bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of public and private regulations on wholesale vendors' adoption of agrifood traceability to farms
Authors: Zhou Jiehong , Yang Zhiying , Liang Qiao , Zhou Weihua
Published: February 2024

Agrifood traceability of farms is extremely difficult owing to the small scale and dispersibility of farms. Fortunately, wholesale markets play an irreplaceable role in agrifood systems and in upstream traceability in many developing countries. This study first explores the mechanism of food safety liabilities related to the adoption of upstream traceability to farms. Then, the effects of public regulation by the government and private regulation by the market platform on wholesale vendors' adoption of traceability are investigated empirically. A unique panel dataset comprising 9287 food safety tests for 396 vendors from a wholesale market is used in the empirical analysis. The results show that vendors behave opportunistically by lowering their level of traceability when they expect a smaller possibility of being sampled. Given the same strength of regulation intensity, the effect of government regulation is larger than that of the market. The experience of failure in recent sampling tests motivates vendors to adopt higher levels of traceability. Recommendations regarding the frequency of food safety sampling tests conducted by the government and wholesale markets are proposed [EconLit Citations: Q18, L53].
Adolescents and sexual assault: A critical integrative review
Authors: Bailey Caroline , Shaw Jessica , Harris Abril
Published: February 2024

Adolescents are sexually assaulted at remarkably high rates. Adolescents are also unique given the specific dynamics of adolescent sexual assault, their current stage in human development, their limited legal standing and rights, and their experiences navigating postassault services and resources. While literature exists within each of these domains, it is somewhat disconnected and overlooks how adolescents are often relegated to the margins in research and practice. The purpose of this integrative review is to (1) provide a more complete understanding of adolescent sexual assault and survivors' nuanced needs; (2) frame adolescent survivors as a too‐often‐overlooked oppressed group that researchers and responders must consider and center in their work, lest contribute to their further marginalization; and (3) inspire and orient social justice‐minded scholar activists to various action steps to take to center and prioritize adolescents in research and practice. Through our intersectional feminist approach, we offer specific action steps for social justice‐minded scholar activists to recenter adolescents in their research and practice.
Developing and describing a typology of lucid episodes among people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Griffin Joan M. , Kim Kyungmin , Finnie Dawn M. , Lapid Maria I. , Gaugler Joseph E. , Batthyány Alexander , Bangerter Lauren R. , Biggar Virginia S. , Frangiosa Theresa
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study examined lucid episodes among people living with late‐stage Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PLWD) and then developed a typology of these episodes to help characterize them.

METHODS

Family caregivers of PLWD provided information about witnessed episodes, including proximity to death, cognitive status, duration, communication quality, and circumstances prior to lucid episodes on up to two episodes (caregiver N = 151; episode N = 279). Latent class analysis was used to classify and characterize empirically distinct clusters of lucid episodes.

RESULTS

Four lucid episode types were identified. The most common type occurred during visits with family and among PLWD who lived > 6 months after the episode. The least common type coincided with family visits and occurred within 7 days of the PLWD's death.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest that multiple types of lucid episodes exist; not all signal impending death; and some, but not all, are precipitated by external stimuli.
Spontaneous Oxidation in Aqueous Microdroplets: Water Radical Cation as Primary Oxidizing Agent
Authors: Qiu Lingqi , Cooks R. Graham
Published: February 2024

Exploration of the unique chemical properties of interfaces can unlock new understanding. A striking example is the finding of accelerated reactions, particularly spontaneous oxidation reactions, that occur without assistance of catalysts or external oxidants at the air interface of both aqueous and organic solutions (provided they contain some water). This finding opened a new area of interfacial chemistry but also caused heated debate regarding the primary chemical species responsible for the observed oxidation. An overview of the literature covering oxidation in microdroplets with air interfaces is provided, together with a critical examination of previous findings and hypotheses. The water radical cation/radical anion pair, formed spontaneously and responsible for the electric field at or near the droplet/air interface, is suggested to constitute the primary redox species. Mechanisms of accelerated microdroplet reactions are critically discussed and it is shown that hydroxyl radical/hydrogen peroxide formation in microdroplets does not require that these species be the primary oxidant. Instead, we suggest that hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide are the products of water radical cation decay in water. The importance of microdroplet chemistry in the prebiotic environment is sketched briefly and the role of partial solvation in reaction acceleration is noted.
Guest‐Regulated Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species from Porphyrin‐Based Multicomponent Metallacages for Selective Photocatalysis
Authors: Gao Ke , Cheng Ying , Zhang Zeyuan , Huo Xingda , Guo Chenxing , Fu Wenlong , Xu Jianzhi , Hou Gao‐Lei , Shang Xiaobo , Zhang Mingming
Published: February 2024

The development of novel materials for highly efficient and selective photocatalysis is crucial for their practical applications. Herein, we employ the host‐guest chemistry of porphyrin‐based metallacages to regulate the generation of reactive oxygen species and further use them for the selective photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohols. Upon irradiation, the sole metallacage (6) can generate singlet oxygen (1O2) effectively via excited energy transfer, while its complex with C70 (6⊃C70) opens a pathway for electron transfer to promote the formation of superoxide anion (O2⋅−), producing both 1O2 and O2⋅−. The addition of 4,4′‐bipyridine (BPY) to complex 6⊃C70 forms a more stable complex (6⊃BPY) via the coordination of the Zn‐porphyrin faces of 6 and BPY, which drives fullerenes out of the cavities and restores the ability of 1O2 generation. Therefore, benzyl alcohols are oxidized into benzyl aldehydes upon irradiation in the presence of 6 or 6⊃BPY, while they are oxidized into benzoic acids when 6⊃C70 is employed as the photosensitizing agent. This study demonstrates a highly efficient strategy that utilizes the host‐guest chemistry of metallacages to regulate the generation of reactive oxygen species for selective photooxidation reactions, which could promote the utilization of metallacages and their related host‐guest complexes for photocatalytic applications.
CuticleTrace: A toolkit for capturing cell outlines from leaf cuticle with implications for paleoecology and paleoclimatology
Authors: Lloyd Benjamin A. , Barclay Richard S. , Dunn Regan E. , Currano Ellen D. , Mohamaad Ayuni I. , Skersies Kymbre , Punyasena Surangi W.
Published: February 2024

Premise

Leaf epidermal cell morphology is closely tied to the evolutionary history of plants and their growth environments and is therefore of interest to many plant biologists. However, cell measurement can be time consuming and restrictive with current methods. CuticleTrace is a suite of Fiji and R‐based functions that streamlines and automates the segmentation and measurement of epidermal pavement cells across a wide range of cell morphologies and image qualities.

Methods and Results

We evaluated CuticleTrace‐generated measurements against those from alternate automated methods and expert and undergraduate hand tracings across a taxonomically diverse 50‐image data set of variable image qualities. We observed ~93% statistical agreement between CuticleTrace and expert hand‐traced measurements, outperforming alternate methods.

Conclusions

CuticleTrace is a broadly applicable, modular, and customizable tool that integrates data visualization and cell shape measurement with image segmentation, lowering the barrier to high‐throughput studies of epidermal morphology by vastly decreasing the labor investment required to generate high‐quality cell shape data sets.
Mini‐outburst of black hole X‐ray binary GX 339‐4 in 2004
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Kun , He Wei‐Long , Yang Wei‐Jia , Dong Ai‐Jun
Published: February 2024

The mini‐outburst of black hole X‐ray binaries (BHXBs) is a re‐bright event of light curve, which is often detected in BHXBs with the low orbital period, such as XTE J1650‐500 (), GRO J0422+32 () and Swift J1753.5‐0127 (). Because of its low X‐ray luminosity, the physics properties of mini‐outburst is still unclear. GX 339‐4 is a famous BHXBs with the orbital period and present many normal outburst and failed outburst over the past decades. However, the mini‐outburst is not still detected in GX 339‐4. In this work, using the Rossi X‐ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observations, we investigated the energy spectrum properties of the GX 339‐4 outburst in 2004 and confirmed that the outburst in 2004 is a mini‐outburst. It is very interest that the mini‐outburst has been through a whole state transition from Low/Hard state to High/Soft state. We also give a comparison between the normal outburst in 2002 and the mini‐outburst in 2004. And we find that the two outburst present a similar Hardness‐Intensity diagram and spectral properties, which suggest that the normal outburst and mini‐outburst have a similar physics. We think that the mini‐outburst of GX 339‐4 in 2004 can be well explained by the disk instability model.
Robotic‐assisted approaches to urachal carcinoma: A comprehensive systematic review of the safety and efficacy outcomes
Authors: Suartz Caio Vinícius , Martinez Lucas Motta , Brito Pedro Henrique , Neto Carlos Victori , Cordeiro Maurício Dener , Botelho Luiz Antonio Assan , Gallucci Fábio Pescarmona , Mota José Maurício , Nahas William Carlos , Ribeiro‐Filho Leopoldo Alves
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in patients with urachal carcinoma. Due to complications and to reduce hospital stay from open surgery, minimally invasive approaches are desirable. Nowadays, robotic‐assisted surgery has become increasingly popular, and robot‐assisted cystectomy can be performed in patients with urachal carcinoma with low complication rates.

Methods

We performed a systematic review to search for studies that evaluated patients who underwent robotic‐assisted surgery for urachal carcinoma. The outcomes of interest were the type of cystectomy performed, whether there was umbilicus resection, total operative time, console time, intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, time of hospitalisation, positive surgical margins and the presence of documented tumour recurrence.

Results

In this study, we evaluated three cohorts comprising a total of 21 patients. The median follow‐up period ranged from 8 to 40 months. Medium age was between 51 and 54 years, with a majority (63.1%) being male. One patient (5.2%) underwent a radical cystectomy, and 19 patients (94.7%) underwent to partial cystectomy. Umbilical resections were performed in all cases, and pelvic lymphadenectomy in 14 cases (73.6%). Recurrence occurred in three patients at a median of 17 months postoperation, two cases in the trocar insertion site. Additionally, there was one death, which was attributed to postoperative cardiovascular complications.

Conclusion

Robotic‐assisted partial cystectomy has a low incidence of adverse outcomes in patients with urachal carcinoma. Controlled studies, ideally randomised, are warranted to establish the comparative efficacy and safety of the robotic‐assisted cystectomy approach relative to open surgery.
Advancing 3D Printing through Integration of Machine Learning with Algae‐Based Biopolymers
Authors: Bin Abu Sofian Abu Danish Aiman , Lim Hooi Ren , Chew Kit Wayne , Show Pau Loke
Published: February 2024

The integration of machine learning (ML) with algae‐derived biopolymers in 3D printing is a burgeoning area with the potential to revolutionize various industries. This review article delves into the challenges and advancements in this field, starting with the critical problem it addresses the need for sustainable and efficient additive manufacturing processes. Algae‐based biopolymers, such as alginate and carrageenan, are explored for their viability in 3D printing, highlighting their environmental benefits and technical challenges. The role of ML in enhancing material selection, predictive modeling, and quality control is examined, showcasing how this synergy leads to significant improvements in 3D printing processes. Key findings include the enhanced mechanical properties of algae‐based biopolymers and the optimization of printing parameters through ML algorithms. Examples like the use of Spirulina in creating a range of materials and the application of carrageenan in bone tissue engineering are discussed. The conclusion underscores the transformative impact of combining ML with algae‐based biopolymers in 3D printing, paving the way for innovative, sustainable solutions in additive manufacturing. Despite existing challenges, this integration holds promise for a future of advanced, eco‐friendly manufacturing techniques.
Improving follow‐up of abnormal cancer screening results
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: February 2024

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, clinicians discuss how basic interventions and reminders in the electronic health record can help increase the benefits of timely follow‐up for patients who have abnormal cancer screening results. In addition, the results of two recent studies show that new first‐line therapies for advanced bladder cancer are showing improvements in survival.
Change in motivational bias during treatment predicts outcome in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Abber Sophie R. , Murray Susan M. , Brown Carina S. , Wierenga Christina E.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Reward and punishment sensitivity are known to be altered in anorexia nervosa (AN). Most research has examined these constructs separately although motivated behavior is influenced by considering both the potential for reward and risk of punishment. The present study sought to compare the relative balance of reward and punishment sensitivity in AN versus healthy controls (HCs) and examine whether motivational bias is associated with AN symptoms and treatment outcomes.

Methods

Adolescents and adults with AN (n = 262) in a partial hospitalization program completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and Sensitivity to Punishment/Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) at admission and discharge. HCs (HC; n = 90) completed the BIS/BAS and SPSRQ. Motivational Bias Scores were calculated to reflect the dominance of reward versus punishment sensitivity.

Results

Individuals with AN demonstrated significantly greater bias toward punishment sensitivity than HC. In AN, a bias toward punishment was associated with higher EDE‐Q Global score at admission. Change in motivational bias during treatment predicted EDE‐Q Global scores, but not BMI, at discharge, with greater increases in reward sensitivity or greater decreases in punishment sensitivity during treatment predicting lower eating pathology. Similar findings were observed using the BIS/BAS and SPSRQ.

Discussion

Change in motivational bias during treatment is associated with improved outcomes in AN. However, it appears that much of the change in motivational bias can be attributed to changes in punishment sensitivity, rather than reward sensitivity. Future research should examine the mechanisms underlying punishment sensitivity decreases during treatment.

Public Significance

Sensitivity to reward and punishment may be important treatment targets for individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). To date, most research has considered reward and punishment sensitivity separately, rather than examining their relationship to each other. We found that the balance of reward and punishment sensitivity (i.e., motivational bias) differs between healthy controls and those with AN and that this bias is associated with eating disorder symptoms and treatment outcome.
The role of large mammalian herbivores in shaping and maintaining soil microbial communities of natural mineral licks: A case study on sika deer at the firebreak adjacent to the Sino‐Russian border
Authors: Wen Peiying , Wu Feng , Bao Lei , Wang Tianming , Ge Jianping , Wang Hongfang
Published: February 2024

Mineral licks are indispensable habitats to the life history of large mammal herbivores (LMH). Geophagy at licks may provide the necessary minerals for LMH, while LMH may be ecosystem engineers of licks by altering vegetation cover and soil physicochemical properties (SPCP). However, the precise relationship between the LMH and licks remains unclear. To clarify the geophagy function of licks for LMH and their influence on soil at licks, we recorded visitation patterns of sika deer around licks and compared SPCP and microbial communities with the surrounding matrix in a firebreak adjacent to the Sino‐Russian border. Our study indirectly supports the “sodium supplementation” hypothesis. Proofs included (1) a significantly higher sodium, iron, and aluminum contents than the matrix, while lower carbon, nitrogen, and moisture contents; (2) significantly higher deer visitation during sodium‐demand season (growing season), along with an avoidance of licks with high iron contents, which is toxic when overdose. The microbes at the licks differed from those at the matrix, mainly driven by low soil carbon and nitrogen and altered biogeochemical cycles. The microbial communities of licks are vulnerable because of their unstable state and susceptibility to SPCP changes. Structural equation modeling (SEM) clearly showed a much stronger indirect effect of deer on microbes at licks than at the matrix, especially for bacteria. Multiple deer behaviors at licks, such as grazing, trampling, and excretion, can indirectly shape and stabilize microbes by altering carbon and nitrogen input. Our study is the first to characterize soil microbial communities at mineral licks and demonstrate the processes by which LMH shapes those communities. More studies are required to establish a general relationship between the LMH and licks to promote the conservation of natural licks for wildlife.
Analysis of winter diet in Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) using DNA metabarcoding data
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhong Huafu , Ran Jingcheng , Luo Jiaxin , Chen Meifeng , Li Haibo , Wang Yeying , Cheng Shaochuan , Yan Yuying , Huang Xiaolong
Published: February 2024

The Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) is a critically endangered wildlife species, and understanding its diet composition may be useful for assessing its feeding strategies. DNA metabarcoding was used to determine the dietary diversity of R. brelichi. DNA was extracted from 31 faecal samples and amplified chloroplast rbcL and mitochondrial COI DNA was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. A comparative analysis of the sequences revealed that the five most abundant plant genera were Magnolia, Morinda, Viburnum, Tetradium and Eurya. In winter, R. brelichi mostly consumed shrubs, herbs and shrubs/trees according to the habit of plant genera with higher abundances comparatively. The five most abundant families in animal diet were Psychodidae, Trichinellidae, Staphylinidae, Scarabaeidae and Trichoceridae. This study is the first to show the composition of the winter animal diets of R. brelichi based on DNA metabarcoding. These results provide an important basis for understanding the diet of wild R. brelichi, which inhabits only the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China.
Lost in between–the transition process from a child and adolescent eating disorder service to adult mental health services in the German health care system
Authors: Gilsbach Susanne , Borzikowsy Christoph , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN), the process of transition from a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) to an adult mental health service (AMHS) has been recognized as critical, and many patients fear falling through the gap between the two types of service. As reports about the transition process in emerging adults with AN are scarce, the present study aimed to explore the problems and experiences of this age group.

Method

We screened our registry for patients with AN who had been treated as inpatients during childhood and/or adolescence and come of age during the last 3 years. Thirty‐two female patients [mean age 20.3 (1.2) y.] agreed to participate in a semistructured personal or telephone interview assessing their demographic and clinical data, whether they had finalised the transition, and their wishes and experiences regarding the transition process.

Results

Only approximately one‐third of the participants had already undergone the transition. Nearly 60% of the former patients were still cared for by a CAMHS, and only 12.5% had stopped treatment for AN. Approximately 60% were exclusively or additionally cared for by their general practitioner. More than 50% of the participants still lived with their parents. Approximately 90% of the participants who remained in a CAMHS expressed concerns about transitioning, mostly about losing their trusted therapist and the assumption of personal responsibility.

Conclusion

Patients with AN often delay the transition from a CAMHS to an AMHS, which they experience as intimidating and overwhelming. Thus, patients should be better prepared for the transition, which should be linked to “developmental readiness” and not to chronological age. Because many patients still live with their family of origin, parents and their family physician should be closely involved in the transition process.
The Bronze Age occupation of the Black Sea coast of Georgia—New insights from settlement mounds of the Colchian plain
Authors: Laermanns Hannes , Elashvili Mikheil , Kirkitadze Giorgi , Loveluck Christopher P. , May Simon Matthias , Kelterbaum Daniel , Papuashvili Revaz , Brückner Helmut
Published: February 2024

Along the lower course of the Rioni and several minor rivers, more than 70 settlement mounds (local name: Dikhagudzuba) have been identified by field surveys and remote sensing techniques. They give evidence of a formerly densely populated landscape in the coastal lowlands on the Colchian plain (western Georgia) and have been dated to the Bronze Age. As yet, limited information is available on their internal architecture, the chronology of the different layers and their palaeoenvironmental context. Based on archaeological sources, remote sensing measurements of three mounds and sediment cores from one mound and its closer surroundings, our study presents a review of the relevant literature and reveals the internal structure, distribution and spatial extent of the mounds. Geochemical and sedimentological analyses of element contents (X‐ray fluorescence) and granulometry helped to identify different stratigraphical layers and differentiate between natural facies and anthropogenic deposits; using the Structure‐from‐Motion technique the mounds' dimensions were calculated. The studied settlement mounds had relatively small dimension (varying from 30 to 100 m in diameter) and were similar in their stratigraphy. Measurement of elements that can identify types of human activity, notably metals and phosphorus, suggest changing intensities of human occupation, pastoral agriculture and metalworking through the occupation sequence. According to the 14C chronology, the formation of the settlements occurred during the first half of the second millennium B.C., which confirms the archaeological interpretation of their Bronze Age origin. The narrow age difference between the lowermost and uppermost anthropogenic layers indicates an intentional construction of the mounds, rather than a successive accumulation of construction debris due to the disintegration of loam bricks by weathering. Therefore, they are indeed mounds and not tells. It is most likely that the characteristic circular moats that surround them were the source of their construction material. Fluvial and alluvial processes in a warm and humid climate dominated the environment of the mounds.
Individual word representations dissociate from linguistic context along a cortical unimodal to heteromodal gradient
Authors: Eisenhauer Susanne , Gonzalez Alam Tirso Rene del Jesus , Cornelissen Piers L. , Smallwood Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Language comprehension involves multiple hierarchical processing stages across time, space, and levels of representation. When processing a word, the sensory input is transformed into increasingly abstract representations that need to be integrated with the linguistic context. Thus, language comprehension involves both input‐driven as well as context‐dependent processes. While neuroimaging research has traditionally focused on mapping individual brain regions to the distinct underlying processes, recent studies indicate that whole‐brain distributed patterns of cortical activation might be highly relevant for cognitive functions, including language. One such pattern, based on resting‐state connectivity, is the ‘principal cortical gradient’, which dissociates sensory from heteromodal brain regions. The present study investigated the extent to which this gradient provides an organizational principle underlying language function, using a multimodal neuroimaging dataset of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings from 102 participants during sentence reading. We found that the brain response to individual representations of a word (word length, orthographic distance, and word frequency), which reflect visual; orthographic; and lexical properties, gradually increases towards the sensory end of the gradient. Although these properties showed opposite effect directions in fMRI and MEG, their association with the sensory end of the gradient was consistent across both neuroimaging modalities. In contrast, MEG revealed that properties reflecting a word's relation to its linguistic context (semantic similarity and position within the sentence) involve the heteromodal end of the gradient to a stronger extent. This dissociation between individual word and contextual properties was stable across earlier and later time windows during word presentation, indicating interactive processing of word representations and linguistic context at opposing ends of the principal gradient. To conclude, our findings indicate that the principal gradient underlies the organization of a range of linguistic representations while supporting a gradual distinction between context‐independent and context‐dependent representations. Furthermore, the gradient reveals convergent patterns across neuroimaging modalities (similar location along the gradient) in the presence of divergent responses (opposite effect directions).
Survivin/BIRC5 as a novel molecular effector at the crossroads of glucose metabolism and radioresistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Benaiges Ester , Ceperuelo‐Mallafré Victòria , Guaita Sandra , Maymó‐Masip Elsa , Madeira Ana , Gómez David , Hernández Victor , Vilaseca Isabel , Merma Carla , León Xavier , Terra Ximena , Vendrell Joan , Avilés‐Jurado Francesc Xavier , Fernández‐Veledo Sonia
Published: February 2024

Background

Metabolic reprogramming and abnormal glucose metabolism are hallmarks of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Certain oncogenes can promote cancer‐related metabolic changes, but understanding their crosstalk in HNSCC biology and treatment is essential for identifying predictive biomarkers and developing target therapies.

Methods

We assessed the value of survivin/BIRC5 as a radioresistance factor potentially modulated by glucose for predicting therapeutic sensitivity and prognosis of HNSCC in a cohort of 32 patients. Additionally, we conducted in vitro experiments to explore the role of survivin/BIRC5 in glucose metabolism concerning radiation response.

Results

Tumoral BIRC5 expression is associated with serum glucose and predicts locoregional disease‐free survival and lower BIRC5 mRNA levels are associated with better outcomes. Upregulation of BIRC5 by radiation depends on glucose levels and provokes a pro‐tumoral and radioresistant phenotype in surviving cells.

Conclusions

Survivin/BIRC5 might be independently associated with the risk of recurrence in patients with HNSCC.
Silencing of secreted phosphoprotein 1 attenuates sciatic nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain: Regulating extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways
Authors: Xie Haiyu , Lu Feng , Li Xiaoling , Wang Enfu , Mo Jiao , Liang Weidong
Published: February 2024

Background

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pathological pain that affects the quality of life and is a huge medical burden for affected patients. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) on NP.

Methods

We established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model, knocked down SPP1 via an intrathecal injection, and/or activated the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway with insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) treatment. Pain behaviors, including paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), lifting number, and frequency, were assessed. After sacrificing rats, the L4‐L5 dorsal root ganglion was collected. Then, SPP1 levels were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β were determined using qPCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of ERK pathway factors were determined via western blot analysis.

Results

We found that CCI decreased PWT and PWL, increased the lifting number and frequency, and upregulated SPP1 levels. The loss of SPP1 reversed these CCI‐induced effects. Additionally, CCI upregulated IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, EGF, and VEGF levels, downregulated TGF‐β levels, and activated the ERK pathway, while silencing of SPP1 abrogated these CCI‐induced effects. Moreover, IGF‐1 treatment reversed the effects of SPP1 loss.

Conclusions

The data indicate that silencing SPP1 attenuates NP via inactivation of the ERK pathway, suggesting that SPP1 may be a promising target for NP treatment.
Timing of initial symptom onset during milk and wheat challenges: A retrospective study
Authors: Yanagida Noriyuki , Minoura Takanori , Sato Sakura , Takahashi Kyohei , Nagakura Ken‐ichi , Ogura Kiyotake , Itonaga Takaaki , Miura Yoko , Fusayasu Naoko , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: February 2024

Background

Allergic reactions to milk appear sooner than those to hen's eggs, irrespective of the total dose of the oral food challenges (OFCs) and type of matrices. The reported median times for the first symptom occurrence are 20–30 min with milk and 50–60 min with eggs. However, allergic reactions due to wheat have not yet been fully investigated.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected data from OFC for milk and wheat conducted at Sagamihara National Hospital and Sendai Medical Center from 2009 to 2023. The time from the start of the OFC to the onset of symptoms was compared between children with cow's milk and wheat allergy.

Results

Twenty‐five and 13 children reacted to single‐dose OFCs with milk products equivalent to 25 mL of raw cow's milk or 15 g of udon noodles, respectively. The median ages of patients with positive challenges were 1.4 and 2.8 years for milk and wheat, respectively, and the median times for the first symptom occurrence were 20 min and 53 min, respectively (p = .006).

Conclusion

This multicenter study was the first to examine the time of symptom appearance during single‐medium‐dose milk and wheat challenges. Allergic reactions to wheat appear later than those for milk during OFC. For multiadministration OFC for wheat, the dosing interval should be longer than 60 min. Our findings can help improve the safety of OFCs.
An ecologically informed transdisciplinary prevention model for Black and Latine family wellbeing
Authors: Lozada Fantasy T. , Wheeler Naomi J. , Green McKenzie N. , Castro Andrene J. , Gómez Rachel F. , Gutierrez Daniel
Published: February 2024

Given noted racial disparities in mental health and wellbeing, Black and Latine families are often the focus of prevention and intervention efforts. These efforts are traditionally embedded in deficit perspectives about these communities, ignoring their cultural wealth and collective agency. Yet increasing recognition of the interconnected systems and social determinants that lead to racial disparities and negative outcomes among Black and Latine populations requires counselors and other practitioners to broaden their conceptions of prevention and engage in collaboration to develop more effective and comprehensive prevention efforts. In the current paper, we provide an ecologically informed transdisciplinary model of family empowerment, prevention, and wellbeing with Black and Latine families. We apply this model to counseling practice as a potential roadmap for future counseling prevention work with Black and Latine families.
内頸動脈海綿静脈洞瘻のプラチナコイル塞栓術後に脳膿瘍を合併したLemierre症候群の1例(Lemierre syndrome with brain abscess following platinum coil embolization for internal carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula: A case report)
Authors: 裕介 清水 , 勇希 持田 , 良平 西沢 , 賢彦 海田 , 芳裕 山口
Published: February 2024

Lemierre症候群は口腔咽頭領域の感染症を契機として内頸静脈の血栓性静脈炎と遠隔臓器感染を起こす，抗菌薬の発展とともに激減した症候群である。今回我々は，内頸動脈海綿静脈洞瘻のコイル塞栓術後に歯周病が波及し脳膿瘍と肝膿瘍を合併したLemierre症候群の１例を経験した。症例は60歳代の男性。外傷性内頸動脈海綿静脈洞瘻に対する経動静脈プラチナコイル塞栓術の１か月後に発熱と意識障害を主訴に救急搬送された。CTにて脳膿瘍と肝膿瘍を認めたため，それぞれ穿頭ドレナージと経皮経肝ドレナージを施行した。血液培養検査からFusobacterium naviformeが検出され，歯周炎と内頸静脈内の血栓も確認できたことからLemierre症候群と診断した。脳膿瘍は一度縮小傾向であったが再度増大し膿瘍が脳室穿破したため内視鏡的膿瘍除去術を施行し，その後は抗菌薬加療で膿瘍再増大を認めず，入院79日目にリハビリ転院となった。Lemierre症候群による脳膿瘍形成は稀であるが，頭蓋内病変に対するプラチナコイル塞栓後の脳膿瘍形成も同様に稀である。コイル術後の膿瘍形成の場合には，Lemierre症候群の可能性も考慮し早期に感染巣の全身検索を行うことが肝要である。
ツツガムシ病による敗血症性ショック, 血球貪食症候群に対し, ポリミキシンB固定化カラムによる直接血液灌流法, 血漿交換などの集学的治療を行った1例(A case of septic shock, hemophagocytic syndrome due to scrub typhus treated with polymyxin B immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion, plasma exchange)
Authors: 真也 坂戸 , 太 永嶋 , 知也 松田 , 元博 菊川 , 修 藤崎 , 保 後藤 , 誠人 小林
Published: February 2024

症例は72歳の女性。発熱，体幹部紅斑と全身倦怠感を主訴に救急搬送され，原因不明の敗血症およびDICとしてICUに入院した。入院時のSOFA scoreは14点，APACHE II scoreは28点であった。入院後，虫刺症を疑う痂皮のpolymerase chain reaction（PCR）検査でツツガムシ病と確定診断した。入院後，重篤な敗血症性ショック状態となり，polymyxin B immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion（PMX–DHP）を導入した。また，血球貪食症候群（hemophagocytic syndrome: HPS）を合併し，ステロイドパルス療法，血漿交換（plasma exchange: PE）を施行した。これらの集学的治療により，循環動態，SOFA score，DIC scoreは改善傾向を示し，フェリチン，LDHといったHPSの治療マーカーも改善した。その後，徐々に全身状態は良好となり，49病日に転院した。ツツガムシ病は時に重篤化する。敗血症性ショック，ARDS，HPSを呈した場合，時期を逸さないPMX–DHP，PEといった集学的な治療が有効である可能性がある。
Malignant upgrade rate and associated clinicopathologic predictors for concordant intraductal papilloma without atypia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Keating Niamh , Cevik Jevan , Hopkins David , Lippey Jocelyn
Published: February 2024

Previously reported upgrade rates for benign breast intraductal papilloma (IDP) are widely variable. However, many previous studies have failed to consider radiologic‐pathologic discordance of lesions. This review aims to synthesize malignant upgrade data for benign, concordant IDP at surgical excision. Thirteen studies were included in our meta‐analysis. The pooled estimate for percentage underestimation of carcinoma was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.8%−2.0%). We conclude that these lesions can be safely managed by active surveillance.
Oxidation behavior of lightweight Al2NbTi3V2Zr high entropy alloy at 1000°C
Authors: Tan Xinrong , Zhi Qian , Pei Rong , Chen Yuhua , Xiong Wenwen , Xie Wen , Chen Yuqiang , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

Lightweight high entropy alloy (LWHEA) has great potential in aeroengine hot component applications. Anticorrosion property of LWHEA at high temperatures is one of the key determining factors. In this study, an LWHEA containing Al, Nb, Ti, V, and Zr elements with a molar ratio of 2: 1: 3: 2: 1 was designed and prepared by low energy (LE) and high energy (HE) mechanical milling followed by vacuum hot pressing. The sintered LE alloy consisted of a simple cubic matrix and α intermetallic while the BCC matrix along with α and β intermetallic phases were observed in HE alloy. The oxidation of LE and HE at 1000°C for 48 h was mainly concentrated on α and β phases, and the resultant oxides were ZrO2 and TiO2. Weight gain curve of HE sample within oxidation time of 48 h followed the parabolic law while a two‐stage parabola was found in LE bulk. The steady‐state oxidation of α precipitate was dominant within 12 h and showed a preferential oxidation mode. High temperature induced simple cubic matrix to stable BCC phase transformation and thus LE alloy with longer oxidation time and HE exhibited a similar uniform oxidation. The oxidation rate of the alloy is related to the content of α and β phases.
Regulating unproductive contract adaptation: A payment deduction mechanism
Authors: Zhong Wenqin , Ren Ligang , Wang Mengyi
Published: February 2024

To the best of our knowledge, our paper offers a first attempt to uncover a payment deduction mechanism for regulating unproductive contract adaptation. Our model uncovers that the payment deduction mechanism can expropriate the ex post unproductive profit of a contractor. Using the data from California Department of Transportation, we confirm the positive effect of ex post payment deduction on ex post unproductive profit. Our estimates are robust to different estimation methods with different types of standard errors and the potential endogeneity bias. The payment deduction mechanism offers general applications to constrain ineffective contract implementation in the infrastructure industry.
Mental Health First Aid to prioritize MH in the workplace
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2024

Increasing employee productivity, morale and retention by cultivating a supportive team culture is one of the solutions cited by the National Council for Mental Well‐being (National Council) to address workforce challenges and the motivation behind offering its Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at Work training to employers, company officials announced on Jan. 24.
Design of multiband frequency reconfigurable antenna with switchable polarization states
Authors: Vinayagam Kanniyappan , Natarajan Rajesh
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the design of multiband frequency reconfigurable patch antenna with switchable radiation pattern and polarization states. The antenna design is based on a circular patch radiator with a pair of metallic strips placed on diametrically opposite sides of it. Circular polarization (CP) from the antenna is excited by etching a pair of slots with a coaxial feed. When the diodes are OFF, the antenna resonates at 4.2, 6.6 GHz, (C band) and 8.07 GHz (X band) and the main beam is located at 0⁰ with CP at X band. The resonance at 4.2 and 8.5 GHz are observed when one of the diode is ON. The main beam at X band is being shifted from −30⁰ to 0⁰ and +30⁰ in the elevation plane during the change in operating modes. Peak gain of the antenna is 6 dBi in all the operating modes.
Method for solving state‐path constrained optimal control problems using adaptive Radau collocation
Authors: Byczkowski Cale A. , Rao Anil V.
Published: February 2024

A new method is developed for accurately approximating the solution to state‐variable inequality path constrained optimal control problems using a multiple‐domain adaptive Legendre–Gauss–Radau collocation method. The method consists of the following parts. First, a structure detection method is developed to estimate switch times in the activation and deactivation of state‐variable inequality path constraints. Second, using the detected structure, the domain is partitioned into multiple‐domains where each domain corresponds to either a constrained or an unconstrained segment. Furthermore, additional decision variables are introduced in the multiple‐domain formulation, where these additional decision variables represent the switch times of the detected active state‐variable inequality path constraints. Within a constrained domain, the path constraint is differentiated with respect to the independent variable until the control appears explicitly, and this derivative is set to zero along the constrained arc while all preceding derivatives are set to zero at the start of the constrained arc. The time derivatives of the active state‐variable inequality path constraints are computed using automatic differentiation and the properties of the chain rule. The method is demonstrated on two problems, the first being a benchmark optimal control problem which has a known analytical solution and the second being a challenging problem from the field of aerospace engineering in which there is no known analytical solution. When compared against previously developed adaptive Legendre–Gauss–Radau methods, the results show that the method developed in this paper is capable of computing accurate solutions to problems whose solution contain active state‐variable inequality path constraints.
Electrical properties of elastomer‐based composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes—A review
Authors: Aït Hocine Nourredine , Miranda Catalina , Nauman Saad , Langlet André
Published: February 2024

Even though carbon nanotubes offer an excellent solution for the design of strain sensors, their widespread commercial utilization has been hampered by the unavailability of design rules, inconsistencies in their macro‐scale properties, and lack of understanding of the effects of various parameters on their characteristics. Nevertheless, many researches have been carried out to characterize elastomeric nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes in order to optimize their properties such as electrical conductivity and strain sensitivity range. This article reviews the effect of different parameters on the electrical properties of such nanocomposites, followed by the analysis of performances of elastomer strain sensors.
Biochemical and patient factors as predictors for multiple surgeries in diabetic foot disease
Authors: Amarasena Danuksha K , Bilal Ahmad , Elkhidir Ibrahim H , Flatman Michael , Pillai Anand
Published: February 2024

Diabetic foot disease (DFD) bestows a huge surgical burden on patients and health care systems worldwide. Medical and surgical management centres around limb preservation and maintaining patient mobility. Despite vast experience in managing DFD, little is understood about the surgical prognosis of a patient presenting for their first DFD procedure.

We evaluated for predictive factors, observable at a patient's first presentation for a surgical procedure on their diabetic foot, which may indicate an increased likelihood of requiring similar procedures in the future.

Method: Our study included 70 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent surgery on their diabetic foot. These patients were split into cohorts. Cohort 1 received only one surgery on their diabetic foot; Cohort 2 received multiple surgeries on their diabetic foot. Statistical analysis was conducted looking at various parameters between the cohorts to assess for any significant differences at the time of first surgery.

Results: On Mann‐Whitney U test, there was a significant difference in C‐reactive protein (CRP) between patients who had a single surgery and those receiving multiple surgeries (p=0.009). A binomial logistic regression model found CRP to be a significant predictor of whether a patient will undergo one surgery or multiple surgeries (Exp[B] 0.988, 95% CI 0.978–0.998). On analysis of the ROC curve, 84mg/L was the best cut‐off for CRP in predicting number of surgeries.

Clinical relevance: These predictive factors could highlight patients who are ‘at risk’ for needing further procedures, so they can be managed with more intense surveillance and follow‐up. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons.
Enhancing academic resilience through mindfulness‐based practices in the schools: A study on vocational high school students
Authors: Erdemir Nihan , Karanfil Ferhat , Şengül Raziye
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the positive correlation between mindfulness and resilience has gained visible importance. For this purpose, this study aims to increase the academic resilience and mindfulness level of vocational high school students with a low socioeconomic background, who often have lower resilience toward learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in Türkiye. The study adopted an experimental research design. Before and after an eight‐session mindfulness‐based intervention, the Academic Resilience Scale and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale‐Adolescent measured the levels of mindfulness awareness and academic resilience. The pretest and posttest results in control and experimental groups were analyzed in SPSS, and independent samples t‐test and analysis of covariance were conducted for data analysis. Focus‐group interviews explored possible attributions toward mindfulness awareness and academic resilience, using MAXQDA. The results revealed that there is a significant difference between the groups in terms of academic resilience, but there is no significant difference in the case of mindfulness. On the other hand, most students reported that their academic resilience increased, and they had positive attitudes toward mindfulness‐based practices. However, it was observed that their classmates' distractive and biased behaviors in the classroom setting mostly resulted in a lapse in their mindfulness.
Academic procrastination and fear of failure: The role of irrational/rational academic beliefs
Authors: Balkis Murat , Duru Sibel , Duru Erdinç
Published: February 2024

Extant research has consistently demonstrated that both irrational and rational beliefs contribute to the occurrence and persistence of procrastination. Most of these studies have focused on the role of general irrational and rational beliefs, without addressing domain‐specific beliefs that may influence academic procrastination. This cross‐sectional study aims to fill that gap by investigating the relationship between irrational/rational academic beliefs, fear of failure, and academic procrastination in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 354). The current findings suggest that irrational academic beliefs are indirectly associated with academic procrastination through fear of failure. Furthermore, the positive relationship between irrational academic beliefs and academic procrastination via fear of failure differs based on the level of rational academic beliefs. These findings suggest that interventions designed to improve domain‐specific rational academic beliefs and reduce fear of failure may help prevent or reduce academic procrastination, especially among undergraduates with high levels of irrational beliefs.