bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Untangling business model outcomes, impacts and value
Authors: Dembek Krzysztof , Lüdeke‐Freund Florian , Rosati Francesco , Froese Tobias
Published: September 2022

Value is a key concept in the business model literature. Yet business models are not only about value and how it is created. They are also key to understanding how organisations create outcomes for stakeholders and impact the natural environment and society. So far, however, business model studies have paid little attention to the conceptual differences and particularities of outcomes, impacts and value. This prevailing vagueness is critical. Lacking an understanding of how organisations create outcomes and impacts while aiming to create value with and for their stakeholders can harm both communities and the organisations involved, despite their best intentions. Hence, this article clarifies the differences between business model outcomes, impacts and value and offers an activity system theory‐based framework to map and analyse business models. Using the example of TOMS, this article shows how changes in a business model's activity system influence the outcomes, impacts and value it creates. Finally, we argue that a stakeholder perspective is necessary but insufficient to understand the system‐level impacts of business models and that it needs to be complemented with a systems theory lens.
Identification of thioredoxin domain containing family members' expression pattern and prognostic value in diffuse gliomas via in silico analysis
Authors: Kocatürk Begüm
Published: September 2022

Background

Gliomas are the most prevalent primary tumors of the central nervous system. Their aggressive nature and the obstacles arising during therapy highlights the importance of finding new prognostic markers and therapy targets for gliomas. TXNDC genes are members of the thioredoxin superfamily and were shown to play a role in redox homeostasis, protein folding, electron transfer and also acting as cellular adapters. The well known contribution of these processes in cancer progression prompted us to investigate if TXNDC family members may also play a role in carcinogenesis, in particular diffuse gliomas.

Methods

The present study used in silico analysis tools GEPIA, UCSC Xena, Gliovis, cBioPortal, and Ivy GAP to evaluate the expression pattern, prognostic value and clinical significance of TXNDC family members in diffuse gliomas.

Results

Our analysis showed that TXNDC family members' expression pattern differ between tumors and healthy tissues and among tumors with different grades. The detailed analysis of TXNDC5 in glioma pathogenesis revealed that TXNDC5 expression is associated with more aggressive clinical and molecular features and poor therapy success both in LGG and GBM samples. Kaplan–Meier survival curves represented a worse prognosis for patients with leveated TXNDC5 levels in LGG and all grade glioma patients. The levels of TXNDC5 was shown to be possibly regulated by hypoxia‐ER stress axis and a potential mechanism for TXNDC5‐driven glioma progression was found to be extracellular matrix (ECM) production which is known to promote tumor aggressiveness.

Conclusions

Our results uncovered the previously unknown role of TXNDC family members in glioma pathogenesis and showed that TXNDC5 levels could serve as a predictor of clinical outcome and therapy success and may very well be used for targeted therapy.
Clinical care in hepatocellular carcinoma: A mixed methods assessment of experiences and challenges of oncology professionals
Authors: Jacobs Ginny , Boyle Deborah A. , El‐Serag Hashem B. , Lewandowski Robert J. , Stein Stacey M. , Lazure Patrice , McFadden Pam
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Healthcare providers (HCPs) may face numerous dilemmas in optimally screening, diagnosing, and treating patients with, and/or at risk for, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to achieve a greater understanding of the challenges in HCC care which in turn could delineate HCP educational opportunities within this oncologic sub‐specialty.

Methods

A mixed‐methods approach was used to identify practice gaps and clinical barriers experienced by US‐based medical oncologists, hepatologists, oncology physician assistants, oncology nurse practitioners, and interventional radiologists involved in HCC care. The qualitative (semi‐structured interview) and quantitative (survey) data collection approaches were deployed sequentially with findings subsequently triangulated.

Results

A total of 214 HCPs participated in this study. Analysis revealed challenges related to screening and diagnosing HCC, specifically in applying appropriate screening guidelines, and the optimal use and decisions related to diagnostic imaging and biopsy. Issues related to treatment selection included the application of existing HCC guidelines in treatment decision‐making, weighing risk/benefit ratios of various antineoplastics regimens (i.e., tyrosine kinase inhibitors‐TKIs, immunotherapy agents, chemotherapy), sequencing therapies, potential toxicity management, and optimally educating patients about their HCC.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the educational needs of those involved in HCC care and provide a starting point for clinicians to both reflect on their practice and identify opportunities to enhance communication within the HCC team and between provider and patient. There is an opportunity to optimize continuing professional development interventions that address the identified gaps in clinical practice specifically related to teamwork and interdisciplinary communication.
Femoral metastasis in previously treated bladder cancer patient: A case report
Authors: Jouma Alhejazi Tala , Bdeiwi Hassan , Sukkari Mohamad W. , Ibrahim Mohamad , Sukari Ammar , Alloush Hani
Published: September 2022

Although treated appropriately, bladder cancer can recur and metastasize. We are reporting the case of a patient with a well‐cured bladder cancer who presented after 14 months with femoral pain which turned out to be a bony metastasis. The patient underwent surgical excision followed by chemotherapy.
FeSe/FeSe2 Heterostructure as a Low‐Cost and High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Cheng Zhaoyang , Gao Mengyou , Sun Lei , Zheng Dehua , Xu Huizhong , Kong Linghui , Gao Chang , Yu Haizhou , Lin Jianjian
Published: September 2022

A key consensus of implementing large‐scale water splitting is developing highly efficient, durable, and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In recent years, the Fe‐based materials used in OER have attracted researchers’ great attention around the globe, and Fe has been identified as the OER active sites. In this study, we firstly synthesized the coral‐like FeSe/FeSe2 heterostructure catalyst via a one‐pot solvothermal method. We demonstrated that different components of FeSe/FeSe2 heterostructure can facilitate the electron transfer process of the system, where a high Fe charge state promotes OER performance, rendering the coral‐like FeSe/FeSe2 heterostructure to be more promising Fe‐based electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline. As expected, the as‐prepared FeSe/FeSe2 heterostructure with highly charged iron and negatively charged selenium species exhibited better OER performance and needed only an overpotential of 309 mV to achieve an anodic current density of 10 mA cm−2. In addition, the catalyst had quick kinetics and good durability in alkaline medium. The present study would open up a potential avenue for the development of highly active non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts.
Factors related to mouth breathing syndrome in preschool children and the effects of incompetent lip seal: An exploratory study
Authors: Inada Emi , Saitoh Issei , Kaihara Yasutaka , Murakami Daisuke , Nogami Yukiko , Kiyokawa Yuki , Tanaka Reira , Sakata Kensuke , Yamasaki Youichi
Published: September 2022

Objectives

A set of orofacial signs and symptoms completely or partially present in individuals who replace the correct pattern of nasal breathing with an oral or mixed pattern is defined as mouth breathing syndrome (MBS). In a previous report, it was clarified that an incompetent lip seal (ILS) affected the occurrence of MBS among primary school children. However, the factors related to MBS and the effect of ILS in preschool children remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors relevant to MBS in preschool children and investigate the relationship of ILS to MBS.

Material and Methods

We surveyed 285 preschool children between 3 and 5 years of age. Their guardians completed the questionnaire, which consisted of 44 questions regarding the children's daily health conditions and lifestyle habits. To classify the closely related questions into their respective factors and to examine the strength of the correlation between the newly revealed factors, an exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation was performed.

Results

The factor analysis identified nine items representing four factors. Factors 1–4 were defined as “diseases of the nose,” “ILS,” “problem with swallowing and chewing,” and “eating and drinking habits,” respectively. Factor 2 most strongly correlated with Factor 1, and both Factors showed a relatively strong correlation with Factor 3.

Conclusions

The initial stage of MBS may be present in preschool children. ILS and diseases of the nose can cause poor development of oral functions, such as breathing and eating.
A review on invasive false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosaL.): Nuisance plant with multiple benefits
Authors: Grabić Jasna , Ljevnaić‐Mašić Branka , Zhan Ai , Benka Pavel , Heilmeier Hermann
Published: September 2022

Increased mobility of people around the globe has facilitated transferring species to new environments, where some have found suitable conditions and even become invasive. False indigo‐bush (Amorpha fruticosaL.) is a plant native to North America but has intentionally or unintentionally spread over the Northern Hemisphere, where it often becomes invasive. The plant is especially easily dispersed within the watersheds of large rivers, where seasonal flooding is regular. Seeds and other propagules are buoyant, and when the water recedes, new plants emerge, forming dense thickets where only a few other species can co‐exist. In order to sustain native biodiversity, spread control is needed. However, mechanical control and eradication measures currently in use are labor demanding and costly, while application of herbicides is limited. On the other hand, the plant possesses a number of beneficial properties, such as phytochemical applications (medical and insecticidal effects), biocoenotic uses (honey plant, ornamental features), and ecosystem services (soil stabilization, provision of food for animals, and fiber and biomass for industry, e.g., nanocellulose). For the reasons above mentioned, the plant is considered quite controversial, and the paper discusses both aspects: potential detrimental effects when introduced to new habitats and its beneficial uses for human society. In addition, the paper presents alternative measures of spreading control (e.g., grazing) and argues that exploiting it for beneficial purposes might help spread control, thus covering the expenses of controlling its distribution.
Dietary Antarctic Krill Oil Enhances the Oral Bioavailability of Nobiletin but Has No Ideal Synergistic Effect on Improving Memory and Cognition Ability in Aβ1–42 Induced Rats
Authors: Kong Jing‐Ya , Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Duan Xue‐Feng , Shi Hao‐Hao , Xue Chang‐Hu , Wei Zi‐Hao , Huang Qing‐Rong , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Wang Yu‐Ming
Published: September 2022

Nobiletin (Nob) is reported to exhibit neuroprotective properties, which is limited by its low oral bioavailability. Antarctic krill oil (AKO) is abundant in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of phospholipids, which exhibit an amphiphilic property. It is unclear whether AKO can enhance the bioavailability of nobiletin to facilitate the combined effect on neuroprotection. In the present study, the absorption of Nob carried by AKO is significantly enhanced in contrast to that suspended in corn oil. Moreover, Aβ1–42 injected rats are utilized to clarify the effect of the combination of Nob and AKO on improving the memory and learning ability. Results present that the combination of AKO and Nob significantly reverses the cognitive and learning defects induced by Aβ1–42 injection, but does not have ideal synergistic effect compared to AKO or Nob alone treated groups. Further molecular experiments imply that the neuroprotective effect may be attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress, the inhibition of apoptosis and tau phosphorylation, as well as the improvement of the neurotrophic activity. This study provides scientific insights and theoretical guidance for the nutritional interventions of the combined development of nobiletin and AKO to prevent neuropsychiatric disorders.
Life Cycle Assessment of the Battery Cell Production: Using a Modular Material and Energy Flow Model to Assess Product and Process Innovations
Authors: von Drachenfels Nicolas , Husmann Jana , Khalid Usama , Cerdas Felipe , Herrmann Christoph
Published: September 2022

Battery cells and their production processes are developing continuously toward higher efficiencies. Conventional life cycle inventories (LCIs) applied in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies are either numerical or parametrized, which inhibits their application to changing developments in battery research. Therefore, this article presents an approach to develop modular material and energy flow (MEF) models for battery cell production. The modular MEF model is linked to the Brightway2 framework to generate LCI for six different innovations: 1) extrusion‐based slurry preparation; 2) water‐based electrode production; 3) dry coating; 4) thick electrodes; 5) change of active material; and 6) a combination of innovations. The results reveal that the modeled process and product innovations, particularly the dry coating process, can contribute to a reduction of more than 15% in CO2‐eq emissions. With the presented approach, it is possible to model process and product innovations in a common environment, which enables a comparative analysis under changing model premises with reusable and adaptable models at the process level. This reduces the effort to evaluate process variations significantly and contributes to the use of LCA as an engineering tool.
Particle saltation trajectories in supercritical open channel flows: Roughness effect
Authors: Demiral Dila , Albayrak Ismail , Turowski Jens M. , Boes Robert M.
Published: September 2022

Bed load sediment transport governed by particle saltation in supercritical open channel flows causes bedrock incision in high‐gradient mountain streams and hydro‐abrasion at hydraulic structures. Hence, a better understanding of turbulent flow characteristics and particle dynamics is of prime importance for the prediction of river and landscape evolution, and for a sustainable design of hydraulic structures. To this end, we experimentally investigated single‐particle dynamics in supercritical open channel flows over fixed planar and abraded beds covering smooth, transitionally rough, and hydraulically rough regimes. The experiments were performed at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) of ETH Zürich in a wide range of hydraulic conditions with various channel width‐to‐depth aspect ratios (b/ho) and Froude numbers (F). We investigated the motions of five particle groups differing in shape, hardness, and diameter. By means of a high‐speed camera, the particle velocities and trajectory parameters—such as hop height and hop length—were determined using particle tracking velocimetry. The results reveal that at least 120 individual particles should be used in the tests to determine sound statistics of particle trajectories. In the present test conditions, the particles are dominantly transported in saltation. The effects of particle properties such as shape and diameter on the particle trajectories are negligible, while the rolling probability of the particles for a given flow condition increases with increasing diameter. Bed roughness was found to be the key parameter having a significant effect on the saltation trajectories and horizontal energy transfer. Hop height, hop length, and particle velocities, as well as horizontal energy transfer, increase with increasing bed roughness. Based on the saltation trajectory data, non‐dimensional equations are developed for each hydraulic regime and used to enhance the saltation–abrasion model of Sklar and Dietrich. The present findings contribute to a better understanding of particle motion characteristics under different hydraulic and roughness conditions, and their effect on the mechanics and prediction of bedrock incision and hydro‐abrasion in three‐dimensional supercritical open channel flows occurring in steeply sloped rivers and at hydraulic structures.
Performance evaluation of hybrid transform for universal filtered multi‐carrier system
Authors: Chintala Vijaya Durga , Suddapalli Subba Rao , Sundru Anuradha
Published: September 2022

High peak to average power ratio (PAPR) is viewed as a serious limitation of all multi‐carrier systems. In this article, a companding transform with clipping technique is proposed for universal filtered multi‐carrier (UFMC) system. The proposed companding transform successfully reduces the PAPR by expanding the small amplitude signals and compressing the peak amplitude signals. Moreover, the combination of companding and clipping further reduces the PAPR. Besides, the proposed scheme provides more flexibility by properly selecting companding parameters and clipping ratio (CR). Additionally, this article presents the performance evaluation of various nonlinear companding transforms (NCTs) of the UFMC system in terms of PAPR reduction, bit‐error‐rate, and reduced out‐of‐band emissions. Simulation results confirm that the proposed hybrid transform provides superior system performance when compared to other NCTs. The proposed hybrid transform with CR of 1.4 provides superior PAPR diminution of 8.5 dB and net gain of 8.9 dB when compared to other schemes. Finally, the proposed hybrid transform is validated by using wireless‐open access‐research platform over real time channel.
Assessment of nutrient adequacy and associated factors among lactating women of rural Bangladesh using observed intake: Findings from Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey 2018–2019
Authors: Islam Saiful , Jubayer Ahmed , Nayan Md. Moniruzzaman , Islam Md. Hafizul , Nowar Abira
Published: September 2022

Lactating women of low‐ and middle‐income countries are prone to develop deficiencies in essential nutrients due to various demographic and socioeconomic components. This study aimed to estimate the adequacy of dietary intake and the determinants of diet quality of lactating women in rural Bangladesh. One‐day dietary recall (24‐Hour recall) data of 973 lactating women were obtained from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018–2019. Nutrient adequacy was determined using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut‐point approach. The molar ratios of phytate to zinc, calcium, and iron were calculated. Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) was calculated to measure diet quality, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the sociodemographic determinants of MAR. While the intakes of protein and carbohydrate were equal to/above the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) among most of the subjects, intakes of total energy and fat were below the reference intakes for 74.4% and 98.3%, respectively. Nutrient adequacy remained unmet for riboflavin, calcium, vitamin A, and folate among most (87.2%–97.6%) of the study population, and the mean (SD) MAR was 0.72 (0.12). Cereals were the major contributor of energy and B vitamins, while protein and iron mainly came from plant‐based sources. The molar ratio of phytate to iron was greater than the critical limit among most respondents. Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) (beta = 0.003, p = .014) and education level (beta = 0.017, p = .038) were associated with their diet quality. The diet of most lactating women in rural Bangladesh indicates the inadequacy of several micronutrients. This can lead to a worsening of the double burden of malnutrition in women. Lactating women should be given special consideration when designing food and nutrition programs for reproductive women in rural Bangladesh.
Chemical composition of kabuli and desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars grown in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xiao Shiqi , Li Zhenglei , Zhou Keqiang , Fu Yinghua
Published: September 2022

Chickpeas are a very important legume crop and have abundant protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fiber, isoflavone, and mineral contents. The chemical compositions of the four chickpea species (Muying‐1, Keying‐1, Desi‐1, Desi‐2) from Xinjiang, China, were analyzed, and 46 different flavonoids in Muying‐1 were detected. The moisture content ranged from 7.64 ± 0.01 to 7.89 ± 0.02 g/100 g, the content of starch in the kabuli chickpeas was greater than that in the desi chickpeas, the total ash content ranged from 2.59 ± 0.05 to 2.69 ± 0.03 g/100 g and the vitamin B1 content of the chickpeas ranged from 0.31 to 0.36 mg/100 g. The lipid content ranged from 6.35 to 9.35 g/100 g and the major fatty acids of chickpeas were linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Both kabuli and desi chickpeas have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), Muying‐1 and Desi‐1 contained the highest level of linoleic acid, and Keying‐1 had the highest oleic acid content. The protein level ranged from 19.79 ± 2.89 to 23.38 ± 0.30 g/100 g, and the main amino acids were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and arginine acid. The four chickpea species had significant amounts of essential amino acids (EAAs). Forty‐six varieties of flavonoids in Muying‐1 were determined by ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QqQ‐MS) analysis, and there were higher levels of conjugate flavonoids (55.95%) than free flavonoids (44.05%). Isoflavones were the most abundant flavonoids in Muying‐1, and among the isoflavones, daidzin had the highest content, followed by biochanin A and genistin. Muying‐1 was rich in daidzin, biochanin A, genistin, troxerutin, isorhamnetin, astilbin, L‐epicatechin, astragalin, acacetin, hyperoside, and myricitrin. Information provided in the study will be helpful to further understand the chemical composition of chickpeas and be beneficial to the development of chickpeas.
The impact of wildfire smoke and temperature on traumatic worker injury claims, Oregon 2009–2018
Authors: Evoy Richard , Hystad Perry , Bae Harold , Kincl Laurel
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

As average temperatures rise and wildfire events increase in the United States, outdoor workers may be at an increased risk of injury. Recent research suggests that heat exposure increases outdoor workers' risk of traumatic injuries, but co‐exposures of heat and wildfire smoke have not been evaluated.

Methods

Oregon workers' compensation data from 2009 to 2018 were linked to satellite data by the date of injury to determine if acute heat (maximum Heat Index) and wildfire smoke (presence/absence) were associated with a traumatic injury. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes were utilized to identify accepted, disabling injury claims from construction (NAICS 23) and agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (NAICS 11). Claims from April to October were analyzed using negative binomial models to calculate incident rate ratios (IRR) by heat and wildfire exposure for All workers and specifically for Agricultural (Ag)/Construction workers.

Results

During the study period, 91,895 accepted, traumatic injury claims were analyzed. All workers had an injury IRR of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.06) while Ag/Construction workers had an IRR of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.06–1.16) when wildfire smoke was present. When the maximum Heat Index was 75°F or greater, the IRR significantly increased as temperatures increased. When the maximum Heat Index was above 80–84°F, All workers had an IRR of 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01–1.06) while Ag/construction workers had an IRR of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.08–1.21) with risk increasing with increased temperatures. In joint models, heat remained associated with injury rates, but not wildfire smoke. No multiplicative interactions between exposures were observed.

Conclusion

Increasing temperature was associated with increased rates of traumatic injury claims in Oregon that were more pronounced in Ag/Construction workers. Future work should focus on further understanding these associations and effective injury prevention strategies.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Ali Husain S. , Ananthegowda Dore C. , Ebrahim Ebrahim M. A. , Kannappilly Nevin , Al Wraidat Mohammad , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Khatib Mohamad Y.
Published: September 2022

Background

Timely identification of patients at risk of worse clinical outcomes is vital in managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) calculated from complete blood count can predict the degree of systemic inflammation and guide therapy accordingly. Hence, we did a study to investigate the role of NLR value on intensive care unit (ICU) admission in predicting clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records of COVID‐19 patients admitted to ICUs at Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Qatar, from March 7, 2020 to July 18, 2020. Patients with an NLR equal to or higher than the cut‐off value derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve were compared to those with an NLR value below the cut‐off. The primary outcome studied was all‐cause ICU mortality. The secondary outcomes evaluated were the requirement of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay (LOS).

Results

Five hundred and nineteen patients were admitted to ICUs with severe COVID‐19 infection during the study period. Overall, ICU mortality in the study population was 14.6% (76/519). NLR on ICU admission of ≥6.55 was obtained using Youden's index to predict ICU mortality, with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 41%. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with age ≥60 years (p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.03), malignancy (p < 0.002), and NLR ≥ 6.55 (p < 0.003). There was also a significant association between the requirement of mechanical ventilation (34.7% vs. 51.8%, p < 0.001) and increased ICU LOS (8 vs. 10 days, p < 0.01) in patients with ICU admission NLR ≥ 6.55.

Conclusion

Higher NLR values on ICU admission are associated with worse clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID‐19 patients.
Lack of association between SOCS3 and SOCS7 polymorphisms and psoriasis
Authors: Özçep Merve , Atsü Nilhan , Solak Nilgün , Çelik Sevim Karakaş
Published: September 2022

Background

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease that involves changes taking place as a result of activation of the immune system. Suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins (SOCS) are intracellular proteins that act as endogenous inhibitors of proinflammatory pathways triggered by various cytokines. In this study, the relationship between psoriasis disease and SOCS gene polymorphisms is investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of psoriasis to clarify the psoriasis susceptibility profile.

Methods

The SOCS3 rs4969169 and SOCS7 rs3748726 polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Bulent Ecevit University and performed in accordance with the ethical standards established in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and later amendments. All participants were informed of the parameters of the study, and they signed consent forms before being included. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 (SPSS Inc.) package program.

Results

For the SOCS3 rs4969169 genotype frequency, the CC/CT genotypes represented 67%/33% in the patient group and 73%/27% in the control group. For the SOCS7 rs3748726 genotype frequency, the TT/TC/CC genotypes made up 89%/9%/1% in the patient group and 91%/8%/1% in the control group.

Conclusion

The polymorphisms of SOCS3 rs4969169 and SOCS7 rs3748726 were found to have no effective role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This is the first study to investigate this topic, and further studies with larger, more ethnically diverse samples are encouraged.
Multidimensional modulation of systemic immune by neurosurgical tumor resection in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Wang Jia‐Wei , Wang Hong‐Liang , Liu Qi , Hu Ke , Shao Liujiazi , Wan Jing‐Hai
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Immune perturbation induced by tumor burden has been showed as the hallmark of brain tumors. To date, the vast majority of studies have focused heavily on local immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Little is known about how the systemic immune macroenvironment is modulated by neurosurgical tumor resection in patients with brain tumors.

Method

Medical records from patients with brain tumors admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at the National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty‐nine patients who have lymphocyte subsets, serum immunoglobulins, C‐reactive protein, and complements levels before neurosurgical tumor resection and at least once test after surgery were included into the final analysis.

Results

Postoperative CD3+ lymphocytes, CD4+ lymphocytes and CD4+ /CD8+ lymphocyte ratio presented bi‐phasic changes, which indicated an initial decrease and a subsequent increase after neurosurgical tumor resection. Moreover, neurosurgical tumor resection induced a decrease in natural killer lymphocytes and an increase in B lymphocytes that persisted through the entire observation period after surgery. Meanwhile, significant changes in humoral immunity characterized by a decrease in immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels and an increase in the CRP level occurred after neurosurgical tumor resection. In addition, patients with postoperative infection complication had a lower preoperative CD4+ /CD8+ lymphocyte ratio.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that either cellular immunity or humoral immunity can be remodeled by neurosurgical tumor resection, and patients with disturbed systemic immunity have increased risk of infection after surgery.
Oral immunotherapy for Immunoglobulin E‐mediated cow's milk allergy in children: A systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Tang Lujing , Yu Yu , Pu Xiangyuan , Chen Jie
Published: September 2022

Backgound

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common allergy in infants that decreases the quality of life of patients and their families. Standard treatment for CMA is the strict avoidance of milk; new treatment strategies such as oral immunotherapy (OIT) have been sought for patients with CMA. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of OIT in the treatment of children with immunoglobulin E‐mediated CMA (IMCMA).

Methods

We searched all randomized controlled trials in which OIT is used to treat children with IMCMA from five international electronic databases. We estimated a pooled risk ratio (RR) for each outcome using a Mantel–Haenzel fixed‐effects model if statistical heterogeneity was low.

Results

Eleven studies were chosen for meta‐analysis, including a total of 469 children (242 OITs, 227 controls). One hundred and seventy‐six patients (72.7%) in the OIT were desensitized compared with 49 patients (21.6%) in the control group (RR: 7.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.82–19.13, p < .0001). The desensitization effect of OIT was particularly significant in children over 3 years old (RR: 18.05, 95% CI: 6.48–50.26, p < .00001). Although adverse effects were common, they usually involved mild reactions, but epinephrine use was more common in the OIT group (RR: 7.69, 95% CI: 2.16–27.33, p < .002).

Conclusion

OIT can lead to desensitization in the majority of individuals with IMCMA, especially in patients over 3 years old. A major problem of OIT is the frequency of adverse events, although most are mild. OIT may be an alternative treatment in the future.
The role of observed and unobserved heterogeneity in the duration of unemployment
Authors: Ahn Hie Joo
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the degree to which observable and unobservable worker characteristics account for the variation in the aggregate duration of unemployment. I model the distribution of unobserved worker heterogeneity as time varying to capture the interaction of latent attributes with changes in labor‐market conditions. Unobserved heterogeneity is the main explanation for the duration dependence of unemployment hazards. Both cyclical and low‐frequency variations in the mean duration of unemployment are mainly driven by one subgroup: workers who, for unobserved reasons, stay unemployed for a long time. In contrast, changes in the composition of observable characteristics of workers have negligible effects.
Batch and continuous studies on adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] using reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Rout Dibya Ranjan , Jena Hara Mohan
Published: September 2022

In this study, the reduced form of graphene oxide (RGO) has been synthesized by using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent and used for Cr(VI) removal. The physicochemical properties of the as‐synthesized material were studied by FESEM, XRD, RAMAN, and FTIR. The optimized adsorption parameters were time of 75 min, solution pH 3.0, temperature 35°C, and dosage of 0.3 g/l. The isotherms were perfectly simulated by the Langmuir model, and the kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second‐order model. The maximum uptake capacity was 787.401 mg/g at 35°C. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an endothermic and spontaneous process occurs. Competition from interfering ions (SO42−, NO3−, Cl−, HCO3−, Co2+, and Cu2+) proved insignificant. After five cycles of regeneration, the removal remains at 85.75%. From the column study, it was observed that the parameters like breakthrough time (tb), bed capacity (qbed), and exhaustion time (te) increase with an increase in bed height and decrease with an increase in Cr(VI) flow rate. Adsorption performance for industrial effluents shows up to 55.32% removal. The above superior adsorption performance validated the application of the RGO as an efficient adsorbent for the remediation of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater.
The effectiveness of physical and virtual manipulatives on learning and motivation in structural engineering
Authors: Justo Enrique , Delgado Antonio , Llorente‐Cejudo Carmen , Aguilar Rocio , Cabero‐Almenara Julio
Published: September 2022

Background

Recent advances in technology and computer simulation have expanded the use of virtual manipulatives in engineering education. However, especially in disciplines in which tactile concepts (e.g., force) are included, it has been claimed that learning could be compromised by substituting physical materials with computer simulations.

Purpose

This study examines the comparative effect of physical and virtual materials on students' conceptual understanding and motivation to learn structural concepts with manipulatives.

Method

The study followed a between‐subjects design involving 209 university students and seven instructors. We used a pretest/posttest quasi‐experimental design with a purposely developed conceptual test to measure students' understanding of basic structural engineering concepts. Motivation and its components (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction) were assessed with Keller's Instructional Materials Motivation Survey.

Results

Our results revealed that the physical and virtual conditions were equally effective in promoting students' understanding of basic structural engineering concepts in a classroom setting. We also found that the students were more motivated to learn through the use of physical materials than with virtual ones. This difference was especially significant in the attention dimension. Finally, we found that male students showed more confidence than female students when using physical manipulatives but not when using virtual ones.

Conclusions

The findings from this study associate the benefits of using physical materials with an increase in motivation rather than with superior learning gains. In particular, engineering educators seeking to enhance students' attention should consider adopting physical manipulatives in their classrooms, although they must be aware of the potential sex differences that could be caused by their use.
TaqI polymorphism T/t genotypes at the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) are associated with increased serum vitamin D levels in mild and moderate psoriasis vulgaris: A pilot study
Authors: AbdElneam Ahmed Ibrahim , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem , Mohammed Ghada Farouk
Published: September 2022

Background

Several types of polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been found in psoriasis.

Aim

This study looked at the role of the TaqI polymorphism in the VDR gene as a factor in changing plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in psoriasis patients and to see if it had any relationship with disease severity.

Subjects and Methods

Clinical examination, serum 25(OH)D level measurement, molecular studies and TaqI genotyping by PCR and RFLP were performed for the two groups.

Results

The T/t genotypes of TaqI polymorphism genotypes were most common in patients, while the t/t genotypes were more abundant in healthy subjects. The T allele was high in the patient group in comparison with the normal subjects, but there were no significant differences (p = 0.421). Patients with T/t TaqI genotypes had higher levels of 25(OH)D than those with T/T and t/t (p = 0.004). Moderate psoriatic patients with the T/t genotype had relatively high 25(OH)D levels compared with moderate patients with the T/t and t/t genotypes (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The increase in 25(OH)D titers in moderate patients is greater than that in mild and severe patients. T/t genotypes are associated with increased 25(OH)D levels in moderate and mild patients.
Diffusion‐Weighted MR Imaging of the Optic Nerve Can Improve the Detection of Post‐Laminar Optic Nerve Invasion from Retinoblastoma
Authors: Liu Jing , Xu Xiaolin , Yan Jing , Guo Jian , Wang XinYan , Xian Junfang
Published: September 2022

Background

Post‐laminar optic nerve invasion (PLONI) is a high‐risk factor for the metastasis of retinoblastoma (RB). Unlike conventional MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) reflects histopathological features, and may aid the assessment of PLONI.

Purpose

To determine the value of conventional MRI plus DWI in detecting PLONI in RB patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Eighty‐three RB patients, including 28 with histopathologically proven PLONI and 55 without PLONI.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, precontrast axial T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted imaging, DWI, and postcontrast axial, coronal, and oblique‐sagittal T1‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

PLONI was assessed using post‐enucleation histology and preoperative MRI features (optic nerve signal intensity, enlargement, and enhancement on conventional MRI, and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] of the optic nerve on DWI) evaluated by three observers.

Statistical Tests

MRI features suggesting the presence of PLONI were identified using univariable and multivariable analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze diagnostic performance.

Results

Optic nerve enhancement and low ADC of the optic nerve were significant indicators of PLONI. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the combination of these two features for detecting PLONI was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.93). The diagnostic performance of this model was significantly superior to that of optic nerve enhancement alone (0.76, 95% CI: 0.65–0.85) and marginally superior to that of the ADC of the affected optic nerve (0.78, 95% CI: 0.68–0.87, P = 0.051).

Data Conclusion

Conventional MRI combined with DWI can improve the detection of PLONI in RB patients over conventional MRI alone.

Evidence Level: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2
Revealing the Combined Nanoconfinement Effect by Soft and Stiff Inclusions in PMMA/Silica CO2 Blown Foams
Authors: Lepcio Petr , Svatík Juraj , Štaffová Martina , Lesser Alan J. , Ondreáš František
Published: September 2022

This study shows the importance of nanoparticle (NP) spatial arrangement on the nucleation, morphology, and properties of nanocomposite foams. It probes CO2 blown PMMA with three types of nanosilica structures with exactly the same chemical composition: aggregates, chain bound clusters, and individually dispersed NPs. A systematic but nontrivial scaling of morphology, glass transition temperature, static and impact mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity is discussed with special regard to the combined nanoconfinement by soft and stiff inclusions. The presented results suggest a limited potential of simultaneous toughening by nanoreinforcement and shear banding, which can draw significant implications for both the fundamental science and industrial practice dealing with nanoreinforced cellular materials.
Proteomic evaluation of nanotoxicity in aquatic organisms: A review
Authors: Tubatsi Gosaitse , Kebaabetswe Lemme Prica , Musee Ndeke
Published: September 2022

The alteration of organisms protein functions by engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is dependent on the complex interplay between their inherent physicochemical properties (e.g., size, surface coating, shape) and environmental conditions (e.g., pH, organic matter). To date, there is increasing interest on the use of ‘omics’ approaches, such as proteomics, genomics, and others, to study ENPs‐biomolecules interactions in aquatic organisms. However, although proteomics has recently been applied to investigate effects of ENPs and associated mechanisms in aquatic organisms, its use remain limited. Herein, proteomics techniques widely applied to investigate ENPs–protein interactions in aquatic organisms are reviewed. Data demonstrates that 2DE and mass spectrometry and/or their combination, thereof, are the most suitable techniques to elucidate ENPs–protein interactions. Furthermore, current status on ENPs and protein interactions, and possible mechanisms of nanotoxicity with emphasis on those that exert influence at protein expression levels, and key influencing factors on ENPs–proteins interactions are outlined. Most reported studies were done using synthetic media and essay protocols and had wide variability (not standardized); this may consequently limit data application in actual environmental systems. Therefore, there is a need for studies using realistic environmental concentrations of ENPs, and actual environmental matrixes (e.g., surface water) to aid better model development of ENPs–proteins interactions in aquatic systems.
Exogenously applied melatonin alleviates the damage in cucumber plants caused by Aphis goosypii through altering the insect behavior and inducing host plant resistance
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Du Changxia , Yue Cong , Tan Yinqing , Fan Huaifu
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Aphis gossypii Glover is the main pest found in most cucumber‐producing areas. Melatonin (MT) has been widely studied in protecting plants from environmental stresses and pathogens. However, little knowledge is available on the impact of MT on insect resistance.

RESULTS

The fecundity of aphids on MT‐treated cucumber leaves was inhibited. Interestingly, MT‐treated plants were more attractive to aphids, which would prevent the large‐scale transmission of viruses caused by the random movement of aphids. Meanwhile, MT caused varying degrees of change in enzyme activities related to methylesterified HG degradation, antioxidants, defense systems and membrane lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis showed that MT induced 2360 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with the control before aphid infection. These DEGs mainly were enriched in hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, and plant‐pathogen interaction, revealing that MT can help plants acquire inducible resistance and enhance plant immunity. Subsequently, 2397 DEGs were identified after aphid infection. Further analysis showed that MT‐treated plants possessed stronger JA signal, reactive oxygen species stability, and the ability of flavonoid synthesis under aphid infection, while mediating plant growth and sucrose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

In summary, MT as an environmentally friendly substance mitigated aphid damage to cucumbers by affecting the aphids themselves and enhancing plant resistance. This will facilitate exploring sustainable MT‐based strategies for cucumber aphid control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Very Low Temperature Growth of BaTiO3 Nanoparticles by Sol‐Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Kumar Dushyant , Kumar Sahil , Kumar Shammi , Thakur Nagesh , Shandilya Mamta
Published: September 2022

Low‐temperature intercessions are the most proficient technique to control the particle size in the nanometres range with low agglomeration. Herein, BaTiO3 (BT) nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared at low temperatures by using the sol‐hydrothermal technique. An X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the powder signifies the pure tetragonal phase, and the average crystallite size (43.2 nm) is calculated using different methods: Scherrer's, uniform deformation model (UDM), uniform stress deformation model (USDM), and uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM) analysis, and the structure is refined by Rietveld refinement method with a good fit value (χ2 = 1.66). Spherical and uniform surface morphology is counted up for BT NPs. Under suitable conditions, BT NPs can be prepared with an average particle size of ≈115 ± 10 nm. However, after sintering, the average grain size (335 ± 10 nm) of the BaTiO3 nanopowder is found to increase with dense grain boundaries. The dielectric behavior of the sample is analyzed with the variation of frequency at different temperatures. The effect of grain and grain boundary on the electrical properties of the material is also investigated by using complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS).