bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Asian skin: A review on skin biophysical properties
Authors: Goh Choon Fu
Published: October 2023

Asian is home to dozens of different ethnic groups that are characterised by fascinating social and cultural variations. Unfortunately, existing literature on the skin properties of Asians tends to group this diverse population solely based on skin colour, perpetuating the misconception and stereotype that all Asian skin is the same. While Asia is one of the largest continents in the world, the difference in the geographical location and climate have long shaped the population into various ethnic groups with significant differences in the collective and diverse customs, traditions, cultures and living habits. The diverse ethnic groups in this region hint us that their skin biophysical characteristics can be very different from each other. This review features the profiling of the distinctive skin biophysical properties of Asians. We learn more about the different ethnic groups in Asia and acknowledge the unique skin biophysical properties even from the same country.
Predictors for the effectiveness of 75 mg risankizumab in treating psoriasis—A real‐word evidence from a 52‐week retrospective study
Authors: Hsieh Chang‐Yu , Tseng Yu‐Hsian , Tsai Tsen‐Fang
Published: October 2023

In the registration trial of risankizumab for patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in Japan, similar Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) responses were observed for 75 mg or 150 mg risankizumab at most time points up to 52 weeks, except for PASI 100 at week 16. The use of 75 mg risankizumab offers an attractive option considering the high cost of risankizumab. However, it is unknown whether patients with mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis respond similarly, and the efficacy data of non‐Japanese patients is also lacking. We retrospectively included 30 consecutive Chinese patients receiving half‐dose (75 mg) risankizumab as scheduled up to 52 weeks. Compared with biologic‐experienced group, biologic‐naive group had a significantly higher PASI 50/75/90/100 achievement (p = 0.0098/0.0039/0.0016/0.0054) at week 52. PASI 50/75/90/100 curves in biologic‐naive group (p = 0.0117/0.0239/0.0143/0.0269) were also significantly higher when analysed generalized estimating equations (GEE) model. Though there was no statistically significant difference in terms of PASI 50/75/90/100 responses at any time points between those with body weight ≦ 65 kg and those >65 kg, a tendency of secondary failure was noted in those >65 kg from week 40 onwards. Patients who were both biologic‐naive and weighed ≦ 65 kg achieved sustained PASI 50/75/90 responses from week 16/28/40 onwards, respectively, indicating that they could be considered as potential candidates for 75 mg risankizumab. Though PASI 75 curve in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) surpassed that in patient without DM, curves of other parameters did not reach significance when analysed by GEE model. There was no HBV, HCV or TB reactivation, nor other new safety signals during the 52‐week observational period. Providing risankizumab with flexible dosing options is beneficial in clinical practice considering the high cost of this medication.
Analgesic switching in chronic users of dextropropoxyphene in France
Authors: Daveluy Amélie , Bryan Michael Charles , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Lassalle Régis , Lacueille Clémentine , Grelaud Angela , Floccia Marie , Haramburu Françoise , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Micallef Joëlle , Salvo Francesco
Published: October 2023

Background

The combination dextropropoxyphene/paracetamol (DXP/P) was the most prescribed opioid analgesic until its withdrawal in 2011.

Objectives

This study investigated dispensations of analgesics in chronic users of DXP/P during the 18 months following its withdrawal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study repeated yearly was conducted by using the French reimbursement database from 2006 to 2015. Chronic DXP/P users were defined as patients who received at least 40 boxes of DXP/P in the year prior to withdrawal. Data on analgesic dispensing were analyzed at DXP/P withdrawal (T0) and then every 6 months for 18 months.

Results

A total of 63 671 subjects had a DXP/P reimbursement in the year prior to its discontinuation, of whom 7.1% were identified as chronic users (mean age: 71.5 years, women: 68.7%). Among the patients taking DXP/P alone at T0 (74.6%), one fourth switched to a peripheral analgesic, one fourth to a combination of peripheral analgesic/opioid, one fourth to another opioid, and the others mainly discontinued their treatment (14.1%) or died. During the following 12 months, most of the subjects taking only peripheral analgesics continued this treatment, while half of the subjects with a combination of opioid/peripheral analgesic or taking only an analgesic remained on this type of treatment.

Conclusion

Eighteen months after DXP/P withdrawal, more than 10% of patients stopped taking an analgesic. Vigilance is required regarding any change in analgesics by regularly reassessing patients' pain and, in the case of opioid treatments, by monitoring the risk of use disorders.
Convolutional neural network for risk assessment in polycrystalline alloy structures via ultrasonic testing
Authors: Alqahtani Hassan , Ray Asok
Published: October 2023

In the current state of the art of process industries/manufacturing technologies, computer‐instrumented and computer‐controlled autonomous techniques are necessary for damage diagnosis and prognosis in operating machinery. From this perspective, the paper addresses the issue of fatigue damage that is one of the most encountered sources of degradation in polycrystalline‐alloy structures of machinery components. In this paper, the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are applied to synergistic combinations of ultrasonic measurements and images from a confocal microscope (Alicona) to detect and evaluate the risk of fatigue damage. The database of the Alicona has been used to calibrate the ultrasonic database and to provide the ground truth for fatigue damage assessment. The results show that both the ultrasonic data and Alicona images are capable of classifying the fatigue damage into their respective classes with considerably high accuracy. However, the ultrasonic CNN model yields better accuracy than the Alicona CNN model by almost 9%.
Career decision‐making among Chinese doctoral engineering graduates after studying in the United States
Authors: Huang Qian , Jung Jisun
Published: October 2023

How does studying in the United States affect Chinese doctoral engineering graduates' career decisions? The present study is based on semi‐structured interviews with 16 Chinese engineering graduates who completed their doctorates in the United States, focusing on two critical aspects of their career decisions: returning to China and pursuing academic careers. First, the findings categorise Chinese doctoral engineering graduates into four types based on intention to return to China: fresh returnees, advanced returnees, hesitant stayers and resolute stayers. Second, the findings describe the reasons why they pursued academic or non‐academic careers. In particular, the study explores how the graduates' learning experiences during their doctoral study in the United States affected them in terms of the research field, industry experiences, information gained and expectations about working conditions. In the decision process, it was important for doctoral students to adopt positive and open attitudes and exercise self‐agency to identify the most appropriate directions for their careers. The study has contributions to the agency theory in career decision‐making and social implications for international doctoral students to navigate the career decision process after completing doctoral programmes abroad.
A conceptual model using CliftonStrengths® to support dental hygiene students' professional development
Authors: Bono Leciel , Gurenlian JoAnn , August Jessica
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this 2‐year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengths® assessment to support entry‐level dental hygiene students' professional development and to create a conceptual model for professional development in dental hygiene education.

Methods

CliftonStrengths® was incorporated into didactic and community learning experiences throughout year two of the dental hygiene curriculum. At the end of year two, focus group interviews assessed student perceptions of professional strengths based on these learning experiences. Co‐investigators used a qualitative analysis software program to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses.

Results

All second‐year dental hygiene students (n = 32) participated in year two of the study. Two themes were identified: relevance of CliftonStrengths® and professional development. Within the theme of relevance, the subthemes of adaptability, making connections and teamwork emerged. The theme of professional development yielded three subthemes: appreciation, personal and professional identity and insight.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated CliftonStrengths® can be used to promote professional development among dental hygiene students. As a result, a conceptual model was developed for professional development in dental hygiene education. This model can be used as a framework for teaching and to improve student learning experiences.
Transcriptome analysis of Apis mellifera antennae reveals molecular divergence underlying the division of labour in worker bees
Authors: Liu Bairu , Xu Yicong , Zhang Weixing
Published: October 2023

The olfactory system plays a fundamental role in mediating insect behaviour. Worker bees exhibit an age‐dependent division of labour, performing discrete sets of behaviours throughout their lifespan. The behavioural states of bees rely on their sense of the environment and chemical communication via their olfactory system, the antennae. However, the olfactory adaptation mechanism of worker bees during their behavioural development remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of antennal gene expression in the Apis mellifera of newly emerged workers, nurses, foragers and defenders using RNA‐seq. We found that the antenna tissues of honey bees continued developing after transformation from newly emerged workers to adults. Additionally, we identified differentially expressed genes associated with bee development and division of labour. We validated that major royal jelly protein genes are highly and specifically expressed in nurse honey bee workers. Furthermore, we identified and validated significant alternative splicing events correlated with the development and division of labour. These findings provide a comprehensive transcriptome profile and a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms that may underlie the worker honey bee division of labour.
A 4‐week randomized controlled trial evaluating plaque and gingivitis effects of an electric toothbrush in a paediatric population
Authors: Davidovich Esti , Ccahuana‐Vasquez Renzo A. , Grender Julie , Timm Hans , Gonen Hila , Zini Avi
Published: October 2023

Background

Few extended studies have explored oscillating–rotating (O–R) toothbrush efficacy in young children.

Aim

To compare the efficacy between O–R and manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis after 4 weeks in children.

Design

This was a randomized, parallel‐group, examiner‐blind, clinical trial. In two 50‐subject cohorts (3–6 years, primary dentition, parental brushing; 7–10 years, mixed dentition, self‐brushing), subjects used Oral‐BKidsO–R toothbrush per manufacturer's instructions or Paro Junior manual toothbrush in a customary manner. Plaque and Modified Gingival Index (MGI; primary variable) scores were assessed at baseline and Week 4 for all subjects and within each age group.

Results

Both toothbrushes significantly reduced whole mouth and posterior plaque and MGI versus baseline (p < .001). Combined groups: O–R showed greater plaque and MGI reductions versus manual for all measures (p ≤ .003). Three‐ to 6‐year‐olds: O–R demonstrated significantly (p < .032) greater whole‐mouth (55.7%) and posterior (34.3%) plaque reductions at Week 4 versus manual. Seven‐ to 10‐year‐olds: O–R showed significantly (p < .001) greater whole‐mouth (94.5%) and posterior (108.4%) plaque reductions and greater (p ≤ .016) whole‐mouth (14.1%) and posterior (18.8%) MGI reductions versus manual. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

The O–R toothbrush, used per manufacturer's instructions, reduced plaque and gingivitis better than a manual toothbrush used in a customary manner among children.
Applications of a monoclonal antibody to human ferritin in various immunoassays
Authors: Lee CY , Leung WY , Tung JK
Published: October 2023

Monoclonal antibodies to human liver ferritin were generated by an improved hybridoma technique using a semisolid medium containing methylcellulose for initial cloning after the cell fusion. Out of more than 1000 hybrid clones, only 1 was shown to secrete high‐affinity monoclonal antibodies to human liver ferritin. The immunoglobulin subclass of this antibody was determined to be IgG2. The association constant between liver ferritin and this antibody was determined to be greater than 1 × 10(10) M‐1. Due to the oligomeric nature of ferritin, this antibody can be simultaneously utilized as the first and second antibody in solid‐phase sandwich immunoradiometric and enzyme immunoassays. This immunoassay procedure can be performed within 30–45 min and has a sensitivity of about 1 ng/ml. Under identical assay conditions, ferritin isolated from human spleen and human heart gave 50 and 30% cross‐reactivity, respectively.
An attempt to determine lipid peroxides with polyethylene glycol‐modified hemin
Authors: Ajima A. , Cao SG , Takahashi K. , Matsushima A. , Saito Y. , Inada Y.
Published: October 2023

Hemin, having two carboxyl groups, was coupled with alpha‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐omega‐methoxypoly(oxyethylene) through the acid‐amide bond formed with carbodiimide. The modified hemin catalyzed the peroxidase reaction in 1,1,1‐trichloroethane using benzoyl peroxide or peroxides in unsaturated fatty acids as the hydrogen acceptor and leuco crystal violet as the hydrogen donor. A basic study on quantitative microanalysis of the lipid peroxides was attempted.
Effect of pH on antigen binding by clonotypic antibodies with different isoelectric points
Authors: Endo Y. , Miyai K. , Hata N. , Iijima Y.
Published: October 2023

Polyclonal rabbit antibodies to thyroxine, human myoglobin, human growth hormone, human thyrotropin, human alpha‐fetoprotein, and human thyroglobulin were fractionated into clonotypic antibodies with different isoelectric points by agarose isoelectric focusing or chromatofocusing. The effect of pH on the binding of these antigens by their respective clonotypic antibodies was assessed by radioimmunoassay. The profiles of the pH effect differed both for different antigens and for different pI's of the antibodies used. The pH optima in the radioimmunoassays for protein antigens were found to be expressed as a function of pI and molecular weight of both antigen and antibody molecules.
Mouse Erythrocyte Carriers Osmotically Loaded with Methotrexate
Authors: Kruse CA , Freehauf CL , Patel KR , Baldeschwieler JD
Published: October 2023

The mouse red blood cell (RBC) and red blood cell ghost (RBCG) have been studied as carriers of methotrexate (MTX). When incubated with high concentrations of MTX, RBCs take up significant quantities of it. However, when active loading techniques, such as the slow dialysis and preswell methods, are applied to those cells, up to 15 times more MTX can be entrapped. We have studied factors critical to the incorporation, leakage, and morphology of RBCGs during their loading with MTX by the slow dialysis and preswell methods. Compounds added to the buffers to maintain the ATP content of the cells and osmolarity play functional roles in this process. The fate of the material entrapped within the ghosts after in vivo administration was shown to be capture by the reticuloendothelial system. The pharmacological efficacy of MTX‐loaded RBCGs in treating mice bearing hepatoma ascites tumors was demonstrated by increases in average survival time of 28.5–42.8%.
Isolation and Characterization of a Sulfoxide and a Desamido Derivative of Biosynthetic Human Growth Hormone
Authors: Becker GW , Tackitt PM , Bromer WW , Lefeber DS , Riggin RM
Published: October 2023

Two derivatives of biosynthetic human growth hormone, a sulfoxide and a mixture of two monodesamido isomers, have been isolated and characterized. The sulfoxide derivative arises from an oxidation of Met‐14. The major site of deamidation is at Asn‐149 with a minor site at Asn‐152. In addition, a fraction has been isolated from a sample of human growth hormone that was maintained at 40 degrees C for 2 weeks. This fraction, the isolated impurities fraction, contains the sulfoxide and the desamido forms, thereby demonstrating that these derivatives are the primary degradation products of biosynthetic human growth hormone. The sulfoxide, the desamido, and the isolated impurities fraction exhibit full biological activity.
Characterization of Monoclonal Antidigoxin Antibodies Immobilized to a Solid Support
Authors: Brizgys MV , Pincus SH , Rollins DE
Published: October 2023

A high‐affinity monoclonal antidigoxin antibody, produced by somatic cell fusion, was amplified by the formation of ascites. Purification from ascites was accomplished by affinity chromatography by passing the ascites over a digitoxin‐amine‐agarose column. Affinity‐purified antidigoxin antibody was coupled to a pellicular microbead at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/g bead. The immobilized antibody was characterized for binding affinity, for specificity to other cardiac glycosides, and for binding capacity. There were no changes in the binding affinity observed for the immobilized antibody when compared to that of the antibody grown in culture media. Binding capacities for the immobilized antibody were decreased from calculated theoretical values. Saturating the microbead with increasing concentrations of antibody lowered the binding efficiency of the antibody from 32 to 22% of theoretical values. Attempts to improve the binding capacity by immobilizing antibodies to the microbead at the immunoglobulin carbohydrate by periodate oxidation were unsuccessful. These data demonstrate that antidrug antibodies immobilized on solid supports remain functional and may have the capability of removing drug from biological fluids passed over the support.
The ratio of two isozyme groups in microsomal cytochrome P‐450 under exogenous influence of carbon tetrachloride and cyclophosphamide
Authors: Izotov MV , Shcherbakov VM , Devichensky VM , Spiridonova SM , Lugovaja LV , Benediktova SA
Published: October 2023

A method for measuring the content of two groups of microsomal cytochrome P‐450 isozymes–cytochromes P‐450W and P‐450L–with the active sites directed into the water phase and membrane lipids, respectively, has been developed. The method is based on the ability of the xanthine oxidase‐menadione complex to reduce microsomal cytochromes b5 and P‐450 under anaerobic conditions by transferring electrons to hemoproteins with the active sites directed into the water phase. Cytochrome b5 is completely reduced (to the dithionite level) and cytochrome P‐450 is reduced partially (only a group of cytochromes P‐450W). The amount of cytochromes P‐450L is estimated using the difference between the total content of cytochrome P‐450 reduced by sodium dithionite and the content of cytochromes P‐450W. The possibility of controlling the ratio of these two isozyme groups in cytochrome P‐450 in vivo in membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum by pretreatment of animals with a variety of chemicals has been demonstrated. The ratio of cytochromes P‐450W and P‐450L has been shown to decrease two‐fold 18 days after three injections of phenobarbital into mice. Carbon tetrachloride and cyclophosphamide also decrease this ratio in vivo.
In vivo liver and lung targeting of adriamycin encapsulated in glutaraldehyde‐treated murine erythrocytes
Authors: Zocchi E. , Tonetti M. , Polvani C. , Guida L. , Benatti U. , De Flora A.
Published: October 2023

Treatment of adriamycin‐loaded erythrocytes from B6D2F1 mice with 0.1% glutaraldehyde produced the following effects: a considerable decrease in the in vitro leakage of the unmodified drug and a selective liver (and, to a lesser extent, lung) uptake of the encapsulated drug (70% of the injected dose) compared to drug leakage from, and tissue distribution of, carrier erythrocytes not treated with glutaraldehyde. The liver vascular bed was not saturated by five daily intravenous injections of 20 microliters of glutaraldehyde‐treated erythrocytes, which allows a total dosage of 200 micrograms of the drug (half the LD50 value) to be administered. No appreciable liver damage results from extensive and prolonged uptake of glutaraldehyde‐treated carrier erythrocytes. Entrapment of adriamycin within erythrocytes along with glutaraldehyde treatment of the carrier cells seems to be a promising therapeutic strategy against liver (and lung) tumors.
The effect of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A on proliferation of lymphoid and nerve cells
Authors: Alakhov VYu , Moskaleva EYu , Kravtzova TN , Smirnov VV , Duvakin IA , Loginov BV , Severin ES
Published: October 2023

The effects of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A (SEA) on proliferative activities of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, B‐lymphoma cells of the Namalva line, and nerve cells of the PC12 line have been studied. It has been shown that SEA affects these cells in identical ways, producing either a mitogenic or an antiproliferative effect. Studies on the dynamics of cellular responses to the action of SEA have demonstrated that the effects of the toxin are mediated by its interaction with different binding sites on the membranes of target cells. It has been established also that the antiproliferative effect of SEA is not associated with changes in 2′,5′‐oligo(A)‐synthetase activity or in the level of interferon secretion.
Free gp70 from FeLV: Enrichment from Cell Culture Fluid by Ferric Oxide‐Agarose Chromatography
Authors: Zelikman I. , Akerblom L. , Hjerten S. , Morein B.
Published: October 2023

A new chromatographic material based on beads of macroporous crosslinked agarose containing ferric oxide particles was used for enrichment of gp70–the envelope glycoprotein of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Free gp70 was purified from cell culture fluid in one step with a recovery of 50 to 60% and a purification of about 60 times. The described procedure is a suitable first step for the purification of gp70 from large volumes of cell culture fluid.
Purification to Homogeneity of Human Placental Acid Sphingomyelinase
Authors: Zou L. , Kojima N. , Kito M. , Yagi K.
Published: October 2023

Acid sphingomyelinase was purified to homogeneity from human placenta in the presence of a dialyzable detergent, n‐octyl‐beta‐D‐glucopyranoside. The major steps in the procedure included column chromatographies with Con A‐Sepharose, sphingosylphosphorylcholine‐Sepharose 4B, hexyl‐agarose, and Mono P. The purified enzyme with pI 7.4 had a specific activity of approx 170,000 units/mg protein with a yield of 3.6%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single protein band of Mr 62,000. Gel filtration with a Superose 12 column gave a single peak, and the enzyme in the presence 50 mM n‐octyl‐beta‐D‐glucopyranoside was of Mr 123,000, indicating that the native enzyme occurs in a dimeric form. The optimal pH was 5.5 with both sphingomyelin and an artificial substrate, 2‐N‐hexadecanoylamino‐4‐nitrophenylphosphorylcholine. The Km values were 55 microM with sphingomyelin and 340 microM with the artificial substrate. The enzyme activity was not affected by Mg2+ (1–5 mM), confirming that the enzyme is acid sphingomyelinase. The enzyme was stable at −80 degrees C for more than 4 months. In addition to the enzyme with pI 7.4, the Mono P chromatofocusing gave two peaks (pI 7.0 and 6.7) possessing the enzymatic activity.
Variation in Apparent Enzyme Activity in Two‐Enzyme Assay Systems: Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase And Malate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Hatley RH , Franks F.
Published: October 2023

We have employed the two‐enzyme assay system for phosphoenolpyruvate to investigate the effect on the apparent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP‐C) activity of the use of malate dehyrogenase (MDH) that has been stabilized in either glycerol or (NH4)2SO4. The type of MDH stabilizer has a marked effect on the apparent activity of the PEP‐C. The apparent activities of the PEP‐C are 1.34 and 0.43 U/mg in the presence of glycerol and salt‐stabilized MDH, respectively. The implications of the observations for diagnostic assays are discussed.
Purification of Two Muscle Enzymes by Chromatography on Immobilized Ferric Ions
Authors: Chaga G. , Andersson L. , Ersson B. , Porath J.
Published: October 2023

Two enzymes, glycogen phosphorylase and lactate dehydrogenase, were purified simultaneously in a single step. Ferric ions immobilized on a chelating gel were used as the adsorbent. Adsorption and desorption steps were accomplished by changes in buffer composition. The recoveries were better than 80% and the capacities were about 5 mg of protein per milliliter of adsorbent. The procedure worked well both on a small and on a preparative scale. The homogeneity of the purified enzymes was checked by FPLC.
Improved stability of 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate during storage of hexokinase‐overloaded erythrocytes
Authors: Magnani M. , Rossi L. , Bianchi M. , Serafini G. , Zocchi E. , Laguerre M. , Ropars C.
Published: October 2023

Human red blood cells were overloaded with homogeneous human hexokinase using a procedure of encapsulation based on hypotonic hemolysis and isotonic resealing and reannealing to achieve a final activity that was 15 times higher than that in control cells. Storage for 5 weeks at 4 degrees C of hexokinase‐overloaded erythrocytes shows that these cells undergo small K+ leakage and mean cell volume increase compared with control cells. Furthermore, after these 5 weeks of storage the 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate content was normal while the ATP concentration was slightly reduced. These results and other properties suggest that encapsulation of key glycolytic enzymes in erythrocytes can provide a new way to maintain in vitro functionally active red blood cells for at least 5 weeks.
Expression of the trpC gene from Penicillium chrysogenum in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Picknett TM , Saunders G. , Holt G.
Published: October 2023

The heterologous expression in Aspergillus nidulans of a gene involved in tryptophan biosynthesis from Penicillium chrysogenum is described. With the chimeric plasmid pPC‐31, which carries the cloned trpC gene, approximately 10–40 “stable” transformants per microgram of DNA were obtained, with selection for complementation of the mutant allele. This frequency was increased 10‐fold by the insertion of the ans1 fragment into the transformation vector. Southern hybridization analysis revealed that transformation occurred as a consequence of the integration of vector sequences into the host chromosome at a variety of sites within the genome.
Ratio of waist circumference to body mass index: A novel predictor of clinical outcome in hypertension patients
Authors: Wang Yi‐Han , Hua Yang , Zhang Heng‐Zhi , Liang Shuo , Cao Ze‐Zhong , Chen Lu‐Lu , Su Zhen‐Yang , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2023

We aim to investigate the influence of waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) on all‐cause death and cardiovascular‐specific death in patients with hypertension. This prospective cohort study, based on waist circumference and body mass index measurements in patients with hypertension, provided risk estimates of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular events. The waist circumference‐to‐BMI ratio (WtBR) is an anthropometric measure integrating waist circumference and BMI. We utilized multivariable Cox regression analysis, restricted cubic spline model, Kaplan‐Meier plot, random forest analysis, and sensitivity analysis to assess the relationship of WtBR with all‐cause mortality. Subsequently, Fine‐Gray competing risk regression models were applied to precisely evaluate the probability of cardiovascular‐specific death attributed to high WtBR. The results indicate that thea deceased group showed significantly higher WtBR and lower BMI compared with the alive groups (P < .05), while no significant difference was observed in waist circumference (P = .373). When analyzed as continuous, the risk of all‐cause death elevated with increasing WtBR in the adjusted model with an HR of 2.42 (95% CI, 2.06‐2.85). The restricted cubic spline illustrated an elevated risk of all‐cause mortality as WtBR increased (J‐shaped curve). Nevertheless, WtBR showed no significant association with cardiovascular‐specific death and the prediction model exhibited a reliable performance in the testing set. This study supported that WtBR, an anthropometric measure, is independently associated with all‐cause death in hypertensive patients. It's advisable to routinely assess waist circumference in hypertensive patients regardless of BMI, in order to more effectively manage the risk of obesity‐related health.
The availability, price, and characteristics of low sodium salt based on an online salt market survey in China: Implications for scaling up its use
Authors: Meng Dejing , Cobb Laura K. , Ide Nicole , Ge Zeng
Published: October 2023

Low sodium salt (LSS) is an effective way to reduce the primary source of sodium from home cooking. To investigate the availability, price and characteristics of LSS, price gap between LSS and regular salt, and the potential size of subsidy needed to equalize the price of LSS and regular salt. A market survey of salts was conducted using two major online shopping sites JD and Taobao from November to December 2022. Of 360 salts, 76 (21.1%) are LSS and 284 (78.9%) are regular salt. The average proportion of potassium chloride is low (16.8%), and half of the brands contain less than 15% and only 6.6% contains ≥25%. The mean price of LSS is slightly but not significantly higher than that of regular salts (1.82 versus 1.67 yuan/100 g, p = .07). In the lowest quartile by price, the cost of LSS is significantly higher than regular salts (difference 0.13, p = .0048). Further, when comparing the lowest price LSS to the lowest price regular since within the same brand, the mean price LSS is 2.11‐fold that of the regular salt (1.66 versus 0.79 yuan/100 g, p < .05). The price of iodized LSS is also significantly higher than that of iodized regular salt (1.86 verse 1.44 yuan/100 g, p = .044). An annual subsidy based on the difference in price in the first quartile would cost 4.75 yuan per capita. A variety of LSS are available in China's salt market.
Upadacitinib treatment in a real‐world difficult‐to‐treat atopic dermatitis patient cohort
Authors: Schlösser Anne R. , Boeijink Neill , Olydam Jill , Nijsten Tamar E. C. , Hijnen DirkJan
Published: October 2023

Background

Upadacitinib was the first JAK‐1 selective inhibitor registered for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Although efficacy and safety have been shown in clinical trials, real‐world data on the use of upadacitinib in patients that have been treated with other immunosuppressants and targeted therapies is limited.

Objectives

To provide real‐world evidence on the use of upadacitinib treatment in moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis.

Methods

In this prospective observational single‐centre study, all AD patients treated with upadacitinib treatment in the context of standard care were included between August 2021 and September 2022. Clinical outcome measures and adverse events (AEs) were analysed.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included. The majority (n = 39; 81%) had failed (ineffectiveness) on other targeted therapies, including other JAK inhibitors and biologics. Thirty‐four (71%) patients were still using upadacitinib treatment at last follow up (median duration 46.5 weeks). Fourteen (29%) patients discontinued treatment due to ineffectiveness or AE. Upadacitinib treatment led to a significant decrease of disease severity during a median follow up of 37.5 weeks. Median IGA at baseline decreased from 3 (IQR 2–3) to 1.5 (IQR 1–2) at last review (p < 0.001). Median NRS itch decreased from 7 (IQR 5–8) at baseline to 2.25 (IQR 0.25–6.5) at last review (p < 0.001). Three patients discontinued treatment due to AE. Forty‐eight AEs were reported, including acne‐like eruptions (25%), nausea (13%) and respiratory tract infections (10%).

Conclusions

In this real‐world cohort, we confirmed that upadacitinib is an effective treatment in a subset of AD patients that have failed several previous systemic immunosuppressive and biologic treatments. Overall, AE were mostly well tolerated and not a reason to discontinue treatment for most patients.
Real‐time detection of Angelica dahurica tablet using YOLOX_am
Authors: Qin Zheng , Li Xinying , Yan Lei , Cheng Pengle , Huang Ying
Published: October 2023

In the production of Angelica dahurica tablet (ADT), the manual sorting approach often leads to inefficiency, inconsistent standards, and subjective grading results. The traditional machine vision‐based sorting method, while helping to reduce the demand for labor in factories, suffers from problems such as incomplete contour detection and poor classification of dahurica tablets. To address the above problems, this paper proposes YOLOX_am, a novel deep learning‐based network that combines the fast detection ability of YOLOX and the feature weighting ability of the attention mechanism. In addition, a real‐time sorting system for dahurica tablets is also built and YOLOX_am is deployed in it. The experimental results show that the mAP of ADT's detection using the proposed model reaches 83.53%, which outperforms the original network YOLOX by 4.88%. Moreover, the detection speed of YOLOX_am reaches 1390 ms per image, which meets the requirement of real‐time sorting. Therefore, the combination of YOLOX and the attention mechanism is feasible and effective. YOLOX_am is both fast and accurate for ADT's detection and can be deployed in the sorting system to meet actual production needs.

Practical applications

The traditional classification of defects in herbal tablets mainly relies on manual detection. This paper introduces a deep learning method into the sorting of herbal tablets. To solve the problem of subtle differentiation of tablets' defects, a neural network structure that can quickly and accurately detect small defective samples is proposed. This network has been applied to practical production and achieved high effectiveness.
Neither individualism nor anti‐individualism: The coevolution of social systems and psychic systems
Authors: Guy Jean‐Sébastien
Published: October 2023

Major paradigms in sociology and social sciences usually embrace either individualism or anti‐individualism as fundamental worldview. This paper explores a third way between individualism and anti‐individualism developed by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann in his systems theory. Luhmann treats actors or individuals as psychic systems and he distinguishes them from social systems. In a nutshell, social systems produce communication, whereas psychic systems produce consciousness. In line with anti‐individualism, Luhmann therefore argues that social systems are irreducible to psychic systems and their actions. On the other hand, Luhmann joins ranks with individualism to assert that psychic systems are not rigorously constrained by social systems. Ultimately, Luhmann explains that social systems and psychic systems are part of each other's environment and that each type of systems provides the ecological conditions that the other type depends on to emerge and grow. To discuss this third way between individualism and anti‐individualism, the paper examines more specifically two central points in Luhmann's theory: (1) how social systems and psychic systems are separated from each other, and (2) how social systems and psychic systems are coevolving.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Learning Sign Languages as Additional Languages: Considering Language‐ and Modality‐Specific Factors
Authors: Rosen Russell S. , Quinto‐Pozos David
Published: October 2023

Additional language (L2/Ln) research largely focuses on learners whose first languages are spoken and who are learning additional spoken languages. In the past few decades, sign languages have become increasingly popular for hearing students in schools. These students must not only learn the vocabulary and grammar of sign languages but also manage a different modality (that is, the channels of production and reception of language) than their first language. This raises questions about the role of both language and modality in the L2/Ln learning of sign languages for non‐signers. In other cases, deaf and hearing signers of a sign language learn a different sign language, raising questions about L2/Ln learning in the signed modality. This Special Issue consists of empirical contributions and a conceptual review article that examine how language and modality shape the learning of sign languages as additional languages. Theoretical issues concerning learning a sign language as another language are discussed.
Performative Theodicy: Edith Stein and the Recovery of Lamentation
Authors: Nguyen Peter , Roddy Nicolae
Published: October 2023

In the context of contemporary mass atrocities and the search for justice, we offer a contemporary reading of the Book of Lamentations—a heartbreaking poem about a devastated city—through the witness of Edith Stein, a Jewish Catholic philosopher, educator, feminist, and Carmelite martyr of the Holocaust. Stein's own story of suffering gender and racial discrimination and her writings on empathy can help readers enter the world of Lamentations with compassion for those who bear the pain of acute injustice. In addition, her devotion in prayer and worship to the crucified and risen Christ as a Carmelite nun can help us find meaning in suffering. In her writings and witness, she teaches us that God's faithfulness does not abandon us to evil and that his unfailing love rescues us and transforms us into people of compassion and hope in the world.
Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser treatment for onychomycosis ‐ is it really effective? A prospective assessment for efficiency and factors contributing to response
Authors: Ramzy Batheesh , Emily Avitan‐Hersh , Jiryis Badi , Ziad Khamaysi
Published: October 2023

Onychomycosis is a highly prevalent and persistent nail disorder primarily caused by dermatophytes. The effectiveness of current topical and systemic antifungals is limited by the extent and severity of the infection, patient demographics and health status, hepatic toxicity, drug interactions and low compliance. Laser therapy is a promising modality for safe and cost‐effective removal of mycotic nail. This prospective study assessed the performance of a multi‐series long‐pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm regimen (30–40 J/cm2, 1 Hz) in the treatment of 213 mycotic nails in 31 patients. Pain and discomfort were scored at each treatment session and mycological and clinical cure rates were determined 3 months after the last treatment session. Patients presented with mostly severe (mean SCIO score: 21.9 ± 8.9), T. rubrum‐positive (87.1%) infections. Most (61%) had a family history of onychomycosis and a significant proportion had comorbidities, including hypertension (38.7%), hyperlipidemia (35.5%) and/or diabetes (12.9%). Treatment was well tolerated and there were no reports of nail deformity or burns. By 3 months post‐treatment, mycological cure was achieved by 4 (12.9%) and visual improvements were noted for 10 (32.3%) patients, including 3 (9.7%) with moderate to significant improvements. Clinical response correlated with baseline SCIO ≤ 20 (OR: 0.9 [0.13–6.52]), family history of onychomycosis (OR: 0.27 [0.04–1.50]) and comorbidities (OR: 0.44 [0.05–3.74]). In conclusion, Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser is safe and effective for the management of mild‐to‐moderate onychomycosis in diverse populations. Further studies will be necessary to adjust treatment parameters to patient and nail profiles and to determine the impact of combined laser and topical therapies.
Association between severity of dental caries and the risk of stroke
Authors: Ono Yukiko , Chou Yu‐Ching , Chien Wu‐Chien , Sun Chien‐An
Published: October 2023

Objective

The relationship between dental caries and stroke remains inconclusive. The aim of this study is to investigate whether different severities of dental caries affect the risk of stroke.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2000–2013 Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. We selected 23,662 patients with advanced/severe dental caries and 23,662 patients with incipient/moderate dental caries between 2000 and 2006. These patients were followed to the occurrence of stroke or to the end of the study in 2013. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from the Cox proportional hazards models were calculated to assess the association between severity of dental caries and the risk of stroke.

Results

The advanced/severe dental caries group had a significantly higher risk of stroke compared with incipient/moderate dental caries group (adjusted HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03–1.31). Stratified analyses showed that advanced/severe dental caries was positively associated with the risk of ischemic stroke in patients aged ≥40 years and with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients aged <40 years.

Conclusion

There is a severity‐dependent association between dental caries and stroke in an Asian population.
Predictors of long‐term survival in Japanese patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillators (CRT‐D)
Authors: Sakaguchi Yuta , Izumi Daisuke , Wada Rhythm , Akagawa Rie , Suzuki Naomasa , Hakamata Takahiro , Ikami Yasuhiro , Hasegaw Yuki , Otsuki Sou , Yagihara Nobue , Iijima Kenichi , Inomata Takayuki
Published: October 2023

Background

Reports on the factors predicting long‐term survival of CRT‐D cases from Western countries are increasing, however, those from Asia including Japan are still sparse. We aimed to clarify the factors predicting long‐term survival of Japanese CRT‐D cases.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive 133 patients who underwent CRT‐D implantation between 2006 and 2021. We compared clinical factors between patients who died within 5 years after implantation (short‐survival group: n = 31) and who had survived for more than 5 years (long‐survival group: n = 36) after implantation.

Results

Major underlying heart diseases were dilated cardiomyopathy (45%) and ischemic heart disease (12%). There was no difference between the short‐survival group and the long‐survival group in incidence of CLBBB (32% vs. 30%), whereas CRBBB was more common in the short‐survival group (26% vs. 0%, p = .004). Mechanical dyssynchrony at implantation was more frequent in the long‐survival group (48% vs. 78%, p = .02). The incidence of response to CRT at 1 year after implantation was higher in long‐survival group (19% vs. 50%, p = .02). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified NYHA class, mechanical dyssynchrony at implantation, and response at one year as predictors of long‐term survival.

Conclusions

In Japanese CRT‐D cases, lower NHYA class, preexisting mechanical dyssynchrony, and 1‐year response to CRT predict long‐term survival.
Can phrenic nerve injury be anticipated by larger cryoballoons?
Authors: Goto Kentaro , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Takigawa Masateru , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: October 2023

Recently, a novel size‐adjustable cryoballoon has been introduced in clinical practice, which can be inflated to two different diameters (28 and 31 mm). The 31 mm cryoballoon is specifically designed to achieve better contact with remodeled pulmonary veins (PVs) that have wider ostia while avoiding deep cannulation, thereby potentially reducing the risk of phrenic nerve injury (PNI) associated with deep balloon cannulation. However, we encountered two cases of PNI during cryoballoon ablation using the novel system among our initial 25 consecutive case series. Herein, we present two cases that exhibited PNI during freezing of the right superior PV with a size‐adjustable balloon. While larger balloons are expected to create a larger area of isolation, the safety of this novel balloon system needs to be evaluated in a large‐scale clinical study.
A survey about the practice of regional anesthesia in Manchester and Lancashire
Authors: Howe David , Hulgur Mruthujaya
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In 2021, the UK Royal College of Anaesthetists published an updated curriculum which outlines specific peripheral nerve blocks in which all anesthetists must achieve competency during their training. Little is known about which nerve blocks anesthetists in the UK can perform, nor which techniques they use to perform them.

Methods

We conducted a survey of anesthetists in North West England to discover their experience in anesthesia, which nerve blocks they can perform, and which techniques they use to perform them.

Results

Overall, 195 responses were received. Seventy‐nine respondents (44%) preferred to perform nerve blocks on anesthetized patients, 70 (40%) preferred to perform nerve blocks with the patient awake with no sedation. One hundred and thirty‐seven (85%) respondents used ultrasound only to localize nerves when performing a block. Among consultant respondents, 21 (19%) were unable to perform any upper limb block, and 48 (44%) were unable to perform any block of the thorax, both are a required competency of trainees under the 2021 curriculum.

Discussion

Trainees may struggle to achieve the required competencies of the new curriculum given many consultants are also unable to perform them. A structured placement in regional anesthetic training in each stage of training could help improve the acquisition of skills and knowledge among trainees. Further studies are needed to assess the ability of anesthetists nationwide in regional anesthesia.
A guide to assess the use of gene editing in aquaculture
Authors: Robinson Nicholas A. , Østbye Tone‐Kari Knutsdatter , Kettunen Anne H. , Coates Andrew , Barrett Luke T. , Robledo Diego , Dempster Tim
Published: October 2023

Aquaculture creates ‘aquatic foods’ such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds that are critical for food security. Gene editing using CRISPR‐Cas9 has the potential to transform aquaculture by improving animal welfare, nutritional attributes, and farming efficiency, with benefits for environmental sustainability. However, gene editing also poses risks of harm via side effects on other important traits or genetic introgression into wild populations. Public acceptance of gene edited aquatic species will rapidly erode if risk mitigation is ineffective or not applied. Here, we review the benefits and risks for gene editing in aquaculture. A general framework for risk–benefit analysis of gene editing in aquaculture is proposed, incorporating nine key considerations: genetic impacts, ecological impacts, disease risk mitigation, nature of edit, supply chain environmental footprint, animal welfare, human nutrition, ethical business implications and impacts on local communities. When applied on a case‐by‐case basis, the framework will help identify how gene editing of a farmed species can most enhance production and nutritional benefits while minimising harms to animal welfare, the environment, and society.