bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete prevalence of primary malignant and nonmalignant brain tumors in comparison to other cancers in the United States
Authors: Neff Corey , Price Mackenzie , Cioffi Gino , Kruchko Carol , Waite Kristin A. , Barnholtz‐Sloan Jill S. , Ostrom Quinn T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Primary brain tumors (BTs) are rare, but cause morbidity and mortality disproportionately to their incidence. Prevalence estimates population‐level cancer burdens at a specified time. This study estimates the prevalence of malignant and non‐malignant BTs in comparison to other cancers.

Methods

Incidence data were obtained from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (2000–2019, varying), a combined data set including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Incidence of non‐BT cancers were obtained from the United States Cancer Statistics (2001–2019). Incidence and survival estimates for all cancers were obtained from SEER (1975–2018). Complete prevalence as of December 31, 2019, was estimated using prevEst. Estimates were generated overall for non‐BT cancers, by BT histopathology, age groups at prevalence (0–14, 15–39, 40–64, 65+ years), and sex.

Results

We estimated 1,323,121 individuals with a diagnosis of BTs at the date of prevalence. The majority of BT cases had non‐malignant tumors (85.3%). Among all cancers, BTs were the most prevalent cancer type among those ages 15 to 39 years, second among those ages 0 to 14 years, and in the top five among those ages 40 to 64 years. The plurality of prevalent cases (43.5%) occurred among those ages 65+ years. Overall, females had a higher prevalence of BTs than males, with an overall female:male prevalence ratio of 1.68.

Conclusions

BTs contribute significantly to the cancer burden in the United States, particularly among those younger than age 65 years. Understanding complete prevalence is crucial for monitoring cancer burden to inform clinical research and public policy.
Association of prosthetic angles of the Implant Supracrestal Complex with peri‐implant tissue mucositis
Authors: Rungtanakiat Piboon , Thitaphanich Natchaya , Chengprapakorn Wareerat , Janda Martin , Arksornnukit Mansuang , Mattheos Nikos
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the Mucosal Emergence Angle (MEA) with peri‐implant tissue mucositis.

Material and Methods

Forty‐seven patients with 103 posterior bone level implants underwent clinical and radiographic examination. Three‐dimensional data from Cone Bean Computer Tomography and Optica Scan were transposed. Three angles were defined: MEA, Deep Angle (DA) and Total Angle (TA) and measured at six sites for each implant.

Results

There was a significant correlation between MEA and Bleeding on Probing for all sites with an overall odds ratio of odd ratio 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.09, p < 0.001). Sites with MEA ≥ 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, and 70° had a higher risk for bleeding with an odds ratio of 3.1, 5, 7.5, 11.4 and 33.55, respectively. When all 6 sites of an implant prostheses had MEA ≥ 40°, the risk of having bleeding at all 6 sites was 9.5 times higher (95% CI 1.70–52.97, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Maintaining MEA no wider than 30°−40° is advisable, while the aim should be to keep this angle as narrow as clinically feasible. Registered in Thai Clinical Trials Registry: http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20220204002.
OMIP‐92: Characterization of rat macrophage subsets, lymphocytes, and granulocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Bouchard Karine , Patoine Dany , Bissonnette Elyse Y. , Lauzon‐Joset Jean‐Francois
Published: May 2023

Airway inflammation is a defense mechanism against inhaled agents characterized by infiltration of circulating immune cells. Given the inconsistent cellular identification across pre‐clinical rat model, we have developed a flow cytometry panel of six colors to characterize macrophages subsets, lymphocytes and granulocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL). Rats were challenged with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BAL were harvested 24 h after one LPS exposure in rats. This flow cytometry panel involve the description of macrophage subsets, T and B lymphocytes and neutrophils, which are central to airway immune responses, as based on scientific literature. By using a relatively small number of parameters to identify multiple cell types, additional parameters can be used for project/disease‐specific activation markers.
Plate reduction in southern Japanese freshwater populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Kanbe Hiyu , Hosoki Takuya K. , Kokita Tomoyuki , Mori Seiichi , Kitano Jun
Published: May 2023

Adaptation to similar environments can lead to the evolution of similar phenotypes in phylogenetically independent lineages. However, the extent of parallel evolution often varies. Because such variations can be due to environmental heterogeneity among seemingly similar habitats, identification of the environmental factors that cause non‐parallel patterns can provide valuable insight into the ecological factors associated with phenotypic diversification. Armor plate reduction in replicate freshwater populations of the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) represents a well‐known example of parallel evolution. Many freshwater populations in multiple regions of the Northern Hemisphere have reduced plate numbers, but not all freshwater populations exhibit plate reduction. In this study, we characterized plate number variation in Japanese freshwater populations and investigated the association between plate number and several abiotic environmental factors. We found that most freshwater populations have not reduced plate numbers in Japan. Plate reduction tends to occur in habitats with warmer winter temperatures at lower latitudes in Japan. In contrast, low dissolved calcium levels or water turbidity had no significant effects on plate reduction, although these were reported to be associated with plate reduction in Europe. Although our data are consistent with the hypothesis that winter temperatures are associated with plate reduction, further studies on the relationship between temperatures and fitness using sticklebacks with varying plate numbers are necessary to confirm this hypothesis and understand the factors causing variations in the extent of parallel evolution.
Fire severity as a key determinant of aboveground and belowground biological community recovery in managed even‐aged boreal forests
Authors: Pérez‐Izquierdo Leticia , Bengtsson Jan , Clemmensen Karina E. , Granath Gustaf , Gundale Michael J. , Ibáñez Theresa S. , Lindahl Björn D. , Strengbom Joachim , Taylor Astrid , Viketoft Maria , Wardle David A. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte
Published: May 2023

Changes in fire regime of boreal forests in response to climate warming are expected to impact postfire recovery. However, quantitative data on how managed forests sustain and recover from recent fire disturbance are limited.

Two years after a large wildfire in managed even‐aged boreal forests in Sweden, we investigated how recovery of aboveground and belowground communities, that is, understory vegetation and soil microbial and faunal communities, responded to variation in the severity of soil (i.e., consumption of soil organic matter) and canopy fires (i.e., tree mortality).

While fire overall enhanced diversity of understory vegetation through colonization of fire adapted plant species, it reduced the abundance and diversity of soil biota. We observed contrasting effects of tree‐ and soil‐related fire severity on survival and recovery of understory vegetation and soil biological communities. Severe fires that killed overstory Pinus sylvestris promoted a successional stage dominated by the mosses Ceratodon purpureus and Polytrichum juniperinum, but reduced regeneration of tree seedlings and disfavored the ericaceous dwarf‐shrub Vaccinium vitis‐idaea and the grass Deschampsia flexuosa. Moreover, high tree mortality from fire reduced fungal biomass and changed fungal community composition, in particular that of ectomycorrhizal fungi, and reduced the fungivorous soil Oribatida. In contrast, soil‐related fire severity had little impact on vegetation composition, fungal communities, and soil animals. Bacterial communities responded to both tree‐ and soil‐related fire severity.

Synthesis: Our results 2 years postfire suggest that a change in fire regime from a historically low‐severity ground fire regime, with fires that mainly burns into the soil organic layer, to a stand‐replacing fire regime with a high degree of tree mortality, as may be expected with climate change, is likely to impact the short‐term recovery of stand structure and above‐ and belowground species composition of even‐aged P. sylvestris boreal forests.
Investigation of Chemical and Thermal Stability of Li7−xLa3Zr2−xTaxO12 Garnet Type Solid‐State Electrolyte to Assemble Self‐Standing Li‐based All Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Charrad Ghassen , Pradeilles Sarah , Berthelot Romain , Taberna Pierre-Louis , Simon Patrice , Rozier Patrick
Published: May 2023

All solid‐state batteries (ASSB) are the next generation of safe and high‐energy‐density energy storage technology. Their development is currently impeded by the stability issues of solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) limiting the creation of interfaces of quality high enough to ensure efficient transfer of charges. The garnet Li7−xLa3Zr2−xTaxO12 (LLZO:Ta) is one of the most appealing oxide‐based SSE but its high sensitivity to moist air engenders difficulties in designing process to densify and assemble components of the ASSB. Based on a careful investigation of LLZO:Ta thermal and chemical stability, a heat treatment is designed and shown to fully reverse the protonation process. The investigation of spark plasma sintering protocols confirms that pretreated LLZO:Ta can be densified at a temperature as low as 850 °C or with a short duration (few seconds) at 900 °C. The characterization of obtained ceramics shows conductivities close to the bulk properties and confirms the absence of influence of grain boundaries. The study of composite electrodes shows that LLZO:Ta is suitable to act both as SSE separator and ionic percolator in positive electrode, the selection of active material remains the main issue to target self‐standing Li‐based ASSB.
Volatile changes associated with fresh‐cut jackfruit during storage
Authors: Adiani Vanshika , Gupta Sumit , Variyar Prasad S.
Published: May 2023

Headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GCMS) was performed to study the aroma volatile profile of fresh‐cut jackfruit under different storage temperature conditions (4 and 10°C). Total viable counts (TVC) and yeast and mould count (Y&M) were also simultaneously estimated. Sensory analysis revealed a loss in texture along with an increase in ripeness during storage at both the storage temperatures. It was observed that the volatile profile demonstrated significant changes at different storage temperatures during storage. Principal component analysis performed on volatile compounds allowed to differentiate fresh samples from stored samples, the differential pattern of correlation with volatiles was observed at 4 and 10°C. During storage the ester content increased linearly at both temperatures, however acetate esters predominated initially at 4°C, followed by other non‐acetate esters. In the case of 10°C storage, higher levels of ethyl ester derivatives along with other esters were obtained in the later period of storage due to enhanced microbial activity.
Explaining and critiquing the postnormal: A warning against ideologies in the field of futures and foresight
Authors: Fergnani Alex
Published: May 2023

“Postnormal” currents of thought, which are herein used in reference to the post‐normal science and the postnormal times frameworks, have been tremendously useful to help us understand the limits of science and the nature of societal change. Yet a blanket adherence to these frameworks without scrutiny risks falling into an unsubstantiated ideology. In response to and as a prevention of this risk, this article explains and critiques the two frameworks. It explains that post‐normal science is both a description of a recent trend in science applied to policy contexts and a prescriptive response to new conditions of scientific inquiry. It also explains that postnormal times is both description of societal change and expression of subjective feelings elicited by such change. The two frameworks' merits and limitations are also discussed. The article's conclusion is that while the post‐normal science framework can be rescued with some further qualifications, the postnormal times framework is particularly problematic. The discussion of the two frameworks' limitations is used as a warning against ideological positions that prevent fruitful research in the field of futures and foresight, and to encourage a more informed use of the term “postnormal.”
Perceived social support mediates loneliness and social isolation: A cross‐sectional study of Chinese older adults relocated for poverty relief
Authors: Jia Yuling , Yue Yuexue
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of perceived social support in the relationship between loneliness and social isolation among Chinese older adults relocated for poverty relief.

Methods

We surveyed 128 older migrants from four resettlement areas in Guizhou Province, southwest China. A general information questionnaire, the Lubben Social Network Scale‐6, the Perceived Social Support Rating Scale, and the Single Item Loneliness Scale were used in our study. We also used the SPSS macro PROCESS to test a mediation model and the Bootstrap method to assess its significance.

Results

The prevalence of social isolation among older relocators was 85.9%; the mediation model showed that loneliness had a direct negative effect on social isolation (B = −1.25, p < 0.01), and that perceived social support fully mediated this effect (−1.18), with a total effect of −1.25 (p < 0.01) and a mediating proportion of 94.4%.

Conclusions

Older relocators in poverty alleviation areas experienced high levels of social isolation. Perceived social support might buffer the negative impact of loneliness on social isolation. We suggest that interventions should be designed to enhance perceived social support and reduce social isolation among this vulnerable population.
Nature-based solutions: Establishing a comprehensive framework for addressing urban waterlogging management
Authors: Zhao Sujun , Yue Bangrui
Published: May 2023

Due to the impact of global climate change, many cities in China have been hit by severe rainstorms, leading to increasingly frequent urban waterlogging disasters. In recent years, nature-based solutions (NbS) have received widespread attention and recognition, providing new ideas and approaches to addressing urban waterlogging issues. First, this article reviews the development process and concept of NbS and analyzes its core ideas and principles. Second, it analyzes the guiding role of NbS in urban waterlogging management and compares the commonalities and differences between NbS and three related waterlogging concepts. To ensure that urban waterlogging management is operational and dynamic, and that there is effective communication among stakeholders, this article proposes a comprehensive framework for the application of NbS in urban waterlogging management. Finally, this article analyzes the opportunities and potential of NbS applied to urban environmental issues. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1414–1421. © 2023 SETAC
Self‐monitoring of blood glucose two‐weekly versus weekly in gestational diabetes on nutrition therapy: A randomized trial
Authors: Thye Cheow Teng , Hamdan Mukhri , Sethi Neha , Rajaratnam Rajeev Kumar , Hong Jesrine , Tan Peng Chiong
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate 4‐point per day self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) every 2 weeks compared with every week.

Methods

A total of 104 patients with lifestyle‐controlled gestational diabetes (GDMA1) were randomized to 2‐weekly or weekly 4‐point per day (fasting on awakening and 2‐h post‐meals) SMBG. Primary outcome was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level from enrollment to 36 weeks of pregnancy across trial arms. The non‐inferiority margin was an HbA1c increase of 0.2%.

Results

The mean difference for change in HbA1c from enrollment to 36 weeks was 0.003% (95% confidence interval [CI] –0.098% to +0.093%), within the 0.2% non‐inferiority margin. The change in HbA1c level increased significantly within both trial arms—0.275% ± 0.241% (P < 0.001) in 2‐weekly arm versus 0.277% ± 0.236% (P < 0.001) in the weekly arm. Participants randomized to 2‐weekly SMBG were significantly less likely to receive anti‐glycemic treatment—5/52 (9.6%) versus 14/50 (28.0%) (relative risk 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.88; P = 0.017). All secondary outcomes—maternal weight gain, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, birthweight, and neonatal admission—were not significantly different.

Conclusions

In GDMA1, 2‐weekly is non‐inferior to weekly SMBG on the change in HbA1c level. Two‐weekly SMBG appeared to be adequate for monitoring women with GDMA1.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was registered in ISRCTN registry on March 25, 2022 with trial identification number: ISRCTN13404790 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13404790). The first participant was recruited on April 12, 2022.
Limits of energy access research on unreliability
Authors: Jacome Veronica
Published: May 2023

Electricity users in sub‐Saharan Africa face persistent unreliable and unaffordable access. However, users' perspectives and experiences have largely been absent from policy literature. Content analysis of energy access policy literature reveals two long‐held assumptions: (1) any connection is better than no connection; (2) residents who object to this poor access have an entitlement problem. This paper critically interrogates these assumptions by using ethnographic data gathered during fieldwork in Unguja, Tanzania. It finds that long‐held policy justifications are easily contravened by real‐life experiences of sub‐par service and counters conventional narratives that blame users for the failure of electricity systems in their communities.
Effect of spray drying conditions on physicochemical and functional properties of apple cider vinegar powder
Authors: Altay Ipek , Reimer Stubbe Peter , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin
Published: May 2023

Background

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains many health benefits due to its antioxidant and acetic acid content. However, the adverse effects of directly consuming the vinegar should be eliminated to make it possible to regulate its intake as a dietary supplement. The objective of the study is to optimize the spray drying operating conditions to produce ACV powder with health benefits. A central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the spray drying process of ACV. The influences of inlet temperature (130°C–170°C), gum Arabic concentration (5%–15% w/w), and feed flow rate (1–2 kg/h) on some product and process aspects were investigated. Spray‐dried powders were evaluated for their moisture content, process yield, acetic acid content, solubility, and antioxidant content.

Results

The relationships between the model factors and final powder properties were established with ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. The model factors affected the investigated powder properties at different significance levels, where carrier concentration was the main influencing factor. Gum Arabic contributed to the retention of volatile and heat‐sensitive compounds providing health benefits. All powders showed high solubility (>94%) and high antioxidant recovery, and most treatments achieved a drying yield of higher than 50%.

Conclusion

Optimization of spray drying process was achieved with application of RSM and relationships between model factors and powder properties were established. This study highlighted the feasibility of the development of ACV‐based functional powder as a dietary supplement.
Closed‐tube visual detection of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) using self‐quenched primer coupled with a designed loop‐mediated isothermal amplification vessel
Authors: Hanyue Xue , Yanjin Fei , Shihui Wang , Yao Lili , Xiong Xiong , Ying Yang
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Species adulteration has been widely revealed around the world, and the possible reasons include declining stocks in most source areas of the world, poor transparency in the global supply chain, and difficulty in distinguishing the features of processed products. The present work selected Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) as a case study, and developed a novel loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Atlantic cod authentication, where a self‐quenched primer and a newly designed reaction vessel were used to realize the endpoint visual detection of the target‐specific products.

RESULTS

A novel LAMP primer set was designed for Atlantic cod, and the inner primer BIP was selected to label the self‐quenched fluorogenic element. The fluorophore's dequenching only occurred along with LAMP elongation for the target species. No fluorescence could be observed with both single‐stranded DNA and partially complementary dsDNA of the non‐target species. With the novel reaction vessel, both amplification as well as detection were operated in an enclosed device, and visual differentiation of Atlantic cod, negative control, and false positive generated from primer dimers was achieved. The novel assay has proved its specificity and applicability, and could detect as little as 1 pg of Atlantic cod DNA. Moreover, Atlantic cod adulteration as low as 10% could be detected in haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), and no cross‐reactivity was observed.

CONCLUSION

The established assay could be a useful tool to detect mislabeling incidents involving Atlantic cod considering the advantages of speed, simplicity and accuracy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of gamma irradiation on the sensory and metabolic profiles of two peach cultivars
Authors: Pieroni Victoria , Ottaviano Fernanda Gugole , Sosa Miriam , Gabilondo Julieta , Budde Claudio , Colletti Analía C. , Denoya Gabriela , Polenta Gustavo , Bustamante Claudia , Müller Gabriela , Pachado José , Andres Silvina C , Cardinal Paula , Rodriguez Graciela , Garitta Lorena
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The suitability of commercial peaches for minimal processing (MP) is limited, mainly due to shortened shelf‐life. Gamma irradiation has emerged in MP fruits as a promising technology. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on the sensory and metabolic profiles of MP peaches from two cultivars – ‘Forastero’ (FT) and ‘Ruby Prince’ (RP) – and evaluate the relationship between both profiles. MP peaches were packaged and divided into two groups: one without additional treatment (K) and the other subjected to gamma irradiation (1.0 kGy, I‐ irradiation treatment), making a total of four samples (FTK, FTI, RPK and RPI). The sensory profile was carried out by an assessor panel. Metabolite analysis was accomplished by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Irradiation significantly affected color, homogeneity, peach aroma, total flavor intensity, peach flavor, sweetness and juiciness in FT, increasing their intensities. In the RP cultivar, irradiation increased brightness, total aroma intensity, peach aroma, and flavor and texture descriptors. Regarding metabolites, only malic acid and sucrose increased their concentrations in the irradiated samples. Partial least squares showed that sucrose was mainly correlated with sweet, total aroma intensity and peach flavors, and linked with FTI sample. Bitter along with peach aroma and total intensity flavor were associated with RPI sample.

CONCLUSION

The applied dose accelerated the ripening process of the peach. The study highlights the importance of complementing sensory analysis with metabolomics tools to optimize fruit quality in minimally processed peaches. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identifying Core Journals in Otolaryngology: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Meller Leo L.T. , Vasudev Milind , Bui Anh‐Tram , Wang Jenny , Kuan Edward C. , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah M.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

As research in otolaryngology continues to expand rapidly, it is important to identify core journals to keep clinicians updated with the latest advances. This study is the first to characterize core journals in otolaryngology.

Methods

Using h‐index and impact factor (IF), the top 15 NLM‐indexed otolaryngology journals were selected for analysis. The references from all articles published in these journals in one randomized quarter were compiled into a citation rank list, with the most cited journal ranked the highest. Citation zonal distribution analysis was conducted to identify the zonal distribution of otolaryngology journals.

Results

A total of 3150 journals containing 26876 articles were cited in otolaryngology literature in April–June 2019. Laryngoscope was the most cited journal containing 1762 citations. IF is significantly associated with the h‐index for the top 10 otolaryngology journals (p = 0.032). Three core journal zones were identified, with Zone 1 containing 8 journals, Zone 2 containing 36 journals, and Zone 3 containing 189 journals. A linear relationship between the log journal rank for Zones 1–3 and a cumulative number of citations was found (R2 = 0.9948).

Conclusion

Eight core journals for otolaryngology were identified: Laryngoscope, Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Otology & Neurotology, JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Head & Neck, European Archives of Oto‐Rhino‐Laryngology, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. In the face of rapidly evolving research and a multitude of journals, the high citation density within these core journals highlights their utility in updating busy clinicians.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:3346–3352, 2023
Reconstruction of finger contracture with an expanded first dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap: A case report
Authors: Özkan Burak , Tatar Burak Ergün , Savran Süleyman , Albayati Abbas , Uysal Cagri Ahmet
Published: May 2023

Volar finger contractures can be challenging for plastic surgeons. The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator (DMCAP) flap is frequently used to cover bones, tendons, and neurovascular structures in the dorsum of the hand after trauma and burns as an alternative to grafts and free flaps. We aimed to report volar finger defect reconstruction with expanded DMCAP flap. A 9‐year‐old male patient applied to our clinic with the complaint of inability to open the second finger of the left hand after an electrical burn that caused proximal and distal interphalangeal joints flexion contractures. Reconstruction was planned for the patient with a two‐session expanded first DMCAP flap. A 16 mL 5 × 3 cm tissue expander was placed in the prepared area from the vertical incision in the first session. The tissue expander was inflated with 4 mL of isotonic solution. The DMCA area was enlarged 6 weeks later by giving 22 mL of isotonic solution. After the pedicle dissection, the 9 × 3 cm DMCAP flap was elevated by dissection over the paratenon. With 180° of rotation, the left‐hand second finger was adapted to the 6 × 2 cm defect area on the volar face. The flap donor site was closed primarily. The operation was terminated by placing the hand on a protective splint. There were no complications in the flap in the postoperative 6 months. The patient was referred to the physical therapy and rehabilitation department. As a result, an expanded DMCAP flap may cover volar tissue defects up to the distal phalanx. This report may present the first case in which volar finger contracture reconstruction was performed with an expanded first DMCAP flap after an electrical burn in a pediatric patient.
Prolate spheroidal wave functions associated with the canonical Fourier–Bessel transform and uncertainty principles
Authors: Sahbani Jihed , Guettiti Takoua
Published: May 2023

The aim of this paper is to establish an extension of the prolate spheroidal wave functions which is the eigenfunction of the finite Bessel type of linear canonical transform (LCT) so‐called finite canonical Fourier–Bessel transform. We study the concentration problem, uncertainty principles about the essential supports, and signal recovery related to the canonical Fourier–Bessel transform on the space of band‐limited functions.
Promoting health and preventing malnutrition among children in rural Bangladesh: A qualitative study
Authors: Westerbotn Margareta , Monfors Felicia , Reusser Julia , Tyrrell Marie
Published: May 2023

Aim

To describe community healthcare professionals' experiences of preventing malnutrition among children in rural Bangladesh.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study with a total of seven healthcare professionals were recruited from a non‐governmental organisation in rural Bangladesh. Individual in‐depth interviews were conducted in November 2018 using a semi‐structured interview guide. The audio‐recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed manually using content analysis.

Results

The data analysis resulted in two main categories: Implementation and practices in preventing malnutrition and Challenges in working with prevention of malnutrition. Education was considered an important and essential preventative intervention. Healthcare professionals faced challenges in their work in relation to socio‐cultural and climate factors. The findings indicate how healthcare professional identified the need for increased knowledge and resources in the community to promote nutritional health in children.
Health care providers' attitudes and counseling behaviors related to obesity
Authors: Smith Marjanna , Gallagher Christine , Weber Deanne , Dietz William H.
Published: May 2023

Background

Obesity affects over 42% of the U.S. adult population, yet it remains undertreated. Many healthcare providers are biased in their perceptions and attitudes regarding obesity management and lack knowledge about how to treat it.

Methods

The authors analyzed the results of the 2021 DocStyles survey to examine primary care providers' treatment and perceptions of obesity. The sample consisted of primary care physicians and nurse practitioners/physician assistants. Questions assessed healthcare providers' attitudes and counseling behaviors related to obesity, including referrals, use of medical therapy, barriers to care, and perceived risk factors for obesity.

Results

1168 primary care providers who treat obesity participated in the survey. About half of the providers reported referring patients for obesity treatment. Almost two‐thirds of providers had prescribed anti‐obesity medications in the last 12 months. Those who did not prescribe anti‐obesity medications reported a lack of familiarity with the medications or concerns about safety. Over three‐quarters of providers indicated at least one barrier to treating obesity. Over half of the providers reported that poverty and food insecurity contributed significantly to the high prevalence of obesity in communities of color.

Conclusion

Increased familiarity with anti‐obesity medications may improve treatment. Reasons for patients' low priority accorded to obesity care remain the focus of future research.
Centring justice in conceptualizing and improving access to urban nature
Authors: Langhans Kelley E. , Echeverri Alejandra , Daws S. Caroline , Moss Sydney N. , Anderson Christopher B. , Chaplin‐Kramer Rebecca , Hendershot J. Nicholas , Liu Lingling , Mandle Lisa , Nguyen Oliver , Ou Suzanne X. , Remme Roy P. , Schmitt Rafael J. P. , Vogl Adrian , Daily Gretchen C.
Published: May 2023

As humanity has become increasingly urban, a growing number of people have been deprived of access to nature and the benefits it provides. This is especially true for marginalized groups, who often live in neighbourhoods where nature has been so diminished and degraded that it provides fewer types, and much lower levels of benefits.

We review the literatures on human–nature relationships, urban sustainability and justice to create an actionable definition of ‘access to nature’ that people can use to advocate for and guide investments that improve access to nature in urban contexts.

We show how the interplay of three dimensions of justice—recognitional, procedural and distributional—determines access to nature in cities, and how these dimensions are core to increasing access to urban nature.

We present a design thinking framework that centres justice in creating interventions for access to nature, together with questions that can guide the process of designing and implementing new interventions.

Lastly, we illustrate how our framework can be operationalized by showcasing three case studies that improve access to nature to marginalized communities in the United States: Latino Outdoors, Sogorea Te′ Land Trust and the Nature Imagery in Prisons Project.

We conclude by re‐affirming the importance of centring justice in improving access to nature, so that all people can enjoy the benefits that nature provides and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Correlation between heparin anti‐Xa activity and thromboelastography in adult critically ill COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Buckley Mitchell S. , Benanti Grace E. , Gilbert Brian , Meckel Jordan , Dzierba Amy L. , MacLaren Robert
Published: May 2023

Study Objective

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) increases the risk of thrombotic complications with unfractionated heparin (UFH) as a commonly used agent in managing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The optimal anticoagulation intensity and monitoring parameters in intensive care unit (ICU) COVID‐19 patients remains controversial. The primary study aim was to evaluate the relationship between anti‐Xa and thromboelastography (TEG) reaction (R) time in patients with severe COVID‐19 receiving therapeutic UFH infusions.

Design

Single‐center, retrospective study conducted over a 15‐month period (2020–2021).

Setting

Academic medical center (Banner University Medical Center Phoenix).

Patients

Adult patients with severe COVID‐19 administered therapeutic UFH infusions with one or more corresponding TEG, and anti‐Xa assessments drawn within ≤2 hours of each other were included. The primary end point was the correlation between anti‐Xa and TEG R time. Secondary aims were to describe the correlation between activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and TEG R time, as well as clinical outcomes. Pearson's coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation using a kappa measure of agreement.
Proteomics evaluation of five economical commercial abundant protein depletion kits for enrichment of diseases‐specific biomarkers from blood serum
Authors: Ahsan Nagib , Fornelli Luca , Najar Fares Z. , Gamagedara Sanjeewa , Hossan Mohammad Robiul , Rao R. Shyama Prasad , Punyamurtula Ujwal , Bauer Andrew , Yang Zhibo , Foster Steven B. , Kane Maureen A.
Published: May 2023

Blood serum is arguably the most analyzed biofluid for disease prediction and diagnosis. Herein, we benchmarked five different serum abundant protein depletion (SAPD) kits with regard to the identification of disease‐specific biomarkers in human serum using bottom‐up proteomics. As expected, the IgG removal efficiency among the SAPD kits is highly variable, ranging from 70% to 93%. A pairwise comparison of database search results showed a 10%–19% variation in protein identification among the kits. Immunocapturing‐based SAPD kits against IgG and albumin outperformed the others in the removal of these two abundant proteins. Conversely, non‐antibody‐based methods (i.e., kits using ion exchange resins) and kits leveraging a multi‐antibody approach were proven to be less efficient in depleting IgG/albumin from samples but led to the highest number of identified peptides. Notably, our results indicate that different cancer biomarkers could be enriched up to 10% depending on the utilized SAPD kit compared with the undepleted sample. Additionally, functional analysis of the bottom‐up proteomic results revealed that different SAPD kits enrich distinct disease‐ and pathway‐specific protein sets. Overall, our study emphasizes that a careful selection of the appropriate commercial SAPD kit is crucial for the analysis of disease biomarkers in serum by shotgun proteomics.
Curcumin as a therapeutic agent in cancer therapy: Focusing on its modulatory effects on circularRNAs
Authors: Si Lihui , Zhang Lina , Xing Shaoliang , Fang Panke , Tian Xiu , Liu Xiaoyan , Xv Xiaohong
Published: May 2023

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol compound, has been identified as an effective therapeutic agent against cancer that exerts its anti‐tumor activities by up/downregulating signaling mediators and modulating various cellular processes, including angiogenesis, autophagy, apoptosis, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Since almost 98% of genomic transcriptional production is noncoding RNAs in humans, there is evidence that curcumin exerts therapeutic effects through the alterations of noncoding RNAs in various types of cancers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are formed by the back‐splicing of immature mRNAs and have several functions, including functioning as miRNA sponges. It has been shown that curcumin modulated various circRNAs, including circ‐HN1, circ‐PRKCA, circPLEKHM3, circZNF83, circFNDC3B, circ_KIAA1199, circRUNX1, circ_0078710, and circ_0056618. The modulation of these circRNAs targeted the expression of mRNAs and modified various signaling pathways and hallmarks of cancer. In this article, we reviewed the pharmacokinetics of curcumin, its anti‐cancer activities, as well as the biology and structure of circRNAs. Our main focus was on how curcumin exerts anti‐cancer functions by modulating circRNAs and their target mRNAs and pathways.
Bidimensional climatology and trends of Northern Hemisphere blocking utilizing a new detection method
Authors: Li Muyuan , Luo Dehai , Simmonds Ian , Yao Yao , Zhong Linhao
Published: May 2023

In this article, the meridional gradient of daily potential vorticity (PV) on the 330 K isentropic surface is used to identify atmospheric blocking events for the period 1979–2019. The associated two‐dimensional index considers not only Rossby wave breaking, but also energy dispersion and nonlinearity of blocking systems, and thus has a solid theoretical foundation. It also has the advantage of automatically excluding subtropical high‐pressure systems in summer and autumn. The index reveals that the Northern Hemisphere exhibits high blocking frequency over Euro‐Atlantic, North Pacific and Greenland in winter, spring and autumn, and over two wide‐extended bands at high latitudes in summer. Two prominent blocking episode (BE) intensity centres are found over the eastern Atlantic and eastern Pacific in all seasons, while the long‐lived BE is primarily situated in regions with high BE frequency. There is more frequent and longer‐lived BE in the Euro‐Atlantic sector than in the North Pacific, whereas the BE in the North Pacific is more intense. Notably, with the same poleward criterion for the four seasons, the BE frequency and duration are supposed to be overestimated in summer. Comparing our blocking detection method with previous blocking indices provides additional information about the long‐term trends for blocking frequency and intensity, which can be useful to our understanding of future extremes on climate time‐scales. It is found that both blocking frequency and intensity exhibit upward linear trends in the Ural region and Barents–Kara Sea in winter, Europe, northern North Pacific and East Siberia in spring, western Greenland in summer, as well as Norwegian Sea, Europe and North Atlantic in autumn, which point to increases in high‐impact weather events in these regions.
Contributions of enterprise architecture to software engineering: A systematic literature review
Authors: Martínez‐López José Antonio , García Félix , Ruiz Francisco , Vizcaíno Aurora
Published: May 2023

Enterprise architecture is a growing trend that aims to help deal with the complexity of socio‐technical systems such as human organizations, as well as their information technology and systems areas. Nevertheless, the contribution of enterprise architecture to the field of software engineering remains unclear. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to see how enterprise architecture is used in software development and maintenance practice. To this end, we first carried out a search in the SCOPUS database and then organized the papers according to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge to determine what areas of software engineering are covered by each research study. To understand how enterprise architecture is used, we established a classification based on ISO 42010 and TOGAF. From the systematic literature review, we noticed that the early stages of development are the most impacted by the enterprise architecture. On the other hand, we observed that enterprise architecture is of assistance in the areas of engineering management, engineering processes, and engineering models and methods; these tasks are carried out by teams or managers using different, often agile, development methods or standards. In turn, we found that the most common categories are architecture descriptions; these are often used to facilitate communication and information‐sharing between different stakeholders, in addition to frameworks, which will help to establish common practices in the organization related to the joint use of enterprise architecture and software development.
Uniform Densification of Garnet Electrolyte for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Guo Zhihao , Li Qihou , Li Xinhai , Wang Zhixing , Guo Huajun , Peng Wenjie , Li Guangchao , Yan Guochun , Wang Jiexi
Published: May 2023

Highly uniformly dense garnet type solid‐state electrolyte plays a significant role in determining the performance of solid‐state lithium batteries. Herein, a rational powder‐covering sintering strategy is proposed and demonstrated, in which narrow‐particle‐size‐distribution fine powder and uniform sintering temperature distribution are considered as very significant factors. It is suggested that powder materials with wider particle size distribution dramatically decrease the densified level of electrolytes. Slow temperature elevating rate and the overhead structure of bearing table are found to be beneficial to uniform densification. Moreover, the uniform densification process of sintering solid‐state electrolyte is studied both microscopically and macroscopically, which can be divided into three phases according to the grain growing evolution and linear shrinkage patterns. The ionic conductivity of the as‐prepared Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) garnet electrolyte is determined to be 0.73 mS cm−1 at 303 K with an activation energy of 0.37 eV. The Li/LLZTO/Li symmetric cell exhibits a small interfacial impedance of 8.49 Ω cm2 and a high apparent critical current density of 2.15 mA cm−2 and also can be cycled for 1000 h continuously without short‐circuit. Such results indicate the good feasibility of as‐proposed sintering strategy to prepare uniformly dense garnet type solid‐state electrolytes for solid‐state lithium batteries.
Current Advances in Design of Starch‐Based Superabsorbent Polymers and Their Removal of Typical Pollutants from Tannery Wastewater
Authors: Tan Qiong , Chen Hui , Chang Haiqing , Woo Meng Wai , Liu Wentao
Published: May 2023

With the vigorous development of the leather industry, the environmental pollution problem originating from tannery wastewater is becoming increasingly serious, which can be solved by using advanced adsorption technology. As a biodegradable natural biomaterial, starch has a wide range of sources and has gradually become one of the best choices for preparing superabsorbent polymers. The excellent characteristics of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer make it widely applied in wastewater treatment. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer in recent years by removing metal ions and typical organic compounds from tannery wastewater. Firstly, the synthesis methods and characteristics of starch‐based superabsorbent polymers are discussed. Secondly, the main factors influencing the adsorption performance of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer have been introduced. Thirdly, the present situation of treating tannery wastewater with starch‐based superabsorbent polymer is summarized. Finally, some problems existing in the practical application of starch‐based superabsorbent polymer are proposed. Although starch‐based superabsorbent polymer shows excellent adsorption properties, there remain several issues such as recycling that needed to be addressed. This review is of benefit for the high‐value utilization of starch‐based superabsorbent polymers in reducing environmental pollution caused by tannery wastewater.
Proteomic analysis of near‐isogenic lines reveals key biomarkers on wheat chromosome 4B conferring drought tolerance
Authors: Nouraei Sina , Mia Md Sultan , Liu Hui , Turner Neil C. , Khan Javed M. , Yan Guijun
Published: May 2023

Drought is a major constraint for wheat production that is receiving increased attention due to global climate change. This study conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomic analysis on near‐isogenic lines to shed light on the underlying mechanism of qDSI.4B.1 quantitative trait loci (QTL) on the short arm of chromosome 4B conferring drought tolerance in wheat. Comparing tolerant with susceptible isolines, 41 differentially expressed proteins were identified to be responsible for drought tolerance with a p‐value of < 0.05 and fold change >1.3 or <0.7. These proteins were mainly enriched in hydrogen peroxide metabolic activity, reactive oxygen species metabolic activity, photosynthetic activity, intracellular protein transport, cellular macromolecule localization, and response to oxidative stress. Prediction of protein interactions and pathways analysis revealed the interaction between transcription, translation, protein export, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism as the most important pathways responsible for drought tolerance. The five proteins, including 30S ribosomal protein S15, SRP54 domain‐containing protein, auxin‐repressed protein, serine hydroxymethyltransferase, and an uncharacterized protein with encoding genes on 4BS, were suggested as candidate proteins responsible for drought tolerance in qDSI.4B.1 QTL. The gene coding SRP54 protein was also one of the differentially expressed genes in our previous transcriptomic study.
How the new FAFSA will impact admissions
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: May 2023

AURORA, COLORADO — Simply put, said Karen McCarthy, the upcoming changes to the government's form to determine student aid is “the biggest change in FAFSA since we’ve had the FAFSA.”
Disclosures and parents
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: May 2023

FERPA is about disclosures. Last month's column showed that FERPA regulations provide quite a bit of leeway on how to properly disclose education records. In other words, there can be multiple FERPA‐compliant solutions for the same disclosure situation.
Review SPPO guidance concerning photos and videos
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2023

A photo or a video of a student can be an education record subject to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. The Student Privacy Policy Office has created FAQs to describe colleges’ and universities’ responsibilities concerning photos and videos.
Helen Garrett: University of Washington's Innovative Registrar
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: May 2023

If you attended the annual conference of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers in Colorado this spring, chances are you came back to your job with a head‐swirling number of FERPA interpretations and the sound of Helen Garrett's voice ringing in your ears.