bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GenX 3: the latest generation of an established tool
Authors: Glavic Artur , Björck Matts
Published: July 2022

Since its publication more than 15 years ago the GenX software has been continuously developed and has established itself as a standard package for analyzing X-ray and neutron reflectometry data. The evolution of the software during the last two major revisions is reported here. This includes a simplified model builder for beginners, simple samples, additional sample models, statistical error analysis and the use of just-in-time compilation modules for the reflectometry kernel to achieve higher performance. In addition, the influence of experimental errors on the reflectivity curve is discussed, and new features are described that allow the user to include these in the error statistics to improve the fitting and uncertainty estimation.
Use of CRISPR‐Cas tools to engineer Trichoderma species
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Hongyu , Ma Liang , Gong Ming , Wu Yingying , Bao Dapeng , Zou Gen
Published: July 2022

Given their lignocellulose degradability and biocontrol activities, fungi of the ubiquitously distributed genus Trichoderma have multiple industrial and agricultural applications. Genetic manipulation plays a valuable role in tailoring novel engineered strains with enhanced target traits. Nevertheless, as applied to fungi, the classic tools of genetic manipulation tend to be time‐consuming and tedious. However, the recent development of the CRISPR‐Cas system for gene editing has enabled researchers to achieve genome‐wide gene disruptions, gene replacements, and precise editing, and this technology has emerged as a primary focus for novel developments in engineered strains of Trichoderma. Here, we provide a brief overview of the traditional approaches to genetic manipulation, the different strategies employed in establishing CRSIPR‐Cas systems, the utilization of these systems to develop engineered strains of Trichoderma for desired applications, and the future trends in biotechnology.
Detection and elimination of shallot latent virus and onion yellow dwarf virus for potato onion (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don)
Authors: Lou Hu , Liu Zhiqi , Xu Qijiang
Published: July 2022

Potato onion (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don) is an important cash crop in northeastern China. It has the characteristics of cold tolerance and high yield and is very popular among consumers in this region. However, shallot latent virus (SLV) and onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) reduce the height and yield of potato onion plants. The detection of viruses on potato onion plants and virus elimination of plants are the primary ways to prevent viral infection and spread. We used duplex reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization to detect SLV and OYDV viruses, and determined that the tissue with the least virus content was the apical meristem. Cultivation of detoxifying plants was by multi‐generation shoot tips. The results showed that duplex RT‐PCR could detect SLV and OYDV in potato onion. By use of multi‐generation shoot tip virus elimination, we have demonstrated that multiple generations of shoot tip virus elimination can produce non‐toxic plants during the third generation of virus elimination, and the elimination rate of virus was 96.2%. This work provides a more convenient method for potato onion virus detection and improves the detection efficiency. This method will in turn aid in the development of virus elimination and rapid propagation methods for potato onion.
Anti‐factor X activity levels with continuous intravenous infusion and subcutaneous administration of enoxaparin after coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Parviainen Maria K. , Vahtera Annukka , Ånäs Niklas , Tähtinen Jutta , Huhtala Heini , Kuitunen Anne , Järvelä Kati
Published: July 2022

Background

Low‐molecular‐weight heparin enoxaparin is widely used in pharmacological thromboprophylaxis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to compare anti‐factor X activity (anti‐Xa) levels when the thromboprophylactic dose of enoxaparin was provided after CABG, with two different administration routes: continuous intravenous infusion (CIV) and subcutaneous bolus (SCB) injection. We hypothesized that the current standard method of SCB administration might lead to lower anti‐Xa levels than recommended in other patient groups, due to reduced bioavailability.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 40 patients scheduled for elective CABG were randomized to receive 40 mg of enoxaparin per day either as CIV or SCB for 72 h. Enoxaparin was initiated 6–10 h after CABG. Anti‐Xa levels were measured 12–14 times during the study period. The primary outcome, that is, the maximum anti‐Xa concentration over 0–24 h (Cmax0–24h), was calculated from these measured values. Secondary outcomes were Cmax25–72h and the trough concentration of anti‐Xa after 72 h of enoxaparin initiation (C72h).

Results

Twenty patients were randomized to the CIV‐group and 19 to the SCB‐group. The median anti‐Xa Cmax0–24h was significantly lower in the CIV‐group than in the SCB‐group: 0.15 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.13–0.19] IU/ml versus 0.25 (IQR 0.18–0.32) IU/ml, p < .005. The median anti‐Xa Cmax25–72h was 0.12 (IQR, 0.1–0.17) IU/ml versus 0.23 (IQR 0.19–0.31) IU/ml, respectively, p < .005. At 72 h, there was no difference between the groups in their anti‐Xa levels.

Conclusions

In this low‐risk CABG patient population, SCB administration of a thromboprophylactic dose of enoxaparin provided anti‐Xa levels that are considered sufficient for thromboprophylaxis in other patient groups. CIV administration resulted in lower anti‐Xa levels compared to the SCB route.
Ten‐year trends of adult trauma patients in Central Denmark Region from 2010 to 2019: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trier Frederik , Fjølner Jesper , Sørensen Anders Høyer , Søndergaard Rasmus , Kirkegaard Hans , Raaber Nikolaj
Published: July 2022

Background

Trauma causes significant economic and societal burdens, and the trauma patient population and their prognosis change over time. This study aims to analyze 10‐year trends of trauma patients at a major trauma center in Central Denmark Region.

Methods

Five thousand three hundred and sixty‐six patients aged ≥16 years with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 0 admitted by trauma team activation at a major trauma center between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were included. An annual percent change with a 95% confidence interval was used to estimate trends in the mechanism of injuries. Multiple logistic regression with mortality as the outcome was adjusted for age, sex, and ISS. Admission year was used as continuous variable in logistic regressions.

Results

The median age increased from 37 in 2010 to 49 in 2019, and the proportion of patients aged ≥65 doubled. The annual incidence of minor injuries (ISS 1–15) decreased from 181.3/105 inhabitants in 2010 to 112.7/105 in 2019. Severe injuries (ISS > 15) increased from 10.1/105 inhabitants in 2010 to 13.6/105 in 2019. The proportion of patients with ISS > 15 increased from 18.1% in 2010 to 31.1% in 2019. Multivariable logistic regression indicates lower 30‐day mortality for all trauma patients over the study period when adjusting for age, sex, and ISS (odds ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.99). The 30‐day mortality for severely injured patients with ISS > 15 seems to decrease during the study period when adjusting for age, sex, and ISS (Odds ratio: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.97). Fall injuries increased by 4.1% annually (95% CI: 2.3%–6.1%).

Conclusions

Ten‐year trends of trauma patients at a major trauma center show an increasing median age, injury severity, and number of fall injuries. The 30‐day mortality of trauma patients decreased slightly for both minor injuries and severe injuries when adjusting for age, sex, and injury severity.
Platelet transfusions and thrombocytopenia in intensive care units: Protocol for an international inception cohort study (PLOT‐ICU)
Authors: Anthon Carl Thomas , Pène Frédéric , Perner Anders , Azoulay Elie , Puxty Kathryn , Van De Louw Andry , Barratt‐Due Andreas , Chawla Sanjay , Castro Pedro , Povoa Pedro , Coelho Luis , Metaxa Victoria , Munshi Laveena , Kochanek Matthias , Liebregts Tobias , Kander Thomas , Hästbacka Johanna , Møller Morten Hylander , Russell Lene ,   PLOT‐ICU Investigators and the Nine‐I Study Group
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Thrombocytopenia is frequent in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and has been associated with worse outcome. Platelet transfusions are often used in the management of ICU patients with severe thrombocytopenia. However, the reported frequencies of thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion practices in the ICU vary considerably. Therefore, we aim to provide contemporary epidemiological data on thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion practices in the ICU.

Methods

We will conduct an international inception cohort, including at least 1000 acutely admitted adult ICU patients. Routinely available data will be collected at baseline (ICU admission), and daily during ICU stay up to a maximum of 90 days. The primary outcome will be the number of patients with thrombocytopenia (a recorded platelet count < 150 × 109/L) at baseline and/or during ICU stay. Secondary outcomes include mortality, days alive and out of hospital, days alive without life‐support, the number of patients with at least one bleeding episode, at least one thromboembolic event and at least one platelet transfusion in the ICU, the number of platelet transfusions and the indications for transfusion. The primary and secondary outcomes will be presented descriptively. In addition, we will assess risk factors for developing thrombocytopenia during ICU stay and the association between thrombocytopenia at baseline and 90‐day mortality using logistic regression analyses.

Conclusion

The outlined international PLOT‐ICU cohort study will provide contemporary epidemiological data on the burden and clinical significance of thrombocytopenia in adult ICU patients and describe the current platelet transfusion practice.
Sleep and circadian differences between light and heavy adult alcohol drinkers
Authors: Burgess Helen J. , Rizvydeen Muneer , Kikyo Fumitaka , Kebbeh Nema , Tan Michael , Roecklein Kathryn A. , Hasler Brant P. , King Andrea C. , Cao Dingcai
Published: July 2022

Background

Numerous studies have reported that eveningness is associated with increased alcohol consumption. However, biological markers of circadian timing, such as dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) and circadian photoreceptor responsivity (post‐illumination pupil response, PIPR), have rarely been assessed in the context of habitual alcohol consumption. This study aimed to examine sleep, circadian timing, and photoreceptor responsivity in adult alcohol drinkers.

Methods

Participants (21 to 45 years) included 28 light and 50 heavy drinkers. The 8‐day study consisted of a week of ad lib sleep monitored with wrist actigraphy, followed by a 9‐h laboratory session with a photoreceptor responsivity and circadian phase assessment.

Results

The heavy drinkers obtained on average 28 more minutes of sleep (p = 0.002) and reported more eveningness than the light drinkers (p = 0.029). There was a trend for a shorter DLMO‐midsleep interval (p = 0.059) in the heavy drinkers, reflecting a tendency for them to sleep at an earlier circadian phase. The PIPR in the heavy drinkers was significantly smaller than in the light drinkers (p = 0.032), suggesting reduced circadian photoreceptor responsivity in the heavy drinkers. A larger PIPR was significantly associated with a later DLMO in the light drinkers (r = 0.44, p = 0.019), but this relationship was absent in the heavy drinkers (r = −0.01, p = 0.94).

Conclusions

These results are consistent with earlier reports of more eveningness and a shorter DLMO‐midsleep interval being associated with heavier alcohol drinking. The novel finding of reduced circadian photoreceptor responsivity in heavy drinkers is consistent with prior rodent studies. Future studies should explore the impact of habitual alcohol consumption on other measures of circadian photoreceptor responsivity.
Association between second mesiobuccal canal and apical periodontitis in retrospective cone‐beam computed tomographic images
Authors: Colakoglu Gizem , Kaya Buyukbayram Isil , Elcin Mehmet Ali , Garip Berker Yildiz , Ercalik Yalcinkaya Sebnem
Published: July 2022

This retrospective cone‐beam computed tomography study aimed to investigate the possible associations of apical periodontitis (AP) with missed/unmissed second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals. MB2 canals and AP were investigated in 257 endodontically treated and 673 untreated maxillary molars, and the former were analyzed regarding missed/unmissed MB2 canals. The chi‐squared test and odds ratio (OR) were used for statistics. The prevalence of MB2 canals in maxillary first molars was higher than that in second molars (p = 0.001). MB2 canals were 1.751 times more common in males than in females (OR: 1.751; 95% CI: 1.334–2.297), with a significant difference in the 18–39 age groups (p = 0.005). The risk for AP was 5.5 times greater in endodontically treated maxillary molars with missed MB2 canals than in those with unmissed MB2 canals (p = 0.012) (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.549–19.527). The findings of this study reveal that the likelihood of the MB2 canal is higher in the maxillary first molars of young adult males.
Comparative morphology and morphometry of the mesencephalic tectum in the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus)
Authors: Ogbonnaya Obioma , Ibe Samuel Chikera , Ikpegbu Ekele
Published: July 2022

The caudal colliculus serves as an integrative station and switchboard, controlling nucleus of lower auditory pathway and motor‐auditory reflex production. The rostral colliculus coordinates reflexive movement of the head, neck, eye and focus the lens for visual tracking of objects. There is no information comparing mesencephalic tectum among neonates, juveniles and adults of African giant rat (AGR). Hence, this study aimed to compare the gross features and morphometric parameters of mesencephalic tectum postnatally in AGR. The following were found and reported: (a) Paired dorsal tips of caudal colliculi were observed through transverse fissure of the intact brain and so, corpora quadrigemina were partly occluded by cerebral cortex in neonates and juveniles. (b) The lateral and medial geniculate bodies were visible, though the lateral was grossly bigger than the medial in adults and juveniles but,  only the lateral was distinguishable in neonates. (c) Live body weight, absolute brain weight, caudal colliculus width, nose–rump and tail lengths increased as AGRs developed with age; mean values of rostral colliculus weight, caudal colliculus height and weight of caudal colliculus in neonates and juveniles were statistically same; while midbrain weight and rostral colliculus height tends to decrease as rats aged. (d) The mean weight of caudal colliculi and width of rostral colliculi were not affected by age. (e) Caudal colliculi were grossly wider than rostral in juveniles and adults, but not neonates. Established regression formulae are necessary to avoid future sacrifice of this rodent.
Geometric analysis of otoliths in Cyprinion kais and Cyprinion macrostomus
Authors: Dörtbudak Muhammed Yaşar , Demiraslan Yasin , Demircioğlu İsmail
Published: July 2022

Cyprinion macrostomus and Cyprinion kais are species that inhabit in the Tigris River. These fishes, formerly considered as the same species, have been listed as different species by taking differences in jaw and mouth structures into consideration. The mouth shape of C. kais is distinct and small. The mouth is convex and has broad lateral lobes. The mouth of C. macrostomus is wider, is convex and lacks lateral lobes. This study aimed to determine the shape‐dependent variability in the breed and sex factors of otoliths of the fish species C. kais and C. macrostomus. For this purpose, 30 right otoliths from both species were used. Geometric morphometric analyses were performed by marking semilandmarks on the otoliths. When examining the results of the analysis, it was found that the first base component accounted for the total shape difference by 26.871% and the first three base components accounted for the total shape difference by 52.235%. In the regression analysis of shape on dimension, it was found that 2.1020% of shape could be estimated in terms of size according to the groups. In the wire‐frame wrap graph showing group‐based shape differences, it was found that C. kais was wider than C. macrostomus at the level of the dorsal margin and the rostrum region of C. macrostomus was larger and sharply pointed. Consequently, it is believed that the data of the study can be reference for many disciplines, especially for taxonomic classification of species.
Women on boards and corporate environmental performance in Italian companies: The importance of nomination background
Authors: De Masi Sara , Słomka‐Gołębiowska Agnieszka , Paci Andrea
Published: July 2022

The relationship between women on boards and corporate environmental performance is puzzling because of the inconclusiveness of previous research. We study this association in light of the homophily and self‐construct theories. Based on data on Italian FTSE‐MIB companies from 2008 to 2017, we investigate how the significance of women directors in enhancing environmental performance varies with the nature of their nomination background. To understand the mechanisms behind the role of women on boards in environmental performance, we differentiate women according to their nomination background (family vs. non‐family). Our panel regression results document that, upon reaching a threshold of three women on boards (the so‐called critical mass), family women directors affect negatively corporate environmental performance. Breaking down the environmental performance powered by subsequential companies' actions into (1) firm environmental technology use, (2) firm resource use efficiency, and (3) corporate emission reduction, we also provide evidence for the negative effect of family women directors. This may suggest that family women directors do not reveal their communal characteristics; thus, they are not as sensitive to environmental issues as non‐family women directors.
Companies to promote CSR impact on employees: High‐performance work systems as a moderator
Authors: Liang‐Chih Huang , Tzeng‐Tian Huang , Chien‐Bin Hsu
Published: July 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been of much public concern in recent years. This study uses the Conservation of Resources Theory to discuss the measures that organizations can take to ensure that resources are not lost when they face institutional pressures. We distributed questionnaires to Taiwanese small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in two phases. The results reveal the following measures pertinent to enterprise management bodies: (1) SMEs faced with external institutional pressure must promote CSR strategies to secure existing organizational resources; (2) spreading awareness on and taking actions for CSR promotion by SMEs, in response to changes in the external institutional environment, can improve corporate image and increase employees' intention to stay; and (3) measures concerning high‐performance work systems can help unleash the full potential of human resource management and facilitate enterprises to introduce CSR. Some important theoretical implications emerge in this study. Based on the Conservation of Resources Theory, we argue that the stressor faced by SMEs is not a threat, but a factor that creates or preserves organizational resources. Through the application of this theory, we enrich the CSR model. Further, the feasibility of high‐performance work systems, as a moderator of institutional pressure, is determined.
The recurrent TCF4 missense variant p.(Arg389Cys) causes a neurodevelopmental disorder overlapping with but not typical for Pitt‐Hopkins syndrome
Authors: Popp Bernt , Bienvenu Thierry , Giurgea Irina , Metreau Julia , Kraus Cornelia , Reis André , Fischer Jan , Bralo María Palomares , Tenorio‐Castaño Jair , Lapunzina Pablo , Almoguera Berta , Lopez‐Grondona Fermina , Sticht Heinrich , Zweier Christiane
Published: July 2022

TCF4 haploinsufficiency by deletions, truncating variants or loss‐of‐function missense variants within the DNA‐binding and protein interacting bHLH domain causes Pitt‐Hopkins syndrome (PTHS). This neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) is characterized by severe intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, hyperbreathing and a typical facial gestalt. Only few aberrations of the N‐terminus of TCF4 were associated with milder or atypical phenotypes. By personal communication and searching databases we assembled six cases with the novel, recurrent, de novo missense variant c.1165C > T, p.(Arg389Cys) in TCF4. This variant was identified by diagnostic exome or panel sequencing and is located upstream of the bHLH domain. All six individuals presented with moderate to severe ID with language impairment. Microcephaly occurred in two individuals, epilepsy only in one, and no breathing anomalies or myopia were reported. Facial gestalt showed some aspects of PTHS but was rather non‐specific in most individuals. Interestingly, the variant is located within the AD2 activation domain next to a highly conserved coactivator‐recruitment motif and might alter interaction with coactivator proteins independently from the bHLH domain. Our findings of a recurrent missense variant outside the bHLH domain in six individuals with an ID phenotype overlapping with but not typical for PTHS delineate a novel genotype–phenotype correlation for TCF4‐related NDDs.
Determining the effect of enzymatic pretreatment on the low temperature dyeability of polyamide fabrics
Authors: Atav Rıza , Soysal A. Burak , Çağman F. Nilay , Karadağ N. Gökçe
Published: July 2022

In this study, by pretreating polyamide 6/elastane knitted fabrics with serine‐type protease enzyme, the aim was to reduce dyeing temperatures. It is known that the elasticity of elastane fibres is damaged in dyeing at high temperatures. On the other hand, to enable efficient dyeing, it is necessary to use boiling temperatures in synthetic fibres such as polyamide, or even mild high temperature conditions, to support more uniform dyeing. Protease enzymes are enzymes that hydrolyse amide bonds, and consequently, new amine and carboxyl groups are released in fibre macromolecules, resulting in an increase in the functional group content to which anionic dyes can bind. In this study, to compensate for the loss of colour yield caused by lowering the dyeing temperature, an increase in the functional groups was provided by enzymatic pretreatment. For this purpose, the fabrics were pretreated with a commercial serine‐type protease enzyme then dyed with 1:2 metal complex dyes at different temperatures. The effects of enzymatic pretreatment on colour, fastness, fibre surface characteristics and fabric strength were investigated.
Becoming In‐visible: Family Farms in Rural Latvia in the Framework of theEUCommon Agricultural Policy
Authors: Thiemann André , Rolle Kristīne
Published: July 2022

Historically, Latvia has been integrated into several (multi‐) national state formations that have shaped agricultural practices. Beginning in 1991, newly independent Latvia reintroduced a family farming model and prepared to join the European Union. The ability of small farmers to adapt to and implement the new EU regulations that support farming either as efficient food production or alternatively as cultural landscaping has been contingent upon many socio‐economic and cultural factors. Today, most family farmers have only reluctantly formalized their practices to satisfy the requirements of the EU, while others have readily embraced the current discourses, policies, and laws to strategically access agricultural funds and scale up operations. We discuss these agricultural tensions by contrasting two forms of selective formalization: the reluctant “projectification” of a subsistence farm by founding a cultural NGO vs. the strategic founding of an “entrepreneurial” cooperative of sea buckthorn producers to access transnational markets and development subsidies.
(Un)sustainabilities in a Viticulture Region (El Penedès): Market Economy, Public Policies, and Territorial Model
Authors: Homs Ramírez de la Piscina Patricia
Published: July 2022

El Penedès is a traditional viticulture area, and this activity has been essential to the region's economic development and the construction of its identity. Throughout the last three centuries, family and subsistence farming became a market‐oriented economy, characterized by significant mechanization, grape monocultures, and dependence on chemical inputs. Small‐scale agriculture therefore shifted from being the centre of household economies to a job or a supplementary source of income for a small number of family members. In the summer of 2019, grape prices dropped to levels that jeopardized the sustainability of many small farms, whose final selling prices were not even sufficient to cover production costs. In this context, I have observed through two years of fieldwork (participant observation and interviews) how the viticulture sector suffers aggressive intrusion by agribusiness, positioning farmers at the confluence of a market economy monopolized by three large companies, regulation at different scales that has proved inefficient in ensuring the sustainability of small‐scale agriculture, and a territorial model that reallocates agricultural land to logistics infrastructure. This article concludes that despite farmers' demands for just prices to ensure economic viability and dignity, the sustainability of small farms is effectively under threat today in El Penedès. Indeed, farmers are entangled in a capitalist moral economy that impedes the possibility of imagining real non‐exploitative socioeconomic relations and thereby reproduces and reinforces existing patterns of capital accumulation.
From Goliath to David: Interventricular fibroma
Authors: Negri Francesco , Burelli Massimo , Collini Valentino , Pavoni Daisy , Puppato Michela , Imazio Massimo
Published: July 2022

We describe an interventricular septum mass in 1 years old child, followed during 14 years. The mass did not grow up over time, the patient did not experienced any arrythmia, and did not developed heart failure. A complete diagnosis of interventricular Fibroma was made at the age of 14 years old when the patient underwent to cardiac MRI. A close follow up was in this case the winner strategy, saving him from an early unnecessary cardiac surgery.
Unsupervised machine learning demonstrates the prognostic value of TAPSE/PASP ratio among hospitalized patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Jani Vivek , Kapoor Karan , Meyer Joseph , Lu Jim , Goerlich Erin , Metkus Thomas S. , Madrazo Jose A. , Michos Erin , Wu Katherine , Bavaro Nicole , Kutty Shelby , Hays Allison G. , Mukherjee Monica
Published: July 2022

Background

The ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is a validated index of right ventricular‐pulmonary arterial (RV‐PA) coupling with prognostic value. We determined the predictive value of TAPSE/PASP ratio and adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐nine consecutive hospitalized racially/ethnically diverse adults (≥18 years of age) admitted with COVID‐19 between March and June 2020 with clinically indicated transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) that included adequate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocities for calculation of PASP were studied. The exposure of interest was impaired RV‐PA coupling as assessed by TAPSE/PASP ratio. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints comprised of ICU admission, incident acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and systolic heart failure.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐six patients had both technically adequate TAPSE measurements and measurable TR velocities for analysis. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, race/ethnicity, diabetes mellitus, and smoking status, log(TAPSE/PASP) had a significantly inverse association with ICU admission (p = 0.015) and death (p = 0.038). ROC analysis showed the optimal cutoff for TAPSE/PASP for death was 0.51 mm mmHg–1 (AUC = 0.68). Unsupervised machine learning identified two groups of echocardiographic function. Of all echocardiographic measures included, TAPSE/PASP ratio was the most significant in predicting in‐hospital mortality, further supporting its significance in this cohort.

Conclusion

Impaired RV‐PA coupling, assessed noninvasively via the TAPSE/PASP ratio, was predictive of need for ICU level care and in‐hospital mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 suggesting utility of TAPSE/PASP in identification of poor clinical outcomes in this population both by traditional statistical and unsupervised machine learning based methods.
Elevated fasting insulin results in snoring: A view emerged from causal evaluation of glycemic traits and snoring
Authors: Yi Minhan , Fei Quanming , Liu Kun , Zhao Wangcheng , Chen Ziliang , Zhang Yuan
Published: July 2022

Background

Snoring and impaired glucose metabolism are common clinical manifestations and associated. The purpose of our study is to estimate the causal associations between snoring and glycemic traits.

Methods

We compared the weighted mean differences (WMD) for fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 h‐glucose post‐challenge (2hGlu) levels between snorers and non‐snorers by meta‐analysis. Then, we obtained summary statistics from published GWAS of snoring and glycemic traits to perform bidirectional two‐sample MR. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was applied as major estimate while MR Egger, Weighted median and MR‐Robust Adjusted Profile Score (RAPS) played a subsidiary role.

Results

Snoring participants had higher FBG (WMD = 0.14 mmol/L, 95%CI = [0.10,0.19]), HbA1c (WMD = 0.10%, 95%CI = [0.07,0.13]), FINS (WMD = 0.92μIU/mL, 95%CI = [0.59,1.26]) and 2hGlu (WMD = 0.30 mmol/L, 95%CI = [0.06,0.55]) levels than non‐snorers. Further, elevated FINS levels shown robust causal effect on snoring (IVW: OR = 1.07, 95%CI = [1.02,1.12], p = 2.2 × 10−3), which was consistent by complementary methods of MR Egger (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = [1.01–1.30], p = 4.72 × 10−2), Weighted median (OR = 1.11, 95%CI = [1.07,1.15], p = 1.53 × 10−7) and MR RAPS (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = [1.05,1.10], p = 2.81 × 10−9). Such causal situation was stable after identifying and removing the outliers in sensitivity analysis. However, there was no causality of snoring on increasing FINS levels. Additionally, there were no causal associations between snoring and other three traits of FBG, HbA1c and 2hGlu levels from either direction.

Conclusions

Snorers are subjected to higher FBG, HbA1c, FINS and 2hGlu levels, and elevated FINS levels further provides robust causality on snoring, suggesting that behind common snoring may lie hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance.
Stress amongst dental students in the transition from preclinical training to clinical training: A qualitative study
Authors: de Souza Ferreira Franciele , Barros Isabela , da Costa Neves Tamíris , Pazos Júlia Margato , Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The present study sought to qualitatively evaluate third‐year undergraduate dental students' perceptions of sources of stress during the transition from preclinical to clinical training.

Methods

This was an observational, cross‐sectional, and qualitative study with a nonprobabilistic sampling design. The sample consisted of students in the third year of the five‐year undergraduate degree program in dentistry offered by the São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil (n = 37). Data were collected using open‐ended, semistructured, and individual interviews that were recorded on a digital voice recorder. The students were interviewed on campus at a previously scheduled time. Efforts were made to provide a secure and welcoming environment for the interview. The interview questions addressed students' adaptation to clinical training and their perceptions of stress resulting from this transition. Data analysis was based on the qualitative and quantitative Discourse of the Collective Subject (DCS) technique performed with the aid of Qualiquantisoft®.

Results

Most of the students evaluated (75.7%) reported difficulty in the transition from the preclinical to the clinical phase of their program and that this difficulty increased their stress levels during this transition (81.1%). The most frequently cited reason for the increase in stress was the responsibility and demands associated with caring for real patients (54.1%). Almost half of the students (48.6%) reported feeling physical symptoms of stress such as tachycardia, dizziness, headache, and muscle tension during this period. Most of the students (81.1%) required up to one semester to feel that they had adapted to the clinic. Many students used stress reduction strategies such as simply trying to calm down, studying before their clinical work, improving organisation, and asking professors for help. Adaptation to ergonomics and biosafety in the clinic was the most frequently cited impediment (45.9%) to the adaptation process. The students' main suggestions for reducing stress in this transition phase were additional preclinical training in a clinical setting, a more gradual transition, and greater professor receptiveness.

Conclusion

The dental students interviewed herein perceived high levels of stress during the transition from preclinical to clinical training.
Back pain prevention program: An evaluation after a 10‐year implementation amongst dental students
Authors: Viratelle Henry , Schossig Bénédicte , Van Bellinghen Xavier , Fernandez de Grado Gabriel , Musset Anne‐Marie , Offner Damien
Published: July 2022

Background

Many studies show a higher prevalence of back pain for dentists and dental students than in the general population. This leads to a need to integrate an effective back pain prevention program (BPPP) into the student's curriculum. We have implemented such a program for 10 years, and the objective was to evaluate its effectiveness.

Material and Methods

Data from 102 dentists and students who benefited from the BPPP were collected. Back pain prevalence and its intensity (0–10 scale) regarding neck, upper back and lower back location were studied, as well as sex, age, implementation or not of elements of the BPPP into daily practice, and if so at what moment of the professional life. For identical items, answers were compared with those from a national survey conducted amongst French students and practitioners in 2018.

Results

Amongst the BPPP beneficiaries, 60% were suffering from chronic back pain versus 77% in the previous national survey (p < .001). Mean pain intensity was lower in each location for the BPPP beneficiaries on the 0–10 scale: neck 1.91 vs. 2.40 (p = .05); upper back 1.94 vs. 2.72 (p < .001); lower back 2.26 vs. 2.67 (p = .15). Respondents who implemented elements of the BPPP from the start of their clinical practice showed a prevalence of chronic back pain of 48.4%, against 77% for respondents who did so only from the first year or after (p < .05).

Conclusion

Our BPPP seems to show a positive preventive effect on dentists and students after a 10‐year implementation. It is a solid basis that can however be further improved.
Rock glacier Oasis: An alternative for agro‐pastoralism in a changing environment in the Himalayan cold desert
Authors: Pandey Pratima , Ali Sheikh Nawaz , Simon Allen
Published: July 2022

The unprecedented climate change has catastrophic repercussions for high mountain communities and these issues need a multi‐disciplinary understanding for adaptation and mitigation strategies. The limited cultivable agricultural land and pastures along with an abridged cultivation season and water scarcity, all have severely impacted local communities in the cold desert of Ladakh. The indigenous people relying on glacier and snow‐melt have developed unique water management and agro‐pastoralism practices and are searching for additional alternatives owing to continuous climate and lifestyle changes. People are increasingly relocating to higher valleys in search of adequate cultivable land. In this endeavour, people are found to be practicing agro‐pastoral activities adjacent to the thermokarst lakes (Oasis) present on the rock glaciers. The present study is a one‐of‐a‐kind overview of such innovative and adaptive farming strategies to encourage research towards the water storage in such features, and how long it will remain sustainable.
Net Inflow: An Important Target on the Path to Aquifer Sustainability
Authors: Butler J.J. , Bohling G.C. , Perkins S.P. , Whittemore D.O. , Liu G. , Wilson B.B.
Published: July 2022

Aquifers supporting irrigated agriculture are a resource of global importance. Many of these systems, however, are experiencing significant pumping‐induced stress that threatens their continued viability as a water source for irrigation. Reductions in pumping are often the only option to extend the lifespans of these aquifers and the agricultural production they support. The impact of reductions depends on a quantity known as “net inflow” or “capture.” We use data from a network of wells in the western Kansas portions of the High Plains aquifer in the central United States to demonstrate the importance of net inflow, how it can be estimated in the field, how it might vary in response to pumping reductions, and why use of “net inflow” may be preferred over “capture” in certain contexts. Net inflow has remained approximately constant over much of western Kansas for at least the last 15 to 25 years, thereby allowing it to serve as a target for sustainability efforts. The percent pumping reduction required to reach net inflow (i.e., stabilize water levels for the near term [years to a few decades]) can vary greatly over this region, which has important implications for groundwater management. However, the reduction does appear practically achievable (less than 30%) in many areas. The field‐determined net inflow can play an important role in calibration of regional groundwater models; failure to reproduce its magnitude and temporal variations should prompt further calibration. Although net inflow is a universally applicable concept, the reliability of field estimates is greatest in seasonally pumped aquifers.
Sulfate Land Application Enhances Biodegradation in a Petroleum Hydrocarbon Smear Zone
Authors: Sra Kanwartej S. , Ponsin Violaine , Kolhatkar Ravi , Hunkeler Daniel , Thomson Neil R. , Madsen Eugene L. , Buscheck Timothy
Published: July 2022

Delivery of sulfate to petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) source zones and groundwater plumes is desirable to enhance biodegradation rates when treatment has become limited due to depletion of sulfate. Sulfate land application involves spreading sulfate salts on ground surface and allowing their dissolution and infiltration of sulfate into subsurface. The objectives of this pilot‐scale investigation were to capture the vertical transport of sulfate beneath an application area, confirm that sulfate reduction was occurring, and explore how the added sulfate affected biodegradation of benzene and toluene. Approximately 4000 kg of gypsum was spread over a 30 m × 30 m study area above a smear zone located approximately 2 m below‐ground surface. Precipitation was augmented by two irrigation events. Groundwater samples, collected over 1058 days from multilevel wells and a conventional long‐screened monitoring well, were analyzed for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), sulfate, bromide, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and methane. Compound‐specific isotope analyses (CSIA) for benzene and toluene, and isotope analyses of13C‐DIC and34S‐SO42−were performed. Following application, an increase in sulfate concentration was noted in the smear zone.34S‐SO42−enrichment and13C‐DIC depletion indicated that sulfate reduction and mineralization of PHCs were enhanced. CSIA results provided unequivocal evidence of anaerobic biodegradation of benzene and toluene. After 1058 days when sulfate was depleted, methane concentrations were about three times greater than baseline conditions suggesting syntrophic benefit of the delivered sulfate. Observations from this investigation support the viability of sulfate land application to enhance biodegradation rates in shallow PHC smear zones.
Eleven‐month longitudinal study of antibodies in SARS‐CoV‐2 exposed and naïve primary health care workers upon COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Dobaño Carlota , Ramírez‐Morros Anna , Alonso Selena , Ruiz‐Olalla Gemma , Rubio Rocío , Vidal Marta , Prados de la Torre Esther , Jairoce Chenjerai , Mitchell Robert A. , Barrios Diana , Jiménez Alfons , Rodrigo Melero Natalia , Carolis Carlo , Izquierdo Luis , Zanoncello Jasmina , Aguilar Ruth , Vidal‐Alaball Josep , Moncunill Gemma , Ruiz‐Comellas Anna
Published: July 2022

We evaluated the kinetics of antibody responses to Two years into the COVID‐19 pandemic and 1 year after the start of vaccination rollout, the world faced a peak of cases associated with the highly contagious Omicron variant of concern (VoC) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens over five cross‐sectional visits (January–November 2021), and the determinants of pre‐booster immunoglobulin levels, in a prospective cohort of vaccinated primary health care workers in Catalonia, Spain. Antibodies against S antigens after a full primary vaccination course, mostly with BNT162b2, decreased steadily over time and were higher in pre‐exposed (n = 247) than naïve (n = 200) individuals, but seropositivity was maintained at 100% (100% IgG, 95.5% IgA, 30.6% IgM) up to 319 days after the first dose. Antibody binding to variants of concern was highly maintained for IgG compared to wild type but significantly reduced for IgA and IgM, particularly for Beta and Gamma. Factors significantly associated with longer‐term antibodies included age, sex, occupation, smoking, adverse reaction to vaccination, levels of pre‐vaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, interval between disease onset and vaccination, hospitalization, oxygen supply, post COVID and symptomatology. Earlier morning vaccination hours were associated with higher IgG responses in pre‐exposed participants. Symptomatic breakthroughs occurred in 9/447 (2.01%) individuals, all among naïve (9/200, 4.5%) and generally boosted antibody responses. Additionally, an increase in IgA and/or IgM seropositivity to variants, and N seroconversion at later time points (6.54%), indicated asymptomatic breakthrough infections, even among pre‐exposed. Seropositivity remained highly stable over almost a year after vaccination. However, gradually waning of anti‐S IgGs that correlate with neutralizing activity, coupled to evidence of an increase in breakthrough infections during the Delta and Omicron predominance, provides a rationale for booster immunization.
T‐cell immunoglobulin‐ and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐4 maintains adipose tissue homeostasis by orchestrating M2 macrophage polarization via nuclear factor kappa B pathway
Authors: Ding Lu , Liang Yan , Wang Yuzhen , Tong Zheng , Liu Wen , Tan Siyu , Zhang Jie , Wang Yingchun , Wu Zhuanchang , Liang Xiaohong , Ma Chunhong , Gao Lifen
Published: July 2022

Obesity is generally associated with low‐grade inflammation. Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) orchestrate metabolic inflammation. The classical (M1‐like) or alternative (M2‐like) activation of ATMs is functionally coupled with the metabolic status of fat tissues. It has been found that T‐cell immunoglobulin‐ and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐4 (Tim‐4) inhibits inflammation by regulating macrophages. However, the exact role of Tim‐4 in macrophage polarization and obesity remains unknown. Here, we identified Tim‐4 as a critical switch governing macrophage M1/M2 polarization and energy homeostasis. Tim‐4 deletion led to spontaneous obesity in elder mice and promoted obesity severity of db/db mice. Obesity microenvironment enhanced the expression of Tim‐4 in white adipose tissue and ATMs. In vitro, we detected an increase in M1‐like cells and decrease in M2‐like cells in both peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow‐derived macrophages from Tim‐4 knockout mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Tim‐4 promoted M2‐like macrophages polarization via suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. In addition, we found that Tim‐4 promoted TLR4 internalization, which might contribute to regulation of NF‐κB signaling. Collectively, these results indicated that Tim‐4 maintained adipose tissue homeostasis by regulating macrophage polarization via NF‐κB pathway, which would provide a new target for obesity intervention.
Ag sputtering–assisted phase formation of Ag2S‐decorated ZnS composite sheets and their photoactive performances
Authors: Liang Yuan‐Chang , Huang Chia‐Hung
Published: July 2022

The Ag2S crystallites–decorated ZnS composite sheets were synthesized by combinational methodology. Two types of ZnS sheet templates were obtained through the vulcanization of ZnO sheets with sulfur precursors of thiourea and Na2S, and then ZnS–Ag2S heterogeneous sheets were obtained with sputtering Ag crystallites and post‐annealing procedures. The ZnS sheets have rugged and smooth surfaces formed with sulfur precursors of thiourea and Na2S, respectively. Both the initial microstructures of ZnS sheet templates and Ag2S decoration content affect the photoactivity of the ZnS–Ag2S composite sheets. Compared with the pristine ZnS, the ZnS–Ag2S composite sheets with a suitable Ag2S loading content (Ag at% = 3.6–3.8) are beneficial to improve the photoactivity, which could be explained by the combination of narrow bandgap; Ag2S crystallites would enhance photon absorption and separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers. The scavenger tests and photodegradation mechanism show that hydroxyl radicals and holes were the main active species for the ZnS–Ag2S composite sheets to photodegrade methyl orange solution. The experimental results herein provide a novel synthesis approach to decorate Ag2S crystallites onto ZnS with tunable contents and present important design guidelines for the resultant ZnS–Ag2S composite sheets to demonstrate marked improvement in photoactivity.
Microstructures and strengths of microporous MgO–Al2O3 ceramics from Al(OH)3 and calcined magnesite
Authors: Chen Qianlin , Yan Wen , Yan Junjie , Schafföner Stefan , Chen Zhe , Ma Sanbao , Li Guangqiang
Published: July 2022

Seven microporous MgO–Al2O3 ceramics with an Al2O3 content of 15–90 wt% were prepared using Al(OH)3 and calcined magnesite as raw materials. A wet mixing process was employed during sample preparation to transform the calcined magnesite with a larger particle size to smaller Mg(OH)2 particles. The in situ decomposition synthesis method and the Kirkendall effect were utilized to produce and control the pore structure of the microporous MgO–Al2O3 ceramics. There were two kinds of pores in the microporous MgO–Al2O3 ceramics. The first one resulted from the in situ decomposition of Al(OH)3 and Mg(OH)2 particles, which were small and equally distributed. Another one originated from the position of the Mg(OH)2 particles due to the Kirkendall effect caused by MgO diffusion. They were similar in size to the Mg(OH)2 pseudomorph particles. Simultaneously, the Al2O3 content affected the packing behavior and the spinel formation, which changed the characteristics of the pores and necks among the particles. These mechanisms also affected the strengths of the microporous MgO–Al2O3 ceramics. Thus, when the Al2O3 content was 45–90 wt%, the microporous MgO–Al2O3 ceramics had a high compressive strength (10.0–18.3 MPa) and apparent porosity (52.2%–58.4%).