bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors associated with perinatal depression in sexual minority women
Authors: Marsland Sophie , Treyvaud Karli , Pepping Christopher A.
Published: July 2021

Perinatal depression is associated with wide‐ranging negative outcomes for women and their families, though little research has examined perinatal depression in sexual minority women. We examined depression in sexual minority women in the perinatal period, and whether there were unique minority stress‐related risk and protective factors that predicted perinatal depression. One hundred ninety‐four perinatal sexual minority women aged 18 years and older were recruited from the US and Australia. Participants completed an online questionnaire incorporating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and measures of minority stress and social support. Over one third (35.6%) of the sample scored in the clinical range on the EPDS. Experiences of discrimination were associated with greater depression symptoms via poor social support from family. Higher concealment motivation was associated with greater depression symptoms via poor family and partner support. There were no direct or indirect effects of internalized stigma on depression. Rates of clinically elevated perinatal depression symptoms among sexual minority women are high, extending previous research demonstrating mental health disparities between sexual minorities and their heterosexual counterparts to the perinatal period. The role of social support in mediating the relationships between minority stress and depression suggests that increasing partner and family support might be effective targets for therapeutic interventions during the perinatal period.
Mapping the emergence of a new organisational form: An exploration of the intellectual structure of the B Corp research
Authors: Blasi Silvia , Sedita Silvia Rita
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the emergence of B Corp as a new research field through a bibliometric analysis of the B Corp literature, based on a database of 142 documents collected by Scopus and published between 2009 and 2020. This emergent field is an important component of the structural change occurring in our society, which, in recent years, has seen the emergence of new for‐profit organisational forms with a strong social consciousness. The bibliometric analysis reveals the foundational works and the historical evolution of the research field, pinpointing the connections between similar concepts in the literature on sustainable enterprises, such as B Corp, hybrid organisation, benefit corporation, and corporate social responsibility. Through a social network analysis, we sustain a relational view of B Corp research, and propose a taxonomy of concepts and terminology, which shows that the concept of B Corp defines an emergent organisational form.
Growth, body condition and contest performance after early‐life food restriction in a long‐lived tropical fish
Authors: Ziegelbecker Angelika , Sefc Kristina M.
Published: July 2021

Adverse conditions during early life can cause lasting body size deficits with effects on social and sexual competition, while an accelerated growth response can allow animals to catch up in body size but can be physiologically costly as well. How animals balance growth deficits and growth compensation is predicted to depend on the effects of each on lifetime fitness. We investigated the effects of experimental early‐life food restriction on growth, body condition, and adult contest competition in a cichlid fish (Tropheus sp.). Their longevity and aseasonal breeding suggest that, with view on lifetime reproductive success, temporarily growth‐restricted Tropheus should rather invest extra time in reaching competitive body size than risk the potential costs of accelerated growth. However, size‐selective predation pressure by gape size‐limited piscivores may have favored the evolution of an accelerated growth response to early‐life delays. Experimentally food‐restricted fish temporarily reduced their growth rate compared to a control group, but maintained their body condition factor at the control level throughout the 80‐week study period. There was no evidence for an accelerated growth response following the treatment, as the food‐restricted fish never exceeded the size‐specific growth rates that were measured in the control group. Food‐restricted fish caught up with the body size of the control group several months after the end of the treatment period and were as likely as control fish to win size‐matched contests over territories. Regardless of feeding regime, there were sex‐specific differences in growth rates and in the trajectories of condition factors over time. Females grew more slowly than males but maintained their condition factors at a high level throughout the study period, whereas the males' condition factors declined over time. These differences may reflect sex‐specific contributions of condition and body size to adult fitness that are associated with female mouthbrooding and male competition for breeding territories.
Mating systems and predictors of relative reproductive success in a Cutthroat Trout subspecies of conservation concern
Authors: Hargrove John S. , McCane Jesse , Roth Curtis J. , High Brett , Campbell Matthew R.
Published: July 2021

Mating systems and patterns of reproductive success in fishes play an important role in ecology and evolution. While information on the reproductive ecology of many anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchusspp.) is well detailed, there is less information for nonanadromous species including the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (O. clarkii bouvieri), a subspecies of recreational angling importance and conservation concern. Using data from a parentage‐based tagging study, we described the genetic mating system of a migratory population of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, tested for evidence of sexual selection, and identified predictors of mating and reproductive success. The standardized variance in mating success (i.e., opportunity for sexual selection) was significantly greater for males relative to females, and while the relationship between mating success and reproductive success (i.e., Bateman gradient) was significantly positive for both sexes, a greater proportion of reproductive success was explained by mating success for males (r2 = 0.80) than females (r2 = 0.59). Overall, the population displayed a polygynandrous mating system, whereby both sexes experienced variation in mating success due to multiple mating, and sexual selection was variable across sexes. Tests for evidence of sexual selection indicated the interaction between mating success and total length best‐predicted relative reproductive success. We failed to detect a signal of inbreeding avoidance among breeding adults, but the group of parents that produced progeny were on average slightly less related than adults that did not produce progeny. Lastly, we estimated the effective number of breeders (Nb) and effective population size (Ne) and identified whileNbwas lower thanNe, both are sufficiently high to suggest Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Burns Creek represent a genetically stable and diverse population.
Disentangling controls on animal abundance: Prey availability, thermal habitat, and microhabitat structure
Authors: Higgins Emma A. , Boyd Doreen S. , Brown Tom W. , Owen Sarah C. , Algar Adam C.
Published: July 2021

The question of what controls animal abundance has always been fundamental to ecology, but given rapid environmental change, understanding the drivers and mechanisms governing abundance is more important than ever. Here, we determine how multidimensional environments and niches interact to determine population abundance along a tropical habitat gradient. Focusing on the endemic lizard Anolis bicaorum on the island of Utila (Honduras), we evaluate direct and indirect effects of three interacting niche axes on abundance: thermal habitat quality, structural habitat quality, and prey availability. We measured A. bicaorum abundance across a series of thirteen plots and used N‐mixture models and path analysis to disentangle direct and indirect effects of these factors. Results showed that thermal habitat quality and prey biomass both had positive direct effects on anole abundance. However, thermal habitat quality also influenced prey biomass, leading to a strong indirect effect on abundance. Thermal habitat quality was primarily a function of canopy density, measured as leaf area index (LAI). Despite having little direct effect on abundance, LAI had a strong overall effect mediated by thermal quality and prey biomass. Our results demonstrate the role of multidimensional environments and niche interactions in determining animal abundance and highlight the need to consider interactions between thermal niches and trophic interactions to understand variation in abundance, rather than focusing solely on changes in the physical environment.
Fish taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity and their vulnerabilities in the largest river in southeastern China
Authors: Lin Li , Deng Weide , Huang Xiaoxia , Kang Bin
Published: July 2021

Freshwater biodiversity is currently under multiple threats. Conservation of freshwater fish biodiversity needs to be prioritized because natural conservation resources are always limited.

Samples were collected at 24 sites in the Min River, the largest basin in southeastern China. Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity were analyzed. Biodiversity vulnerability was measured by removing one species each time out of the community with replacement.

Results suggested that hotspots for taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity were located at two impounded sites, while for functional diversity were those sites with no upstream dams. Little congruence was observed between taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity. Fragmentation of river network connectivity caused by dams was a significant factor affecting the biodiversity patterns. Beta turnover was the driving component for beta diversity, indicating that biodiversity dissimilarity along the river was mostly explained by environmental sorting. Fifteen out of 16 species that contributed the most to different facets of biodiversity were mostly endemic, either they had distinctive functional traits or they were the most prevalent species. Sites with the highest diversity vulnerability were characterized by these distinctive species. Functional diversity was more vulnerable to species loss comparing with the other two biodiversity facets.

Prioritizing those biodiversity hotspots, sites with extreme functional vulnerability, and those distinctive endemic species which contributed the most to biodiversity vulnerability is suggested in the Min River. The study found evidence that congruence among different facets of biodiversity is hard to achieve, and functional diversity is the most vulnerable in a freshwater system fragmented by intensive dam constructions. This work will help to develop systematic conservation planning from the perspective of different biodiversity facets.
Effect of patient‐centered transitional care services on patient‐reported outcomes in heart failure: sex‐specific analysis of the PACT‐HF randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blumer Vanessa , Gayowsky Anastasia , Xie Feng , Greene Stephen J. , Graham Michelle M. , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Perez Richard , Ko Dennis T. , Thabane Lehana , Zannad Faiez , Van Spall Harriette G.C.
Published: July 2021

Aims

We assessed the effect of transitional care on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in women and men hospitalized for heart failure.

Methods and results

In this sex‐specific analysis of a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial in Canada, the effect of a patient‐centered transitional care model was tested on pre‐specified PROs of discharge preparedness (B‐PREPARED score, range 0–22), quality of transition [Care Transitions Measure‐3 (CTM‐3) score, range 0–100], and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) (EQ‐5D‐5L, range 0–1). Among 986 patients (47.4% women), B‐PREPARED at 6 weeks was greater with the intervention than usual care [mean difference (MD) 4.01 (95% confidence interval‐CI 2.90–5.12); P < 0.001], with no sex differences (P sex‐interaction = 0.24). CTM‐3 at 6 weeks was greater with the intervention than usual care [MD 10.52 (95% CI 6.00–15.04); P < 0.001], with no sex differences (P sex‐interaction = 0.69). EQ‐5D‐5L was greater with intervention than usual care at discharge [MD 0.17 (95% CI 0.12–0.22); P < 0.001], 6 weeks [MD 0.06 (95% CI 0.01–0.12); P = 0.02], and 6 months [MD 0.05 (95% CI −0.01 to 0.12); P = 0.09], although the 6‐month difference was not statistically significant. At discharge, women reported lower EQ‐5D‐5L but experienced significantly greater treatment benefit than men (P sex‐interaction = 0.02). Treatment effect on EQ‐5D‐5L was numerically greater in women than men at 6 weeks and 6 months, but there were no significant sex differences (P sex‐interaction 0.18 and 0.19, respectively).

Conclusion

A patient‐centered transitional care model improved discharge preparedness, transition quality, and HRQOL in the weeks following heart failure hospitalization, with effects largely consistent in women and men. However, women reported lower HRQOL and experienced greater treatment benefit in this endpoint than men at hospital discharge.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02112227.
A One‐Pot Synthesis of “K(hfa) glyme” Adducts: Effect of the Polyether Length on the Ion Coordination Sphere
Authors: Peddagopu Nishant , Sanzaro Salvatore , Rossi Patrizia , Paoli Paola , Malandrino Graziella
Published: July 2021

Potassium complexes are starting to gather more and more interest from academia and industry because of their intriguing application possibilities. Novel adducts of potassium hexafluoroacetylacetonato [K(hfa)] with polyethers (monoglyme, diglyme, triglyme, and tetraglyme) were synthesized through a single step reaction and characterized through FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies enabled the identification of fascinating K coordination polymeric networks.
Heterosexual men in Trump's America downplay compassion more for masculine (than for feminine) gay victims of hate crime: Why?
Authors: Owuamalam Chuma Kevin , Matos Andrea Soledad
Published: July 2021

Why would heterosexual men downplay their compassion for masculine (vs. feminine) gay victims of hate crime? Two social identity‐inspired explanations provide contrasting answers to this question. The reactive distinctiveness thesis (RD) assumes that heterosexual men would downplay their compassion more, when cued to a gay victim's masculinity than to their femininity, provided evaluative concerns are strong. In contrast, the feminization‐threat thesis (FT) assumes that compassion downplays would be more visible when heterosexual men are cued to a gay victim's femininity (not to the victim's masculinity), provided evaluative concerns are strong too. Consistent with RD, three experiments (Ntotal = 1,475) revealed that heterosexual men who read news about (gay) victims at a hate crime scene downplayed their compassion to a greater degree when cued to the masculinity rather than to the femininity of such targets (Studies 1–3). Meanwhile FT's prediction received partial support when considering feminine (vs. masculine) heterosexual victims, rather than homosexual victims (Study 3).
Alkaline Phosphatase‐based Electrochemical Analysis for Point‐of‐Care Testing
Authors: Kanno Yusuke , Zhou Yuanshu , Fukuma Takeshi , Takahashi Yasufumi
Published: July 2021

Point‐of‐care testing (POCT) devices have evolved to provide beneficial information about an individual's health whenever needed. Enzyme‐based analytical devices have facilitated the highly selective detection of numerous biological molecules and ions. Enzymes are commonly used as the tags of recognition components, such as antibodies, to generate and amplify detection signals. Particularly, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is one of the most widely used enzymes because of its high turnover number and low cost. Rapid response time and the incorporation of many sensors fabricated by micro/nano processing technologies are the advantages in using electrochemical devices as analytical tools. Therefore, ALP‐based electrochemical devices have potential applications for more practical POCT platforms. This review summarizes recent research progress of ALP‐based electrochemical devices for POCT. In addition to ALP substrates, the application of ALP‐based immunosensors, aptasensors, and DNAzyme sensors are discussed.
Geomorphic covariance structure of a confined mountain river reveals landform organization stage threshold
Authors: Pasternack Gregory B. , Gore Joni L. , Wiener Jason S.
Published: July 2021

Significant growth in mountain rivers research since 1990 has promoted the concept that canyon‐confined mountain rivers have complex topographic features nested from base‐ to flood‐stages due to canyon structure and abundant large bed elements. Nesting means literally structures inside of structures. Mathematically, nesting means that multiple individual features and repeating patterns exist at different frequency, amplitude, and phasing, and can be added together to obtain the complete structure. Until now, subreach‐scale landform structure, including nesting, has not been quantified sufficiently to understand morphodynamic mechanisms that control and respond to such organization. Geomorphic covariance structure analysis offers a systematic framework for evaluating nested topographic patterns. In this study, a threshold stage in mountain river inundation was hypothesized to exist. Above this stage landform structure is organized to be freely self‐maintaining via flow convergence routing morphodynamics. A 13.2 km segment of the canyon‐confined Yuba River, California, was studied using 2944 cross‐sections. Geomorphic covariance structure analysis was carried out on a meter‐resolution topographic model to test the hypothesis. River width and bed elevation had significantly less variability than previously reported for lower slope, partially confined gravel/cobble river reaches. A critical stage threshold governing flow convergence routing morphodynamics was evident in several metrics. Below this threshold, narrow/high “nozzle” and wide/low “oversized” were the dominant landforms (excluding “normal channel”), while above it wide/high “wide bar” and narrow/low “constricted pool” were dominant. Three‐stage nesting of base‐bankfull‐flood landforms was dictated by canyon confinement, with nozzle–nozzle–nozzle nesting as the top permutation, excluding normal channel.
Nonclinical psychotic‐like experiences and schizotypy dimensions: Associations with hippocampal subfield and amygdala volumes
Authors: Evermann Ulrika , Gaser Christian , Meller Tina , Pfarr Julia‐Katharina , Grezellschak Sarah , Nenadić Igor
Published: July 2021

Schizotypy and psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) form part of the wider psychosis continuum and may have brain structural correlates in nonclinical cohorts. This study aimed to compare the effects of differential schizotypy dimensions, PLE, and their interaction on hippocampal subfields and amygdala volumes in the absence of clinical psychopathology. In a cohort of 367 psychiatrically healthy individuals, we assessed schizotypal traits using the Oxford‐Liverpool Inventory of Life Experiences (O‐LIFE) and PLE using the short form of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ‐16). Based on high‐resolution structural MRI scans, we used automated segmentation to estimate volumes of limbic structures. Sex and total intracranial volume (Step 1), PLE and schizotypy dimensions (Step 2), and their interaction terms (Step 3) were entered as regressors for bilateral amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes in hierarchical multiple linear regression models. Positive schizotypy, but not PLE, was negatively associated with left amygdala and subiculum volumes. O‐LIFE Impulsive Nonconformity, as well as the two‐way interaction between positive schizotypy and PLE, were associated with larger left subiculum volumes. None of the estimators for right hemispheric hippocampal subfield volumes survived correction for multiple comparisons. Our findings support differential associations of hippocampus subfield volumes with trait dimensions rather than PLE, and support overlap and interactions between psychometric positive schizotypy and PLE. In a healthy cohort without current psychosis risk syndromes, the positive association between PLE and hippocampal subfield volume occurred at a high expression of positive schizotypy. Further studies combining stable, transient, and genetic parameters are required.
Does a health crisis change how we value health?
Authors: Webb Edward J. D. , Kind Paul , Meads David , Martin Adam
Published: July 2021

General population health state values are used in healthcare resource allocation, including health technology assessment. We examine whether UK general population health valuations changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Ratings of EQ‐5D‐5L health states 11111 (no problems), 55555 (extreme problems), and dead were collected in a UK general population survey during the pandemic (April–May 2020) using the 0 = worst imaginable health, 100 = best imaginable health visual analog scale (EQ‐VAS). Ratings for 55555 were transformed to a full health = 1, dead = 0 scale. Responses were compared to similar data collected pre‐pandemic (2018). After propensity score matching to minimize sample differences, EQ‐VAS responses were analyzed using Tobit regressions. On the 0–100 scale, 11111 was rated on average 8.67 points lower, 55555 rated 9.56 points higher, and dead rated 7.45 points lower post‐pandemic onset compared to pre‐pandemic. On the full health = 1, dead = 0 scale, 55555 values were 0.09 higher post‐pandemic onset. There was evidence of differential impacts of COVID‐19 by gender, age, and ethnicity, although only age impacted values on the 1–0 scale. COVID‐19 may have affected how people value health. It is unknown whether the effect is large enough to have policy relevance, but caution should be taken in assuming pre‐COVID‐19 values are unchanged.
Comparative study of functional outcomes following surgical treatment of early tongue cancer
Authors: Pai Prathamesh , Tuljapurkar Vidisha , Balaji Arun , Mishra Aseem , Chopda Prashant , Agarwal Swapnil , Bachher Gurmeet Kaur
Published: July 2021

Background

Speech and swallowing are important outcomes following resection in early tongue cancers.

Aim

This prospective study was performed to compare speech, swallowing, and tongue mobility between secondary intention healing (SH) and primary closure (PC) in glossectomy for early tongue cancers.

Methods

Forty T1/T2 tongue cancers underwent wide excision followed by either PC or SH. Operative time, tube feeding, complications, speech, and swallowing were assessed in both groups at 1, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery.

Results

SH showed better tongue mobility, less errors in continuous speech, and articulation as compared to PC at all‐time points. Operative time, bleeding, duration of tube feeding, and pain scores were comparable in both groups. There were no major complications except minor secondary hemorrhage in one patient with SH.

Conclusion

Following early tongue cancer resection, secondary intention healing can result in better speech and tongue mobility with minimum morbidity.
A review of the status of environmental impact assessment in Pakistan
Authors: Ehtasham Laraib , Sherani Sadia H. , Younas Kiran , Izbel Umama , Khan Amna H. , Bahadur Anila , Akbar Ali
Published: July 2021

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process that examines the potential impacts of development projects on society and the environment. The concept of EIA originated in 1969 by the US National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), followed by other developed and developing countries all over the globe. This paper reviews the legal status of EIA and its implementation, effectiveness, and deficiencies in Pakistan. EIA received legal status in Pakistan when the Environmental Protection Ordinance (PEPO) was drafted in 1983. This ordinance was then converted into the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) in 1997. Currently, EIA is conducted for many development projects in Pakistan, including infrastructure and industry projects. Environmental protection acts containing sections related to EIA and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE; a small preliminary study for an EIA project) have been established by all Pakistani provinces, which conduct its systematic facilitation in the country. The effectiveness of the EIA/IEE process in Pakistan can be enhanced by ensuring stakeholder participation, guaranteeing transparency, providing resources to environmental agencies, and post-monitoring of EIA/IEE processes. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:314–318. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is considered a vital part of many large-scale development projects in Pakistan. The legal framework of Pakistan on national and provincial levels make the process of environmental assessment mandatory for the projects that are described in schedule I and II of Regulations 2000. Factors such as ineffective public participation, poor quality of EIA reports, and insufficient resources (financial and human) in environmental agencies are obstacles in the sound implementation of EIA.
High contrast imaging of dental fluorosis in the short wavelength infrared
Authors: Kashirtsev Filipp , Tressel John , Simon Jacob C. , Fried Daniel
Published: July 2021

Dental fluorosis is an increasing problem due to over exposure to fluoride from the environment. Fluorosis causes hypomineralization of the enamel during tooth development and mild fluorosis is visible as faint white lines on the tooth surface while the most severe fluorosis can result in pitted surfaces. It is difficult to quantify the severity of mild to moderate fluorosis and assessments are limited to subjective visual examinations. Dental fluorosis appears with very high contrast at short wavelength infrared (SWIR) wavelengths beyond 1400 nm and we hypothesize that these wavelengths may be better suited for detecting mild fluorosis and for estimating the severity on tooth surfaces. In this study, the contrast of fluorosis of varying severity on extracted human permanent teeth was measured at SWIR wavelengths ranging from 1300 to 2150 nm using an extended range of InGaAs camera and broadband light sources. The contrast was also measured in the visible range and with quantitative light‐induced fluorescence (QLF) for comparison. The depth of hypomineralization and the integrated reflectivity were also measured with cross‐polarization optical coherence tomography. The contrast of hypomineralization is significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 1460 and 1950 nm wavelengths than for the visible, fluorescence or other SWIR wavelengths from 1300 to 2150 nm. The highest correlation of the contrast with the depth of hypomineralization measured with cross‐polarization‐optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT) was at 1950 nm. This SWIR in vitro imaging study exploring wavelengths beyond 1400 nm has shown that hypomineralization on tooth surfaces can be viewed with extremely high contrast at SWIR wavelengths from 1460 to 2000 nm and that SWIR imaging has great potential for monitoring hypomineralization on tooth surfaces. New clinical methods are needed for the measurement of fluorosis that are valid, reliable, and feasible for surveillance at the community level. In addition, methods are needed for the quantitative assessment of fluorosis in vivo.
Assessment of encrustation and physicochemical properties of poly(lactide‐glycolide) ‐ Papaverine hydrochloride coating on ureteral double‐J stents after long‐term flow of artificial urine
Authors: Antonowicz Magdalena , Szewczenko Janusz , Kajzer Anita , Kajzer Wojciech , Jaworska Joanna , Jelonek Katarzyna , Karpeta‐Jarząbek Paulina , Bryniarski Piotr , Krzywiecki Maciej , Grządziel Lucyna , Swinarew Andrzej S. , Nakonieczny Damian S. , Kasperczyk Janusz
Published: July 2021

Implantation of ureteral stents is associated with inconvenience for the patient, which is related to the natural ability of the ureter to contract. The most frequently used solution is the systemic administration of a diastolic drug, which has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle cells and decreases inconvenience. Current interdisciplinary research aimed at reducing the complications after the implantation of ureteral stents used in the treatment of upper urinary tracts with regard to infection, initiation of encrustation, and fragmentation of stents, and patient pain has not been resolved. This study presents the results of research regarding the impact of a biodegradable coating with the active substance on the physical and chemical properties of ureteral stents used in the treatment of the upper urinary tract. The surface of polyurethane double‐J stents was coated with poly(lactide‐glycolide) (PLGA) 85/15 loaded with papaverine hydrochloride (PAP) with diastolic properties. The coating for ureteral stents has been designed for short‐term implantation. The effect of the coating on the process of encrustation and PAP release by the dynamic in vitro model with artificial urine (AU) up to 30 days was evaluated. The influence of AU on the physical and chemical properties of ureteral stents was determined. As part of the study, surface structure and topography researches; chemical composition analyses using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and wetting; and surface roughness studies of both PUR stents and coated stents were carried out. The proposed biodegradable PLGA+PAP coating is characterized by controlled drug release, while optimal physicochemical properties does not increase the encrustation process.
Impacts of compacting methods on the delivery of erythromycin and vancomycin from calcium polyphosphate hydrogel matrices
Authors: Chehreghanianzabi Yasaman , Auner Gregory , Shi Tong , Dietz Paula , Bou‐akl Therese , Markel David C. , Ren Weiping
Published: July 2021

Designing hydrogels for controlled drug delivery remains a big challenge. We developed a calcium polyphosphate hydrogel (CPP) as matrix for delivery of vancomycin (VCM) and erythromycin (EM) by unique ionic binding and physical wrapping. In this continuing study, we investigated if gel discs prepared by mechanical compaction (at 3000 psi pressure, C‐discs) is superior to that of discs prepared by regular manual compaction (M‐discs) for the release of VCM and EM (10 wt.%). Data demonstrated a significant reduction of burst release of VCM and EM in C‐discs (1.8% and 5%, respectively) as compared to that from M‐discs within 72 hr (55% and 60%, respectively, p < 0.05). In addition, C‐discs significantly extended the VCM release (1500 hr) and EM (800 hr) as compared to M‐discs (160 and 96 hr, respectively, p < 0.05). The VCM released from C‐discs retained its bactericidal activity much longer (1500 hr) than that from M‐discs (700 hr, p < 0.05). Raman Spectroscopy indicated an ionic bond of both VCM and EM with fully hydrated polyphosphate chains of CPP hydrogel matrix for both M‐discs and C‐discs. Micro CT showed that C‐discs had much denser microstructures and less number/depth of microcracks as a result of high pressure. We propose that CPP hydrogel represents an excellent tool for the controllable and sustained delivery of VCM and EM. Extensive experiments are currently underway to evaluate the potential impacts of the modification of compaction techniques, other antibiotics, gel concentrations on the drug release, degradation behavior and infection control both in vitro and in vivo.
ARGOS: An adaptive refinement goal‐oriented solver for the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation
Authors: Nakov Svetoslav , Sobakinskaya Ekaterina , Renger Thomas , Kraus Johannes
Published: July 2021

An adaptive finite element solver for the numerical calculation of the electrostatic coupling between molecules in a solvent environment is developed and tested. At the heart of the solver is a goal‐oriented a posteriori error estimate for the electrostatic coupling, derived and implemented in the present work, that gives rise to an orders of magnitude improved precision and a shorter computational time as compared to standard finite difference solvers. The accuracy of the new solver ARGOS is evaluated by numerical experiments on a series of problems with analytically known solutions. In addition, the solver is used to calculate electrostatic couplings between two chromophores, linked to polyproline helices of different lengths and between the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the ACE2 receptor. All the calculations are repeated by using the well‐known finite difference solvers MEAD and APBS, revealing the advantages of the present finite element solver.
Effect of imidazole‐doped nanocrystalline cellulose on the characterization of Nafion films of fuel cells
Authors: An Vu Nang , Phong Le Pham Nam , Van Nhi Nguyen , Van Tran Thi Thanh , Nhan Ha Thuc Chi , Van Hieu Le
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, we have fabricated a polymeric material (CNC/Im) consisting of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) synthesized from Vietnamese rice husk biomass and imidazole (Im) dopant. Next, we propose a new approach to fabricate Nafion/CNC/imidazole (NCI) composite materials by mixing the CNC/imidazole hybrid into Nafion matrix using a very simple solution method, and then investigating the influence of CNC/Im on the properties of NCI membranes.

RESULTS

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed that the proton conductivity of the CNC/Im membrane depends on the linked molar ratio of Im to glucose units (denoted by the n index), and this value is higher than that of pure CNC by a factor of 6. Differential thermal analysis (DSC) showed that the value of the n index is around 1:17 with all the content ratios between CNC and Im. Next, we synthesized composite materials based on CNC/Im and Nafion 117 (NCI) and investigated the influence of CNC/Im on the properties of NCI membranes. The results demonstrated that proton conductivity of the NCI membranes changes according to the content of Nafion 117, and reaches the highest value of 6.19 × 10−4 S m–1 with an Nafion 117/(CNC/Im) ratio of 2:1. It was observed that the CNC fiber bundles were surrounded by a polymer layer and no phase separation occurs in the scanning electron micrographs of NCI materials.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the prepared NCI composites will be potential materials for eco‐friendly fuel cell operating in low humidity conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Heavy metals bioremediation and water softening using ureolytic strains Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Raoultella planticola
Authors: Eltarahony Marwa , Kamal Ayman , Zaki Sahar , Abd‐El‐Haleem Desouky
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The recalcitrant nature of lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) to degradation represents a real risk to living creatures and their surrounding ecosystems. Therefore, this study employed ureolytic fungal strain Metschnikowia pulcherrima (29A) and bacterial strain Raoultella planticola (VIP) in their removal using the promising CaCO3 bioprecipitation technique, for the first time.

RESULTS

Out of 50 isolates, strains 29A and VIP were selected based on their highest ureolytic activity, followed by minimum inhibitory concentration assay using 350 ppm of Pb2+ and Hg2+. Throughout 7 days of incubation at 30 °C and 150 rpm with 108 CFU mL−1 inoculum, the maximum urease activity was 884 and 639 U mL−1 for 29A and VIP at 24 and 30 h of incubation, respectively. Complete removal of Pb2+ was achieved at 42 h (29A) and 90 h (VIP), while Hg2+ was totally removed at 60 h (29A) and 102 h (VIP). Remarkable removal of Ca2+ (>95%) was achieved by the end of the experiments, which would address the hardness problem in water treatment processes. Further, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the remediated precipitates. EDX profiles showed characteristic peaks of C, O and Ca besides Pb and Hg. SEM illustrated the presence of microbial imprints and calcinated cells in the remediated bioliths. However, XRD confirmed transformation of soluble metals to insoluble forms entrapped in calcite or vaterite lattice.

CONCLUSIONS

Such a bioremediation approach ensures the detoxification and sequestration of heavy metals in stable and durable matrices, hindering their leaching from carbonate complex trap to the environment. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Barriers to family history knowledge and family communication among LGBTQ+ individuals in the context of hereditary cancer risk assessment
Authors: Rolf Bradley A. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Amendola Laura M. , Davis James V. , Mittendorf Kathleen F. , Schmidt Mark A. , Jarvik Gail P. , Wilfond Benjamin S. , Goddard Katrina A. B. , Ezzell Hunter Jessica
Published: July 2021

Openness about identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+) may cause strain on relationships between family members, which could lead to limited knowledge of cancer family history and reduced communication with family members. As a result, members of the LGBTQ+ community may have more difficulty accessing genetic counseling services for inherited cancer risk. We applied a mixed‐methods approach to explore potential barriers to knowledge of cancer family history and family communication among participants of the Cancer Health Assessments Reaching Many (CHARM) study who self‐identified as LGBTQ+. We assessed perceptions of family functioning and communication of genetic test results to family members using survey tools and supplemented these data with 20 in‐depth interviews to further assess participant perspectives and experiences. LGBTQ+ participants were more likely to report unhealthy family functioning on the survey tool, and some interviewees endorsed that openness about their LGBTQ+ identity led to strained family relationships and reduced communication about their family history of cancer. Overall, this study identified barriers that may be faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community which could limit their ability to access genetic counseling services for inherited cancer risk.
Epidemiological characteristics and incubation period of SARS‐CoV‐2 during the 2020–2021 winter pandemic wave in North China: An observational study
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Chen Zijian , Xu Jin
Published: July 2021

As the emergence of new variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 persists across the world, it is of importance to understand the distributional behavior of the incubation period of the variants for both medical research and public health policy‐making. We collected the published individual‐level data of 941 patients of the 2020–2021 winter pandemic wave in Hebei province, North China. We computed some epidemiological characteristics of the wave and estimated the distribution of the incubation period. We further assessed the covariate effects of sex, age, and living with a case with respect to the incubation period by a model. The infection‐fatality rate was only 0.1%. The estimated median incubation period was at least 22 days, significantly extended from the estimates (ranging from 4 to 8.5 days) of the previous wave in mainland China and those ever reported elsewhere around the world. The proportion of asymptomatic patients was 90.6%. No significant covariate effect was found. The distribution of incubation period of the new variants showed a clear extension from their early generations.
Fabrication and characterization of Pickering emulsions stabilized by desalted duck egg white nanogels and sodium alginate
Authors: Chen Ze , Cui Bing , Guo Xiaohan , Zhou Bin , Wang Shishuai , Pei Yaqiong , Li Bin , Liang Hongshan
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The waste of salted egg white resources has always been a serious problem in the food industry. In this current study, we report on a kind of Pickering emulsion system, which was stabilized by duck egg white nanogels (DEWNs) and sodium alginate (SA), followed by which this system was crosslinked by calcium carbonate (CaCO3) via controlling the gluconolactone (GDL) concentrations, aiming to open up a promising route for making full use of these protein resources.

RESULTS

The droplet size of the emulsion exhibited a reduction with an increase in SA concentrations, indicating that higher negative charges and steric hindrance was useful for a stable emulsion system. Meanwhile, the result of rheology measurement showed that storage modulus (G′) values were higher than loss modulus (G″) values of the samples at higher GDL concentration, revealing the formation of elastic gel‐like networks in the system, which was fabricated by SA and Ca2+ released by the CaCO3 particles. The gel‐like network structure in the continuous phase improved both the freeze–thaw and thermal stability of the obtained Pickering emulsion system. Encouragingly, the Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs, φ = 0.75) stabilized by DEWN/SA3‐GDL3 were prepared, which could be stored at 4 °C for at least 30 days without oiling‐off and creaming.

CONCLUSION

These findings not only develop a green ultra‐stable Pickering emulsion system but also extend the potential commercial applications of duck egg white proteins in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Packaging with hydrogen gas modified atmosphere can extend chicken egg storage
Authors: Wang Yueqiao , Wang Junjie , Kuang Yong , Shen Wenbiao
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Although hydrogen gas (H2) has been widely used in industry and gradually used in medicine, it is less applied to agriculture, especially in modified atmosphere packing (MAP).

RESULTS

During chicken egg storage, H2 MAP not only slowed down or delayed the reduction in antioxidant capacities, but also alleviated the deterioration of egg quality. The extent of micro‐cracks in the eggshell was also negatively influenced by H2, which might result in eggs being less vulnerable to microbes. The earlier results demonstrated that the H2 MAP‐extended shelf life of chicken eggs might be caused by the responses of eggshell and re‐establishment of redox homeostasis. According to the data collected from different provinces of China, cost‐economics analysis further suggested that the increase in the extra cost caused by H2 was trivial compared with the original price of eggs.

CONCLUSION

Together, H2 MAP can prolong the shelf life of chicken eggs with the prospect of wider application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of treatment time on a PEO‐coated AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Yao , Duan Xiangyu , Zhao Yanwei
Published: July 2021

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings were formed in a phosphate–silicate‐based electrolyte containing K2ZrF6 on an AZ31 Mg alloy. The physical and chemical properties of the coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the thickness of the PEO coatings increased linearly with increased treatment times. Additionally, the micropores on the coating surfaces increased in size, but decreased in porosity with increased PEO treatment time. The XRD results showed that the coatings were mainly composed of MgO, MgF2, MgSiO3, and ZrO2, and the electrochemical tests revealed that the corrosion resistance of the coatings increased with increased treatment time. Besides, the EIS results correlated well with the potentiodynamic polarization test results.
Fixed points of anti‐attracting maps and eigenforms on fractals
Authors: Peirone Roberto
Published: July 2021

An important problem in analysis on fractals is the existence of a self‐similar energy on finitely ramified fractals. The self‐similar energies are constructed in terms of eigenforms, that is, eigenvectors of a special nonlinear operator. Previous results by C. Sabot and V. Metz give conditions for the existence of an eigenform. In this paper, I prove this type of result in a different way. The proof given in this paper is based on a general fixed‐point theorem for anti‐attracting maps on a convex set.
The association between sarcopenia susceptibility and polymorphisms of FTO, ACVR2B, and IRS1 in Tibetans
Authors: Zhang Xianpeng , Ye Liping , Li Xin , Chen Ying , Jiang Yaqiong , Li Wenhui , Wen Youfeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Hypoxia within the plateau has a negative effect on skeletal muscle and may play a role in the development of sarcopenia in humans. Tibetans having lived in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau for thousands of years, are a high‐risk group for sarcopenia; however, they have a distinctive suite of genetic traits that enable them to tolerate environmental hypoxia and are genetically significantly different from Han Chinese and other lowland populations. Sarcopenia has been consistently found to be associated with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, but few studies have investigated the role of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in a range of muscle phenotypes and sarcopenia in Tibetan peoples.

Methods

Our study aimed to investigate the skeletal muscle mass and fat mass of 160 Tibetans (80 men and 80 women) from Lhasa (altitude of 3600 meters) and analyze the association between the polymorphisms of fat mass and obesity protein (FTO) rs9939609, FTO rs9936385, activin type IIB receptor (ACVR2B) rs2276541, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) 2943656 and sarcopenia.

Result

FTO rs9939609 and rs9936385 polymorphisms were associated with lower limb skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia for Tibetan women, and TT homozygotes had a higher risk for sarcopenia. But ACVR2B rs2276541 and IRS1 2943656 polymorphisms were unassociated with sarcopenia in Tibetan.

Conclusion

In Tibetans, FTO rs9939609 and rs9936385 polymorphisms were associated with sarcopenia, and ACVR2B rs2276541 and IRS1 2943656 polymorphisms were unassociated with sarcopenia.
Variants in linkage status at D5S818 detected by multiple STR kits comparison and Sanger sequencing
Authors: Shao Chengchen , Yao Yining , Pan Xinwei , Wu Mengde , Zhang Beilei , Xu Hongmei , Xie Jianhui , Sun Kuan
Published: July 2021

Background

D5S818 discrepancies have been reported in forensic parental testing due to null alleles. However, more cases may be ignored since proportional null alleles were missed without detection of heredity discrepancy between parents and offspring.

Results

In this study, null allele 12 at D5S818 was detected by the PowerPlex® 21 System with a higher occurrence rate on the basis of review on 2824 samples from the 1282 routine cases in Chinese Han population. Sequencing results revealed novel variant of guanine (G) into adenine (A) in the 7th [AGAT] repeats in the core repeat region accompanied by rs1187948322 in the samples with null allele 12.

Conclusions

Forensic STR typing may benefit from this discovery: (1) primer design of CE profiling system could be improved for sensitive population and (2) polymorphic information could be enriched for the accuracy and precision of NGS genotyping system. Peak area of D5S818 was also analyzed through different commercial STR kits. It is suggested that more attention should be paid on observed homozygosity with reduced peak area, especially for the samples from Chinese Han population.
A compact three‐dimensional fourth‐order scheme for elasticity using the first‐order formulation
Authors: Gordon Rachel , Turkel Eli , Gordon Dan
Published: July 2021

We develop a compact fourth‐order scheme for the three‐dimensional elastic wave equation in frequency space, using the first‐order velocity‐stress formulation. The scheme is implemented numerically for homogeneous media on a staggered grid, and both the acoustic and elastic cases are considered. We use a one‐directional point source of impact, for which Pilant developed a closed solution. Numerical results for the acoustic and the elastic cases compare favorably with the analytic solutions and show a very significant improvement over the second‐order scheme.