bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of calcitonin gene‐related peptide antagonists in migraine treatment: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Tingting , Xu Yang , Chen Yajie , Bian Jing , Chu Zhaohu , Zhao Shoucai , Ma Lingsong
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide (CGRP) antagonists for migraine treatment.

Methods

Various databases including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CGRP antagonists for migraine treatment since inception to March 2021. The trials were screened for inclusion, after which the methodological quality of the included trials was assessed. Then meta‐analysis was performed using the Revman 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 26 RCTs involving 21,736 patients were included. The CGRP antagonists group included 13,635 patients while the control group included 8101 patients. Meta‐analysis showed that compared to the control group, CGRP antagonists were associated with various significant effects, including the following outcome indicators: (1) number of patients with ≥50% reduction from baseline in mean monthly migraine days (RR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.39,1.62], p < .00001); (2) number of patients with pain free at 2 h postdose (RR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.77, 2.20], p < .00001), and (3) number of patients with 2–24 h sustained pain free postdose (RR = 2.18, 95% CI [1.93, 2.46], p < .00001). However, the number of patients with any adverse events was significantly high in the antagonists group, relative to the control group (RR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.04, 1.12], p < .0001).

Conclusions

CGRP antagonists are significantly effective for migraine treatment; however, they are associated with various adverse events. Due to limitations with regards to quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusions should be verified by more high quality studies.
How environmental reputation and ethical behavior impact the relationship between environmental regulatory enforcement and environmental performance
Authors: Tran Mai Dong , Adomako Samuel
Published: March 2022

The paper investigates the nature of the relationship between environmental regulation enforcement (ERE) and environmental performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing upon the institutional theory and a sample of 229 SMEs, the results indicate an inverted U‐shaped relationship between ERE and environmental performance. In addition, we theorized and found that environmental reputation moderates the U‐shaped relationship between ERE and environmental performance, such that the relationship is positive when environmental reputation is high. Moreover, the results show that organizational ethical behavior (OEB) conditions the U‐shaped relationship, such that the relationship is positive when OEB is high. In the absence of moderators, returns to environmental performance from increasing environmental regulation were observed to reach harmful levels. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Review recent rulings involving Title II, FMLA
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2022

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Protective Effects of Scutellarin on Acute Alcohol Intestinal Injury
Authors: Liu Feixue , Gao Xuzhu , Li Zhixing , Zhang Xiao , Fan Hui , Yu Guili , Bello Babatunde Kazeem , Feng Xin , Li Debang , Teng Daoyang , Chen Yi , Zhao PanPan , Fu Mian , Dong Jingquan
Published: March 2022

The present study aims to investigate the roles of scutellarin (SCU) on acute alcohol intestinal injury. Mice were divided into six groups: alcohol, three administration, negative control and positive drug bifendate control. The administration group mice were intraperitoneally injected with SCU for 3 consecutive days followed by alcohol gavage at an interval of 1 h. After the mice were sacrificed, colon tissue damage was evaluated by histopathological examination; the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and catalase (CAT), as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected using biochemical kits; the levels of inflammatory cytokines mRNA were determined by real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR; the protein expression levels of hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and phosphorylated nuclear factor‐ĸB p65 were measured via western blotting. The results showed that alcohol induced severe colon morphological degradation, epithelia atrophy, and more inflammatory cells infiltration in the submucosa. SCU treatment prevented this process, especially in the middle and high dose groups. Alcohol treatment caused excessive lipid peroxidation product accumulation of MDA, restrained the activity of antioxidant enzyme CAT, induced HO‐1 expression in the colon, whereas low dose SCU treatment significantly down‐regulated the MDA level, enhanced the CAT level, and accelerated HO‐1 signals. SCU prevented alcohol stimulation triggered inflammatory response in colon tissues through significantly downregulating the iNOS activity, transcript levels ofTnf‐α,Il‐1βandIl‐6, and phosphorylation levels of NF‐κB p65. These findings suggest that SCU protects the colon via antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms, making it a promising drug against alcohol‐induced colon damage.
Effect of amaranth addition on texture of maize tortilla produced from extruded composite flours
Authors: Almirudis‐Echeverria Socrates J. , Torres‐Chávez Patricia I. , Ramírez‐Wong Benjamin , Ledesma‐Osuna Ana I. , Montaño‐Leyva Beatriz , Espinoza‐Acosta José L. , Sánchez‐Machado Dalia I.
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

Nutritional benefits of amaranth addition to maize products have been documented. However, studies of the effect on the final product's rheological and textural properties are scarce. The objective was to study the effect of amaranth addition on masa's rheological properties and the tortilla texture of maize nixtamalized flours obtained by extrusion technology.

Findings

Composite flours of maize with 0%, 15%, 30%, or 45% amaranth were extruded, and masa and tortillas were obtained. Masa properties were evaluated with dynamic rheology and tortilla firmness with the texture profile analysis. The amaranth addition effect was not linear. Fifteen percent addition increased frequency sweep values for G′ and G″, while 30% and 45% addition decreased them. Tortilla firmness decreased at 2 storage hours for 15% addition compared with maize‐only samples (5440 and 7190 (g‐f)/mm). The effects can be partially explained by differences in starch characteristics.

Conclusions

Amaranth (15% addition) improved masa viscoelastic behavior and reduced firmness during storage. Besides the nutritional effects, amaranth use at the tested level will be helpful in improving the texture of maize tortillas produced with extruded flour.

Significance and Novelty

The texture of tortillas obtained by extruded flours has not been reported to be completely satisfactory; therefore, the use of amaranth has the potential to improve the final product quality.
Moyamoya syndrome in a child with HbEβ‐thalassemia
Authors: Zahra Akmal , Al‐Abboh Hanan , Habeeb Yousif , Adekile Adekunle
Published: March 2022

Moyamoya is a progressive cerebrovascular disease associated with stenosis or occlusion of the arteries of the Circle of Willis. It is uncommon in thalassemia. We present a 9‐year‐old girl with HbEβ‐thalassemia who presented with headache, vomiting, and episodes of transient hemiparesis with complete occlusion internal carotid arteries.
Unilateral pseudouveitis revealing a pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Cherchir Faten , Naceur Ines , Haouari Ahmed Anas , Ben Achour Tayssir , Ben Mansour Hajer , Bellil Khadija , Said Fatma , Houman Mohamed Habib
Published: March 2022

Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors with a wide range of malignant potential that tend to have a relative prolonged course. These tumors infrequently metastasize to the orbit. To the best of our knowledge, ocular metastases from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) have never been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 61‐year‐old man who presented with progressive deterioration of general condition with unilateral recurrent episodes of non‐granulomatous panuveitis of the left eye related to a choroidal metastasis. Radiological imaging and histopathological analyses led to the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma as the primary tumor. Choroidal metastases from neuroendocrine tumors are extremely rare, but compromise patients’ well‐being because of visual impairment. Uncommonly, these metastases can be the first manifestation of unknown tumors, warranting further investigations to detect the primary cancer.
Cyclobutanes in Small‐Molecule Drug Candidates
Authors: van der Kolk Marnix R. , Janssen Mathilde A. C. H. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Blanco‐Ania Daniel
Published: March 2022

Cyclobutanes are increasingly used in medicinal chemistry in the search for relevant biological properties. Important characteristics of the cyclobutane ring include its unique puckered structure, longer C−C bond lengths, increased C−C π‐character and relative chemical inertness for a highly strained carbocycle. This review will focus on contributions of cyclobutane rings in drug candidates to arrive at favorable properties. Cyclobutanes have been employed for improving multiple factors such as preventing cis/trans‐isomerization by replacing alkenes, replacing larger cyclic systems, increasing metabolic stability, directing key pharmacophore groups, inducing conformational restriction, reducing planarity, as aryl isostere and filling hydrophobic pockets.
Adenosine Triphosphate Disodium Modified Hole Transport Layer for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Leng Xuanye , Wan Kaiwei , Wang Hui , Wu Guangbao , Zhang Xuning , Liu Yong , Han Bing , Wang Boxin , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Huiqiong , Tang Zhiyong
Published: March 2022

Interface engineering is an effectively method for high‐performance perovskite solar cells. Here, for the first time, we implemented a universal bio‐energy carrier‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP), in the form of adenosine triphosphate disodium (ATPS) on a conjugated polyelectrolytes poly [3‐(4‐carboxybutyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] sodium (P3CTS) hole transport layer (HTL) as a facile interfacial modification for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells. ATPS was explored to hold the capability to bridge the P3CTS HTL and the photo‐active perovskite, where the phosphate group of ATPS could passivate the uncoordinated Pb of perovskite via chelation while the adenine group could interact with the carboxyl group of P3CTS. An optimized and moderate band alignment was found in ATPS modified P3CTS HTL with subtle reduced valence band maximum (VBM). Meanwhile, the upper methylammonium lead halide (MAPbI3) perovskite layer on ATPS modified P3CTS HTL showed a superior film quality with larger crystal size and less surface defects. Accordingly, bimolecular recombination was found to be dominant associated to the reduced charge carrier recombination in the ATPS device while the charge extraction across HTL/perovskite interface was also apparently facilitated. As a result, the ATPS modified photovoltaic device exhibited an open current voltage (Voc) of around 1.10 V and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.15%. Furthermore, the shelf stability of the ATPS device is much superior with almost no decay after 3 months (>2000 h), while only 75% of the original PCE maintained for the control. The work provides a facile interfacial strategy utilizing biomaterials towards efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Practical eDNA sampling methods inferred from particle size distribution and comparison of capture techniques for a Critically Endangered elasmobranch
Authors: Cooper Madalyn K. , Villacorta‐Rath Cecilia , Burrows Damien , Jerry Dean R. , Carr Leah , Barnett Adam , Huveneers Charlie , Simpfendorfer Colin A.
Published: March 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are increasingly applied in the marine environment to identify species and community structure. To establish widely applicable eDNA techniques for elasmobranchs, we used the Critically Endangered largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis Linnaeus, 1758) as a model species for: (1) assessing eDNA particle size distribution; (2) assessing the efficiency of long‐term preservation of water samples; and (3) comparing the efficiency and detection sensitivity of filtration and precipitation methods. Water samples (1 L) collected from a tank containing one largetooth sawfish specimen were sequentially filtered through five filter membranes of decreasing pore size (20, 10, 5, 1.2, and 0.45 μm). The proportion of sawfish eDNA retained within each size class was determined through quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) using a species‐specific TaqMan probe assay. A linear mixed‐effects model (lme) showed that the 1.2 and 20 µm filters captured most of the eDNA particles present in the sampled water. Additionally, whole water samples (0.375 L) were preserved in Longmire's buffer, stored at tropical ambient temperatures (26.3°C ± 3.0 SD) and extracted at five time points: immediately, one, two, and three months after collection, as well as frozen and extracted three months later, to assess the preservation efficiency of Longmire's buffer via qPCR analysis. A linear mixed‐effects model showed that samples maintained maximal eDNA yield for at least three months after collection at ambient storage. Lastly, when comparing the filtration and precipitation methods, filtration using 0.45 µm pore size was more sensitive to capture of largetooth sawfish eDNA than filtration with 20 µm filter or water precipitation. However, water precipitation was more efficient when accounting for volume of water processed. These results provide options for best capture and preservation of elasmobranch eDNA.
Adaptation to tonic heat in healthy subjects and patients with sensory polyneuropathy
Authors: Campolo Michela , I. Correa Lilia , Gabarrón Eva , Albayrak Merve , Quintero‐Diaz Carlos , Castellote Juan M. , Casanova‐Mollá Jordi , Valls‐Solé Josep
Published: March 2022

Background

Adaptation to a constant sensory stimulus involves many sites along the path of sensory volleys towards perception. The evaluation of such phenomenon may be of clinical interest. We studied adaptation to a constant temperature stimulus in healthy subjects to set normative data and in patients with sensory polyneuropathy (SPN), as proof of concept.

Methods

Twenty‐six healthy subjects and 26 patients with SPN in the context of chemotherapy treatment with oxaliplatin for colon cancer were instructed to express through an electronic VAS system (eVAS); the level of sensation felt when a thermode set at either 39º, 41º, 43º, 45º or 47º was applied to their ventral forearm.

Results

The eVAS recordings showed typically an abrupt onset that slowed to approach maximum sensation and continued with a slow decrease indicating adaptation. The time to respond (TR), the velocity of the initial response (VR), the maximum sensation (MA), the time to reach MA (MAt), the onset of adaptation (AO) and the decrease in the sensation level with respect to MA at 30 s after stimulus application (SL30), were dependent on the temperature level in all subjects. However, patients showed significantly delayed TR, slowed VR, decreased MA, delayed AO and reduced SL30, with respect to healthy subjects. Differences were more pronounced at low‐temperature levels, with absent AO in 25 patients versus 2 healthy subjects at temperatures of 39º and 41ºC.

Conclusion

The study of adaptation to a constant temperature stimulus can furnish valuable data for the assessment of patients with SPN.

Significance

We studied perceptual changes in the intensity of thermoalgesic sensation during 30 s of constant temperature stimulation after an abrupt initial contact in healthy subjects and patients with sensory polyneuropathy. Patients showed delayed time to respond, decreased maximal sensation and reduced adaptation with respect to healthy subjects. Differences were more pronounced at low and intermediate temperatures (39ºC to 43ºC). The method is of easy implementation and shows clinically relevant abnormalities in patients with sensory polyneuropathy.
Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Exposure to Pesticide Residues in Nectar and Pollen in Urban and Suburban Environments from Four Regions of the United States
Authors: Démares Fabien J. , Schmehl Daniel , Bloomquist Jeffrey R. , Cabrera Ana R. , Huang Zachary Y. , Lau Pierre , Rangel Juliana , Sullivan Joseph , Xie Xianbing , Ellis James D.
Published: March 2022

The risk of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) exposure to pesticide residues while foraging for nectar and pollen is commonly explored in the context of agroecosystems. However, pesticides are also used in urban and suburban areas for vegetation management, vector control, and the management of ornamental plants in public and private landscapes. The extent to which pesticides pose a health risk to honey bees in these settings remains unclear. We addressed this at a landscape scale by conducting pesticide residue screening analyses on 768 nectar and 862 pollen samples collected monthly over 2 years from honey bee colonies located in urban and suburban areas in eight medium to large cities in California, Florida, Michigan, and Texas (USA). A risk assessment was performed using the US Environmental Protection Agency's BeeREX model whenever an oral toxicity value was available for a compound. Chemical analyses detected 17 pesticides in nectar and 60 in pollen samples during the survey. Approximately 73% of all samples contained no detectable pesticide residues. Although the number of detections varied among the sampled regions, fewer pesticides were detected in nectar than in pollen. Per BeeREX, four insecticides showed a potential acute risk to honey bees: imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and esfenvalerate in nectar, and deltamethrin in nectar and pollen. In general, exposure of honey bees to pesticides via nectar and pollen collection was low in urban and suburban areas across the United States, and no seasonal or spatial trends were evident. Our data suggest that honey bees are exposed to fewer pesticides in developed areas than in agricultural ones. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:991–1003. © 2022 SETAC
Effects of Lead and Arsenic in Soils from Former Orchards on Growth of Three Plant Species
Authors: Fritz Bradley G. , Appriou Delphine , Counts Jonathan R. , Sample Bradley E. , Bunn Amoret L. , Dimson Jared F. , West Molly T.
Published: March 2022

Historical use of lead arsenate as a pesticide in former orchards of eastern Washington State (USA) has resulted in legacy lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) soil contamination. However, the impacts on plant growth in soils with residual Pb and As contamination have not yet been quantified. To this end, a comparative study of plant growth impacts was performed for native bluegrass (Poa secunda), invasive cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and buttercrunch lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Using standard plant growth protocols, germination frequency and biomass growth were measured over a wide range of Pb and arsenate concentrations, with maximum concentrations of 3400 and 790 mg kg−1 for Pb and As, respectively. Results indicated that only the biomass growth for all species decreased in soils with the highest concentrations of Pb and As in the soil, with no impacts on soils with lower residual Pb and arsenate concentrations. No impact on percentage of germination was observed at any soil concentration. These results can be used to determine site-specific soil screening levels for use in ecological risk assessments for Pb and arsenate in soils. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1459–1465. © 2022 Battelle Memorial Institute. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Comparative Toxicity of Herbicide Active Ingredients, Safener Additives, and Commercial Formulations to the Nontarget Alga Raphidocelis Subcapitata
Authors: Lanasa Sarah , Niedzwiecki Mark , Reber Keith P. , East Andrew , Sivey John D. , Salice Christopher J.
Published: March 2022

Chloroacetanilide herbicides are used worldwide to control weeds that affect crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. These herbicides are frequently paired with a “safener,” which prevents herbicidal damage to the crop without diminishing weed control. Formulated herbicide products that include safeners and other ingredients are infrequently assessed for toxicity. Our goal was to understand the potential toxicity of safeners and herbicide + safener formulations relative to the toxicity of associated active ingredients. We quantified the concentration of safeners in commercially available formulations and tested effects on nontarget algae, Raphidocelis subcapitata, when exposed to individual herbicide active ingredients, safeners, and commercial formulations. The median effective concentrations (EC50s) causing 50% reduction in population growth for the herbicide active ingredients S-metolachlor and acetochlor were 0.046 and 0.003 ppm, respectively. The safeners benoxacor, AD-67, furilazole, and dichlormid were all substantially less toxic than the herbicides and were not toxic at environmentally relevant concentrations. The commercial formulations Dual II Magnum®, Me-Too-Lachlor II®, Harness®, and Surpass EC® all resulted in EC50 values that fell within the 95% confidence interval of the associated active ingredient herbicide. Interestingly, a significant increase in cell size was observed when algae were exposed to all the formulations, herbicides (acetochlor and S-metolachlor), and safener (dichlormid). The safener furilazole caused a significant decrease in cell size, whereas benoxacor and AD-67 had no observed effect on algae cell size. Significant algae cell size effects all occurred at or above the EC50 concentrations for each chemical, suggesting that other morphological effects may be occurring. Importantly, safeners in commercial formulations appeared not to impact toxicity to R. subcapitata compared with the active ingredient alone. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1466–1476. © 2022 SETAC
The effect of seamount chain subduction and accretion
Authors: Yang Gaoxue , Si Guohao , Tong Lili , Li Hai , Lindagato Philemon , Zeng Rong
Published: March 2022

Seamount chains (oceanic plateaus, submarine ridges) are unique morphologic features on the seafloor, which resulted from the motion of the lithosphere over a convective plume. Seamount chains are being carried along by plate motions, which are eventually subducted beneath continental/oceanic plates or accreted in the accretionary complex, thus causing a series of effects in the convergent margin. In this paper, we briefly review the distribution and features of the typical modern seamount chains, including Hawaiian‐Emperor and Louisville seamount chains, Cocos, Ninetyeast and Caroline ridges, and Ogasawara Plateau, and mainly focus on the effects of seamount chains subduction and accretion. The geological effects mainly include the following: (1) deformation and tectonic erosion of the overriding plate; (2) flat‐slab subduction in the convergent margin; (3) growth of continental crust through time; (4) subduction initiation of plate tectonics; (5) generation of large earthquakes; (6) magmatism of the volcanic arc; and (7) formation of porphyry copper and gold deposits. The subduction of seamount chains resulted in similar effects in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) which is one of the largest and longest‐lived accretionary orogens on Earth. However, there are still many aspects that need further improvements, such as identification of the seamounts in the geological record, and geodynamic effects of subducted seamount chains. A detailed study on these sides of the seamount chains will enable us to further understand the tectonic evolution and metallogenesis of the CAOB, especially in accretionary orogenesis, continental crust growth, and subduction initiation dynamics.
Gut microbiota–derived short‐chain fatty acids regulate group 3 innate lymphoid cells in HCC
Authors: Hu Chupeng , Xu Bingqing , Wang Xiaodong , Wan Wen‐Hua , Lu Jinying , Kong Deyuan , Jin Yu , You Wenhua , Sun Hua , Mu Xiaoxin , Feng Dongju , Chen Yun
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims:

Type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are essential for host defense against infection and tissue homeostasis. However, their role in the development of HCC has not been adequately confirmed. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory role of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from intestinal microbiota in ILC3 regulation.

Approach and Results:

We report that Lactobacillus reuteri was markedly reduced in the gut microbiota of mice with HCC, accompanied by decreased SCFA levels, especially acetate. Additionally, transplantation of fecal bacteria from wild‐type mice or L. reuteri could promote an anticancer effect, elevate acetate levels, and reduce IL‐17A secretion in mice with HCC. Mechanistically, acetate reduced the production of IL‐17A in hepatic ILC3s by inhibiting histone deacetylase activity, increasing the acetylation of SRY (sex‐determining region Y)‐box transcription factor 13 (Sox13) at site K30, and decreasing expression of Sox13. Moreover, the combination of acetate with programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 blockade significantly enhanced antitumor immunity. Consistently, tumor‐infiltrating ILC3s correlated with negative prognosis in patients with HCC, which could be functionally mediated by acetate.

Conclusions:

These findings suggested that modifying bacteria, changing SCFAs, reducing IL‐17A‐producing ILC3 infiltration, and combining with immune checkpoint inhibitors will contribute to the clinical treatment of HCC.
Role dimensions of practice nurses and interest in introducing advanced nurse practitioners in general practice in Ireland
Authors: Casey Mary , O'Connor Laserina , Rohde Daniela , Twomey Liam , Cullen Walter , Carroll Áine
Published: March 2022

Background

Internationally many countries have implemented strategies to enhance primary care, to strengthen their health systems to cope with an aging population, the rise of chronic conditions, and increased costs. Primary care has the potential to address these challenges, however, general practitioners are increasingly struggling to meet patient demand resulting from a growing and aging population. Expanding the role of general practice nurses to advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) level has worked internationally and could equally be a solution to the Irish context. However, their current role must first be established as well as their level of interest in becoming an ANP.

Aim

To explore the role of general practice nurses and their interest in becoming an ANP.

Design

A survey design.

Method

A purposeful sample of general practice nurses (n = 40) was undertaken between April and June 2019. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V 25.0; IBM).

Results

General practice nurses appear to have an agenda in relation to activities associated with wound care, immunizations, respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Just over half of the respondents were not interested in becoming an ANP. Their perceived challenges associated with the implementation of the role include a lack of support from general practitioners, a lack of resources, insurance issues, and a lack of understanding of the role. Challenges were associated with undertaking further training and their experience of having more work transferred to general practice without concomitant reallocation of resources.

Conclusion

General practice nurses have extensive clinical experience to deliver major improvements in primary care. Educational opportunities need to be provided for upskilling existing general practice nurses to advanced practice level. Greater understanding of the role and the potential contribution of the role in general practice is required among medical colleagues and the public.
The effect of variable gravity on rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a sparsely packed porous layer
Authors: Shekhar Suman , Ragoju Ravi , Yadav Dhananjay
Published: March 2022

The effect of variable gravity on rotating convection in a sparsely packed porous layer is studied numerically. For gravity force variation, the linear, parabolic, cubic, and exponential functions are considered. Boundary conditions for the governing equations are considered to be either free or rigid. The normal mode method is employed, and the resulting eigenvalue problem is solved numerically for free–free and rigid–rigid boundaries using bvp4c in MATLAB R2020b. The influence of Darcy number (), gravity variation parameter (), and Taylor number () on the stability of the system is investigated graphically. It is confirmed that the gravity variation parameter and Taylor number delay the onset of convection and Darcy number enhances the onset of convection. The size of convection cells decreases on raising the variable gravity parameter and rotation parameter, while the Darcy number amplifies the size of convection cells. It is also observed that the system is stable for exponential gravity function and less stable for the cubic gravity function.
Resource allocation of Folk‐Art in Central Plains based on Information‐Centric cloud platform
Authors: Tian Wei
Published: March 2022

The folk‐art in Central Plains is rich in connotation and diversified in form, which is an important part of Chinese traditional culture and an art form created by the laborers to meet their life and aesthetic needs. The special symbols in folk‐art reflect the values and aesthetics of the public. It is the crystallization of collective wisdom, the concrete reflection of cultural spirit, and the guarantee of the continuity of local culture, which has unique cultural value. So it is necessary for appreciation of folk‐art in Central Plains. In‐network caching of Information‐Centric Networking (ICN) can cache resources of folk‐art in Central Plains, and then upload to the cloud platform for resource allocation. In this paper, a resource allocation strategy to meet task deadlines in cloud platform is proposed, and a two‐layer resource allocation model is constructed. The primary scheduler allocates meta‐tasks to specific resource districts, and the local scheduler uses an improved banker algorithm to allocate resources to meta‐tasks. Experimental results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is better than that of traditional resource allocation algorithms in terms of task deadline resource satisfaction, resource utilization rate, and Quality of Experience (QoE).
The relation of echo‐derived lateral MAPSE to left heart functions and biochemical markers in patients with preserved ejection fraction: Short‐term prognostic implications
Authors: Ozer Pelin Karaca , Govdeli Elif Ayduk , Demirtakan Zeynep Gizem , Nalbant Aslı , Baykiz Derya , Orta Huseyin , Bayraktar Berk Batuhan , Baskan Serra , Umman Berrin , Bugra Zehra
Published: March 2022

Objective

Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) is a simple way to evaluate—left ventricle (LV) function. Our aim was to explain the relationship of MAPSE with LV function and biochemical markers in patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF), and to determine whether it has an effect on prognosis in echocardiography (echo) practice.

Methods

Consecutive patients referred to the echo laboratory between November 2020 and March 2021 were included in the study. In addition to conventional parameters, MAPSE of the lateral mitral annulus was measured in all patients. Patients were divided into three groups according to lateral MAPSE: low (<12 mm), relatively preserved (12–15 mm), and high (≥15 mm).

Results

A total of 512 patients with preserved EF were included in the study. MAPSE was low in 44 patients (9%), relatively preserved in 231 patients (45%), and high in 237 patients (46%). The mean age was higher in the low group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001) and the body mass index was increased in the low group compared to the high group (p = 0.010). Atrial fibrillation and hypertension were more common in patients with low MAPSE. The rate of diastolic dysfunction (DD) and all‐cause hospitalization were higher in the low and relatively preserved groups than in the high group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002; respectively). The pro‐BNP level and mortality rate were higher in the low group compared to the relatively preserved and high groups (p = 0.007, p = 0.005; respectively). MAPSE was identified as independent predictor of hospitalization (OR: 0.284, 95% CI: 0.093–0.862, p = 0.026) via multivariate analysis and independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality (HR: 0.002, 95% CI: 0–0.207, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Analysis of LV longitudinal function by echo‐derived lateral MAPSE when LV ejection fraction is normal provides important information about DD and related heart failure and may predict prognosis in echo practice.
Maternal prenatal stress and depression‐like behavior associated with hippocampal and cortical neuroinflammation in the offspring: An experimental study
Authors: Özdamar Ünal Gülin , Hekimler Öztürk Kuyaş , Erkılınç Gamze , Dönmez Feyza , Kumbul Doğuç Duygu , Özmen Özlem , Sezik Mekin
Published: March 2022

Prenatal stress can negatively impact neonatal health, growth, and bonding with the mother. However, molecular basis of these modifications is not completely understood. The aim of this experimental study was to test the hypothesis that intrauterine stress exposure may contribute to subsequent depression‐like comorbidities associated with neuroinflammation. Wistar Albino nulliparous female rats were divided into two groups (each, n = 6): controls and pregnancy stress (Days 1 through 21). Two live rat pups (one female and one male) from each term delivery were randomly selected, and depression‐like behavior tests were performed on Postpartum Days 30–34, followed by euthanasia on Day 35. NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway gene expressions in the hippocampus and immunohistochemical caspase 3 (cas‐3), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) staining in the temporal and prefrontal cortices were evaluated. Compared with controls, exposure to prenatal stress was associated with increased depression and anxiety‐like behavior, hippocampal NLRP3 inflammasome activation (p = 0.022 and p = 0.035 for female and male pups, respectively), neuronal degeneration and increased cas‐3, mTOR, and TRPM immunostaining in the prefrontal and temporal cortices of both female and male offspring (p < 0.05 for all comparisons except p < 0.01 for cas‐3 in the male cortex and female temporal cortex). Exposure to antenatal stress can lead to depression‐like behavior in the infant, mainly driven by hippocampal NLRP3 inflammasome activation, cortical neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Future perspectives include NLRP3‐targeted therapies with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects against adverse prenatal effects of maternal stress.
A hybrid regional climate downscaling for the southern Brazil coastal region
Authors: de Souza Danilo Couto , Ramos da Silva Renato , Gomes da Silva Paula , Fetter Filho Antonio Fernando Härter , Mendez Fernando Javier , Werth David
Published: March 2022

A hybrid method is applied to generate a high‐resolution regional downscaling of atmospheric conditions to the southern coast of Brazil. The method consists of applying a principal component analysis to daily fields of the sea level pressure (SLP) data from the NCEP‐CFSR reanalysis. A cluster analysis (K‐means) is then applied to the 87 principal components that explained 95% of the variance of the time series. Daily atmospheric conditions were clustered into 36 weather types which represent the most predominant conditions observed in the study area. The estimated weather types were able to represent the major atmospheric systems affecting local climate, including the cyclones and anticyclones that are usually present in this region. Then, we applied the numerical Ocean‐Land‐Atmosphere Model (OLAM) to dynamically downscale the atmospheric condition that is closest to the centroid of each cluster. The model was set with a global grid and a refining approach with 6 km grid spacing over the coastal region of south Brazil. This approach allowed us to represent simultaneously the planetary waves and the local mesoscale systems, and their mutual interactions. The results provided new high‐resolution atmospheric fields for the coastal region and showed that the model was capable of resolving the major local mesoscale features. The main advantage of applying such a method is in reducing the number of numerical simulations (lower computational cost) at the same time it represents the totality of the atmospheric conditions observed in the study area. The final results consist in detailed information of the local climate that can be related to injuries to the coastal area and thus is useful to support decision‐makers.
Preparation of bamboo‐derived magnetic biochar for solid‐phase microextraction of fentanyls from urine
Authors: Zhang Suling , Hua Ziluo , Yao Weixuan , Lü Ting , Zhang Dong , Zhao Qingwei , Li Jianhong , Zhao Hongting
Published: March 2022

In this study, a biochar‐based magnetic solid‐phase microextraction method, coupled with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, was developed for analyzing fentanyl analogs from urine sample. Magnetic biochar was fabricated through a one‐step pyrolysis carbonization and magnetization process, followed by an alkali treatment. In order to achieve desired extraction efficiency, feed stocks (wood and bamboo) and different pyrolysis temperatures (300–700°C) were optimized. The magnetic bamboo biochar pyrolyzed at 400°C was found to have the greatest potential for extraction of fentanyls, with enrichment factors ranging from 58.9 to 93.7, presumably due to H‐bonding and π–π interactions between biochar and fentanyls. Various extraction parameters, such as type and volume of desorption solvent, pH, and extraction time, were optimized, respectively, to achieve the highest extraction efficiency for the target fentanyls. Under optimized conditions, the developed method was found to have detection limits of 3.0–9.4 ng/L, a linear range of 0.05–10 μg/L, good precisions (1.9–9.4% for intrabatch, 2.9–9.9% for interbatch), and satisfactory recoveries (82.0–111.3%). The developed method by using magnetic bamboo biochar as adsorbent exhibited to be an efficient and promising pretreatment procedure and could potentially be applied for drug analysis in biological samples.
Light absorption spectra of naturally mixed phytoplankton assemblages for retrieval of phytoplankton group composition in coastal oceans
Authors: Sun Xuerong , Shen Fang , Brewin Robert J.W. , Li Mengyu , Zhu Qing
Published: March 2022

Phytoplankton group composition is complex and highly variable in coastal waters. Given that different taxonomic groups have different pigment signatures, which in turn impact the light absorption spectra of phytoplankton, the absorption spectral‐based approach has the potential for distinguishing phytoplankton groups. Using a large dataset of in situ surface observations of concurrent HPLC (high‐performance liquid chromatography) pigments and phytoplankton absorption spectra collected from 2015 to 2018 in Chinese coastal oceans, in situ phytoplankton group composition was obtained from chemotaxonomic analysis (CHEMTAX). By using the linear additive principle on phytoplankton absorption spectra and CHEMTAX results, the chlorophyll‐specific absorption spectra of eight phytoplankton groups were reconstructed, including prasinophytes, dinoflagellates, cryptophytes, chlorophytes, cyanobacteria, diatoms, chrysophytes, and prymnesiophytes. These chlorophyll‐specific absorption spectra were subsequently used as inputs to a spectral‐based inversion model for estimating phytoplankton group composition from the phytoplankton absorption coefficient. The optimal band selection and initial guesses of the phytoplankton group composition, derived from correlation and HCA (hierarchical cluster analysis) analyses, were included in the model inversion to improve the accuracy of retrievals. The performance of the proposed model was validated using an independent dataset, showing accurate estimates of chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations for seven phytoplankton groups (0.371 ≤ r ≤ 0.721, p < 0.05), apart from chrysophytes. Our results suggest that the absorption spectral‐based approach is able to discriminate phytoplankton group composition quantitatively, which has implications for retrieving Chl a concentrations of phytoplankton groups from hyperspectral platforms and satellites.
Existence and multiple solutions for the critical fractional p‐Kirchhoff type problems involving sign‐changing weight functions
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Haibo , Liu Senli
Published: March 2022

The aim of this paper is to study the existence and multiplicity of nonnegative solutions for the following critical Kirchhoff equation involving the fractional p‐Laplace operator
. More precisely, we consider

where
is an open bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary
with m > 1, a > 0, b > 0, dimension
is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent, and the parameters λ > 0, 0 < s < 1 < q < p < ∞. Applying the Nehari manifold, fibering maps and Krasnoselskii genus theory, we investigate the existence and multiplicity of nonnegative solutions.
Upstream and Downstream Dispersal Behavior of Hard- and Soft-Released Juvenile Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Mokdad A. I. , Garner S. R. , Neff B. D. , Pitcher T. E.
Published: March 2022

Failure of reintroduction efforts of extirpated populations is thought to be linked to maladaptive behaviors exhibited by captive-bred individuals in the environment where they are released. Soft-release conditioning tactics attempt to reduce maladaptive behaviors by providing reintroduced animals an acclimatization period prior to release. We used implanted passive integrated transponder tags and antennae to monitor the spatial and temporal dispersal behavior of captive-bred Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar that were acclimatized for 6 d prior to release (soft-release), with fish that were directly released (hard-release) into East Duffins Creek in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. In total, 232 of the 610 tagged fish (38%) dispersed from the release site. Downstream spatial dispersal did not differ significantly between the hard-release (32%, n = 98 of 310) and soft-release fish (30%, n = 91 of 300), but the hard-release fish were significantly more likely to move upstream (11%) than were the soft-release fish (3%). Timing of dispersal also significantly differed between the two groups: soft-release fish were detected dispersing, on average, approximately 15 d earlier than hard-release fish. These results suggest that soft-release tactics do affect dispersal behavior, and the findings will be of particular interest to fisheries management agencies that are charged with improving the success for stocking salmonids as part of reintroduction efforts.
Energy management strategy integrating self‐adaptive adjustment and Pontryagin's minimum principle‐based optimization for fuel‐cell hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Fu Jiangtao , Fu Zhumu , Song Shuzhong
Published: March 2022

A hierarchical energy management strategy (EMS) integrating self‐adaptive adjustment and Pontryagin's minimum principle‐based optimization is proposed for a fuel cell hybrid electrical vehicle. First, the proposed EMS estimate the future power requirement by using Markov chain Metropolis–Hastings sampling, second the parameters of the low‐pass filter is adjusted according to the state of charge estimation of the super capacitor, finally the best fuel economy is realized through Pontryagins minimum principle‐based optimization. The evaluation of the EMS is verified via simulation and real driving cycle, the results are compared with another global optimization EMS. The results show that the proposed EMS can fully exert the function of the super capacitor and improve the fuel economy 0.3% and 8.8% for simulation and real driving cycle, respectively.
Sustainable built environment for facilitating public health of older adults: Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Shuangzhou , Bao Zhikang , Chen Junjie , Yang Linchuan , Lou Vivian
Published: March 2022

In response to the United Nations' call to build a sustainable and age‐friendly society, older adults' public health, normally measured by functional capacity, has been of increasing concern on a global scale. The built environment is closely intertwined with the functional capacity of older adults, as evidenced by extensive studies. However, most studies have focused on exploring linear relationships between the built environment and functional capability yet overlooking non‐linear relationships. This study aims to investigate non‐linear relationships between the built environment and older adults' functional capability. Therefore, this study conducted in 2018 adopts a generalized additive mixed model based on a sample of 1083 participants in a typical aging society of Hong Kong. The results discover improved functional capability among older adults who are younger, female, living with family members, with a longer care cycle and fewer comorbidities. The results also support non‐linear relationships between the built environment and older adults' functional capability. The optimal functional capability of older Hong Kong adults was found under a specific threshold of built environment factors, such as park density with a desirable number of 5 ± 2, intersection density with a maximal threshold of 200, the highest sky view percentage possibly, and land‐use diversity with a minimum threshold of 0.6 for entropy index. The study is of value for relevant stakeholders and policymakers to implement sustainable and age‐friendly urban planning for the built environment for facilitating older adults' public health.
Association testing for binary trees—A Markov branching process approach
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Zhu Hongxiao
Published: March 2022

We propose a new approach to test associations between binary trees and covariates. In this approach, binary‐tree structured data are treated as sample paths of binary fission Markov branching processes (bMBP). We propose a generalized linear regression model and developed inference procedures for association testing, including variable selection and estimation of covariate effects. Simulation studies show that these procedures are able to accurately identify covariates that are associated with the binary tree structure by impacting the rate parameter of the bMBP. The problem of association testing on binary trees is motivated by modeling hierarchical clustering dendrograms of pixel intensities in biomedical images. By using semi‐synthetic data generated from a real brain‐tumor image, our simulation studies show that the bMBP model is able to capture the characteristics of dendrogram trees in brain‐tumor images. Our final analysis of the glioblastoma multiforme brain‐tumor data from The Cancer Imaging Archive identified multiple clinical and genetic variables that are potentially associated with brain‐tumor heterogeneity.