bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Sustainability as an agroecological strategy toward resilience in agricultural systems
Authors: Popescu Gheorghe Cristian , Popescu Monica , Pampana Silvia , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Umehara Mikihisa , Hayashi Hisayoshi , Touch Narong
Published: September 2023

The sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems are key concepts to ensure environmental standards in agriculture and food security. Recently, global food security has been seriously affected by the pandemics, geopolitical issues, and conflicts, and climate change factors have become a significant concern for scientists along with farmers, consumers, and citizens. To face these challenges, a systemic resilience in sustainable agriculture is pivotal. The research papers published in the special section of Agronomy Journal, “Agricultural and biological sciences: Plant, soil, animal and environment”, consider the role of sustainability in building greater resilience to current pivotal and diverse problems encountered in agricultural systems. This special section is a collection of coherent research studies that used a multidisciplinary approach. A total of 52 papers were submitted, of which 12 were accepted for publication following a double‐blind reviewing process. The purposes of the present paper were to identify the role of sustainability in the resilience of agricultural systems and to discuss the main results of these published articles. Results suggested that specific issues relevant to forests, crops, horticulture systems, and animal production could be improved and made more resilient by applying modern agricultural tools, efficient use of natural resources, and smart device technology. A sustainable intensification in a changing environment will require resilience at many levels. Key strategies identified included (i) improvement of resource efficiency; (ii) adoption of techniques that generate landscape‐scale resilience; and (iii) use of a combination of different evaluation and planning strategies to advance the knowledge of crop and livestock interactions.
Is There a Difference between Paper and Electronic Chinese Signatures?
Authors: Luo Ji-Feng , Pu Yun-Zhu , Yin Jie-Yang , Liu Xiaohong , Tan Tao , Zhang Yudong , Hu Menghan
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in handwritten Chinese signatures on different media including paper and electronic devices. Participants were asked to sign specified names on various types of media and the signatures were scanned or saved digitally for subsequent analysis. In this study, using convolutional neural networks and Siamese neural networks as classifiers and comparators, the performance plunge is revealed and thus considerable dissimilarity between the signatures on different media is implied. To further explore this, cubic Bézier curves are fitted to the signatures using the least square method for quantitative statistical analysis. By analyzing the visual changes in the morphology of strokes, several features of signatures are selected and computed, and the paired t‐test and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test are implemented, which provides a deeper substantiation and explanation of the findings.
Association of Chronic Pain with Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration, Microglial Activation, and Inflammation in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Impaired Cognitive Function
Authors: Sadlon Angélique , Takousis Petros , Ankli Barbara , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Perneczky Robert ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2023

Objective

Debate surrounds the role of chronic pain as a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. This study aimed at examining the association of chronic pain with biomarkers of neurodegeneration using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Methods

Participants were classified using the ATN (amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration) classification. Chronic pain was defined as persistent or recurrent pain reported at baseline. For each ATN group, analysis of covariance models identified differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid β1–42, phosphorylated tau 181 (ptau181), total tau (t‐tau), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2), and cognitive function between chronic pain states. Differences in CSF levels of inflammatory markers between chronic pain states were further analyzed. Linear mixed effect models examined longitudinal changes.

Results

The study included 995 individuals, with 605 (60.81%) reporting chronic pain at baseline. At baseline, individuals with suspected non‐Alzheimer pathophysiology and chronic pain showed increased CSF levels of t‐tau and sTREM2. Chronic pain was associated with increased tumor necrosis factor α levels, irrespective of the ATN group. Longitudinally, an increase in ptau181 CSF levels was observed in chronic pain patients with negative amyloid and neurodegeneration markers. Amyloid‐positive and neurodegeneration‐negative chronic pain patients showed higher memory function cross‐sectionally. No significant longitudinal decline in cognitive function was observed for any ATN group.

Interpretation

Our study suggests that chronic pain induces neuronal damage and microglial activation in particular subgroups of patients along the AD spectrum. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:195–206
Physical, textural and crystallization characteristics of different chain length diacylglycerol‐based solid fats
Authors: Zhou Jun , Mao Yilin , Lee Yee‐Ying , Lai Oi‐Ming , Tan Chin‐Ping , Cheng Jianqiang , Wang Yong , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2023

Compared with conventional plant oils, diacylglycerol (DAG)‐based fats exhibit a higher melting point and could serve as a solid base oil for preparing specialty fats. In this study, different chain length DAG‐based solid fats were prepared, and the influences of acyl groups on the physical property, crystal microstructure, and crystallization kinetics of the binary solid fat phase were explored. The slipping melting point (SMP) of obtained medium chain‐DAG (MCD‐fats), medium‐long chain‐DAG (MLCD‐fats), and long chain‐DAG (LCD‐fats) fats were 35.67, 40.70, and 52.30°C, and their original β′ crystal content were 46.3%, 56.1%, and 66.9%, respectively. The solid fat content (SFC) profiles and crystallization properties were significantly affected as the fatty acid chain length and acylglycerols compositions changes. The microstructure of crystal in DAG‐fats got denser slowly during storage. DAG can delay the translation of crystal form and stabilize β′ crystal form, which is related to their three‐dimensional crystalline network changes. The hardness of MCD‐fats and LCD‐fats were higher than that of MLCD‐fats because of the acylglycerol compositions as well as fat crystals in DAG‐fats. Applying high melting point DAG as a novel base stock has an immense potential value in the production of specialty fats with low saturated fat, high stability, and decent operability.
Enhanced pervaporation dehydration performance of polyamide thin‐film composite membrane with sodium alginate hydrophilic surface modification
Authors: Sun Haixiang , Jing Qi , Chen Yuhao , Liu Juan , Ye Haixing , Wang Ming , Li Peng
Published: October 2023

Based on the solution‐diffusion model of pervaporation (PV) technique, the development of thin‐film composite membranes (TFC) with a highly hydrophilic surface and hydrophobic internal structure is more conducive to the rapid adsorption and desorption of water molecules to overcome the trade‐off effect between flux and separation selectivity. Herein, the polyamide PV membrane was fabricated via interfacial polymerization (IP) with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and polyethylenimine (PEI) as organic and aqueous phase monomer, respectively, on the hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) substrate. Subsequently, the hydrophilic modification layer was prepared via sodium alginate (SA) crosslinking with Ca2+ to form the egg‐box network. The results indicated the optimized TFC membrane exhibited high separation factor of 525.1 with desirable permeation flux of 2083.9 g m−2 h−1 for the pervaporation dehydration 85 wt% ethanol/water solution at 70°C. The modification method of hydrophilic surface opens up new avenues for the preparation of PV membrane with high separation performance and low‐cost.
The immune response of Locusta migratoria manilensis at different times of infection with Paranosema locustae
Authors: Liu Hui , Wei Xiaojia , Ye Xiaofang , Zhang Huihui , Yang Kun , Shi Wangpen , Zhang Jinrui , Jashenko Roman , Ji Rong , Hu Hongxia
Published: October 2023

Paranosema locustae is an entomopathogenic microsporidia with promising potential for controlling agricultural pests, including Locusta migratoria manilensis. However, it has the disadvantage of having a slow insecticidal rate, and how P. locustae infection impacts the host immune response is currently unknown. The present study investigated the effect of P. locustae on the natural immune response of L. migratoria and the activities of enzymes that protect against oxidative stress. Infection with P. locustae increased the hemocytes and nodulation number of L. migratoria at the initial stage of infection. The hemocyte‐mediated modulation of immune response was also affected by a decrease in the number of hemocytes 12 days postinfection. Superoxide dismutase activity in locusts increased in the early stages of infection but decreased in the later stages, whereas the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) showed opposite trends may be due to their different mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the transcription levels of mRNA of antimicrobial peptide‐related genes and phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph in L. migratoria were suppressed within 15 days of P. locustae infection. Overall, our data suggest that P. locustae create a conducive environment for its own proliferation in the host by disrupting the immune defense against it. These findings provide useful information for the potential application of P. locustae as a biocontrol agent.
Proactive Management of Aesthetic Quality to Maintain Customer Confidence
Authors: Adams Hunter , Pochiraju Susheera , Barrowman Polly , Chowdhury Zaid K. , Voegele Trevor P. , McGuire Michael J. , Bartrand Timothy A. , Fulmer Alice H.
Published: October 2023

Key Takeaways

“Water quality aesthetics” describes various customer concerns, such as taste and odor, color, turbidity, and effects of pipe corrosion.

As end users, customers are on the front lines of emergent water issues and can indicate aesthetic quality changes for water suppliers.

Managing aesthetic quality in a proactive manner not only can save a water supplier money but also build public confidence.
Evaluation of Proclarix in the diagnostic work‐up of prostate cancer
Authors: Kaufmann Basil , Fischer Sharon , Athanasiou Alcibiade , Lautenbach Noémie , Wittig Anja , Bieri Uwe , Schmid Florian A. , von Stauffenberg Franz , Scherer Thomas , Eberli Daniel , Gorin Michael A. , Schiess Ralph , Poyet Cédric
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has been widely adopted in the diagnostic work‐up for suspicious prostate cancer (PCa) and is recommended in most current guidelines. However, mpMRI lesions are often indeterminate and/or turn out to be false‐positive on prostate biopsy. The aim of this work was to evaluate Proclarix, a biomarker test for the detection of relevant PCa, regarding its diagnostic value in all men before biopsy and in men with indeterminate lesions on mpMRI (PI‐RADS 3) during work‐up for PCa.

Materials and Methods

Men undergoing mpMRI‐targeted and systematic biopsy of the prostate were prospectively enrolled. The Proclarix test was evaluated for the detection accuracy of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) defined as Grade Group ≥ 2 and its association to mpMRI results. Further, Proclarix's performance was also tested when adapted to prostate volume (Proclarix density) and performance compared to PSA density (PSAD).

Results

A total of 150 men with a median age of 65 years and median PSA of 5.8 ng/mL were included in this study. CsPCa was diagnosed in 65 (43%) men. Proclarix was significantly associated with csPCa and higher PI‐RADS score (p < 0.001). At the pre‐defined cut‐off of 10%, Proclarix's sensitivity for csPCa was 94%, specificity 19%, negative predictive value 80% and positive predictive value 47%. Proclarix density showed the highest AUC for the detection of csPCa of 0.77 (95%CI: 0.69–0.85) compared to PSA, PSAD and Proclarix alone. Proclarix was able to identify all six csPCa in men with PI‐RADS 3 lesions (n = 28), whereas PSAD missed two out of six. At optimized cut‐offs, Proclarix density outperformed PSAD by potentially avoiding 41% of unnecessary biopsies.

Conclusion

Proclarix demonstrates high sensitivity in detecting csPCa but may still result in unnecessary biopsies. However, Proclarix density was able to outperform PSAD and Proclarix and was found to be useful in men with PI‐RADS 3 findings by safely avoiding unnecessary biopsies without missing csPCa.
Development and validation of a network calculator model for safety and efficacy after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the elderly patients with pancreatic head cancer
Authors: Cai Ming , Guo Tong , Chen Zixiang , Li Wuhan , Pu Tian , Zhang Zhiwei , Huang Xiaorui , Guo Xinyi , Yu Yahong
Published: October 2023

Background

Benefiting from increased life expectancy and improved perioperative management, more elderly patients with pancreatic head cancer (PHC) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, individualized predictive models for the safety and efficacy of PD is still lacking. this study aimed to developed three safety‐ and efficacy‐related risk calculators for elderly (> = 65 years) PHC patients.

Methods

This study was designed with two research cohorts, namely, the training cohort and the validation cohort, and comprises four general steps: (1) Risk factors were analyzed for the incidence of postoperative complications, cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) in the training cohort (N = 271) using logistic and Cox‐regression analysis. (2) Nomograms were then plotted based on the above results. (3) The accuracy of the developed nomogram models was then verified with the validation cohort (N = 134) data using consistency index (C‐index) and calibration curves. (4) We then evaluated the efficacy of these nomograms using decision curve analysis (DCA) in both the training and validation cohorts, and ultimately constructed three online calculators based on these nomograms.

Results

We identified ASA, diabetes, smoking, and lymph node invasion as predisposing risk factors for postoperative complications, and the predictive factors that affected both OS and CSS were ASA, diabetes, BMI, CA19‐9 level, and tumor diameter. By integrating the above risk factors, we constructed three nomograms on postoperative complication, CSS, and OS. The C‐index for complication, CSS, and OS were 0.824, 0.784, and 0.801 in the training cohort and 0.746, 0.718, and 0.708 in the validation cohort. Moreover, the validation curves and DCA demonstrated good calibration and robust compliance in both training and validation cohorts. We then developed three web calculators (https://caiming.shinyapps.io/CMCD/, https://caiming.shinyapps.io/CMCSS/, and https://caiming.shinyapps.io/CMOS/) to facilitate the use of the nomograms.

Conclusions

The calculators demonstrated promising performance as an tool for predicting the safety and efficacy of PD in elderly PHC patients.
Optimisation of Three Essential Oils against Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli by Mixture Designa
Authors: Kachkoul Rabie , Benjelloun Touimi Ghita , Bennani Bahia , El Mouhri Ghita , El Habbani Radouane , Zouhri Aziz , El‐mernissi Yahya , Lahrichi Anissa
Published: October 2023

The aim of this work is to optimise the antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) from Eucalyptus camaldulensis (ECEO), Mentha pulegium (MPEO) and Rosmarinus officinalis (ROEO) plants against Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. The qualitative antimicrobial effect was assessed using the disc diffusion method, the broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Polynomial models were created using an augmented centroid simplex mixture design to highlight the synergy of EOs. The results show a significant antibacterial effect of ECEO and MPEO against both bacterial strains, with inhibition zones (IZs) of 13 and 12 mm respectively against E. coli, and 13 and 11 mm against Salmonella spp. The latter strain showed a MIC of 0.625 % (v : v) by the ECEO, while E. coli exhibited a MIC of 0.0781 % (v : v). The binary combinations of essential oils display a synergistic effect, the proportions of the optimum EOs in the mixture giving the lowest MICm were of the order of 50.51 % ECEO and 49.49 % ROEO against Salmonella spp. and around 50 % MPEO and 50 % ECEO against E. coli. These results indicate the effectiveness of binary combinations EOs against resistant bacterial strains and suggest their importance in bacterial infections treatment.
Diversity in private education: The impact of racial discrimination on students' mental health
Authors: Probherbs Kiany , Freeman Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Minority students and their families have viewed attending private schools as a way to increase their social and financial mobility. The Supreme Court case of Runyon vs McCrary (1976) prohibited private schools from excluding students based on race or ethnicity which led to increased access to quality education for racial and ethnic minorities. Private schools generally have more funding, resources, and due to smaller class sizes, students typically have more access to their teachers than students who attend public schools. Longstanding neglect of many racial and ethnic minority communities has resulted in their public schools being understaffed and overpopulated amongst other systemic issues. To break the generational cycle of unequal access to education that many minorities experience in America, families send their children to private schools and in some cases, students choose this themselves. While the increase in access to resources and quality of education is often indisputable, it is crucial to carefully consider the experience of being a racial and ethnic minority in these settings and if this experience is like that of their white peers.
Quantifying the Ground‐State Hydrogen‐Bond Formation of a Super‐Photoacid by Inspecting Its Excited‐State Dynamics
Authors: Choi Ye‐Jin , Nho Hak‐Won , Kim Ye‐Jin , Kwon Oh‐Hoon
Published: September 2023

The identification and quantification of hydrogen (H)‐bonded complexes form the cornerstone of reaction‐mechanism analysis in ultrafast proton‐transfer reactions. Traditionally, the Benesi–Hildebrand method has been employed to obtain the formation constants of H‐bonded complexes, given that H‐bonding additives induce an alteration in spectral features exclusively through H‐bond formation. However, if the additive introduction impacts the bulk polarity of the solution, inducing a spectral shift, the spectroscopic method‘s accuracy in analyzing the H‐bond formation becomes compromised. In this study, we scrutinize H‐bond formation under the influence of an H‐bond accepting solute in an aprotic solvent. This is achieved by quantifying the fractions of two concurrent pathways involved in the excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) of a super‐photoacid: the ultrafast ESPT of an H‐bonded complex versus the diffusion‐controlled ESPT of the free acid. Our method offers improved accuracy compared to conventional steady‐state spectroscopic techniques, by directly quantifying the H‐bonded complexes using the time‐resolved spectroscopic method, thereby circumventing the aforementioned limitation.
A 3‐year controlled clinical trial comparing high‐translucency zirconia (cubic zirconia) with lithium disilicate glass ceramic (e.max)
Authors: Fawakhiri Hiba A. , Abboud Souad , Kanout Shaza
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The rate of clinical success in veneers, under esthetics, has achieved a range of 18 months to 20 years. In a plethora of studies, it registers a success rate reaching 75% and even 100%. The most common type of glass ceramics used in ceramics is the vitreous lithium disilicate crystal‐reinforced material, e.max®. Recent studies focus on “polycrystalline ceramic use” in manufacturing veneers, as it possesses a stronger structure and different enabling manufacturing schemes.

Objectives

This research aims at comparing e.max and the high‐translucent Cubic Zirconia. Such comparison is administered to veneers manufacturing: esthetic (surface and edge, and staining and color matching), functional (crack and fracture, contact point, and patient satisfaction), and biological (posttreatment vitality and hypersensitivity, and periodontal response).

Materials and Methods

The research sample consisted of 60 veneers, divided into two groups: cubic zirconia and e.max. The sample included 2 males (16.6%) and 10 females (83.3%), with age ranging from 25 to 37 years. Patients were thoroughly diagnosed and treated and included in this study based on certain inclusion–exclusion criteria. Hickel's 2010 criteria were utilized to examine and observe the clinical aspect of veneers during intervals of 1 week, 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years.

Results

No significant differences were traced across the groups for all the variables, with a p‐value being greater than 0.05. The e.max group revealed better clinical results compared to the cubic zirconia one regarding esthetics and tooth translucency. Nonetheless, the results showed a merely slight increase in hypersensitivity in the e.max group.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of an extensive follow‐up period, we can conclude that there is no difference between cubic zirconia and e.max (p > 0.05), where e.max and cubic zirconia veneers have the same characteristics in terms of the following. The characteristics of the aspects examined were esthetic, functional, and biological.
The role of habit in maintaining binge/purge behaviors: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Dougherty Elizabeth N. , Wildes Jennifer E. , Haedt‐Matt Alissa A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Individuals with eating disorders transdiagnostically engage in binge eating (BE) and/or purging, despite life‐threatening consequences. Little is known about factors that contribute to the persistence of these behaviors. This study explored whether habitual control over binge/purge (B/P) spectrum behaviors contributes to symptom persistence and whether negative reinforcement via reductions in negative affect is less influential in maintaining B/P behaviors that are under habitual control and are persistent.

Method

Women with BE and/or purging (N = 81) completed self‐report measures assessing habit strength of BE and purging. Then, they completed a 14‐day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol during which they completed measures of negative affect, BE, and purging multiple times per day.

Results

Habitual control over purging was associated with a greater frequency of purging during the EMA period. However, habitual control over BE was not associated with the severity of loss of control eating or the frequency of BE episodes. Habitual control did not moderate temporal relations between negative affect and B/P behaviors during the EMA period. However, exploratory analyses revealed that individuals with a longer duration of BE and greater habitual control over BE showed a less pronounced reduction in negative affect following BE.

Discussion

Overall, these findings suggest that purging may be maintained by habitual stimulus–response learning. In addition, they support the possibility that reduction in negative affect may play a less prominent role in maintaining BE that is habitual and persistent.

Public significance

This study investigated whether habit contributes to the persistence of symptoms in women with binge/purge spectrum behaviors and whether negative reinforcement via reductions in negative affect is less influential in maintaining binge/purge behaviors that are under habitual control. The findings suggest that purging may be maintained through habit. This supports the potential utility of habit reversal interventions to decrease habitual purging.
Predation and competition drive trait diversity across space and time
Authors: Neale Zoey , Rudolf Volker H. W.
Published: October 2023

Competition should play a key role in shaping community assembly and thereby local and regional biodiversity patterns. However, identifying its relative importance and effects in natural communities is challenging because theory suggests that competition can lead to different and even opposing patterns depending on the underlying mechanisms. Here, we have taken a different approach: rather than attempting to indirectly infer competition from diversity patterns, we compared trait diversity patterns in odonate (dragonfly and damselfly) communities across different spatial and temporal scales along a natural competition–predation gradient. At the local scale (within a community), we found that trait diversity increased with the size of top predators (from invertebrates to fish). This relationship is consistent with differences in taxonomic diversity, suggesting that competition reduces local trait diversity through competitive exclusion. Spatial (across communities) and temporal (within communities over time) trait variation peaked in communities with intermediate predators indicating that both high levels of competition or predation select for trait convergence of communities. This indicates that competition acts as a deterministic force that reduces trait diversity at the local, regional, and temporal scales, which contrasts with patterns at the taxonomic level. Overall, results from this natural experiment reveal how competition and predation interact to shape biodiversity patterns in natural communities across spatial and temporal scales and provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms.
Relationship between salivary levels of interleukin‐8 and HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shirzaiy Masoomeh , Dalirsani Zohreh , Peymankar Payam , Taherizadeh Mahboobeh
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease, which genetic and environmental factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Cytokines as important elements in the immune system have diverse expressions in different individuals and societies and are effective in the pathogenesis of diabetes. This study investigated the relationship between blood sugar control and salivary levels of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 73 subjects (35 diabetic and 38 healthy individuals). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and the correlation between IL‐8, as an inflammatory marker and HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1C) was studied.

Results

The levels of IL‐8 and HbA1c were significantly higher in the patient group than control group (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). There was not any relationship between salivary IL‐8 levels and glycemic control levels (p = .629). Also, there was no remarkable difference between men and women in terms of the levels of IL‐8 and HbA1c saliva (p = .524, p = .998, respectively).

Conclusion

Although the salivary IL‐8 levels were higher in the diabetic patients, blood sugar control did not significantly affect cytokine concentrations. Increased salivary levels of IL‐8 in patients with type 2 diabetes could be a basis for risk assessment, prevention and treatment of diabetes‐related complications.
A new multi‐objective optimization of refrigeration cycles (Case study: “Optimization of transcritical carbon dioxide cycle”)
Authors: Javadpour Seyed Morteza , Naserian Mohammad Mahdi , Zarenezhad Ashkezari Abbas
Published: October 2023

For store and maintain products, ingredients, and other perishables at a safe temperature, there is a growing need for low‐temperature refrigeration systems. In this study, a new multi‐objective exergetic criterion is proposed for the optimization of refrigeration cycles, the conventional coefficient of performance (COP) maximization method results in high evaporator temperature, which is in contrast with the philosophy of the invention and design of refrigeration cycles. Thus, it is not a suitable platform for comparing different refrigeration cycles. This research aims to define a practical performance analysis parameter for designing and comparing refrigeration cycles. The novelty of this research is incorporating the impact of evaporator temperature into the COP concept. A performance comparison of the multi‐objective optimization is drawn with that of the maximum COP state on a transcritical carbon dioxide refrigeration cycle. According to the comparison, the evaporator temperature at the optimal state of multi‐objective exergetic optimization was 44 K lower than that of the maximum COP state, which demonstrates the excellent performance of the method. The results of the new multi‐objective exergetic optimization can be used to design low‐temperature evaporation refrigeration cycles. In the end, the flowchart of the suggested performance optimization is presented. Exergy of power at the optimal point of exergetic optimization is about 77% higher than the maximum COP. A comparison of the results obtained from maximum performance coefficient with optimal point of exergetic optimization suggests that the performance coefficient at optimum state of exergetic optimization is about 58% lower than the maximum COP.
Exploring copyrolysis characteristics and thermokinetics of peach stone and bituminous coal blends
Authors: Khoja Asif Hussain , Gohar Hamad , Khan Waqar Ul Habib , Qazi Umair Yaqub , Din Israf Ud , Al‐Anazi Abdulaziz , Ashraf Waqar Muhammad , Mujtaba M. A. , Riaz Fahid , Daood Syed Sheraz
Published: October 2023

Copyrolysis, being an active area of research due to its synergistic impact in utilizing diverse fuel resources, including waste materials, like, peach stone (PS), has been the focal point for this study. PS, produced in vast quantities annually and typically intended for landscaping or insulation purposes, is being studied in combination with low‐grade bituminous coal for energy utilization focusing on thermokinetics and synergistic aspects. Coal‐peach stone (C‐PS) blends were formulated at different ratios and subjected to comprehensive characterization techniques, including ultimate analysis (CHN‐S), gross calorific value (GCV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The ultimate analysis revealed an enhancement in carbon and hydrogen content from 45.38% to 68.08% and from 3.89% to 6.96%, respectively. Additionally, a reduction in sulfur and nitrogen content from 0.54% to 0.11% and from 1.16% to 0.42%, respectively, was observed with an increase in the ratio of PS in the C‐PS blends. The GCV of C‐PS blends ranged from 20.75 to 26.01 MJ kg−1. The pyrolysis conditions simulated in TGA are pivotal for evaluating thermokinetics and synergistic effects. The 60C:40PS blend shows a positive synergy index (SI) value of 0.0203% concerning total mass loss (MLT) indicating a favorable condition for bio‐oil generation. Coats–Redfern model‐fitting method reveals that the activation energy (Ea) of C‐PS blends increases in Section II with the addition of PS, and conversely, it decreases in Section III. The Ea for 100PS and 100C was 106.76 and 45.85 kJ mol−1 through (D3) and (F1), respectively, which was improved through the optimal blend 60C:40PS with an Ea of 94.56 and 27.58 kJ mol−1 through (D3) and (F2), respectively. The values obtained from linear regression prove that the kinetic models are effective while the thermodynamic analysis indicates that the pyrolytic behavior of C‐PS blends is characterized as endothermic, nonspontaneous, and capable of achieving thermodynamic equilibrium more rapidly.
Rare diseases in developing countries: Insights from China's collaborative network
Authors: Chen Jishizhan , Li Yihan , Chang Jinke
Published: September 2023

Rare diseases (RDs) are complex conditions and a worldwide healthcare challenge. The healthcare policymakers in developing countries lack templates from countries at the same level of development. This article introduced and discussed the combination of top‐down strategies and bottom‐up interventions in addressing RDs in a developing country, China, as an example. The government leads the formulation of laws, policies, and guidance to coordinate national resources, while local authorities and nongovernment organisations (NGOs) are responsible for policy localisation and complement policy gaps. This article may inspire other developing countries of improving RD healthcare.
Obstacles to treatment retention in opioid use disorder: An international substance use disorder treatment worker survey
Authors: Jones Matthew , Guirguis Amira , Watkins Alan , Bradshaw Ceri , Mohamed Lily , Schifano Fabrizio
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Treatment retention is associated with better outcomes and reduced risk amongst people experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD). Despite this, treatment retention remains low amongst this population.

Methods

We carried out an international cross‐sectional survey of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment service workers. We aimed to understand the barriers to treatment retention in the context of OUD from the provider perspective, identify differences in response preference between professional groups, and describe regional differences in treatment provision.

Results

We report data from 497 respondents based in the USA and the UK. Personality disorders, low motivation to change and social problems were the most often reported obstacles to retention. Comorbid SUD, hepatitis and HIV were not reported as often as expected. We identified associations between professional groups and response preferences related to comorbid SUD, low motivation, living arrangements and communication difficulties. UK respondents used behavioural treatments more than their US counterparts. US respondents more often reported using objective methods of measuring retention such as urine analysis, compared to their UK counterparts.

Discussion

The findings from this survey suggest that regional differences exist between US and UK based SUD treatment service workers. Personality disorders represented the most often experienced obstacles to treatment retention amongst patients with OUD, with mental health and social problems more often reported than comorbid drug problems or physical health problems. Statistically significant relationships exist between professional group and obstacles reported. These data may be used to identify additional training needs amongst SUD treatment service staff.
Primary symptoms of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with acute abdomen, scrotal swelling and pain, and fever: A case report
Authors: Lei Hui , Wang Qiong , Xiong Xue‐min , Hu Shengjuan , Shao Yu , Shao Rongchang
Published: October 2023

Background Introduction

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with pediatric diseases who have severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia, and there has also been an increased attention to serious extrapulmonary complications. However, cases with abdominal pain, acute abdomen, scrotal swelling and pain, and fever as the primary symptoms have been rarely reported.

Case Description

A 3‐years‐and‐8‐months‐old male patient diagnosed with pediatric disease was reported with abdominal pain, scrotal swelling and pain, and fever as the primary symptoms in the present study. No respiratory symptoms were observed throughout the disease. Through computed tomography (CT) scanning, the patient was diagnosed with severe MP pneumonia based on the symptoms of abdominal pain and fever, as well as pulmonary infection, pleural effusion, and retroperitoneal exudation. Laboratory tests supported the diagnosis of MP infection, and the diagnosis was confirmed by severe MP pneumonia. The therapeutic effects of azithromycin were poor, and the symptoms were quickly alleviated with the addition of gamma globulin and methylprednisolone. After discharge, azithromycin sequential therapy was administered. The chest CT was normal at the follow‐up 1‐month later.

Conclusion

Severe MP pneumonia in patients with pediatric diseases may include abdominal pain, scrotal swelling and pain, and fever as the primary symptoms. Care should be taken to avoid missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses in clinical practice.
Optical genome mapping identifies structural variants in potentially new cancer predisposition candidate genes in pediatric cancer patients
Authors: Wagener Rabea , Brandes Danielle , Jung Marie , Huetzen Maxim A. , Bergmann Anke K. , Panier Stephanie , Picard Daniel , Fischer Ute , Jachimowicz Ron D. , Borkhardt Arndt , Brozou Triantafyllia
Published: September 2023

Genetic predisposition is one of the major risk factors for pediatric cancer, with ~10% of children being carriers of a predisposing germline alteration. It is likely that this is the tip of the iceberg and many children are underdiagnosed, as most of the analysis focuses on single or short nucleotide variants, not considering the full spectrum of DNA alterations. Hence, we applied optical genome mapping (OGM) to our cohort of 34 pediatric cancer patients to perform an unbiased germline screening and analyze the frequency of structural variants (SVs) and their impact on cancer predisposition. All children were clinically highly suspicious for germline alterations (concomitant conditions or congenital anomalies, positive family cancer history, particular cancer type, synchronous or metachronous tumors), but whole exome sequencing (WES) had failed to detect pathogenic variants in cancer predisposing genes. OGM detected a median of 49 rare SVs (range 27‐149) per patient. By analysis of 18 patient‐parent trios, we identified three de novo SVs. Moreover, we discovered a likely pathogenic deletion of exon 3 in the known cancer predisposition gene BRCA2, and identified a duplication in RPA1, which might represent a new cancer predisposition gene. We conclude that optical genome mapping is a suitable tool for detecting potentially predisposing SVs in addition to WES in pediatric cancer patients.
Effect of BMI-Discordant Abdominal Tissue Thickness on Fracture Probability: A Registry-Based Study
Authors: Leslie William D. , Binkley Neil , Schousboe John T. , McCloskey Eugene V. , Johansson Helena , Harvey Nicholas C. , Kanis John A.
Published: September 2023

FRAX, which is used to assess fracture probability, considers body mass index (BMI), but BMI may not reflect individual variation in body composition and distribution. We examined the effect of BMI-discordant abdominal thickness on FRAX-derived fracture probability for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture. We studied 73,105 individuals, mean age 64.2 years. During mean 8.7 years, 7048 (9.6%) individuals sustained incident MOF, including 2155 (3.0%) hip fractures. We defined abdominal thickness index (ATI) as the difference between abdominal thickness measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and thickness predicted by BMI using sex-stratified regression. ATI was categorized from lower (<−2 cm, −2 to −1 cm) to higher (1–2 cm, >+2 cm) with referent around zero (−1 to +1 cm). Adjusted for FRAX probability, increasing ATI was associated with incident MOF and hip fracture (p < 0.001). For the highest ATI category, MOF risk was increased (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.35) independent of FRAX probability. Similar findings were noted for hip fracture probability (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.51). There was significant age-interaction with much larger effects before age 65 years (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.23–1.69 for MOF; 2.29, 95% CI 1.65–3.18 for hip fracture). In contrast, for the subset of individuals with diabetes, there was also increased risk for those in the lowest ATI category (HR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.12–2.65 for MOF; 2.81, 95% CI 1.59–4.97 for hip fracture). Calibration plots across ATI categories demonstrated deviation from the line of identity in women (calibration slope 2.26 for MOF, 2.83 for hip fracture). An effect of ATI was not found in men, but this was inconclusive as the sex-interaction terms did not show significant effect modification. In conclusion, these data support the need to investigate increased abdominal thickness beyond that predicted by BMI and sex as a FRAX-independent risk factor for fracture. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The effect of the home environment on children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kahveci Gul , Caylak Emrah , Kara Donay Nisa
Published: September 2023

The estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is 1% worldwide. Autistic individuals typically have a high level of sensitivity to the various environmental stimuli (smell, noise, light). These stimuli have a positive or negative influence on the person–environment interaction, and an excess of stimuli may create inappropriate or unanticipated behavioral responses (such as a crisis) effecting their well‐being. The Model of Competence, which provides an explanation of the interaction between the individual and the environment, was selected as the conceptual framework to direct this study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the opinions and experiences of mothers regarding the influence of the characteristics of the home environment on autistic individuals. A qualitative interpretative description design was utilized for this study's framework. Participants in the study were mothers who have autistic children. The study with focus groups was continued until data saturation was reached. There was a thematic investigation carried out. The findings show that the factors that have an effect on autistic individuals can be categorized into several subsets like sensory, routines, and physical environment. Despite the fact that the home setting is often a secure and consistent environment, these aspects were identified as crucial. Consequently, one should give some thought to the consequences that this could have in other settings where it would be harder to exercise control. The identification of these factors and the impact they have enables a better understanding of the interaction between an autistic individual and their environment and serves to guide professionals in their interventions.
Pharmacognostic characterization of Dicleptera chinensis by scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and analytical techniques
Authors: Sarfraz Mehak , Alam Fiaz , Din Kinza Muhammad , Malik Shazia , Quddoos Atifa
Published: September 2023

Dicleptera chinensis J. (Acanthaceae) has been employed in traditional medicinal systems for treating various ailments. It has been used as an anti‐inflammatory, wound healing, diuretic, and detoxifying agent in different regions of the world. This study determines several pharmacognostic standards, which are useful to ensure safety, efficacy, and purity of D. chinensis. Different parts of the plant were examined through a scanning electron microscope and light microscope, and cross‐section images revealed several useful botanical features of the plant. The color, size, odor, shape, and surface characteristics of plant parts were also examined macroscopically. Pharmacognostic standardization parameters including ash values, loss on drying, swelling index, hemolytic index, and foaming index were determined in accordance with WHO guidelines. Heavy metal analysis was executed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer which depicted the presence of heavy metals and trace elements within the acceptable range. Qualitative phytochemical tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and so forth of plant extract were also performed, which showed the valuable amount of these phytochemicals useful for medicinal purposes. Preliminary phytochemical tests provide an indication for major phytoconstituents classes present in the plant. These quantitative and qualitative microscopic features are helpful in establishing the pharmacopeia standards of plant. Assessment of various pharmacognostic features such as morphology of various plant parts explained along with physicochemical and phytochemical analysis could be very helpful for future research.

Research Highlights

Pharmacognostic standardization is employed as reported evidence for correct identification of D. chinensis.

Structures identified by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy serve as diagnostic features of plant.

Important secondary metabolites present in the plant suggest the need for further exploration through advanced metabolomics and other analytical techniques.
Associations between COVID‐19 therapies and inpatient gastrointestinal bleeding: A multisite retrospective study
Authors: Wiedel Noah A. , Sayles Harlan , Larson Jessica , Wardian Jana L. , Hewlett Alexander , McClay James , Ge Jin , Anzalone Alfred Jerrod ,   The N3C consortium
Published: October 2023

Little data is available regarding the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in adults hospitalized with COVID‐19 infection and the influence of patient comorbidities and demographics, COVID‐19 therapies, and typical medications used. In this retrospective study, we utilized the National COVID Cohort Collaborative to investigate the primary outcome of the development of gastrointestinal bleeding in 512 467 hospitalized US adults (age >18 years) within 14 days of a COVID‐19 infection and the influence of demographics, comorbidities, and selected medications. Gastrointestinal bleeding developed in 0.44% of patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. Comorbidities associated with gastrointestinal bleeding include peptic ulcer disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.2), obesity (aOR 1.27), chronic kidney disease (aOR 1.20), and tobacco use disorder (aOR 1.28). Lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was seen among women (aOR 0.76), Latinx (aOR 0.85), and vaccinated patients (aOR 0.74). Dexamethasone alone or with remdesivir was associated with lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (aOR 0.69 and aOR 0.83, respectively). Remdesivir monotherapy was associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (aOR 1.25). Proton pump inhibitors were more often prescribed in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, likely representing treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding rather than a risk factor for its development. In adult patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, the use of dexamethasone alone or in combination with remdesivir is negatively associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Remdesivir monotherapy is associated with increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.