bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk assessment for endometrial cancer in women with abnormal vaginal bleeding: Results from the prospective IETA‐1 cohort study
Authors: Verbakel Jan Yvan , Heremans Ruben , Wynants Laure , Epstein Elisabeth , De Cock Bavo , Pascual Maria Angela , Leone Francesco Paolo Giuseppe , Sladkevicius Povilas , Alcazar Juan Luis , Van Pachterbeke Catherine , Jokubkiene Ligita , Fruscio Robert , Bourne Tom , Van Calster Ben , Timmerman Dirk , Van den Bosch Thierry ,   —for the IETA consortium
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate the association between personal history, anthropometric features and lifestyle characteristics and endometrial malignancy in women with abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort assessed by descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Three features—age, body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), and nulliparity—were defined a priori for baseline risk assessment of endometrial malignancy. The following variables were tested for added value: intrauterine contraceptive device, bleeding pattern, age at menopause, coexisting diabetes/hypertension, physical exercise, fat distribution, bra size, waist circumference, smoking/drinking habits, family history, use of hormonal/anticoagulant therapy, and sonographic endometrial thickness. We calculated adjusted odds ratio, optimism‐corrected area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), R2, and Akaike's information criterion.

Results

Of 2417 women, 155 (6%) had endometrial malignancy or endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. In women with endometrial cancer median age was 67 years (interquartile range [IQR] 56–75 years), median parity was 2 (IQR 0–10), and median BMI was 28 (IQR 25–32). Age, BMI, and parity produced an AUC of 0.82. Other variables marginally affected the AUC, adding endometrial thickness substantially increased the AUC in postmenopausal women.

Conclusion

Age, parity, and BMI help in the assessment of endometrial cancer risk in women with abnormal uterine bleeding. Other patient information adds little, whereas sonographic endometrial thickness substantially improves assessment.
Early breast cancer diagnosis using cogent activation function‐based deep learning implementation on screened mammograms
Authors: Rajput Gunjan , Agrawal Shashank , Biyani Kunika , Vishvakarma Santosh Kumar
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer is detected in one out of eight females worldwide. Principally biomedical image processing techniques work with images captured by a microscope and then analyzed with the help of different algorithms and methods. Instead of microscopic image diagnosis, machine learning algorithms are now incorporated to detect and diagnose therapeutic imagery. Computer‐aided mechanisms are used for better efficiency and reliability compared with manual pathological detection systems. Machine learning algorithms detect tumors by extracting features through a convolutional neural network (CNN) and then classifying them using a fully connected network. As Machine learning does not require prior expertise, it is profoundly used in biomedical imaging. This article has customized a convolutional neural network by mathematical modeling of a proposed activation function. We have obtained an appreciable prediction accuracy of up to 99%, along with a precision of 0.97.
Chimeric antigen receptor‐engineered adoptive cell therapy for AML: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Huang Yue , Shao Mi , Wang Yiyun , Huang He
Published: January 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the lethal hematological malignancies with high relapse rates and poor prognosis. Since chimeric antigen receptor cellular therapy has exhibited remarkable therapeutic outcomes in B‐cell malignancies, many studies have attempted to translate this success to other malignancies, including AML. Herein we review current achievements of chimeric antigen receptor‐based cell therapy in AML preclinical studies and clinical trials with potential AML‐associated cell markers. Furthermore, we discuss future prospects of chimeric antigen receptor‐based cell therapy options for patients with AML.
Within‐ and between‐laboratory reproducibility and predictive capacity of amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA) using a 0.5 mg/mL test chemical solution: Results of the study for reproducibility confirmation implemented in five participating laboratories
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Fujita Masaharu , Watanabe Shinichi , Yamaga Hiroaki , Wakabayashi Koji , Tahara Yu , Horie Nobuyuki , Fujimoto Keiichi , Takeuchi Kazuya , Kamiya Kohei , Kawakami Tsuyoshi , Kojima Kohichi , Sozu Takashi , Kojima Hajime , Kasahara Toshihiko , Ono Atsushi
Published: January 2022

The amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA) is an in chemico alternative assay for skin sensitization listed in OECD test guideline 442C. ADRA evaluates the reactivity of sensitizers to proteins, which is key event 1 in the skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway.

Although the current key event 1 evaluation method is a simple assay that evaluates nucleophile and test chemical reactivity, mixtures of unknown molecular weights cannot be evaluated because a constant molar ratio between the nucleophile and test chemical is necessary. In addition, because the nucleophile is quantified by HPLC, the frequency of co‐eluting the test chemical and nucleophile increases when measuring multi‐component mixtures. To solve these issues, test conditions have been developed using a 0.5 mg/mL test chemical solution and fluorescence‐based detection. Since the practicality of these methods has not been substantiated, a validation test to confirm reproducibility was conducted in this study.

The 10 proficiency substances listed in the ADRA guidelines were tested three times at five different laboratories. The results of both within‐ and between‐laboratory reproducibility were 100%, and the results of ultraviolet‐ and fluorescence‐based measurements were also consistent. In addition to the proficiency substances, a new positive control, squaric acid diethyl ester, was tested three times at the five laboratories. The results showed high reproducibility with N‐(2‐(1‐naphthyl)acetyl)‐l‐cysteine depletion of 37%–52% and α‐N‐(2‐(1‐naphthyl)acetyl)‐l‐lysine depletion of 99%–100%.

Thus, high reproducibility was confirmed in both evaluations of the 0.5 mg/mL test chemical and the fluorescence‐based measurements, validating the practicability of these methods.
Study on promoting regeneration of zebrafish skull by phycocyanin characterized by in vivo optical coherence tomography
Authors: Xiang Xiang , Gao Weijian , Xu Yao , Zhang Yiqing , Lu Ting , Gan Shuqi , Huang Jing , Li Ziling , Huang Li , Liao Yonghua , Wang Limei , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2022

In this study, the efficacy of phycocyanin in bone defect repairing was tested on a zebrafish skull defect model, and the evaluating process was monitored in vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Thirty zebrafish were randomly divided into three groups, which were immersed in water and phycocyanin solution (50 and 100 mg/L) after skull defect creating. All zebrafish were examined by OCT immediately after craniotomy, and on the 10th and 20th days of phycocyanin treatment. All the model fish were euthanized to enable a histological evaluation of skull after 20 days of recovery. OCT images demonstrated that phycocyanin (50 mg/L) could repair a cranial defect within 20 days. A high concentration (100 mg/L) of phycocyanin may favor the recovery of bone abnormalities in 10 days, but with the extended treatment time to 20 days, a deformation of the skull occurs.
Genetic Analysis in a Familial Case With High Bone Mineral Density Suggests Additive Effects at Two Loci
Authors: Martínez‐Gil Núria , Ovejero Diana , Garcia‐Giralt Natalia , Bruque Carlos David , Mellibovsky Leonardo , Nogués Xavier , Rabionet Raquel , Grinberg Daniel , Balcells Susanna
Published: January 2022

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, characterized by a low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fracture. At the other end of the BMD spectrum, some individuals present strong, fracture‐resistant, bones. Both osteoporosis and high BMD are heritable and their genetic architecture encompasses polygenic inheritance of common variants and some cases of monogenic highly penetrant variants in causal genes. We have investigated the genetics of high BMD in a family segregating this trait in an apparently Mendelian dominant pattern. We searched for rare causal variants by whole‐exome sequencing in three affected and three nonaffected family members. Using this approach, we have identified 38 rare coding variants present in the proband and absent in the three individuals with normal BMD. Although we have found four variants shared by the three affected members of the family, we have not been able to relate any of these to the high‐BMD phenotype. In contrast, we have identified missense variants in two genes,VAV3andADGRE5, each shared by two of out of three affected members, whose loss of function fits with the phenotype of the family. In particular, the proband, a woman displaying the highest BMD (sumZ‐score = 7), carries both variants, whereas the other two affected members carry one each.VAV3encodes a guanine‐nucleotide‐exchange factor with an important role in osteoclast activation and function. Although no previous cases ofVAV3mutations have been reported in humans,Vav3knockout (KO) mice display dense bones, similarly to the high‐BMD phenotype present in our family. TheADGRE5gene encodes an adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor expressed in osteoclasts whose KO mouse displays increased trabecular bone volume. Combined, these mouse and human data highlightVAV3andADGRE5as novel putative high‐BMD genes with additive effects, and potential therapeutic targets for osteoporosis. © 2022 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Association of impulsivity with quality of life and well‐being after alcohol withdrawal treatment
Authors: Reichl Daniela , Enewoldsen Niklas , Weisel Kiona K. , Fuhrmann Lukas , Lang Catharina , Saur Sebastian , Berking Matthias , Zink Mathias , Ahnert Andreas , Falkai Peter , Kraus Thomas , Hillemacher Thomas , Müller Felix‐N. , Kornhuber Johannes , Bönsch Dominikus , Kerkemeyer Linda , Steins‐Loeber Sabine
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Impulsivity is related to a higher risk of relapse in alcohol use disorders. However, besides drinking behavior, other recovery outcomes like physical and mental health‐related quality of life are at least as important. The present study aimed to fill a research gap regarding the association of different impulsivity facets with health‐related quality of life and well‐being in alcohol use disorder.

Methods

Individuals with a primary alcohol use disorder diagnosis (n = 167) were interviewed with standardized self‐report measures at the progressed stage of their withdrawal treatment and 6 weeks thereafter. Multiple regression models were calculated to examine the association of impulsivity, craving, and drinking patterns with health‐related quality of life and well‐being 6 weeks after withdrawal treatment, as well as the predictive role of impulsivity assessed during withdrawal for these two outcomes.

Results

Craving was associated with health‐related quality of life and well‐being 6 weeks after withdrawal. Likewise, non‐planning and attentional impulsivity were associated with well‐being 6 weeks after withdrawal. Motor impulsivity during withdrawal treatment predicted health‐related quality of life 6 weeks thereafter.

Conclusion

Impulsivity seems to be negatively related to health‐related quality of life and well‐being in the first weeks after alcohol withdrawal treatment, probably to a higher extent than drinking patterns, but differentiating between its facets seems to be important. These findings emphasize the importance of treatment approaches aiming at reduced impulsivity in the early recovery process.
The role of original process in creating product essence and authenticity
Authors: Galoni Chelsea , Strejcek Brendan , Grayson Kent
Published: January 2022

Past research has often reported that perceptions of authenticity are influenced by process cues. The research reported in this article provides evidence for why this is the case. The authors demonstrate that an original process leads to perceptions that the product has a valued essence, which leads to perceptions of authenticity. Previous research has shown that products acquire essence via proximity to original sources of value, and also by cues that the object has been “designed by” a valued creator. Three studies demonstrate that, relative to these previously identified antecedents, original process separately influences perceptions of essence and, therefore, perceptions of authenticity. The authors discuss the theoretical contribution of original process as an antecedent to authenticity and propose managerial implications.
Development of ovarian tumour causes significant loss of muscle and adipose tissue: a novel mouse model for cancer cachexia study
Authors: Luan Yi , Zhang Yaqi , Yu Seok‐Yeong , You Mikyoung , Xu Pauline C. , Chung Soonkyu , Kurita Takeshi , Zhu Jie , Kim So‐Youn
Published: January 2022

Background

Cancer‐associated cachexia (CAC) is a complex syndrome of progressive muscle wasting and adipose loss with metabolic dysfunction, severely increasing the morbidity and mortality risk in cancer patients. However, there are limited studies focused on the underlying mechanisms of the progression of CAC due to the complexity of this syndrome and the lack of preclinical models that mimics its stagewise progression.

Methods

We characterized the initiation and progression of CAC in transgenic female mice with ovarian tumours. We measured proposed CAC biomarkers (activin A, GDF15, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α) in sera (n = 6) of this mouse model. The changes of activin A and GDF15 (n = 6) were correlated with the decline of bodyweight over time. Morphometry and signalling markers of muscle atrophy (n ≥ 6) and adipose tissue wasting (n ≥ 7) were assessed during CAC progression.

Results

Cancer‐associated cachexia symptoms of the transgenic mice model used in this study mimic the progression of CAC seen in humans, including drastic body weight loss, skeletal muscle atrophy, and adipose tissue wasting. Serum levels of two cachexia biomarkers, activin A and GDF15, increased significantly during cachexia progression (76‐folds and 10‐folds, respectively). Overactivation of proteolytic activity was detected in skeletal muscle through up‐regulating muscle‐specific E3 ligases Atrogin‐1 and Murf‐1 (16‐folds and 14‐folds, respectively) with decreasing cross‐sectional area of muscle fibres (P < 0.001). Muscle wasting mechanisms related with p‐p38 MAPK, FOXO3, and p‐AMPKα were highly activated in concurrence with an elevation in serum activin A. Dramatic fat loss was also observed in this mouse model with decreased fat mass (n ≥ 6) and white adipocytes sizes (n = 6) (P < 0.0001). The adipose tissue wasting was based on thermogenesis, supported by the up‐regulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Fibrosis in adipose tissue was also observed in concurrence with adipose tissue loss (n ≥ 13) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our novel preclinical CAC mouse model mimics human CAC phenotypes and serum biomarkers. The mouse model in this study showed proteolysis in muscle atrophy, browning in adipose tissue wasting, elevation of serum activin A and GDF15, and atrophy of pancreas and liver. This mouse line would be the best preclinical model to aid in clarifying molecular mediators of CAC and dissecting metabolic dysfunction and tissue atrophy during the progression of CAC.
Adsorption of perchlorate by cationic modified adsorbent in a fixed bed continuous flow column
Authors: George Ann Mohan , Krishna bhavan Bhaskaran Radhakrishnan Nair , Ananthakrishnan Jayakumaran Nair
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

In the present investigation, rice husk modified by Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used for the adsorptive removal of perchlorate by fixed column experiments from aqueous solution. The performance of the cationic modified rice husk (MRH) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared analysis. Experiments were carried out in a properly designed test rig consisting of a fixed‐bed column of the cationic MRH with provision for admitting variable flow rates of the adsorbate at specified concentrations. The experimental unit can vary the column heights of the adsorbent.

RESULTS

The influence of parameters such as inlet perchlorate feed concentration, flow rate of feed and height of bed used was analyzed based on the breakthrough curves and saturation time of the cationic modified adsorbent. The ranges of parameters were determined from parameter optimization studies using several sets of batch experiments conducted during the course of the preliminary investigation in the study. The breakthrough curves obtained from the column studies on the adsorption of perchlorate on MRH at various conditions were analyzed using four different kinetic models and the experimental and model‐predicted breakthrough curves were used to obtain the parameters of the adsorption process in the column.

CONCLUSIONS

Adams–Bohart and ded depth service time (BDST) models fitted better in the initial period of the adsorption process. Different nonlinear statistical methods were used to evaluate the best model for the column performance in the adsorption of perchlorate in a cationic modified adsorbent. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Applications of operant demand to treatment selection I: Characterizing demand for evidence‐based practices
Authors: Gilroy Shawn P. , Waits Jodie A. , Kaplan Brent A.
Published: January 2022

Various treatment approaches have been determined efficacious for improving child behavior outcomes. Despite a variety of evidence‐based options, consumers often disregard empirically supported treatments to pursue alternatives that lack empirical support, such as ‘fad' therapies. The choice to pursue therapies lacking empirical support has been considered a ‘gamble’ on therapeutic outcomes and this form of risky choice has historically been explained using various cognitive heuristics and biases. This report translates quantitative analyses from the Operant Demand Framework to characterize how caregivers of children with behavioral issues consume treatment services. The Operant Demand Framework is presented, its utility for characterizing patterns of treatment consumption is discussed, and a preliminary application of cross‐price analyses of demand is performed to illustrate how various factors jointly influence treatment‐related choice. Results indicated that caregivers endorsing interest in receiving behavioral parent training regularly pursued pseudoscientific alternatives as a functional substitute for an established therapy, despite explicit language stating a lack of evidence. These findings question the presumption of rationality in models of treatment choice and degree to which scientific evidence influences the consumption of therapies. This report concludes with a discussion of Consumer Behavior Analysis and how quantitative analyses of behavior can be used to better understand factors that enhance or detract from the dissemination of evidence‐based practices.
Surface dynamics, fractal features, and micromorphology analysis of kefir biofilms
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , P. Pinto Erveton , S. Matos Robert , Zelati Amir , Solaymani Shahram , Shafiekhani Azizollah , Ghaderi Atefeh
Published: January 2022

We introduce a study of image analysis of kefir biofilms associated with Acai extract prepared by fermentation of fresh kefir grains natural. Atomic force microscopy data were studied, aiming to understand how the concentration of acai berry (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) influences the surface morphology as well as the texture complexity, evaluated by the fractal dimension. The results showed that the superficial morphology was affected by the increase of Acai concentration in the biofilms, as well as the fractal dimension. It has also been observed that the surface of the biofilm presented saturation when concentration changes from 40 to 60 ml. On the other hand, it was observed that the intermediate sample produced with 20 ml of acai berry seems to be the best point for biofilms production that can serve as a skin dressing since other studies related to mechanical properties and in vitro and in vivo tests can confirm this applicability. Thus, the characterization of the surface morphology of kefir biofilms by the evaluation of surface statistical parameters and fractal geometry may provide promising results regarding the applicability of these films.

Research Highlights

We characterized the structural complexity of the 3‐D surface of the kefir biofilms associated with açaí extract.

The 3‐D surface analysis of the samples was performed using an atomic force microscope operating in contact mode.

We determined the stereometric and fractal dimension of the analyzed samples.
Evaluating coal char as an alternative to biochar for mitigating nutrient and carbon loss from manure‐amended soils: Insights from a greenhouse experiment
Authors: Cooper Jennifer A. , Drijber Rhae A. , Malakar Arindam , Jin Virginia L. , Miller Daniel N. , Kaiser Michael
Published: January 2022

Animal manure has been increasingly adopted as a more sustainable substitute for synthetic fertilizers but might result in increased dissolved organic C (DOC) and phosphate (PO43–) leaching and elevated greenhouse gas emissions from soil. Biochar may reduce nutrient loss from manure‐amended soils, but large‐scale application has been hindered, in part, by its high cost. Minimum cost alternatives, such as incomplete coal combustion residue (char), may provide a more viable option to farmers, but char needs to be analyzed in comparison to high‐temperature pine biochar before recommendations can be made. We valuated losses of soil C, N, and P, as well as plant yields and changes in microbial biomass, in two contrasting soils amended with dairy slurry or swine lagoon wastewater and with biochar or coal char over 105 d. Dissolved organic C leaching decreased with addition of biochar or char (0.6–27% or 1.6–36%), independent of soil texture and manure type. Leaching of PO43– was reduced by biochar (15–24%) and char (38–50%) in the silt loam. Soil N leaching increased after char application (likely due to our high application rate) but was unaffected by biochar. Char reduced CO2 emissions from the sandy loam by 9.7–54%, whereas both biochar and char increased CO2 emissions in the silt loam by 38–48% during plant root senescence. Depending on soil characteristics, char may outcompete biochar with respect to reduction of PO43– and DOC leaching. Unlike biochar, some char‐N is available, and this should be accounted for when considering application rates.
Bedspacing and clinical outcomes in general internal medicine: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zannella Vanessa E. , Jung Hae Y. , Fralick Michael , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Liu Jessica J. , Weinerman Adina , Kwan Janice , Tang Terence , Rawal Shail , MacMillan Thomas E. , Bai Anthony D. , Gill Sudeep , Shi Jiamin , Bell Chaim M. , Razak Fahad , Verma Amol A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Admitting hospitalized patients to off‐service wards (“bedspacing”) is common and may affect quality of care and patient outcomes.

Objective

To compare in‐hospital mortality, 30‐day readmission to general internal medicine (GIM), and hospital length‐of‐stay among GIM patients admitted to GIM wards or bedspaced to off‐service wards.

Design, Participants, and Measures

Retrospective cohort study including all emergency department admissions to GIM between 2015 and 2017 at six hospitals in Ontario, Canada. We compared patients admitted to GIM wards with those who were bedspaced, using multivariable regression models and propensity score matching to control for patient and situational factors.

Key Results

Among 40,440 GIM admissions, 10,745 (26.6%) were bedspaced to non‐GIM wards and 29,695 (73.4%) were assigned to GIM wards. After multivariable adjustment, bedspacing was associated with no significant difference in mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86–1.05, p = .304), slightly shorter median hospital length‐of‐stay (−0.10 days, 95% CI:−0.20 to −0.001, p = .047) and lower 30‐day readmission to GIM (adjusted OR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83–0.95, p = .001). Results were consistent when examining each hospital individually and outcomes did not significantly differ between medical or surgical off‐service wards. Sensitivity analyses focused on the highest risk patients did not exclude the possibility of harm associated with bedspacing, although adverse outcomes were not significantly greater.

Conclusions

Overall, bedspacing was associated with no significant difference in mortality, slightly shorter hospital length‐of‐stay, and fewer 30‐day readmissions to GIM, although potential harms in high‐risk patients remain uncertain. Given that hospital capacity issues are likely to persist, future research should aim to understand how bedspacing can be achieved safely at all hospitals, perhaps by strengthening the selection of low‐risk patients.
The microcredit continuum: From ‘smart economics’ to holistic programming
Authors: Dulhunty Annabel
Published: January 2022

The ability of microcredit programmes to empower women remains highly contested, with studies alternatively championing their worth or denouncing their ineffectiveness. This article examines why there are such differences of opinion as to the value of microcredit programming for women's empowerment. Through using a qualitative analysis of interviews and focus group discussions with self‐help group participants in West Bengal, this article shows that current microcredit programming varies widely. Results from this study show that there were different empowerment outcomes for women based on which approach to microcredit was implemented. Results further indicate that regardless of the model of programming employed, microcredit is no substitution for welfare or for the creation of employment. This article therefore concludes that microcredit programming exists along a continuum, from ‘smart economics’ approaches to more holistic gender focused programming approaches.
Remdesivir significantly reduces SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load on nasopharyngeal swabs in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Biancofiore Annalucia , Mirijello Antonio , Puteo Maria A. , Di Viesti Maria P. , Labonia Maria , Copetti Massimiliano , De Cosmo Salvatore , Lombardi Renato ,   CSS‐COVID‐19 Group
Published: January 2022

Remdesivir is a broad‐spectrum antiviral agent able to inhibit the RNA polymerase of SARS‐CoV‐2. At present, studies focusing on the effect of remdesivir on viral load (VL) are few and with contrasting results. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of remdesivir on SARS‐CoV‐2 VL from nasopharyngeal swabs (cycle threshold criterion) in a sample of patients treated with the drug, compared with patients who did not receive the antiviral treatment. This retrospective analysis evaluated patients with (1) real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) confirmed COVID‐19 diagnosis and (2) availability of at least two positive nasopharyngeal swabs analysed with the same analytic platform (ORF target gene, Ingenius ELITe, ELITechGroup, Puteaux, France). Upper respiratory specimens from nasopharyngeal swabs were collected at admission (T0) and 7–14 days after treatment, upon clinical decision. A total of 27 patients treated with remdesivir (Group A) met the inclusion criteria and were compared with 18 patients (Group B) treated with standard care, matched for baseline clinical characteristics. At baseline, both remdesivir‐treated and nontreated patients showed comparable VLs (21.73 ± 6.81 vs. 19.27 ± 5.24, p = 0.348). At the second swab, remdesivir‐treated patients showed a steeper VL reduction with respect to controls (34.28 ± 7.73 vs. 27.22 ± 3.92; p < 0.001). Longitudinal linear model estimated a mean decrease in cycle threshold equal to 0.61 (SE: 0.09) per day in remdesivir‐treated versus 0.33 (SE: 0.10) per day in remdesivir nontreated patients (p for heterogeneity = 0.045). The present study shows that the administration of remdesivir in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients significantly reduces the VL on nasopharyngeal swabs.
Realization of a reconfigurable Butterworth and Bessel filter using single operational transresistance amplifier and study of their performance
Authors: Banerjee Subhasish , Mondal Pulak , Ghosh Mourina
Published: January 2022

In this article, a single operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA) based realization of second order low‐pass (LP), high‐pass (HP), band‐pass (BP), band‐reject (BR), and all‐pass (AP) filter and their individual performance analysis: noise, temperature, and worst‐case analysis have been presented. The proposed circuit can be reconfigured as Butterworth and Bessel filter by changing the values of passive components. The presented filters are suitable for MOS‐C implementation, which facilitates tuning of cut‐off/center frequency and quality factor electronically. The proposed circuits are analyzed theoretically, simulated and experimentally verified in laboratory. All the simulations are performed with CMOS model of OTRA (180 nm) in SPICE and experimentally verified with AD844AN IC. The experimental and simulation results are matching closely. The result obtained from post‐layout simulation of the proposed Butterworth LP filter confirms the feasibility of the design. Finally working of the proposed all‐pass filter is established by the design of a buffer and quadrature oscillator.
Effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on salivary and serum biomarkers in Stage III Grade B and C periodontitis
Authors: Görgülü Nimet Gül , Doğan Başak
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of total matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8), macrophage‐activating factors (MAF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), interleukin (IL)‐34 in saliva, and serum of periodontally healthy, periodontitis Stage III Grade B (P‐III‐B) and Grade C (P‐III‐C) participants and to compare the changes after non‐surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT).

Methods

A total of non‐smoker and systemically healthy 65 participants, 20 periodontally healthy, 20 P‐III‐B, and 25 P‐III‐C were recruited for the study. The periodontal parameters were recorded, saliva and serum samples were obtained from all participants at baseline. In periodontitis groups, the periodontal parameters were reevaluated, and the samples were recollected at 1 and 3 months following the NSPT. MMP‐8, MAF, MIP‐1α, M‐CSF, and IL‐34 levels were measured by ELISA. Receiver operating characteristics curve was performed for estimating the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

All periodontal parameters were improved in periodontitis groups after NSPT (P < 0.05). Among tested molecules, salivary MMP‐8 and MAF were higher in both periodontitis groups compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05) at baseline and significantly decreased after NSPT (P < 0.05) to healthy levels or below. Salivary MMP‐8 had the highest diagnostic ability both for P‐III‐B (AUC:0.78 sensitivity: 80%; specificity: 80%) and P‐III‐C (AUC:0.88 sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 80%). Moreover, after adjusting for age, periodontitis groups were associated with salivary MMP‐8 and MAF levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study showed that high salivary MMP‐8 and MAF levels were associated with non‐smoker, systemically healthy P‐III‐B and P‐III‐C. Moreover, NSPT was remarkably reduced their levels.
Long‐term preservation of ridge dimension following tooth extraction and ridge preservation: A randomized controlled trial of healing at 4‐ and 12‐month healing time points
Authors: Allen Hunter T. , Zellner Jacob W. , Kotsakis Georgios A. , Mealey Brian L.
Published: January 2022

Background

To date, the efficacy of ridge preservation in the maintenance of the residual alveolar ridge dimension beyond 6 months after treatment is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in alveolar ridge dimensional change following ridge preservation between 4‐ and 12‐month healing time points using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

Fifty seven patients planned for tooth extraction and implant placement were enrolled. Following extraction, ridge preservation was performed. CBCT scans were taken within 72 hours following extraction with a customized resin stent containing a fixed radiographic marker. At either 4 months (short‐term, ST group) or 12 months (long‐term, LT group) after ridge preservation, patients had a second CBCT taken and an implant placed. Changes in ridge height and width were measured using the standardized radiographic marker.

Results

No significant differences were detected between the ST and LT groups in loss of buccal and lingual ridge height. Similarly, when adjusted for baseline ridge width, no significant differences were detected in ridge width loss at 3, 5, and 7 mm apical to the crest between the ST and LT groups.

Conclusions

The efficacy of ridge preservation in the maintenance of ridge width and height at the 12‐month time point is similar to that of the 4‐month time point. Clinicians may feel confident that a delay in implant placement for up to a year has no significant negative impact on the height and width of the healed ridge.
Effect of local changes in the composition of the LiNb1−xTaxO3 single crystal on the Raman spectra
Authors: Irzhak Artemii , Irzhak Dmitrii , Khvostikov Vladimir , Pundikov Kirill , Roshchupkin Dmitrii , Fahrtdinov Rashid
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the results of studying the effect of local changes in the composition of the LiNb1−xTaxO3 single crystal on the Raman spectra. Analysis of the crystal composition was carried out using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Using statistical analysis of data on local changes in the chemical composition of a single crystal, it was found that Nb atoms partially replace Li vacancies. Using principal component analysis in combination with correlation analysis, the contribution of a change in the crystal composition to a change in the Raman spectra is determined. Found principal components correctly predict the shift of the Raman lines at transition of the crystal composition from niobate to lithium tantalate. During the formation of a mixed LiNb1−xTaxO3 crystal, at small amounts of Ta atoms replacing Nb, the substitution occurs in the cation sublattice.
Peculiarities and evolution of Raman spectra of multilayer Ge/Si(001) heterostructures containing arrays of low‐temperature MBE‐grown Ge quantum dots of different size and number density: Experimental studies and numerical simulations
Authors: Storozhevykh Mikhail S. , Arapkina Larisa V. , Novikov Sergey M. , Volkov Valentyn S. , Arsenin Aleksey V. , Uvarov Oleg V. , Yuryev Vladimir A.
Published: January 2022

Ge/Si(001) multilayer heterostructures containing arrays of low‐temperature self‐assembled Ge quantum dots and very thin SixGe1−x layers of varying composition and complex geometry have been studied using Raman spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The dependence of Raman spectra on the effective thickness of deposited Ge layers has been investigated in detail in the range from 4 to 18 Å. The position and shape of both Ge and SiGe vibrational modes are of great interest because they are closely related to the strain and composition of the material that plays a role of active component in perspective optoelectronic devices based on such structures. In this work, we present an explanation for some peculiar features of Raman spectra, which makes it possible to control the quality of the grown heterostructures more effectively. A dramatic increase of intensity of both the Ge–Ge and Si–Ge bands for the structure containing Ge layers of 10 Å and anomalous shift and broadening of the Si–Ge band for structures comprising Ge layers of 8 and 9 Å thick were observed. In our model, the anomalous behavior of the Raman spectra with the change of thickness of deposited Ge is connected with the flatness of Ge layers as well as transitional SiGe domains formed via the stress‐induced diffusion from {105} facets of quantum dots. The conclusions are supported by the STM studies and the numerical calculations.
Creating value for whom? Digitization and governance practices of nontraditional export firms in Africa
Authors: Atiase Victor Yawo , Agbanyo Senyo , Ameh Johnson Kwesi , Sambian Robert Makila , Ganza Patronela
Published: January 2022

The nontraditional export (NTE) sector promises to be the antidote to Africa's economic woes in the face of dwindling traditional exports. Adopting the Porter's Value Chain Framework and a case study design, we explore how alcoholic beverage companies in the African NTE sector could create value in their upstream, midstream, and downstream value chain activities through effective governance and digitization. In exploring these intricacies of governance and digitization within African global value chains (GVCs), we draw on two major case studies, Diageo South Africa and Kasapreko Ghana Limited. Our study shows that the NTE sector can contribute to both economic and social upgrading activities, contribute to industrialization and create international competitiveness for African firms. Second, GVC governance and digitization, even though still at its infant stages in Africa, has the potential in propelling economic value through the NTE sector.
The impact of e‐commerce on Chinese suppliers' upgrading in global value chains in a digitalized era
Authors: Jiang Yan , Qin Xiao , Virtanen Yuan , You Weimu
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the challenges Chinese manufacturing suppliers face in global value chains (GVCs) and how they respond to the challenges through GVC upgrading facilitated by e‐commerce. A multiple case study approach on nine case companies of three company size categories in the Chinese nonwoven fabric product industry was employed. The findings reveal four categories of internal challenges (i.e., a product development challenge, a human resource challenge, a financial resource challenge, and an intellectual resource challenge) and two categories of external challenges (i.e., a market challenge and a macroeconomic challenge) faced by the Chinese suppliers in the e‐commerce context. Furthermore, strategic responses undertaken by Chinese manufacturers are identified and are further related to various types of economic, environmental, and social upgrading by applying the GVC framework. Unlike most extant research on the phenomenon of sourcing from China that approaches it from the viewpoint of global buyers, this study examines the phenomenon from the perspective of Chinese suppliers. Through the theoretical lens of GVC analysis and its core concept of upgrading, this study contributes to GVC research by shedding light on the impact of e‐commerce on suppliers' GVC upgrading practices.
The drip loss inhibitory mechanism of nanowarming in jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantles: protein structure and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Li Yue , Bu Ying , Guo Huifang , Zhu Wenhui , Li Jianrong , Li Xuepeng
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The magnetic nanoparticles plus microwave thawing (MNPMT), a new rewarming technology entitled ‘nanowarming’, can serve as an effective method to achieve rapid and uniform thawing, thus reducing drip loss. The purpose of this study was to decipher the drip loss inhibitory mechanism of MNPMT in jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) from the perspectives of protein structure and ice crystal recrystallization. A number of different techniques such as dynamic rheology, Raman spectra, intrinsic fluorescence measurement, and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra were conducted to analyze myofibrillar protein conformation and stability of jumbo squid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) were used to observe the growth of ice crystals. The interaction between magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and ice crystals was studied by using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation.

RESULTS

MNPMT exhibited the highest storage modulus (G') value at 90 °C, suggesting the protein conformation was more stable. The increase in α‐helices, fluorescence intensity and characteristic absorption peak of MNPMT illustrated that MNPMT can effectively maintain the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein. Compared with cold storage thawing (CST) and microwave thawing (MT), the MFI value of MNPMT was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The result of MD simulation showed that MNPs displayed a tendency to gradually approach the surface of ice crystals, and induced a certain degree of damage to the ice crystal surface, thereby markedly inhibiting ice crystal recrystallization.

CONCLUSION

MNPMT can reduce the drip loss by keeping the protein conformation stable and inhibiting the recrystallization of ice crystals during the thawing process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Wildlife visitation at abandoned mines
Authors: Armstrong Timothy A. , Lahiri Chayan , Moran Wyatt K. , Fuller Brett D. , Mix Jose A. , Cerny Tyler M. , Ibarra‐Garibay Erika J.
Published: January 2022

Abandoned mines provide habitat for bats, but their importance to other wildlife is less understood. This descriptive study was designed to answer the following questions with an emphasis on carnivores: are wildlife species other than bats visiting abandoned mines, is wildlife entering abandoned mines, does wildlife visitation at abandoned mines differ seasonally, and does wildlife visitation differ at individual mines? To address these questions, we monitored 50 abandoned mines using remote cameras in the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado, USA, for 25,201 camera days from May 2017 to August 2020. We monitored mines in 2 phases. During phase 1 (May 2017–May 2019), we monitored 30 randomly selected mines to gather baseline data on carnivore visitation and to model carnivore visitation. During phase 2 (May 2019–August 2020), we monitored 27 mines to test the visitation model and to determine if carnivores visited multiple mines as they traveled across the landscape. We observed >48 species of vertebrates at mines, including 11 of 14 carnivore species known to occur in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Carnivores ranged in size from ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) to American black bears (Ursus americanus). Pumas (Puma concolor) visited mines most frequently and we observed pairs of adult pumas entering mines, presumably during courtship and mating. We also observed American black bears, pumas, and common gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) visiting and entering mines with young. Carnivores visited mines at low levels throughout the year and visitation differed by season, temperature, and carnivore species, size, and family. Our most parsimonious generalized linear models identified mine elevation, entrance (portal) size, land cover type, tree cover, and aspect as significant predictors of visitation. Our top models explained ≥78% of the variation in carnivore visits and indicated that carnivores in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains were most likely to visit small horizontal mines at lower elevations in dense piñon (Pinus edulis)—juniper (Juniperus sp.) woodlands. We encourage resource managers to monitor abandoned mines for ≥1 year prior to closing or gating mines to understand which wildlife species might be affected by closures.
The efficacy of highway wildlife collision mitigation in preventing elk mortality in central Ontario
Authors: Hamr Josef , Lieske David J. , Martin Michelle , Nickel Connor B. , Popp Jesse N.
Published: January 2022

In the Burwash area of north‐central Ontario, Canada, expansion of the Trans‐Canada highway from 2 to 4 lanes was accompanied by installation of a range of wildlife collision‐mitigation infrastructure (e.g., exclusion fencing, underpasses). To assess the overall effectiveness of these measures, we monitored the spatial distribution and mortality rates of elk (Cervus canadensis) prior to and following highway expansion, distinguished by season (winter, snowfree) and corridor‐type (highway, railway). We measured herd‐level risk by the proportion of positions falling within 200‐m railway and highway buffer zones using Bayesian methods. Spatial analysis confirmed that there was a distinct northward shift in the winter distribution of elk following construction, situating the elk past the north end of the exclusion fence. This increased the herd's exposure to highway traffic by 3.6 times (proportion of points before = 0.0041 ± 0.002 [SE], after = 0.0147 ± 0.003, P = 0.005), and resulted in a more than 2‐fold increase in elk road mortality from 0.6 elk/yr/20 km during 8 years prior to implementation to 1.5 elk/yr/20 km during 8 years after implementation. Exposure to railways remained unchanged and consistently higher than highway exposure regardless of season (e.g., post‐mitigation, winter proportion of points = 0.0453 ± 0.005), matched by consistently high mortality counts (proportion of points before = 6.4 elk/yr/20 km, after = 6.6 elk/yr/20 km). Our results demonstrate that while wildlife‐vehicle collision mitigation is generally beneficial to wildlife and humans, failure to account for the local characteristics of wildlife populations can lead to suboptimal mitigation designs that reduce their effectiveness and lead to unintended wildlife impacts.