bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mendelian randomization study on causal effects of leisure sedentary behaviour on the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Huang Guiwu , Cai Jiahao , Li Wenchang , Lu Qiaowei , Chen Xiong , Liao Weiming , Wu Peihui
Published: October 2022

Background

The causal inference between leisure sedentary behaviour (LSB) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still controversial because of potential residual confounding and reverse causality.

Methods

The present study used publicly available large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of LSB (television watching, computer use, and driving) and RA to perform a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the causal effect of LSB on the risk of RA. We detected significant causal associations using the multiplicative random effects‐inverse variance weighted (MRE‐IVW) method, the maximum likelihood, robust adjusted profile scores, the weighted median, MR‐Egger regression, and several complementary sensitivity analyses. Risk factor analysis was also conducted to further investigate potential mediators linking causal inference.

Results

Increased genetic liability to leisure television watching was significantly associated with a higher risk of RA (MRE‐IVW method; OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.77–3.41; p = 8.35 × 10−8). MR estimates indicated that prolonged leisure computer use was causally associated with a lower risk of RA (MRE‐IVW method; OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.12–0.46; p = 2.19 × 10−5). However, we found no evidence for a causal effect of leisure driving on the risk of RA (MRE‐IVW method; OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.10–3.41; p = 0.557). No pleiotropy was detected by the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

This study supports a causal association between prolonged leisure television watching and an increased risk of RA. Additionally, prolonged computer use might be a protective factor for RA.
‘Los von London’: A comparative, empirical analysis of German and British global foreign banking and trade development, 1881–1913
Authors: Kisling Wilfried
Published: October 2022

The role of finance in the development of trade draws increasing attention from economists and economic historians. Yet empirical studies, especially from an historical perspective, continue to be scarce. This study analyses the role of German and British foreign banks in the internationalisation of trade during the first globalisation. It creates a novel data set on the bilateral trade of Germany and Great Britain with the rest of the world and the number and geographical distribution of German and British foreign banks between 1881 and 1913. Using an augmented gravity model of trade, the article shows that banks had a significant positive impact on exports and imports and that this effect was even more pronounced in case of German banks and trade. Moreover, the effect of German banks on trade is the highest in the years closer to bank entry, supporting the idea of German banks being initiators of trade. In contrast, the effect of British banks seems constant over time.
Toward masked face recognition: An effective facial feature extraction and refinement model in multiple scenes
Authors: Peng Hongxing , Xing Zheng , Liu Xiaotang , Gao Zongmei , He Huijun
Published: October 2022

With the impact of the COVID‐19 epidemic, the demand for masked face recognition technology has increased. In the process of masked face recognition, some problems such as less feature information and poor robustness to the environment are obvious. The current masked face recognition model is not quantified enough for feature extraction, there are large errors for faces with high similarity, and the categories cannot be clustered during the detection process, resulting in poor classification of masks, which cannot be well adapted to changes in multiple environments. To solve current problems, this paper designs a new masked face recognition model, taking improved Single Shot Multibox Detector (SSD) model as a face detector, and replaces the input layer VGG16 of SSD with Deep Residual Network (ResNet) to increase the receptive field. In order to better adapt to the network, we adjust the convolution kernel size of ResNet. In addition, we fine‐tune the Xception network by designing a new fully connected layer, and reduce the training cycle. The weights of the three input samples including anchor, positive and negative are shared and clustered together with triplet network to improve recognition accuracy. Meanwhile, this paper adjusts alpha parameter in triplet loss. A higher value of alpha can improve the accuracy of model recognition. We further adopt a small trick to classify and predict face feature vectors using multi‐layer perceptron (MLP), and a total of 60 neural nodes are set in the three neural layers of MLP to get higher classification accuracy. Moreover, three datasets of MFDD, RMFRD and SMFRD are fused to obtain high‐quality images in different scenes, and we also add data augmentation and face alignment methods for processing, effectively reducing the interference of the external environment in the process of model recognition. According to the experimental results, the accuracy of masked face recognition reaches 98.3%, it achieves better results compared with other mainstream models. In addition, the hyper‐parameters tuning experiment is carried out to improve the utilization of computing resources, which shows better results than the indicators of different networks.
Emotional regulation and aggression in children: The regulatory role of Turkish mothers' emotion socialization reactions
Authors: Soydan Sema Büyüktaşkapu , Akalin Nihal
Published: October 2022

Objective

The main aim of this research is to determine whether positive or negative maternal reactions in the field of emotional socialization play an intermediary role in the relationship between a child's emotional regulation skills and aggressive behavior.

Background

Previous findings show the effects of children's emotion regulation skills and parents' emotional socialization responses on aggressive behavior. However, researchers have not reported how children's emotion regulation skills influence maternal emotional socialization responses or investigated the mediating role of maternal emotional socialization responses on emotion regulation and aggressive behavior.

Method

The study was conducted with 285 mothers of 60‐ to 72‐month‐old children attending preschool. Research data were collected using the Children Aggression Scale—Parent Version, Dealing With Negative Emotions of Children, Emotional Regulation Checklist, Attachment Insecurity Screening Inventory, Parental Attitude Scale, and Child–Parent Relationship Scale.

Results

Positive and negative responses of mothers play a mediating role in the relationship between children's aggression and emotional regulation. Mothers' positive responses were effective in reducing the aggression level of children with a low level of emotional regulation. In addition, even if children's emotional regulation skills are low, positive responses are effective in reducing mothers' negative reactions and thus children's aggression levels.

Implications

Given the importance of promoting positive development in children, this study may have important implications for intervention and prevention programs. In particular, family‐based interventions that encourage mothers to use emotional socialization applications and education/techniques that encourage parents' emotional regulation strategies are recommended.
Repression of SLC22A3 by the AR‐V7/YAP1/TAZ axis in enzalutamide‐resistant castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Seo Eunjeong , Jee Byula , Chung Jae Hoon , Song Wan , Sung Hyun Hwan , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Byong Chang , Seo Seong Il , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Hyun Moo , Kang Minyong
Published: October 2022

Metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an aggressive and fatal disease, with most patients succumbing within 1–2 years despite undergoing multiple treatments. Androgen‐receptor (AR) inhibitors, including enzalutamide (ENZ), are used for the treatment of mCRPC; however, most patients develop resistance to ENZ. Herein, we propose that the repression of SLC22A3 by AR‐V7/YAP1/TAZ conferred ENZ resistance in mCRPC. SLC22A3 expression is specifically downregulated in the ENZ‐resistant C4‐2B MDVR cells, and when YAP1/TAZ is hyperactivated by AR full‐length or AR‐V7, these proteins interact with DNMT1 to repress SLC22A3 expression. We observed low SLC22A3 expression and high levels of TAZ or YAP1 in mCRPC patient tissues harbouring AR‐V7 and the opposite expression patterns in normal patient tissues. Our findings suggest a mechanism underlying ENZ resistance by providing evidence that the AR‐V7/YAP1/TAZ axis represses SLC22A3, which could be a potential treatment target in prostate cancer.
Microsatellite instability profiles of gastrointestinal cancers: comparison between non‐colorectal and colorectal origin
Authors: Shinozaki‐Ushiku Aya , Kunita Akiko , Iwasaki Akiko , Kato Moe , Yamazawa Sho , Abe Hiroyuki , Ushiku Tetsuo
Published: October 2022

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a major carcinogenic pathway with prognostic and predictive implications. The validity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based MSI testing is well established in colorectal cancer; however, the data are limited in non‐colorectal gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this study is to clarify the detailed MSI profiles of non‐colorectal gastrointestinal cancers and to investigate the differences from those of colorectal cancers. MSI testing was performed using paired tumour/normal tissues of 123 mismatch repair‐deficient cancers detected by immunohistochemistry including 80 non‐colorectal cancers (eight oesophagogastric junction (EGJ), 57 gastric and 15 small intestine) and 43 colorectal cancers. Fragment size analysis revealed that the mean nucleotide shifts of five markers (Promega panel) were the highest in the stomach (6.4), followed by colorectum (5.7), small intestine (5.0) and EGJ cancers (mean = 4.0; P = 0.015, versus stomach). All cases showed ≥ 1 nucleotide shift in ≥ 2 markers and were considered as MSI‐high. However, when the cut‐off was set to ≥ 3 nucleotide shifts in ≥ 2 markers, three EGJ (37.5%), two small intestine (13.3%) and two gastric (3.5%) cancers showed false‐negative results. In addition, cases with isolated loss of MSH6 or PMS2 showed smaller nucleotide shifts than those in others. MSI testing is applicable to non‐colorectal gastrointestinal cancers; however, a subset can yield false‐negative results due to subtle nucleotide shift in multiple markers. Analysis of paired tumour/normal tissues and careful interpretation is necessary to avoid false‐negative results and ensure appropriate treatment.
Australian Magpies discriminate between the territorial calls of intra‐ and extra‐group conspecifics
Authors: Blackburn Grace , Ridley Amanda R. , Dutour Mylène
Published: October 2022

The ability to discriminate between individuals or classes of individuals based on distinctive cues is considered a vital skill in cooperative and territorial species. Here, we used playback experiments to determine whether Western Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis discriminate between the territorial carolling calls of intra‐group and extra‐group conspecifics. Magpies responded more strongly to the playback of carolling calls from extra‐group individuals than to the playback of carolling calls from intra‐group individuals, spending more time vigilant and carolling in response to extra‐group carols. Our results suggest Western Australian Magpies are able to distinguish between individuals within and outside of their social group using only vocal signals and expands on growing research reporting vocal discrimination and individual recognition abilities across species.
Effect of Y2O3additive on nitridation of diamond wire silicon cutting waste
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Zhuang Yanxin , Xing Pengfei
Published: October 2022

The effect of Y2O3additive on the nitridation of diamond wire silicon cutting waste (DWSCW) was studied by using X‐ray diffraction, thermo gravimetry, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy‐dispersive spectrometry, and an equivalent alternative method, and the individual particles of DWSCW were simulated using cubic polycrystalline silicon blocks. The results showed that the native SiO2film on the surface of DWSCW can be disrupted at low temperature (1300°C) by adding Y2O3additive, which provide good channels for the diffusion of SiO and N2and improve the overall conversion of DWSCW. Y2O3additive can also reduce the initial nitriding temperature of cutting waste, change the nitriding kinetic behavior, and promote the formation of β‐Si3N4through accelerating the nitridation of cutting waste at high temperature (≥1500°C). In addition, when 8 wt% Y2O3additive is added to the cutting waste, the complete nitridation is achieved, at 1350°C, andωα + ωβreaches a maximum of 83.6 wt%.
Reproductive biology of the bathyal asteroid Ctenodiscus crispatus in the northeastern Pacific
Authors: Rist Sinja , Rice Lauren N. , Plowman Caitlin Q. , Fountain C. Tyler , Calhoun Avery , Ellison Christina , Young Craig M.
Published: October 2022

The mud star Ctenodiscus crispatus has a broad distribution from Arctic waters into the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Populations in the Atlantic are well studied and show oocyte sizes indicative of continuous gametogenesis with aseasonal spawning. In contrast, knowledge on the reproductive biology of Pacific populations is lacking. Thus, this study aims to examine the reproduction of C. crispatus in the northeastern Pacific. We sampled a population from the Pacific Ocean off Oregon and confirmed the species identity through 16S and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genetic barcoding. The majority of adults were 22–27 mm in size. Oocytes were obtained from dissected gonads soaked in a 1‐methyladenine solution and fertilized with spawned sperm. Other individuals were preserved whole in 10% buffered formalin, and oocytes were measured from preserved gonads. Strip‐spawned oocytes had a mean diameter of ~485 μm, consistent with Atlantic populations. Sperm had a mean head diameter and flagellum length of 3.1 and 65.9 μm, respectively. The time between first and second cell divisions was ~2 h, but larval cultures failed, and very few embryos developed to blastulae. Both strip‐spawned and preserved oocytes had a bimodal size‐frequency distribution indicative of semicontinuous gametogenesis. Comparison among individuals showed evidence of asynchrony among the population. This asynchrony and bimodal oocyte distribution may be driven by regular pulses of food, as has been postulated for other populations of this species. The reproductive plasticity seen among populations of this species in different regions could explain how it successfully inhabits such a wide geographic range.
Quantitatively predicting the optical and spectroscopic properties of Nd3+‐doped laser glasses
Authors: Dong Shuangli , Jia Yanqi , Ji Yao , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: October 2022

Predicting the properties of glass based on compositional and structural information is a fundamental issue with enormous practical and industrial significance for the study of laser glass. Here we address this problem and demonstrate the application of phase diagram method in predicting the spectroscopic properties of Nd3+‐doped binary and ternary silicate, binary phosphate, and borate laser glasses from their initial congruently melting compounds. In particular, spectroscopic properties, such as effective linewidth (Δλeff) and fluorescence branching ratio (β) can be precisely predicted in all glass systems with an error less than 5%. Furthermore, a composition–structure–property database of Nd3+‐doped ternary silicate glass system is established and preliminarily applied to the composition design and explanation of commercial glass. This study provides interpretable predictions of the optical and spectroscopic properties for Nd3+‐doped laser glasses.
Passing the test of motherhood? Self‐esteem development and birth experience in the transition to motherhood: A longitudinal mixed methods study in Finland
Authors: Raudasoja Mirjam , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Tolvanen Asko
Published: October 2022

Aims

To investigate women's childbirth experiences and their relation to self‐esteem development in the postpartum year.

Design

A mixed methods study.

Methods

Women (N = 125) completed survey questionnaires regarding their self‐esteem and childbirth experiences at three time points in 2020–2021: third trimester of pregnancy (T1), 4–8 weeks postpartum (T2) and 1 year postpartum (T3). The survey results were analysed using qualitative thematic and quantitative path analyses with latent change factors. The open‐ended answers of the women who demonstrated a change in self‐esteem between T2 and T3 were then compared. The STROBE checklist was used as the reporting guideline.

Results

The quantitatively measured childbirth experiences predicted statistically significantly and positively the changes in self‐esteem in the following year. The women described their childbirth stories through three main themes: childbirth as a lived experience, childbirth as a relational event and childbirth as a medical event. On the basis of the thematic analysis, we propose that the relationship between childbirth experience and self‐esteem development might only hold for women with extremely positive or negative childbirth experiences. There were mixed results for those women who had mixed experiences, indicating that other factors probably contributed to the changes in self‐esteem.

Conclusion

Childbirth is a pivotal event that may have lasting effects on the mother's self‐esteem after childbirth. Especially women with traumatic experiences deserve attention because they are at risk of the most negative consequences.

Impact

Perinatal services and policy makers must recognize the importance of childbirth experiences in women's well‐being and improve their practices. Different cultural models of childbirth should be recognized and supported to facilitate good experiences and prevent traumatic ones.

Patient or Public Contribution

Service users recruited in Finnish Child Health Centers responded to surveys that were used as data for this study.
Association between Berlin questionnaire index and blood pressure, organ damage and metabolic profilein a general population
Authors: Vanoli Jennifer , Dell'Oro Raffaella , Facchetti Rita , Bombelli Michele , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido
Published: October 2022

We evaluated the relationships between Berlin questionnaire (BQ) scores, hypertension and other metabolic variables in 598 subjects (age: 65.8 ± 10 years, mean ± SD) enrolled in the PAMELA (Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni) study representative of the general population, treated or untreated with antihypertensive drugs. Two hundred and eleven subjects (35%) had a positive BQ with two or more positive categories of the inquiry. Compared to those without sleep disorders these subjects showed a greater male prevalence (55.9%), worse serum cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose profile, greater body mass index (BMI) (28.9 ± 4.9 vs. 24.9 ± 3.4 kg/m2), higher office (and to a lesser extent 24‐h) BP and HR values, higher serum creatinine values and greater rate of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (25% vs. 13%). These differences were not detected when the data analysis was restricted to treated hypertensive patients. Thus, BQ scores allow to identify among subjects belonging to a general population those with elevated BP, organ damage and altered metabolic. When antihypertensive drug treatment is present, however, the approach fails to detect differences between groups with low or high BQ index.
Effective Human Rights Promotion and Protection? The EU and its Member States at the UN Human Rights Council
Authors: Tuominen Hanna
Published: October 2022

This article examines the EU's role as a global human rights actor through the example of its activity in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Whilst the EU has aimed to become an effective actor in the UN overall, the key focus is the extent to which the EU can be considered an effective actor in the HRC. Here, EU action is interpreted as the combined contribution of the EU and its Member States, thereby providing a comprehensive picture of EU engagement. The EU's effectiveness is evaluated by studying its input, engagement in negotiations and goal achievement. Furthermore, perceptions of effectiveness, based on interviews, are incorporated into the analysis. The article claims that the EU can be considered an effective actor in terms of its input and achieved outcomes. It has also improved its effectiveness in negotiations. However, EU effectiveness remains conditioned by the political context of the HRC.
A new species of Sturisoma Swainson, 1838 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae), from the Madeira River basin, with a discussion of historical biogeography of western Amazonas and Paraguay River basins
Authors: Londoño‐Burbano Alejandro , Britto Marcelo R.
Published: October 2022

A new loricariin species of Sturisoma is described from the Cautário, Guaporé, Mamoré, Machado and Soteiro rivers, Madeira River basin, in Bolivia and Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a middorsal longitudinal, thin dark brown stripe on the caudal peduncle, extending from two or three plates posterior to the dorsal‐fin base, reaching the origin of the caudal fin, or one or two plates anterior to the origin of the caudal fin; small squarish anteriormost abdominal plates; and a middorsal longitudinal dark‐brown stripe from first predorsal plate to near the dorsal‐fin origin. Furthermore, the new species is diagnosed from congeners by plate morphology, counts on the median series, coalescent plates and ventrolateral thoracic plates, in addition to measurements related to body and head structures. An analysis of genetic distances using cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene marker of the mitochondrial genome between the new species and several congeners is presented, in addition to a likelihood analysis to illustrate the position of the new taxon within Sturisoma. An identification key for species of the genus currently recorded at the upper Amazonas River basin is provided.
Influence of convective and microwave drying on Algerian blood orange slices: Drying kinetics and characteristics, modeling, and drying energetics
Authors: Abderrahim Khadidja Adel , Remini Hocine , Dahmoune Farid , Mouhoubi Khokha , Berkani Farida , Abbou Amina , Aoun Omar , Dairi Sofiane , Belbahi Amine , Kadri Nabil , Madani Khodir
Published: October 2022

This research work aims to explore for the first time the effect of two drying processes on Algerian blood oranges (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck): microwave(200, 400, 600, and 800 W) and convective(40°C, 60°C, 80°C, 100°C, and 120°C), on drying characteristics. The drying time was reduced from 90 min at 120°C (rate of 2.00 × 10−2 kgH2O/kg dm.min) to 13 min at 800 W microwave output (rate of 28.86 × 10−2 kgH2O/kg dm.min). The drying data were fitted to 38 models. Sledz et al. and Midilli and Kucuk models were found to be the best fit to describe drying kinetics for microwave and convective, respectively. The effective diffusivity ranged from 2.07 × 10−9 to 15.67 × 10−9 m2/s for microwave and from 0.07 × 10−9 to 1.97 × 10−9 m2/s for convective drying. The activation energy was estimated to be 8.871 W/g and 33.7 kJ/mol for microwave and convective respectively. The highest energy consumption was obtained by convective drying (0.49 × 107 MJ/kgH2O) whereas the highest energy yield was obtained by microwave drying (36.93 × 10–2%).

Practical Applications

Due to the great variability of drying techniques, it is difficult to design the best process for a given product. When choosing a process, several parameters must be considered including precise process control, short drying time, low energy consumption, and high energy efficiency. Blood orange is a seasonal variety, to make it available, drying is one of the most used techniques. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare two drying processes of blood orange slices (microwave, convective). The results of this research allowed to select an alternative technique (microwave) to manufacture dehydrated orange slices that could be useful to facilitate their use out off‐season in the formulation of different food products, food fortification, and pharmaceutical industry.

Novelty Impact Statement

Two conventional and innovative drying methods were applied to dry blood orange slices, and in terms of kinetic results and modeling. The models of Midilli and Kucuk and Sledz were best suited for convective and microwave drying, respectively. Microwaves provide faster drying, low energy consumption, and high energy efficiency.
Low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying of sliced bitter melon: Drying kinetics and rehydration characteristics
Authors: Nguyen Thi‐Van‐Linh , Nguyen Phuoc‐Bao‐Duy , Tran Thi Tuong Vi , Tran Bich‐Lam , Huynh Tien‐Phong
Published: October 2022

In this study, 5 mm thick thin layers of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) were microwave‐assisted dried at a low temperature on a laboratory scale. Bitter melon was selected as a material due to its nutritional value and therapeutic effectiveness. In this study, the full‐factorial design with microwave power densities (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 W/g) and air‐drying temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C) was used to investigate the kinetics of drying and various soaking temperatures (25, 50, and 80°C) for each of the tested drying conditions was used to study the rehydration characteristics. According to the results, both the Weibull and Midilli models were determined to be the best‐fitting models for predicting the variation in moisture ratio during microwave‐assisted drying at low temperatures. At low drying temperatures (less than 30°C), the presence of microwave radiation would considerably enhance moisture diffusion. The moisture diffusion coefficient was determined to be between 1.14 × 10−8 and 2.59 × 10−8 m2/s when microwave power density varied from 1.5 to 4.5 W/g and temperature varied from 20 to 30°C. In low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying, the rehydrated properties of dried bitter melon were significantly affected by microwave power. The kinetic rate and characteristic constants of the Peleg model were specifically decreased by the rise in microwave power density.

Practical applications

The first time, the drying and rehydration kinetics of sliced bitter melon were investigated using a relatively new drying technique, low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying.

Midilli and Weibull models are the best empirical models for describing the drying behavior of sliced bitter melon dried by low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying, while the Peleg model is good for identifying the rehydration behavior.

The microwave power density played a crucial role in the rehydration characteristics of dried bitter melon by low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying.
Mathematical modeling of continuous induction heating of sour cherry juice
Authors: Icier Filiz , Kaya Orhan
Published: October 2022

Induction heating is a noncontact heating method that enables heating of ferromagnetic materials. In this study, continuous induction heating system was custom set up and experimental and numerical results were compared. Sour cherry juice was heated to a target temperature value (75°C) at three different flow rates (200–250‐300 ml/min) and three different set pipe wall temperatures (80–90–100°C) in experimental study. COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2 was used to solve mathematical models and visualize temperature distribution during heating and flowing. Magnetic field, heat transfer, and laminar flow physics paired each other in the model. It was concluded that the time‐dependent variation of the sour cherry juice output temperature was successfully predicted by the model developed for induction process conditions. The developed models could be used to estimate process time, temperature history of materials, and effect of flow rate on heating rate any time during the continuous induction heating process.

Practical applications

Thermal processes applied in the food industry are aimed to inactivate the microorganisms in the food, to protect the nutrient content, and to have high energy efficiency. Conventional heating methods have a negative effect on the nutrient content of foods and the energy efficiency of the heating process due to long processing times. The advantages of induction heating are that it is a novel heating method, highly energy efficient, and performs heating process in a short time. In this study, a laboratory‐scale continuous induction heating system to heat a liquid food product was established and numerical modeling of the heating process was performed. The obtained model will be an important data for installation of the continuous induction heating systems, scale‐up in the continuous induction heating systems, and prediction to effects of the process parameters.
Influence of manufacturing system scale for commercial Japanese green tea (Sencha) production on biochemical characteristics of tea leaf and infusion
Authors: Qin Wei , Yamada Ryutaro , Araki Takuya , Ogawa Yukiharu
Published: October 2022

Dried green tea leaves (Sencha) were manufactured using various scale manufacturing systems, which processed batch‐wise for 15 kg (15 K), 60 kg (60 K), and 120 kg (120 K) fresh leaves. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) of dried tea leaves and infusions were evaluated. The values of TPC, FRAP, and DPPH of dried tea leaves processed by the larger systems (120 K and 60 K) were significantly higher than the values by the smaller system (15 K). In contrast, with the larger system scale, some of the leaves were not fully rolled and were not mechanically damaged during processing. These incomplete processing conditions led to the extraction of significantly fewer polyphenols in hot water, which might influence the health benefits of green tea infusions. This study indicated that there could be an optimal system scale that considers the balance between economic and health benefits, involving the optimization of production quality/amount.

Practical Applications

After harvest, Japanese green tea leaves are gradually dried using batch‐wise processing systems. The processing system scale is permanently fixed by the size of one batch, which is selected according to the circumstances of the production area and demand for tea production. However, tea leaf producers have experientially been aware of the quality variations in the final tea products, depending on the system scale. In this study, the impact of the scale of the manufacturing system on the functional properties of green tea was investigated. The results revealed that the hot water extract of dried tea leaves processed by a larger system scale tended to have less functional properties than those by a smaller system. This was due to the comparatively incomplete rolling conditions of tea leaves processed by larger manufacturing systems. These differences influence the preservability and extractability of the chemical components of the green tea leaves. Our findings provide beneficial information regarding processing conditions for better functional green tea infusions.
Reply to Bennett and Levine
Authors: Galizia Gianluigi , Abete Pasquale
Published: October 2022

This is a response to the article by Bennett et al. in this issue.
Membrane retrieval after Immediately Releasable Pool (IRP) exocytosis is produced by dynamin‐dependent and dynamin‐independent/protein kinase C‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Bayonés Lucas , Alfonso‐Bueno Samuel , Montenegro Mauricio , Moya‐Díaz José , Caspe Octavio , Gallo Luciana I. , Marengo Fernando D.
Published: October 2022

The importance of the immediately releasable pool (IRP) of vesicles was proposed to reside in the maintenance of chromaffin cell secretion during the firing of action potentials at basal physiological frequencies. To accomplish this duty, IRP should be replenished as a function of time. We have previously reported that an action potential‐like stimulus (APls) triggers the release of ~50% IRP, followed by a fast dynamin‐dependent endocytosis and an associated rapid replenishment process. In this work, we investigated the endocytosis and IRP replenishment produced after the exocytosis of variable IRP fractions in mice primary chromaffin cell cultures. Exocytosis and endocytosis were estimated by membrane capacitance measurements obtained in patch‐clamped cells. In addition to the dynamin‐dependent fast endocytosis activated after the application of APls or 5 ms squared depolarizations, we found that depolarizations lasting 25–50 ms, which release >80% of IRP, are related with a fast dynamin‐independent, Ca2+‐ and protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent endocytosis (time constant <1 s). PKC inhibitors, such as staurosporine, bisindolylmaleimide XI, PKC 19–31 peptide, and prolonged treatments with high concentrations of phorbol esters, reduced and decelerated this endocytosis. Additionally, we found that the inhibition of PKC also abolished a slow component of replenishment (time constant ~8 s) observed after total IRP exocytosis. Therefore, our results suggest that PKC contributes to the coordination of membrane retrieval and vesicle replenishment mechanisms that occur after the complete exocytosis of IRP.

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Marginal discrepancy and fracture load of thermomechanically fatigued crowns fabricated with different CAD‐CAM techniques
Authors: Sasany Rafat , Yilmaz Burak
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To assess the effect of CAD‐CAM technique (monolithic, CAD‐on, or CAD‐on cemented) and thermomechanical fatigue on the marginal discrepancy and fracture load of ceramic crowns.

Material and methods

A total of 90 brass master dies were fabricated to investigate marginal adaptation and fracture load. A mandibular first molar crown's median measurements were loaded into CAD software and divided into 2 crown design groups: Monolithic (M)(IPS e.max zirCAD)(n = 30) or CAD‐on core (IPS e.max zirCAD) and lithium disilicate veneer (IPS e.max CAD) (n = 60). The crowns and cores were milled, seated on their respective dies, and marginal discrepancy values were measured by using microcomputed tomography. After veneers were milled, the cores in the veneer groups were divided into 2 groups; veneers bonded with fusion glass‐ceramic (IPS e.max CAD Crystal) in CAD‐on group (CO) and CAD‐on cemented group (CO‐C) where veneers were cemented (RelyX U200) onto cores (CO‐C). The marginal discrepancy measurements were remade and the crowns were subjected to thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) by using a chewing simulator and thermocycling (5‐55°C, 1,200,000 cycles). Marginal discrepancy measurements were repeated and the crowns were subjected to fracture load test by using a universal test device. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05).

Results

All crown groups had similar marginal discrepancy before veneering. Veneering and cementation on die increased the marginal discrepancy of crowns in cemented CAD‐on group. Thermomechanical fatigue increased the marginal discrepancy of both CAD‐on groups. Monolithic crown group had the lowest marginal discrepancy after thermomechanical fatigue (p < 0.001), and the highest fracture load (p < 0.001)

Conclusions

Fabrication technique affected the marginal fit and fracture load of CAD‐CAM crowns after thermomechanical fatigue. All crowns survived the thermomechanical fatigue test without dislodgement or fracture. Monolithic crowns had the best fit and highest fracture load after fatigue testing. The CAD‐on systems had similar marginal discrepancies, and static loading reproduced veneer chipping.
Psychometric properties and reference values of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) sleep item banks in the Dutch general population
Authors: Terwee Caroline B. , van Litsenburg Raphaele R. L. , Elsman Ellen B. M. , Roorda Leo D.
Published: October 2022

Psychometric properties of the v1.0 Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) sleep disturbance (27 items) and sleep‐related impairment (SRI; 16 items) item banks, short forms derived from the item bank, and simulated computerised adaptive test (CAT), were assessed in a representative sample of 1,006 adults from the Dutch general population. For sleep disturbance all items fitted the item response theory model. Four items showed differential item functioning (i.e., lack of measurement invariance) for age and two for language but the impact on scores (expressed as T‐scores) was small. Reliable scores (r > 0.90) were found for 92.2%–96.3% of respondents with the full bank, short forms with six and eight items, and CAT, but for only 25.6% with the four‐item short form. For SRI two items did not fit the item response theory model. Four items showed differential item functioning for language but the impact on T‐scores was small. Reliable scores were found for 82.1% with the full bank, for 47.8%–69.5% with short forms and CAT. T‐scores of 49.7 and 49.3 represent the average score of the Dutch general population for sleep disturbance and SRI, respectively. In conclusion, sufficient structural validity, reliability, and cross‐cultural validity was found for the full banks but short forms of four items are not reliable enough for clinical practice. For SRI we recommend the full item bank if this is the primary outcome.
Water as property: Contention between indigenous communities and the lithium industry for water rights in Chile
Authors: Lunde Seefeldt Jennapher
Published: October 2022

With the growing demand for lithium to be used in many electronic devices and vehicles, companies in Chile's Atacama Desert race to extract this “white gold.” Lithium mining is a water‐intensive process, seemingly impossible to sustain in the world's driest desert. Local indigenous communities rely on what little water access exists, but water becomes the property of whoever owns the land. Thus, we see growing contention between local communities and mining companies for the use of water. This study examines the intersection between communities, the environment, and lithium‐mining companies, using a political‐ecology model to understand the nuances involved in extracting this in‐demand resource. Based on interviews, news archives, and other methods, the findings indicate a need for increased trust between populations and companies. Additionally, regulatory and legal clarity and consolidation would help manage the conflicts. Activism and company and government responses can facilitate better negotiations between stakeholders and allow for access to lithium while better protecting the environment and the people that survive in the desert.
Collateral damage of wandering ProTacks
Authors: Batura Deepak , Sahibzada Iqbal , Gayed Wade
Published: October 2022

Case

A 75‐year‐old man presented with mixed obstructive and storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). He had undergone transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 5 years and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair 20 years ago. He had a stone adherent to the bladder wall and an occlusive prostate.

Outcome

He underwent a re‐do TURP and stone removal. Stone removal revealed an underlying metal coil straddling the bladder wall, which had served as a nidus for stone formation. The metal ring was a ProTack staple from previous hernia surgery, which had detached and wandered into the bladder. At follow‐up after 12 weeks, the patient was asymptomatic, and his urine was sterile. Therefore, he chose to be treated conservatively for the ProTack and was started on periodic follow‐up and cystoscopic surveillance. Shortly after review, he developed intestinal obstruction, which resolved spontaneously and was thought to be secondary to adhesions from other tacks that had migrated into the peritoneal cavity.

Conclusion

We have reported a case of a ProTack from a previous hernia repair migrating into the bladder and also causing intestinal obstruction. The case is very rare because of the combination of complications. Clinicians should beware of delayed complications and damage to other organs due to metallic hernia staples.
Heterologous expression of Arabidopsis pattern recognition receptor RLP23 increases broad‐spectrum resistance in poplar to fungal pathogens
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Cheng Qiang
Published: October 2022

The pattern recognition receptor AtRLP23 from Arabidopsis thaliana recognizes the epitopes (nlp24s) of necrosis and ethylene‐inducing peptide 1‐like proteins (NLPs) and triggers pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI). Here, we established methods for studying the early events of PTI in the hybrid poplar cultivar Shanxin (Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana) in response to the flagellin epitope. We confirmed that wild‐type Shanxin cannot generate PTI responses on nlp24 treatment. Four NLP homologues were characterized from two common fungal pathogens of Shanxin, namely Marssonina brunnea f. sp. monogermtubi (MbMo) and Elsinoë australis (Ea), which cause black leaf spot and anthracnose disease, respectively, and the nlp24s of three of them could be responded to by Nicotiana benthamiana leaves expressing AtRLP23. We then created AtRLP23 transgenic Shanxin lines and confirmed that the heterologous expression of AtRLP23 conferred on transgenic Shanxin the ability to respond to one nlp24 of each fungal pathogen. Consistently, infection assays with MbMo or Ea showed obviously lower levels of disease symptoms and significantly inhibited the growth of fungi on the transgenic poplar compared with that in wild‐type poplar. Overall, our results indicated that the heterologous expression of AtRLP23 allowed transgenic Shanxin to generate a PTI response to nlp24s, resulting in increased broad‐spectrum fungal disease resistance.
Comparative efficacy of different concentrations of chlorhexidine for prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in intensive care units: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Li , Zhang Qin , Zhai Huaixiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia is a common type of hospital‐acquired infection in critically ill patients. The implementation of effective oral care with chlorhexidine is known to be an effective intervention to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Nonetheless, no well‐supported evidence exists yet to rank the efficacy of various concentrations of chlorhexidine.

Aim

To compare the efficacy of different concentrations of chlorhexidine (0.12%, 0.20% and 2.0%) for prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia.

Study Design

Electronic databases, as well as bibliographies, were systematically searched to find relevant studies published in English from inception until January 1, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials of mechanically ventilated adult patients in intensive care settings comparing at least two of the following treatments: 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.2% chlorhexidine, 2.0% chlorhexidine, or placebo. The selected outcome was the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia. A frequentist network meta‐analysis was performed. We ranked the concentrations of chlorhexidine for the selected outcome by p score (estimate of the probability of being the best treatment).

Results

We included 19 trials with 3183 participants, conducted across nine countries. The use of 2.0% chlorhexidine and 0.12% chlorhexidine decreased the risk of ventilator‐associated pneumonia compared with placebo (OR 0.46, 95% CI = 0.28–0.75; OR 0.49, 95% CI = 0.33–0.71, respectively), whereas the effect resulting from 0.02% chlorhexidine remains unclear (OR 0.78, 95% CI = 0.54–1.13). Our network meta‐analysis ranked the 2.0% concentration as the most beneficial for ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention (p score: 0.92).

Conclusion

The 2.0% chlorhexidine and the 0.12% chlorhexidine reduce the risk of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients. According to the results of our network meta‐analysis, 2.0% chlorhexidine seems more beneficial. Chlorhexidine needs to be further evaluated in large‐scale controlled trials.

Relevance to clinical practice

In patients in intensive care units, and within the inevitable limitations of a network meta‐analysis, this study proposes that 2.0% chlorhexidine is superior to other chlorhexidine concentrations in terms of preventing ventilator‐associated pneumonia.
A Nomogram to Predict Delirium after Hip Replacement in Elderly Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Li Bingbing , Ju Jiabao , Zhao Jiaying , Qin Ying , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2022

Objective

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication, and clinical practitioners have taken measures to improve the quality of life after hip replacement surgery. We aim to establish a nomogram to predict POD in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures (FNFs) after hip replacement.

Methods

A total of 384 elderly patients (267 females) with an average age of 75.8 years who underwent hip replacement from June 2010 to May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into delirium and non‐delirium groups according to the confusion assessment method. The risk factors for POD were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, and the nomogram was established based on the results.

Results

The incidence of POD was 33.33% (128/384). Univariate analysis showed that advanced age, diabetes, lacunar cerebral infarction, surgery type, intraoperative blood loss, electrolyte imbalance, and anemia were risk factors for POD (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the independent risk factors for POD were age (OR = 1.332, 95% CI [1.224, 1.449], p < 0.01), surgery type (OR = 0.351, 95% CI [0.137, 0.900], p = 0.029), electrolyte imbalance (OR = 4.407, 95% CI [1.947, 9.977], p< 0.01), anemia (OR = 10.819, 95% CI [4.573, 25.598], p < 0.01). The prediction equation was established; logistic (p) = −25.469 + 0.277*X1(age[value = years of age]) + 1.293*X2(surgery[value = 0 for “total hip replacement” or value = 1 for “hemiarthroplasty”]) + 1.510*X3(electrolyte imbalance[value = 0 for “no” or value = 1 for “yes”]) + 2.157*X4(anemia[value = 1 for “hemoglobin with < 120g/L in male and < 110g/L in female patients” ]) or 2.975*X5(anemia[value = 1 for “hemoglobin with <90g/L"]). The area under the curve was 0.957 (95% CI [0.938, 0.976], p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The incidence of POD in elderly patients with FNF after hip replacement is high. The nomogram incorporating age, surgery type, electrolyte imbalance, and anemia could provide an individualized prediction for POD among FNF patients after hip replacement, which may help the physician determine appropriate perioperative management.