bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caregiver Burden is Associated with Treatment Dropout in Family-Based Treatment of Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Matthews Abigail , Bruening Amanda B. , Aarnio-Peterson Claire M. , Kramer Rachel
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Caregivers play a pivotal role in the success of family-based treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa (AN). Caregiver burden is frequently demonstrated in eating disorders (EDs) and may impact FBT outcomes. This study examined factors associated with caregiver burden at the start of FBT and whether caregiver burden was associated with treatment dropout and weight gain over the course of FBT.
Methods
Participants included 126 adolescents with AN (mean age = 15.59 years, SD = 1.41) and a primary caregiver (89.9% mothers) who received FBT at a pediatric medical center in the United States. Hierarchical regressions examined whether caregiver anxiety and depression, ED severity, adolescent history of mental health treatment, and family history of EDs predicted caregiver burden at the start of treatment. ANOVAs assessed whether caregiver burden was greater among caregivers of adolescents who dropped out of FBT within 3-months. Finally, associations between caregiver burden and adolescent weight gain at 3- and 6-months after starting FBT were also examined with hierarchical regressions.
Results
Caregiver anxiety (p < .001), adolescent history of mental health treatment (p = .024), and family history of EDs (p = .028) predicted significantly greater caregiver burden at the start of FBT. Caregivers of patients who dropped out of FBT reported greater burden than caregivers of patients who did not dropout (p = .030). Caregiver burden at the start of FBT did not significantly predict weight gain at 3- and 6- months.
Conclusion
Findings suggest the importance of assessing caregiver burden at the start of FBT and provide preliminary support for targeting caregiver well-being to reduce FBT dropout rates.
Level of Evidence:
Level III, case-control analytic study.
Fine-grained multi-focus image fusion based on edge features
Authors: Tian Bin , Yang Lichun , Dang Jianwu
Published: November 2022

Multi-focus image fusion is the process of fusing multiple images of different focus areas into a total focus image, which has important application value. In view of the shortcomings of the current fusion method in the global information retention effect of the original image, a fusion architecture based on two stages is designed.In the training phase, the polarization self-attention module is combined with the DenseNet network to design an encoder-decoder structure for image reconstruction tasks to enhance the global information attention ability of the model. In the fusion stage, combined with the edge feature information of the encoded feature map, a fusion strategy based on edge feature map is designed for image fusion task to enhance the detail attention ability of the fusion algorithm. Compared with 7 classical fusion algorithms, the proposed algorithm achieves advanced fusion performance in both subjective and objective evaluation, and the fused image has better information retention effect on the original image.
Horizontal transmission of Beauveria bassiana spores using infected males and inoculation device: impact on survival and fecundity of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Galvez Cesar , Flores Salvador , Campos Sergio , Ramirez Francisco Ramirez y , Rosas-Quijano Raymundo , Montoya Pablo
Published: November 2022

The mode of transmission of fungus spores (horizontal transmission or assisted auto-dissemination) directly influences the effectiveness of a fungal pathogen when used as a control agent. Fungal infections cause physiological alterations leading to the host's death. During this process, the fungus uses the energy reserves in the hemolymph of insects, affecting the development and performance of individuals and, therefore, the demographic features of their populations. In this work, we evaluated topical inoculation and an auto-disseminator device in the transmission of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin conidia to Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae). Survival and fecundity were negatively affected by the action of the fungus, and mortality was influenced by the inoculation method. Inoculated sterile males were as competitive as untreated males and reduced the fecundity and survival of females. We conclude that the pathogenic action of B. bassiana reduces the survival and fecundity parameters of C. capitata infected by horizontal transmission, while the behavioral response of treated sterile males is similar to that of sterile-fertile untreated males. We discuss the potential use of this strategy as part of the pest management of C. capitata.
Examination of oral care using MA-T gel for high-risk patients – A pilot study
Authors: Minagi Hitomi Ono , Gojo Nao , Tsutomu Nohno , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Ohuchi Hideyo , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: November 2022

To prevent aspiration, oral care with gel is a common method for high-risk patients. An oral care gel is used to clean and moisturize the oral cavity. However, the effects of gel care on oral bacteria remain unclear. In this pilot study, we describe a matching transformation system (MA-T) for elderly high-risk patients. MA-T is an on-demand aqueous chlorine dioxide solution that provides excellent safety with various antimicrobial activities even in the presence of abundant organic compounds. This study investigated the effects of MA-T gel on patients requiring nursing care. Membranous substances were present in the oral cavities of all patients. Oral bacteria and intraoral humidity were examined by daily care using an MA-T gel. Moreover, oral membranous substances were analyzed and bacteria were cultured in selective mediums for opportunistic infection. Consequently, the number of bacteria decreased and oral moisture was improved by treatment with MA-T gel. It is important to care for MA-T gels not only for the single use of professional care but also for daily care. Furthermore, culture experiments showed that MA-T controlled the propagation of opportunistic bacterial infections. The MA-T gel proved to be effective for the oral care of elderly people. Membranous substances may be observed in the oral cavity of persons requiring nursing care for tubal feeding. The results of this pilot study suggest that MA-T, a new disinfectant, can be applied in oral care to reduce aspiration.
The QuEChERS method coupled to HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS for the determination of 25 banned pesticide residues in ethnic medicines
Authors: Zhu Lv , Wu Mengyao , Zhao Yunyan , Tao Chengtian , Lu Yang , Zhang Jiaxiong , Wan Li
Published: November 2022

Because of the excellent efficacy of ethnic medicines, their market demand is increasing rapidly. There are few methods to detect and screen banned pesticides in ethnic medicines. Therefore, it is highly urgent to establish a detection method for banned pesticides in ethnic medicines, which has important practical significance for the quality and safety supervision of ethnic medicines. This study aimed to establish a method for the simultaneous and rapid determination of 25 banned pesticides in ethnic medicine by QuEChERS combined with HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS. The limits of quantification were less than 8 ng/ml. The recoveries of most pesticides were between 70 and 110%, and their RSDs were less than 20%. To evaluate the applicability of this method, pesticide residues in 46 batches of ethnic medicines were analyzed, and the matrix effect behavior of pesticides in ethnic medicines was analyzed, providing a reference for the analysis of pesticide residues in ethnic medicine matrices of a similar type. Using matrix-matched calibration, it was found that one positive sample contained fonofos and four positive samples contained phorate pesticides. The contents of these pesticides exceeded the limits set by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
Creating and detecting specious randomness
Authors: Almlöf Jonas , Llosera Gemma Vall , Arvidsson Elisabet , Björk Gunnar
Published: November 2022

We present a new test of non-randomness that tests both the lower and the upper critical limit of a χ 2 -statistic. While checking the upper critical value has been employed by other tests, we argue that also the lower critical value should be examined for non-randomness. To this end, we prepare a binary sequence where all possible bit strings of a certain length occurs the same number of times and demonstrate that such sequences pass a well-known suite of tests for non-randomness. We show that such sequences can be compressed, and therefore are somewhat predictable and thus not fully random. The presented test can detect such non-randomness, and its novelty rests on analysing fixed-length bit string frequencies that lie closer to the a priori probabilities than could be expected by chance alone.
Standards for Evaluating the Quality of Undergraduate Nursing Elearning Programme in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Mutua Moses , Nyoni Champion
Published: November 2022

Background
The lack of standards hampers the evaluation of e-learning programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Fragmented approaches to evaluation coupled with a lack of uniform criteria have been a major deterrent to the growth of e-learning. Adopting standards from high-income countries has contextual challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Holistic approaches coupled with uniform standards provide holistic information to stakeholders hence the quality of the programmes is measurable. The e-learning situation in low-and middle-income countries provided an impetus to develop and validate these standards.
Design
A modified Delphi technique.
Review methods
Fourteen experts with experience and expertise in e-learning and regulation of undergraduate nursing from fourteen countries in low-and middle-income countries participated in three rounds of the modified Delphi process. A pre-described set of standards was shared electronically for independent and blinded ratings. An 80% agreement influenced consensus decisions. The standards were modified based on experts’ comments, and two subsequent rounds were used to refine the standards and criteria.
Results
At the end of round one, the expert consensus was to keep 67, modify 29 and remove three criteria. At the end of the second round, the consensus was to modify 28 and remove four criteria. In the third round, experts agreed that the standards were feasible, usable, and practical in LMICs. A total of six broad standards with 105 criteria were developed.
Conclusion
The Technological bloom permeating all spheres of society, including education is an essential component in the development of e-learning programmes. The standards are quintessential to evaluating the quality of undergraduate nursing programmes. E-learning in nursing education requires critical evaluation to ensure quality in undergraduate nursing programmes. The intricacies of the Low and middle-income context were taken into consideration in developing the standards to offer sustainable evaluation of the quality of e-learning in LMICs, and local solutions to local problems.
Diagnostic value of NGS in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for pulmonary fungal infection
Authors: Kuang Ziyu , Liu Jing
Published: November 2022

Metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) has been approved to diagnose lung fungal diseases. However, the test performance of clinical mNGS has not been widely recognized. This study aims to evaluate the value of mNGS in the system of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid through the systematic evaluation of gathered analysis and related research. A total of 1113 patients (265 with proven or probable invasive fungal diseases), included in 6 studies, were analyzed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.89(95%CI, 0.75–0.96), 0.86 (95%CI, 0.78–0.91), 6.2 (95%CI, 4.0-9.6), 0.12 (95%CI, 0.05–0.32), and 50(95%CI, 15–163), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, with 95% confidence intervals, was 0.93(95%CI,0.90–0.95).The accuracy of the metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) is good, has certain clinical characteristics, can explain the results separately, and has the clinical value of early diagnosis of lung fungal infection. Purpose:This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aims to investigate the diagnostic utility and benefits of mNGS in comparison to conventional detection techniques for lung fungal infection in clinical patients. Patients and methods:A preliminary diagnosis of lung infection based on a patient's medical history, clinical symptoms, and imaging tests is a requirement for inclusion.Using the method of meta-analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (OR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of BAL-mNGS for identifying lung fungal illness were pooled. Results:6 studies involving a total of 1113 patients, 265 of whom had invasive fungal diseases that were proven or likely to have occurred, were examined. The diagnostic odds ratio, PLR, NLR, and diagnostic sensitivity were all pooled, and their respective values were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.75–0.96), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78–0.91), 6.2 (95% CI, 4.0-9.6), 0.12 (95% CI, 0.05–0.32), and 50 (95% CI, 15–163). With 95% confidence intervals, the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 (95%CI, 0.90–0.95). Conclusion:The clinical value of metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) for the early diagnosis of lung fungal infection is that it is accurate, has specific clinical characteristics, can explain the results separately, and has clinical utility.
Characterization based on genotype–biochemical phenotype association in fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Sakuma Ikki , Nagano Hidekazu , Hashimoto Naoko , Fujimoto Masanori , Nakayama Akitoshi , Taki Yuki , Matsuda Tatsuya , Akamine Hiroyuki , Kono Satomi , Kono Takashi , Nishimura Motoi , Lee Eunyoung , Miki Takashi
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency, caused by an FBP1 mutation, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypoglycemic lactic acidosis. The mechanism by which the mutations cause enzyme activity loss is uncertain.
Methods
We performed whole-exome sequencing in an adult patient with severe hypoglycemic lactic acidosis and identified that the patient carried compound heterozygous missense mutations of FBP1 with c.491G > A (p.G164D) and c.581T > C (p.F194S).
Results
Biochemical analysis revealed that FBP1 mutant (G164D or F194S) decreased protein expression and enzyme activity loss. The interactome analysis for binding partners demonstrated that G164D and F194S mutants interact with the proteins involved in unfolded protein response. Additionally, G164D and F194S mutants aggregated in the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting the involvement of protein misfolding in its pathogenesis. All FBP1 missense mutations previously reported were classified into three functional categories: Type 1 mutations, located at pivotal residues in enzyme activity motifs with no effects on protein expression; Type 2 mutations, which mediate changes in amino acid hydrophobicity and structurally cluster around the substrate-binding pocket, are associated with aggregation in the endoplasmic reticulum, and decreased protein expression; and Type 3 mutations, which are likely non-pathogenic mutations.
Conclusion
Protein misfolding contributes to FBPase deficiency pathogenesis, particularly in Type 2 mutations.
Inferring material properties from CFRP processes via Sim-to-Real learning
Authors: Stieber Simon , Schröter Niklas , Fauster Ewald , Bender Marcel , Schiendorfer Alexander , Reif Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers provide favorable properties such as weight-specific strength and stiffness that are central for certain industries, such as aerospace or automotive manufacturing. Liquid composite molding (LCM) is a family of often employed, inexpensive, out-of-autoclave manufacturing techniques. Among them, resin transfer molding (RTM), offers a high degree of automation. Herein, textile preforms are saturated by a fluid polymer matrix in a closed mold. Both impregnation quality and level of fiber volume content are of crucial importance for the final part quality. We propose to simultaneously learn three major textile properties presented as a three-dimensional map based on a sequence of camera images acquired in flow experiments. The three properties are fiber volume content and permeability in X and Y direction. Finally, we show how simulation-to-real transfer learning can improve a digital twin in CFRP manufacturing, compared to simulation-only models and models based on sparse real data. The best model, trained on the most realistic simulation data outperforms the same model trained on less sophisticated simulation data by 4 percent points and 0.34 points in intersection over union, more than tripling this metric.
Dynamic Goal Tracking for Differential Drive Robot using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Shahid Mahrukh , Khan Semab Neimat , Khawaja Fahad Iqbal , Ali Sara , Ayaz Yasar
Published: November 2022

To ensure the steady navigation for robot stable controls are one of the basic requirements. Control values selection is highly environment dependent. To ensure reusability of control parameter system needs to generalize over the environment. Adding adaptability in robots to perform effectively in the environments with no prior knowledge reinforcement leaning is a promising approach. However, tuning hyper parameters and attaining correlation between state space and reward function to train a stable reinforcement learning agent is a challenge. In this paper we designed a continuous reward function to minimizing the sparsity and stabilizes the policy convergence, to attain control generalization for differential drive robot. We Implemented Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient on Open-AI Gym Race Car. System was trained to achieve smart primitive control policy, moving forward in the direction of goal by maintaining an appropriate distance from walls to avoid collisions. Resulting policy was tested on unseen environments including dynamic goal environment, boundary free environment and continuous path environment on which it outperformed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient.
Liver functional assessment using time-associated change in the liver-to-spleen signal intensity ratio on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: a retrospective study
Authors: Kudo Masashi , Gotohda Naoto , Sugimoto Motokazu , Kobayashi Shin , Konishi Masaru , Kobayashi Tatsushi
Published: November 2022

Background
Liver-to-spleen signal intensity ratio (LSR) is evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the hepatobiliary phase, and has been reported as a useful radiological assessment of regional liver function. However, LSR is a passive (non-time-associated) liver functional assessment, but not a dynamic (time-associated) assessment. Moreover, LSR has several limitations such as dose bias of contrast medium and the timing bias of imaging. Previous studies have reported the advantages of time-associated liver functional assessment as a precise assessment of liver function. For instance, the indocyanine green (ICG) disappearance rate, which is calculated from the serum ICG concentration at multiple time points, reflects a precise preoperative liver function for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure without the dose bias of ICG or the timing bias of blood sampling. The aim of this study was to develop a novel time-associated radiological assessment of liver function.
Methods
A total of 279 pancreatic cancer patients were evaluated for investigating fundamental time-associated changes of LSR in normal liver. We defined the time-associated radiological assessment of liver function, calculated using information on LSR from four time points, as the “LSR increasing rate” (LSRi). We then investigated correlations between LSRi and previous liver functional parameters. Furthermore, we evaluated how timing bias and protocol bias affect LSRi.
Results
Significant correlations were observed between LSRi and previous liver functional parameters such as total bilirubin, Child-Pugh grade, and albumin-bilirubin grade (P < 0.001 each). Conversely, the protocol bias of MRI acquisitions does not significantly affect LSRi. Moreover, considerably high correlations were observed between LSRi calculated by four time points and that calculated by three time points (r > 0.973 each), indicating that the timing bias of imaging was minimal.
Conclusions
This is the first report to propose time-associated assessment of radiological liver function. Changes in LSR over time may provide a superior preoperative assessment of regional liver function for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure than any other radiological liver functional assessments using the hepatobiliary phase alone.
Exploring what is reasonable ­– uncovering moral reasoning of vascular surgeons in daily practice
Authors: Heidenreich Kaja , Svantesson-Sandberg Mia , Karlsson Marit , Bremer Anders
Published: November 2022

Background Vascular surgery offers a range of treatments to relieve burdensome symptoms of pain and ulcers and to prevent sudden death by rupture of blood vessels. The surgical procedures involve risk of injury and harm, which increases with age and frailty leading to complex decision-making processes that raise ethical questions. However, how vascular surgeons negotiate these questions is scarcely studied. The aim was therefore to describe and understand vascular surgeons’ moral reasoning in the decision-making process about what is good and right for the patient. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted with 19 vascular surgeons working at three Swedish university hospitals. Data were analysed according to systematic text condensation. Results The surgeons’ moral reasoning comprised a quest to relieve suffering and avoid harm by exploring what is reasonable to do for the patient. Exploring reasonableness included a shift from the blood vessels to a relationship with the patient, a balancing act between the patient’s conflicting needs and a demanding responsibility to make the right decision. The shift from blood vessels to the relationship implied searching within the patient’s health for considerations of what is sensible, justifying authority for surgery through dialogue, and building relationships for mutual security. The balancing act implied weighing independence and a sense of being whole against ease of suffering, respecting the patient’s will against protecting life and well-being, and weighing longer life against protecting present well-being. Finally, a demanding responsibility was conveyed as an urge to remind oneself of the risk of complications, bridling one’s power of proficiency, and managing time during the illness course. Conclusions This study contributes to uncovering the tacit knowledge of how moral reasoning is embodied in the vascular surgeons’ everyday clinical discourse as a tangible part of their daily care of patients. The results underpin the significance of moral considerations in the assemblage of medical knowledge and technical skills to further understand vascular surgeons’ clinical practice. The clinical application of these results is the need of forums for articulating moral considerations in decision-making as well as the fostering of moral character.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Therapy Students’ Clinical Practice: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Baoum Aseel Jamal , Hadidi Elaf Asaad , Alharbi Renad Fahad , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Khan Muhammad Anwar
Published: November 2022

Background: Due to the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) precaution, educational systems and learners’ practices from all specialties have been negatively impacted, especially university students. COVID-19 has a massive impact on the practice of allied health students. The students' hospital exposure has been severely affected by the cancelation of the clinical practice. This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of respiratory therapy students in different universities around Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The calculated sample size was 183 participants. A cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed from August 2021 to November 2021 to respiratory therapy students. The survey contained questions to identify the clinical exposure of the participants. The participants included RT students in their clinical training years from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAUHS), King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and Batterjee Medical College (BMC) in Jeddah. The survey evaluated the effects of the pandemic on students’ clinical practice, confidence and clinical preparation, and education.
Results: A total of 187 respiratory therapy students completed the questionnaire. The results revealed that 145 (77.5%) of respiratory therapy students agreed that the pandemic had disrupted their clinical practice. The percentage of respiratory therapy students who felt that they were less confident and less prepared for the next academic year due to practical session cancellation was 141 (75.4%). Out of the total students, 135 (72.2%) students reported difficulty in connecting the clinical and theoretical part because of the pandemic.
Conclusion: The majority of respiratory therapy students from the three universities similarly reported that the pandemic disrupted their practice and interfered with their ability to connect between clinical and theoretical part. Moreover, it had affected their confidence and preparedness for the next year.
Evaluation of custom posts and cores fabricated by two digital technologies in core and post space dimensions
Authors: Wu Yumin , Qi Haowen , Wang Danlei , Liao Mengyuan , Zhang Yuhang , Xie Haifeng
Published: November 2022

Objectives
To evaluate the adaptability between posts and post spaces and the rationality of cores fabricated by two digital custom posts and cores processes.
Materials and methods
Titanium posts and cores were fabricated by digital scanning impression technology or digital scanning wax-pattern technology on tooth defect molds of incisors, premolars, and molars, with traditional lost-wax casts of these teeth as the controls. Micro-CT and a laboratory scanner were used to determine intervals between post wall and root canal wall of the root apex, middle, and cervix of each sample in cross-, sagittal, and coronal sections; intervals between the end of post and tooth; diameters of cervical, middle, and incisal part at cross-, sagittal, and coronal sections of each sample, as well as shoulder widths.
Results
Three fabrication processes showed significant differences in intervals between post-and-core prostheses and root canal wall, diameters of all parts of cores, and shoulder widths. Scanning impression showed significant advantages in the main part of posts and cores in incisors and premolars, while the scanning wax-pattern process showed obvious inferiorities in premolars and molars. As to core spatial size, values of measured sites in the scanning impression process were closer to the standard than those of the traditional process, while differences between the measured value of the scanning wax-pattern process were much more obvious than in the traditional process.
Conclusion
The digital custom posts and cores employed scanning impression improved rationality and precision of post-and-core dimensions compared with the two other processes.
Clinical relevance
Fabrication using digital design and processing for custom posts and cores has better precision and adaptability.
WITHDRAWN: Prevalence of Sarcopenia and its Risk Factors in Community-dwelling Older People during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Won Jongsoon , Yoon Hyeongyeong
Published: November 2022

Sarcopenia is a state of reduced muscle function that can lead to increased falls, fractures, and mortality in the elderly population. This study aims to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and its related risk factors in the elderly in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study investigates sarcopenia, muscle strength, physical performance, fear of COVID-19, distress, and depression in 103 community-dwelling elderly individuals over 65 years of age. The prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly in the community was 4.8% and 29.1% in men and women, respectively. Age, gender, physical performance, and depression were risk factors for sarcopenia; however, COVID-19-related factors were not significant.
Too big to fail: implementing investments for the green transition in a holistic modelling approach
Authors: Kristkova Zuzana Smeets , Cui David Hao , M'Barek Robert , Boysen-Urban Kirsten , Meijl Hans van
Published: November 2022

This study provides novel insights into the economic and emission-saving impacts of green investments using computable general equilibrium model MAGNET. MAGNET has been extended for assessing the economic and emission efficiency of green investments such as sector-specific investment allocation, investment risk premiums adjustment and technology learning effects to endogenize productivity growth in renewable and bioenergy sectors. In line with the proposals on climate neutrality and Green Deal, the study simulates an increase in investments in renewable energy and bioeconomy sectors (additional 15% replacement of capital stock). It is found that additional green investments bring positive GDP and emission-saving effects with cumulative multipliers of about 1.1 in the longer term for the aggregate EU. This study also explains through which channels the positive economic and emission effects occur in the economy. The green investment boost coupled with technology learning leads to substantial productivity increase in renewable and bioenergy sectors and replacement of labour by capital stock. Positive spillover effects in the rest of the economy result in higher demand for labour and growth of wages. The sensitivity analysis however shows that without additional funding, negative crowd-out effects occur in the economy, potentially also leading to negative food security effects via raising food prices. This supports the need for specific financial instruments to allow the financing of green transition.
MAPkinases regulate secondary metabolism, sexual development and light dependent cellulase regulation in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Schalamun Miriam , Beier Sabrina , Hinterdobler Wolfgang , Wanko Nicole , Schinnerl Johann , Brecker Lothar , Engl Dorothea Elisa , Schmoll Monika
Published: November 2022

The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei is a prolific producer of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, which are regulated in response to diverse environmental signals for optimal adaptation, but also produces a wide array of secondary metabolites. Available carbon source and light are the strongest cues currently known to impact secreted enzyme levels and an interplay with regulation of secondary metabolism became increasingly obvious in recent years. While cellulase regulation is already known to be modulated by different mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the relevance of the light signal, which is transmitted by this pathway in other fungi as well, is still unknown in T. reesei as are interconnections to secondary metabolism and chemical communication under mating conditions. Here we show that MAPkinases differentially influence cellulase regulation in light and darkness and that the Hog1 homologue TMK3, but not TMK1 or TMK2 are required for the chemotropic response to glucose in T. reesei. Additionally, MAPkinases regulate production of specific secondary metabolites including trichodimerol and bisorbibutenolid, a bioactive compound with cytostatic effect on cancer cells and deterrent effect on larvae, under conditions facilitating mating, which reflects a defect in chemical communication. Strains lacking either of the MAPkinases become female sterile, indicating the conservation of the role of MAPkinases in sexual fertility also in T. reesei. In summary, our findings substantiate the previously detected interconnection of cellulase regulation with regulation of secondary metabolism as well as the involvement of MAPkinases in light dependent gene regulation of cellulase and secondary metabolite genes in fungi.
Cone-beam computed tomographic characteristics in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease patients with chewing side preference
Authors: Zhai Xiaoting , Huang Dongzong , Hu Yifan , Li Xiaoxing , Wang Jiazhu , Ma Junli , Li Hongbo , Hu Min , Liu Hongchen , Jiang Hua
Published: November 2022

Objectives
This study aims to assess the Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) characteristics of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease (DJD) patients with chewing side preference (CSP).
Materials and methods
CBCT images of 98 patients with DJD (67 with CSP and 31 without CSP) and 22 asymptomatic participants without DJD were measured retrospectively to compare the osteoarthritic changes and the morphology of TMJ.​ ​Quantitative analysis of the TMJ radiographic images was performed to present a comparison between the three inter-group groups and between the two sides of the joints.
Results
The frequencies of the articular flattening and surface erosion occur more often in the preferred side joints of DJD patients with CSP than the contralateral side. In addition, the horizontal angle of condyle, the depth of glenoid fossa (DGF) and the inclination of articular eminence (IAE) were larger in DJD patients with CSP than that in asymptomatic participants (p༜0.05). Also, the condylar anteroposterior dimension of preferred side joints was significantly less than that of non-preferred side (p = 0.026), while the width of condyles (p = 0.041) and IAE (p = 0.045) was greater.
Conclusions
DJD patients with CSP appear to have a higher prevalence of osteoarthritic changes, with the morphological changes such as flat condyle, deep glenoid fossa, and steep articular eminence, which might be considered the characteristic imaging features.
Clinical relevance
This study found that CSP is a predisposing factor for the development of DJD, and attention should be paid to the existence of CSP in DJD patients during the clinical practice.
Comparison of radiological characteristics between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and ankylosing spondylitis: A multicenter study
Authors: Takahashi Takuya , Yoshii Toshitaka , Mori Kanji , Kobayashi Shigeto , Inoue Hisashi , Tada Kurisu , Tamura Naoto , Hirai Takashi , Sugimura Nobuhiro , Nagoshi Narihito , Maki Satoshi , Katsumi Keiichi , Koda Masao , Murata Kazuma , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Nakashima Hiroaki , Imagama Shiro , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Yamazaki Masashi , Okawa Atsushi
Published: November 2022

Objective: To evaluate the radiological differences between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using whole spine computed tomography (CT), including the spine and sacroiliac joint (SIJ)
Methods: The ossification and bridging of spinal ligament and fusion of the facet joint and SIJ were evaluated in 111 patients who were diagnosed with DISH and 28 patients with AS on the whole spine CT. The number of anterior bridging and shape of bridging (candle-wax-type/ smooth-type) were also evaluated. We further evaluated patients with DISH and AS by matching their age and sex.
Results: Complete SIJ fusion was more common in AS, whereas anterior and posterior bony bridging around SIJ was more common in DISH. However, 63% of patients with DISH had a partial or complete fusion. In spinal anterior bony bridging, the majority of patients with AS had the smooth-type, whereas those with DISH had the candle-wax-type. However, some of the patients with DISH (11%) had smooth-type. Intervertebral facet joint fusion is more common in AS. The number of anterior spinal bony bridging was greater in AS than in DISH, especially in the lumbar spine.
Conclusion: These results are useful in differentiating DISH from AS and shouldtherefore be considered when making a diagnosis.
Seismic performance evaluation of reinforced concrete frame with improper lap splices: A scaled-down experimental approach using micro-concrete
Authors: Javed Ali , Krishna Chaitanya , Ali Khawaja , Meguro Kimiro
Published: November 2022

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames are an integral part of modern construction as they resist both gravity and lateral loads in beams and columns. However, the construction methodologies of RC frames are vulnerable to non-engineering defects, particularly in developing countries. The most common non-engineering defect entails due to improper lap splice, which can compromise the structural integrity. This research demonstrates an easy, low-cost, and verifiable experimental technique incorporating micro-concrete to evaluate the seismic performance of a completely engineered RC frame with the defect of improper lap splice. The micro-concrete was prepared by using the locally available material for a target compressive strength and then two scaled-down RC frames (1/16 scale) were prepared, including one proper frame and another with improper lap splice. Finally, these frames were tested on a shake table to study their behavior under various seismic loading conditions. This study quantifies the severity of high-risk structural systems due to non-engineering defects. The experimental results demonstrate that improper lap splice can alter the frame's damage points, triggering the failure of the whole structure.
Radiotherapy enhances CXCR3(high) CD8(+) T cells activation through inducing IFNγ-mediated ICAM-1 expression in lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Chih-Liang , Ho Ai-Sheng , Chang Chun-Chao , Sie Zong-Lin , Peng Cheng-Liang , Chang Jungshan , Cheng Chun-Chia
Published: November 2022

Radiotherapy (RT) not only damages tumors but also induces interferon (IFN) expression in tumors. IFNs-mediate PD-L1 exhausts CD8+ T cells but which also directly impact tumor cells and potentially activate anti-tumor immune surveillance. Little is known about the contradictory mechanism of IFNs in regulating CD8+ T-mediated anti-tumor activity in lung cancer. This study found that RT significantly improved PBMCs- and splenocytes-mediated inhibition of tumor cell viability. Meanwhile, RT induced IFNs and CXCL9/10 expression in the RT-treated lung cancer cells. Specifically, RT- and IFNγ-pretreated A549 significantly activated CD8+ T cells, resulting in significant inhibition of A549 colony formation. RNAseq results revealed that IFNγ induced PD-L1 and ICAM-1, whereas PD-L1 knockdown activated CD8+ T cells but ICAM-1 knockdown diminished CD8+ T cells activation. We further demonstrated that CXCR3 decreased in the CD8+ T cells of patients with lung cancer that expressed lower reactivation as co-cultured with A549 cells. In addition, inhibitors targeting CXCR3 and LFA-1 in CD8+ T cells significantly diminished splenocytes-mediated anti-LL/2shPdl1 colony formation. We validated that RT suppressed lung cancer and overexpress PD-L1 and ICAM-1, which exhibited opposite roles in regulating CD8+ T cell activity. CXCR3highCD8+ T cells levels with highly CXCL10 in healthy volunteers recognized ICAM-1 in RT- and IFNγ-treated A549 for further activating CD8+ T cells, but CXCR3lowCD8+ T cells with low CXCL10 in patients with lung cancer were exhausted by PD-L1 dominantly. This study clarified the possible mechanisms of RT and IFNs in regulating CD8+ T cell activation in lung cancer.
Consumption of nutritionally enriched hen eggs enhances endothelium-dependent vasodilation via cyclooygenases’ metabolites in healthy young persons - A randomized study
Authors: Šušnjara Petar , Mihaljević Zrinka , Stupin Ana , Kolobarić Nikolina , Matić Anita , Jukić Ivana , Kralik Zlata , Kralik Gordana , Miloloža Anđelina , Pavošević Tihana , Šerić Vatroslav , Lončarić Zdenko , Kerovec Darko , Galović Olivera , Drenjančević Ines
Published: November 2022

Background
Present study aimed to evaluate the effects of enriched hen eggs consumption on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) and the role of cyclooxygenases in EDV in microcirculation of young healthy individuals.
Methods
Participants consumed 3 eggs per day for 3 weeks: Control group (n = 14) consumed regular hen eggs (approximately 0.330 mg of lutein, 1.785 mg of vitamin E, 0.054 mg of selenium and 438 mg of n-3 PUFAs daily) and Nutri4 group (n = 20) consumed enriched eggs (approximately 1.85 mg of lutein, 0.06 mg of selenium, 3.29 mg of vitamin E, and 1026 mg of n-3 PUFAs daily). Skin microvascular blood flow in response to EDV (post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and iontophoresis of acetylcholine (AChID)) and sodium nitroprusside (SNPID; endothelium-independent) were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry before and after dietary protocol, with or without 100 mg of indomethacin perorally. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, serum lipid and liver enzymes, anthropometric measurements, protein expression of COX-1, COX-2, nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS were measured before and after dietary protocol.
Results
PORH and AChID were significantly enhanced, and SNPID remained unchanged in Nutri4 group, while none was changed in Control group following respective diet. PORH was decreased after administration of indomethacin in Nutri4 after dietary protocol. Protein expression of COX-2 was significantly higher in the Nutri4 group compared to Control group after dietary protocol.
Conclusion
Consumption of enriched eggs improves microvascular EDV in healthy young subjects. Results suggest involvement of n-3 PUFAs metabolites via the cyclooxygenases pathway in enhanced reactive hyperemia.
Trial registration
: The study was registered on the Clinical trial under the title: Effect of Enriched QUARTET® Hen Eggs on Cardiovascular Function in Cardiovascular Patients and Healthy Individuals. NCT number: NCT04564690 on September 2020 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04564690).
Paraburkholderia sp. GD17 improves tomato plant growth and resistance to Botrytis cinerea-induced disease
Authors: Gu Anqi , Zhao Danni , Liu Huaqiang , Fu Wei , Li Guangzhe , Hao Lin
Published: November 2022

Background and aims
The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria have been repeatedly addressed in improving plant growth and resistance against pathogens. This study explored the role of Paraburkholderia sp. GD17 in improving tomato plant growth and resistance to Botrytis cinerea.
Methods
Tomato roots were inoculated with GD17 strain, and then the leaves of well-colonized plants were infected with B. cinerea. Physiological and biochemical parameters, and gene expression were analyzed.
Results
In the absence of B. cinerea, GD17 efficiently improved plant growth, and increased photosynthetic efficiency. In the presence of B. cinerea, GD17-bacterized plants exhibited an enhanced resistance, as indicated by 67% of disease index in non-bacterized plants, while by 24% in bacterized ones. In response to B. cinerea, the defense reaction was reinforced in bacterized plants, as shown by enhanced antioxidative capacity and mitigated oxidative damage, as well as increased PR gene expression in bacterized plants compared with control. Photosynthesis was inhibited by B. cinerea, while it was substantially attenuated in bacterized plants. In the presence of B. cinerea, contents of soluble sugar significantly increased in non-bacterized plants, while it was controlled in bacterized plants. The carbohydrate catabolism-related genes, including starch degradation, photorespiration, and pentose phosphate pathway, generally presented a higher expression in bacterized plants under B. cinerea attack.
Conclusions
GD17 strain improved tomato plant growth by increasing the photosynthetic efficiency. GD17 enhanced plant resistance against B. cinerea-induced disease by increasing defense and alleviating oxidative damage. Additionally, GD17 optimized the trade-off between plant growth and defense by strengthening carbohydrate metabolic regulation.
Novel multiphase loop reactor with improved aeration enables foam-free rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas putida
Authors: von Campenhausen Maximilian , Demling Philipp , Bongartz Patrick , Scheele Alexander , Tiso Till , Wessling Matthias , Blank Lars M. , Jupke Andreas
Published: November 2022

The novel multiphase loop reactor is a modified airlift reactor with an internal loop enabling continuous in situ liquid-liquid extraction. In this study, the reactor is applied for a microbial production of biosurfactants. The obligate aerobic bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was engineered for rhamnolipid production. Rhamnolipids are biosurfactants with strong foaming capabilities making cultivations in an aerated stirred tank fermenter challenging. The continuous removal of rhamnolipids via in situ liquid-liquid extraction can remedy this foam challenge, and thereby supports long-term cultivation and production. The initially designed multiphase loop reactor had an oxygen transfer rate, which was too low to meet the oxygen demand of the whole-cell biocatalyst, resulting in inefficient growth and production. A re-design of the sparger via 3D-printing enabled a raise in oxygen supply allowed rhamnolipid production at key performance indicators that matched stirred-tank reactor cultivations, but with the advantage of enabling continuous cultivation in the future. Concluding, we present the successful use of the multiphase loop reactor for rhamnolipid synthesis, highlighting its potential to become a new platform technology for intensified bioprocessing.
Impervious surface Mapping and its spatial-temporal evolution analysis in the Yellow River Delta over the last three decades using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Liu Jiantao , Li Yexiang , Zhang Yan , Feng Quanlong , Shi Tongguang , Zhang Dong , Liu Pudong
Published: November 2022

The unique geographical location of the land-sea transition makes the ecological environment of the Yellow River Delta very fragile and vulnerable to human activities. As one of the characteristics of anthropogenic activities, monitoring the spatiotemporal changes of impervious surface is of great significance to the protection of the ecological environment in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). Based on the Landsat historical images and computing resources provided by Google Earth Engine (GEE), an impervious surface area (ISA) mapping method was developed through combining spectral, texture features and random forest algorithm, and subsequently was applied to generate the spatiotemporal distribution data of ISA of the YRD for 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2021. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method achieved satisfactory accuracy, with an average overall accuracy of 92.23% and an average Kappa coefficient of 0.9090. Through further time-series analysis of ISA, it found that the area of ISA in the YRD increased from the initial 394.87 km2 to 1081.74 km2 during study periods, and the annual growth rate broke through new highs, ranging from the initial 1.01 km2/year to 67.87 km2/year. According to the research results, urban development activities in the region should be strictly restricted in order to protect the ecological environment of the Yellow River Delta.