bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketing Efficiency of Major Spices in Madhya Pradesh with Special References to Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs)
Authors: Bareliya Rajendra Singh , Patidar Pradeep Kumar , Pandey Prem Ratan , Rathi Deepak
Published: December 2022

Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and NABARD are providing technical & financial support for promotion of FPOs. The Kutir Agri Producer Company Limited, Betul is basically a corporate body registered as a Producer Company under Companies Act, 1956. The total spices grower members 214 of FPO and by using proportionate (5:1) random sampling method subjected to minimum 50 sample respondents were selected. Marketing cost, producer’s share, price spread and marketing efficiency were analyzed. The Farmers sell their spices product to FPO at the rate of garam masala (₹29814.40), red chili (₹9674.42), coriander (₹8843.32) and turmeric (₹ 6639.25) per quintal respectively. The marketing cost is high on garam masala (₹4816.17), red chili (1859.47), coriander (₹1743.62) & turmeric (₹1645.66) Rs per quintal and absolute market margin on garam masala (₹4533.85), Red chili (₹1474.97), coriander (₹1350.81) and turmeric (₹1037.16) Rs quintal respectively. Producer share in consumer’s rupees 71.22 to 76.13 per cent in spices. The maximum profit is obtained by FPO in garam masala (₹2298.37), red chili (₹738.32), Coriander (₹675.24) and turmeric (₹512.11). Government of India and NABARD should be providing market platform and procure of processed spices to FPOs. Government should be available machineries at subsidized rate for processing of their spices.
Developing Skills of Obeying Classroom Rules for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Preparing to Inclusive Grade 1: Case Study Results
Authors: Mai Thi-Phuong , Tran Thu-Giang
Published: December 2022

Children with autism spectrum disorders have many defects, especially in the communication and social interaction, as well as stereotypes and rigidities in hobbies and activities. Therefore, this group of children has many difficulties when participating in the classroom and school environment, or they are even not accepted. Developing skills of obeying classroom rules has a significant role and meaning for children with autism spectrum disorders, especially in the preparation stage for Grade 1. The paper presents the results of organizing to develop skills of obeying classroom rules for two children with autism spectrum disorders in the pre-primary class. By using the behavioral principles of applied behavior analysis, visual supports, and Vietnamese music and poetry, both two children with autism spectrum disorders experienced significant progress in compliance with classroom rules over a period of nearly four months attending the pre-primary class. The paper also suggests that it is necessary to implement it on many children with autism spectrum disorders and to have a longer experimental time to demonstrate the more obvious effectiveness of the applied measures.
The Impact of Vehicular Emission on Erythrocyte Level and Red Cell Indices of Occupationally Exposed Subjects in a Given City
Authors: Odozi Efeota Bright , Ajayi Olutayo Ifedayo
Published: December 2022

Background: The association of combustive emission has been inter-related with haematologic parameters and a likelihood to pro-inflammatory state. This research is aimed at assessing the impact of vehicular emission on erythrocyte level and red cell indices of occupationally exposed subjects.

Methods: The level of haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, red blood cells, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution width were determined in four hundred subjects with the aid of Mythic 22 haematology autoanalyser.

Results: The comparison of the haemoglobin and haematocrit shows that the value of mean ± standard error value of generator exposed and mechanics respectively were significantly higher than the other groups (p< 0.03). On the otherhand, the red blood cell count for generator exposed and mechanics ranked higher than the other groups (p< 0.03). The mean cell volume (MCV) of generator exposed and mechanics were 86.57±0.08 fl and 84.49±1.04 fl respectively while control and drivers had values of 93.24±1.13 fl and 93.22±1.13 fl respectively (p< 0.03). The mechanics recorded a mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) of 26.92±0.40 pg which was significantly lower (p< 0.04) than the control (30.37±0.47 pg), generator exposed (39.68±6.38 pg) and drivers (30.42±0.47 pg). Conclusion: The differences amongst the groups and none of the groups were within the medically acceptable ranges which is a pointer to the fact that there might be an underlying inflammatory condition which might be due to occupational exposure.
Correlation-regression Analysis of the Relationship between the Volume of Sales of Goods and the use of Rotary Photo Tables for Their Presentation in Online Stores
Authors: Petrov Dmitriy
Published: December 2022

Aims: The aim of this article was to determine the existence of a relationship between the volume of sales of goods by an online store and the use of rotary photo tables for the presentation of goods, using mathematical methods and models.

Study Design: In order to determine the relationship between the volume of sales of goods at the online store and the use of rotary photo tables for the presentation of goods, economic and mathematical modeling was carried out on the base of the data of online store "Ukrasa".

Place and Duration of Research: Russian Federation.

Methodology: To achieve the goals, the research used such methods as analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison and grouping, methods of mathematical modeling (correlation-regression analysis).

Results: On the basis of mathematical methods, it was established that there is a relationship between the volume of sales of goods by the online store and the number of goods that are presented with the help of photos and videos made with the use of turntables for photography. As a result of the research, it was established that 78,85% of the total change in the volume of sales of goods is explained by the change in the presentation of goods on the site with the help of rotary photo tables.

Conclusion: The conducted research showed the importance of using rotary photo tables for presenting goods in online store. The economic interpretation of the parameters of the model shows that the increase in the number of goods presented with the help of photos and videos made with the use of rotary tables for photography will increase by one hundred units, then the volume of sales of goods will increase by 1661,9 thousand hryvnias.
Astrology, Alchemy, and Politics, Iran/Central Asia 500–1500ce
Authors: Thomann Johannes
Published: December 2022

Both astrology and alchemy had their influence on the public sphere. Astrologers were the favored advisors of Sassanid rulers in political matters, as documented in theKarnamag i Ardaxshir(sixth century). Alchemy may also have played a role, as later Arabic sources suggest. After the defeat of the Umayyads, the Abbasid caliphs modeled themselves and their courts after the Sassanids. In 762, Caliph al Mansur commissioned two Iranian astrologers to find an auspicious date and time for laying the foundation stone of the new residential city in Baghdad. Mashaʾallah (d. before 815) wrote the earliest extant work on political astrology based on the great conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter. Abu Maʿshar (d. 886) developed a different concept in his bookal‐Uluf(The Thousands), based on a “world year“ of 360,000 years. A unique document of political astrology is the Dustur al‐Munajjimin, written in Alamut, the stronghold of the Assassins. The finest astrological manuscript is the personal horoscope of the Timurid prince Iskandar Sultan (d. 1415). Less clear is the political function of alchemy, but the example of al‐Tughraʾi (d. 1121), a high official in the Seljuk Empire, shows that alchemy must have had relations with the ruler. Alchemy claimed the possibility to transform base metals into gold, which was highly controversial among scholars. Al‐Kindi and Ibn Sina denied it, while al‐Farabi defended it. There was a less speculative and more practical side of alchemy. Chemical instruments were used in Nishapur in the ninth or tenth centuries, as evidenced by archaeological finds.
A hybrid method to improve efficiency of patient specific SRS and SBRT QA using 3D secondary dose verification
Authors: Baltz Garrett C. , Manigold Remy , Seier Richard , Kirsner Steven M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Patient Specific QA (PSQA) by direct phantom measurement for all intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) cases is labor intensive and an inefficient use of the Medical Physicist's time. The purpose of this work was to develop a hybrid quality assurance (QA) technique utilizing 3D dose verification as a screening tool to determine if a measurement is necessary.

Methods

This study utilized Sun Nuclear DoseCHECK (DC), a 3D secondary verification software, and Fraction 0, a trajectory log IMRT QA software. Twenty‐two Lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and thirty single isocentre multi‐lesion SRS (MLSRS) plans were retrospectively analysed in DC. Agreement of DC and the TPS dose for selected dosimetric criteria was recorded. Calculated 95% confidence limits (CL) were used to establish action limits. All cases were delivered and measured using the Sun Nuclear stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) MapCheck. Trajectory logs of the delivery were used to calculate Fraction 0 results for the same criteria calculated by DC. Correlation of DC and Fraction 0 results were calculated. Phantom measured QA was compared to Fraction 0 QA results for the cases which had DC criteria action limits exceeded.

Results

Correlation of DC and Fraction 0 results were excellent, demonstrating the same action limits could be used for both and DC can predict Fraction 0 results. Based on the calculated action limits, zero lung SBRT cases and six MLSRS cases were identified as requiring a measurement. All plans that passed the DC screening had a passing measurement based PSQA and agreed with Fraction 0 results.

Conclusion

Using 95% CL action limits of dosimetric criteria, a 3D secondary dose verification can be used to determine if a measurement is required for PSQA. This method is efficient for it is part of the normal clinical workflow when verifying any clinical treatment. In addition, it can drastically reduce the number of measurements needed for PSQA.
Spending bill includes X‐waiver elimination, more
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2022

To avert a government shutdown and get key provisions into the spending bill before a new Congress is seated this month, Congress and President Biden passed and signed a spending bill for fiscal year (FY) 2023 on Dec. 23. The $1.7 trillion proposed appropriations bill, referred to as an “omnibus,” includes proposed spending for the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors’ (NASADAD) priority programs within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other federal agencies.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys by Laser Engineered Net Shaping
Authors: Chen Fei , Lu Jiaqi , Liu Yang , Zhang Hongfei , Zhang Chi , Shen Qiang
Published: December 2022

Herein, NiTi alloys are prepared by laser engineered net shaping (LENS) technology. By exploring the mechanical properties and microstructures of NiTi samples under different laser powers, it is concluded that NiTi alloys with a laser power of 350 W have better tensile strength (783 MPa) and strain recovery rate (59.01%). In addition, the mechanical properties and microstructure of NiTi samples with a laser power of 350 W at different aging temperatures (400–800 °C) are also explored. It is found that NiTi alloys aged at 600 °C had better tensile strength (729 MPa) and strain recovery rate (92.85%). In addition, the phase‐transition temperature and endothermic enthalpy and exothermic enthalpy of the NiTi samples after thermal treatment increased, which is attributed to the formation of stable martensite (B19′) inside the NiTi samples after thermal treatment, and the type of internal NiTi phases structure change significantly. Thermal treatment can generate Ni4Ti3, NiTi2 precipitates, and martensite (B19′) with high density of dislocations inside the NiTi samples. Herein, it is showed that LENS can prepare NiTi alloys with excellent mechanical and structural properties by controlling the equipment parameters and aging temperature.
Thermal Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of GH4151 Alloy
Authors: Jia Zhi , Heng Yabo , Wang Yanjiang , Ji Jinjin , Yang Peiyao
Published: December 2022

Herein, an as‐cast GH4151 alloy is subjected to thermal compression at different temperatures and strain rates by a thermal simulation testing machine. The constitutive equation, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) model, and hot processing map are obtained from the stress–strain curves. The results show that the optimal heat processing conditions are 1100–1120 °C, 0.001–0.01 s−1and 1100–1135 °C, 0.001–0.1 s−1. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that the recrystallization mechanism of GH4151 alloy is mainly discontinuous DRX (DDRX) and is supplemented by continuous DRX (CDRX). Deformation dislocations are eliminated by the phagocytosis mechanism of dislocations during recrystallization, and the subgrains and low‐angle grain boundaries are transformed into high‐angle grain boundaries, which finally form equiaxed grains. In addition, due to the pinning effect of γ′ phase on grain boundaries, the redissolution of γ′ phase during DRX greatly affects grain growth.
Enhancement of the Magnetoresistance in the Mobility‐Engineered Compensated Metal Pt5P2
Authors: Mayo Alex H. , Takahashi Hidefumi , Ishiwata Shintaro , Górnicka Karolina , Winiarski Michał J. , Jaroszynski Jan , Cava Robert J. , Xie Weiwei , Klimczuk Tomasz
Published: December 2022

The magnetoresistance (MR) in nonmagnetic materials continues to be a fertile research area in materials science. The search for giant, positive MR has been limited to a rather small window of materials such as high‐mobility semimetals in single‐crystalline form. Here, the observation of a very large positive MR in metallic Pt5P2 in polycrystalline form is reported. The observations reveal that improvement of the crystallinity results in a significant enhancement of the positive MR, exceeding 10 000% at 9 T, comparable to high‐mobility semimetals. Based on first‐principles calculations combined with magnetotransport and thermoelectric measurements, the Fermi surface of Pt5P2 is found to consist of a collection of multiple electron and hole pockets compensating one another, along with a characteristic pocket continuously connected to the adjacent Brillouin zone, together with possible topologically protected band crossings. This work extends the landscape of high MR candidate materials to polycrystalline metals, which demonstrates the importance of crystallinity and purity of the samples for the optimization of the MR.
Methane and oxygen from energy‐efficient, low temperature in situ resource utilization enables missions to Mars
Authors: Shahid Mohamed , Chambers Bradley , Sankarasubramanian Shrihari
Published: December 2022

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) mandate is a human mission to Mars in the 2030s and sustained exploration of Mars requires in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Exploiting the Martian water cycle (alongside perchlorate salts that depress water's freezing point to <213 K) and the available 95 vol.% atmospheric CO2, we detail an ultra‐low temperature (255 K) CO2–H2O electrolyzer to produce methane fuel and life‐supporting oxygen on Mars. Our polarization model fit experimental Martian brine electrolyzer performance and predicted CO2 electrolysis occurring at comparatively lower potentials (vs. water electrolysis) on Mars. A hypothetical 10‐cell, 100 cm2 electrode‐area‐per‐cell electrolyzer produced 0.45 g W−1 day−1 of CH4 and 3.55 g W−1 day−1 of O2 at 2 V/cell and 50% electrolyzer faradaic efficiency versus a best‐case production of 2.5 g W−1 day−1 of O2 by the Mars Oxygen in situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) from NASA's Mars 2020 mission (MOXIE produces no fuel). Material performance requirements are presented to advance this technology as an energy‐efficient complement to MOXIE.
Advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing: A functional definition
Authors: Romañach Rodolfo J. , Stelzer Torsten , Sanchez Eric , Muzzio Fernando
Published: December 2022

The term “Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing” (APM) has become an ubiquitous buzzword with deep potential policy implications. There is a real danger that APM will be seen as a general panacea for solving economic woes and drug shortages, devoiding it from specific meaning, and depriving the technical community of focus much needed for its development and implementation. This paper first discusses several semantic definitions of APM that have been proposed in the field. A functional definition of APM is then presented as: A system that is designed using predictive models, where automation minimizes human intervention while enabling closed loop process control and real time quality assurance, where performance has been optimized to maximize desired process goals, where flexible amounts of product with equivalent attributes can be manufactured, and where equivalent processes can be implemented at multiple locations to manufacture products with equivalent critical quality attributes. The proposed definition is presented to motivate discussion and elicit contributions from other stakeholders, and to contribute to the development of a consensus framework for design, development, implementation, and evaluation of APM.
A New Thiolate‐Bound Dimanganese Cluster as a Structural and Functional Model for Class Ib Ribonucleotide Reductases
Authors: Battistella Beatrice , Lohmiller Thomas , Cula Beatrice , Hildebrandt Peter , Kuhlmann Uwe , Dau Holger , Mebs Stefan , Ray Kallol
Published: December 2022

In class Ib ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) a dimanganese(II) cluster activates superoxide (O2⋅−) rather than dioxygen (O2), to access a high valent MnIII−O2−MnIV species, responsible for the oxidation of tyrosine to tyrosyl radical. In a biomimetic approach, we report the synthesis of a thiolate‐bound dimanganese complex [MnII2(BPMT)(OAc)2](ClO)4 (BPMT=(2,6‐bis{[bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl}‐4‐methylthiophenolate) (1) and its reaction with O2⋅− to form a [(BPMT)MnO2Mn]2+ complex 2. Resonance Raman investigation revealed the presence of an O−O bond in 2, while EPR analysis displayed a 16‐line St=1/2 signal at g=2 typically associated with a MnIIIMnIV core, as detected in class Ib RNRs. Unlike all other previously reported Mn−O2−Mn complexes, generated by O2⋅− activation at Mn2 centers, 2 proved to be a capable electrophilic oxidant in aldehyde deformylation and phenol oxidation reactions, rendering it one of the best structural and functional models for class Ib RNRs.
Mechanical Training Enabled Reinforcement of Polyrotaxane‐Containing Hydrogel
Authors: Jin Jia‐Ni , Yang Xi‐Ran , Wang Yan‐Fang , Zhao Lei‐Min , Yang Liu‐Pan , Huang Liping , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2022

Many strategies have been developed for constructing anisotropic hydrogels, however, it remains a challenge to fabricate hydrogels with anisotropic nanocrystalline domains from intrinsically soft networks. Here, we report a naphthotube‐based polyrotaxane‐containing hydrogel that can be reinforced via mechanical training. During the training process, the hydrogel can adopt reorientation of polymer chains to form anisotropic structures driven by external uniaxial force. Due to the multiple hydrogen bonding sites and movable feature of naphthotube, the sliding of naphthotube on PEG chains simultaneously inducing the zipping of adjacent polymer chains to form densely anisotropic nanocrystalline domains through hydrogen bonded networks. Thus, the trained hydrogel exhibits an enhanced tension stress of ≈110 kPa, which realize a remarkable enhancement of ≈10 times compare to initial state. This study provides a new tactic for improving the mechanical performance of soft materials.
Stirred culture of cartilaginous microtissues promotes chondrogenic hypertrophy through exposure to intermittent shear stress
Authors: Loverdou Niki , Cuvelier Maxim , Nilsson Hall Gabriella , Christiaens An‐Sofie , Decoene Isaak , Bernaerts Kristel , Smeets Bart , Ramon Herman , Luyten Frank P. , Geris Liesbet , Papantoniou Ioannis
Published: December 2022

Cartilage microtissues are promising tissue modules for bottom up biofabrication of implants leading to bone defect regeneration. Hitherto, most of the protocols for the development of these cartilaginous microtissues have been carried out in static setups, however, for achieving higher scales, dynamic process needs to be investigated. In the present study, we explored the impact of suspension culture on the cartilage microtissues in a novel stirred microbioreactor system. To study the effect of the process shear stress, experiments with three different impeller velocities were carried out. Moreover, we used mathematical modeling to estimate the magnitude of shear stress on the individual microtissues during dynamic culture. Identification of appropriate mixing intensity allowed dynamic bioreactor culture of the microtissues for up to 14 days maintaining microtissue suspension. Dynamic culture did not affect microtissue viability, although lower proliferation was observed as opposed to the statically cultured ones. However, when assessing cell differentiation, gene expression values showed significant upregulation of both Indian Hedgehog (IHH) and collagen type X (COLX), well known markers of chondrogenic hypertrophy, for the dynamically cultured microtissues. Exometabolomics analysis revealed similarly distinct metabolic profiles between static and dynamic conditions. Dynamic cultured microtissues showed a higher glycolytic profile compared with the statically cultured ones while several amino acids such as proline and aspartate exhibited significant differences. Furthermore, in vivo implantations proved that microtissues cultured in dynamic conditions are functional and able to undergo endochondral ossification. Our work demonstrated a suspension differentiation process for the production of cartilaginous microtissues, revealing that shear stress resulted to an acceleration of differentiation towards hypertrophic cartilage.
An innovative single‐base extension method for synchronous detection of point mutations and MSI status in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liang Li , Li Xin , Nong Lin , Cai Weijing , Zhang Jixin , Liu Ping , Li Ting
Published: December 2022

Background

An accurate genotyping analysis is one of the critical prerequisites for patients with colorectal cancer receiving matched therapies. Conventional genotyping analysis is currently used to detect either gene mutations or MSI status, delaying the detection of critical tumor biomarkers and thus the optimal time for treatment. An assay that analyzes both biomarkers in a streamlined process is eagerly needed.

Methods

We developed an assay combining Multiplex PCR Amplification, Single‐base Extension and capillary electrophoresis (CE) analysis (MASE‐CE) for synchronous detection of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations and MSI status. In a 190 colorectal cancer cohort, we identified seven somatic mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF as well as five MSI loci (D2S123/D5S346/D17S250/BAT‐25/BAT‐26) simultaneously. KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations were detected by NGS and MASE‐CE, and MSI status were detected by PCR‐CE and MASE‐CE methods.

Results

The MASE‐CE method showed high consistency with NGS for mutation detection (Kappa value ≥0.8) and PCR‐CE (Kappa value = 0.79). In addition, the limits of detection (LOD) of MASE‐CE assay for MSI and somatic mutation were 5% and 2%, respectively.

Conclusions

In somatic mutation detection and MSI detection, the LOD of MASE‐CE assay was superior to that of qPCR and NGS. MASE‐CE assay is a highly sensitive, time‐saving and specimen‐saving method, which can greatly avoid the cumbersome testing process and provide clinical decision for doctors in time.
Par14 interacts with the androgen receptor, augmenting both its transcriptional activity and prostate cancer proliferation
Authors: Naito Miki , Ikeda Kenichiro , Aoyama Shunya , Kanamoto Mayu , Akasaka Yasuyuki , Kido Yuri , Nakanishi Mikako , Kanna Machi , Yamamotoya Takeshi , Matsubara Akio , Hinata Nobuyuki , Asano Tomoichiro , Nakatsu Yusuke
Published: December 2022

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality for men globally, and androgen signaling clearly drives its onset and progression. Androgen receptor (AR) regulation is complex and remains elusive, despite several studies tackling these issues. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism(s) underlying AR regulation is a potentially promising approach to suppressing PCa.

Methods

We report that Par14, one isoform of the prolyl isomerases homologous to Pin1, is a critical regulator of AR transcriptional activity and is essential for PCa cell growth.

Results

Par14 was shown to be overexpressed in PCa, based on analyses of deposited data. Importantly, overexpression of Par14 significantly enhanced androgen‐sensitive LNCap cell growth. In contrast, silencing of Par14 dramatically decreased cell growth in LNCap cells by causing cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, silencing of the Par14 gene dramatically induced cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 at both the mRNA and the protein level through modulating the localization of p53. In addition, suppression of Par14 in LNCap cells was shown to downregulate the expressions of androgen response genes, at both the mRNA and the protein level, induced by dihydrotestosterone. Par14 was shown to directly associate with AR in nuclei via its DNA‐binding domain and augment AR transcriptional activity.

Conclusion

Thus, Par14 plays a critical role in PCa progression, and its enhancing effects on AR signaling are likely to be involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest Par14 to be a promising therapeutic target for PCa.
Teachers as curriculum designers: What knowledge is needed?
Authors: de Almeida Sílvia , Viana Joana
Published: December 2022

In Europe, with the dissemination of curriculum autonomy policies, teachers tend to be more involved in curriculum reforms as curriculum designers. In Portugal, in 2016, the government unprecedently commissioned eighteen teachers' associations to define a curriculum benchmark – ‘Essential Learning’. Studies have shown the difficulties felt by teachers in their role as curriculum designers due to a lack of the knowledge and skills required to enact collaborative curriculum design. However, few studies have investigated the kind of knowledge, skills and support teachers need for curriculum design. This paper aims to present a theoretical model of the knowledge and skills required for curriculum design at the macro‐level, verify to what extent the eighteen associations master them, and describe the type of support that teachers need to design the curriculum. For data collection, the focus group technique was applied to the teachers' associations and to two curriculum experts hired by the Ministry of Education to support them. The results show that the associations had difficulties in three domains of knowledge and skills, regarding curriculum design expertise, pedagogical content knowledge, and knowledge required to create external curriculum consistency, presenting some guidelines to increase the quality of curriculum design in future curriculum changes.
Effects of nutrient pulses on exotic species shift from positive to neutral with decreasing water availability
Authors: Otieno Evans O. , Shen Changchao , Zhang Kaoping , Wan Jinlong , He Minyan , Tao Zhibin , Huang Wei , Siemann Evan
Published: December 2022

Temporal fluctuation in nutrient availability generally promotes the growth of exotic plant species and has been recognized as an important driver of exotic plant invasions. However, little is known about how the impact of fluctuating nutrients on exotic species is dependent on the availability of other resources, although most ecosystems are experiencing dramatic variations in a wide variety of resources due to global change and human disturbance. Here, we explored how water availability mediates the effect of nutrient pulses on the growth of six exotic and six native plant species. We subjected individual plants of exotic and native species to well watered or water stressed conditions. For each level of water availability, we added equivalent amounts of nutrients at a constant rate, as a single large pulse, or in multiple small pulses. Under well watered conditions, nutrient pulses promoted exotic plant growth relative to nutrients supplied constantly, while they had no significant effect on natives. In contrast, under water stressed conditions, water deficiency inhibited the growth of all exotic and native species. More importantly, nutrient pulses did not increase plant growth relative to nutrients supplied constantly and these phenomena were observed for both exotic and native species. Taken together, our study shows that the impact of fluctuating nutrient availability on the growth of exotic plant species strongly depends on the variation of other resources, and that the positive effect of nutrient pulses under well watered conditions disappears under water stressed conditions. Our findings suggest that the variation in multiple resources may have complex feedback on exotic plant invasions and, therefore, it is critical to encompass multiple resources for the evaluation of fluctuating resource availability effects on exotic plant species. This will allow us to project the invasive trajectory of exotic plant species more accurately under future global change and human disturbance.
Atypical anorexia nervosa: In need of further study
Authors: Crow Scott J.
Published: December 2022

In this issue of International Journal of Eating Disorders, Walsh et al. review the research to date comparing atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) and AN. Most of the differences observed related to weight; eating disorder and noneating disorder psychopathology and complications were similar. The results could suggest that atypical AN and AN are not really different, and these findings should spur further research. Whether informative weight thresholds exist is a critical question. Beyond, why weight differs in these two groups is of great interest. If the two entities can be separated, does this separation predict longitudinal outcome or response to treatment? The high prevalence of atypical AN in clinical settings emphasizes the urgency of continuing research.
Abiotic and biotic drivers of tree trait effects on soil microbial biomass and soil carbon concentration
Authors: Beugnon Rémy , Bu Wensheng , Bruelheide Helge , Davrinche Andréa , Du Jianqing , Haider Sylvia , Kunz Matthias , von Oheimb Goddert , Perles‐Garcia Maria D. , Saadani Mariem , Scholten Thomas , Seitz Steffen , Singavarapu Bala , Trogisch Stefan , Wang Yanfen , Wubet Tesfaye , Xue Kai , Yang Bo , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: December 2022

Forests are ecosystems critical to understanding the global carbon budget, due to their carbon sequestration potential in both aboveground and belowground compartments, especially in species‐rich forests. Soil carbon sequestration is strongly linked to soil microbial communities, and this link is mediated by the tree community, likely due to modifications of microenvironmental conditions (i.e., biotic conditions, soil properties, and microclimate). We studied soil carbon concentration and the soil microbial biomass of 180 local neighborhoods along a gradient of tree species richness ranging from 1 to 16 tree species per plot in a Chinese subtropical forest experiment (BEF‐China). Tree productivity and different tree functional traits were measured at the neighborhood level. We tested the effects of tree productivity, functional trait identity, and dissimilarity on soil carbon concentrations, and their mediation by the soil microbial biomass and microenvironmental conditions. Our analyses showed a strong positive correlation between soil microbial biomass and soil carbon concentrations. In addition, soil carbon concentration increased with tree productivity and tree root diameter, while it decreased with litterfall C:N content. Moreover, tree productivity and tree functional traits (e.g., fungal root association and litterfall C:N ratio) modulated microenvironmental conditions with substantial consequences for soil microbial biomass. We also showed that soil history and topography should be considered in future experiments and tree plantations, as soil carbon concentrations were higher at sites where historical (i.e., at the beginning of the experiment) carbon concentrations were high, themselves being strongly affected by the topography. Altogether, these results implied that the quantification of the different soil carbon pools is critical for understanding microbial community–soil carbon stock relationships and their dependence on tree diversity and microenvironmental conditions.
The influence of COVID‐19 on modes of governance for climate change—Expert views from the Netherlands and the UK
Authors: Bulder Cas , Todd Iain , McCauley Darren , Burns Mary‐Kate
Published: December 2022

While the world is still in the grasp of COVID‐19, countries are contemplating how to get their economies back on their feet. With a unique opportunity to do so in a sustainable manner, there is an urgent need to revisit the governance of climate change. Opportunities are clearly there: the resurgence in top‐down policies in the pandemic might spill‐over to climate governance; green economic stimuli might cause an increase in market‐based approaches; or an increased focus on solidarity, inclusion and collective buy‐in may drive more inclusive network‐based governance. Using the classic trichotomy of hierarchy, market and network governance, we have analysed the findings of 60 interviews with expert representatives from government, industry and third sector parties in the UK and the Netherlands. Their consideration of the key policies and measures needed to help the transition forward point towards a clear desire for a more hierarchical approach. In addition, mixing the three approaches, especially market and hierarchy, is considered the best way forward.
Psychosocial factors partially explain gender differences in health‐related quality of life in heart failure patients
Authors: Tapia Javier , Basalo María , Enjuanes Cristina , Calero Esther , José Nuria , Ruíz Marta , Calvo Elena , Garcimartín Paloma , Moliner Pedro , Hidalgo Encarna , Yun Sergi , Garay Alberto , Jiménez‐Marrero Santiago , Pons Alexandra , Corbella Xavier , Colet Josep Comín
Published: December 2022

Aims

There is little information about the influence of gender on quality of life (QoL) in heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the health‐related QoL gap between men and women can be explained by the interaction between psychosocial factors and clinical determinants in a real‐word cohort of patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

We conducted a single‐centre, observational, prospective cohort study of 1236 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure recruited between 2004 and 2014. To assess QoL, we used the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Female gender was associated with worse global QoL compared to male gender (MLHFQ overall summary score: 49 ± 23 vs. 43 ± 24; P value <0.001, respectively) and similarly had poorer scores in physical and emotional dimensions but scored better on social dimension. In univariate models and in models adjusted for clinical determinants, female gender behaved as a predictor of worse global, physical and emotional QoL, and better social QoL compared with men. In models only including psychosocial determinants and in comprehensive models including all psychosocial and clinical factors, these differences according to gender were no longer significant.

Conclusions

In this study, we have shown that the gap in health‐related QoL between men and women with chronic heart failure can be partially explained by the interaction between biological and psychosocial factors. Biological factors are the main drivers of QoL in HF patients. However, the contribution of psychosocial factors is essential to definitively understand the role of gender in this field.
The Complex Interplay Between Antibiotic Resistance and Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in the Environment
Authors: Manaia Célia M. , Aga Diana S. , Cytryn Eddie , Gaze William H. , Graham David W. , Guo Jianhua , Leonard Anne F. C. , Li Liguan , Murray Aimee K. , Nunes Olga C. , Rodriguez-Mozaz Sara , Topp Edward , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2022

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are important environmental contaminants. Nonetheless, what drives the evolution, spread, and transmission of antibiotic resistance dissemination is still poorly understood. The abundance of ARB and ARGs is often elevated in human-impacted areas, especially in environments receiving fecal wastes, or in the presence of complex mixtures of chemical contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Self-replication, mutation, horizontal gene transfer, and adaptation to different environmental conditions contribute to the persistence and proliferation of ARB in habitats under strong anthropogenic influence. Our review discusses the interplay between chemical contaminants and ARB and their respective genes, specifically in reference to co-occurrence, potential biostimulation, and selective pressure effects, and gives an overview of mitigation by existing man-made and natural barriers. Evidence and strategies to improve the assessment of human health risks due to environmental antibiotic resistance are also discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:637–652. © 2022 SETAC
Influence of polypropylene mesh degradation on tissue inflammatory reaction
Authors: Wang Hongshi , Klosterhalfen Bernd , Klinge Uwe , Müllen Andreas , Jockenhoevel Stefan
Published: December 2022

Polypropylene degradation in vivo appears as mesh surface cracking and peeling. This aging process of the mesh, resulting in the lack of bio‐stability, contradicts the requirement of biocompatibility. However, to date, it is still not clearly established how much this mesh degradation influences the local tissue response with subsequent clinical consequences. This study aims to find out whether mesh degradation is correlated with elevated inflammatory tissue reaction through analyzing 100 human PP meshes explanted from the pelvic floor. A degradation classification method, based on standard pathological H&E stained slides of the explanted mesh via light microscope, was developed to classify the mesh degradation into four classes (no, mild, moderate and severe degradation). The peri‐filamentary tissue inflammatory reaction was analyzed by scoring the expression of the most common cell markers for the innate immune reaction: CD68 as marker for macrophage, CD86 for M1 subtype, CD163 for M2 subtype, CD3 for T‐lymphocyte and CD15 for neutrophil granulocytes. The correlation between immune cell expression, degradation classification and time of implantation of the meshes are evaluated with Spearman‐Rho‐Test. Mesh degradation worsens significantly (p < .001) with longer time of implantation. The increasing tendency of CD68 expression by mesh with higher degradation class indicates that the number of macrophages increases with worsening mesh degradation. The significantly increased expression of CD163 and CD3 cell by severely degraded mesh demonstrate the increased number of M2 and T‐Lymphocyte when mesh degradation becomes severe. None of the inflammatory cells show the usual declining expression with longer time of implantation. The result of this study suggests that the degradation of PP mesh results in an elevated local inflammatory reaction in female pelvic floor. A material with better bio‐stability for mesh implant in pelvic floor is required.
Analysis of the antimicrobial potential of sericin‐coated silver nanoparticles against human pathogens
Authors: Mumtaz Shumaila , Ali Shaukat , Kazmi Syed Akif Raza , Mughal Tafail Akbar , Mumtaz Samaira , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Summer Muhammad , Ara Chaman , Rashid Muhammad Imran
Published: December 2022

The antibacterial activity of synthetic antimicrobial agents is well known, but most of them have several side effects and are effective against selective microbes. Recently, major concern for the microbiologists is to investigate for some stable, non‐toxic, cheap, and eco‐friendly antimicrobial agents with a wide range of bactericidal potential. A cost‐effective and environmentally friendly alternate has been proposed in the form of green synthesized nanoparticles. The Present study was designed to fabricate sericin‐coated silver nanoparticles (S‐AgNPs) using sericin as stabilizer and reductant of silver ions and their antibacterial potential was evaluated at various concentrations and temperatures (8, 40, and 50°C). Antimicrobial activities were assessed by the agar well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity of S‐AgNPs was measured at different concentrations (1–6 mg/ml) whereas; antifungal activity was tested at 5–20 mg/ml of S‐AgNPs. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. These nanoparticles significantly subdued the growth ofClostridium difficile(18.7 ± 0.9 mm),Proteus mirabilis(12.3 ± 0.3 mm) andBacillus licheniformis(10.7 ± 0.9 mm) andAspergillus flavus(18.7 ± 2.0 mm),Mucor mycetes(13 .0 ± 1.5 mm),Candida albicans(15.3 ± 0.3 mm) andAspergillus niger(10.0 ± 0.6 mm). S‐AgNPs were stable at all temperatures and the maximum growth inhibition was found at 8°C for all pathogenic strains. We concluded that the S‐AgNPs could be a potential candidate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal pathogens at a wide range of environmental conditions like temperature. In various biomedical applications including antimicrobial and wound dressings, S‐AgNPs can be used in the future to treat various bacterial and fungal infections.
Smoking and drinking habits relating to development of ulcerative colitis in Japanese: A multicenter case–control study
Authors: Kondo Kyoko , Ono Yu , Ohfuji Satoko , Watanabe Kenji , Yamagami Hirokazu , Watanabe Mamoru , Nishiwaki Yuji , Fukushima Wakaba , Hirota Yoshio , Suzuki Yasuo ,   for the Japanese Case‐Control Study Group for Ulcerative Colitis
Published: December 2022

Background and Aim

The number of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has been increasing in Japan. To elucidate the risk factors for developing UC in Japan, a hospital‐based case–control study was conducted. This study examined the association between smoking/drinking habits and UC onset in detail.

Methods

Cases comprised 132 Japanese patients who had been newly diagnosed with UC between 2008 and 2014 at 38 collaborating hospitals in Japan, and controls comprised 167 patients without UC. Detailed data on smoking and drinking habits were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Ex‐smokers showed an increasing odds ratio (OR) for UC development compared with never smokers (OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.24–4.72). The ORs of ex‐smokers were particularly high among subjects aged less than 40 years, subjects who had smoked more than 10 pack‐years, and subjects who were within 13 years of quitting smoking. Regarding drinking habits, ex‐drinkers also showed a more than twofold higher OR for UC compared to never drinkers. Ex‐drinkers 40 years or older, ex‐drinkers who had consumed more than 364 drink‐years, and subjects who were less than 6 years after quitting drinking showed increased ORs for UC.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the need for careful attention for UC onset among heavy smokers who quit smoking before 40 years of age and heavy drinkers who quit drinking at ≥40 years of age.
Risk of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer for a Western population
Authors: Watanabe Akie , McKendry Geoffrey J. , Yip Lily , Donnellan Fergal , Hamilton Trevor D.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Endoscopic resection (ER) of early gastric cancer (EGC) is increasingly used in Eastern countries due to their low rates of lymph node metastasis (LNM); however, there is a paucity of evidence in Western countries. We investigated LNM and its effect on overall survival (OS) in Western patients with EGC.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with T1 gastric cancer between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Univariate Kaplan–Meier, multivariate logistic and Cox‐regression models were used to assess the associations between clinical characteristics, LNM, and OS.

Results

Among 86 patients, median age was 68 years and 72% were male. Node positivity was 30%. Two percent of patients met the classical guidelines for ER and all were node‐negative, while 16% met expanded criteria of which 14% were node‐positive. T1b disease (odds ratio [OR] 41.2 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–1048], p = 0.02) and lymphovascular/perineural invasion (OR 18.0 [95% CI 2.41–134], p = 0.01) were predictive of node positivity. The 5‐year OS for node‐negative and node‐positive patients was 84% and 53% (p = 0.004), respectively.

Conclusions

The risk of LNM in Western patients with EGC is higher; therefore, generalizability of the expanded criteria for ER should be interpreted with caution.
A Comparative Study of Ultrasound Attenuation Imaging, Controlled Attenuation Parameters, and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for the Detection of Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Bao Jingwen , Lv Yueming , Wang Kun , Wang Quanwen , Chen Yanling , Dong Yi , Zhu Yuli , Wang Wenping
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To investigate the methodology and clinical application of ultrasound attenuation imaging (ATI) and comparative analyze the diagnostic performance of ATI and controlled attenuation parameters (CAP) for detecting and grading hepatic steatosis.

Methods

A total of 159 patients with NAFLD were prospectively enrolled. CAP and ATI examinations were performed within a week before proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). Ten liver attenuation coefficient (AC) measurements by ATI were obtained in each patient. The interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the intraobserver consistencies and the ICCs between the median of the first two through the first nine measurements and all 10 measurements were calculated. The correlations between 1H‐MRS, CAP, biological data, and ATI were evaluated. The significant factors associated with ATI and the diagnostic performance of ATI and CAP for detecting hepatic steatosis was evaluated.

Results

The median value of AC for detecting hepatic steatosis was 0.831 dB/cm/MHz. For the intraobserver consistency of ATI, the ICC was 0.931. Compared with 10 measurements, a minimum of four ATI measurements was required. The correlation of AC with hepatic fat fraction (HFF) was significantly higher than that of CAP (0.603 vs 0.326, P = .0015). The HFF and triglyceride (TG) were the significant factors for the ATI. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves of ATI and CAP were 0.939 and 0.788 for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 0.751 and 0.572 for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. The cutoff values of ATI and CAP were 0.697 dB/cm/MHz and 310 dB/m for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 0.793 dB/cm/MHz and 328 dB/m for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. The sensitivity of ATI and CAP were 85.92% and 52.11% for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 87.50% and 82.14% for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. The specificity of ATI and CAP were 94.12% and 100% for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 54.37% and 43.69% for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis.

Conclusions

ATI technology showed excellent intraobserver consistency and the optimal minimum number of ATI measurements was 4. ATI is a promising noninvasive, quantitative and convenient tool for assessing hepatic steatosis.