bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing a Bundle to Improve Surgical Site Infection Rates for Patients Undergoing Nonvaginal‐Approach Hysterectomy at a Midwestern Teaching Hospital
Authors: Balagna Sean J. , Boyd Craig , Arnold Donald E. , Wagner Corey A. , Veronikis Dionysios K. , Short Mary , Butler Jessica , Marquart Shannon
Published: September 2023

Accrediting organizations, third‐party payers, and patients review the surgical site infection (SSI) rates of health care organizations. Infection preventionists collaborate with perioperative personnel to decrease SSI rates; they also monitor and report SSI information to national organizations. The standard infection ratio is a comparison of the observed number of SSIs to the predicted number of SSIs based on national benchmark data. Leaders of a midwestern teaching hospital convened an interdisciplinary team (eg, surgeons, perioperative leaders, infection preventionists) to address a standard infection ratio after hysterectomies that was greater than 1.0. The team reviewed national guidelines and published articles on decreasing SSIs (including recommendations for vaginal preparation) before developing and implementing a hysterectomy‐specific bundle for SSI prevention. The rate of SSIs decreased 68% after the implementation of the bundle. Perioperative personnel at this facility continue to use the bundle and infection preventionists monitor and report compliance with the bundle's elements.
Ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in anatomy education: Should AI human body simulations replace donors in the dissection room?
Authors: Cornwall Jon , Hildebrandt Sabine , Champney Thomas H. , Goodman Kenneth
Published: September 2023

The potential effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the teaching of anatomy are unclear. We explore the hypothetical situation of human body donors being replaced by AI human body simulations and reflect on two separate ethical concerns: first, whether it is permissible to replace donors with AI human body simulations in the dissection room when the consequences of doing so are unclear, and second, the overarching ethical significance of AI use in anatomy education. To do this, we highlight the key benefits of student exposure to the dissection room and body donors, including nontechnical, discipline‐independent skills, awareness and interaction with applied bioethics, and professional identity formation. We suggest that the uniqueness of the dissection room experience and the importance of the key benefits accompanying this exposure outweigh the potential and so far unknown benefits of AI technology in this space. Further, the lack of engagement with bioethical principles that are intimately intertwined with the dissection room experience may have repercussions for future healthcare professional development. We argue that interaction with body donors must be protected and maintained and not replaced with AI human body donor simulations. Any move away from this foundation of anatomy education requires scrutiny. In light of the possible adoption of AI technologies into anatomy teaching, it is necessary that medical educators reflect on the dictum that the practice of healthcare, and anatomy, is a uniquely human endeavor.
Neuromodulation of the peripheral nervous system: Bioelectronic technology and prospective developments
Authors: Song Hayoung , Kim Moohyun , Kim Enji , Lee Jakyoung , Jeong Inhea , Lim Kyeonghee , Ryu Seoung Young , Oh Myoungjae , Kim Younhee , Park Jang‐Ung
Published: September 2023

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a fascinatingly complex and crucial component of the human body, responsible for transmitting vital signals throughout the body's intricate network of nerves. Its efficient functioning is paramount to our health, with any dysfunction often resulting in serious medical conditions, including motor disorders, neurological diseases, and psychiatric disorders. Recent strides in science and technology have made neuromodulation of the PNS a promising avenue for addressing these health issues. Neuromodulation involves modifying nerve activity using a range of techniques, such as electrical, chemical, optical, and mechanical stimulation. Bioelectronics plays a critical role in this effort, allowing for precise, controlled, and sustained stimulation of the PNS. This paper provides an overview of the PNS, discusses the current state of neuromodulation devices, and presents emerging trends in the field, including advances in wireless power transfer and materials, that are shaping the future of neuromodulation.
Clinical evaluation of the combined efficacy of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin along with scaling and root planing in the non‐surgical periodontal therapy of stage III and grade C periodontitis patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shunmuga Prasanth D , Tadepalli Anupama , Parthasarathy Harinath , Ponnaiyan Deepa , Cholan Priyanka k , Ramachandran Lakshmi
Published: September 2023

Background

This randomized controlled trial was aimed to evaluate the combined efficacy of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin (i‐PRF) and scaling and root planing (SRP) in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects having periodontitis.

Methods

Twenty‐six Stage III, grade C periodontitis subjects (HbA1c > 7) were recruited in this split‐mouth study. Following SRP, the test sites received subgingival application of i‐PRF, while the control sites received saline. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results

Twenty‐three participants completed the course of research. The Friedman test followed by Dunn's post hoc test, revealed significant improvement in all the clinical parameters from baseline to 3 and 6 months in both the study groups (p ≤ 0.05). The mean PPD and CAL decreased from 6.30 ± 1.25 and 7.48 ± 1.75 at baseline to 3.48 ± 1.34 and 4.39 ± 1.67 at 6 months in control sites and from 6.57 ± 1.56 and 7.61 ± 1.69 to 3.39 ± 1.23 and 4.26 ± 1.81 at 6 months in test sites (p ≤ 0.0001). Intergroup analysis found no statistical significant differences in the evaluated parameters across all time intervals (p > 0.05)

Conclusion

The results indicated that the adjunctive application of i‐PRF to SRP provided similar benefits as saline and SRP in diabetes mellitus subjects.

Key points

Question: To find the combined efficacy of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin (i‐PRF) along with scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of periodontal pockets of Stage III and Grade C periodontitis patients having Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Finding: All of the treated sites showed satisfactory healing. Both the treatment modalities (i‐PRF + SRP and Saline + SRP) were effective in the treatment of periodontal pockets. At 3 and 6 months, there were no significant differences in periodontal parameters between groups.

Meaning: The application of i‐PRF as an adjunct to SRP provided similar benefits as saline and SRP in improving clinical parameters in subjects with stage III and grade C periodontitis patients having T2DM (HbA1C > 7).
Exploring clients’ responses to changing pronoun use from second person (you) to first person (I) during therapy: A constructivist qualitative approach
Authors: Priest Alan , Hollins Martin Caroline J. , Bager Charleson Sofie
Published: September 2023

Background

Personal pronouns like ‘I’, ‘me’ or ‘mine’ are inextricably linked with ownership, with one key benefit of a counsellor inviting a client to consider their pronoun use being an invitation to change their awareness and understanding of a situation.

Objective

To gain greater understanding of the impact of inviting clients to use first person pronoun ‘I’, in place of second ‘you’ during therapy and its effects upon the client and therapeutic process.

Method

A constructivist qualitative approach using exploratory thematic analysis that engaged one‐to‐one counselling and follow‐up interviews was used. Participants (n = 11) were clients who had been referred for counselling via primary care with problems like depression, relationship break‐up and/or stress.

Findings

Several themes were identified in the data: (1) potential discomfort from switching to first position; (2) awareness increased; (3) avoidance of taking responsibility recognised; (4) depersonalisation of events; (5) initiating change; and (6) effects on sense of self. Comments illustrate that reframing pronouns into first person removes distance between client emotions and problems, which provides them with an opportunity for development.

Discussion

Clients can be affected in productive ways when counsellors encourage them to alter their pronoun use during therapy. Through the use of reflection, the counsellor can work with their client to explore more fully their attributions of responsibility within situations that are discussed.
Construction of Naphthalenediimide Lanthanide(III)‐MOFs and Composites Incorporated Electron‐Rich Pyrene Derivative as Multifunctional Fluorescence Sensing for Nitro Aromatic Compounds and Aldehydes
Authors: Huo Rong , Zhang Ting , Zeng Guang , Wang Chen , Xing Yong Heng , Bai Feng Ying
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The development of host‐guest MOF luminescent composites has attracted considerable attention. However, it is still a challenge to reasonably design large scale conjugated polycarboxylic acids metal‐organic framework (MOF) and modulate donor‐acceptor interaction. Herein, a series of isostructural 3D porous lanthanide MOF [Ln2(BINDI)0.5(NO3)(DMA)(H2O)]∙DMA∙2.5H2O (Ln = La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3) and Nd (4); H4BINDI (N,N’‐bis(5‐isophthalic acid)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenediimide) were synthesized. Considering the electron‐deficient performances of Ln‐BINDI MOFs, D‐A type composites Ln‐MOFs (1—4@H4TBAPy) were prepared via the incorporation of electron‐rich H4TBAPy (1,3,6,8‐tetrakis(p‐benzoic acid) pyrene), which more improved the luminescence performance of complexes 1—4 and can be used as fluorescence sensors for the detection of nitro compounds and aldehydes. High sensitivity of 1@H4TBAPy towards pNBA, pNA PNP, DNP, and TNP could be achieved through hydrogen bond interactions between MOF and analytes, as well as the π‐π interaction between H4TBAPy and the naphthalene ring of BINDI, thus the fluorescence quenching efficiency of 1@H4TBAPy was better than that of the complex 1. In addition, it is found that 1@H4TBAPy has high selectivity and sensitivity to aromatic aldehyde SA, 5‐Mesal and HMBA. Such strategy to enhance the emission of NDI based Ln‐BINDI MOFs, will open up an avenue to obtain more fluorescent MOFs for sensing.
Insulin signaling promotes neurogenesis in the brain of adult zebrafish
Authors: Gence Laura , Fernezelian Danielle , Meilhac Olivier , Rastegar Sepand , Bascands Jean‐Loup , Diotel Nicolas
Published: September 2023

Insulin is a peptide hormone that plays a central role in the regulation of circulating blood glucose in vertebrates, including zebrafish. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the important role of insulin in many brain functions. In zebrafish, two insulin receptor genes (insra and insrb) have been identified. However, their biodistribution in the adult brain as well as their cell‐specific expression pattern has not been well described. Using gene expression analysis, in situ hybridization and transgenic fish, we confirmed the expression of insra, insrb, and irs1 (insulin receptor substrate 1, the downstream effector of insulin receptor) in the brain of adult zebrafish and characterized their specific expression in neurons and neural stem cells (radial glia). After demonstrating that intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection resulted in the diffusion of the injected solution within the ventricular system, we analyzed the effect of insulin ICV injection on neurogenesis. We showed that insulin promotes ventricular cell proliferation 24 h postinjection. This neurogenic effect appeared to be independent of neuroinflammatory processes. Also, after a mechanical telencephalic stab‐wound injury, we highlighted the overexpression of irs1 gene 5 days postlesion notably in the ventricular zone where radial glial cells (RGCs) are localized, suggesting key roles of insulin signaling in regenerative processes. Finally, our results reinforced the expression of insulin‐related proteins in the brain of adult zebrafish, highlighting the potential role of insulin signaling on neurogenesis.
A comparison of ‘not just right experiences’ in obsessive–compulsive disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders and non‐clinical controls in China
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Chen Daning , Zhang Xiaodong , Huang Fangfang , Li Zhanjiang , Yang Xiangyun
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of ‘not just right experiences’ (NJREs) in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (ADs) or major depressive disorder (MDD), compared with those of healthy controls (HCs).

Method

One hundred adults with OCD, 86 adults with ADs, 57 adults with MDD and 60 HCs were enrolled in the study. The Not Just Right Experiences Questionnaire Revised (NJRE‐QR), Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate clinical symptoms in patients with OCD, ADs or MDD. The Obsessive Belief Questionnaire‐44 (OBQ‐44) was used to evaluate OC beliefs in the OCD patients. The HCs only received assessment using the NJRE‐QR. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to compare the NJREs scores across the groups, while Pearson correlation and partial correlation analyses were used to examine the association between NJREs and other clinical features. The contribution of NJREs to predict OC symptoms was determined by multiple stratified linear regression.

Results

Individuals with OCD had significantly higher scores for the number of NJREs than ADs, but not MDD. The severity of NJREs was also significantly higher in patients with OCD than those with MDD or ADs (F = 5.23 and F = 19.79, respectively, P < 0.01). All the clinical scores in the NJRE‐QR were significantly higher than those in the HC group. The number and severity of NJREs correlated significantly with the Y‐BOCS total score (r = 0.29 and r = 0.39, respectively, P < 0.01). NJREs showed an independent contribution to OC symptoms, which alone explained 8% of the variation (F = 16.49, ΔR2 = 0.08; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

NJREs are related closely to OC symptoms, with their severity discriminating between OCD patients and those with ADs or MDD. NJREs were more specific for OCD in the Chinese population and are therefore worthy of further study in the future.
CAR T‐Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma: A Clinical Practice‐Oriented Review
Authors: Sadek Norah Layla , Costa Bruno Almeida , Nath Karthik , Mailankody Sham
Published: September 2023

The emergence of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Two BCMA‐directed CAR T‐cell products — idecabtagene vicleucel (ide‐cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta‐cel) — have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for patients with relapsed/refractory MM who underwent four or more prior lines of therapy (including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody). Despite producing unprecedented response rates in an otherwise difficult to treat patient population, CAR T‐cell therapies are commonly associated with immune‐related adverse events (e.g., cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity), cytopenias, and infections. Moreover, many patients continue to exhibit relapse post‐treatment, with resistance mechanisms yet to be fully understood. Ongoing basic, translational, and clinical research efforts are poised to generate deeper insights into the optimal utilization of these therapies, improve their efficacy, minimize associated toxicity, and identify new target antigens in patients with MM.
Co3O4 Supported on β‐Mo2C with Different Interfaces for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Li Sisi , Liu Xiaohan , Zheng Haoquan , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: September 2023

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Rui Cao at Shaanxi Normal University. The image shows the interface between Co3O4 and β‐Mo2C can be regulated to boost the electrocatalytic performance of water oxidation. The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202300709.
Multistage Op Amp design space exploration by gm/ID sampling and symbolic design equations
Authors: Xie Qixu , Shi Guoyong
Published: September 2023

Multiple‐stage complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) operational amplifiers (Op Amps) have been extensively studied in the literature; often, each new design reports several performance advancements over the existing ones. However, the design space boundaries of those new proposals were rarely explored. Predicting the design space boundary of a new circuit topology is usually challenging due to the dependency on many aspects of technical consideration regarding the process technology, sizing priority adopted in practice, and balancing of performance metrics on power, area, noise immunity, and so on. Knowing the design space boundary could be beneficial to a fair appraisal of new designs. In this paper, we propose a gm/ID‐based method for the design space exploration of multistage Op Amps. By introducing a sampling technique while taking advantage of the device grouping property with gm/ID, it is possible to explore the circuit performance boundary by combining approximate symbolic modeling and gm/ID table lookup. Due to the introduction of a fast performance evaluation method, a large ensemble of circuit sizing samples can be evaluated in parallel, by which an efficient data mining procedure could be incorporated to deduce the circuit samples that can achieve extremal performance at Pareto boundaries. The fidelity of this proposal has been validated via simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) . The sampling method is also compared with a multi‐objective genetic algorithm to show the superiority in capturing Pareto boundaries.
High‐performance healable plastics: Focusing topological structure design based on constitutional dynamic chemistry
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Lin , Xu JianHua , Fu JiaJun
Published: September 2023

Over the past three decades, significant efforts have been dedicated to developing polymeric materials with exciting healable ability; however, stiff and healable plastics with high glass transition temperatures (Tg) have received relatively less attention compared to their soft counterparts such as gels and elastomers due to the inherent trade‐off between mechanical robustness and dynamics. High‐performance plastics are irreplaceable in the fields of engineering and industry, making it a challenging yet urgent task to confer them with desired healable properties whilst maintaining high mechanical strength. In this review, we first present recent advances in the field of high‐performance healable plastics based on constitutional dynamic chemistry, from the perspective of different topological structures including linear‐, branched‐ and network types. Meanwhile, we also elaborate on various toughening strategies for existing healable plastics, mainly centered around molecular to micrometer scale modifications. Moreover, we also provide a detailed exposition of previous reports on the autonomously room‐temperature self‐healing plastics, which represent a groundbreaking development in the realm of advanced healable plastics. Eventually, we emphasize diverse functionalized healable plastics to illustrate their potential for practical implementation, and propose an outlook on the future development of healable plastics.

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Ictal and interictal SPECT with 99mTc‐HMPAO in presurgical epilepsy. II: Methodological considerations on hyper‐ and hypoperfusion
Authors: Prener Martin , Drejer Veronica , Ziebell Morten , Jensen Per , Madsen Camilla Gøbel , Olsen Svitlana , Thomsen Gerda , Pinborg Lars H. , Paulson Olaf B.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the tracer 99mTc‐HMPAO is a method to visualize the cerebral hyperperfusion during an epileptic seizure and thus localize the epileptogenic zone and seizure propagation. Subtraction of interictal from Ictal SPECT Co‐registered to MRI (SISCOM) visualizes areas with relative increases in cerebral blood flow. The purpose of this retrospective study is to explore the added value of visualizing areas of hypoperfusion as well as hyperperfusion, so‐called reversed SISCOM.

Methods

Fifty‐six patients operated for epilepsy who had been investigated with SISCOM were included in the analysis. The patients were divided into two groups based on seizure duration after tracer injection, above or below 30 s. The preoperative SISCOM description was compared to the area of resection and given a concordance score. The 56 SISCOM were recalculated visualizing also areas of hypoperfusion and again compared to the site of resection using the same scale of concordance. The reversed SISCOM were categorized into three subgroups: “Altered Conclusion,” “Confirmed Conclusion,” and “Adds Nothing.” If an area of hyperperfusion had an area of hypoperfusion in close proximity, it was re‐interpreted as noise, thus possibly altering the conclusion. If the areas of hypoperfusion were in the opposite hemisphere it was interpreted as confirming factor. Further the concordance scores from conventional SISCOM and reversed SISCOM was compared to surgical outcome to explore the difference in sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and odds ratio.

Results

In approximately half of the cases reversed SISCOM added additional value, meaning either altered the conclusion or confirmed the conclusion. The sensitivity, PPV, and odds ratio was also better in the subgroup of long, >30 s seizure duration after injection, and got worse in the group with short, <30 s seizure duration after injection.

Significance

Adding reversed SISCOM performed better than conventional SISCOM at predicting good surgical outcome.
Effects of Acute and Subchronic Waterborne Thallium Exposure on Ionoregulatory Enzyme Activity and Oxidative Stress in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Nagel Andrew , Cuss Chad W. , Goss Greg G. , Shotyk William , Glover Chris N.
Published: September 2023

The mechanisms of acute (96-hour) and subchronic (28-day) toxicity of the waterborne trace metal thallium (Tl) to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Specifically, effects on branchial and renal ionoregulatory enzymes (sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase [ATPase; NKA] and proton ATPase) and hepatic oxidative stress endpoints (protein carbonylation, glutathione content, and activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were examined. Fish (19–55 g) were acutely exposed to 0 (control), 0.9 (regulatory limit), 2004 (half the acute median lethal concentration), or 4200 (acute median lethal concentration) µg Tl L–1 or subchronically exposed to 0, 0.9, or 141 (an elevated environmental concentration) µg Tl L–1. The only effect following acute exposure was a stimulation of renal H+-ATPase activity at the highest Tl exposure concentration. Similarly, the only significant effect of subchronic Tl exposure was an inhibition of branchial NKA activity at 141 µg Tl L–1, an effect that may reflect the interaction of Tl with potassium ion handling. Despite significant literature evidence for effects of Tl on oxidative stress, there were no effects of Tl on any such endpoint in rainbow trout, regardless of exposure duration or exposure concentration. Elevated basal levels of antioxidant defenses may explain this finding. These data suggest that ionoregulatory perturbance is a more likely mechanism of Tl toxicity than oxidative stress in rainbow trout but is an endpoint of relevance only at elevated environmental Tl concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:87–96. © 2023 SETAC.
Engineering the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce nutraceuticals: From metabolic design to industrial applications
Authors: Gu Yang , Lu Xueyao , Liu Tongkang , Song Yanjin , Sang Ellie , Ding Shuran , Liu Long , Xue Feng , Xu Peng
Published: September 2023

The oleaginous yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica, has garnered much attention and is gaining recognition as a potential industrial platform for nutraceutical production. The superior properties of Y. lipolytica include its transparent inherited background, broad substrate spectrum, and superior environmental tolerance. Specifically, advances in genetic tools and engineering strategies have further widened its applications in metabolic engineering and biomanufacturing. In this review, we summarized developments in synthetic biology and engineering strategies for constructing Y. lipolytica to produce nutraceuticals. We also proposed perspectives on the limitations and challenges in developing microbial Y. lipolytica factories.
Marang fruit (Artocarpus Odoratissimus) waste: A promising resource for food and diverse applications: A review of its current status, research opportunities, and future prospects
Authors: Alvarado Marjun C.
Published: September 2023

Marang fruit is commonly found and available in various Southeast Asian regions, notably in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Marang fruit waste, despite its promising potential, remains underutilized in various applications. This review article explores the potential of Marang fruit waste as a valuable resource for various applications, with a focus on its utilization in the food industry, including seed flour, starch, snacks, and essential bioactive compounds. Beyond the food sector, the article also investigates its applications as biosorbents/adsorbents and an energy source. The study identifies promising research opportunities such as investigating its potential as a fuel source, as well as for the production of cellulose and nanocellulose which is now gaining relevant attention in various industries. However, the seasonal availability of Marang fruit and its limited distribution in specific Southeast Asian regions present challenges. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current status, highlight the areas that require further investigation, and future prospects of Marang fruit waste, highlighting its significance as a sustainable resource with multifaceted applications.
Realizing high‐energy density for practical lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Fang Ruopian , Chen Ke , Sun Zhenhua , Hu Guangjian , Wang Da‐Wei , Li Feng
Published: September 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries has emerged as a promising post‐lithium‐ion battery technology due to their high potential energy density and low raw material cost. Recent years have witnessed substantial progress in research on Li–S batteries, yet no high‐energy Li–S battery products have reached the market at scale. Achieving high‐energy Li–S batteries necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving advanced electrode material design, electrochemistry, and electrode and cell engineering. In this perspective, we offer a holistic view of pathways for realizing high‐energy Li–S batteries under practical conditions. Starting with a market outlook for high‐energy batteries, we present a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the critical parameters that dictate the cell‐level energy density for a Li–S battery. Thereby we establish a protocol to expedite the integration of lab‐scale Li–S research results into practical cell. Furthermore, we underscore several key considerations for promotion of commercial viability of high‐energy Li–S batteries from the perspective of battery industrialization.
Identification of priority areas for water conservation in the Alto Iguaçu basin, Brazil
Authors: Zani Lucas Henrique Silvestrin , Lopes Tárcio Rocha , Damaceno Felippe Martins , Miranda Yara Campos , Kozak Caroline , Tartari Rodrigo
Published: September 2023

Geoprocessing tools are great allies in the management of water resources, permitting the evaluation of several factors integrated into a multicriteria analysis. This improves the interpretation of the behavior of water and soil in hydrographic basins, allowing the delimitation of priority areas for actions. The objective of this study was to prepare a map of priority areas for water conservation in the Alto Iguaçu basin through a multicriteria analysis, aiming to assist in the management of water resources in the region. The priority map for water conservation was prepared using the weighted linear combination (WLC) method, considering the weight added to the factors that were obtained by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The method successfully identified priority areas for water conservation, where 40.7% of the Alto Iguaçu watershed was considered High priority and Very High priority, a number consistent with regional characteristics. The multicriteria analysis proved to be a flexible and easy to implement methodology, which can help managers when considering the trade-offs among several factors. The implementation of water conservation actions in areas that have been classified as being of High and Very High priority can benefit the regional ecosystem by controlling erosion, regulating the flow of water, and thus conserving the quantity and quality of water in the basin and its downstream region, benefiting the population and regional economics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1087–1098. © 2023 SETAC

Key Points

The multicriteria analysis proved to be a flexible and easy-to-implement methodology, which can help managers when considering the trade-offs between several factors. The implementation of water conservation actions in areas that have been classified as High and Very High priority can benefit the entire regional ecosystem by controlling erosion and regulating the flow of water. Among the 10 criteria chosen for the analysis, erodibility, proximity to springs, slope, and proximity to rivers stand out, which together represent 65.78% of the total weight attributed to the factors; this demonstrates the importance of focusing on the minimization of the impacts of these factors.
Dense fine speckled nuclear immunofluorescence: A mildly reassuring antinuclear antibody pattern meriting consideration
Authors: Fijałkowska Aleksandra , Schwartz Robert A. , Woźniacka Anna
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are regarded as a hallmark of connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and play a key role in their diagnosis, but the value of some particular antibodies in management of patients and the disease prognosis is controversial. The mechanism underlying the production of ANAs in CTDs, other chronic inflammatory conditions and even in healthy people, is not completely elucidated. Anti‐DFS70 antibodies connected with the dense fine speckled autoantigen of 70 kD, known as the lens epithelium‐derived growth factor p75, are a subgroup of ANAs. Their presence and coexistence with other antibodies and their clinical significance are the matter of debate.

Methods

Based on literature data, the authors focused on current knowledge explaining the role of anti‐DFS70 antibodies in selected CTDs.

Results

However, the literature data is ambiguous and does not fully support the validity of the anti‐DFS70 assay for a specific CTD diagnosis. Most researchers claim that the presence of anti‐DFS70 as the only one usually exclude the diagnosis of CTD. Nevertheless, its coexistence with other ANAs is not an excluding factor but has predictive value due to more favorable course of CTD. Such situations may also suggest an enhanced risk of the development of a CTD in the future.

Conclusions

Although more studies are needed in this field, it seems reasonable to ascertain the presence of anti‐DFS70 in routine clinical practice.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in relation to trauma severity as prognosis factors in patients with multiple injuries complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome: A retrospective analysis
Authors: He Yong‐Ming , Liu Xing , Zhong Si‐Yi , Fu Qiu‐Hong
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore potential risk factors for the occurrence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with multiple injuries by evaluating neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR)‐associated trauma severity.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study included 95 patients with multiple injuries, who were admitted to our hospital (between January 2018 and December 2020). Clinical data including gender, age, underlying disease, number of injury sites (NIS), injury severity score (ISS), hemoglobin level within 24 h of admission (HL‐24h), neutrophil count (NC), white blood cell count, platelet count (PC), NLR, d‐dimer level, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), complicated shock within 24 h of admission (CS‐24h), length of stay, as well as prognostic outcome was systematically analyzed. According to MODS occurrence, patients were divided into a MODS group (n = 27) and a non‐MODS group (n = 68). The risk factors affecting patients with multiple injuries complicated by MODS were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Candidate risk factors were further analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference between the MODS and non‐MODA groups in terms of NIS, ISS, HL‐24h, PC, APTT, d‐dimer level, CS‐24h, NLR, NC, prognostic outcome, and other indicators (p < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that 
d‐dimer levels within 24 h of admission and ISS, NLR, and CS‐24h were significantly associated with multiple injuries complicated by MODS. Compared with the non‐MODS controls, the NLR in the MODS group showed a much higher level and tended to rise with the increase in ISS score, indicating a significant intergroup difference (p < .05). The ROC curve analysis results suggested that the NLR had good sensitivity and specificity for predicting the prognosis of patients with MODS with multiple injuries.

Conclusion

d‐dimer level, ISS, NLR, and CS‐24h are important risk factors for MODS in patients with multiple injuries. Notably, NLR expression may be a good indicator of injury severity and predictor of the occurrence of MODS in patients with multiple injuries. Therefore, assessment of injury severity and coagulation function, active resuscitation, as well as prevention of infection should be emphasized during treatment of multiple injuries, to reduce and prevent the risk of MODS in patients with multiple injuries.
Catalase mRNA Expression in the Male Rat Reproductive Tract
Authors: ZINI ARMAND , SCHLEGEL PETER N.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT:Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to impair sperm function. The actions of ROS are reduced by antioxidant enzymes, including catalase. Although catalase‐like activity has been demonstrated in semen, there has been no localization or characterization of catalase mRNA expression in the male reproductive tract. Catalase mRNA levels were evaluated by northern blot analysis andin situhybridization from the male reproductive organs of normal 60‐day‐old rats, testes of 10‐ to 90‐day‐old rats, and testes of rats subjected to efferent duct ligation. Radioactive DNA probes were synthesized using a Klenow polymerase‐based specific primer synthetic procedure with a known published sequence for rat catalase. All tissues demonstrated a single transcript of 2.5 kilobases (kb). Low levels of catalase mRNA were detected in the normal testis, epididymis, vas deferens, and prostate. No expression was detectable with northern analysis in seminal vesicle. The levels of catalase mRNA in reproductive organs were compared with the high levels of expression detectable in rat liver. In the testis, catalase expression was primarily localized to peritubular and interstitial cells. In the epididymis and prostate, mRNA was detected in the epithelium. The observed decrease in catalase mRNA levels in the maturing rat testis is consistent with its interstitial localization. The increase in testicular catalase mRNA levels seen in parallel with progressive thinning of the germinal epithelium after efferent duct ligation is also in keeping with a peritubular or interstitial cell localization. The relatively low levels of catalase mRNA expression in the normal adult male reproductive tract undermine the role of catalase as a major antioxidant enzyme in these tissues. The low levels of catalase mRNA in the testis, and the undetectable levels in the seminiferous epithelium, however, imply that the gerninal epithelium is predisposed to an oxidative state. These findings may help to explain the known susceptibility of the testis to oxidative stress.
2‐Methoxyacetic Acid (MAA)‐Induced Spermatocyte Apoptosis in Human and Rat Testes: An In Vitro Comparison
Authors: LI LING‐HONG , WINE ROBERT N. , CHAPIN ROBERT E.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: 2‐Methoxyethanol (2‐ME) produces adverse reproductive effects in humans at an exposure level that is about 60‐fold lower (2.6 mg/m3) than the concentration toxic to rat testes (167 mg/m3), suggesting that humans are much more sensitive to the testicular toxicity of 2‐ME than rats. Previous studies found that 2‐ME‐induced germ cell death seen in vivo could be faithfully mimicked in vitro only in cultured seminiferous tubules, using the active metabolite methoxyacetic acid (MAA). To test whether human testis per se is more sensitive than rat testis to MAA, we compared the responses of cultured rat seminiferous tubules (RSTs) and human testicular tissues (HTT) in vitro Degeneration in spermatocytes was observed in RSTs 19 hours after a 5‐hour exposure to MAA at and above 1 mM. The dying germ cells showed necrotic‐like morphology, as seen in vivo Germ cells in HTT were also killed by doses ≥1 mM, although the dying germ cells appeared apoptotic, rather than necrotic. For both species, doses lower than 1 mM were without visible effect. Interestingly, agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA from tubules of both species showed intemucleosomal DNA fragmentation after MAA treatment, indicating that MAA induced apoptosis in both human and rat germ cells, though the dying cells showed different morphology in the two species. Furthermore, MAA‐induced germ cell apoptosis in both species could be significantly attenuated by calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine or verapamil, which inhibit calcium movement through plasma membranes. In conclusion, the results suggest that: 1) human testis is equally sensitive to MAA compared to rat testis; and 2) MAA induces germ cell apoptosis both in human and rat, probably through similar, calcium‐dependent mechanism(s). The precise steps in this germ cell apoptosis are under investigation.
Evaluation of the Effect of the Absence of Sperm With Rapid and Linear Progressive Motility on Subsequent Pregnancy Rates Following Intrauterine Insemination or In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Bollendorf Aniela , Check Jerome H. , Lurie Deborah
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to investigate the association of rapid and linear progressive motility in seminal and Percoll‐separated sperm with the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Motility was graded using the qualitative system proposed by the World Health Organization: grade A, rapid and linear; grade B, slow or nonlinear; grade C, non‐progressive; or grade D, nonmotile. Absence of rapid and linear motility was defined as grade A sperm absent. Nine‐hundred‐fifty IVF and 1,448 IUI cycles were analyzed. In 7.9% (75) of the IVF cycles, grade A sperm were absent in the semen. Although the mean fertilization rate was lower in the absence of grade A sperm in the semen (44.5% vs. 63.4%, P < 0.05), the pregnancy cates were similar irrespective of their presence or absence (18.7% vs. 17.8%). In the cycles in which grade A sperm were absent following Percoll separation (26/950; 2.7%), the fertilization rate (29% vs. 62.8%) and the clinical pregnancy rate/retrieval were significantly lower (3.8% vs. 18.3%, P < 0.05). In 26.4% (382) of the IUI cycles, grade A sperm were absent in the semen and conception occurred in 30 (7.9%), compared to a pregnancy rate of 10.4% in the group with grade A sperm present in the semen. Following Percoll separation, only a 2.5% (2/80) pregnancy rate was observed in the group with no grade A sperm, compared to 10.2% in the group with grade A sperm (P < 0.05). The absence of rapid and linear motile sperm in the Percoll‐separated sperm significantly reduced fertilization rates in vitro and pregnancy rates in both IUI and IVF cycles. The use of the total number of grade A sperm was also effective in predicting reduced fertilization in IVF and reduced pregnancy rates in IUI, but no better than the use of the mere presence/absence of grade A sperm. In a clinical situation, the simpler test is preferable. This type of evaluation is available to all centers as opposed to the more expensive computer‐assisted semen analysis.
Choice of Operating Conditions to Minimize Sperm Subpopulation Sampling Bias in the Assessment of Boar Semen by Computer‐Assisted Semen Analysis
Authors: HOLT CLARE , HOLT W. V. , MOORE H. D. M.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT:The performance of a computer‐assisted semen analysis system was evaluated for use with washed boar spermatozoa. Accuracy was tested using a computer graphics‐generated series of spots moving along horizontal, vertical, and diagonal paths, with both straight and sinusoidal trajectories. Observed and expected values agreed to better than ±5%, and there was exact agreement in many cases. Reproducibility was tested by making 10 measurements of a single prerecorded sequence of boar spermatozoa. Coefficients of variation were <3% for all sperm motion parameters tested. Setup conditions affecting the sample statistics of sperm populations were examined. Search radius (10 settings) and minimum track point (10 settings) were varied factorially to evaluate their biasing effects upon population sampling and accuracy. Low search radius (<12 μm) or high minimum track point values (>26 frames) precluded measurements of rapidly moving cells and thus led to selection of slow‐moving cells. High search radius (>16 μm) and low minimum track point settings (<22 frames) led to erroneous tracking and poor data quality. Suitable settings for these setup parameters (search radius = 13 μm; minimum track points = 24) were chosen for use in subsequent fertility trials because they caused the least sampling bias.
Data are in the eye of the beholder: Co‐creation for sustainable personal data value
Authors: Stelmaszak Marta , Parry Glenn
Published: September 2023

Recent scholarship re‐casts the value of data from financial to value in use, where value is a multi‐faceted, dynamic, emergent construct, co‐created by stakeholders. To date, the dynamics of the co‐creation of value from the use of personal data have been investigated from the starting point of use. However, personal data do not have inherent value, rather their value emerges during design against projected future use. We conducted a case study of the development of a personalized e‐book and captured the different perceptions of the value of personal data from firm, intermediary, and customer perspectives, namely means to an end, medium of exchange, and net benefit, respectively. The diversity of perspectives highlights ontological differences in the perception of what data are, which in turn creates epistemological tensions and different expectations of the characteristics of data embedded in value co‐creation. By detailing how the value of personal data is co‐created in practice, we argue that co‐creation during design creates conditions for sustainable data value necessary for the continuing operation of products and services based on personalization.
Short video marketing in tourism: Telepresence, celebrity attachment, and travel intention
Authors: Zhu Chris , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , Li Xi , Buhalis Dimitrios , Chen Hong
Published: September 2023

Drawn upon Telepresence theory, this study aims to identify the relationships between existential authenticity, celebrity attachment, telepresence, and travel intention in the short video experience. Survey results show that existential authenticity fosters user attachment to celebrity and then travel intention, but has no impact on telepresence which is also not related to travel intention; Furthermore, celebrity attachment enhances travel intention. Although existential authenticity has no effect on telepresence, celebrity attachment mediates the relationship between existential authenticity and telepresence. This study offers insights to both scholars and practitioners, informing strategies for enhancing destination competitiveness through TikTok marketing campaigns.
Health literacy and information needs among German skin cancer patients in comparison to people without skin cancer: A survey
Authors: Hoffmann Julia , Steeb Theresa , Weber Christiane , Doppler Astrid , Schmitt Jochen , Schadendorf Dirk , Berking Carola , Meier Friedegund
Published: September 2023

Background

An increasing number of patients are seeking health information on the internet. Health literacy and the quality of information are crucial to enable patients to find relevant high‐quality information.

Objectives

To investigate the relevance of quality criteria for health information and to determine the health literacy of skin cancer patients (SC) in comparison to those without skin cancer (NSC).

Methods

Between December 2021 until February 2022 we undertook an online survey on the importance of multiple criteria to investigate the relevance of quality criteria of online health information. SC and NSC were eligible for participation. The questionnaire assessed participants´ health information‐seeking behavior and the evaluation of relevance of quality criteria for health information on a 5‐point‐LIKERT‐Scale. The participants´ health literacy was measured according to the health literacy measurement scale ranging from 0‐100. Comparisons between SC and NSC were investigated with t‐tests.

Results

We retrieved data from 268 participants, of whom 98 (38%) were SC. Participants assigned the highest relevance to the health information topics treatment (4.7 ± 0.64) and effects of a disease (4.49 ± 0.76). Participants ranked the content of information with a mean of 4.72 (±0.57) to be the most relevant criterion, followed by objectivity (4.61 ± 0.67) and completeness of the information (4.59 ± 0.61). Participants showed the highest competence in understanding of information (62.4 ± 22.5) and in disease prevention (58.32 ± 22.9). They reached low values in accessing health related information (46.78 ± 25.62) and appraising it (33.16 ± 20.11). Subgroup analysis indicated that SC had a greater need for practical information that is helpful in dealing with a disease compared to NSC. They showed significantly lower health literacy than NSC.

Conclusions

Our study documents that SC and NSC have a high need for different dimensions of quality of health information. These differences in the importance of criteria should be considered in the development of future targeted health information.