bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Hierarchical Electrodes Boosting Ultrahigh Power Output for Gelatin‐KCl‐FeCN4−/3− Ionic Thermoelectric Cells
Authors: Li Yuchen , Li Qikai , Zhang Xinbo , Deng Biao , Han Chenggong , Liu Weishu
Published: February 2022

Ionic thermoelectric (i‐TE) cells, using ions as energy carriers, have the advantage of achieving a high voltage of 1−5 V at approximately ambient temperature, showing a promise as a technology for powering Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) sensors. However, the low output power of i‐TE cells restricts their applications. Here, a 3D hierarchical structure electrode is designed to enlarge the electroactive surface area, significantly increasing the thermogalvanic reaction sites and decreasing the interface charge transfer resistance. The quasi‐solid‐state gelatin‐KCl‐FeCN4–/3– i‐TE cells achieve a record instantaneous output power density (8.9 mW m–2 K–2) and an ultrahigh 2 h output energy density (E2h) (80 J m–2) under an optimal temperature range. An average E2h value of 59.4 J m–2 is obtained over the course of a week of operation. A wearable device consisting of 24 i‐TE cells can generate a high voltage of 2.8 V and an instantaneous output power of 68 µW by harvesting body heat. A simple and easy‐to‐operate electrode optimization strategy is provided here to increase the long‐term output power performance of i‐TE cells. This work represents a promising approach to develop reliable and green power sources for IoT sensors near room temperature.
Emergency medicine resident clinical experience vs. in‐training examination content: A national database study
Authors: Kizziah Melinda A. , Miller Krystin N. , Bischof Jason J. , Emerson Geremiha , Khandelwal Sorabh , Mitzman Jennifer , Southerland Lauren T. , Way David P. , Hunold Katherine M.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Emergency medicine (EM) residents take the In‐Training Examination (ITE) annually to assess medical knowledge. Question content is derived from the Model of Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (EM Model), but it is unknown how well clinical encounters reflect the EM Model. The objective of this study was to compare the content of resident patient encounters from 2016–2018 to the content of the EM Model represented by the ITE Blueprint.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study utilizing the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Reason for visit (RFV) codes were matched to the 20 categories of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) ITE Blueprint. All analyses were done with weighted methodology. The proportion of visits in each of the 20 content categories and 5 acuity levels were compared to the proportion in the ITE Blueprint using 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Both resident and nonresident patient visits demonstrated content differences from the ITE Blueprint. The most common EM Model category were visits with only RFV codes related to signs, symptoms, and presentations regardless of resident involvement. Musculoskeletal disorders (nontraumatic), psychobehavioral disorders, and traumatic disorders categories were overrepresented in resident encounters. Cardiovascular disorders and systemic infectious diseases were underrepresented. When residents were involved with patient care, visits had a higher proportion of RFV codes in the emergent and urgent acuity categories compared to those without a resident.

Conclusions

Resident physicians see higher acuity patients with varied patient presentations, but the distribution of encounters differ in content category than those represented by the ITE Blueprint.
Long‐read genome sequencing resolves a complex 13q structural variant associated with syndromic anophthalmia
Authors: Boerkoel Pierre K. , Dixon Katherine , Fitzsimons Carrie , Shen Yaoqing , Huynh Stephanie , Schlade‐Bartusiak Kamilla , Culibrk Luka , Chan Simon , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Jones Steven J. M. , Chin Hui‐Lin
Published: February 2022

Microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) are a heterogeneous spectrum of anomalous eye development and degeneration with genetic and environmental etiologies. Structural and copy number variants of chromosome 13 have been implicated in MAC; however, the specific loci involved in disease pathogenesis have not been well‐defined. Herein we report a newborn with syndromic degenerative anophthalmia and a complex de novo rearrangement of chromosome 13q. Long‐read genome sequencing improved the resolution and clinical interpretation of a duplication–triplication/inversion–duplication (DUP‐TRP/INV‐DUP) and terminal deletion. Sequence features at the breakpoint junctions suggested microhomology‐mediated break‐induced replication (MMBIR) of the maternal chromosome as the origin. Comparing this rearrangement to previously reported copy number alterations in 13q, we refine a putative dosage‐sensitive critical region for MAC that might provide new insights into its molecular etiology.
Multifunctional Wearable Silver Nanowire Decorated Leather Nanocomposites for Joule Heating, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Piezoresistive Sensing
Authors: Ma Zhonglei , Xiang Xiaolian , Shao Liang , Zhang Yali , Gu Junwei
Published: February 2022

Multifunctional wearable electronic devices based on natural materials are highly desirable for versatile applications of energy conversion, electronic skin and artificial intelligence. Herein, multifunctional wearable silver nanowire decorated leather (AgNW/leather) nanocomposites with hierarchical structures for integrated visual Joule heating, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and piezoresistive sensing are fabricated via the facile vacuum‐assisted filtration process. The AgNWs penetrate the micro‐nanoporous structures in the corium side of leather constructing highly‐efficient conductive networks. The resultant flexible and mechanically strong AgNW/leather nanocomposites exhibit extremely low sheet resistance of 0.8 Ω/sq, superior visual Joule heating temperatures up to 108 °C at low supplied voltage of 2.0 V due to efficient energy conversion, excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of ≈55 dB and outstanding piezoresistive sensing ability in human motion detection. This work demonstrates the fabrication of multifunctional AgNW/leather nanocomposites for next‐generation wearable electronic devices in energy conversion, electronic skin and artificial intelligence, etc.
Enhanced ultraviolet‐protectivetextiles based on reduced graphene oxide‐silver nanocomposites on polyethylene terephthalate usingultrasonic‐assisted in‐situthermal synthesis
Authors: Babaahmadi Vahid , Abuzade Ramazan Ali , Montazer Majid
Published: February 2022

The present research develops a novel in‐situ synthesis method to produce a high performance nanocomposite coating on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric as an enhanced UV‐protective textile. Reduced graphene oxide‐silver (rGO‐Ag) multi‐layer nanocomposite was in‐situ synthesized on the PET fabric through the direct redox reaction between the Ag+ions and GO sheets by using ultrasonic and thermal treatment. The X‐ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope confirmed that the well‐synthesized Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) loaded on PET fabric in presence of the GO sheets by using ultrasonic waves without reducing and capping agents. In this research, GO sheets were used as reducing and capping agents along with the ultrasonic treatment at low temperature condition. The final average size of the synthesized AgNPs in solution, on the PET surface and in the freestanding film is lower than 100 nm. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of the PET fabric incorporating multi‐layer rGO‐Ag nanocomposite as a UV blocking system could reach to 6145.66, up to the 183‐fold higher than uncoated PET fabric (UPF 33.63). In addition, the final fabric demonstrates a good air permeability and antibacterial properties due to the effective coating of rGO‐Ag nanocomposite on PET surface.
Photoinduced adsorption of Cr(VI) ions in nano‐zinc oxide and nano‐zinc oxide/polypyrrole composite
Authors: Ramos‐Hernández Luis E. , Pérez‐Aguilar Nancy V. , Ovando‐Medina Victor M. , Oyervides‐Muñoz Ernesto , Arcibar‐Orozco Javier A.
Published: February 2022

Zinc oxide‐polypyrrole composites (ZnO‐PPY) are novel materials that have attracted significant attention in recent years. These materials have the potential to remove hazardous pollutants from water effectively. Here, we explore facile synthesis, characterization, and adsorption capacity of hexavalent chromium anions, by nano‐ZnO and nano‐ZnO‐PPY composite. Cold precipitation of ZnO using sodium dodecyl sulfate as an additive prevents nanoparticle growth, which permits the composite preparation with PPY. The results demonstrated that the ZnO‐PPY structure was different than ZnO, more amorphous, less porous, and with a different morphology. New Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy vibrations observed in ZnO‐PPY hinted an interaction with ZnO, leading to a more acidic surface. This information could point to the composite formation driven by interactions between oxygen groups and pyrrole nitrogen. Both materials performed better under light, indicating a photoinduced adsorption phenomenon favored by oxygen vacancies. The new composite demonstrated a reduced adsorption capacity compared to ZnO at neutral and slightly acidic pHs due to electrostatic repulsion of the negatively charged surface and Cr(VI) anions. At alkaline pHs, the pyrrolic nitrogen's is able to interact with partially charged Cr‐complex and to carry out a ligand interchange even in a not favorable charge environment. The ZnO‐PPY composite, outperformed the zinc oxide capacity.
Feeling for food: Can rostro‐mental hair arrays sense hydrodynamic cues for foraging North Atlantic right whales?
Authors: Murphy Christin T. , Marx Marilyn , Martin William N. , Jiang Houshuo , Lapseritis Joy M. , French Alison N. , Simmons Nancy B. , Moore Michael J.
Published: February 2022

North Atlantic right whales (NARWs; Eubalaena glacialis) possess an arrangement of fine hairs on the rostrum and chin that may be used for hydrodynamic sensing during feeding. These hairs occur across mysticete species and are known to possess adequate innervation in the subdermal follicle to support their consideration as sensory hairs (vibrissae). However, the small size of the hair structure with respect to the enormous scale of the animal's body has caused doubts regarding their utility and prompted speculation that the hairs may be vestigial or minimally functional. Here we show that NARW hairs occur in abundance on the leading surface of the head in a unique and characteristic arrangement. We consider the sensory hairs in context of the fluid environment in which this species forages and argue that the size of the hair is scaled to the size of the animal's small planktonic prey, thus suggesting that the hairs play an important role in the sensory ecology of these animals.
A retrieval model family based on the probability ranking principle for ad hoc retrieval
Authors: Dang Edward Kai Fung , Luk Robert Wing Pong , Allan James
Published: February 2022

Many successful retrieval models are derived based on or conform to the probability ranking principle (PRP). We present a new derivation of a document ranking function given by the probability of relevance of a document, conforming to the PRP. Our formulation yields a family of retrieval models, called probabilistic binary relevance (PBR) models, with various instantiations obtained by different probability estimations. By extensive experiments on a range of TREC collections, improvement of the PBR models over some established baselines with statistical significance is observed, especially in the large Clueweb09 Cat‐B collection.
The price‐leverage covariation as a measure of the response of the leverage effect to price and volatility changes
Authors: Toscano Giacomo
Published: February 2022

We study the sensitivity of the leverage effect to changes of the volatility and the price, showing the existence of an analytical link between the latter and the price‐leverage covariation in settings with, respectively, stochastic and level‐dependent volatility. From the financial standpoint, the results we obtain allow for the interpretation of the price‐leverage covariation as a gauge of the responsiveness of the leverage effect to price and volatility changes. The empirical study of S&P500 high‐frequency prices over the period March 2018–April 2018, carried out by means of nonparametric Fourier estimators, supports this interpretation of the role of the price‐leverage covariation.
In vitro wound healing properties, antioxidant activities, HPLC–ESI–MS/MS profile and phytoconstituents of the stem aqueous methanolic extract of Dracaena reflexa Lam
Authors: Raslan Mona A. , Afifi Ahmed H.
Published: February 2022

Column chromatography of the stem aqueous methanolic extract of Dracaena reflexa Lam. (DRSE) led to the isolation of five flavonoids, one phenolic glycoside, one triterpenoid and two steroidal saponins. Furthermore, 44 compounds were tentatively identified in the phytoconstituent profile of DRSE using HPLC–ESI–MS/MS. The antioxidant activity of DRSE was evaluated. In a DPPH radical scavenging assay, DRSE exhibited an IC50 value of 311.6 ± 10.10 μg/ml compared with the IC50 value of the standard Trolox (24.42 ± 0.87 μg/ml). The antioxidant activities of DRSE using ABTS assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay were 326.63 μm Trolox equivalents/mg extract and 208.67 μm Trolox equivalents/mg extract, respectively. The wound‐healing activity of DRSE was studied by the scratch assay using Human Skin Fibroblast cells. After 24 h DRSE (at 10 and 20 μg/ml) decreased the wound width to 0.55 ± 0.37 and 0.47 ± 0.55 mm, respectively, compared with the wound width in the control cells (0.77 ± 0.17 mm). This result suggested that DRSE improved the wound‐healing process by inducing the migration of fibroblasts. Moreover, a docking study was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of the identified phytoconstituents toward GSK‐3β relative to the co‐crystalized inhibitor and curcumin with the possible involvement of this pathway in the wound‐healing activity of the extract.
Applied Geometry Optimization of an Innovative 3D‐Printed Wet‐Scrubber Nozzle with a Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Reinke Felix , Hafen Nicolas , Haussmann Marc , Novosel Michael , Krause Mathias J. , Dittler Achim
Published: February 2022

In contrast to conventional dry separators, new types of wet scrubbers with innovative nozzle geometries are capable of separating submicron particles with comparatively low pressure drop. As those geometries can easily be adapted using 3D‐printing manufacturing, an applied geometry optimization can lead to a fast and cost‐efficient product development cycle. In this study, the lattice Boltzmann method is used to optimize the pressure drop associated with a novel nozzle design. Simulated pressure drop data are validated with experimentally determined ones. By replacing originally installed ellipsoid‐shaped bluff bodies with foil‐shaped structures according to the 4‐digit NACA‐series, an optimization approach regarding the resulting pressure drop is described.
Echocardiographically defined haemodynamic categorization predicts prognosis in ambulatory heart failure patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan
Authors: Dini Frank L. , Carluccio Erberto , Bitto Roberto , Ciccarelli Michele , Correale Michele , D'Agostino Andreina , Dattilo Giuseppe , Ferretti Marco , Grelli Arianna , Guida Stefania , Jacoangeli Francesca , Lupi Laura , Luschi Lorenzo , Masarone Daniele , Mercurio Valentina , Pacileo Giuseppe , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Rispoli Antonella , Scelsi Laura , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Palazzuoli Alberto , Piepoli Massimo , Nodari Savina , Ambrosio Giuseppe ,   Working Group on Heart Failure of the Italian Society of Cardiology
Published: February 2022

Aim

Echo‐derived haemodynamic classification, based on forward‐flow and left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (LVFP) correlates, has been proposed to phenotype patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). To assess the prognostic relevance of baseline echocardiographically defined haemodynamic profile in ambulatory HFrEF patients before starting sacubitril/valsartan.

Methods and results

In our multicentre, open‐label study, HFrEF outpatients were classified into 4 groups according to the combination of forward flow (cardiac index; CI:< or ≥2.0 L/min/m2) and early transmitral Doppler velocity/early diastolic annular velocity ratio (E/e′: ≥ or <15): Profile‐A: normal‐flow, normal‐pressure; Profile‐B: low‐flow, normal‐pressure; Profile‐C: normal‐flow, high‐pressure; Profile‐D: low‐flow, high‐pressure. Patients were started on sacubitril/valsartan and followed‐up for 12.3 months (median). Rates of the composite of death/HF‐hospitalization were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards models. Twelve sites enrolled 727 patients (64 ± 12 year old; LVEF: 29.8 ± 6.2%). Profile‐D had more comorbidities and worse renal and LV function. Target dose of sacubitril/valsartan (97/103 mg BID) was more likely reached in Profile‐A (34%) than other profiles (B: 32%, C: 24%, D: 28%, P < 0.001). Event‐rate (per 100 patients per year) progressively increased from Profile‐A to Profile‐D (12.0%, 16.4%, 22.9%, and 35.2%, respectively, P < 0.0001). By covariate‐adjusted Cox model, profiles with low forward‐flow (B and D) remained associated with poor outcome (P < 0.01). Adding this categorization to MAGGIC‐score and natriuretic peptides, provided significant continuous net reclassification improvement (0.329; P < 0.001). Intermediate and high‐dose sacubitril/valsartan reduced the event's risk independently of haemodynamic profile.

Conclusions

Echocardiographically‐derived haemodynamic classification identifies ambulatory HFrEF patients with different risk profiles. In real‐world HFrEF outpatients, sacubitril/valsartan is effective in improving outcome across different haemodynamic profiles.
Lithium‐Ion Mobility in Layered Oxide Li2(La0.75Li0.25)(Ta1.5Ti0.5)O7 Containing Lithium on both Intra and Inter‐Stack Positions
Authors: Fanah Selorm Joy , Ramezanipour Farshid
Published: February 2022

With the aid of neutron diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, we have demonstrated the effect of the increase in lithium concentration and distribution on Li‐ion conductivity. This has been done through the synthesis of a layered oxide Li2(La0.75Li0.25)(Ta1.5Ti0.5)O7, with the so‐called Ruddlesden‐Popper type structure, where bilayer stacks of (Ta/Ti)O6 octahedra are separated by lithium ions, located in inter‐stack spaces. There are also intra‐stack spaces that are occupied by a mixture of La and Li, as confirmed by neutron diffraction. The distribution of lithium over both inter‐ and intra‐stack positions leads to the enhancement of Li‐ion conductivity in Li2(La0.75Li0.25)(Ta1.5Ti0.5)O7 compared to Li2La(TaTi)O7, which has a lower concentration of lithium ions, located only in inter‐stack spaces. The analyses of real and imaginary components of electrochemical impedance data confirm the enhanced mobility of ions in Li2(La0.75Li0.25)(Ta1.5Ti0.5)O7. While the Li‐ion conductivity needs further improvement for practical applications, the success of the strategy implemented in this work offers a useful methodology for the design of layered ionic conductors.
Study on dynamic changes of microbial community and lignocellulose transformation mechanism during green waste composting
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Chen Mengting , Guo Jingyi , Liu Ning , Yi Weiyi , Yuan Zhongtai , Zeng Lifan
Published: February 2022

There are few reports on the material transformation and dominant microorganisms in the process of greening waste (GW) composting. In this study, the target microbial community succession and material transformation were studied in GW composting by using MiSeq sequencing and PICRUSt tools. The results showed that the composting process could be divided into four phases. Each phase of the composting appeared in turn and was unable to jump. In the calefactive phase, microorganisms decompose small molecular organics such as FA to accelerate the arrival of the thermophilic phase. In the thermophilic phase, thermophilic microorganisms decompose HA and lignocellulose to produce FA. While in the cooling phase, microorganisms degrade HA and FA for growth and reproduction. In the maturation phase, microorganisms synthesize humus using FA, amino acid and lignin nuclei as precursors. In the four phases of the composting, different representative genera of bacteria and fungi were detected. Streptomyces, Myceliophthora and Aspergillus, maintained high abundance in all phases of the compost. Correlation analysis indicated that bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi had synergistic effect on the degradation of lignocellulose. Therefore, it can accelerate the compost process by maintaining the thermophilic phase and adding a certain amount of FA in the maturation phase.
Impact of the Three Gorges Dam on riverbed scour and siltation of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Yang Yunping , Zheng Jinhai , Zhang Huaqing , Chai Yuanfang , Zhu Yude , Wang Chenyang
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the influence of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) on the evolution of nearby channels in the Yangtze River (Changjiang River) system in order to better understand the environmental impact of large‐scale reservoir operations. From 2003 to 2017, the amounts of runoff and sediment transport in the Yangtze River were reduced by 3.3–14.5% and 67.8–92.7%, respectively, relative to 1955–2002 before the TGD was operational. Topographic measurements of the middle reaches (Yichang to Hukou) of the Yangtze River were analyzed from 1975 to 2017, during which time the cumulative erosion of the flood channel was 22.78 × 108 m3, and the dry channel accounted for 90.3% of the erosion. Following commissioning of the TGD, the scouring intensity of the sandy gravel section near the dam initially increased then decreased, whereas the scouring intensity of sandy sections away from the dam continued to increase. Beaches on convex banks of curved sections were scoured, and deep channels on concave banks became silted. In braided sections, the braids tended to shrink, and the diversion ratio of the main branch during dry seasons reduced, resulting in frequent branch alternation. Compared to changes in the downstream river channels of other large reservoirs worldwide, scouring from the TGD is extensive. The findings of this study are significant for river channel regulation and waterway planning in the Yangtze River and worldwide.
Introspection confidence predicts EEG decoding of self‐generated thoughts and meta‐awareness
Authors: Polychroni Naya , Herrojo Ruiz Maria , Terhune Devin B.
Published: February 2022

The neurophysiological bases of mind wandering (MW)—an experiential state wherein attention is disengaged from the external environment in favour of internal thoughts—and state meta‐awareness are poorly understood. In parallel, the relationship between introspection confidence in experiential state judgements and neural representations remains unclear. Here, we recorded EEG while participants completed a listening task within which they made experiential state judgements and rated their confidence. Alpha power was reliably greater during MW episodes, with unaware MW further associated with greater delta and theta power. Multivariate pattern classification analysis revealed that MW and meta‐awareness can be decoded from the distribution of power in these three frequency bands. Critically, we show that individual decoding accuracies positively correlate with introspection confidence. Our results reaffirm the role of alpha oscillations in MW, implicate lower frequencies in meta‐awareness, and are consistent with the proposal that introspection confidence indexes neurophysiological discriminability of representational states.
Scoping review – What do we know about Aboriginal peoples’ use of dose administration aids?
Authors: Walke Emma , Barclay Lesley , Longman Jo
Published: February 2022

Issue addressed

This paper aims to report findings of a scoping review which mapped and summarised available literature regarding Aboriginal peoples’ use of Dose Administration Aids (DAAs) for improved medication management.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher rates of chronic disease than other Australians. This leads to increased numbers of prescribed medications and complex medication taking regimens. The Australian Government and Pharmacy Bodies provide programs for Aboriginal peoples with chronic conditions, including programs supporting access to DAAs to improve medication adherence.

Methods

The search strings used included three key concepts: Indigeneity; DAAs and outcomes. PubMed, Medline via Ovid and the grey literature were searched.

Results

After removal of duplicates, 426 papers were screened by title and abstract for inclusion. A further 407 papers were then excluded leaving a total of nineteen papers included in the review. Only three of these papers included all three concepts in the search criteria, and none of these were empirical studies.

Conclusion

The lack of studies found in this review support the requirement for empirical research regarding the effects of DAAs on medication taking behaviours of Aboriginal people, and the programs that provide them.

So What?

The Australian Government funds programs that provides access to DAAs as a method of improving medication taking behaviours. But what do we really know about DAAs and if or how they assist in this goal? This review scopes out what is known, in order to direct studies that will answer this question.
Legacy‐micropollutant contamination levels in major river basins based on findings from the Rhône Sediment Observatory
Authors: Delile Hugo , Dendievel André‐Marie , Yari Anice , Masson Matthieu , Miège Cécile , Mourier Brice , Coquery Marina
Published: February 2022

For more than half a century, chemical contamination has progressively spread to all the large river basins. Large river outlets integrate multiple anthropogenic pressures in watersheds, making them the largest source of sediment‐bound contaminants to continental shelf areas. However, comparing particulate micropollutant contaminations between the large river basins is a challenging task, especially due to the scarcity of long‐term river monitoring programs. Here we address this issue, with a focus on legacy particulate micropollutants (polychlorobiphenyls [PCBi], polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] and trace metal elements [TME]) yields. For this purpose, we employed a bottom‐up multiscale approach to chemical contamination in river basins that takes micropollutant yields measured in the Rhône River sub‐basins (France) as a benchmark of other large river basins. Data on the Rhône River basin came from a unique 10‐year‐long monitoring program within the Rhône Sediment Observatory (OSR), and were compared to data gathered on 18 major worldwide river outlets. The Rhône River basin is far cleaner now than a few decades ago, likely due to environmental regulations. At a wider spatial scale, our results depict an overall contamination gradient splitting the most heavily contaminated river basins, located in developing and industrializing low‐to‐middle‐income countries, from the least contaminated rivers located in developed high‐income countries. We argue that chemical contamination levels of large river basins depend on their stage of economic development.
Comparison of the CIPHER prognostic model with the existing scores in predicting severe maternal outcomes during intensive care unit admission
Authors: Silva Flávio X. , Parpinelli Mary A. , Oliveira‐Neto Antonio F. , Ribeiro do Valle Carolina C. , Souza Renato T. , Costa Maria L. , Correia Mario D. T. , Katz Leila , Cecatti José G.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To compare the performance of the Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High‐Dependency Estimate of Risk (CIPHER) model in predicting maternal death and near‐miss morbidity (Severe Maternal Outcome [SMO]) with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) III scores.

Methods

A retrospective and a prospective study was conducted at two centers in Brazil. For each score, area under curve (AUC) was used and score calibration was assessed using the Hosmer‐Lemeshow statistic (H‐L) test and the standardized mortality ratio (SMR).

Results

A cohort of 590 women was analyzed. A SMO was observed in 216 (36.6%) women. Of these, 13 (2.2%) were maternal deaths and 203 (34.4%) met one or more maternal near‐miss criteria. The CIPHER model did not show significant diagnostic ability (AUC 0.52) and consequently its calibration was poor (H‐L P < 0.05). The SAPS III had the best performance (AUC 0.77, H‐L P > 0.05 and SMR 0.85).

Conclusion

The performance of the CIPHER model was lower compared to the other scores. Since the CIPHER model is not ready for clinical use, the SAPS III score should be considered for the prediction of SMO.
Influence of the COVID‐19 outbreak on transportation of pregnant women in an emergency medical service system: Population‐based, ORION registry
Authors: Ota Koshi , Nishioka Daisuke , Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Masui Jun , Ota Kanna , Nitta Masahiko , Matsuoka Tetsuya , Takasu Akira
Published: February 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, has spread rapidly across the world.

Objective

To assess the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the emergency medical service (EMS) for transportation of pregnant women by ambulance.

Methods

This study was a retrospective, descriptive study using the Osaka Emergency Information Research Intelligent Operation Network system, and included pregnant women transported by ambulance in Osaka Prefecture between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. The main outcome of the study was difficulty in obtaining hospital acceptance for transfer of patients (difficult‐to‐transfer cases). We calculated the rates of difficult‐to‐transfer cases using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of the 1 346 457 total patients transported to hospitals by ambulance in Osaka Prefecture during the study period, pregnant women accounted for 2586 (909, 943, and 734, in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that pregnant women were negatively associated with difficult‐to‐transfer cases (adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26–0.50). Compared with 2018, 2020 was significantly associated with difficult‐to‐transfer cases (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.24–1.30).

Conclusion

Pregnant women were consistently associated with reduced odds for being difficult‐to‐transfer cases. The COVID‐19 pandemic might have influenced difficult‐to‐transfer cases in 2020.
Prevalence of postpartum depression in women amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Safi‐Keykaleh Meysam , Aliakbari Fatemeh , Safarpour Hamid , Safari Mehdi , Tahernejad Azadeh , Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat , Sahebi Ali
Published: February 2022

COVID‐19 outbreaks appear to be related to exacerbation of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety in high‐risk population such as pregnant women and the postpartum period due to stress and life‐threatening illnesses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) during COVID‐19. This study protocol is registered in PROSPERO with CRD42021278425 code. Data sources including Google Scholar, ISC, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science and reference list of included articles were used to identify related studies. Observational studies that reported the prevalence of PPD in both Persian and English during COVID‐19 between January 20, 2020 and August 31, 2021 were included. Data were collected and analyzed with a random effects model for meta‐analysis. In this study, 671 initial articles were identified and after removing duplicates, 454 studies were screened and finally 24 studies entered the meta‐analysis stage. According to this study results PPD based on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) ≥9, EPDS ≥10, EPDS ≥11, EPDS ≥12, EPDS ≥13, Postpartum Depression Screening Scale‐Short Form (PDSS‐SF) ≥17 and total prevalence was reported 12% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07–17,I2 = 97%), 27% (95% CI = 15–39,I2 = 99%), 44% (95% CI = 40–49,I2 = 0.0%), 27% (95% CI = 0.06–49,I2 = 97.4%), 28% (95% CI = 18–39,I2 = 98.5%), 37% (95% CI = 32–42), 28% (95% CI = 23–33,I2 = 98.5%). The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of PPD in women is relatively high during COVID‐19. Therefore, considering the psychological consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the importance of pregnancy and the postpartum period in terms of the emergence of mental disorders, especially depression, it seems necessary to perform interventions and physical and psychological support.
Propranolol Promotes Bone Formation and Limits Resorption Through Novel Mechanisms During Anabolic Parathyroid Hormone Treatment in Female C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Treyball Annika , Bergeron Audrey C. , Brooks Daniel J. , Langlais Audrie L. , Hashmi Hina , Nagano Kenichi , Barlow Deborah , Neilson Ryan J. , Roy Tyler A. , Nevola Kathleen T. , Houseknecht Karen L. , Baron Roland , Bouxsein Mary L. , Guntur Anyonya R. , Motyl Katherine J.
Published: February 2022

Although the nonselective β-blocker, propranolol, improves bone density with parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment in mice, the mechanism of this effect is unclear. To address this, we used a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches to address how propranolol influences bone remodeling in the context of PTH treatment. In female C57BL/6J mice, intermittent PTH and propranolol administration had complementary effects in the trabecular bone of the distal femur and fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), with combination treatment achieving microarchitectural parameters beyond that of PTH alone. Combined treatment improved the serum bone formation marker, procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP), but did not impact other histomorphometric parameters relating to osteoblast function at the L5. In vitro, propranolol amplified the acute, PTH-induced, intracellular calcium signal in osteoblast-like cells. The most striking finding, however, was suppression of PTH-induced bone resorption. Despite this, PTH-induced receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) mRNA and protein levels were unaltered by propranolol, which led us to hypothesize that propranolol could act directly on osteoclasts. Using in situ methods, we found Adrb2 expression in osteoclasts in vivo, suggesting β-blockers may directly impact osteoclasts. Consistent with this, we found propranolol directly suppresses osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Taken together, this work suggests a strong anti-osteoclastic effect of nonselective β-blockers in vivo, indicating that combining propranolol with PTH could be beneficial to patients with extremely low bone density. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Admissions data as predictors for student performance in restorative dentistry
Authors: Watrous Olivia , Grieco Peter , Aldosari Muath , Park Sang
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to determine the relative predictive power of admissions criteria and predoctoral academic performance in the area of restorative dentistry in order to better understand and guide the dental school admissions process.

Methods

In addition to admissions criteria, student performance in restorative dentistry, such as the Final Restorative Treatment course, the didactic and preclinical examinations, and the objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), was measured for the 172 predoctoral students representing the graduating classes of 2017–2021.

Results

The association between the didactic score in restorative dentistry and grade point average (GPA, p = 0.009) and Dental Admission Test (DAT, p = 0.002) score was statistically significant. Although no statistically significant association was found between preclinical scores and gender, GPA, or DAT, there was a statistically significant association between preclinical scores and the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) score (p = 0.012). Preclinical scores included laboratory examinations for fixed prosthodontics, such as crown preparation and temporization, representing hand skills assessment. Finally, there was no statistically significant association found between the OSCE score and any of the admissions criteria.

Conclusion

The dental admissions criteria could play a role in predicting academic performance in the didactic portion and preclinical component of restorative dentistry.
p‐Toluenesulfonic acid catalyzed, isocyanide‐free, Groebke–Blackburn–Bienayme (GBB) type multicomponent synthesis of 3‐anilino‐imdazo[1,2‐a]pyridines
Authors: Jalani Hitesh B. , Jeong Jin‐Hyun
Published: February 2022

Herein, a Groebke–Blackburn–Bienayme (GBB) type multicomponent synthesis of 3‐anilinoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines using commercially available building blocks such as aryl glyoxal, aniline, and 2‐aminopyridine has been developed. The key advantage of this method is it avoids the use of foul‐smelling isocyanides as one of the key reaction partners in the GBB reaction. The desired products are formed via the three consecutive C–N bond formations in this one‐pot reaction demonstrated in the gram scale.
An investigation of chiral diamides as organocatalysts in asymmetric aldol reaction
Authors: Yilmaz Dilek Gul , Aydogan Feray , Yolacan Cigdem
Published: February 2022

Seven novel proline and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid (THIQA) based diamides were synthesized successfully by simple amidation reactions and characterized by their spectral data. Their catalytic activities in asymmetric aldol reaction were performed by the reactions of aliphatic ketones and various aromatic aldehydes. Especially, (S)‐N‐((S)‐1‐(morpholinoamino)‐1‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl)pyrrolidine‐2‐carboxamide (9e) showed good catalytic activities in water at room temperature in the presence of benzoic acid cocatalyst. The enantioselectivities were upto 89.6%, the diastereomeric ratios were upto 92/8, and yields were upto 97.3%. This catalyst showed its best catalytic activities in water; this is also an important contribution to green chemistry requirements.
Microwave assisted synthesis of N‐substituted acridine‐1,8‐dione derivatives: Evaluation of antimicrobial activity
Authors: S Anil Kumar , Madderla Sarasija , Dharavath Ravinder , Nalaparaju Nagaraju , Katta Ramakrishna , Gundu Srinivas , Thumma Vishnu , B Prashanth , D Ashok
Published: February 2022

A simple and convenient one‐pot method for the synthesis of N‐substituted acridine derivatives from the condensation of 1,3‐cyclohexanedione, substituted aryl amines, and 1,2,3‐triazole aldehydes using a mixture of water/ethanol as a reaction medium is reported. The current protocol delivers numerous advantages such as good yields, short reaction time, easy work‐up, and simplicity in the procedure as it uses a green method and an eco‐friendly catalyst. The target compounds are screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity and most of the compounds are found to exhibit promising activity compared to standard drugs. The docking studies carried out using Autodock 4.2 were proven that all the molecules exhibited good interactions with protein glucosamine‐6‐phosphate synthase of Escherichia Coli and the secreted aspartic proteinase from Candida albicans and the docking results are in well agreement with antimicrobial activity.
Transesophageal echocardiography guided transseptal puncture and nadir temperatures in cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Blockhaus Christian , Waibler Hans‐Peter , Guelker Jan‐Erik , Klues Heinrich , Bufe Alexander , Seyfarth Melchior , Koektuerk Buelent , Shin Dong‐In
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cryoballoon (CB) guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established procedure in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Transseptal access is an indispensable step during PVI and may be associated with severe complications. For specific interventions, specific puncture sites of the fossa ovalis are advantageous. Here, we analyzed the potential impact of a transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) guided transseptal puncture on nadir temperatures in CB PVI.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed 209 patients undergoing CB PVI in our hospital. The use of TOE had been at the operator’s discretion. No TOE‐related complications such as perforation of the pharynx or esophagus or loss of teeth were noted. Concerning the applied freezes, we found significantly lower nadir temperatures in all PVs in the TOE group than in the non‐TOE group. Procedure time and fluoroscopy time and complications were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

TOE‐guided TSP in CB PVI is safe and feasible. Our study found significantly lower nadir temperatures of CB freezes after TOE‐guided TSP which potentially underscores the value of a more infero‐anterior puncture site.
Effect of superfine grinding on physical properties, bioaccessibility, and anti‐obesity activities of bitter melon powders
Authors: Zhu Ying , Bai Juan , Qian Xiwen , Yang Xue , Zhou Xinyu , Zhao Yansheng , Dong Ying , Xiao Xiang
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Bitter melon is widely applied to the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but few studies focus on the processing procedure of bitter melon. The differences in physical properties, bioaccessibility, and anti‐obesity activity of bitter melon powder (BMP) produced with or without superfine grinding were investigated to optimize an effective processing procedure.

RESULTS

Results showed that superfine grinding could improve the physical properties of BMP, represented by greater bulk density, lower water‐holding capacity, and higher bioactive compounds’ solubilities. Superfine grinding remarkably affected the bioaccessibility of phenolics and the antioxidant capacity of bitter melon during in vitro digestion. Meanwhile, after a 4 week treatment, 25 μm BMP showed a greater anti‐obesity activity with reduction in the serum insulin levels from 16.47 to 13.10 mIU L−1, reversing high‐fat‐diet‐induced glucose intolerance, decreasing levels of serum lipids and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the high‐fat diet group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, superfine grinding was beneficial for improving the physical properties and bioaccessibility, simultaneously facilitating the anti‐obesity activity of bitter melon, which will provide a reference for direct utilization of bitter melon as a health food to relieve symptoms of obesity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Feasibility of pomelo peel dietary fiber as natural functional emulsifier for preparation of Pickering‐type emulsion
Authors: Gao Kaili , Liu Tongying , Cao Leipeng , Liu Yuhuan , Zhang Qi , Ruan Roger , Feng Shuoru , Wu Xiaodan
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The application of Pickering emulsions stabilized by food‐derived particles is of great interest, studies have focused on development of natural functional emulsifiers from agricultural byproducts. Dietary fiber (DF) has been recognizing for its excellent physiological functions. Moreover, physicochemical properties of pomelo peel DF (PDF) make it a potential emulsifier. However, pristine PDF is not suitable as emulsifier due to its compact physical structure and high hydrophobicity, which seriously limits its utilization. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of cellulase on physicochemical properties of PDF and to illustrate the feasibility of cellulase modified PDF (MPDF) as natural functional emulsifier.

RESULTS

Cellulase modification significantly improved (P < 0.05) specific surface area, water‐holding capacity/oil‐holding capacity, viscoelasticity, hydrophobicity, and pore structure while decreased crystallinity index and particle size of PDF. Emulsion could remain stable over 30 days as MPDF concentrations up to 1 wt% and oil/water ratio 3:7. The appearance stability of emulsions was not influenced by temperature (4–60 °C), pH (3.0–12.0), and ion concentration (0–200 mmol L−1) which was similar to Pickering emulsions. The mechanism of MPDF as an emulsifier was mainly attributed to the combination of Pickering effect and the three‐dimensional network. In addition, MPDF showed higher antioxidant capacity in emulsions than other classical emulsifiers.

CONCLUSION

The results illustrated that MPDF has a favorable feasibility for preparation of stable Pickering‐type emulsions, which will be a practical support for application of PDF as a natural functional emulsifier and will be helpful to realize the resource utilization of DF in pomelo industries. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn distiller's dried grains with solubles through near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Tyska Denize , Mallmann Adriano Olnei , Simões Cristina Tonial , da Silva Cristiane Rosa , Gressler Luciane Tourem , Mallmann Carlos Augusto
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are coproducts of the biofuel industries that use corn as raw material. This cereal is commonly contaminated by mycotoxins, including fumonisins (FBs), which can pose a serious health threat to humans and animals. Corn DDGS are typically used as a protein‐rich animal feed. As mycotoxins from the original cereal grains become concentrated in DDGS, mycotoxicological monitoring is highly required before their use as ingredient in the industry.

RESULTS

This work aimed to develop a methodology for predicting fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in corn DDGS using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) technology associated with chemometric methods. One hundred and ninety corn DDGS samples originating from Brazilian ethanol plants and feed mills were included in this assessment. Two datasets were created: one for calibration (132 samples) and another for external validation (58 samples). Partial least squares regression and a cross‐validation approach were applied to build the models. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used as the reference methodology. Calibration results of correlation coefficient and residual prediction deviation for FB1 and FB2 were, respectively, 0.90 and 0.88; and 2.16 and 2.06.

CONCLUSION

Values of the external validation dataset were compared and no statistical difference was found between groups, indicating a satisfactory predictive ability and confirming the potential of NIRS to predict fumonisins in corn DDGS. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Artemisia selengensis Turcz. leaf extract promotes longevity and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Li Rong , Tao Mingfang , Xu Tingting , Huang Yuting , Zogona Daniel , Pan Siyi , Wu Ting , Xu Xiaoyun
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Artemisia selengensis Turcz. (AST) is a common edible and medicinal herb possessing extensive biological activities and various health‐promoting functions. However, the anti‐aging effects of AST have been neglected. This work evaluated the effects of AST leaf extract (ASTE) on stress tolerance and longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

RESULTS

ASTE treatment enhanced stress resistance and significantly extended the lifespan of C. elegans. Moreover, ASTE prolonged the healthspan by increasing body bending and pharyngeal pumping rates, and by reducing the intestinal lipofuscin level and accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Caffeoylquinic acids in ASTE, especially dicaffeoylquinic acids, were the major components responsible for these benefits. The mechanism underlying the anti‐aging effect of ASTE occurred by activating insulin/insulin‐like growth factor, SIR‐2.1 signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways, which in turn induced the activity of the transcription factors DAF‐16/FOXO and SKN‐1/Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide direct evidence for the anti‐aging effects of AST and reveal its potential on promoting healthy aging. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.