bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucagon in type 2 diabetes: Friend or foe?
Authors: Caruso Irene , Marrano Nicola , Biondi Giuseppina , Genchi Valentina Annamaria , D'Oria Rossella , Sorice Gian Pio , Perrini Sebastio , Cignarelli Angelo , Natalicchio Annalisa , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco
Published: January 2023

Hyperglucagonemia is one of the ‘ominous’ eight factors underlying the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glucagon is a peptide hormone involved in maintaining glucose homoeostasis by increasing hepatic glucose output to counterbalance insulin action. Long neglected, the introduction of dual and triple agonists exploiting glucagon signalling pathways has rekindled the interest in this hormone beyond its classic effect on glycaemia. Glucagon can promote weight loss by regulating food intake, energy expenditure, and brown and white adipose tissue functions through mechanisms still to be fully elucidated, thus its role in T2D pathogenesis should be further investigated. Moreover, the role of glucagon in the development of T2D micro‐ and macro‐vascular complications is elusive. Mounting evidence suggests its beneficial effect in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, while few studies postulated its favourable role in peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy. Contrarily, glucagon receptor agonism might induce renal changes resembling diabetic nephropathy, and data concerning glucagon actions on the cardiovascular system are conflicting. This review aims to summarise the available findings on the role of glucagon in the pathogenesis of T2D and its complications. Further experimental and clinical data are warranted to better understand the implications of glucagon signalling modulation with new antidiabetic drugs.
Development of the simplified spring‐based nonlinear models for full‐connection cold‐formed steel‐framed gypsum partition walls
Authors: Lotfy Iraj , Salkhordeh Mojtaba , Soroushian Siavash , Rahmanishamsi Esmaeel , Maragakis Emmanuel M.
Published: January 2023

The role of nonstructural components in performance‐based earthquake engineering is undeniable because of their significant contribution to the total investments in buildings. Gypsum partition walls are one of the main sources of seismic damage among other nonstructural components. As a result, researchers developed various detailed numerical modeling techniques for simulating the seismic performance of these walls. Although detailed characteristics of the walls are considered in these models by means of different nonlinear elements, these micro‐models are not appropriate to be incorporated into their parent building models due to their extensive computational cost. Therefore, this study proposes a simplified spring‐based modeling technique to facilitate the simulation of gypsum partition walls in macro building models. For this purpose, the hysteresis behavior of full‐connection gypsum partition walls is modeled using a nonlinear springs element with a parametric material model designated in the “” platform as the “” constitutive model. The proposed spring‐based models are then validated through the hysteresis behavior of the micro‐finite element models available in the literature. These spring models are developed to consider several construction and geometric variations such as the stud/track thickness, the distance from the center of screws to the edge of the gypsum board, the distance from the center of screws to the edge of the stud/track flanges, construction quality, and the aspect ratio of the walls. Results from this study prove that the proposed technique shows a promising accuracy besides its simplicity and effective computational cost.
Design, manufacturing, and testing of a hybrid self‐centering brace for seismic resilience of buildings
Authors: Shi Fei , Lin Zicheng , Li Qihao , Ozbulut Osman E. , He Zhiming , Zhou Yun
Published: January 2023

This study explores the development of a shape memory alloy (SMA)‐based hybrid self‐centering brace that combines NiTi superelastic cables with viscoelastic dampers. First, the behavior of individual components of the hybrid self‐centering brace, that is, SMA cables and viscoelastic damper is characterized under various experimental conditions. Then, three prototype hybrid self‐centering braces with a maximum force capacity of 172 kN are designed and fabricated. The experimental tests are conducted to reveal the response of the hybrid self‐centering braces under increasing loading displacement amplitude. The effect of loading rate and training loading cycles on the mechanical response of the braces are also analyzed. Furthermore, the low‐cycle fatigue behavior of the hybrid self‐centering braces is evaluated by testing two of the braces for up to 30 loading cycles at a relatively large displacement amplitude. For each experimental condition, the variation of certain mechanical properties such as equivalent stiffness and equivalent viscous damping are evaluated and analyzed. Three case‐study frames with various bracing systems (i.e., SMA brace, viscoelastic brace, and hybrid self‐centering brace) are designed and modeled in OpenSees. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out under 44 far‐field ground motion records to illustrate the advantages of hybrid self‐centering brace on structural seismic performance. The results indicate that the developed SMA‐based hybrid self‐centering braces provide an average of 9% equivalent viscous damping at different loading amplitudes with a complete self‐centering characteristic. The response of the bracing system is not affected considerably by loading rate, but it is found to be sensitive to cyclic loading. The steel frame with hybrid self‐centering braces is capable of leveraging the benefits of self‐centering ability and energy dissipation capacity.
Compressed air storage: Opportunities and sustainability issues
Authors: Hamiche Ait Mimoune , Stambouli A. B. , Flazi S. , Koinuma H.
Published: January 2023

As an effective strategy to implement electrical load shifting and to encourage the use of alternative renewable energies, such as solar and wind generation, the energy storage system plays an important role in the energy internet and the smart grid. Compressed air energy storage is a promising technique due to its efficiency, cleanliness, long life, and low cost. This paper reviews CAES technologies and seeks to demonstrate CAES's models, fundamentals, operating modes, and classifications. Application perspectives are described to promote the popularisation of CAES in the energy internet and smart grids. We review recent work on CAES. We evaluate and analyse these results to discover gaps and opportunities. The most important results indicate that CAES is generally considered an EES (electrical energy storage) option for wind power integration. However, current research is beginning to investigate CAES in combination with solar energy systems. Gaps may be identified in the study associated with CAES for microgrid integration and demand management which are future uses of CAES.
Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Oxidative Stress in the Regioselective Toxicities of Hydroxychrysenes in Embryonic Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Tanabe Philip , Schlenk Daniel
Published: January 2023

Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) are environmental contaminants that can be created through oxidation of parent PAHs. Previous studies have found that 2-hydroxychrysene (2-OHCHR) caused anemia in embryonic Japanese medaka whereas 6-hydroxychrysene (6-OHCHR) did not, an example of regioselective toxicity. Anemia was prevented by cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition, which reduced the formation of the potential oxidatively active metabolite, 1,2-catechol, from 2-OHCHR. 2-OHCHR has also been found to be a four-fold more potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist compared with 6-OHCHR. These findings led us to hypothesize that AhR activation and/or oxidative stress play an important role in 2-OHCHR toxicity. Although treatments with the AhR agonists polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)126 and 2-methoxychrysene (2-MeOCHR) did not cause significant toxicity, pretreatments with the AhR antagonist, CH-223191, reduced anemia by 97.2 ± 0.84% and mortality by 96.6 ± 0.69%. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibition by the antagonist was confirmed by significant reductions (91.0 ± 9.94%) in induced ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentrations were 32.9 ± 3.56% higher (p < 0.05) in 2-OHCHR treatments at 100 hours postfertilization compared with controls. Staining 2-OHCHR-treated embryos with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate revealed 32.6 ± 2.69% of 2-OHCHR-treated embryos exhibiting high concentrations of ROS in caudal tissues, which is a site for embryonic hematopoiesis in medaka. Pretreatment with antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or vitamin E (Vit E) significantly reduced 2-OHCHR-induced anemia (NAC: 80.7 ± 1.12% and Vit E: 99.1 ± 0.43%) and mortality (NAC: 67.1 ± 1.69% and Vit E: 98.9 ± 0.66%). These results indicate that AhR may mediate 2-OHCHR toxicity through canonical signaling by up-regulating CYP1, enhancing the formation of reactive metabolites of 2-OHCHR that generate ROS within caudal hematopoietic tissues, potentially disrupting hematopoiesis, leading to anemia and subsequent mortality. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:698–706. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Ginseng polysaccharides ameliorate abnormal lipid metabolism caused by acute alcoholic liver injury by promoting autophagy
Authors: Qi Xin , Sun Xihan , Wang Muyao , Wang Mei , Qi Zhanwen , Cui Chengbi
Published: January 2023

The study aimed to examine the effect of ginseng polysaccharide (GP) on acute alcoholic liver injury (AALI) and determine its underlying molecular mechanism. GP's in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects were evaluated using LO2 cells and alcohol‐induced C57BL/6 male mice. Cell Counting Kit‐8, immunofluorescence, hematoxylin‐eosin, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot (WB) were used to detect alcohol‐induced lipid metabolism and autophagy levels in LO2 cells and liver. It was mainly composed of glucose, galactose, and arabinose in a molar ratio of 12.9:1.6:1.0. Experiments in vitro demonstrated that administration of GP to LO2 cells significantly increased the alcohol‐induced increase in cell viability. In addition, it can inhibit lipogenesis, enhance lipolysis, and stimulate autophagy. In alcohol‐induced mice, GP also inhibited hepatic histological lesions, prevented alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase elevation, improved abnormal lipid metabolism, and boosted hepatocyte autophagy. In vivo and in vivo analysis of the underlying mechanisms revealed that GP promotes the expression of proteins in autophagy in AALI thereby alleviating it.
Neural representations of the perception of handwritten digits and visual objects from a convolutional neural network compared to humans
Authors: Lee Juhyeon , Jung Minyoung , Lustig Niv , Lee Jong‐Hwan
Published: January 2023

We investigated neural representations for visual perception of 10 handwritten digits and six visual objects from a convolutional neural network (CNN) and humans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Once our CNN model was fine‐tuned using a pre‐trained VGG16 model to recognize the visual stimuli from the digit and object categories, representational similarity analysis (RSA) was conducted using neural activations from fMRI and feature representations from the CNN model across all 16 classes. The encoded neural representation of the CNN model exhibited the hierarchical topography mapping of the human visual system. The feature representations in the lower convolutional (Conv) layers showed greater similarity with the neural representations in the early visual areas and parietal cortices, including the posterior cingulate cortex. The feature representations in the higher Conv layers were encoded in the higher‐order visual areas, including the ventral/medial/dorsal stream and middle temporal complex. The neural representations in the classification layers were observed mainly in the ventral stream visual cortex (including the inferior temporal cortex), superior parietal cortex, and prefrontal cortex. There was a surprising similarity between the neural representations from the CNN model and the neural representations for human visual perception in the context of the perception of digits versus objects, particularly in the primary visual and associated areas. This study also illustrates the uniqueness of human visual perception. Unlike the CNN model, the neural representation of digits and objects for humans is more widely distributed across the whole brain, including the frontal and temporal areas.
Evaluating implementation of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist for preconception and pregnancy within the Bukhali trial in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Soepnel Larske M. , Draper Catherine E. , Mabetha Khuthala , Mogashoa Lethabo , Mabena Gugulethu , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Killeen Sarah Louise , Jacob Chandni Maria , Hanson Mark A. , Norris Shane A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate implementation of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist in a low/middle‐income South African setting.

Methods

This is a mixed‐methods study. Following administration of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist by a dietitian between July 2021 and May 2022, quantitative responses from pregnant (n = 96) and nonpregnant (n = 291) participants with overweight or obesity were analyzed, using logistic regression. Qualitative data from in‐depth interviews with the dietitian and a subgroup of participants (n = 15) were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Of 387 participants, 97.4% (n = 377) answered ‘no’ to at least one diet quality question on the FIGO Nutrition Checklist, indicative of an at‐risk dietary practice. Food insecurity was positively associated with having more than three at‐risk practices (OR 1.87; 95% CI, 1.10–3.18; P = 0.021). Themes from the dietitian interview included ease of use of the checklist; required adaptations to it, including explanation and translation; and benefits of the tool. Despite challenges to healthy nutrition, participant interviews identified that the checklist is acceptable and supported improved awareness of dietary intakes.

Conclusion

Considering the high incidence of at‐risk dietary practices identified by the FIGO Nutrition Checklist in this population, further research into use of the tool across South African healthcare settings is warranted.
Prenatal detection of gastrointestinal bubbles since early pregnancy: Clues to correct diagnosis
Authors: Zmora Osnat , Beloosesky Ron , Khatib Nizar , Ginsberg Yuval , Gover Ayala , Bronshtein Moshe
Published: January 2023

Objective

To characterize gastrointestinal bubbles detected since early pregnancy and to describe corresponding diagnoses.

Method

A retrospective cohort review of all cases in which gastrointestinal bubbles were detected starting in early prenatal transvaginal scans at 14–17 weeks of gestation between the years 2007 and 2021. Sonographic features and data regarding associated anomalies, genetic abnormalities, and pregnancy outcome were evaluated.

Results

Bubbles were detected in 23 of 27 073 early scans and a total of 31 394 scans. Diagnosis was available in 22 cases. Transient bubbles were detected in 10 cases and represented normal peristalsis. Fixed double bubble was detected in nine cases. Double‐walled double bubbles represented duodenal duplications (three cases) and esophageal duplications (two cases). Simple cysts represented duodenal atresia (three cases) and a pancreatic cyst (one case). A triple bubble represented duodenal obstruction from Ladd bands in one case. Quadribubble was detected in two cases and represented jejunal atresia.

Conclusion

Prenatal detection of gastrointestinal bubbles can accurately diagnose physiological versus pathological upper gastrointestinal conditions. Transient bubbles are physiological. Fixed double bubbles might represent either duodenal atresia or esophageal/duodenal duplications when a double wall is demonstrated. Three or four bubbles might represent more distal intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction.
Medical students' perception of the application of a virtual reality training model to acquire vaginal examination skills
Authors: Cheung Vincent Y. T. , Tang Yuk Ming , Chan Karen K. L.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To review the perception of and feedback from medical students on the application of a virtual reality (VR) model to acquire vaginal examination (VE) skills.

Methods

A specially designed VR training model on VE was developed with the aim of enhancing medical students' VE skills. Medical students attending the gynecology clinic were invited to try this VR training model. Their participation was voluntary and at the completion of their VR training, they were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire to give their feedback and perception regarding this learning experience.

Results

Sixty‐five sixth‐year medical students completed the VR training and the feedback questionnaire: 55 (84.7%) of them reported that the training instructions were clear and 60 (92.4%) considered the training to the helpful in recalling the details of the tasks. It was also reported that VR technology could facilitate learning and interaction, and motivate learning in 80.1% and 66.2% of medical students, respectively.

Conclusion

VR technology is a potential teaching modality for medical students to acquire VE skills. However, further evaluation is needed to determine whether this learning tool is effective in enhancing clinical competence.
Use of intraoperative ultrasound to improve tension‐free vaginal tape‐obturator placement: A pilot study
Authors: González‐Díaz Enrique , Fernández Fernández Camino , Martin Corral Ana Victoria , Gutierrez Silvia Herce
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the use of intraoperative ultrasound (IUS) to achieve a postoperative optimal placement of the tension‐free vaginal tape‐obturator (TVT‐O).

Methods

A cohort study was performed among women who underwent TVT‐O placement. In 25 women, ultrasound was used for the placement, and based on current evidence, the optimal intraoperative and postoperative ultrasound pattern was selected. They were compared with 25 women where IUS was not used.

Results

IUS increased operative time (by 7.5 min), and in 36% (9/25) of cases it was necessary to perform some corrections based on the ultrasound findings. After 1 month, in patients of the IUS group, the tapes were more frequently placed at a distance of 3–5 mm (P = 0.01), and it was more common for it to be placed between 40% and 70% relative to the urethral length (P = 0.011). Of tapes placed with IUS, 76% (met the optimal postoperative ultrasound pattern, as opposed to only 48% placed without IUS (P = 0.041). No differences were found in the complications or the functional results at 1 month post‐surgery.

Conclusion

The use of IUS for the placement of TVT‐O allows us to position them optimally and avoid erroneous placements, although IUS increases the operative time without improving the functional results and the rate of complications.
Libkrylov: A modular open‐source software library for extremely large on‐the‐fly matrix computations
Authors: Rappoport Dmitrij , Bekoe Samuel , Mohanam Luke Nambi , Le Scott , George Naje’ , Shen Ziyue , Furche Filipp
Published: January 2023

We present the design and implementation of libkrylov, an open‐source library for solving matrix‐free eigenvalue, linear, and shifted linear equations using Krylov subspace methods. The primary objectives of libkrylov are flexible API design and modular structure, which enables integration with specialized matrix–vector evaluation “engines.” Libkrylov features pluggable preconditioning, orthonormalization, and tunable convergence control. Diagonal (conjugate gradient, CG), Davidson, and Jacobi–Davidson preconditioners are available, along with orthonormal and nonorthonormal (nKs) schemes. All functionality of libkrylov is exposed via Fortran and C application programming interfaces (APIs). We illustrate the performance of libkrylov for eigenvalue calculations arising in time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) in the Tamm–Dancoff approximation (TDA) and discuss the convergence behavior as a function of preconditioning and orthonormalization methods.
Correlation consistent auxiliary basis sets in density fitting Hartree–Fock: The atoms sodium through argon revisited
Authors: Nash Harry W. , Shaw Robert A. , Hill John Grant
Published: January 2023

We present a series of auxiliary basis sets, for the elements Na to Ar, for use in density‐fitted Hartree–Fock calculations with the correlation consistent cc‐pV(n + d)Z orbital basis sets. Benchmarking on total molecular energies, reaction energies and the spectroscopic constants of the SO molecule demonstrate that the new sets address the deficiencies of using existing auxiliary sets in combination with these orbital basis sets. We also report auxiliary basis sets for Na and Mg matched to cc‐pVnZ, along with recommendations for pairing auxiliary basis sets to the cc‐pVnZ‐F12 basis sets for Hartree–Fock calculations.
Reconnecting with relational values in highly conflicted separating couples: A narrative therapy‐informed relational interviewing teamwork‐based supervision approach
Authors: Montesano Adrian , Madigan Stephen , Çakmak Kevser , Ness Ottar , Brønseth Stein Roger
Published: January 2023

This article outlines a new supervision practice of narrative therapy‐informed reflecting team‐based relational interviewing for a high‐conflict stuck case of a separated middle‐aged couple. The article demonstrates the supervision method consisting in five parts. First, the supervisor interviews the couples' relationship while the team watches from behind the one‐way mirror. Second, the team responds to the interview while the couple and the supervisor witness their conversation. The couple is then invited to respond back to the team. Furthermore, there is a meta‐conversation about the supervision in collaboration with the couple. The intervention ends with therapeutic letter writing to the relationship. The couple showed a meaningful shift in their positioning towards a more relational awareness and found valuable ways for continuing their therapy. The theoretical elements of the approach underpinning practice to tackle high conflict are considered through the illustration of the case.
The effect of colorization on the fetal lung heterogeneity index
Authors: Bracero Luis A. , Ghorayeb Sleiman R. , Kouba Insaf , Fukuda Rena , Lim Chae Eun , Blitz Mathew J.
Published: January 2023

No previous studies have quantitatively assessed the effect of color tones on ultrasound texture analysis techniques. Our objective was to compare heterogeneity index (HI) between fetal lung images captured in grayscale and those same images after conversion to Ice and Sepia. Fetal lung images were obtained during medically indicated ultrasound examinations. We observed that HI is affected by the application of color tones to ultrasound images of the fetal lung. Therefore, for each type of biological tissue and color tone, determination of distinct HI nomograms and cut off points is recommended.
Mental health impact of autism on families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities of genetic origin
Authors: Wolstencroft Jeanne , Srinivasan Ramya , Hall Jeremy , van den Bree Marianne B. M. , Owen Michael J. ,   IMAGINE Consortium, Raymond F. Lucy , Skuse David
Published: January 2023

Background

Many children with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) have associated autism spectrum disorders (ASD), as well as an increased risk of mental health difficulties. In a cohort with IDD of genetic aetiology, we tested the hypothesis that excess risk attached to those with ASD + IDD, in terms of both children's mental health and parental psychological distress.

Methods

Participants with a copy number variant or single nucleotide variant (5–19 years) were recruited via UK National Health Service. 1904 caregivers competed an online assessment of child mental health and reported on their own psychological wellbeing. We used regression to examine the association between IDD with and without co‐occurring ASD, and co‐occurring mental health difficulties, as well as with parental psychological distress. We adjusted for children's sex, developmental level, physical health, and socio‐economic deprivation.

Results

Of the 1904 participants with IDD, 701 (36.8%) had co‐occurring ASD. Children with both IDD and ASD were at higher risk of associated disorders than those with IDD alone (ADHD: OR = 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–2.32,p < 0.0001; emotional disorders: OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.36–2.5,p < 0.0001; disruptive behaviour disorders: OR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.36–2.37,p < 0.0001). The severity of associated symptoms was also greater in those with ASD (hyperactivity:B = 0.25, 95%CI 0.07–0.34,p = 0.006; emotional difficulties:B = 0.91, 95%CI 0.67 to 1.14,p < 0.0001; conduct problems:B = 0.25, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.46,p = 0.013). Parents of children with IDD and ASD also reported greater psychological distress than those with IDD alone (β = 0.1, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.21,p < 0.0001). Specifically, in those with ASD, symptoms of hyperactivity (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.29–0.63,p < 0.0001), emotional difficulties (β = 0.15, 95% CI 0.26–0.51,p < 0.0001) and conduct difficulties (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.07–0.37,p < 0.004) all significantly contributed to parental psychological distress.

Conclusions

Among children with IDD of genetic aetiology, one third have co‐occurring ASD. Not only do those with co‐occurring ASD present with a wider range of associated mental health disorders and more severe mental health difficulties than those with IDD alone, but their parents also experience more psychological distress. Our findings suggest that the additional mental health and behavioural symptoms in those with ASD contributed to the degree of parental psychological distress.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of human thermal comfort across southern Africa: An analysis of the Universal Thermal Climate Index for 1971–2021
Authors: Roffe Sarah J. , van der Walt Adriaan J. , Fitchett Jennifer M.
Published: January 2023

The 6th Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects increasing thermal‐associated morbidity and mortality under anthropogenically induced warming. Over 100 indices exist to quantify thermal stress, and among these, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was developed for regional investigations of thermal stress influences on human health. Although by definition a universal index, current applications are mainly limited to Europe. For regions such as Africa, use of the UTCI has been hampered by a lack of available requisite input variables from ground‐based meteorological stations. To overcome this, a gridded dataset, derived from ERA5 reanalysis, of UTCI equivalent temperatures was developed by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. Using this dataset for daily average, minimum and maximum UTCI values, we explore spatiotemporal patterns and changes thereof over annual, seasonal, and monthly scales across southern Africa from 1979 to 2021. Across these scales, 9 of 10 UTCI thermal stress categories were observed, ranging from very strong cold stress to extreme heat stress. Spatially, no thermal stress was most widespread for daily mean values, whereas for daily maximum (minimum) values there was a wider heat (cold) stress incidence, with frequent occurrences of moderate and strong heat stress (slight and moderate cold stress). Interannually, a clear El Niño–Southern Oscillation influence on thermal stress was evident during summer, with El Niño (La Niña) phases extending (reducing) heat stress incidences by up to 13.8% (2.9%). Over the study period, heat stress increased at statistically significant rates in many instances, with the strongest, most widespread increases, for the daily average and maximum (minimum), during spring (summer), averaging 0.28 and 0.29°C·decade−1 (0.23°C·decade−1); few regions experienced statistically significant decreasing trends. Overall, the trend results highlight regions vulnerable to significant thermal climate changes, and thus should be considered in decision‐making regarding outdoor activities.
Multiple gingival recessions associated with non‐carious cervical lesions treated by partial restoration and modified coronally advanced flap with either connective tissue graft or xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Rossato Amanda , Fernanda Ferreira Ferraz Laís , Maria Viana Miguel Manuela , Venturoso Simões Beatriz , Pereira Nunes Marcelo , Bresciani Eduardo , de Sanctis Massimo , Mathias‐Santamaria Ingrid Fernandes
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare a connective tissue graft (CTG) to a (porcine) xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix (XDM), both associated with modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) and partial resin composite restoration to treat multiple combined defects (CDs).

Methods

Seventy‐eight defects in 38 patients presenting multiple combined defects, that is, gingival recession associated with non‐carious cervical lesions, were treated by partial resin composite restoration (apical margin up to 1 mm of the estimated cement‐enamel junction) and MCAF along with CTG or XDM. After 6 months, the groups were compared with regard to clinical, patient‐centered, and esthetic outcomes.

Results

CD coverage was 72.9% for CTG versus 50.7% for XDM (P < 0.001). Recession reduction was 2.3 mm for CTG versus 1.5 mm for XDM (P < 0.001). CTG resulted in a greater increase in keratinized tissue width (CTG: 0.96 mm vs. XDM: 0.3 mm, P = 0.04) and gingival thickness (CTG: 0.9 mm vs. XDM: 0.3 mm, P < 0.001). Both treatments successfully reduced dentin hypersensitivity and increased esthetics satisfaction, with no statistically significant intergroup differences. Moreover, XDM patients experienced a shorter surgery duration (CTG: 57.2 min vs. XDM: 37.4 min, P < 0.001) and less time to no pain (visual analog scale  =  0; CTG: 6.5 days vs. XDM: 3.5 days, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

CTG resulted in significantly greater root coverage and increased keratinized tissue width compared to XDM for treating multiple partially restored CDs. However, increased root coverage at the CTG sites was accounted for by increased probing depth compared to the XDM sites
Variability and chemical composition of the extractive content of woody residues from three European orchard species: apricot (Prunus Armeniaca L.), olive (Olea Europea L.), and orange trees (Citrus Sinensis L.)
Authors: Bruno Maria Roberta
Published: January 2023

Background

The huge quantity of agricultural biomass has led Europe to issue directives to ensure that it is properly managed. Among the permanent European crops area, olive, orange, and apricot orchards are the most present. The management of these crops produces significant amounts of biomass, which very often is burned in the field. With a view to the circular economy, this study aims to analyze the secondary metabolites present in the biomass of these three crops.

Results

Secondary metabolites were extracted from wood and bark by an Accelerated Solvent Extractor at 120° using water, ethanol, and a mixture of water and ethanol as solvents. In addition, the identification of the molecules present in the extracts was attempted using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS). The analysis showed that in the three crops, the highest yields of extract were measured in the bark while the species that has shown the highest yield compared to the others was the olive tree. HPLC–MS technique revealed interesting molecular compounds, such as catechins, epicatechins, and oleuropein, respectively in the apricot and olive extracts.

Conclusion

The biomass extractives of these three species highlighted an interesting potential for applications in various industrial sectors such as for example, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agriculture.
Nanoprecipitates of γ‐cyclodextrin/epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate inclusion complexes as efficient antioxidants for preservation of shrimp surimi products: synthesis, performance and mechanism
Authors: Wang Zonghan , Guo Chao , Li Deyang , Zhou Dayong , Liu Donghong , Zhu Beiwei
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is well known for excellent chain‐breaking antioxidant capability. However, browning by oxidation and aggregation of EGCG is a non‐negligible defect that hinders its applications as an antioxidant in various foodstuffs. Therefore, how to eliminate or mitigate browning efficiently, while retaining functionalities as food additive is a challenge in the food industry.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that EGCG could be anchored within the internal cavity of γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) to form an inclusion structure, where hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π‐stacking were identified to be the primary drivers. The interplay between two molecules and the steric hindrance from γ‐CD could restrict the motion and aggregation of EGCG efficiently, thus alleviating the browning effect. In addition, the conformational adaption of EGCG within the inclusions would result in general decreases in hydrogen‐bond dissociation enthalpies for the pyrogallol‐type structure on the b ring, thus enhancing the antioxidant capability. In practical application, the nanoscale γ‐CD/EGCG inclusion complexes were validated preliminarily as efficient additives in the preservation of shrimp surimi, presenting significant effects on prolonging the shelf‐life of products.

CONCLUSION

Here, nanoscale γ‐CD/EGCG inclusion complexes as alternatives to EGCG were tailored as food antioxidants for the preservation of shrimp surimi products, exerting antioxidant effects while mitigating the browning effects of EGCG on products. Through self‐assembly, EGCG would be anchored with the cavity of γ‐CD, which could regulate the release modes and restrict the aggregation of EGCG. This facile strategy has great potential in food preservation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multiclonal study of Daphnia magna with respect to adaptation to toxic cyanobacteria
Authors: Lange Jacqueline , Berges Amelie Cara , von Elert Eric
Published: January 2023

Mass developments of toxic cyanobacteria have increased in frequency due to global warming and eutrophication. Such cyanobacterial blooms impact whole freshwater ecosystems, especially reducing the abundance of herbivory species of the genus Daphnia. These negative effects on Daphnia have frequently been attributed to cyanobacterial secondary metabolites, among them hepatotoxic microcystins and protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors inhibit major digestive proteases in the gut of Daphnia which results in reduced fitness, that is, population growth. To date evidence for local adaptation of Daphnia to cyanobacteria is confined to microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria and based on comparison of individual clones from different populations but lacks evidence from multiclone microcosm experiments. In the present study, D. magna clones from a Swedish lake where they coexist with the microcystin‐free Microcystis sp. strain BM25 were compared to clones from a Polish population without cyanobacteria, first in single‐clone experiments and subsequently in a multiclonal experimental population. The Swedish clones were assumed to be locally adapted to this protease inhibitor‐producing cyanobacterium and indeed showed higher population growth rates, a proxy for fitness, and dominated the population in the presence of dietary Microcystis sp. BM25, but not in the absence of this cyanobacterium. The results indicate an adaptive tolerance of the Swedish population and point at local adaptation to locally co‐occurring protease inhibitor‐producing cyanobacteria.
Parkinson's Disease‐Cognitive Rating Scale (PD‐CRS): Normative Data and Mild Cognitive Impairment Assessment in Brazil
Authors: Brandão Pedro Renato de Paula , Pereira Danilo Assis , Grippe Talyta Cortez , Bispo Diógenes Diego de Carvalho , Maluf Fernando Bisinoto , Yunes Márcia Pereira , Nunes Filho Gilberto , Alves Cândida Helena Lopes , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime , da Costa Andressa Mátos Luiz , Serafim Cristiano Franco do Val , Ferreira Ana Carolina da Bouza , Bastos Arthur de Melo Monteiro , Belchior Ana Clara Fernandes , de Almeida Beatriz Luna Coutinho , de Almeida e Castro Brenda Macedo , Matos Matheus Sampaio , de Matos Rodrigo Cardoso , Rios Gabriel de Almeida , Carneiro Lorena Oliveira , da Mota Bianca Christie Costa , Castro Lucas Ernesto do Rêgo , Rocha Vitória Luísa Silveira , Tavares Maria Clotilde Henriques , Cardoso Francisco
Published: January 2023

Background

The Parkinson's Disease‐Cognitive Rating Scale (PD‐CRS) assesses posterior‐cortical and frontal‐subcortical cognitive functioning and distinguishes mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD‐MCI); however, it was not evaluated in Brazil.

Objectives

To investigate PD‐CRS's reliability, validity, normative data, and accuracy for PD‐MCI screening in Brazil.

Methods

The effects of age, education, and sex on PD‐CRS scores were explored. The instrument was tested in 714 individuals (53% female, 21–94 years), with a broad range of education and no neurodegenerative disorder. Trail Making, Consonant Trigrams, Five‐Point, and semantic fluency tests were administered for comparison. A second study enrolled patients with PD and intact cognition (n = 44, 59.75 ± 10.79 years) and with PD‐MCI (n = 25, 65.76 ± 10.33 years) to investigate criterion validity. PD‐CRS subtests were compared with the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Battery memory and executive tasks.

Results

PD‐CRS was unidimensional and reliable (McDonald's ω = 0.83). Using robust multiple regressions, age, and education predicted the total and derived scores in the normative sample. At the 85‐point cutoff, PD‐MCI was detected with 68% sensitivity and 86% specificity (area under the curve = 0.870). PD‐CRS scores strongly correlated with executive and verbal/visual memory tests in both normative and clinical samples.

Conclusions

This study investigated the applicability of PD‐CRS in the Brazilian context. The scale seems helpful in screening for PD‐MCI, with adequate internal consistency and construct validity. The PD‐CRS variance is influenced by age and educational level, a critical issue for cognitive testing in countries with educational and cultural heterogeneity.
Identifying barriers to shared decision‐making about bariatric surgery in two large health systems
Authors: Arterburn David , Tuzzio Leah , Anau Jane , Lewis Cara C. , Williams Neely , Courcoulas Anita , Stilwell Diana , Tavakkoli Ali , Ahmed Bestoun , Wilcox Margie , Fischer Gary S. , Paul Kathleen , Handley Matt , Gupta Anirban , McTigue Kathleen
Published: January 2023

Objective

Prior research suggests shared decision‐making (SDM) could improve patient and health care provider communication about bariatric surgery. The aim of this work was to identify and prioritize barriers to SDM around bariatric surgery to help guide implementation of SDM.

Methods

Two large US health care systems formed multidisciplinary teams to facilitate the implementation of SDM around bariatric surgery. The teams used a nominal group process approach involving (1) generation of multilevel barriers, (2) round‐robin recording of barriers, (3) facilitated discussion, and (4) selection and ranking of barriers according to importance and feasibility to address.

Results

One health system identified 13 barriers and prioritized 5 as the most important and feasible to address. The second health system identified 14 barriers and prioritized 6. Both health systems commonly prioritized six barriers: lack of insurance coverage; lack of understanding of insurance coverage; lack of organizational prioritization of SDM; lack of knowledge about bariatric surgery; lack of interdepartmental clarity between primary and specialty care; and limited training on SDM conversations and tools.

Conclusions

Health systems face numerous barriers to SDM around bariatric surgery, and these can be easily identified and prioritized by multistakeholder teams. Future research should seek to identify effective strategies to address these common barriers.
Registration of ‘NemaTAM II’ peanut
Authors: Baring Michael R. , Cason John M. , Burow Mark D. , Simpson C. E. , Chagoya Jennifer , Bennett Brian D.
Published: January 2023

‘NemaTAM II’ (Reg. no. CV‐152, PI 699122) is a high‐yielding, high‐oleic fatty acid, runner‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ssp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar with resistance to root‐knot nematode (RKN). The cultivar was developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research peanut breeding program to provide growers with a nematode resistant replacement option for the former ‘Webb’ cultivar, which had excellent nematode resistance but also had a very large vine size that made harvest difficult for peanut farmers. It was tested under the experimental designation of Tx144342 and was released on 11 Jan. 2021. NemaTAM II maintains the resistance to RKN of Webb, has proven to yield equal to or better than Webb, and has higher grade potential. NemaTAM II has a shorter canopy than Webb, which leads to easier digging and inverting at harvest than its predecessor.
Synthesis of precision poly(1,3‐bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane alkylene)s via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization
Authors: Cheng Xiang‐Yue , Du Fu‐Sheng , Li Zi‐Chen
Published: January 2023

1,3‐Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) is a rigid, linear, non‐conjugated hydrocarbon unit that is usually transformed from [1.1.1]propellane. This unit has been introduced into drugs as mimics of 1,4‐disubstituted benzene moieties and used as rigid linkers in small‐molecule materials. However, the influence of this unique structure on the polymer properties has only been scarcely investigated. In this work, three symmetrical α,ω‐diene monomers containing one and two BCP units were synthesized for the first time from [1.1.1]propellane. Three types of precise poly(1,3‐bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane alkylene)s with BCPs located on every 11th and 21st chain carbons were obtained via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization and subsequent hydrogenation. All these polymers show higher thermal stability than linear polyethylene. For polymers containing one BCP moiety in their repeating unit, BCP acts as a defect to distort the PE crystals and decrease the melting temperature of PE. However, the polymer that containing a [2]staffane moiety (two jointed BCP units) in the polymer backbone forms a new crystalline morphology. This work elucidates the impact of BCP units on the thermal and crystallization behavior of PE, providing new insights of utilizing BCP unit to construct new polymer backbone, regulate the packing order of polymers and their properties.
Filtering and Modulation from the Infrared to the Terahertz using Phase‐Change Extraordinary Optical Transmission Metasurfaces
Authors: Humphreys Euan , Bertolotti Jacopo , de Galarreta Carlota Ruiz , Casquero Noemi , Siegel Jan , Wright C. David
Published: January 2023

Periodic arrays of sub‐wavelength‐scale holes in plasmonic metal films are known to provide resonant transmission peaks via the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) effect. Active control of the spectral position of such transmission peaks can be obtained by adding a layer of phase‐change material (PCM) to the EOT device. Switching the PCM layer between its amorphous and crystalline states can shift the spectral position of the resonance, enabling potential applications in the fields of active filtering and sensing (e.g., multispectral sensing), and for signal modulation. Here, the design, fabrication, and characterization of active EOT devices are targeted at various important regions of the optical spectrum.
School children growth monitoring program in the state of Qatar: Observations from two survey rounds in 2016–17 and 2019–20
Authors: Al‐Thani Mohammed H. , Alyafei Salah A. , Al‐Mutawa Kholoud A. , Khalifa Shamseldin A. H. , Mishra Amit , Poovelil Benjamin V. , Abdellatif Azza A. , Toumi Amine A. , Kokku Suresh B.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Growth monitoring surveys provide critical anthropometric data to monitor physical growth and various forms of malnutrition among school age children. In the beginning, growth monitoring programs were introduced to identify the extent of undernutrition among children, which were later considered equally useful in the identification of overweight and obesity among school age children. Observing the shifts in weight categories among school age children provides an important insight to design targeted interventions for improving growth and development of children.

Methodology

The study used growth monitoring survey data among 5–19‐year school children of two academic years (2016–17 and 2019–20) in Qatar where 2016–17 survey included 186,986 students, whereas 2019–20 survey included 215,279 students. A total of 7514 unique records of students aged 5–14 years available in both survey rounds were included in the final analysis. This study documented shift in BMI‐z‐scores to ascertain the movement of students among obese, overweight, normal, thinness, and severe thinness categories. Python version 3.9.5 was used for data analysis along with a pairwise comparison between each of BMI‐z‐score shift to evaluate the effects of specific shifts in BMI‐z‐score category.

Results

Overall, the proportion of overweight and obese category of students increased from 44% in 2016–17 to 49.3% in 2019–20 with a decrease in the proportion of students in normal BMI‐z‐score category (from 48.8% to 47.8%) and severe thinness and thinness category (from 7.3% to 3%) between two rounds of growth monitoring survey. Statistically significant shifts in BMI‐z‐score categories were noted for students of different age groups, gender, and nationality.

Conclusions

Shift from normal BMI‐z‐score to obese and overweight category is a cause of concern and an opportunity to develop appropriate interventions. The significant shift among different categories needs to be investigated further to identify associated reasons to effectively develop interventions.
Selective Dissolution‐Derived Nanoporous Design of Impurity‐Free Bi2Te3 Alloys with High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Lee Seunghyeok , Jung Sung‐Jin , Park Gwang Min , Na Min Young , Kim Kwang‐Chon , Hong Junpyo , Lee Albert S. , Baek Seung‐Hyub , Kim Heesuk , Park Tae Joo , Kim Jin‐Sang , Kim Seong Keun
Published: January 2023

Thermoelectric technology, which has been receiving attention as a sustainable energy source, has limited applications because of its relatively low conversion efficiency. To broaden their application scope, thermoelectric materials require a high dimensionless figure of merit (ZT). Porous structuring of a thermoelectric material is a promising approach to enhance ZT by reducing its thermal conductivity. However, nanopores do not form in thermoelectric materials in a straightforward manner; impurities are also likely to be present in thermoelectric materials. Here, a simple but effective way to synthesize impurity‐free nanoporous Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 via the use of nanoporous raw powder, which is scalably formed by the selective dissolution of KCl after collision between Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 and KCl powders, is proposed. This approach creates abundant nanopores, which effectively scatter phonons, thereby reducing the lattice thermal conductivity by 33% from 0.55 to 0.37 W m−1 K−1. Benefitting from the optimized porous structure, porous Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 achieves a high ZT of 1.41 in the temperature range of 333–373 K, and an excellent average ZT of 1.34 over a wide temperature range of 298–473 K. This study provides a facile and scalable method for developing high thermoelectric performance Bi2Te3‐based alloys that can be further applied to other thermoelectric materials.