bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substance Use: Illicit Drugs
Authors: Dillon Patrick J.
Published: September 2022

Illicit drug use is a significant global health issue. Over 270 million people reported using an illicit drug during 2018, putting themselves at increased risk for serious illness and death. Given its prevalence and numerous associated health risks, illicit drug use has emerged as an important area of health communication scholarship over the past several decades. This entry provides an overview of this research – focusing, in particular, on studies pertaining to substance use initiation and antidrug campaigns/interventions. The accumulated literature suggests that knowledge, attitudes, and norms regarding illicit drug use are shaped by a number of social influences, including depictions of drug use in popular media (e.g., film, music, and television), family communication patterns, and peer networks. Health communication scholars and practitioners have also focused on developing and evaluating campaigns/interventions designed to prevent illicit drug use. These programs have demonstrated varying levels of success, with school‐ and community‐based interventions generally having a greater impact than media campaigns.
Substance Use: Tobacco
Authors: Weiger Caitlin , Czaplicki Lauren , Marynak Kristy , Moran Meghan B.
Published: September 2022

Tobacco use is an important health communication issue because it remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the world, causing more than 8 million deaths annually. Specific populations, including young people, people of lower socioeconomic status, and those who identify with marginalized racial or ethnic groups, may be particularly vulnerable to tobacco marketing and use. Many communication‐related factors influence initiation and sustained tobacco use. These factors operate across multiple levels, including individual‐level perceptions and beliefs, interpersonal‐level interactions (e.g., patient–clinician communication), broader community‐ and organization‐level conditions (e.g., retail store advertising), and society‐level policies (e.g., restrictions on corporate advertising). Communication also plays a major role in addressing tobacco use across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and social levels. Mass media campaigns can provide tobacco users and those susceptible to use with information on tobacco‐related risk and promote counter‐marketing messages against tobacco industry claims and advertising. Tobacco health communication can also increase public and political support for tobacco control policies and shift norms against tobacco use. Ultimately, health communication campaigns are considered cost‐effective interventions to prevent and reduce disparities in tobacco use, particularly among youth, low‐income, and other marginalized communities actively targeted by the tobacco industry.
Health Information Sharing, Online
Authors: Kim Hyang‐Sook
Published: September 2022

With the expanding availability of communication technologies, online health information sharing has become an integral part of health communication. This entry introduces information sources, information types, and user interaction options related to online health information sharing and briefly addresses the following ideas: information credibility, privacy concerns, undercontribution, disparities in information accessibility, and pathways for future research about securing information credibility and accuracy, user privacy, and information inequality.
Health Information Scanning
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Niederdeppe Jeff
Published: September 2022

Health information scanning is a type of health information acquisition behavior that refers to incidental exposure to health information during routine media use or interpersonal conversations that people can recall later when being prompted. Thus, the concept of health information scanning acknowledges two important ideas: (i) people come across health information in their patterns of daily behavior when they are not actively looking for it, and (ii) people are not completely passive in this process because they attend to the information such that it can leave a trace in memory that can be recalled later. Health information scanning is more common than health information seeking (obtaining health information by purposefully looking for it) and scanning can shape health outcomes by influencing disease awareness, knowledge, prevention, and screening behaviors. Research has focused on the prevalence of health information scanning, source preferences, antecedents and consequences of scanning, and the underlying social and cognitive mechanisms behind these behaviors. Future work in this area should develop theoretical models for health information scanning, investigate scanning‐related disparities, compare scanning behaviors across different countries and cultures, and develop a more complex understanding of how people scan health information online in a fragmented media environment.
Children: Serious Illness
Authors: Rafferty Katherine A. , Lipovac Melissa , Nemmers‐Bello Stephanie , Magsamen‐Conrad Kate
Published: September 2022

Communication is vital to the management of serious illness in children. While the definition of serious illness in pediatrics is not yet agreed upon, these different acute, chronic, complex, and sometimes life‐limiting or life‐threatening illnesses present many communication challenges and barriers. These challenges are particularly evident for parents and legal guardians who are often charged with the responsibilities of managing their child's care and coordinating it with various healthcare clinicians. New caregiving responsibilities for parents create a host of uncertainties for them and their child that require a collaborative discussion with their child's healthcare team. The involvement of a pediatric palliative care team can facilitate successful collaborations that promote shared decision making, empower the sick child and his or her family, and facilitate difficult conversations weighing the risks and benefits of medical interventions, including but not limited to care in emergency medical situations – as may be outlined in an advance care planning document. Noting the complexity of the health information, it is of utmost importance that clinicians take into consideration the families' health literacy, culture, and language in order to ensure clear, transparent, and supportive communication.
Obesity
Authors: Eckler Petya , Reilly John J.
Published: September 2022

Obesity is widely acknowledged as a noncommunicable chronic disease with global prevalence and serious health and economic implications. Over the past 40 years, its prevalence has nearly tripled and has spread from high‐income countries to low‐ and middle‐income countries. Adults and children are equally affected, yet children are especially disadvantaged due to the strong tendency of childhood obesity to persist into adulthood. While the causes of obesity are increased calorie intake and decreased calorie expenditure, the “causes of the causes” lie in the wider socioeconomic and cultural environment. Most obesity researchers and policymakers agree that tackling the obesity pandemic effectively requires changes to the wider socioeconomic environment, rather than to individual behaviors alone. Yet, communication efforts on an interpersonal and societal level often focus only on individual changes and ignore the social determinants of health related to obesity. Focusing on lifestyle, however, misses the big picture and can lead to blaming of individuals, and to stigmatization of obesity. Clinician–patient communication about obesity occurs rarely and is laced with apprehension on both sides and weight bias on behalf of health professionals. Health communication plays an integral part in how obesity is discussed and problematized in society, and in how people with obesity are treated. Addressing obesity successfully would require a widespread positive reframing of current discussions, as public health history has shown that societal attitudes need to change before people's bodies do.
Translational Research/Science
Authors: Perrault Evan K.
Published: September 2022

Getting scientific information into the hands of those who are able to make meaningful changes in the health and well‐being of individuals and populations is the focus of translational science. Health communication is a key component of translational science, although not necessarily a straightforward one, nor one that should be undertaken as a solo endeavor. Distilling information into comprehensible parcels that target audiences are not only able to understand, but also act on, takes time, teamwork, and a willingness to be flexible. Health communicators can play a vital role in translational teams, as they often have the formative, process, and summative evaluation skills in order to develop and effectively assess translational efforts. Given the media‐saturated landscape present in today's society, it is also important for health communicators to continue to find novel pathways and channels to present translated information.
Invisible Illnesses
Authors: Defenbaugh Nicole
Published: September 2022

This entry examines invisible illnesses and how individuals who live with an invisible illness may face stigma predicated on social (mis)perceptions about health and illness. Communication about invisible illness can impact identity presentation and management leading to illness concealment and/or social and self‐disclosure. Illness narratives and embodiment research elucidate how illness is experienced, felt, and understood by those with invisible illnesses. Patient–clinician communication is examined as an important role in diagnosing and treating illness. Online groups and social media are also explored as important sites of support. There is a need for more health communication research to explore the intersectionality of marginalized identities and invisible illnesses.
Interdisciplinary Partnerships
Authors: Rafferty Katherine A. , Lipovac Melissa , Nemmers‐Bello Stephanie , Child Jeffrey T. , Magsamen‐Conrad Kate
Published: September 2022

Interdisciplinary partnerships are critical to the creation of quality translational research and the provision of healthcare that addresses the complex holistic needs of patients and their families. Interdisciplinary partnerships are formed when individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise collaboratively work together to create, assess, and implement evidence‐based practices that analyze and provide solutions to key problems in healthcare and public health. Interdisciplinary teams are successful when there is a clear shared purpose, defined roles, strong leadership, and measurable objectives. The focus of this entry is on research partnerships formed with academics across multiple disciplines and specialties, and how these partnerships with hospitals and other community healthcare organizations lead to the production of quality translational research.
Ultra‐Flexible Biodegradable Pressure Sensitive Field Effect Transistors for Hands‐Free Control of Robot Movements
Authors: Paul Ambarish , Yogeswaran Nivasan , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: September 2022

Sensitive flexible pressure sensors are needed in applications such as health monitoring, robotics, and wearable systems. Herein, crumpled graphene flakes network (c‐GFN) channel based highly sensitive pressure sensing field effect transistors (PRESSFETs) are presented. The solution‐processed PRESSFET devices are developed on ultrathin (≈3 μm thick) biodegradable graphene oxide–chitosan (GO–CS) substrate. The distinctive crumpled morphology of GFN leads to a bandgap of 800 meV, which allows the device to have clear ON and OFF electronic states and low subthreshold swing. The presented device can work over a dynamic pressure range (0.5–2 kPa), while exhibiting good electrical stability and repeatability during rapid switching. The application of the presented device is demonstrated by attaching them to the temple regions of the face and pressing them with flexure and relaxation of respective temporalis muscles for hands‐free control of the movements of a robotic device. The pressure sensing device turns ON when the facial temporalis muscle is flexed and returns to the OFF state when it is relaxed. Finally, the degradability of the devices is presented to demonstrate their easy disposability and potential for zero electronic waste.
Predictors of survival outcomes among patients with gastric cancer in a leading tertiary, teaching and referral hospital in Kenya
Authors: Degu Amsalu , Karimi Peter N. , Opanga Sylvia A. , Nyamu David G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies in Kenya is increasing, although there is a paucity of data on survival outcomes among gastric cancer patients. Hence, this study aimed to assess survival outcomes among adult gastric cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was used to assess the survival outcomes among 247 gastric cancer patients. All medical records of adult (≥18 years) gastric cancer patients with complete medical records of diagnosis, stage of cancer, and treatment regimen in the study setting in the last 5 years (2016–2020) were included. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected using a data abstraction tool composed of socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics. Survival outcomes were reported as the percentage of mortality, mean survival estimate, and mean cancer‐specific survival. The data were entered and analyzed using version 20.0 SPSS statistical software. The mean survival estimates and predictors of mortality were computed using the Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis.

Results

The study showed that 33.3% (64) had new distant metastasis, and 42.1% (104) had disease progression. Besides, the mortality rate was high (33.6%), and 14.6% and 7.7% of patients had complete and partial responses, respectively. The five‐year survival was 32.7% among gastric cancer patients. Comorbidity (p = 0.014), advanced‐stage diseases (p = 0.03), chemotherapy (p = 0.008), and gastrectomy (p = 0.016) were significant determinants of mortality.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients had distant metastasis, disease progression, and a low five‐year survival rate. Hence, early cancer‐screening programs are indispensable to circumvent disease progression and improve survival outcomes.
miR‐31/QKI‐5 axis facilitates cell cycle progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells by interacting and regulating p21 and CDK4/6 expressions
Authors: Zhu Wangyu , Yu Yun , Fang Kexin , Xiao Sisi , Ni Lianli , Yin Changtian , Huang Xiangjie , Wang Xinchen , Zhang Yongkui , Le Han‐Bo , Cui Ri
Published: September 2022

Background

RNA‐binding protein Quaking‐5 (QKI‐5), a major isoform of QKIs, inhibits tumor progression in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of QKI‐5 in the cell cycle of NSCLC are still largely unknown.

Methods

MTT, flow cytometry, and colony formation assays were used to investigate cellular phenotypic changes. Mice xenograft model was used to evaluate the antitumor activities of QKI‐5. Co‐immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RIP sequencing were used to investigate protein–protein interaction and protein–mRNA interaction.

Results

The QKI‐5 expression was downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with that in paired normal adjacent lung tissues. Overexpression of QKI‐5 inhibited NSCLC cell proliferative and colony forming ability. In addition, QKI‐5 induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase through upregulating p21Waf1/Cip1 (p21) expression and downregulating cyclin D1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and CDK6 expressions. Further analyses showed that QKI‐5 interacts with p21 protein and CDK4, CDK6 mRNAs, suggesting a critical function of QKI‐5 in cell cycle regulation. In agreement with in vitro study, the mouse xenograft models validated tumor suppressive functions of QKI‐5 in vivo through altering cell cycle G1‐phase‐associated proteins. Moreover, we demonstrated that QKI‐5 is a direct target of miR‐31. The QKI‐5 expression was anticorrelated with the miR‐31 expression in NSCLC patient samples.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the miR‐31/QKI‐5/p21‐CDK4–CDK6 axis might have critical functions in the progression of NSCLC, and targeting this axis could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
The effect of training about child sexual, physical and emotional abuse
Authors: Erdoğan Çiğdem
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aims to evaluate whether the training offered about child abuse and neglect to families in which there are disagreements and problems between parents will be effective in enhancing awareness.

Background

Even if families are the places where children are the safest, they sometimes constitute the risky groups in terms of neglect and abuse. Parents could perpetrate physical and emotional abuses against their children due to conflicts with their spouses.

Method

The research was conducted as a pre‐test–post‐test quasi‐experimental study. A total of 142 parents (71 couples) took part in the research. The Socio‐Demographic Information Form, the Abuse Awareness Scale – Parent Form and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used as the data collection tools. Awareness training on child neglect and abuse, created by the researcher, was given to parents.

Results

Before the training, the mean of pre‐test scores obtained by participant parents from the AAS‐PF was 62.5 ± 7.77 points. The mean of post‐test scores obtained by participant parents from the AAS‐PF was 47.5 ± 4.94 points. There was a statistically significant relationship between participant parents' AAS‐PF and RDAS scores.

Implications

In line with the findings obtained from the research, disagreements between spouses pose a risk for children in terms of neglect and abuse. The education program on child neglect and abuse given to parents raises awareness and reduces the risk.
Synthesis of Esters Containing Cinnamoyl Motif with Potential Larvicide Action: A Computational, Ecotoxicity and in Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessments
Authors: dos Santos Correia Paulo Ricardo , de Carvalho Cenira Monteiro , da Silva Cunha Cristhyan Rychard , da Silva Rafael Antonio Santos , de Oliveira Lima Monaly , França Saraliny Bezerra , de Oliveira Barreto Emiliano , Tonholo Josealdo , da Paz Lima Dimas José
Published: September 2022

An increasing morbidity and mortality rate has been related to arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Compounds with cinnamoyl moiety represent an alternative against mosquitos, considering their larvicidal activity. This study aimed to assess the larvicidal activity of cinnamic ester derivates against Aedes aegypti larvae, along with evaluating their toxicity effect to assess its safety as a larvicide. Ethyl cinnamate demonstrated larvicidal activity (LC50=48.59 μg/mL). Morphological changes in larvae were detected, as a degenerative response in the thorax. Through molecular docking, the molecular binding mode between 3b, 3c, and acetylcholinesterase showed strong hydrogen bond interactions. Preliminary in vitro cell viability revealed the non‐cytotoxicity of 3c. Ecotoxicity results indicated a sensitivity of Artemia salina to cinnamic esters. The phytotoxicity bioassays show potential for cinnamic compounds to enhance germination and root development. These findings suggest that compound 3c is more suitable as a larvicide since it demonstrated low toxicity.
Membrane Fabrication for Carbon Dioxide Separation: A Critical Review
Authors: Shi Linggao , Lai Li Sze , Tay Wee Horng , Yeap Swee Pin , Yeong Yin Fong
Published: September 2022

Membrane fabrication methods, mechanisms, and modification of membranes for CO2 separation are discussed. Various types of membrane materials with high CO2 separation performance are summarized. Rapid prototyping can achieve precise control of the thickness of membranes and freely design the spatial structure of membranes, which provides a new development direction for material application and process combination. Hence, a critical comparison of membrane fabrication using different methods can provide a comprehensive overview on the potential of the rapid prototyping technology in membrane fabrication. This is important to demonstrate the prospects of the membrane technology development for CO2 separation.
Embedded active impedance source inverter: Analysis and implementation
Authors: Ranjbarizad Vida , Babaei Ebrahim , Cecati Carlo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a new active impedance source inverter with a suitable control method based on the pulse‐width modulation (PWM) technique is proposed. Based on the proposed control method, the analysis of the proposed inverter in different operating modes is given, and its boost factor is calculated. Then, the fundamental equations to design the values of inductors and capacitors are presented. Also, comparative analysis from different points of view, such as boost factor, voltage stresses on capacitors, and total voltage blocked by diodes and switches, between the proposed topology and conventional structures to examine the advantage and disadvantages is done. Comparison results show that the proposed topology has fewer voltage stresses on capacitors and total voltage blocked by diodes and switches. Also, it has fewer elements and continues input current and a more straightforward structure. The proposed topology's losses and efficiency at different loads are fully calculated. Finally, a prototype of the proposed topology is designed, and its experimental results along with simulation results by PSCAD to check the proposed topology's good performance and correctness of the obtained equations in different operating modes are provided.
Future scenarios for improving Iran's overall destination image and attractiveness: A supply‐side perspective
Authors: Nematpour Mohammad , Khodadadi Masood , Makian Sarasadat , Ghaffari Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Since overall image and attractiveness can play a key role in developing a destination's tourism market, the current study attempts to identify the main factors influencing Iran's overall image and attractiveness from a supply‐side perspective. To reduce the uncertainties in Iran's future tourism market development, we first used factor analysis to identify factors that affect Iran's tourism market. Second, we used multiple linear regressions to examine the relationships between the identified factors and Iran's overall image and attractiveness as a destination. According to the findings, political, product, and service factors significantly affect Iran's overall image and attractiveness. Third, we provided scenarios for improving Iran's overall image and attractiveness based on cross‐impact balanced analysis.
Mapping hippocampal glutamate in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with glutamate weighted CEST (GluCEST) imaging
Authors: Lucas Alfredo , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Hadar Peter , Chen Stephanie , Gibson Adam , Oechsel Kelly , Elliott Mark A. , Stein Joel M. , Das Sandhitsu , Reddy Ravinder , Detre John A. , Davis Kathryn A.
Published: September 2022

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common subtypes of focal epilepsy, with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) being a common radiological and histopathological finding. Accurate identification of MTS during presurgical evaluation confers an increased chance of good surgical outcome. Here we propose the use of glutamate‐weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7 Tesla for mapping hippocampal glutamate distribution in epilepsy, allowing to differentiate lesional from non‐lesional mesial TLE. We demonstrate that a directional asymmetry index, which quantifies the relative difference between GluCEST contrast in hippocampi ipsilateral and contralateral to the seizure onset zone, can differentiate between sclerotic and non‐sclerotic hippocampi, even in instances where traditional presurgical MRI assessments did not provide evidence of sclerosis. Overall, our results suggest that hippocampal glutamate mapping through GluCEST imaging is a valuable addition to the presurgical epilepsy evaluation toolbox.
Comprehensive guide to managing a chronic automated red cell exchange program in sickle cell disease
Authors: Cunard Robyn , Gopal Srila , Kopko Patricia M. , Dang Minh‐Uyen , Hazle Kathryn M. , Sanchez Amber P.
Published: September 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and limits both the quality and quantity of life. Transfusion therapy, specifically automated red cell exchange (aRCE), plays a key role in management of SCD and is beneficial for certain indications in the chronic, outpatient setting. The approach to maintain a successful chronic aRCE program for SCD is multifaceted. This review will highlight important considerations including indications for aRCE, patient selection, transfusion medicine pearls, vascular access needs, complications of therapy, aRCE prescription, and therapy optimization. Moreover, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach with frequent communication between the services involved cannot be overstated. Ultimately, the underlying goal of a chronic RCE program is to improve the quality of life and longevity of patients with SCD.
“Ghost imaging” in pericardial cavity: Disappeared “tumor‐like” masses in tuberculous pericarditis
Authors: Chen Tienan , Wang Tingting , Yan Yingqun , Qiao Shuai , Xu Xiaona , Che Jingjin , Li Guangping , Fu Huaying
Published: September 2022

A 66‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital due to chest distress and shortness of breath during 1 week. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed massive pericardial effusion and multiple, irregular and high‐density echo “tumor‐like” masses on the heart, with the largest one on the apex. However, there were no masses found by computed tomography (CT) scan, except for increased lipids around the coronary artery. We performed emergency pericardiocentesis and drainage to relieve symptoms. The positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) also showed several ununiformly high accumulations in pericardial cavity. However, the high‐density echo “tumor‐like” masses cannot be seen by TTE after pericardiocentesis, and also cannot be detected when surgery. Pericardiotomy was performed due to severe pericardial adhesion. The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) was confirmed by pericardiotomy and pericardial biopsy.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of sleep quality in inactive inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Barnes Alex , Mountifield Réme , Baker Justin , Spizzo Paul , Bampton Peter , Mukherjee Sutapa
Published: September 2022

Poor sleep in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been demonstrated to be prevalent and has been associated with disease activity. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of poor sleep in inactive IBD and in controls by considering cohort and cross‐sectional studies. Electronic databases were searched for publications from inception to 1 November 2021. Poor sleep and IBD activity were defined according to self‐reported subjective sleep measures. A random effects model was used to determine the standardized mean difference between poor sleep in inactive IBD and healthy controls. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's test. Five hundred and nineteen studies were screened with 9 studies included in the meta‐analysis incorporating a total of 729 people with IBD and 508 controls. A random effects model showed a standardized mean difference with poor sleep being more frequent in those with inactive IBD than controls with moderate effect size (Hedge's g 0.41, CI [0.22–0.59]) and no significant heterogeneity. There was no publication bias evident. Poor sleep is more common in individuals with inactive IBD than healthy controls. Further studies should consider potential mechanisms to explain this result, including the role of subclinical inflammation and psychosocial factors that may influence sleep quality in people with IBD.
The Effects of Leader Support for Creativity and Leader Gender on Subordinate Creative Problem‐Solving Performance
Authors: Maliakkal Nadine T. , Reiter‐Palmon Roni
Published: September 2022

Ample correlational research shows that leader support for creativity is related to subordinate creativity, yet research examining the causality of this relationship experimentally is scant. Furthermore, most studies that demonstrate support for this relationship have used relatively subjective creativity measures that do not tap as effectively into the creative problem‐solving process. Thus, we experimentally examined whether leader support for creativity affects subordinate creative problem‐solving performance. We also examined whether this relationship depends on leader gender. We used experimental vignette methodology and a sample of 247 working adults to test these relationships. We found that high (vs. low) leader support for creativity resulted in a significantly higher number of ideas generated. Additionally, posthoc analyses showed that high (vs. low) leader support for creativity resulted in a significantly higher number of original ideas and higher number of quality ideas generated. We also found that when the leader was a woman (vs. man), average originality of ideas was significantly higher. We found no significant interactive effects of leader support for creativity and leader gender. We discuss how this study further elucidates our understanding of leader support for creativity, as well as avenues for future creativity research involving leader gender.
Baricitinib for atopic dermatitis patients who responded inadequately to dupilumab treatment: First daily practice results
Authors: de Wijs Linde , Schreurs Corine , Schlösser Anne , Nijsten Tamar , Hijnen Dirk Jan
Published: September 2022

Background

Baricitinib is the first JAK inhibitor registered for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Efficacy and safety were shown in clinical trials, but daily practice data is sparse.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib treatment in daily practice in AD patients who have inadequately responded to dupilumab.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, AD patients who failed dupilumab treatment and started baricitinib treatment in context of standard care at the Erasmus MC (the Netherlands) were included. We analysed physician‐reported scores and patient‐reported outcome measure scores (PROMs).

Results

Twenty‐five patients were included. Baricitinib treatment resulted in significant improvement of Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores and PROMs. Seven patients showed a good and sustained response (EASI50), eight patients showed no response (<EASI50), and five patients showed an initial response but worsening of EASI scores in time. Overall, baricitinib was well tolerated. Four patients discontinued baricitinib treatment due to ineffectiveness or side effects.

Conclusions

Baricitinib can be an effective treatment for a subset of AD patients who failed dupilumab treatment in daily practice. We found three different treatment response groups including responders, temporarily responders, and non‐responders.
Effect of boiling and roasting processing on nutritional quality of two Sudanese peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) cultivars
Authors: Eltom Hind A. E. , Sulieman Mashair A. , Hassan Amro B.
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of boiling, roasting and boiling followed by roasting treatments on the nutritional quality of two Sudanese peanut cultivars, Sodari and Madani. Both cultivars are rich in fat content, protein content and bioavailability of macroelements and microelements. The thermal treatments were critical, reduced the antinutrients factors, and significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the in vitro protein digestibility of the peanut samples. The highest values 78% and 79.2%, for Madani and Sodari cultivars, were obtained after boiling and roasting processing. However, the thermal processing caused a reduction in the vitamin E content of peanuts. In general, boiled and roasted peanuts could serve as a critical, underutilized by‐product, particularly after combining boiling and roasting treatments, for potential applications in food formulations.
A new approach to the connections between moving curves and a family of complex KdV type systems
Authors: Yüzbaşı Zühal Küçükarslan
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we give a new approach to the existence of a connection between the geometry of moving curves and the soliton equation for a family of complex KdV type systems by using two other classes of curve evolution in Euclidean space. As an application, we derive the soliton surfaces associated with the single soliton solutions of the given time evolution equations of the curvature function for the two‐dimensional motion of the space curve.
Easy care of silk fabrics realized by crosslinking thermo‐responsive copolymer film on its surface
Authors: Zhu Xiaoju , Hu Neng , Xu Zheng , Cai Xin , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Zhong Qi
Published: September 2022

An easy care of silk fabrics is realized by crosslinking a thermo‐responsive copolymer film onto its surface. The thermo‐responsive copolymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐oligo[ethylene glycol] methyl ether methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol methacrylate), abbreviated as P(NM‐co‐OA300‐co‐EA360), is synthesized by sequential atom transfer radical polymerization. By applying 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid as crosslinker, the thermo‐responsive P(NM‐co‐OA300‐co‐EA360) film can be immobilized onto the silk fabrics. The transition temperature (TT) of the P(NM‐co‐OA300‐co‐EA360) film crosslinked on silk fabrics is around 46 °C. The reversible transition behavior can effectively reduce the attachment between lipophilic stains and P(NM‐co‐OA300‐co‐EA360) film, inducing a high efficiency of stain removal. Simply rinsing with deionized water at 25 °C (below its TT) for 30 s, 60% of stains can be removed. Moreover, the crosslinked P(NM‐co‐OA300‐co‐EA360) film turns hydrophobic during outdoor activities or drying. Thus, the repelled water molecules can be easily evaporated from the silk fabrics and the drying process is 25% faster than that without crosslinked P(NM‐co‐OA300‐co‐EA360) film. Based on the excellent performance of stain removal and quick drying, the silk fabrics crosslinked with thermo‐responsive copolymer film can be broadly used to design silk‐based costumes for daily use.
Single‐Site Forecasts for 130 Photovoltaic Systems at Distribution System Operator Level, Using a Hybrid‐Physical Approach, to Improve Grid‐Integration and Enable Future Smart‐Grid Operation
Authors: Koster Daniel , Fiorelli David , Bruneau Pierrick , Braun Christian
Published: September 2022

With rising shares of photovoltaic (PV) generated electricity in the power grids, PV power forecasting is rapidly gaining importance for energy suppliers and grid operators. But specifically, the distribution system operators (DSOs) require detailed forecasts at higher spatial resolutions, to manage grid congestions and avoid voltage band violations, which are local phenomena. In view of future smart grid operation, the authors propose a forecasting scheme using numerical weather prediction (NWP) data to feed a PV performance model and compute single‐site power forecasts. The intraday outcomes of this rather conventional forecasting scheme are combined with a supervised‐learning model, based on recurrent neural networks (type: long short‐term memory) which is fed by the 15 min measurement data of the two previous days for each PV system. This approach accounts for different local effects, not covered by the NWP‐based physical model, such as partial shading or snow cover. Furthermore, it mitigates the impacts of “imperfect” data on side of the DSOs, used to parametrize the PV performance model. This hybrid‐physical approach has been applied to about 130 PV systems, validated over a 2 year period, and yielded a normalized root‐mean‐square error of 8.3% and 8.7% in 2020 and 2021.
Ecotoxicity and Sustainability of Emerging Pb‐Based Photovoltaics
Authors: Lu Xingwen , Yan Dong , Feng Jiangtao , Li Meng , Hou Bo , Li Zhe , Wang Fei
Published: September 2022

Emerging Pb‐based photovoltaic (PV) technologies, including in particular solution processed halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and Pb chalcogenide quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs), are among the most promising next‐generation PV technologies for a range of disruptive energy and electronic applications. However, the potential toxicity and leakage of hazardous Pb species have become one of the main barriers to their large‐scale application. When solar cells are subject to physical damage or failure of encapsulation, rapid leakage of Pb may occur, which can be accelerated by exposure to external environmental weathering conditions such as rainfall and elevated temperature. Herein, an in‐depth investigation on the essential role of Pb in PSCs and QDSCs, as well as common causes of Pb leakage, is undertaken. The hazardous effects of Pb toxicity on soil plants, bacteria, animals, and human cells are also evaluated. Recent progress in developing effective strategies for Pb leakage reduction, such as Pb‐free or Pb‐less perovskite materials, device architecture design, encapsulation absorbers for PSCs, and core–shell structure and ligand exchange method for QDSCs, in addition to Pb recycling strategies of end‐of‐life solar cells are summarized. This review provides quantitative insights into the future development of eco‐friendly emerging Pb‐based PV technologies.
Effect of Manganese on the Formation Mechanism of Nonmetallic Inclusions in Fe–xMn–7Al–0.7C Lightweight Steel
Authors: Liu Dongming , Xue Zhengliang , Song Shengqiang
Published: September 2022

Herein, the effect of Mn content on the formation of noninclusions in lightweight steels is investigated. In addition, the precipitation behavior of MnS inclusions during solidification under different manganese contents (3%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) is analyzed with help of a microsegregation model. The results show that the inclusions formed are classified into seven types: Al2O3, Al2O3–MnS, AlN, MnS, AlN–MnS, Al2O3–AlN, and Al2O3–AlN(AlON)–MnS in the steel. As the Mn content increases from 3% to 30%, the total area ratio and total number density of inclusions increase, especially AlN‐containing inclusions and MnS‐containing inclusions. The thermodynamic results of inclusion types calculated with FactSage are consistent with the observed results. When the Mn content ranges from 3% to 30%, both Al2O3 and AlN inclusions can exist stably at the steelmaking temperature, and MnS inclusions can precipitate in the mushy zone alone. With the enhancement of Mn content, the precipitation temperature of MnS inclusions decreases, and the solid fraction decreases during solidification. Moreover, it is found that Mn content can significantly affect the morphology of the precipitated MnS, and an increase in Mn content can promote the divorced eutectic transformation of MnS to form polyhedral MnS.
Impaired ascending aortic elasticity in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Xu R. , Zhou D. , Liu M. , Zhou Q. , Xie L. , Zeng S.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Aortic wall stiffness has been reported in infants with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and may contribute to long‐term aortic dilation even after corrective repair surgery. However, little is known about aortic elasticity in fetuses with ToF and the association with neonatal aortic dilation. The objectives of this study were to assess measures of elasticity of the ascending aorta (AAo) in fetuses with ToF and explore the association with neonatal aortic annular dilation in this population.

Methods

Seventy‐six singleton fetuses with ToF and 76 control fetuses of singleton low‐risk pregnancies were enroled into this prospective study. Fetal measures of AAo elasticity, including mean longitudinal strain (MLS), global circumferential strain (GCS) and fractional area change (FAC), were assessed by velocity vector imaging. The z‐score of the aortic valve (AV) diameter at the level of the annulus, as a measure of aortic annular dilation, was determined in newborns. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between fetal measures of AAo elasticity and neonatal aortic annular dilation (defined as an AV annular z‐score > 2) in cases with ToF identified prenatally.

Results

Median MLS, GCS and FAC in fetuses with ToF were lower than those in normal fetuses (7.52% vs 12.15% for MLS, 22.05% vs 29.73% for GCS and 34.2% vs 48.3% for FAC, all P < 0.001). Aortic annular dilation was present in 53/76 (69.7%) newborns with ToF. After adjustment for gestational age at fetal echocardiography and birth weight, fetal MLS, GCS and FAC were independently associated with aortic annular dilation neonatally, with odds ratios of 0.66, 0.78 and 0.82, respectively (P < 0.05). The best cut‐off values of these prenatal measures of AAo elasticity for predicting neonatal aortic annular dilation in fetuses with ToF were 9.02% for MLS, 23.56% for GCS and 37.2% for FAC (P < 0.001), with areas under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curves of 0.94, 0.91 and 0.93, respectively.

Conclusion

Measures of AAo elasticity are decreased in fetuses with ToF. Impaired AAo elasticity in the fetal period is associated with aortic annular dilation postnatally. Additional research is needed to evaluate the relationship between the AAo elasticity injury pattern and degeneration of AAo elasticity under stress as well as the long‐term outcome in this population. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Reducing food waste from a circular economy perspective: The case of restaurants in Brazil
Authors: de Rezende Alvares Carolina , Guarnieri Patrícia , Ouro‐Salim Omar
Published: September 2022

Brazil wastes 23.6 million foods per year, and 15% of this total is generated by restaurants. In this worrying scenario, this study aims to analyze the reduction of food waste in the segment of restaurants located in Asa Sul, Brasília‐DF (Federal District), under the perspective of the circular economy. To achieve this objective, applied, descriptive, and quanti‐qualitative research was carried out. The focus of the study is on Asa Sul's restaurants, in Brasília‐DF, associated with the organization “Instituto Ecozinha: Sustainable Restaurants.” For data collection, two questionnaires were prepared, one aimed at managers and the other aimed at consumers, applied online. The Instituto Ecozinha plays an environmental education role and is an intermediary for the management of waste from these restaurants. Seventeen questionnaires from managers and 385 from consumers were obtained. Data analysis was performed through content analysis and simple descriptive statistical analysis, through frequency analysis. The results show that the association of restaurants with this organization is beneficial to the company, especially in the matter of waste; the main motivation for joining is the environmental issue and waste management; most members were invited by the Institute; the main challenges are those related to employee training, and consumers would be positively affected by this association with Ecozinha. The research contributes to identifying the perception of managers and consumers about an initiative in Brasília and provides information that can be used by the food establishments to improve its processes.
Definitions and Sampling Design
Authors: Gasparini Patrizia , Floris Antonio
Published: September 2022

The population studied by the INFC is made up of the Forest and Other wooded land as defined by the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA). INFC estimates are produced for the 21 Italian administrative units (the regions), the macro-categories and inventory categories and the forest types that represent the divisions of the inventory domain. This chapter illustrates the classification system adopted for the INFC and provides descriptions of the different classes. The sampling design adopted and the construction of the national 1 km × 1 km grid, on which the identification of the sampling points is based, are also illustrated. Finally, the system of reference units or plots used to operate the classifications and carry out the measurements required by the survey protocol is presented.
Introduction to Environmental Education
Authors: Fang Wei-Ta , Hassan Arba’at , LePage Ben A.
Published: September 2022

The concept of education is changing and that of the environment is also becoming different. Is environmental education: (1) a type of education to improve the environment; (2) education to improve the environment of education; or (3) a type of education to improve the education of people? In this chapter we focus on the ontology of the environment. In epistemology, we try to understand the nature and identity of the world around us and what environmental education is about. The purpose of environmental education is to cultivate citizens that: (1) have a working knowledge of environmental systems; (2) have concerns about environmental problems; and (3) have the capabilities to solve and actively participate in implementing solutions. Environmental problems must be solved through a root cause process, and environmental educators need to change the public’smind on environmental issues using realistic and attainable education targets to establish environmentally friendly behaviors. Through outdoor, classroom, and nature-centered education programs, our goal is to establish important curriculumgoals and novellearning methods for environmental education. Our goal is to have stakeholders consider environmental issues with open minds, understand the needs of other stakeholders, take a leadership role recognizing the existing and emerging environmental issues, and internalize them into specific environmental protective action plans.
An analytic evaluation of gravitational particle production of fermions via Stokes phenomenon
Authors: Hashiba Soichiro , Ling Siyang , Long Andrew J.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The phenomenon of gravitational particle production can take place for quantum fields in curved spacetime. The abundance and energy spectrum of gravitationally produced particles is typically calculated by solving the field’s mode equations on a time-dependent background metric. For purposes of studying dark matter production in an inflationary cosmology, these mode equations are often solved numerically, which is computationally intensive, especially for the rapidly-oscillating high-momentum modes. However, these same modes are amenable to analytic evaluation via the Exact Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (EWKB) method, where gravitational particle production is a manifestation of the Stokes phenomenon. These analytic techniques have been used in the past to study gravitational particle production for spin-0 bosons. We extend the earlier work to study gravitational production of spin-1/2 and spin-3/2 fermions. We derive an analytic expression for the connection matrix (valid to all orders in an adiabatic parameter ħ) that relates Bogoliubov coefficients across a Stokes line connecting a merged pair of simple turning points. By comparing the analytic approximation with a direct numerical integration of the mode equations, we demonstrate an excellent agreement and highlight the utility of the Stokes phenomenon formalism applied to fermions. We discuss the implications for an analytic understanding of catastrophic particle production due to vanishing sound speed, which can occur for a spin-3/2 Rarita-Schwinger field.