute less to fatty acid transport to mitochondria for β‐oxidation. Our results could give insight into understanding energy metabolism through fatty acid consumption in the brain.
Quality of life measurement in assessing treatment effectiveness in urticaria: European experts position statement
Authors: Chernyshov Pavel Viktorovich , Tomas‐Aragones Lucia , Zuberbier Torsten , Kocatürk Emek , Manolache Liana , Pustisek Nives , Svensson Åke , Marron Servando E. , Sampogna Francesca , Bewley Anthony , Salavastru Carmen , Koumaki Dimitra , Augustin Matthias , Linder Dennis , Abeni Damiano , Salek Sam S. , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Jemec Gregor B.
Published: July 2024

In this study, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient‐Oriented Outcomes and Urticaria and Angioedema has examined the Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) measurement in the treatment of urticaria. The Dermatology Life Quality Index was the most frequently used HRQoL instrument in clinical trials on urticaria. Many reports of clinical trials of urticaria gave no exact numeric results related to HRQoL changes, making clear conclusions and comparisons with other studies impossible. The interpretation of HRQoL impairment data is more difficult when assessed by instruments without severity stratification systems. The minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) is a more clinically oriented and relevant parameter than depending on statistically significant changes in HRQoL scores. Therefore, using HRQoL instruments with established MCID data in clinical trials and clinical practice is preferred.
Impact of reproductive traits on productive life in Iranian Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Reisi‐Vanani Reza , Ansari‐Mahyari Saeid , Pakdel Abbas , Cue Roger I.
Published: July 2024

Enhancing reproductive performance is a key strategy to mitigate involuntary culling rates, thereby extending productive life (PL) and ultimately improving profitability in dairy cattle herds. A piecewise Weibull proportional hazards model was used to investigate the effect of several important reproductive traits on PL in Holstein dairy cows. Data comprised 200,747 lactation records from 82,505 cows sired by 1952 bulls across 36 dairy herds. PL was defined as the number of days from the first calving to the last milk record or censoring. The statistical model accounted for the time‐dependent fixed effects of changes in herd size, year‐season, milk production, fat and protein contents, and the time‐independent fixed effect of age at first calving. Herd‐year and sire effects were also included as random effects. Reproductive traits include calving traits such as calving ease (CE), calf size (CZ), and calf survival (CS), as well as female fertility traits such as number of inseminations per conception (NI), days from calving to first service (CFS), days from first service to conception (FSC), and days open (DO). All reproductive traits had a significant effect on PL (p < 0.001). Each reproductive trait was analysed separately. The relative risk (RR) of being culled increased as the severity of calving difficulties increased in both primiparous and multiparous cows. Cows that calved small or large calves showed a higher risk of being culled compared with those that calved medium size calves. The increased RR of culling was observed only for primiparous cows that gave birth to dead calves. In addition, cows that required more NI, a longer CFS, FSC, and DO had shorter longevity. These insights can deepen our comprehension of the factors affecting PL and provide information for refining management and breeding strategies, which could lead to increased profitability and sustainability in Iranian dairy farming.
Commentary: Optimism for the future of research on disruptive behaviors – an appreciation of good science as illustrated by Nobakht, Steinsbekk & Wichstrom (2023)
Authors: Burke Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2024

This paper by Nobakht, Steinsbekk & Wichstrom (2023) is a model of good science in the study of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Their approach illustrates a thoughtful research design, statistical modeling sufficient to empirically evaluate developmental processes, and a full consideration of the theoretical implications of their work. This contrasts with a broad history of research on ODD and CD that far too often has only reified biased assumptions about these phenomena rather than rigorously scrutinizing them. Their demonstration of a unidirectional developmental flow of influence from ODD to interparental aggression, and thence to CD highlights a set of complicated developmental processes involving these disorders and their environment. It expands on evidence of the toll that ODD exerts on parents and provides guidance for more specific intervention. Standards in developmental psychopathology research should include testing bidirectional processes and employing designs that could falsify rather than reify existing beliefs. Examining key mechanisms in such processes will more rapidly generate improvements in assessment and treatment.
Advancement in perioperative management of pituitary adenomas—Current concepts and best practices
Authors: Shafiq Ismat , Williams Zoë R. , Vates G. Edward
Published: July 2024

Pituitary adenomas are very common representing 18.1% of all brain tumors and are the second most common brain pathology. Transsphenoidal surgery is the mainstay of treatment for all pituitary adenomas except for prolactinomas which are primarily treated medically with dopamine agonists. A thorough endocrine evaluation of pituitary adenoma preoperatively is crucial to identify hormonal compromise caused by the large sellar mass, identifying prolactin‐producing tumors and comorbidities associated with Cushing and acromegaly to improve patient care and outcome. Transsphenoidal surgery is relatively safe in the hands of experienced surgeons, but still carries a substantial risk of causing hypopituitarism that required close follow‐up in the immediate postoperative period to decrease mortality. A multidisciplinary team approach with endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and neurosurgeons is the cornerstone in the perioperative management of pituitary adenomas.
Differing worldviews: The politics of happiness, meaning, and psychological richness
Authors: Oishi Shigehiro , Choi Hyewon , Cha Youngjae , Heintzelman Samantha , Buttrick Nicholas R , Westgate Erin C
Published: July 2024

Objective/Background

Conservative ideology, broadly speaking, has been widely linked to greater happiness and meaning in life. Is that true of all forms of a good life? We examined whether a psychologically rich life is associated with political orientation, system justification, and Protestant work ethic, independent of two other traditional forms of a good life: a happy life and a meaningful life.

Method

Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed conservative worldviews and three aspects of well‐being (N = 583 in Study 1; N = 348 in Study 2; N = 436 in Study 3; N = 1,217 in Study 4; N = 2,176 in Study 5; N = 516 in Study 6).

Results

Happiness was associated with political conservatism and system justification, and meaning in life was associated with Protestant work ethic. In contrast, zero‐order correlations showed that psychological richness was not associated with conservative worldviews. However, when happiness and meaning in life were included in multiple regression models, the nature of the association shifted: Psychological richness was consistently inversely associated with system justification and on average less political conservatism, suggesting that happiness and meaning in life were suppressor variables.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that happiness and meaning in life are associated with conservative ideology, whereas psychological richness is not.
Management of intrahepatic and perihilar cholangiocarcinomas: Guidelines of the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF)
Authors: Neuzillet Cindy , Decraecker Marie , Larrue Hélène , Ntanda‐Nwandji Line C. , Barbier Louise , Barge Sandrine , Belle Arthur , Chagneau Carine , Edeline Julien , Guettier Catherine , Huguet Florence , Jacques Jérémie , Le Bail Brigitte , Leblanc Sarah , Lewin Maïté , Malka David , Ronot Maxime , Vendrely Véronique , Vibert Éric , Bureau Christophe , Bourliere Marc , Ganne‐Carrie Nathalie , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most common malignant primary liver cancer. iCCA may develop on an underlying chronic liver disease and its incidence is growing in relation with the epidemics of obesity and metabolic diseases. In contrast, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) may follow a history of chronic inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract. The initial management of CCAs is often complex and requires multidisciplinary expertise. The French Association for the Study of the Liver wished to organize guidelines in order to summarize the best evidence available about several key points in iCCA and pCCA. These guidelines have been elaborated based on the level of evidence available in the literature and each recommendation has been analysed, discussed and voted by the panel of experts. They describe the epidemiology of CCA as well as how patients with iCCA or pCCA should be managed from diagnosis to treatment. The most recent developments of personalized medicine and use of targeted therapies are also highlighted.
A pilot integrated model nurse clinic increases the uptake of antiviral treatment for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV
Authors: Hui Vicki W. K. , Cheung Alan C. S. , Yip Amber C. W. , Yung Cherry C. T. , Mok Irene H. Y. , Lau Wince Y. P. , Yip Terry C. F. , Lai Mandy S. M. , Lai Jimmy C. T. , Chan Henry L. Y. , Wong Vincent W. S. , Wong Grace L. H.
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Mother‐to‐child‐transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may still occur despite birth‐dose HBV vaccinations when pregnant women are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with high viral loads (HBV DNA ≥ 200 000 IU/mL). A pilot integrated model nurse clinic (IMNC) was started in 2020 to implement the pre‐emptive antiviral therapy with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). We aimed to evaluate the performance of IMNC on uptake of TDF.

Methods

This was a territory‐wide retrospective cohort of all consecutive HBsAg‐positive women of child‐bearing age with pregnancy records in public hospitals 2019–2022. Demographic characteristics, liver biochemistries and virologic parameters, and TDF use were collected. Concurrently, data from a prospective audit in Union Hospital, the private hospital with the highest number of deliveries in Hong Kong, from June 2022 to May 2023 were compared.

Results

The prevalence rate of HBV DNA ≥ 200 000 IU/mL in pregnant women with available HBV DNA records was 29.2% (66/226) in 2019, 27.3% (99/363) in 2020, 15.9% (125/784) in 2021 and 17.2% (117/679) in 2022 (p < .001), out of 2052 pregnant women who had their HBV DNA checked within 1 year prior to delivery. An increasing uptake rate of TDF by highly viraemic pregnant women (i.e. ≥ 200 000 IU/mL) was noted after the commencement of IMNC in public hospitals, with 67% (45/67) in 2019, 83% (88/106) in 2020, 91% (117/128) in 2021 and 89% (149/167) in 2022. Moreover, all highly viraemic pregnant women from Union Hospital received TDF. Continuous use of TDF was associated with a reduced risk of postpartum biochemical flare.

Conclusions

IMNC increases the uptake of antiviral treatment in pregnant women at risk of MTCT of HBV. IMNC contributes to hepatitis elimination through a structured care plan to prevent MTCT of HBV.
Neopterin, 7,8‐dihydroneopterin, total neopterin levels and their ratio in periodontitis: New dilemma
Authors: Turkmen Emrah , Sayedyousef Hadi , Ucar Dorukhan , Yılmaz Melis , Akdoğan Nihan , Balci Nur , Kurgan Şivge , Toygar Hilal , Serdar Muhittin A.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Determine the saliva and serum levels of neopterin (NP) and 7,8‐dihydroneopterin (7,8NP) in periodontitis patients and to reveal the relationship of these data with clinical periodontal parameters.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐three patients with stage III/grade B periodontitis and 23 periodontally healthy individuals were included. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded (plaque index, pocket depth, clinical attachment loss & bleeding on probing). Saliva and serum levels of NP and 7,8NP were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Saliva NP, 7,8NP and Total Neopterin (TNP) levels were significantly elevated in the periodontitis than the control group (p < 0.001).ROC analyses of saliva NP, 7,8NP and TNP yielded areas under the curves of 0.873–0.938 for discriminating periodontitis from health, and saliva TNP was found the most accurate biomarker (AUC = 0.938).There was no significant difference among the periodontitis and control groups for saliva TNP/NP and TNP/7,8NP ratios and serum NP, 7,8NP and TNP levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased saliva TNP, NP and 7,8NP levels in periodontitis may suggest these biomarkers are regulating immune activation and oxidative stress mechanism in periodontal inflammation. Additionally, together with these results, equivalence of the TNP/NP ratio in intergroups may suggest that the effects of immune activation and oxidative stress mechanisms are equal in the periodontitis.
PSTPIP1‐associated myeloid‐related proteinemia inflammatory (PAMI) syndrome: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tran Megan M. , Sprau Pallavi Basu , Moyer Amanda R. , Rieger Kerri E. , Lewis Matthew A. , Hsu Joyce J. , Siegel Dawn H.
Published: July 2024

PSTPIP1‐associated myeloid‐related proteinemia inflammatory (PAMI) syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disorder often arising in pediatric patients. We present a case of an 18‐year‐old female with a past medical history of growth failure, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and inflammatory arthritis who presented to a pediatric dermatology clinic with findings of acne, psoriasiform dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, whose clinical, genetic, and laboratory findings were most consistent with PAMI syndrome. We conducted a literature review to better characterize this rare condition in the context of dermatologic findings. Recognition of the distinctive skin findings seen in PAMI syndrome can help distinguish it from other inflammatory disorders, enabling expedited diagnosis and treatment.
Skin microbiome profiling reveals the crucial role of microbial metabolites in anti‐photoaging
Authors: Li Ying , Chen Huizhen , Xie Xinqiang , Pang Rui , Huang Shixuan , Ying Hang , Chen Moutong , Xue Liang , Zhang Jumei , Ding Yu , Wu Qingping
Published: July 2024

Background

Skin microbiota is essential for health maintenance. Photoaging is the primary environmental factor that affects skin homeostasis, but whether it influences the skin microbiota remains unclear.

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between photoaging and skin microbiome.

Methods

A cohort of senior bus drivers was considered as a long‐term unilateral ultraviolet (UV) irradiated population. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was conducted to assess skin microbial composition variations on different sides of their faces. The microbiome characteristics of the photoaged population were further examined by photoaging guinea pig models, and the correlations between microbial metabolites and aging‐related cytokines were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Photoaging decreased the relative abundance of microorganisms including Georgenia and Thermobifida in human skin and downregulated the generation of skin microbe‐derived antioxidative metabolites such as ectoin. In animal models, Lactobacillus and Streptobacillus abundance in both the epidermis and dermis dropped after UV irradiation, resulting in low levels of skin antioxidative molecules and leading to elevated expressions of the collagen degradation factors matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 and MMP‐2 and inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6.

Conclusions

Skin microbial characteristics have an impact in photoaging and the loss of microbe‐derived antioxidative metabolites impairs skin cells and accelerates the aging process. Therefore, microbiome‐based therapeutics may have potential in delaying skin aging.
Policy growth and maintenance in comparative perspective
Authors: Knill Christoph , Steinbacher Christina , Steinebach Yves , Trein Philipp
Published: July 2024

Policy growth comes with multiple challenges for policy implementation. Congested policy portfolios increase the likelihood of interactions and contradictions between different policy objectives and instruments. Moreover, policy growth can lead to difficulties during implementation when many public and private organizations must cooperate and manage increasing complexity and overlapping responsibilities. Consequently, policy growth should ideally be accompanied by maintenance activities, namely institutional reforms aimed at (1) preventing policy contradictions, or (2) improving administrative coordination. We test this relationship through a comparative analysis that examines the level of policy growth and maintenance activities in 13 OECD countries in environmental and unemployment policy over 35 years. We find that policy growth and maintenance activities are not systematically linked but occur independently, even when controlling for the influence of moderating factors such as government effectiveness or the presence of veto players. Consequently, modern governments seem to struggle with managing the downsides of policy growth.
Analysis of factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Hu Ling , Liu Wenjuan , Yin Liqin , Yi Xiaoling , Zou Yi , Sheng Xia
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and provide guidance for reducing the recurrence rate.

Methods

A total of 211 patients diagnosed with DFU who were hospitalized and discharged from the hospital from October 2015 to January 2020 were included as the study cohort. Participants were divided into two groups according to whether the foot ulcer recurred during the 2‐year follow‐up period: a recurrence group (n = 84) and a non‐recurrence group (n = 127). The following data were collected and analyzed for the two groups of patients: general information, foot information, laboratory indicators, diabetes comorbidities, and complications.

Results

(1) The overall recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) within 2 years was 39.8%, indicating a high recurrence rate. (2) Significant differences were observed between the two patient groups in terms of BMI, HbA1c, TBIL, CRP, financial situation, foot deformity, first ulcer on the sole of the foot, previous amputation history, Wagner grade of the first ulcer, osteomyelitis, DFU duration (>60 days), lower limb vascular reconstruction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (t = 2.455; Z = −1.988, −3.731, −3.618; χ2 = 7.88, 5.004, 3.906, 17.178, 16.237, 5.007, 24.642, 4.782, 29.334, 10.253). No significant differences were found for the other indicators. (3) Logistic regression analysis revealed that TBIL (OR = 0.886, p = 0.036) was a protective factor against ulcer recurrence. In contrast, PAD, previous amputation history, DPN, and the first ulcer on the sole of the foot (OR = 3.987, 6.758, 4.681, 2.405; p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) were identified as risk factors for ulcer recurrence.

Conclusion

Early screening and preventive education targeting high‐risk factors such as DPN, PAD and the initial ulcer location on the sole of the foot are essential to mitigate the high long‐term recurrence rate of DFU. Furthermore, the protective role of TBIL in preventing ulcer recurrence underscores the importance of monitoring bilirubin levels as part of a comprehensive management strategy for DFU patients.
Genetic association between asthma and alopecia areata: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Du Wenqian , He Ke , Liu Xinyi , Yin Tingyi , Xiao Shengxiang , Zheng Yan
Published: July 2024

Background

Many patients with asthma experience alopecia areata (AA) in their lives. However, it is unclear whether asthma causes or results from AA. Our objective was to investigate the genetic causal relationship between asthma and AA.

Methods

Two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to assess the causal relationship between asthma and AA based on the largest publicly available genome‐wide association study summary statistics. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and cicatricial alopecia (CA) were chosen as the control groups for AA. The main estimates were obtained using inverse variance weighting meta‐analysis (IVW), Mendelian randomization‐Egger (MR‐Egger), maximum likelihood estimation, and the weighted median. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q test, MR‐Egger, and leave‐one‐out methods. Lastly, we conducted a reverse MR analysis to evaluate the possibility of reverse causation.

Results

Genetically, asthma is associated with an increased risk of AA, while the association between genetically predicted AGA or CA and asthma was negative. The risk of AA increased by 1.86 times in patients with asthma under the IVW method (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.31–2.629, p < 0.001). The reverse MR analysis did not find evidence supporting reverse causality from three phenotypes of alopecia to asthma. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent causal estimates.

Conclusion

This study suggests that asthma is causally associated with AA. The findings deepen our understanding of the role of asthma in the pathology of AA, which emphasizes the potential for opening a new vista for the prevention and diagnosis of AA.
A genome‐wide association study of alloimmunization in the TOPMed OMG‐SCD cohort identifies a locus on chromosome 12
Authors: Sun Quan , Karafin Matthew S. , Garrett Melanie E. , Li Yun , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Telen Marilyn J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Red cell alloimmunization after exposure to donor red cells is a very common complication of transfusion for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), resulting frequently in accelerated donor red blood cell destruction. Patients show substantial differences in their predisposition to alloimmunization, and genetic variability is one proposed component. Although several genetic association studies have been conducted for alloimmunization, the results have been inconsistent, and the genetic determinants of alloimmunization remain largely unknown.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in 236 African American (AA) SCD patients from the Outcome Modifying Genes in Sickle Cell Disease (OMG‐SCD) cohort, which is part of Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed), with whole‐genome sequencing data available. We also performed sensitivity analyses adjusting for different sets of covariates and applied different sample grouping strategies based on the number of alloantibodies patients developed.

Results

We identified one genome‐wide significant locus on chr12 (p = 3.1e‐9) with no evidence of genomic inflation (lambda = 1.003). Further leveraging QTL evidence from GTEx whole blood and/or Jackson Heart Study PBMC RNA‐Seq data, we identified a number of potential genes, such as ARHGAP9, STAT6, and ATP23, that may be driving the association signal. We also discovered some suggestive loci using different analysis strategies.

Discussion

We call for the community to collect additional alloantibody information within SCD cohorts to further the understanding of the genetic basis of alloimmunization in order to improve transfusion outcomes.
Seasonal increase in syphilis screening reactivity rates in whole blood donors, United States, 2011–2023
Authors: Miller Maureen J. , Long James O. , Conry‐Cantilena Kathleen , Chen Leonard N. , West‐Mitchell Kamille A. , De Giorgi Valeria
Published: July 2024

Background

In December 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a letter to clinical laboratory staff and healthcare providers detailing a risk of false Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) when using the Bio‐Rad Laboratories BioPlex 2200 Syphilis Total & RPR kit in people who had received COVID‐19 vaccination; Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assays did not appear to be impacted by this issue. We evaluated reactivity rates of syphilis screening with negative confirmatory testing at our institution by year and seasonality.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of routine syphilis testing of whole blood (WB) collections at an academic hospital‐based donor center in the eastern United States. All WB donations from 2011 to 2023 which demonstrated reactive syphilis screening (Beckman Coulter PK TP Microhemagglutination) with negative confirmatory testing (CAPTIA Syphilis (T. pallidum)‐G) were evaluated. Reactivity rates by year and season of donation were compared using unpaired t‐tests.

Results

A total of 109 WB donations from 86 unique donors who donated from 2011 to 2023 screened reactive for syphilis with negative confirmatory testing. The unconfirmed syphilis reactivity rate increased from 2018 to 2023 (mean: 0.360%) compared to 2011–2017 (mean: 0.071%, p < .05). An autumnal peak in unconfirmed reactives was observed.

Conclusion

The unconfirmed syphilis reactivity rate among WB donors at our institution increased markedly since 2017 compared to the 7 years prior and doubled from 2020 to 2021. No testing assay changes explain these results. The autumnal peak in unconfirmed reactives suggests a possible environmental trigger such as viral infection or vaccination.
Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec
Authors: Fellin Erica , Varin Mathieu , Millien Virginie
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Lyme disease is a well‐known occupational risk across North America caused by exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi via blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). As the geographic range of B. burgdorferi advances with the increasing distribution of blacklegged ticks, more outdoor workers are at risk of contracting Lyme disease. In this study, we examined the demography and personal perceptions of outdoor workers within one framework to better determine the overall risk for those working outdoors.

Methods and Results

We analysed outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and of behaviours that can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease. We then compared these risk perceptions of individuals across age, sex, education, and industry, as well as time spent outdoors. We tested the hypothesis that the risk perception of an individual and their knowledge of Lyme disease transmission was dependent on their demographics, experience in their job, and the region in which they spend time outdoors. We estimated a knowledge‐based risk score based on individuals' answers to a questionnaire on risk perception given to voluntary participants who work outdoors. Those who had higher risk scores were more at risk. We found that knowledge‐based risk scores were correlated with geographic risk levels and with the number of hours per day spent outdoors. Those who work longer hours and who work in areas with mid‐level risk had higher risk scores. Those who spend more time outdoors recreationally had lower risk scores.

Conclusions

Further examination and acknowledgment of the reasoning behind why these factors are affecting workers' risks must be considered to recognize that it is not necessarily demographics or geographically high‐risk areas that affect an individual's risk. Workers' knowledge of these risks is affected by several variables that should be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures and awareness programs.
Rectifiable paths with polynomial log‐signature are straight lines
Authors: Friz Peter K. , Lyons Terry , Seigal Anna
Published: July 2024

The signature of a rectifiable path is a tensor series in the tensor algebra whose coefficients are definite iterated integrals of the path. The signature characterizes the path up to a generalized form of reparameterization. It is a classical result of Chen that the log‐signature (the logarithm of the signature) is a Lie series. A Lie series is polynomial if it has finite degree. We show that the log‐signature is polynomial if and only if the path is a straight line up to reparameterization. Consequently, the log‐signature of a rectifiable path either has degree one or infinite support. Though our result pertains to rectifiable paths, the proof uses rough path theory, in particular that the signature characterizes a rough path up to reparameterization.
Graph convex hull bounds as generalized Jensen inequalities
Authors: Klebanov Ilja
Published: July 2024

Jensen's inequality is ubiquitous in measure and probability theory, statistics, machine learning, information theory and many other areas of mathematics and data science. It states that, for any convex function defined on a convex domain and any random variable taking values in , . In this paper, sharp upper and lower bounds on , termed ‘graph convex hull bounds’, are derived for arbitrary functions on arbitrary domains , thereby extensively generalizing Jensen's inequality. The derivation of these bounds necessitates the investigation of the convex hull of the graph of , which can be challenging for complex functions. On the other hand, once these inequalities are established, they hold, just like Jensen's inequality, for any ‐valued random variable . Therefore, these bounds are of particular interest in cases where is relatively simple and is complicated or unknown. Both finite‐ and infinite‐dimensional domains and codomains of are covered as well as analogous bounds for conditional expectations and Markov operators.
Targeted in vitro- confirmation of the antiviral activity of Tenvir (Tenofovir) drug against the SARS-COV-2 virus variant B. in Kazakhstan and identifying NSP12 in the viral genome
Authors: Khaidarov S. , Burashev Y. , Kozhabergenov N. , Usserbayev B. , Melisbek A. , Shirinbekov M. , Moldakaryzova A. , Beisenova A. , Mustafaeva A. , Kydyrbaeva A.
Published: July 2024

COVID-19 became a true medication target worldwide due to its pandemic scale in 2020. Viral infections are generally hard to cope with, especially, if the viral load and spreading speed seriously surpass the immune reaction, both innate and adaptive. Thus, only relatively few drugs were used clinically to stop either in the early stages of viral reproduction like with the help of Tenvir (Tenofovir) or vaccination to gain collective immunity in a particular population.  None of the interferon-based drugs showed clear medical effects in medical trials and during pandemic hospitalization protocols. However, purine-analogs like Tenvir and others showed sustainable survival and recovery rates among SARS-COV-2 virus-infected patients at moderate and severe stages of pneumonia caused by this virus.   This article reveals the invitro testing of the Tenvir drug on virus strain, Variant B.1.1, Sampled from Kazakhstan and molecular-genetic characterization of NSP12 (non-structural protein 12) located in ORF1b region of the SARS-COV 2 genome. Tenvir or tenofovir was broadly used against HIV infection and this study shows a sufficient effect on viral spread due to RdRP-inhibiting properties in-vitro.