bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between accelerated parental biologic age, autism spectrum disorder, social traits, and developmental and cognitive outcomes in their children
Authors: Song Ashley Y. , Bakulski Kelly , Feinberg Jason I. , Newschaffer Craig , Croen Lisa A. , Hertz‐Picciotto Irva , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Farzadegan Homayoon , Lyall Kristen , Fallin M. Daniele , Volk Heather E. , Ladd‐Acosta Christine
Published: October 2022

Parental age is a known risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, studies to identify the biologic changes underpinning this association are limited. In recent years, “epigenetic clock” algorithms have been developed to estimate biologic age and to evaluate how the epigenetic aging impacts health and disease. In this study, we examined the relationship between parental epigenetic aging and their child's prospective risk of ASD and autism related quantitative traits in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation study. Estimates of epigenetic age were computed using three robust clock algorithms and DNA methylation measures from the Infinium HumanMethylation450k platform for maternal blood and paternal blood specimens collected during pregnancy. Epigenetic age acceleration was defined as the residual of regressing chronological age on epigenetic age while accounting for cell type proportions. Multinomial logistic regression and linear regression models were completed adjusting for potential confounders for both maternal epigenetic age acceleration (n = 163) and paternal epigenetic age acceleration (n = 80). We found accelerated epigenetic aging in mothers estimated by Hannum's clock was significantly associated with lower cognitive ability and function in offspring at 12 months, as measured by Mullen Scales of Early Learning scores (β = −1.66, 95% CI: −3.28, −0.04 for a one‐unit increase). We also observed a marginal association between accelerated maternal epigenetic aging by Horvath's clock and increased odds of ASD in offspring at 36 months of age (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.26). By contrast, fathers accelerated aging was marginally associated with decreased ASD risk in their offspring (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.01). Our findings suggest epigenetic aging could play a role in parental age risks on child brain development.
An idea to explore: Interdisciplinary capstone courses in biomedical and life science education
Authors: Ross Pauline M. , Mercer‐Mapstone Lucy , Pozza Liana E. , Poronnik Philip , Hinton Tina , Field Damien J.
Published: October 2022

While biomedical and life science research have embraced interdisciplinarity as the means to solving pressing 21st century complex challenges, interdisciplinarity in undergraduate education has been more difficult to implement. As a consequence, disciplinary rather than interdisciplinary capstones have become ubiquitous. Disciplinary capstones are valuable for students because they enable them to integrate knowledge and skills within the discipline, but they are also limiting because the integration is within rather than across disciplines. In contrast to a capstone, which involves a single discipline, interdisciplinary capstones require two or more disciplines to combine and integrate across disciplinary boundaries. Interdisciplinarity, where two of more disciplines come together, is difficult to implement in the biomedical and life science curricula because student majors and finances are administered in ways, which reinforce institutional organization of schools and faculties and prevent collaboration. Here in this “idea to explore” we provide an interdisciplinary capstone model where students enroll in disciplinary courses, but then these disciplinary courses and students collaborate on interdisciplinary real‐world problems. This interdisciplinary capstone model was implemented across two diverse and large biomedical and life science schools within two faculties in a research intensive, metropolitan university. This approach allows for integration of the biomedical, social and ethical perspectives required when solving problems in the real world, such as COVID‐19. Interdisciplinary learning also better prepares students for higher degree research and future careers. Overcoming disciplinary curriculum silos and faculty barriers is critical if we are to meet expectations of acquiring interdisciplinarity as a key competency.
Abrusamide H Impairs the Secretion of the Cytokines in RAW264.7 Cells and the Inflammatory Infiltration in Tail Transection‐Induced Zebrafish
Authors: Liu Roujia , Zhou Feirong , Yu Jiaxian , Wei Xinru , Liu Xiangying , Yuan Xujiang , Yu Chuqin
Published: October 2022

Abrus mollis Hance (Leguminosae) has a variety of biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor activities. However, the specific substances responsible for the anti‐inflammatory effects are unknown. Abrusamide H (BJBS) is a truxillic acid derivative obtained from the leaves of Abrus mollis Hance and has potential anti‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to estimate the potential effect and mechanism of BJBS in inflammation by establishing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro and an injured zebrafish tail fin in vivo. The RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of BJBS after LPS stimulation. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was detected by Griess reaction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by an ROS assay kit. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin 18 (IL‐18) were measured by ELISA. Results showed that BJBS at all concentrations inhibited the proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages after LPS stimulation by cell counting kit‐8 and the production of NO and ROS. In the BJBS treatment group, the levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner. The results in vivo showed that no significant difference in the survival of zebrafish between the BJBS and blank groups and BJBS inhibited the migration and aggregation of zebrafish neutrophils in a dose‐dependent manner in inflammation induced by tail transection‐induced inflammation. In conclusion, BJBS inhibited the production of NO and ROS, decreased the levels of secreted IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐18, and reduced the migration and aggregation of zebrafish neutrophils.
Tracheo‐esophageal fistula and pleural empyema in the course of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection—A case report
Authors: Kubik Hanna , Smyła Wiktoria , Herba Mikołaj , Białka Szymon , Rydel Mateusz
Published: October 2022

We report a 49‐year‐old patient with COVID‐19 who developed lung abscess, pleural empyema, and tracheo‐esophageal fistula. He underwent cervicotomy, segmental tracheal resection, esophageal‐tracheal fistula excision, and suturing the esophagus, and a classic thoracotomy was performed. Despite the severe infection, the patient was discharged home after successful surgical treatment.
MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived ant nest structured porous carbon nanospheres CuFeS2/C for the determination of atropine enantiomeric impurity L‐hyoscyamine
Authors: Zhu Jiashuai , Li Kang
Published: October 2022

In this work, an ant nest structured porous carbon nanosphere had been developed for the recognition detection of the atropine (ATP) enantiomers D‐hyoscyamine (D‐HSM) and L‐hyoscyamine (L‐HSM). Firstly, Fe‐based organic framework was used as the substrate, and Cu ions and sulfur ions were separately introduced to obtain CuFeS2 with ant nest structure by hydrothermal incubation. Then CuFeS2/C porous nanospheres (PNSs) were obtained by high‐temperature calcination. The composite‐modified electrode exhibited superior electrochemical performance for L‐HSM due to the synergistic effect of CuFeS2 cubic crystals and porous carbon, which has the high specific surface area of the ant nest structure. In addition, the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) about L‐HSM formed with sulfonated‐β‐cyclodextrin (S‐β‐CD) and L‐arginine (L‐Arg) by cyclic voltammetry showed strong chiral recognition of D/L‐HSM (ATP). Therefore, a novel electrochemical sensor was constructed based on CuFeS2/C PNSs and MIP to detect L‐HSM by differential pulse voltammetry. Under the optimal conditions, the peak current density of L‐HSM showed a good linearity in the concentration range of 0.02–4.6 μM with LOD and LOQ of 0.45 and 1.5 nM, respectively. The oxidation peaks of L‐HSM and D‐HSM were successfully identified from the racemic ATP, and the oxidation peak potential difference (ΔEp) between them was 0.138 V. In conclusion, the sensor showed excellent reproducibility, repeatability, and stability and had been applied to the determination of L‐HSM in human serum, saliva, and ATP sulfate tablets with satisfactory results.
Electrode experimental study of optimal tourmaline powders for filtration enhancement
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , He Weidong , Guo Yinghe , Shen Ruiqing , Liu Jingxian
Published: October 2022

Tourmaline (TM) has received extensive interest in the purification field due to its unique spontaneous polarization. In this paper, the effects of three sizes of purified TM samples on the air filters were studied. The electrode performance of TM samples was investigated using piezoelectric and pyro‐electric experiments. The results show an electrode from the 0.074 mm separated TM had the superior property. Three types of TM powders with the highest B2O3% content were adhered to the filter to evaluate the filtration performance. Elbaite 0.074 mm with 9.34 B2O3% content had the optimal filtration efficiency when the pressure drop increased slightly. The Rietveld method was used to refine the samples X‐Ray diffraction patterns to obtain the crystal structure. The electrostatic adsorption caused by the TM spontaneous polarization contributes to improving the filtration property of the filter materials.
Bioinspired Fluorescent Polymers: Synthesis, Processing, and Applications†
Authors: Xu Hongxue , Zhang Wei , Wang Mingfeng
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The discovery of fluorescent proteins has inspired a lot of interest to develop synthetic polymers with similar structures and functionalities. In this review article, we first give a brief introduction for the discovery, the structural characteristics and optical properties of fluorescent proteins, using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as an example. In the body part of article, we summarize recent advances in molecular design, synthesis and processing of bioinspired fluorescent polymers with unique optical properties such as high fluorescence quantum yield and robust photostability. Several major approaches highlighted here include the recombination of organic chromophores and proteins, and synthesis of the bioinspired polymers containing a single fluorophore in each polymer chain. The optical properties and applications of some representative bioinspired fluorescent polymers in bioimaging, sensing and imaging‐guided therapy are also elucidated.
Realizing Stable Carbonate Electrolytes in Li–O2/CO2 Batteries†
Authors: Chen Kai , Du Jia‐Yi , Wang Jin , Yang Dong‐Yue , Chu Jiang‐Wei , Chen Hao , Zhang Hao‐Ran , Huang Gang , Zhang Xin‐Bo
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The increasing demand for high‐energy storage systems has propelled the development of Li‐air batteries and Li‐O2/CO2 batteries to elucidate the mechanism and extend battery life. However, the high charge voltage of Li2CO3 accelerates the decomposition of traditional sulfone and ether electrolytes, thus adopting high‐voltage electrolytes in Li‐O2/CO2 batteries is vital to achieve a stable battery system. Herein, we adopt a commercial carbonate electrolyte to prove its excellent suitability in Li‐O2/CO2 batteries. The generated superoxide can be captured by CO2 to form less aggressive intermediates, stabilizing the carbonate electrolyte without reactive oxygen species induced decomposition. In addition, this electrolyte permits the Li metal plating/stripping with a significantly improved reversibility, enabling the possibility of using ultra‐thin Li anode. Benefiting from the good rechargeability of Li2CO3, less cathode passivation, and stabilized Li anode in carbonate electrolyte, the Li‐O2/CO2 battery demonstrates a long cycling lifetime of 167 cycles at 0.1 mA·cm–2 and 0.25 mAh·cm–2. This work paves a new avenue for optimizing carbonate‐based electrolytes for Li‐O2 and Li‐O2/CO2 batteries.
Effects of the 5′‐Triphosphate Metabolites of Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, Vidarabine, and Molnupiravir on CTP Synthase Catalysis and Filament Formation: Implications for Repurposing Antiviral Agents against SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Gillis Thomas D. , Bearne Stephen L.
Published: October 2022

Repurposing of antiviral drugs affords a rapid and effective strategy to develop therapies to counter pandemics such as COVID‐19. SARS‐CoV‐2 replication is closely linked to the metabolism of cytosine‐containing nucleotides, especially cytidine‐5′‐triphosphate (CTP), such that the integrity of the viral genome is highly sensitive to intracellular CTP levels. CTP synthase (CTPS) catalyzes the rate‐limiting step for thede novobiosynthesis of CTP. Hence, it is of interest to know the effects of the 5′‐triphosphate (TP) metabolites of repurposed antiviral agents on CTPS activity. UsingE. coliCTPS as a model enzyme, we show that ribavirin‐5′‐TP is a weak allosteric activator of CTPS, while sofosbuvir‐5′‐TP and adenine−arabinofuranoside‐5′‐TP are both substrates. β‐d‐N4‐Hydroxycytidine‐5′‐TP is a weak competitive inhibitor relative to CTP, but induces filament formation by CTPS. Alternatively, sofosbuvir‐5′‐TP prevented CTP‐induced filament formation. These results reveal the underlying potential for repurposed antivirals to affect the activity of a critical pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme.
The comparative evaluation of the effects of quercetin, α‐tocopherol, and chlorhexidine dentin pretreatments on the durability of universal adhesives
Authors: Moradian Marzieh , Saadat Maryam , Sohrabniya Fatemeh , Afifian Mohammad
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of chlorhexidine, quercetin, and α‐tocopherol on the shear bond strength of universal adhesives in the short (24h) and long term (6 months).

Material and Methods

Ninety‐six extracted sound molars were collected and divided randomly into four groups: control (no treatment), 2% chlorhexidine, 10% α‐tocopherol, and 1% quercetin. The solutions were prepared and applied to the teeth for 60 s, followed by application of All‐Bond universal adhesive and composite build‐up. Half of the specimens in each group (n = 12) were tested for shear bond strength (SBS) after 24 h of storage and the other half were kept in distilled water for 6 months and then tested for shear bond strength. The shear bond strength test was performed and the failure modes were determined using a stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests with p ˂ .05 as the significance level.

Results

The results of the two‐way analysis of variance test showed that there was no significant difference in immediate SBS, and after 6 months, α‐tocopherol had the lowest SBS in comparison to the control and CHX subgroups (p < .05). The t‐test showed that the shear bond strength in the α‐tocopherol and quercetin groups was significantly decreased after 6 months.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the solutions used in this study had no adverse effect on immediate SBS. After 6 months, the CHX could preserve SBS in comparison to other groups.
Biomarker profiles in heart failure with preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction: results from the DIAST‐CHF study
Authors: Eidizadeh Abass , Schnelle Moritz , Leha Andreas , Edelmann Frank , Nolte Kathleen , Werhahn Stefanie Maria , Binder Lutz , Wachter Rolf
Published: October 2022

Aims

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a common disease and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are different diseases with distinct as well as comparable pathophysiologies and diverse responses to therapeutic agents. We aimed to identify possible pathobiochemical signalling pathways and biomarkers in HFpEF and HFrEF by using a broad proteomic approach.

Methods and results

A total of 180 biomarkers in the plasma of a representative subgroup (71 years old) of HFpEF (70% female) with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% and HFrEF (18% female) with an LVEF ≤ 40% patients (n = 127) from the Prevalence and Clinical Course of Diastolic Dysfunction and Diastolic Heart Failure (DIAST‐CHF) trial were examined and compared with a healthy control group (n = 40; 48% female). We were able to identify 35 proteins that were expressed significantly different in both HF groups compared with the control group. We determine 29 unique proteins expressed in HFpEF and 33 unique proteins in HFrEF. Significantly up‐regulated trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) and down‐regulated contactin‐1 could be identified as previously unknown biomarkers for HF. However, TFF3 is also a predictive factor for the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in HFpEF patients. In HFpEF, serine protease 27 was found at reduced levels for the first time, which could offer a new therapeutic target. Additionally, network analyses showed a special role of platelet‐derived growth factor subunit A, Dickkopf‐related protein 1, and tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 in HFpEF patients, whereas perlecan and junctional adhesion molecule A stood out in the HFrEF group. Overall, signalling pathways of metabolic processes, cellular stress, and iron metabolism seemed to be important for HFrEF, whereas for HFpEF, oxygen stress, haemostasis, cell renewal, cell migration, and cell proliferation are in the foreground.

Conclusions

The identified proteins and signalling pathways offer new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for patients with chronic HF.
Long term changes in health‐related quality of life for people with heart failure: the ECHOES study
Authors: Roalfe Andrea K. , Taylor Clare J. , Hobbs F.D. Richard
Published: October 2022

Aims

Heart failure (HF) impairs all aspects of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), but little is known about the effect of developing HF on HRQoL over time. We aimed to report changes in HRQoL over a 13‐year period.

Methods and results

HRQoL was measured in the Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (ECHOES) study and the ECHOES‐X follow‐up study (N = 1618) using the SF‐36 questionnaire (Version 1). Mixed modelling compared changes in HRQoL across diagnostic groups, adjusting for potential predictors and design variables. Patients who had developed HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) at rescreening had significantly greater reduction in physical functioning (PF) and role physical (RP) scores compared with those without HF; adjusted mean difference in PF: HFrEF −16.1, [95% confidence interval (CI) −22.2 to −10.1]; HFpEF −14.6, (95% CI −21.2 to −8.1); in RP: HFrEF −20.7, (95% CI −31.8 to −9.7); HFpEF −19.3, (95% CI −31.0 to −7.6). Changes in HRQoL of those with a HF diagnosis at baseline and rescreen, with exception of role emotion, were similar to those without HF but started from a much lower baseline score.

Conclusions

People with a new diagnosis of HF at rescreening had a significant reduction in HRQoL. Conversely, for those with HF detected on initial screening, little change was observed in HRQoL scores on rescreening. Further research is required to understand the development of HF over time and to test interventions designed to prevent decline in HRQoL, potentially through earlier diagnosis and treatment optimization.
Women of Color
Authors: Zavella Patricia
Published: October 2022

This keyword entry explores the multiple genealogies of the termwomen of colorand the ways in which social activism, anti‐coloniality, and solidarity movements produced the term. By situating the multiple genealogies ofwomen of color, the article demonstrates both its political potential for addressing forms of silencing and erasure about the experiences and scholarship by women of color through an intersectionality approach. The essay offers examples of how attention to intersectionality offers nuanced understandings of women of color experiences as well as how ethnographic methods can become more attuned to our interlocutors and our own experiences as researchers.
Effect of glutathione and α‐tocopherol on coriander green fruits essential oil
Authors: Khalid Khalid A. , Ahmed Aisha M. A.
Published: October 2022

Coriander essential oil has several biological characters those make it an important place as a source of natural product. Due to the lack of natural products, many essential oil compounds are imitated by others made of cheap chemicals, which studies have shown to have a great danger to human health. From this point of view, it is necessary to search for new ways to increase natural products, the most important of which are essential oils. One of these methods is the use of bioregulators to modify the production of essential oil and its components to increase its biological use area. Thus, the variations of coriander green fruits essential oil were evaluated under different rates of glutathione and α‐tocopherol to determine the possibility of using them in the production of essential oil from coriander green fruits. Coriander plants were treated during cultivation at rates of glutathione (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g L−1) without or with α‐tocopherol (0.4 g L−1). Green fruits essential oil was separated by hydro‐distillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry; data were statistically analysed by two ways analysis of variance. Plants treated with 0.6 g L−1 glutathione with α‐tocopherol gave the maximum values of green fruits yield and essential oil content (% and yield per plant). The major essential oil constituents were linalool, undecan‐3‐ol and yomogi alcohol; while oxygenated monoterpenes were the main fractions. Plants exposed to glutathione with α‐tocopherol doses resulted in higher values of major components and main fraction than those subjected to glutathione rates. This trial ascertained that the subordination of coriander plants to glutathione and α‐tocopherol rates led to variations in green fruits essential oil, and this, in turn, affected its biological activities.
Holocene landscape evolution in northern Henan Province and its implications for archaeological surveys
Authors: Qin Zhen , Storozum Michael J. , Liu Haiwang , Kidder Tristram R.
Published: October 2022

The heartlands of many of the world's civilizations are situated within alluvial plains, where thick alluvial sediments obscure much of the archaeological record. However, the use of alluvial geoarchaeology remains patchy, particularly in the world's largest alluvial basins. We present results from our geoarchaeological survey at Neihuang County, Henan Province, China, as an example for alluvial geoarchaeological research in the North China Plain and to develop a generalized framework for landscape evolution in the area during the Holocene. We reconstruct the alluvial history of the area around Neihuang County by synthesizing stratigraphic data from seven outcrops into distinct depositional units. Our findings suggest that much of the archaeological record in the North China Plain is buried by meters of sediment or eroded away by the ancient channels of the Yellow River and other tributary streams. Therefore, the presence of buried archaeological sites and river scour in recorded outcrops suggests that the nonsystematic archaeological surveys that are commonly used to interpret cultural changes are not accurate reflections of archaeological site distributions. From the results of this case study, we recommend that archaeologists and paleoclimatologists should exercise more caution when using settlement distribution data gathered through nonsystematic pedestrian surveys to make inferences about ancient processes of cultural change or social dynamics in the North China Plain.
Quantifying golf course nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Bekken Michael A. H. , Soldat Douglas J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have surveyed golf courses to determine nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates on golf courses, but no previous studies have attempted to quantify how efficiently golf courses use nitrogen.

Methods

This study tests the ability of the growth potential (GP) N Requirement model as a benchmarking tool to predict a target level of N use on 76 golf courses in 5 regions of the US (Midwest, Northeast, East Texas, Florida, Northwest) and 3 countries in Europe (Denmark, Norway, UK).

Results

The ratio of the golf course‐wide N application rate to the GP N requirement prediction (termed the nitrogen efficiency score or NES) was 0.27, indicating that golf courses used 73% less N than predicted by the model. As such, the GP N Requirement model needs to be recalibrated to predict N use on golf courses. This was achieved by adjusting the Nmax coefficient in the model. N rates on golf courses were widely variable both within and across regions. All regions had a coefficient of variation in N rates of 0.46 or greater.

Conclusions

The high variation in N rates, which is largely unexplained by climate, economic factors, grass type, and soil type, may be indicative of inefficient N use in golf course management.
Molecular characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 from the saliva of patients in the Republic of Korea in 2020
Authors: Gu Se Hun , Song Dong Hyun , Yun Hyeongseok , Kim Jung‐Eun , Lee Seung‐Ho , Lee Hyunjin , Lee Tae Ho , Kang Seol Muk , Jung Yu Sub , Hur Gyeunghaeng , Lee Daesang
Published: October 2022

Background and aims

Despite global vaccination efforts, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) remains high. To overcome the crisis precipitated by the ongoing pandemic, characteristic studies such as virus diagnosis, isolation, and genome analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are necessary. Herein, we report the isolation and molecular characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 from the saliva of patients who had tested positive for COVID‐19 at Proving Ground in Taean County, Republic of Korea, in 2020.

Methods

We analyzed the whole‐genome sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2 isolated from the saliva samples of patients through next‐generation sequencing. We also successfully isolated SARS‐CoV‐2 from the saliva samples of two patients by using cell culture, which was used to study the cytopathic effects and viral replication in Vero E6 cells.

Results

Whole‐genome sequences of the isolates, SARS‐CoV‐2 ADD‐2 and ADD‐4, obtained from saliva were identical, and phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference methods showed SARS‐CoV‐2 GH clade (B.1.497) genome‐specific clustering. Typical coronavirus‐like particles, with diameters of 70–120 nm, were observed in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infected Vero E6 cells using transmission electron microscopy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this report provides insights into the molecular diagnosis, isolation, genetic characteristics, and diversity of SARS‐CoV‐2 isolated from the saliva of patients. Further studies are needed to explore and monitor the evolution and characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Severity of malnutrition among underweight children and family‐related factors: A cross‐sectional analysis of data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS)
Authors: Alemayehu Gedif M. , Cherie Kebadu T. , Chernet Ayele G.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Malnutrition is one of the key factors in children's inappropriate physical and mental development. It is a significant issue that results in the deaths of 3.5 million children under the age of 5 every year worldwide. This study's primary goal was to pinpoint important family‐related causes of underweight child malnutrition in Ethiopia.

Methods

The data were gathered from the Central Statistical Agency's 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Data were examined using descriptive statistics and an ordinal logistic regression model after the sample was chosen using a stratified, two‐stage cluster sampling approach.

Results

Overall 6101 underweight children were involved in the study of which 5019 (82.27%) were severely underweight, 28 (0.46%) were moderately underweight and 1054 (17.28%) were mild. The result showed that, birth order (p < 0.001), partners education, (p < 0.001), partner occupation (p < 0.001) and type of place of residence (p < 0.001) were associated with child malnutrition and also child from poorest family (p = 0.01, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.745, CI: −0.534, −0.056), children from workless partner (p = 0.169 AOR:CI: 1.855, −0.262, 1.498), and female children (p < 0.001, AOR: 0.793, CI: −0.369,  −0.093) were severely malnourished.

Conclusions

wealth index combined, sex, and region have statistically significant effect on Severity of malnutrition. Female children were highly malnourished. Children in Amhara, Afar, and Tigray region were highly affected by severe malnutrition relative to other regions. Hence, the government is recommended to impose action on child nutrition in the area as it is a public health issue.
Pilot study of minimally adherent silver dressings for acute surgical wounds
Authors: Berard Meredyth B. , Lau Frank H.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Minimally adherent silver dressings (SILVER MASD) are antimicrobial, nonirritating, provide a moist wound healing environment, and low cost. The purpose of this pilot, single‐center, non‐blinded randomized controlled trial was to quantify the outcomes of acute surgical wounds treated with MASD versus standard of care (SoC) dressings.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with acute wounds were randomized 1:1 to be treated with MASD once weekly or SoC following surgical excision of skin and/or subcutaneous tissue between September 13, 2016 and November 28, 2017. The outcome variables included clinical infection, time to wound closure, and pain scores at dressing changes. Two independent, one‐sided sample t‐tests were performed to assess statistical significance.

Results

There was no difference in wound healing between SILVER MASD and SoC. Dressing changes were less painful for wounds managed with MASD silver dressings.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that MASD are not less effective in wound healing compared to SoC while also providing the benefit of decreased pain at dressing changes. Therefore, minimally adherent silver dressings can and should be considered a viable option in the management of acute surgical wounds.
Factors influencing the use of postoperative bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in patients undergoing adult cardiac surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ahmed Syed S. , Yousuf Muhammad S. , Samad Khalid , Ullah Hameed , Siddiqui Khalid M.
Published: October 2022

BAckground and Aims

Respiratory complications are one of the biggest challenges following cardiac surgery, which can lead to hypoxia and acute respiratory failure (ARF). The aim of this study to identify the factors led to BiPAP application for postoperative respiratory complications and its effectiveness as the main outcome measures after cardiac surgery.

Methods

It was a retrospective cohort study with consecutive sampling technique. A total of 335 postcardiac surgery patients medical record was reviewed who were underwent for surgery from November 1, 2018 to November 30, 2019. 265 patients were finalized for the recruitment, five patients were excluded before the final analysis. Data of 260 patients were analyzed for compiling of results.

Results

The mean age was 59 years. 196 (75.4%) patients were males and females were 64 (24.6%). Mean weight was 72 kg and mean body mass index (BMI) 26.67 kg/m2.BiPAP application was in 38 (14.6%) patients and significantly high in with high BMI, (p < 0.05). There are significant associations of BiPAP application patients with COPD (p < 0.05). Patients with positive fluid balance, cardiac dysfunction, and required inotropic support were significantly associated with BiPAP need (p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

BiPAP is effective to treat ARF and other respiratory complications after adult cardiac surgeries. High BMI, atelectasis, and pneumonia are also the independent factors causing ARF. BiPAP can be a successful tool for preventing the adverse effects of postoperative pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery.
Immunogenicity of COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines in hemodialysis patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Falahi Shahab , Sayyadi Hojjat , Kenarkoohi Azra
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Vaccine response is a concern in hemodialysis patients. Given that hemodialysis patients were not included in clinical trials, we aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the immunogenicity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mRNA vaccines in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We searched Scopus, PubMed, Sciencedirect, and finally google scholar databases for studies on COVID‐19 mRNA‐vaccines immunogenicity in hemodialysis patients up to December 1, 2021. Eligible articles measured antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike or Receptor‐Binding Domain Antibody (S/RBD) postimmunization with COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was evaluated using seroconversion rates measured between 21 and 30 days after the first immunization and between 14 and 36 days post the second dose. We included studies including participants without a history of COVID‐19 before vaccination. Healthy controls or health‐care workers served as the control groups. After selecting eligible articles, the data were finally extracted from included articles. We used a random effects model to estimate the pooled seroconversion rate after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine administration. We assessed the heterogeneity between studies with the I2 statistical index.

Result

We selected 39 eligible citations comprising 806 cases and 336 controls for the first dose and 6314 cases and 927 controls for the second dose for statistical analysis. After the first dose of mRNA vaccines, the seroconversion rate was 36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–0.47) and 68% (95% CI: 0.45–0.91) in hemodialysis patients and the control group, respectively. While seroconversion rate after the second dose of mRNA vaccines was 86% (95% CI: 0.81–0.91) and 100% (95% CI: 1.00–1.00) in hemodialysis patients and the control group, respectively.

Conclusion

Although the immune response of hemodialysis patients to the second dose of the SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine is very promising, the seroconversion rate of dialysis patients is lower than healthy controls. Periodically assessment of antibody levels of hemodialysis patients at short intervals is recommended.
A statistical approach for identifying factors governing streamflow recession behaviour
Authors: Li Hongyi , Ameli Ali
Published: October 2022

Catchment storage‐release relation has been widely studied using the parameters of streamflow recession analysis. The governing factors of the recession parameters are poorly understood, particularly in snow‐dominated regions. Here, we tailor a newly developed statistical approach, marginal contribution feature importance, to a hydrologic context, and couple it with random forests, in order to investigate the governing physical and climatic factors of catchment recession behaviour. The coupled approach can incorporate the interactions among catchment climatic and physical attributes. In a large sample hydrology study, we identify and compare the governing factors of recession parameters, in rainfall versus snowmelt‐dominated catchments, and in medium‐size versus large catchments, across more than 1000 catchments in United States and Canada. Results show that streamflow recession behaviour, particularly recession nonlinearity, strongly depend on belowground attributes and slope in rain‐dominated medium size catchments, and strongly depend on slope and annual maximum snow water equivalent in snow‐dominated medium size catchments. As catchment scale increases (>1000 km2), the attributes related to the magnitude and timing of input water (e.g., water surplus, aridity index, maximum snow water equivalent) dictates the streamflow recession behaviour and the importance of belowground attributes is dropped. Furthermore, recession nonlinearity generally increases with an increase in catchment size. The findings of this study help improve our understanding of the governing factors and the interpretation of the spatial variability of recession behaviours. Such understanding could inform the development of a generalizable process‐based framework for estimating the sensitivity of catchment storage‐release relation to climate change in different environmental settings.
Microplastics and hydrocarbons in soils: Quantification as an anthropic carbon source
Authors: Aquino Victor N. , Plaul Florencia E. , Sanchez Anabel D. , Villagra Sebastian , Cappelletti Natalia E.
Published: October 2022

The literature on the presence of microplastics (MPs) and their potential impact on terrestrial ecosystems is still scarce. Interestingly, soil MPs are detected as organic carbon (SOC) using traditional quantification methods (e.g., loss on ignition [LOI]), although its dynamics in the environment will be different. The objective of this study was to quantify the carbon (C) contribution of MPs to the SOC in superficial soil samples from a coastal urban wetland (Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina) with the features of a humid subtropical forest and compare with hydrocarbon contribution. Soil samples were split for analysis of moisture content; texture (sieve and pipet method); organic matter as a LOI (8 h at 450 °C); total hydrocarbons (THCs; gravimetry of solvent extractable matter); n-alkanes (solvent extraction and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection analysis); and extraction of MPs (floatation in NaClaq, filtration, H2O2 digestion, and visual sorting under a stereomicroscope). The superficial soil was a sandy clay loam with a large organic matter content (19%–30%). The THC averaged 2.5 ± 1.9 g kg and the marked predominance of odd-numbered carbon n-alkanes maximizing at C29 and C31 show the contribution of the terrestrial plant waxes. The average number of MPs was 587 ± 277 items kg of dry soil, predominantly fibers. Taking account of the C content, THCs and MPs add to the soil 1.23 ± 1.10 ton C ha and 0.10–0.97 ton C ha, respectively. Therefore, in this system with humid forest characteristics, the MPs represent between 0.12% and 1.25% of soil estimated carbon, in a magnitude similar to the C contribution of THCs (0.6%–4.2%). This preliminary study shows the relevance of discriminating MPs from other carbon sources and presents a description of their impact on soils to advance future research or tools for decision-makers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:698–705. © 2022 SETAC
The prevalence of hyperuricemia and its correlates in Zhuang nationality, Nanning, Guangxi Province
Authors: Yuanyuan Qin , Yunhua Huang , Qingyun Chen , Min Gan , Lujie Zhai , Peng Wang , Lin Faquan
Published: October 2022

Background

Hyperuricemia has an increasing incidence in various regions year by year, in this study, we evaluated the prevalence of hyperuricemia in a routine physical examination in Nanning, Guangxi Province, and analyzed the influencing factors of hyperuricemia, aiming to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia and related diseases.

Methods

Data were collected from 1957 patients who underwent physical examinations at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University in China since 2017. Questionnaires were structured, including subjects’ demographics, lifestyle, personal history, chronic disease history, medication history, etc. UA (uricase method), TC (cholesterol oxidase method), TG (glycerol phosphate oxidase method), HDL‐C (direct method), LDL‐C (direct method), BUN (rate method), creatinine (sarine oxidase method), and GLU (oxidase‐peroxidase method) were detected. Independent risk factors for hyperuricemia were determined by bivariate non‐conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 16.6% (19.5% in males and 14.9% in females). Gender, waist circumference, BMI, the proportion of drinking, hypertension, high education, serum concentrations of TC, TG, LDL‐C, BUN, and creatinine were significantly higher and the serum concentration of HDL‐C was significantly lower in patients with and without hyperuricemia (all p < 0.05). Waist circumference, BMI, BUN, and creatinine were independent risk factors for hyperuricemia.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hyperuricemia is very high in Guangxi. Public health lectures should be conducted to encourage people to establish a healthy lifestyle and strengthen early intervention for hyperuricemia to reduce the risk of cardio‐cerebrovascular and other related diseases.
Prognostic prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Construction of cuproptosis‐related long non‐codingRNAsignature
Authors: Huang Qi , You Quanjie , Zhu Ning , Wu Zhenhua , Xiang Zhenfei , Wu Kaiyuan , Ren Jianjun , Gui Yihua
Published: October 2022

Background

Recently, a new type of programmed cell death, cuproptosis, has been identified to play important role in the progression of tumors. We constructed a cuproptosis‐related long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) signature to predict the prognostic significance for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

The risk model was developed based on differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis. Principal component analysis was used to assess the validity. The Kaplan–Meier curves were analyzed to compare the overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) values. The multivariate and univariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic efficiency. Furthermore, the functional enrichment, immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and sensitivity toward chemotherapy were also explored.

Results

Six cuproptosis‐related lncRNAs (AL109936.2, CDKN2A‐DT, AC090587.1, KLF3‐AS1, AL133395.1, and LINC01063) were identified to construct the independent prognostic predictor for HNSCC. The area under the curve and C‐index values obtained using the risk model were higher than the values corresponding to the clinical factors. Analysis of Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that the OS, PFS, and DSS time recorded for the patients in the low‐risk group were higher than the corresponding values recorded for the patients belonging to the high‐risk group. By functional enrichment analysis, we observed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in the immune response and tumor‐associated pathways. The patients characterized by a low‐risk score exhibited better immune cell infiltration than the patients belonging to the other group. We also observed that the sensitivity of the individuals belonging to the low‐risk group to chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, docetaxel, and paclitaxel) was higher than the sensitivity of those in the other group.

Conclusions

A cuproptosis‐related lncRNA‐based signature that functioned as an independent prognosis predictor for HNSCC patients was constructed. The chemosensitivity of individual patients can be potentially predicted using this signature.
Making a tournament k $k$‐strong
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jørgen , Johansen Kasper S. , Yeo Anders
Published: October 2022

A digraph is ‐strong if it has vertices and every induced subdigraph on at least vertices is strongly connected. A tournament is a digraph with no pair of nonadjacent vertices. We prove that every tournament on vertices can be made ‐strong by adding no more than arcs. This solves a conjecture from 1994. A digraph is semicomplete if there is at least one arc between any pair of distinct vertices . Since every semicomplete digraph contains a spanning tournament, the result above also holds for semicomplete digraphs. Our result also implies that for every , every semicomplete digraph on at least vertices can be made ‐strong by reversing no more than arcs.
Prevalence of misdiagnosis of cellulitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cutler Todd S. , Jannat‐Khah Deanna P. , Kam Brian , Mages Keith C. , Evans Arthur T.
Published: October 2022

Background

There is no gold standard test to accurately identify patients with cellulitis and therefore misdiagnosis is common. Using the clinical impression of a dermatology or an infectious disease specialist as a reference standard, we sought to determine the prevalence of misdiagnosis of cellulitis among nonspecialist physicians.

Methods

A systemic search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of cellulitis. Inclusion criteria required dermatology or infectious disease consultation for all patients diagnosed with cellulitis by generalist physicians. We used random effects modeling to estimate the prevalence of misdiagnosis using consultant diagnosis as a reference standard.

Results

Eight studies contributed to the analysis. For the seven studies involving inpatients, the results were sufficiently homogeneous to justify pooling data. Of 858 inpatients initially diagnosed with cellulitis, 335 (39%, 95% confidence interval: 31–47) received an alternative diagnosis from the specialist. Heterogeneity was large (I2 = 74%) and the greatest contributor to between‐study variance was the year of publication. Alternative diagnoses were mostly noninfectious (68%, 221/327), with stasis dermatitis (18%, 60/327) being the most common. An abscess was the most common alternative infectious diagnosis (10%, 32/327).

Discussion

Cellulitis is commonly misdiagnosed among inpatients, leading to unnecessary hospital admissions and antibiotic overuse. Most alternative diagnoses are noninfectious. Continuing medical education among general practitioners and urgent care providers will likely reduce cellulitis misdiagnoses.
Developing novel oenological tannins from 44 plants sources by assessing astringency and color in model wine
Authors: Cheng Chenyaqiong , Liu Pei , Zhao Pengtao , Du Guorong , Wang Shengnan , Liu Hui , Cao Xiaomeng , Zhao Qinghao , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Oenological tannins are commercial natural products extracted from different botanical sources, which were widely reported as prominent contributors to wine quality. Research on wine quality affected by tannins extracts promoted the development of new oenological products with low cost and high accessibility. In the present study, the structure and concentration of tannin in polyphenol extracts, as well as their correlation with astringency and the color of model wine, was investigated by UV spectrophotometer, HPLC, fluorescence quenching, sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, colorimeter and sensory evaluation.

RESULTS

Resource extracts from 16 of 44 plants were screened as wine oenological tannins, according to the total polyphenol and total flavanol, as well as the intensity of astringency and bitterness. Polyphenols extracted from grape seeds and green tea were more effective in increasing the wine astringency compared to other plant tannins.

CONCLUSION

Total flavanol content and tannin activity showed a strong correlation with wine astringency. Condensed tannins with mean degree of polymerization also exhibited strong color stability, and the concentrations of (−)‐epigallocatechin were associated with the a* value, a negative qualitative factor for wine color. The present study provides new clues regarding the development of low‐cost and highly accessible sources of polyphenol extracts and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of the oenological product. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.