bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the longest ethylene and isotactic propylene sequences on crystallization elution fractionation of ethylene/propylene copolymers
Authors: Voraruth Voradon , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Mehdiabadi Saeid , Soares João B. P.
Published: June 2023

Crystallization elution fractionation (CEF) is the newest crystallization‐based technique for estimating the chemical composition distribution of ethylene/1‐olefin copolymers. Understanding the separation mechanism of CEF for ethylene/propylene copolymers over their full compositional range is challenging because the crystallizabilities of the copolymer chains depend on the longest ethylene sequence and on longest isotactic propylene sequence. We developed a mathematical model to describe the CEF mechanism for ethylene/propylene copolymers over the entire compositional range using population balances for the crystallization and dissolution stages. The joint distribution of longest ethylene and isotactic propylene sequences determines how the copolymer populations crystallize and dissolve. The model was validated with experimental CEF profiles of ethylene/propylene copolymers varying from pure ethylene to propylene homopolymers.
Guidelines for surveillance of patients with von Hippel‐Lindau disease: Consensus statement of the International VHL Surveillance Guidelines Consortium and VHL Alliance
Authors: Daniels Anthony B. , Tirosh Amit , Huntoon Kristin , Mehta Gautam U. , Spiess Philippe E. , Friedman Debra L. , Waguespack Steven G. , Kilkelly Jill E. , Rednam Surya , Pruthi Sumit , Jonasch Eric A. , Baum Laura , Chahoud Jad ,   for the International VHL Surveillance Guidelines Consortium
Published: June 2023

Von Hippel‐Lindau disease is a rare inherited cancer‐predisposition syndrome. The authors report the updated recommendations for the multiorgan surveillance protocols.
Unveiled Supercapacitive Performance of Se‐doped Graphene Nanoarchitectonics Prepared via Supercritical Fluid Technique
Authors: Vivekanand  , Balaji Srinivasan Suresh , Nasrin Kabeer , Sathish Marappan
Published: June 2023

Doping of graphene with variety of heteroatoms is presently focused for electrochemical supercapacitor applications because it functions as a hybrid supercapacitor. Herewith, we report the fabrication of Se‐doped graphene with selenium dioxide using a supercritical fluid technique. Both the existence as well as the quantity of Se‐doping in graphene are established using XPS and EDAX techniques. The Se‐doped graphene derived from the weight ratio of selenium dioxide and graphene oxide of 1 : 3 resulted in an enriched gravimetric capacitance achieving 581 F g−1 (1 M H2SO4). The specific capacity of the optimised Se‐doped graphene based symmetric supercapacitor in 0.01 M solution of ammonium metavanadate in 1 M H2SO4 solution is found to be 420 C g−1 and attained an improved capacitance retention of 85% over 50000 cycles along with 94% coulombic efficiency. The energy density of the Se‐doped graphene symmetric supercapacitor is found to be 23.33 Wh kg−1 in 0.01 M solution of ammonium metavanadate in 1 M H2SO4 solution.
Root coverage with apical tunnel approach using propolis as a root conditioning agent: A case report with 2‐year follow‐up and review of the literature
Authors: Mandil Obada , Sabri Hamoun , Manouchehri Neshatafarin , Mostafa Diana , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: June 2023

Objectives

One of the main challenges in performing root coverage is patient discomfort and donor site morbidity. This case report presents a minimally invasive apical tunnel surgical technique, with propolis for root conditioning, to correct gingival recession defects without harvesting donor grafts, flap elevation, or sutures. Propolis is a natural anti‐infective, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant agent.

Material and Methods

A 58‐year‐old woman with no significant medical history was presented for root coverage of her upper left canine and first premolar with recession type (RT)1A (+). Propolis was used as a root conditioning agent to promote soft tissue coverage via an apical tunnel approach. During the apical tunnel approach, a small apical hole was made 6 mm below the mucogingival junction, and the mucosa and associated attached gingiva was away from the tooth so the flap could be repositioned coronally. Collagen matrix was used as a soft tissue graft material.

Results

At the 2‐month, 6‐month, 8‐month, and 2‐year follow‐up, complete root coverage was achieved for both teeth. No bleeding on probing was noticed nor recurrent GRs at the treated sites.

Conclusion

Without incisions, donor site reflection, or flaps, the apical tunnel approach can be successfully used to cover the exposed roots. Additionally, propolis is a potential root conditioning agent during soft tissue graft procedure due to its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Face‐Dependent Reconstruction of Bi‐Oxyiodides toward Selective Growth of (BiO)2CO3 Edge Side to Maximize CO2 Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Lim Taewaen , Seo Junhyeok
Published: June 2023

Chemical reconstruction of bismuth oxyiodides using bicarbonates is tried to selectively grow (BiO)2CO3 edge side. Orthorhombic o‐Bi5O7I undergoes a total reconstruction process by its phase transformation into tetragonal (BiO)2CO3 (BOC‐o) to form a well‐aligned nanosheet array with maximally exposing CO32− moiety at the edge side. The post‐reconstruction BOC‐o catalyst achieved 100 % Faradaic efficiency at −0.86 V vs. RHE for CO2‐to‐formate conversion. However, another conservative reconstruction of tetragonal t‐BiOI into tetragonal (BiO)2CO3 (BOC‐t) exposed majorly a less reactive [BiO]+ layer. At low overpotential regions, the catalytic cycle of BOC‐o begins with the initial conversion of the CO32− moiety into formate at the [−OBi−(CO3)−BiO−] site, but at high overpotential regions, the [BiO]+ layer undergoes reduction to metallic Bi and multi‐catalytic species proceed with CO2 reduction. Otherwise, the deactivation of Bi+ site by an organic molecule switched on another catalysis of proton reduction, preventing CO2 reduction.
Prevalence, clinical characteristics and HLA genotypes of idiopathic type 1 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Yan , Xie Yuting , Xia Ying , Xie Zhiguo , Huang Gan , Fan Li , Zhou Zhiguang , Li Xia
Published: June 2023

Aims

Idiopathic type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a neglected subtype of T1D. Our aim was to investigate the frequency, clinical characteristics, and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes of idiopathic T1D.

Methods

We enrolled 1205 newly diagnosed T1D patients in our analysis. To exclude monogenic diabetes in autoantibody‐negative patients, we utilised a custom monogenic diabetes gene panel. Individuals negative for autoantibodies and subsequently excluded for monogenic diabetes were diagnosed with idiopathic T1D. We collected clinical characteristics, measured islet autoantibodies by radioligand assay and obtained HLA data.

Results

After excluding 11 patients with monogenic diabetes, 284 cases were diagnosed with idiopathic T1D, accounting for 23.8% (284/1194) of all newly diagnosed T1D cases. When compared with autoimmune T1D, idiopathic T1D patients showed an older onset age, higher body mass index among adults, lower haemoglobin A1c, higher levels of fasting C‐peptide and 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide, and were likely to have type 2 diabetes (T2D) family history and carry 0 susceptible HLA haplotype (all p < 0.01). A lower proportion of individuals carrying 2 susceptible HLA haplotypes in idiopathic T1D was observed in the adult‐onset subgroup (15.7% vs. 38.0% in child‐onset subgroup, p < 0.001) and in subgroup with preserved beta‐cell function (11.0% vs. 30.1% in subgroup with poor beta‐cell function, p < 0.001). Multivariable correlation analyses indicated that being overweight, having T2D family history and lacking susceptible HLA haplotypes were associated with negative autoantibodies.

Conclusions

Idiopathic T1D represents about 1/4 of newly diagnosed T1D, with adult‐onset and preserved beta‐cell function patients showing lower HLA susceptibility and more insulin resistance.
High‐throughput untargeted screening of biotherapeutic macromolecules in equine plasma by UHPLC‐HRMS/MS: Application to monoclonal antibodies and Fc‐fusion proteins for doping control
Authors: Pinetre Justine , Delcourt Vivian , Becher François , Garcia Patrice , Barnabé Agnès , Loup Benoit , Popot Marie‐Agnès , Fenaille François , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic
Published: June 2023

Many innovative biotherapeutics have been marketed in the last decade. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Fc‐fusion proteins (Fc‐proteins) have been developed for the treatment of diverse diseases (cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders) and now represent an important part of targeted therapies. However, the ready availability of such biomolecules, sometimes characterized by their anabolic, anti‐inflammatory, or erythropoiesis‐stimulating properties, raises concerns about their potential misuse as performance enhancers for human and animal athletes. In equine doping control laboratories, a method has been reported to detect the administration of a specific human biotherapeutic in equine plasma; but no high‐throughput method has been described for the screening without any a priori knowledge of human or murine biotherapeutic. In this context, a new broad‐spectrum screening method involving UHPLC‐HRMS/MS has been developed for the untargeted analysis of murine or human mAbs and related macromolecules in equine plasma. This approach, consisting of a “pellet digestion” strategy performed in a 96‐well plate, demonstrates reliable performances at low concentrations (pmol/mL range) with high‐throughput capability (≈100 samples/day). Targeting species‐specific proteotypic peptides located within the constant parts of mAbs enables the “universal” detection of human biotherapeutics only by monitoring 10 peptides. As proof of principle, this strategy successfully detected different biotherapeutics in spiked plasma samples, and allowed, for the first time, the detection of a human mAb up to 10 days after a 0.12 mg/kg administration to a horse. This development will expand the analytical capabilities of horse doping control laboratories towards protein‐based biotherapeutics with adequate sensitivity, throughput, and cost‐effectiveness.
Low impact of forest conversion on biodiversity: Evidence from small mammals in contrasting forests of Mt. Liangshan
Authors: He Xingcheng , Wen Zhixin , Zhang Dejun , Yang Qisen , Yin Xudong , Chen Xue , Ran Jianghong
Published: June 2023

Secondary and plantation forests are the main alternative forests remaining after the deforestation of primary forests. Understanding the conservation value of secondary and plantation forests is important for biological conservation. To explore the impact of forest conversion on biodiversity, we compared multiple diversity metrics (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity) and community structure of small mammals in the primary, secondary, and plantation forests in Mt. Liangshan, Sichuan Province, China. Three field surveys were conducted in each of the three forest types to characterize local small mammal assemblages from 2017 to 2020. We found that the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of small mammals in the three forest types were similar at the landscape scale, while all diversity metrics were lowest in the plantation forest and highest in the primary forests at the site scale. The community structure analysis showed that habitat filtering was the dominant process driving the assembly of small mammal communities across the three forest types, and there was no statistically significant difference in small mammal community structure among the three forest types. Our results indicated that secondary and plantation forests in the nature reserves, adjacent to the primary forest and exposed to little human disturbance, also can provide important habitats for small mammals.
Urban land cover and El Niño events negatively impact population viability of an endangered North American songbird
Authors: Reidy Jennifer L. , Sinnott Emily A. , Thompson Frank R. , O'Donnell Lisa
Published: June 2023

Population dynamics of migratory species are influenced by land use and climate patterns experienced across the full annual cycle. Identifying environmental factors influencing productivity, survival, and their relative contributions to abundance and population growth is critical for the recovery and management of at‐risk species in the face of continuing global change. The golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) is an endangered passerine that breeds exclusively in the mixed Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei)–oak (Quercus) woodlands of Central Texas, USA, and winters at high elevations in Central America. We evaluated the effects of precipitation, climate, and land cover on golden‐cheeked warbler productivity, adult male survival, and territory abundance using data from a long‐term monitoring site, the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, in Austin, Texas. We jointly analyzed annual productivity, mark–recapture, and territory count data collected on 10 plots from 2011 to 2019 in an integrated population model. The number of young fledged per male territory was negatively related to percent urban land cover within 1 km of monitoring plots, and adult male survival was negatively related to a strong El Niño event. Estimates of population growth and abundance indicated a decline in abundance across our study period. We forecasted population viability 25 years into the future given increases in urban development and frequency of El Niño events. Quasi‐extinction probability increased from 0.17 under current urban land cover conditions and El Niño frequency to 0.41 under the scenario of a 10% increase in urban development around all plots and an increase in El Niño frequency. Productivity and adult survival were positively correlated with population growth, highlighting the need for conservation and management actions to maximize these vital rates on the breeding grounds and range‐wide.
Surface Deposition of Ni(OH)2 and Lattice Distortion Induce the Electrochromic Performance Decay of NiO Films in Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Xu Kejun , Wang Liuying , Ge Chaoqun , Wang Long , Wang Bin , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Chuanwei , Liu Gu
Published: June 2023

NiO, an anodic electrochromic material, has applications in energy‐saving windows, intelligent displays, and military camouflage. However, its electrochromic mechanism and reasons for its performance degradation in alkaline aqueous electrolytes are complex and poorly understood, making it challenging to improve NiO thin films. We studied the phases and electrochemical characteristics of NiO films in different states (initial, colored, bleached and after 8000 cycles) and identified three main reasons for performance degradation. First, Ni(OH)2 is generated during electrochromic cycling and deposited on the NiO film surface, gradually yielding a NiO@Ni(OH)2 core–shell structure, isolating the internal NiO film from the electrolyte, and preventing ion transfer. Second, the core–shell structure causes the mode of electrical conduction to change from first‐ to second‐order conduction, reducing the efficiency of ion transfer to the surface Ni(OH)2 layer. Third, Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH, which have similar crystal structures but different b‐axis lattice parameters, are formed during electrochromic cycling, and large volume changes in the unit cell reduce the structural stability of the thin film. Finally, we clarified the mechanism of electrochromic performance degradation of NiO films in alkaline aqueous electrolytes and provide a route to activation of NiO films, which will promote the development of electrochromic technology.
Activation of persulfate by iron‐loaded soybean straw biochar for efficient degradation of dye contaminants: Synthesis, performance, and mechanism
Authors: Yang Yuxiao , Zhu Junfeng , Zeng Qingzhu , Yan Mengmeng , Gao Weichun , Li Jinling , Zeng Xiangchu , Zhang Guanghua
Published: June 2023

Biochar loaded with metal ions has been widely used to activate persulfate to degrade organic pollutants. However, the preparation conditions of catalysts are always controversial. In this study, the co‐heating conditions of soybean straw with high carbon and low nitrogen and nano‐iron oxide were systematically discussed by response surface method, and an efficient catalyst (Fe@BC) was obtained. Fe@BC can effectively activate sodium persulfate (PS) and degrade three synthetic azo dyes (Methyl orange (MO), Amino black 10B (AB10B), and Orange II) and rhodamine B (RhB). Under the optimum conditions, the removal rate of total organic carbon of these four dyes reached 41.1%–89.8% and the final degradation rate could reach 100%. The physicochemical properties of Fe@BC were studied by SEM, BET, XRD, XPS and TGA. The results revealed that the specific surface area of Fe@BC was 195.6m2/g. Further, reducing iron oxide by C generated C0.09Fe1.91 and zero‐valent iron. Free radical scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements showed that the main reactive oxide species (ROS) in the Fe@BC/PS system were hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2). Finally, Several Fe@BC modification systems were explored, the optimum pH of Fe@BC/PS system was analyzed, and the effects of Fe@BC and PS dosage on degradation performance were also studied. This study provides a scientific basis for the production of efficient catalysts and biochar energy, and an effective treatment scheme for printing and dyeing wastewater.
Prediction uncertainty and volatility for carbon price using an adaptive lower and upper bound estimation model
Authors: Yang Jie , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: June 2023

The high volatility and uncertainty of carbon price have always been two major challenges in carbon price forecasting. To solve these two challenges, an adaptive lower‐and upper‐bound estimation (LUBE) model with improved variational mode decomposition (VMD) and PSO‐based interval optimization strategy is proposed for interval prediction of carbon price. To validate effectiveness and superiority, the adaptive LUBE model and several competitive models, including the bootstrap model, delta model, and Bayesian model, were utilized for interval prediction of carbon prices of Beijing and Shanghai. Compared with other models, the adaptive LUBE model not only has excellent coverage but also has the narrowest interval width in both training set and test set. Therefore, the excellent comparison results show that the proposed model can obtain a more reliable and higher‐quality prediction interval, which can be a novel and effective carbon prices forecasting tool for governments and enterprises.
A review on workflow scheduling and resource allocation algorithms in distributed mobile clouds
Authors: Golmohammadi Akram , Kamel Tabbakh Seyed Reza , Ghaemi Reza
Published: June 2023

The advent of distributed computing and mobile clouds made it possible to transfer and distribute the heavy processes of complex workflows to the cloud. Managing and with the help of the mobile cloud, virtualization and shared resources managing the executing large‐scale workflows is possible. Since virtual resources are used, scheduling and resource allocation are important and key research topics in public cloud environment and mobile clouds. The cloud model of mobile devices with public or virtual cloud, which consists of temporary mobile devices, is an interesting topic to be investigated. Workflow scheduling and availability of resources in mobile clouds by high mobility and Energy efficient, it is one of the challenges and problems that must be investigated one of the main challenges in this research area. The purpose of scheduling algorithms is to improve service quality criteria by observing the constraints. In this article, the main goal is to extensively review the scheduling algorithms for the complex scientific workflow in public and mobile clouds. Furthermore, a review of the use of heuristic and meta‐heuristic techniques in dynamic and static states, with various constraints for task scheduling in cloud and mobile computing has been performed. This article accomplishes a review of using existing techniques for scheduling tasks in mobile clouds. We also present a comprehensive analysis and systematic comparison between these scheduling algorithms.
IPAPS: An improved public auditing protocol for secure data storage in cloud‐based medical storage system
Authors: Tang Caiyuan , Wang Feng , Zhao Chenbin , Chen Xiuqiang
Published: June 2023

Cloud‐based medical storage system is becoming popular. Cloud server is curious about the private information of stored cases, and the integrity of outsourced data has become increasingly concerned. Numerous public auditing protocols for the outsourced data into the cloud server were proposed. Unfortunately, in the existing protocols, some of them may neglect security to improve efficiency. Recently, Li et al. proposed an efficient privacy‐preserving public auditing protocol for cloud‐based medical storage system (EPPAP), which improved the communication efficiency by storing some of data owner's data in third part auditors, however we find that the protocol is vulnerable to collusion attack and replace attack. In this paper, we analyze the security attacks of the existing protocol, and further propose an improved public auditing protocol for secure data storage in cloud‐based medical storage system (IPAPS). In addition, we give the formal security proof and analyze the performance of our proposed protocol. The security proof shows our protocol takes into account integrity, collusion attack and replace attack at the same time. The simulation experiments in our performance analysis show that the proposed protocol is practical.
Willingness to pay brand premiums for generic medicines in Kenya: A bidding game experiment
Authors: Rockers Peter C. , Kiragu Zana Wangari , Onyango Monica A. , Laing Richard O. , Wirtz Veronika J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Recent growth in the market share of higher priced branded generic medicines in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) has raised concerns around affordability and access. We examined consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for branded versus unbranded generic non‐communicable disease (NCD) medicines in Kenya.

Methods

We randomly assigned NCD patients to receive a hypothetical offer for either a Novartis Access‐branded medicine or for an unbranded generic equivalent. We then analysed WTP data captured using a bidding game methodology.

Results

We found that WTP for Novartis Access medicines was on average 23% higher than for unbranded generic equivalents (p = 0.009). The WTP brand premium was driven almost entirely by wealthier patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the dominance of branded generics in LMICs like Kenya reflect in part consumer preferences for these medicines. Governments and other health sector actors may be justified in intervening to improve access to these medicines and equivalent non‐branded generics, particularly for the poorest patients who appear to have no preference for branded medicines.
Impact of the government's restrictions and guidance in relation to “social distancing” on the lives of ethnic minority populations: A mixed methods study
Authors: Saini Pooja , Porcellato Lorna , Hunt Anna , Timpson Hannah , Harrison Rebecca , Bigland Charlotte , Levy Conan , Brett Caroline E. , Forshaw Mark J. , Hope Vivian D. ,   The Phoenix Team
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

The impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic have not been equal, with a disproportionate impact among ethnic minority communities. Structural inequalities in social determinants of health such as housing and employment have contributed to COVID‐19's impact on deprived communities, including many ethnic minority communities. To compare (1) how the UK government's “social distancing” restrictions and guidance were perceived and implemented by ethnic minority populations compared to white populations, (2) the impact of restrictions and guidance upon these groups.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed methods study incorporated a quantitative survey and qualitative semi‐structured interviews to explore individual perceptions and experiences of COVID‐19 and the national restrictions. Survey participants (n = 1587) were recruited from North West England; 60 (4%) participants were from ethnic minority communities. Forty‐nine interviews were conducted; 19 (39%) participants were from ethnic minority communities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Data collection was between April and August 2020.

Results

Significant differences in demographics and household overcrowding were observed between white vs ethnic minority survey respondents, who were also significantly less confident in their knowledge of COVID‐19, less likely to be high‐risk drinkers, and marginally more likely to have experienced job loss and/or reduced household income. There were no group differences in wellbeing, perceptions, or nonfinancial impacts. Two inter‐related themes included: (1) government guidance, incorporating people's knowledge and understanding of the guidance and their confusion/frustration over messaging; (2) the impacts of restrictions on keyworkers, home‐schooling, working from home and changes in lifestyle/wellbeing.

Conclusions

Further research is needed on the long‐term impacts of COVID‐19 on ethnic minority communities. If policy responses to COVID‐19 are to benefit ethnic minority communities, there is a need for future studies to consider fundamental societal issues, such as the role of housing and economic disadvantage.
Association between interpregnancy interval and gestational diabetes mellitus: A cohort study of the National Vital Statistics System 2020
Authors: Zhu Xuejiao , Li Wei , Xi Hongli , Li Mingqun
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Data of this retrospective cohort study were obtained from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) 2020. The participants were divided into different groups according to different IPI (<6, 6–11, 12–17, 18–23, 24–59 (reference), 60–119, ≥120 months). Multivariate logistic models were constructed to evaluate the association between IPI and GDM. Subgroup analysis was further performed.

Results

A total of 1 515 263 women were included, with 123 951 (8.18%) having GDM. Compared with the 24–59 months group, the <6 months (odds ratio [OR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46–0.90, P = 0.009), 12–17 months (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, P < 0.001), and 18–23 months (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93–0.96, P < 0.001) groups had a significantly lower risk of GDM, while the 60–119 months (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11–1.15, P < 0.001) and ≥120 months (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.15–1.21, P < 0.001) groups had a significantly higher risk of GDM. No significant difference was observed in the risk of GDM between the 6–11 and 24–59 months groups (P = 0.542). The PI–GDM association varied across different groups of age, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, pre‐pregnancy smoking status, history of cesarean section, history of preterm birth, prior terminations, and parity.

Conclusion

An IPI of 18–23 months may be a better interval than 24–59 months in managing the risk of GDM.
Different impact of COVID‐19 on symptomatic pregnant and postpartum women in low‐income countries and low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Mahajan Niraj N. , Ansari Munira , Munshi Hrishikesh , More Pradnya , Gajbhiye Rahul K.
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

The adverse outcomes of COVID‐19 among pregnant women have been pronounced in the low‐income countries compared with low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Magnitude and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tariku Tesfahun , Asres Abiyot Wolie , Samuel Serawit , Berheto Tezera Moshago , Kassa Yebeltal
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the magnitude and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among pregnant women in Humbo district, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from August 1 to 30, 2020. A total of 506 pregnant women were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData version 4.6.0, and analysis was made using SPSS version 24. An adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated.

Results

The magnitude of BPCR in the Humbo district was 26.0%. The odds of being prepared for birth and its complications were higher among women who had a history of obstetric complications (aOR 2.77; 95% CI 1.18–6.52), participated in pregnant women's conferences (aOR 3.84; 95% CI 2.13–6.93), received advice on BPCR (aOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.36–4.22), and were knowledgeable on labor and childbirth danger signs (aOR 2.64; 95% CI 1.55–4.49).

Conclusion

The magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low in the study area. The healthcare provider should encourage the women to participate in conferences and provide continuous counseling during their prenatal care visits.
Fully automated radiosynthesis of [18F]mG4P027 for mGluR4 imaging
Authors: Moon Sung‐Hyun , El Fakhri Georges , Zhang Zhaoda , Brownell Anna‐Liisa , Wang Junfeng
Published: June 2023

Background

Fluorine‐18 labeled N‐(4‐chloro‐3‐(((fluoro‐18F)methyl‐d2)thio)phenyl)picolinamide, [18F]mG4P027, is a potent positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for mGluR4. Our previous in vitro and in vivo evaluations have demonstrated that this tracer is promising for further translational studies. However, automated radiosynthesis process poses significant challenges that need to be addressed.

Methods

The automated radiosynthesis was performed using the TRACERlab FX2N module, which comprises two distinct reactors capable of accommodating the two‐step reactions. Several problem‐solving strategies were employed to overcome challenges during the automation process. This included modifications to the reaction solvents, reaction conditions, use of a scavenger, drying methods, and the handling of the precursor.

Results

The use of n‐Bu4NN3 for scavenging excess compound 1 along with an efficient drying procedure played a key role in the success of the radiosynthesis. The water was successfully removed by using a different duct to overcome the water sensitivity for the second reaction.

Conclusions

Significant modifications were made to the manual process by carefully examining this process and addressing the root causes of the challenges associated with its automation. We successfully implemented automated radiosynthesis using the TRACERlab FX2N module and consequently, obtained a high‐purity radiolabeled [18F]mG4P027 in high yield, meeting the requirements for future human studies.
Examining resurgence in rats following expanded‐operant treatments
Authors: Nist Anthony N. , Shahan Timothy A.
Published: June 2023

Resurgence of previously reinforced behavior represents a challenge to otherwise successful interventions based on differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA). Expanded‐operant treatments seek to increase the number of functional alternative behaviors through DRA, thereby potentially mitigating resurgence. However, the few studies that have directly examined these methods as a tool for resurgence mitigation have provided limited and unclear results. Thus, the present experiments were designed to investigate the effect of expanded‐operant DRA methods on resurgence of previously reinforced behavior using rat subjects. In two experiments, following a baseline phase in which a target response was trained, groups of rats experienced concurrent (i.e., five simultaneous alternative responses), serial (i.e., five sequentially available alternative responses), or single DRA interventions arranging similar rates of alternative reinforcement in order to examine potential differences in resurgence. Both experiments showed that neither serial nor concurrent DRA expanded‐operant treatments reduced resurgence compared with single DRA regardless of whether stimuli associated with previously reinforced alternative responses were removed (Experiment 1) or remained present (Experiment 2) for the serial‐DRA group. Further, a primacy effect in resurgence was obtained for the serial‐DRA group in both experiments. Overall, these results suggest that expanded‐operant treatments may not help to reduce resurgence.
Belonging as a gateway for learning: First‐year engineering students' characterizations of factors that promote and detract from sense of belonging in a pandemic
Authors: Buckley J. B. , Robinson B. S. , Tretter T. R. , Biesecker C. , Hammond A. N. , Thompson A. K.
Published: June 2023

Background

A predictor of student success, sense of belonging (SB) is often inhibited for minoritized students in engineering environments and difficult to foster in online courses. A shift to remote learning formats necessitated by COVID‐19, therefore, posed an additive threat to SB for engineering first‐year students, especially those with minoritized identities. Research is needed to understand impacts of online learning to SB for engineering students.

Purpose Hypothesis(es)

The study examined factors that promoted or detracted from SB in engineering in remote courses and ways in which identity related to SB.

Design Method

Part of a larger mixed‐methods study, this article examines focus group data from 31 first‐year engineering students in 2020 to characterize student experiences in engineering courses moved online during COVID‐19.

Results

In addition to the mutually reinforcing nature of SB and learning, findings reveal that the major factors of (a) peer interactions, (b) instructor behavior and course design, (c) environmental identity cues, and (d) personal and psychological factors influenced SB. Examples of factors that positively contributed to SB in remote‐delivery courses included platforms for open communication with peers, “live” ability to ask complex questions, and a critical mass of peers of similar identity; example factors hindering SB included limited use of cameras in synchronous classes, elitist peer interactions, instructor focus on academic performance (vs. growth), and feelings of self‐doubt.

Conclusions

Both identity and COVID‐19 impacted SB for students, with results showing four pathways to support SB and learning for diverse students in engineering across course formats.
Excess filaggrin in keratinocytes is removed by extracellular vesicles to prevent premature death and this mechanism can be hijacked by Staphylococcus aureus in a TLR2‐dependent fashion
Authors: Kobiela Adrian , Hovhannisyan Lilit , Jurkowska Paulina , de la Serna Jorge Bernardino , Bogucka Aleksandra , Deptuła Milena , Paul Argho Aninda , Panek Kinga , Czechowska Ewa , Rychłowski Michał , Królicka Aleksandra , Zieliński Jacek , Gabrielsson Susanne , Pikuła Michał , Trzeciak Magdalena , Ogg Graham S , Gutowska‐Owsiak Danuta
Published: June 2023

Filaggrin (FLG) protein is indispensable for multiple aspects of the epidermal barrier function but its accumulation in a monomeric filaggrin form may initiate premature keratinocytes death; it is unclear how filaggrin levels are controlled before the formation of storing keratohyalin granules. Here we show that keratinocyte‐secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may contain filaggrin‐related cargo providing a route of eliminating excess filaggrin from keratinocytes; blocking of sEV release has cytotoxic effects on those cells. Filaggrin‐containing sEVs are found in plasma in both healthy individuals and atopic dermatitis patients. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) enhances packaging and secretion of filaggrin‐relevant products within the sEVs for enhanced export via a TLR2‐mediated mechanism which is also linked to the ubiquitination process. This filaggrin removal system, preventing premature keratinocyte death and epidermal barrier dysfunction, is exploited by S. aureus which promotes filaggrin elimination from the skin that could help safeguard bacterial growth.
Serum D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate and the ratio of D‐2HG/L‐2HG predict IDH mutation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Chelsea , Chu Andrew , Boriack Richard , Collins Robert , Xu Jing , Oliver Dwight , Zheng Ruifang , Rakheja Dinesh , Chen Weina
Published: June 2023

This study investigates whether serum D‐2HG (D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate) produced by the mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) can predict IDH mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at diagnosis. D‐2HG and L‐2HG are measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. D‐2HG, total 2HG and the D/L ratio (D‐2HG/L‐2HG) are significantly higher in IDHmutated cases than in IDHwild cases. The optimal cutoff values to predict IDH mutations at 100% sensitivity (specificity 91%–94%) are >588 ng/mL for D‐2HG and >2.33 for the D/L ratio. Our study indicates that elevated serum D‐2HG and the D/L ratio may serve as noninvasive biomarkers of IDH mutation in AML.
Impart: findings from a prison‐based model of HIV assisted partner notification in Indonesia
Authors: Culbert Gabriel J. , Levy Judith A. , Steffen Alana D. , Waluyo Agung , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Rahadi Arie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Assisted partner notification (APN) safely and effectively increases partner awareness of HIV exposure, testing and case identification in community settings. Nonetheless, it has not been specifically developed or evaluated for use in prison settings where people with HIV often are diagnosed and may have difficulty contacting or otherwise notifying partners. We developed Impart, a prison‐based APN model, and evaluated its efficacy in Indonesia to increase partner notification and HIV testing.

Methods

From January 2020 to January 2021, 55 incarcerated men with HIV were recruited as index participants from six jail and prison facilities in Jakarta in a two‐group randomized trial comparing the outcomes of self‐tell notification (treatment as usual) versus Impart APN in increasing partner notification and HIV testing. Participants voluntarily provided names and contact information for sex and drug‐injection partners in the community with whom they had shared possible HIV exposure during the year prior to incarceration. Participants randomized to the self‐tell only condition were coached in how to notify their partners by phone, mail or during an in‐person visit within 6 weeks. Participants randomized to Impart APN could choose between self‐tell notification or anonymous APN by a two‐person team consisting of a nurse and outreach worker. We compared the proportion of partners in each group who were notified of exposure by the end of 6 weeks, subsequently tested and HIV diagnosed.

Results

Index participants (n= 55) selected 117 partners for notification. Compared to self‐tell notification, Impart APN resulted in nearly a six‐fold increase in the odds of a named partner being notified of HIV exposure. Nearly two thirds of the partners notified through Impart APN (15/24) completed HIV testing within 6 weeks post notification compared to none of those whom participants had self‐notified. One‐third of the partners (5/15) who completed HIV testing post notification were diagnosed as HIV positive for the first time.

Conclusions

Voluntary APN can be successfully implemented with a prison population and within a prison setting despite the many barriers to HIV notification that incarceration presents. Our findings suggest that the Impart model holds considerable promise to increase partner notification, HIV testing and diagnosis among sex and drug‐injecting partners of HIV‐positive incarcerated men.
Plasma calprotectin is extremely high in patients with lysinuric protein intolerance
Authors: Kärki Mari , Tanner Laura , Lahtinen Satu , Soukka Tero , Niinikoski Harri
Published: June 2023

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the transport of cationic amino acids. Elevated plasma zinc concentrations have been described in patients with LPI. Calprotectin is a calcium‐ and zinc‐binding protein, produced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. Both zinc and calprotectin have an important role in immune system. In this study, we describe plasma zinc and plasma calprotectin concentrations in Finnish LPI patients. Plasma calprotectin concentration was measured from 10 LPI patients using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and it was remarkably high in all LPI patients (median: 622 338 μg/L) compared to that in healthy controls (608 μg/L). Plasma zinc concentration was measured by photometry and it was normal or only mildly elevated (median: 14.9 μmol/L). All the patients had decreased glomerular infiltration rate (median: 50 mL/min/1.73 m2). In conclusion, we observed extremely high plasma calprotectin concentration in patients with LPI. Mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown.
Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability to Water Measured Using Multiple Echo Time Arterial Spin Labeling MRI in the Aging Human Brain
Authors: Mahroo Amnah , Konstandin Simon , Günther Matthias
Published: June 2023

Background

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in maintaining brain homeostasis, but the integrity of this barrier deteriorates slowly with aging. Noninvasive water exchange magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods may identify changes in the BBB occurring with healthy aging.

Purpose

To investigate age‐related changes in the BBB permeability to water using multiple‐echo‐time (multi‐TE) arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI.

Study Type

Prospective, cohort.

Population

Two groups of healthy humans—older group (≥50 years, mean age = 56 ± 4 years, N = 13, females = 5) and younger group (≤20 years, mean age = 18 ± 1, N = 13, females = 7).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3T, multi‐TE Hadamard pCASL with 3D Gradient and Spin Echo (GRASE) readout.

Assessment

Two different approaches of variable complexity were applied. A physiologically informed biophysical model with a higher complexity estimating time () taken by the labeled water to move across the BBB and a simpler model of triexponential decay measuring tissue transition rate (.

Statistics

Two‐tailed unpaired Student t‐test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and effect size. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Older volunteers showed significant differences of 36% lower , 29% lower cerebral perfusion, 17% pronged arterial transit time and 22% shorter intra‐voxel transit time compared to the younger volunteers. Tissue fraction () at the earliest TI = 1600 msec was significantly higher in the older group, which contributed to a significantly lower compared to the younger group. at TI = 1600 msec showed significant negative correlation with (r = −0.80), and and showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.73).

Data Conclusions

Both approaches of Multi‐TE ASL imaging showed sensitivity to detect age‐related changes in the BBB permeability. High tissue fractions at the earliest TI and short in the older volunteers indicate that the BBB permeability increased with age.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Changes of mean and extreme precipitation and their relationship in Northern Hemisphere land monsoon domain under global warming
Authors: Jiang Yeyan , Zhu Zhiwei , Li Juan , Miao Lijuan , Miao Zishu
Published: June 2023

Reliable projections of monsoon mean and extreme precipitation are vital to water resource management, disaster mitigation as well as policy makings. Since the climate models have better capability in projecting mean precipitation, the relationship between mean and extreme precipitation is a crucial clue for reliable projections of extreme precipitation. However, selections of optimal models in reproducing historical mean/extreme precipitation and their relationship were rarely reported. Here, more credible projections of mean/extreme precipitation and their connections over Northern Hemisphere land monsoon domain (NHLMD) were explored after a systematical assessment of the models from Coupled Model Intercomparsion Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and CMIP5. Results indicated that most models could well reproduce the climatology and the variation of mean precipitation over NHLMD, while large portions have underestimated the extreme precipitation threshold (EPTH) and overestimated the extreme precipitation days (EPDs). However, nearly all models captured the observed robust relationships between mean and extreme precipitation. The projected mean precipitation and EPDs exhibit coherent variations with increase trend over Asian‐North African monsoon, and decrease trend over North American monsoon. The significant positive correlations between mean precipitation and EPDs will continue during 21st century. Considering the relatively low skills and large uncertainty in the simulation and the projection of EPDs, the tight connection could be used to reliably project the future extreme precipitation over the NHLMD using the projection of monsoon mean precipitation via the selected models.
Traditional Asian plant‐based fermented foods as vitamin B12 sources: A mini‐review
Authors: Koseki Kyohei , Teng Fei , Bito Tomohiro , Watanabe Fumio
Published: June 2023

Plant‐based foods, such as vegetables and beans, are deficient in vitamin B12 (B12). If plant‐based foods containing adequate B12 can be produced microbially, incorporating them into a vegetarian diet would prevent B12 deficiency. Asian indigenous fermented foods from soybeans, vegetables, and tea leaves, are commercially accessible. The B12 level in the fermented products has been characterized to determine whether they may serve as a viable source of B12 in humans. Since their B12 content is very low (<0.5 μg/100 g wet weight), most traditional Asian plant‐based fermented foods do not appear to serve as adequate daily B12 sources. However, some stinky tofu and pickled vegetable products contain >10 μg of B12 per 100 g wet weight. Nonetheless, further clinical research is warranted to clarify whether these products can increase the serum B12 levels of humans.
Production of marine bacterial metalloprotease A69 and evaluation of its potential in preparing soybean peptides with angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory activity
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhao Wen‐Xiao , Wang Yan , Cheng Jun‐Hui , Bao Kai , He Jin , Chen Xiu‐Lan
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Marine bacteria secrete a variety of proteases, which are a good source to explore proteases with application value. However, only a few marine bacterial proteases with a potential in bioactive peptides preparation have been reported.

RESULTS

The metalloprotease A69 from the marine bacterium Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus 1A02591 was successfully expressed in the food safe bacterium Bacillus subtilis as a secreted enzyme. A technique to efficiently produce protease A69 in a 15‐L bioreactor was established, with a production of 8988 U mL−1. Based on optimizing the hydrolysis parameters of A69 on soybean protein, a process for soybean protein peptides (SPs) preparation was set up, in which soybean protein was hydrolyzed by A69 at 4000 U g−1 and 60 °C for 3 h. The prepared SPs had a high content (> 90%) of peptides with a molecular mass less than 3000 Da and contained 18 amino acids. The prepared SPs showed high angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 0.135 mg mL−1. Moreover, three ACE‐inhibitory peptides, RPSYT, VLIVP and LAIPVNKP, were identified from the SPs using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis.

CONCLUSION

The marine bacterial metalloprotease A69 has a promising potential for preparing SPs with good nutritional and potential antihypertensive effects, laying a good foundation for its industrial production and application. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.