bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer acceptance and preference for brown rice—A mixed‐method qualitative study from Nepal
Authors: Gyawali Pratiksha , Tamrakar Dipesh , Shrestha Abha , Shrestha Himal , Karmacharya Sanju , Bhattarai Sanju , Bhandari Niroj , Malik Vasanti , Mattei Josiemer , Spiegelman Donna , Shrestha Archana
Published: March 2022

Background

Brown rice consumption reduces the risk of diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Nepal; however, dietary preference remains for white rice. This study aimed to understand the perception, enablers, barriers, and facilitators of acceptance brown rice at a worksite cafeteria.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐method qualitative research among 42 employees of a hospital in central Nepal. The participants tasted and rated the qualities of five different combinations of brown and white rice on a hedonic scale. We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs)—four before and four after tasting rice combinations. FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and coded verbatim and analyzed manually using inductive–deductive thematic method.

Results

Before tasting, the participants perceived brown rice as poor in quality. After tasting, the participants found that brown rice had better quality and were willing to switch gradually starting with a 25B ratio. Eighty‐three percent of participants liked a combination of 25B. Major barriers were poor perception of its quality, tradition, unavailability, lack of awareness of health benefits, and high price. Major facilitators were availability, self and family awareness about the health benefits, knowledge, the brown rice cooking process, serving with side dishes, prior tasting, and gradual substitution of brown rice.

Conclusion

We found that brown rice should be promoted stepwise, first as a mixture with white rice and gradually increasing the proportion of brown rice. Brown rice acceptance can be increased by improved knowledge of its nutrition and health benefits, increasing availability, and affordability.
Changes in awareness of condition in people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia: Longitudinal findings from the IDEAL cohort
Authors: Alexander Catherine M. , Martyr Anthony , Clare Linda ,   in collaboration with the IDEAL Programme Research Team
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Awareness of difficulties shown by people with dementia is known to vary, but few studies have explored changes in awareness over time. Investigating this could further the understanding of surrounding concepts and reasons for impaired awareness. Recognising emerging or diminishing awareness could facilitate discussions about diagnosis and appropriate post‐diagnostic support.

Methods

Using longitudinal data from the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) cohort, awareness in community‐dwelling people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia was assessed at three timepoints over 2 years. A validated checklist was used to evaluate awareness of difficulties associated with dementia. We examined changes in awareness for people with low awareness at baseline, and used case‐matching to describe differences in characteristics between people who gained awareness, and those who continued with low awareness.

Results

At baseline, 83 people from a sample of 917 showed low awareness. The majority of those remaining in the study at later timepoints had gained awareness, some as late as four or more years after diagnosis. Case‐matched comparisons revealed few distinguishing characteristics: cases with stable low awareness had similar or better cognitive and functional ability than those who gained and retained awareness at 12 and 24 months, but may have had more co‐morbidities.

Conclusions

Self‐reported awareness of difficulties can change and may increase over time in people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia. There may be individual reasons for ongoing low awareness, not explained by cognitive or functional ability. This challenges the view that a single record of low awareness represents a fixed disease‐related symptom, and highlights the complex, individual and dynamic nature of awareness.
Health insurance coverage and health outcomes among transgender adults in the United States
Authors: Campbell Travis , Rodgers Yana van der Meulen
Published: March 2022

This study provides evidence of health and insurance coverage disparities between the cisgender and transgender US populations using repeated cross sections from the 2014–2020 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Systems. The analysis tests whether increasing the incidence of insurance coverage among transgender people could alleviate the health disparity. The empirical approach uses a fuzzy regression discontinuity design that leverages breaks in government health assistance eligibility by age. Results indicate that, for transgender recipients only, insurance coverage meaningfully improves mental health; for cisgender recipients only, insurance coverage reduces difficulties with concentration and memory; and for both the transgender and cisgender populations, insurance coverage contributes to important improvements in physical health, overall health, and healthcare access.
Advancing river corridor science beyond disciplinary boundaries with an inductive approach to catalyse hypothesis generation
Authors: Ward Adam S. , Packman Aaron , Bernal Susana , Brekenfeld Nicolai , Drummond Jen , Graham Emily , Hannah David M. , Klaar Megan , Krause Stefan , Kurz Marie , Li Angang , Lupon Anna , Mao Feng , Roca M. Eugènia Martí , Ouellet Valerie , Royer Todd V. , Stegen James C. , Zarnetske Jay P.
Published: March 2022

A unified conceptual framework for river corridors requires synthesis of diverse site‐, method‐ and discipline‐specific findings. The river research community has developed a substantial body of observations and process‐specific interpretations, but we are still lacking a comprehensive model to distill this knowledge into fundamental transferable concepts. We confront the challenge of how a discipline classically organized around the deductive model of systematically collecting of site‐, scale‐, and mechanism‐specific observations begins the process of synthesis. Machine learning is particularly well‐suited to inductive generation of hypotheses. In this study, we prototype an inductive approach to holistic synthesis of river corridor observations, using support vector machine regression to identify potential couplings or feedbacks that would not necessarily arise from classical approaches. This approach generated 672 relationships linking a suite of 157 variables each measured at 62 locations in a fifth order river network. Eighty four percent of these relationships have not been previously investigated, and representing potential (hypothetical) process connections. We document relationships consistent with current understanding including hydrologic exchange processes, microbial ecology, and the River Continuum Concept, supporting that the approach can identify meaningful relationships in the data. Moreover, we highlight examples of two novel research questions that stem from interpretation of inductively‐generated relationships. This study demonstrates the implementation of machine learning to sieve complex data sets and identify a small set of candidate relationships that warrant further study, including data types not commonly measured together. This structured approach complements traditional modes of inquiry, which are often limited by disciplinary perspectives and favour the careful pursuit of parsimony. Finally, we emphasize that this approach should be viewed as a complement to, rather than in place of, more traditional, deductive approaches to scientific discovery.
Malaria diagnostic update: From conventional to advanced method
Authors: Fitri Loeki Enggar , Widaningrum Tarina , Endharti Agustina Tri , Prabowo Muhammad Hatta , Winaris Nuning , Nugraha Rivo Yudhinata Brian
Published: March 2022

Background

Update diagnostic methods play essential roles in dealing with the current global malaria situation and decreasing malaria incidence.

Aim

Global malaria control programs require the availability of adequate laboratory tests in the quick and convenient field.

Results

There are several methods to find out the existence of parasites within the blood. The oldest one is by microscopy, which is still a gold standard, although rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have rapidly become a primary diagnostic test in many endemic areas. Because of microscopy and RDTs limitation, novel serological and molecular methods have been developed. Many kinds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provide rapid results and higher specificity and sensitivity. The loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and biosensing‐based molecular techniques as point of care tests (POCT) will become a cost‐effective approach to advance diagnostic testing.

Conclusion

Despite conventional techniques are still being used in the field, the exploration and field implementation of advanced techniques for the diagnosis of malaria are still being developed rapidly.
A systematic review of the evidence relating to disclosure of psychological distress by mental health professionals within the workplace
Authors: Zamir Aliya , Tickle Anna , Sabin‐Farrell Rachel
Published: March 2022

Objective

To systematically review evidence regarding prevalence and choices of disclosure of psychological distress, by mental health professionals within the workplace.

Methods

Six databases were searched in June 2020. Studies were included if they were published in English language and included empirical quantitative, qualitative or mixed‐methods data. Studies were excluded if they focused on general healthcare professionals or the general population, or on stress or physical health problems. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal tool.

Results

Nine studies, with a total of 1891 participants, were included. Study quality varied, with studies generally reporting descriptive surveys using hypothetical disclosure scenarios. Distress was often conceptualized in psychiatric terms. These limitations mean conclusions should be treated with caution. Individuals were less likely to disclose in work and had negative experiences of doing so compared to social circles. Fear of stigma inhibited disclosure. There were differing levels of disclosure relating to recipient, trust, quality of supervision, how distress was conceptualized, and type of problem. Disclosure was experienced by some as valuable.

Conclusion

There is a need for further research, which addresses the nuanced complexities surrounding disclosure choices for mental health professionals.
Can Bone Erosion in Axial Spondyloarthropathy be Detected by Ultrashort Echo Time Imaging? A Comparison With Computed Tomography in the Sacroiliac Joint
Authors: Hahn Seok , Song Ji Soo , Choi Eun Jung , Cha Jang Gyu , Choi Yunjung , Ju Song Young , Kim InSeong , Park Eun Hae
Published: March 2022

Background

Structural lesion evaluation in axial spondyloarthropathy (SpA) can improve accuracy of diagnosis. However, structural lesions (bone erosions) are difficult to be assessed using conventional MRI compared to computed tomography (CT).

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrashort echo time (UTE) for detecting bone erosion in axial SpA compared to T1WI and three‐dimensional double‐echo steady‐state (3D DESS) imaging using CT as the reference standard.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Fourteen patients (eight females, 57.1%) and 14 healthy controls (seven females, 50.0%) who underwent sacroiliac (SI) joint MRI and CT.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; TSE T1WI, 3D DESS, 2D UTE.

Assessment

The bilateral SI joints were assessed for bone erosion. Three observers scored bone erosion for all three sequences of MRI. CT was used as the gold standard. Diagnostic confidence in axial SpA was measured based on a four‐point confidence score.

Statistical Tests

Correlation of erosion scores between CT and MRI were evaluated using Spearman's correlation test. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive–negative predictive values were calculated. Confidence scores were compared using the Wilcoxon sum rank test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Compared with erosion scores of CT, the correlation coefficients for each MRI sequence showed significant low‐to‐high positive correlations (0.39–0.72). UTE imaging showed the highest correlation coefficients for all observers (0.70, 0.72, and 0.67, respectively). The specificity of UTE imaging was equal or higher than those of T1WI and 3D DESS for all observers (0.86 vs. 0.71 vs. 0.57; 0.93 vs. 0.71 vs. 0.57; 0.79 vs. 0.79 vs. 0.43). All observers had the highest confidence in interpreting UTE imaging for detecting bone erosion among the three sequences (3.5, 3.4, and 3.3 for UTE; 3.1, 3.0, and 2.6 for T1WI; and 3.2, 2.7, and 2.4 for DESS).

Data Conclusion

UTE imaging can detect bone erosions in patients with axial SpA and show higher specificity than conventional T1WI and 3D DESS.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
The use of fourth party references in the selection process
Authors: Roberto Katherine J. , Johnson Andrew F. , Reed Anita
Published: March 2022

This study identifies and defines the concept of fourth party references (FPRs) and their use and value in the selection process. FPRs are individuals identified by the employer as a potential source of information about an applicant by a source other than the applicant and without their direct prior consent or knowledge. Examining the logistical use and the importance of FPRs, participants indicated that they utilized FPRs routinely, sought them out early in the selection process, and placed high value on them. Women, younger participants, and those living in large cities were less likely to perceive ethical concerns with using FPRs.
Women minority entrepreneurs: Motivational factors and challenges
Authors: Latifi Vjosë , Ramadani Veland , Rexhepi Gadaf
Published: March 2022

This article discusses the motives, challenges, and perspectives of women minority‐ in Kosovo, emphasizing the pharmacy sector. The aim is to identify women minorities' motives for entrepreneurship and challenges. A qualitative methodology is applied to the interviews of ten ethnic Turkish women entrepreneurs. The interview questions focus on their motives, moral and financial support, work–life balance, and other related issues. Findings show many challenges associated with minority women entrepreneurs related to the imbalance of life and work and the lack of government support as a form of facilitation for entrepreneurship. This study fills the gap in theoretical knowledge about women minority entrepreneurs by addressing motivations and challenges.
The importance of immigrant and return migrant entrepreneurship in the development of a low‐density region
Authors: Marques Carla S. E. , R. Galvão Anderson , Mascarenhas Carla , Pinto Diana
Published: March 2022

This study analyses the importance of immigrant and returns migrant entrepreneurs in developing the low‐density region (Alto Douro Wine Region). Nine immigrant and nine returning migrant entrepreneurs participated in semi‐structured interviews. For triangulation purposes, four regional stakeholder institutions members were also interviewed (two municipalities, a university, and a local association). The interviews underwent content analysis and data coding using NVIVO software. The results provide empirical evidence about the importance of entrepreneurial immigrants and returning migrants in low‐density regions like the Alto Douro, showing how the knowledge and experience acquired in other countries allow these business people to look at the region differently, leading them to perceive unexplored potentialities and thus contribute to regional development.
Financing the creation of microenterprises with microcredit: Does being an immigrant make a difference?
Authors: Sarkar Soumodip , Bilau José Jacinto , Correia Marco
Published: March 2022

Financing immigrant microenterprises has emerged as an important economic and social issue in Europe, yet this is an area that presents specificities only partially investigated by extant literature. Using a bank's loan dataset containing information on 669 small loans granted in Portugal between 2016 and 2019, this paper explores differences between immigrants and nationals in financing microenterprises in small loans programs. The results obtained with nonparametric statistical tests allow us to conclude that immigrants are different from their national counterparts in terms of human capital and location of business activity. However, no significant differences were found between immigrant entrepreneurs (IEs) from their national counterparts in the credit amount, sector in which businesses are created and small loan repayment. Our study contributes toward broadening the literature on the financing of IE by empirically testing the thesis that claims “discrimination against minorities” by credit institutions and explores less investigated aspects with geographic or business sector focus. Results are also useful for policymakers and support providers who often face many obstacles in designing and implementing support policies for entrepreneurial immigrants.
Facing the challenges of smokeless tobacco epidemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman M Mostafa , Hakim Ferdous , Alam Syed Mahbubul , Sujon Aminul Islam , Banik Palash Chandra , Bhuiyan Rijwan , Rahman Md. Bazlur , Karim Iftekhairul , Alam Mashud
Published: March 2022

Background

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in Bangladesh is one of the highest in the world. Despite having a tobacco control programme, the use of SLTs has increased in recent years. The objective of this paper is to report on the prevalence of SLTs and challenges faced during control measures in Bangladesh.

Methods

A wide range of published reports on tobacco in general and SLT were reviewed. Websites of relevant organizations and national survey reports including PubMed were visited to identify national‐ or subnational‐level data. Legislations, policies and their implementation and programmes are reviewed. Additional data were captured by active surveys on SLT products, especially on graphic health warning. The authors’ perspectives on SLT control in Bangladesh were captured through a series of brainstorming sessions.

Findings

The reported prevalence of SLTs ranged from 21% to 26% among adults. SLT control measures are not adequately addressed despite the existence of several policies and programmes. It is based to the definition of Tobacco Control ACT in 2013. We propose inadequate prioritization and weak policy directives; unregulated industry leading to high production, marketing, violation of package warning and tax evasion; high level of cultural acceptance; and poor awareness of the people as challenges to the control efforts. In addition, a lenient attitude of the government towards the so‐called “cottage” industry made SLTs unabated. We propose prioritization of SLT control, strengthening industry monitoring and tax measures, countering cultural acceptability and public ignorance and cessation support engaging government and civil society organizations as the way forward.

Conclusion

The control measures should be evidence‐based warranting operational research. Government and non‐government organizations’ collaborative efforts on an immediate, short‐and long‐term basis are recommended to meet the challenges of SLTs. These primarily include policy support for prioritization, enforcement of legislation, industry and marketing regulation, stringent tax measures, denormalizing societal acceptability and cessation support.
Surgeon‐performed fine‐needle aspiration for lymph nodes behind the big cervical vessels in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Song Yuntao , Xu Guohui , Wang Tianxiao , Zhu Yanli , Zhang Yabing , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to describe the technique of surgeon‐performed ultrasound (US)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of cervical retrovascular lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients and analyze its efficacy.

Methods

This study included consecutive patients with retrovascular suspicious lymph nodes who had FNA performed by surgeons. The technique and efficacy of four different puncture routes were assessed.

Results

A total of 102 lymph node FNAs were performed on 100 patients. None yield insufficient aspiration, while 2% of FNA cytology result in an indeterminate diagnosis. No severe complication was observed. Cytologic testing plus thyroglobulin washout indicated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in diagnosing nodal metastasis were 99%, 93%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the test accuracy of FNA through different routes.

Conclusions

In PTC patients, suspicious lymph nodes behind the big cervical vessels should not be considered a contraindication to FNA. They can be diagnosed safely and accurately using appropriate puncture routes.

Level of evidence: 4.
Case of a Man with Hemichorea and Behavioral Changes: “A Red Herring”
Authors: Kleiner Galit , Ryan Stephen A. , Bilbao Juan , Keith Julia , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Black Sandra E. , Lang Anthony E. , Masellis Mario
Published: March 2022

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)–pallido‐nigro‐luysian atrophy (PNLA) is a neuropathological entity thought to be a variant of classic PSP. Clinical features and pathologic hallmarks are the same in both conditions; however, age and order of symptom onset, disease duration and prognosis, and distribution and density of pathology differentiate the 2 entities.

Objectives

This study presents a PSP‐PNLA case confirmed pathologically with a clinical presentation of hemichorea/ballism, spasticity, progressive hemiparesis, and a frontal behavioral syndrome with relative cognitive sparing early in the disease course.

Methods

We describe the clinical progression in this unique case supplemented with video and imaging findings in the form of magnetic resonance imaging and brain single photon emission computed tomography. Final diagnosis is via pathological analysis at autopsy.

Results

We present an elderly gentleman who manifested a clinical syndrome consisting of subacute onset of chorea that at presentation was distinctly unilateral and a frontal behavioral syndrome in the setting of mild thrombocytopenia and elevated anticardiolipin antibodies. Positive antiphospholipid antibodies resulted in an initial antemortem diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome as a cause of his chorea. Longitudinal follow‐up over 5 years demonstrated a progression of clinical features with hemi‐motor impersistence/chorea, disinhibition and impulsivity, and eventually corticospinal distribution weakness on the initially affected side. He required nursing home care and falls necessitated wheelchair use. Postmortem neuropathological study revealed a diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration‐tau, PSP‐PNLA.

Conclusions

This case broadens the phenotype of PSP‐PNLA and to our knowledge is the only case presenting with unilateral chorea.
Pulmonary manifestations and the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry Disease with the p. Arg227Ter (p.R227*) mutation
Authors: Pietilä‐Effati Päivi , Söderström Johan , Saarinen Jukka T. , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Kantola Ilkka
Published: March 2022

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is caused by a defect in α‐galactosidase A gene (GLA) which leads to a progressive accumulation of neutral shingolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide and its metabolites in several organs. Pulmonary manifestations of FD mimic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are disproportionate to smoking status. The effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on pulmonary function is inconclusive.

We studied the effect of ERT on pulmonary function in FD with a mutation p. Arg227Ter (p.R227*) which is one of the most common mutations causing classical FD in Finland and worldwide.

Methods

Patients were annually examined by multidisciplinary team. Based on the maximal pulmonary oxygen consumption at the baseline, either cardiopulmonary exercise test or combination of spirometry and 6‐minute walking test were performed annually during 5‐year follow‐up.

Results

Four males and eight females met the criteria for ERT and were included in this study. Three of 12 patients had obstruction by GOLD criterion before ERT, and one had a borderline obstruction. In 5 years, five patients were classified as obstructive, although the real change in FEV1/FVC was unchanged in the whole cohort. Only one patient was an active smoker.

Conclusion

In nonsmokers, pulmonary manifestations in classical FD are mild and might be stabilized by ERT.
Determination of optimal regularization factor in Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction of brain PET images using [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB
Authors: Wagatsuma Kei , Miwa Kenta , Kamitaka Yuto , Koike Emiya , Yamao Tensho , Yoshii Tokiya , Kobayashi Rinya , Nezu Shogo , Sugamata Yuta , Miyaji Noriaki , Imabayashi Etsuko , Ishibashi Kenji , Toyohara Jun , Ishii Kenji
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The Bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL) reconstruction algorithm, Q.Clear, can achieve a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio on images and more accurate quantitation than ordered subset‐expectation maximization (OSEM). The reconstruction parameter (β) in BPL requires optimization according to the radiopharmaceutical tracer. The present study aimed to define the optimal β value in BPL required to diagnose Alzheimer disease from brain positron emission tomography (PET) images acquired using 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose ([18F]FDG) and 11C‐labeled Pittsburg compound B ([11C]PiB).

Methods

Images generated from Hoffman 3D brain and cylindrical phantoms were acquired using a Discovery PET/computed tomography (CT) 710 and reconstructed using OSEM + time‐of‐flight (TOF) under clinical conditions and BPL + TOF (β = 20–1000). Contrast was calculated from images generated by the Hoffman 3D brain phantom, and noise and uniformity were calculated from those generated by the cylindrical phantom. Five cognitively healthy controls and five patients with Alzheimer disease were assessed using [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB PET to validate the findings from the phantom study. The β values were restricted by the findings of the phantom study, then one certified nuclear medicine physician and two certified nuclear medicine technologists visually determined optimal β values by scoring the quality parameters of image contrast, image noise, cerebellar stability, and overall image quality of PET images from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).

Results

The contrast in BPL satisfied the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine (JSNM) criterion of ≥55% and exceeded that of OSEM at ranges of β = 20–450 and 20–600 for [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB, respectively. The image noise in BPL satisfied the JSNM criterion of ≤15% and was below that in OSEM when β = 150–1000 and 400–1000 for [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB, respectively. The phantom study restricted the ranges of β values to 100–300 and 300–500 for [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB, respectively. The BPL scores for gray–white matter contrast and image noise, exceeded those of OSEM in [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB images regardless of β values. Visual evaluation confirmed that the optimal β values were 200 and 450 for [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB, respectively.

Conclusions

The BPL achieved better image contrast and less image noise than OSEM, while maintaining quantitative standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR) due to full convergence, more rigorous noise control, and edge preservation. The optimal β values for [18F]FDG and [11C]PiB brain PET were apparently 200 and 450, respectively. The present study provides useful information about how to determine optimal β values in BPL for brain PET imaging.
Retention and impairment of neurocognitive functions in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease with a comprehensive neuropsychological test
Authors: Yao Lu , Aoyama Shinsuke , Ouchi Atushi , Yamamoto Yasuji , Sora Ichiro
Published: March 2022

Aim

MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health to establish acceptance criteria for measuring cognitive changes in schizophrenia and can be used to assess cognitive functions in other psychiatric disorders. We used a Japanese version of MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery to explore the changes in multiple cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

We administered the Japanese version of MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery to 11 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 11 patients with Alzheimer's disease, and 27 healthy controls. All Japanese versions of MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery domain scores were converted to t‐scores using sample means and standard deviations and were compared for significant performance differences among healthy control, MCI, and mild Alzheimer's disease groups.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, patients with MCI and mild Alzheimer's disease demonstrated the same degree of impairment to processing speed, verbal learning, and visual learning. Reasoning and problem‐solving showed significant impairments only in mild Alzheimer's disease. Verbal and visual abilities in working memory showed different performances in the MCI and mild Alzheimer's disease groups, with the Alzheimer's disease group demonstrating significantly more deficits in these domains. No significant difference was found among the groups in attention/vigilance and social cognition.

Conclusions

The Japanese version of MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery can be used to elucidate the characteristics of cognitive dysfunction of normal aging, MCI, and mild dementia in clinical practice.
Using multiple convolutional window scanning of convolutional neural network for an efficient prediction of ATP‐binding sites in transport proteins
Authors: Nguyen Trinh‐Trung‐Duong , Chen Syun , Ho Quang‐Thai , Ou Yu‐Yen
Published: March 2022

Protein multiple sequence alignment information has long been important features to know about functions of proteins inferred from related sequences with known functions. It is therefore one of the underlying ideas of Alpha fold 2, a breakthrough study and model for the prediction of three‐dimensional structures of proteins from their primary sequence. Our study used protein multiple sequence alignment information in the form of position‐specific scoring matrices as input. We also refined the use of a convolutional neural network, a well‐known deep‐learning architecture with impressive achievement on image and image‐like data. Specifically, we revisited the study of prediction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding sites with more efficient convolutional neural networks. We applied multiple convolutional window scanning filters of a convolutional neural network on position‐specific scoring matrices for as much as useful information as possible. Furthermore, only the most specific motifs are retained at each feature map output through the one‐max pooling layer before going to the next layer. We assumed that this way could help us retain the most conserved motifs which are discriminative information for prediction. Our experiment results show that a convolutional neural network with not too many convolutional layers can be enough to extract the conserved information of proteins, which leads to higher performance. Our best prediction models were obtained after examining them with different hyper‐parameters. Our experiment results showed that our models were superior to traditional use of convolutional neural networks on the same datasets as well as other machine‐learning classification algorithms.
Influence of different box preparations on creep performance of corrugated fibreboard boxes subject to constant and cycling relative humidity environments
Authors: Gray‐Stuart Eli M. , Wade Kelly , Redding Gabe P. , Parker Kate , Bronlund John E.
Published: March 2022

To understand the effect of load and relative humidity (RH) on box creep in cool storage conditions, standard tests are performed. However, these test conditions are oversimplified compared with actual shipping conditions. Our aim is to develop test conditions that more closely mimic those encountered during refrigerated conditions to investigate their influence on creep performance and box lifetime. We compared three box preparations: (i) empty boxes used as a control, (ii) filled boxes, and (iii) boxes with only two side panels exposed to the atmosphere. A controlled environment test facility was used to subject sets of 24 boxes to 30% of their ultimate failure load under different cyclic and constant relative humidity conditions. Results indicate that filled boxes had substantially reduced performance in terms of secondary creep rate and lifetime. The fill in the box contributed to out‐of‐plane displacement of the side panels which manifested earlier than in the control, resulting in a higher creep rate. Boxes with only two exposed panels had lower moisture uptake and performed substantially better than the control. These findings demonstrate how creep performance and box lifetime depend on the box conditions including fill and the area of the box that is exposed for moisture transfer. Alternative box preparations which mimic supply chain conditions are worthy of investigation in creep analysis as they will help predict more accurately box performance in the cold supply chain.
Multi‐variable quantitative feedback theory based controller using directional transfer ratio
Authors: Roy Prasanta
Published: March 2022

This article proposes a novel method, inspired from eigen decomposition technique, to design a quantitative feedback theory (QFT) based robust controller for a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) uncertain plant. The proposed method is a direct and sufficiently generalized one. Unlike existing practice, it does not require to transform a “” MIMO‐QFT based design problem into “n” sequential multiple input single output QFT based design problems. Apart from the frequency dependency, the frequency response of a MIMO system also has the spatial dependency. This makes the frequency domain analysis and design for a MIMO system, more challenging than its SISO counterpart. Three new concepts namely directional transfer ratio (DTR), output directionality (OD), and principle of control along characteristic vectors (PCCV) are introduced to take care of the complexities of the frequency response of a MIMO feedback system. The DTR, OD, PCCV and existing techniques of QFT are combined together to develop the proposed design method. A case study is presented considering a “” ill‐conditioned plant to illustrate the method. The proposed method is expected to open up new avenues in the area of MIMO‐QFT based design.
Tough and Highly Efficient Underwater Self‐Repairing Hydrogels for Soft Electronics
Authors: Fu Rumin , Guan Youjun , Xiao Cairong , Fan Lei , Wang Zhengao , Li Yangfan , Yu Peng , Tu Lingjie , Tan Guoxin , Zhai Jinxia , Zhou Lei , Ning Chengyun
Published: March 2022

The vulnerability of hydrogel electronic materials to mechanical damage due to their soft nature has necessitated the development of self‐repairing hydrogel electronics. However, the development of such material with underwater self‐repairing capability as well as excellent mechanical properties for application in aquatic environments is highly challenging and has not yet been fully realized. This study designs a tough and highly efficient underwater self‐repairing supramolecular hydrogel by synergistically combining weak hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) and strong dipole–dipole interactions. The resultant hydrogel has high stretchability (up to 700%) and toughness (4.45 MJ m−3), and an almost 100% fast strain self‐recovery (10 min). The underwater healing process is rapid and autonomous (98% self‐repair efficiency after 1 h of healing). Supramolecular hydrogels can be developed as soft electronic sensors for physiological signal detection (gestures, breathing, microexpression, and vocalization) and real‐time underwater communication (Morse code). Importantly, the hydrogel sensor can function underwater after mechanical damage because of its highly efficient underwater self‐repairing capability.
From quantum‐derived principles underlying cysteine reactivity to combating the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mazmanian Karine , Chen Ting , Sargsyan Karen , Lim Carmay
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic poses a challenge in coming up with quick and effective means to counter its cause, the SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, we show how the key factors governing cysteine reactivity in proteins derived from combined quantum mechanical/continuum calculations led to a novel multi‐targeting strategy against SARS‐CoV‐2, in contrast to developing potent drugs/vaccines against a single viral target such as the spike protein. Specifically, they led to the discovery of reactive cysteines in evolutionary conserved Zn2+‐sites in several SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins that are crucial for viral polypeptide proteolysis as well as viral RNA synthesis, proofreading, and modification. These conserved, reactive cysteines, both free and Zn2+‐bound, can be targeted using the same Zn‐ejector drug (disulfiram/ebselen), which enables the use of broad‐spectrum anti‐virals that would otherwise be removed by the virus's proofreading mechanism. Our strategy of targeting multiple, conserved viral proteins that operate at different stages of the virus life cycle using a Zn‐ejector drug combined with other broad‐spectrum anti‐viral drug(s) could enhance the barrier to drug resistance and antiviral effects, as compared to each drug alone. Since these functionally important nonstructural proteins containing reactive cysteines are highly conserved among coronaviruses, our proposed strategy has the potential to tackle future coronaviruses.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Inverse modeling of cancellous bone using artificial neural networks
Authors: Stieve Verena , Blaszczyk Mischa , Hackl Klaus
Published: March 2022

Artificial neural networks are used to solve different tasks of daily life, engineering and medicine. In this work, we investigate its suitability for the examination of simulation results of cancellous bone with the aim to evaluate whether the bone is affected by osteoporosis. This bone disease is characterized by a reduction of the cortical bone phase, one of the two main components of the bone. The neural network predicts the simulated volume fraction in different parts of a cylinder, which models the bone. As a basis for its calculations, the neural network gets the information about the magnetic field inside the cylinder from finite element simulations. Examinations show that it is possible to train neural networks on solving that task with very high accuracies.
Food regulation and policing: innovative technology to close the regulatory gap in Australia
Authors: Lindley Jade
Published: March 2022

Internationally, food regulations are centred on human health and safety to prevent health crises. In Australia, regulatory control over the health and safety of humans is sound, however from a criminological perspective, control over fraudulent activities within food supply chains lack. Food fraud knows no geographical boundaries and has endless reach, therefore should be prioritised by policymakers, regulators and law enforcement. Australia’s reputation for high-quality food is important domestically, but also for establishing and maintaining trust in international food trade relationships, therefore lack of enforcement over food could damage ‘Brand Australia’. Given the food industry’s vested interest in maintaining this reputation, it must also play a role to protect it. This research reviews regulatory landscape against food fraud in Australia and then, questions whether coupling informal controls to support existing formal regulatory controls may be the most appropriate and holistic way forward to protect the industry and consumers. It tests a regulatory pluralism framework to determine whether it can logically organize informal, innovative responses to contribute cohesively alongside formal controls at various points along the supply chain to prevent food fraud. Finally, it considers available informal, innovative technologies to: enhance testing regimes; prevent product and label tampering; and trace food supply chains adopted internationally show positive progress in responding to increasingly sophisticated and organized global food fraud. The research concludes adopting a regulatory pluralism framework, coupling existing regulatory controls and innovative technology could enhance and strengthen Australia’s regulatory response to fraud within its food industry.
Early reduction of SARS-CoV-2-replication in bronchial epithelium by kinin B2 receptor antagonism
Authors: Jakwerth Constanze A. , Feuerherd Martin , Guerth Ferdinand M. , Oelsner Madlen , Schellhammer Linda , Giglberger Johanna , Pechtold Lisa , Jerin Claudia , Kugler Luisa , Mogler Carolin , Haller Bernhard , Erb Anna , Wollenberg Barbara , Spinner Christoph D. , Buch Thorsten , Protzer Ulrike , Schmidt-Weber Carsten B. , Zissler Ulrich M. , Chaker Adam M.
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has evolved to enter the host via the ACE2 receptor which is part of the kinin-kallikrein pathway. This complex pathway is only poorly understood in context of immune regulation but critical to control infection. This study examines SARS-CoV-2-infection and epithelial mechanisms of the kinin-kallikrein-system at the kinin B2 receptor level in SARS-CoV-2-infection that is of direct translational relevance. From acute SARS-CoV-2-positive study participants and -negative controls, transcriptomes of nasal curettages were analyzed. Primary airway epithelial cells (NHBEs) were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with the approved B2R-antagonist icatibant. SARS-CoV-2 RNA RT-qPCR, cytotoxicity assays, plaque assays, and transcriptome analyses were performed. The treatment effect was further studied in a murine airway inflammation model in vivo. Here, we report a broad and strong upregulation of kallikreins and the kinin B2 receptor (B2R) in the nasal mucosa of acutely symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive study participants. A B2R-antagonist impeded SARS-CoV-2 replication and spread in NHBEs, as determined in plaque assays on Vero-E6 cells. B2R-antagonism reduced the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2, G protein–coupled receptor signaling, and ion transport in vitro and in a murine airway inflammation in vivo model. In summary, this study provides evidence that treatment with B2R-antagonists protects airway epithelial cells from SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting its replication and spread, through the reduction of ACE2 levels and the interference with several cellular signaling processes. Future clinical studies need to shed light on the airway protection potential of approved B2R-antagonists, like icatibant, in the treatment of early-stage COVID-19.

Graphical Abstract

Key messages

Induction of kinin B2 receptor in the nose of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients.

Treatment with B2R-antagonist protects airway epithelial cells from SARS-CoV-2.

B2R-antagonist reduces ACE2 levels in vivo and ex vivo.

Protection by B2R-antagonist is mediated by inhibiting viral replication and spread.
Global Existence for the N Body Euler–Poisson System
Authors: Parmeshwar Shrish
Published: March 2022

In this paper we investigate the problem of multiple expanding Newtonian stars that interact via their gravitational effect on each other. It is clear physically that if two stars at rest are separated initially, and start expanding as well as moving according to the laws of Newtonian gravity, they may eventually collide. Thus, one can ask whether each star can be given an initial position and velocity such that they can keep expanding without touching. We show that even with gravitational interaction between the bodies, a large class of initial positions and velocities give global-in-time solutions to the N Body Euler–Poisson system. To do this we use scaling mechanisms present in the compressible Euler system, shown in Parmeshwar (Quart Appl Math 79(2):273–334, 2021), gaining advantageous time weights and smallness in our estimates under the specific form of the Lagrangian flow maps, and assumption of small mass for each star, represented by a parameter $$\delta $$
δ
. This is combined with a careful analysis of how the gravitational interaction between stars affects their dynamics.
Homogenization of the elastic-viscoplastic damage behavior of asphalt mixtures based on the mesomechanical Mori–Tanaka method
Authors: Du Cong , Liu Pengfei , Oeser Markus
Published: March 2022

To improve the efficiency and accuracy in characterizing the nonlinear behavior of multi-phased asphalt mixtures and to further facilitate asphalt pavement design based on the nonlinear properties, this study proposes a homogenized method for the elastic-viscoplastic-damage constitutive model. The Drucker–Prager-type yield surfaces and non-association flow rule were employed to describe the viscoplastic strain of asphalt materials. The continuum damage mechanics (CDM) were incorporated to characterize the evolutions of internal micro-cracks or micro-voids in structures. The mesomechanical Mori–Tanaka (MT) method was used to yield the homogenized nonlinear strain components within multi-phase structures. The proposed constitutive model was then implemented in finite element (FE) simulations based on a self-developed subroutine. Several case studies were conducted, in which composite structures with one inclusion were simulated under constant stress and strain loading rate. Amongst the composite structures, the inclusions with various volume contents and shapes were taken into account. In addition, the influence of air voids in structures was considered by defining the zero stiffness for inclusions. The results indicated that the nonlinear behavior of composite with single aggregate or air void can be effectively represented using the proposed method. Furthermore, by coupling the homogenized nonlinear constitutive relation into the locally homogenous model from previous work, not only was the viscoplastic-damage behavior of the composite with multiple inclusions effectively demonstrated by the definition of the nonlinear material, but the internal heterogeneous feature was also precisely represented by the local cells. Therefore, the proposed homogenized method can effectively predict the viscoplastic and damage behavior of asphalt mixtures with various inclusions by simply specifying the parameters in the FE simulations.