bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report on non‐metastatic Ewing sarcoma of the lumbar spine in a young patient
Authors: Mandal Shobha , Baniya Srijana , Rohita Dipesh Kumar , Yadav Gopal Kumar , Lowry Philip
Published: October 2022

Background

Ewing sarcoma (ES), the second most common malignant bone tumor after osteosarcoma in the second decade, occurs in 0.9% of cases as the primary non‐sacral form.

Case

A 20‐years‐old male presented with acute paraparesis of bilateral lower limb and numbness following initial back pain for the last 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a 4 cm enhancing soft tissue mass at the L4/L5 vertebra extending into the spinal canal with compression of the thecal sac. The computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed aggressive lytic lesions in the L4 spinous process with soft tissue extension into the spinal canal with no other site of distant metastasis. He was treated with IV steroids (Injection dexamethasone 10 mg IV followed by 4 mg tablet dexamethasone q6h; subsequently tapered off). A core needle biopsy showed a small, round blue cell neoplasm, (suggestive of a primitive neuroectodermal) stained positive for CD99 and vimentin stain. The diagnosis of ES lumbar spine was made which was treated with surgical resection with an appropriate margin measuring 8 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm with decompression and L4/5 laminectomies, which had a negative margin in the surgical pathology report. Concomitant local radiotherapy and chemotherapy [cycles of vincristine 2 mg/m2, adriamycin/doxorubicin 75 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 1200 mg/m2 (VDC) with mesna rescue alternating with cycles of ifosfamide 1800 mg/m2 and etoposide 100 mg/m2 (IE)] was started. The motor strength was regained gradually with preserved spine biomechanics and oncological control with no recurrence in 2‐year follow‐ups.

Conclusions

The presentation of lumbar ES can vary from local pain and swelling to acute paraparesis. Timely diagnosis and treatment with multimodal therapy, namely, steroids for acute spinal cord compression and surgery with chemoradiotherapy for ES can improve spinal biomechanics and oncological control.
How does green credit policy improve corporate social responsibility in China? An analysis based on carbon‐intensive listed firms
Authors: Chen Yi , Xu Zhongwen , Wang Xuehao , Yang Yining
Published: October 2022

For China to become carbon neutral, green financing is seen as a crucial avenue, wherein the green credit policy, which was introduced in 2012, is a crucial tool. However, whether the policy would work and how to improve its effectiveness remain unknown. This study attempts to analyze the policy's effects on carbon performance, a crucial measure of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), particularly in carbon‐intensive industries, using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2009 to 2018. As a result, first, it's confirmed that the policy can boost carbon performance of carbon‐intensive firms. Additionally, this study has verified that firm's R&D investment intensity has no mediating role in the relationship between the policy and carbon performance, while debt financing cost partly mediating the relationship, implying the policy fails to stimulate technological innovation. Moreover, firms with stronger environmental regulation intensity, weaker financing constraints, poorer corporate governance and more analyst following have greater promotion in carbon performance after the policy execution. Finally, the policy significantly improves the quality of corporate environment information disclosure. Briefly, this study enriches theoretical grounding regarding strategies of green reform in carbon‐intensive industries and provides implications for emerging economies to improve green finance via enhancing CSR.
Satellite greenness and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence reveal reverse desertification in Gurbantunggut Desert
Authors: He Panxing , Ma Jun , Ye Huawei , Han Zhiming , Ma Xiaoliang , Alitengbieke Hali , Shi Mingjie , Liu Huixia , Wang Huanbo , Sun Zongjiu
Published: October 2022

The desertification reversal is a process of revegetation and natural restoration in fragile dryland areas due to human activities and climate change mediation. Understanding the impact of desertification reversion on terrestrial ecosystems, including vegetation greenness and photosynthetic capacity, is crucial for land policy‐making and carbon‐cycle model improvement. However, the phenomenon of desertification reversal is rarely mentioned in previous studies, which dramatically limits the understanding of vegetation dynamics in the arid area. Therefore, it is of great necessity to investigate the status of desertification reversal on the ecosystem in arid areas. In this study, we first reported the phenomenon of desertification reversion over the southern edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert through the Moderate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer classification map year by year. We discussed the consequences, ways, and causes of desertification reversion. Our results showed that the desertification reversal significantly increased vegetation greenness and photosynthetic capacity, which largely offset the negative impact of desertification on the ecosystem productivity; cropland expansion and grassland's natural restoration were the two main ways of desertification reversal; the improvement of soil‐water condition was an essential environmental factor leading to the phenomenon of reverse desertification. This finding highlights the importance of desertification reversal in the carbon cycle of dryland ecosystems and prove that desertification reversal is an integral part of global and dryland vegetation greening.
Effect of the Asian monsoon on the northward migration of the brown planthopper to northern South China
Authors: Yang Shi‐Jun , Bao Yun‐Xuan , Zheng Xin‐Fei , Zeng Juan
Published: October 2022

As wind‐borne migration of insects is strongly influenced by atmospheric circulation and weather systems, the relationships between insect population abundance and meteorological conditions are substantial. The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the major wind‐borne insects hampering rice production in Asia, and its migration is significantly influenced by the Asian monsoon, a main component of the Asian climate system. However, the degree and mechanisms of the effects of monsoon on BPH migration have been little studied. In this paper, the effect of the Asian monsoon on the northward migration of BPH from the Indochina Peninsula to northern South China (NSC) was investigated based on the BPH light‐trap data and meteorological data for 39 years. The results show that the level of BPH migration in May could indicate the degree of annual pest outbreaks in NSC and that the southeast monsoon was more critical in this northward migration than the previously recognized southwest monsoon. The significance of the southeast monsoon stemmed from the strong effect of South China Sea subtropical high on BPH migration under a unique weather system distribution, the Polar low–Continental low–West Pacific subtropical high pattern. Furthermore, based on the key areas of migration obtained from the composite analysis, the multivariable linear regression prediction model could effectively predict the occurrence of BPH in NSC. These results indicate the importance of interactions between monsoons during BPH northward migration, which reflects the complex relationship between BPH migration and atmospheric motion.
New multimedia resources for ecological resilience education in modern university classrooms
Authors: Hogan Katharine F. E. , Fowler Julie A. , Barnes Conor D. , Ludwig Alison K. , Cristiano Dominic J. , Morales Daniel , Quiñones Rubi , Twidwell Dirac , Dauer Jenny M.
Published: October 2022

Solutions to global problems such as climate change and biodiversity loss require educational frameworks and accompanying teaching resources that are theory‐based, interdisciplinary, and accessible to broad undergraduate and graduate student audiences. Ecological resilience theory (ERT) is a framework with established interdisciplinary application to complex global problems, but despite an emphasis on the utility of resilience in national higher education frameworks, we found that many current ecology textbooks incorporate multiple definitions and highly variable amounts of discussion on core resilience concepts. To facilitate the use of innovative teaching resources in ERT in universities, this paper describes four free multimedia tools and templates that align with national education frameworks and are available for innovation and development by educators interested in ERT. The products are (1) content modules on core terms and concepts of ERT, (2) a classroom game and discussion, (3) interactive case studies, and (4) a complementary podcast based on resilience concepts and interviews with resilience experts to supplement formal classroom education. We contextualize the opportunities of ERT and thinking for students in university classrooms, as well as the benefits of involving graduate students and encouraging their initiative with this type of project. We conclude with a brief discussion of future opportunities for these types of educational resources. Our intent is that these resources be available for educators and researchers to facilitate interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and innovation to address complex global problems from a core educational framework of ERT.
Using local and regional trait hypervolumes to study the effects of environmental factors on community assembly
Authors: Mao Wei , Sun Zhibin , Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Griffin‐Nolan Robert , Chen Anping , Smith Melinda D.
Published: October 2022

Determining how local and environmental conditions affect community assembly processes is critical to understanding and preserving ecosystem functions. A combination of plant traits is required to capture the broad spectrum of strategies that species employ to respond to varying environmental conditions. The trait hypervolume (i.e., n‐dimensional trait space) accurately describes such multi‐trait characteristics. Here we use hypervolume mismatch metric, defined as the difference between the observed trait hypervolume and the trait hypervolume inferred from local and/or regional species pools, to investigate plant community assembly. Our method suggests plant traits should be categorized a priori to quantify trait hypervolumes associated with environmental variation (i.e., resource utilization strategies). Using the plant trait data from North American and South African grassland communities, this hypervolume mismatch metric can be applied to different categories of traits and scales, thus providing new insights into community assembly processes. For example, the trait hypervolumes calculated from physiological traits (e.g., mean stomatal length, stomatal pore index, and mean stomatal density) were highly correlated with regional environmental factors. By contrast, local species pool factors explained a greater proportion of variation in hypervolumes estimated from leaf stoichiometric traits (e.g., leaf nitrogen [N] content, leaf carbon [C] content, and leaf C/N ratio). Therefore, this hypervolume mismatch framework can accurately identify the separate impacts of regional versus local species pools on community assembly across environmental gradients.
Frailty interferes with the guideline‐directed medical therapy in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Hamada Tomoyuki , Kubo Toru , Kawai Kazuya , Nakaoka Yoko , Yabe Toshikazu , Furuno Takashi , Yamada Eisuke , Kitaoka Hiroaki ,   Kochi YOSACOI study
Published: October 2022

Aims

Guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is recommended in clinical guidelines, but elderly patients have not fully received GDMT in the clinical situation. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients who have not received GDMT and the association between implementation of GDMT at discharge and physical frailty in patients with HFrEF who were hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and results

This study was a cross‐sectional study with a retrospective analysis of the Kochi YOSACOI study, a prospective multicentre observational study that enrolled 1061 patients hospitalized for ADHF from May 2017 to December 2019 in Japan. Of 339 patients (32.0%) with HFrEF, 268 patients who were assessed for physical frailty by the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria were divided into two groups: those with GDMT (135 patients, 50.4%) and those without GDMT (133 patients, 49.6%). GDMT was defined as the prescription of a combination of renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (angiotensin‐converting inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers) and beta‐blockers. The median age of patients with HFrEF was 76 years (interquartile range, 67–83 years). Patients without GDMT were older than patients with GDMT (73 years vs. 78 years, P < 0.001). Patients without GDMT tended to have more prior HF admission than did patients with GDMT (P = 0.004), and patients without GDMT had lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.001) than those in patients with GDMT. Physical frailty was observed in 54.1% of the patients without GDMT and in 38.5% of the patients with GDMT (P = 0.014). Patients without GDMT had a higher rate of cognitive impairment than that in patients with GDMT (P = 0.009). RAS inhibitors only, beta‐blockers only, and both RAS inhibitors and beta‐blockers were less frequently prescribed in patients with physical frailty than in patients with physical non‐frailty (52.0% vs. 86.7%, P < 0.05; 70.1% vs. 100.0%, P < 0.05; 42.5% vs. 86.7%, P < 0.01, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, compared with physical non‐frailty, physical frailty was significantly associated with no implementation of GDMT (odds ratio: 6.900, 95% confidence interval: 1.420–33.600; P = 0.017), independent of older age and severe renal dysfunction.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that physical frailty is one of the factors that may withhold GDMT in patients with HFrEF.
An Electronic Structure Study of the Conversion from 1,2‐Diphenylacetylene to (E)‐1,2‐Diphenylethene Using a Bidentate Ru(II)−NC Catalyst
Authors: Esquivel Curichimba Jeyson , Haiduke Roberto Luiz Andrade
Published: October 2022

The {(C5H4N)(C6H4)}RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2catalyst has been shown to be highly efficient and selective for semi‐hydrogenation reactions with a wide range of internal alkynes containing electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups to E‐alkenes. In this work, the reaction mechanism previously proposed by experimentalists to the formation of (E)‐1,2‐diphenylethene from 1,2‐diphenylacetylene (Organometallics,2020,39, 862) is evaluated by using the Density Functional Theory. Our calculations show the existence of four new intermediates to avoid steric hindrance issues and to explain the releasing of the (Z)‐1,2‐diphenylethene and (E)‐1,2‐diphenylethene products at the end of the first and second cycles, respectively. Besides, by using the energetic span model, the turnover frequency (TOF)‐determining transition state (TDTS) and intermediate (TDI) are found in the first cycle, providing an energetic span for the catalytic cycle of 16.8 kcal/mol at 383.15 K. This result assures that the reaction can really proceed by this mechanism.
Reppe‐Carbonylation of Alkenes with Carboxylic Acids: A Catalytic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: October Jacquin , Köhnke Katrin , Thanheuser Nico , Vorholt Andreas J. , Leitner Walter
Published: October 2022

In this work, a green‐catalytic procedure is used to demonstrate the synthesis of long‐chain anhydrides. This is accomplished by the carbonylation of alkenes with carboxylic acids. Anhydrides are important intermediates, finding specific applications as acetylation agents. The process is catalyzed by a Pd phosphine catalyst system in the presence of an acid promotor. Through optimization experiments, the importance of the phosphine ligand and acid promotor is demonstrated, without which the catalyst shows no activity. Although the yield was limited because of catalyst deactivation (42 %), to the best of our knowledge, the synthesis of long‐chain anhydrides through this route have not been reported previously. It therefore represents a significant result. Isolation of the anhydrides were also successfully demonstrated, however, as a result of the sensitivity of the anhydrides to water, the isolated yields were much lower than the HPLC yield. Furthermore, a mechanistic study by means of HP‐NMR (High Pressure Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy provided significant insights into the mechanism of the reaction.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,1’‐2‐Amino Thiodisaccharides by Organocatalysis
Authors: Nie Qin , Deng Lei , Tu Yuanhong , Liu Hui , Sun Jian‐Song , Wang Liming , Zhang Qingju
Published: October 2022

In this work, we report a new bifunctional organothiourea catalysis method for highly stereoselective synthesis of 1,1’‐2‐amino thiodisaccharides using 2‐nitroglycals as donors and glycosyl thiols as acceptors. The method features excellent stereoselectivity, high yields, mild reaction conditions and broad substrate scopes. In addition, the method was successfully applied on the synthesis of the thiolated 1,1’‐2,2’‐diamino disaccharide fragment of bioactive nature product tunicamycins.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Acyl‐Group Exchange Reaction of Carboxylic Acids and an Aroyl Fluoride
Authors: Hattori Hiroyuki , Ishida Kento , Ogiwara Yohei , Sakai Norio
Published: October 2022

Acyl fluorides show unique reactivity and stability, and the catalytic conversions using acyl fluorides as a divergent building block have recently attracted much attention and have been rapidly researched. Thus, a development of a new synthetic method of acyl fluorides is constantly demanded. Herein, we describe a phosphine‐catalyzed acyl‐group exchange reaction between carboxylic acids and an aroyl fluoride. A variety of acyl fluorides are directly obtained from carboxylic acids through a catalytic system composed of tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy3) and 2,6‐difluorobenzoyl fluoride. This report is the first example of utilizing an acyl fluoride as a deoxyfluorination reagent.
Vertical and rocking motions of a flexible strip foundation placed on a layered transversely isotropic poroelastic half‐space
Authors: Ai Zhi Yong , Ye Zi Kun
Published: October 2022

An analytical method for vertical and rocking motions of a flexible strip foundation on a layered transversely isotropic proelastic half‐space is presented in this paper. The dynamic soil‐structure interactions are simultaneously restricted by the boundary conditions for the underlying media and the flexible strip foundation. For the underlying media, the plain strain dynamic responses of the layered poroelastic half‐space are obtained by the extended precise integration method. For the strip foundation, the deflection due to the vertical motion and the rocking motion are obtained by analytically solving the dynamic equilibrium of the thin plate. Then, the mixed boundary conditions for the dynamic interactions are degenerated into a set of linear equations by assuming Bessel series expansions for the contact stress. The series solutions for these linear equations can be utilized to yield the compliance functions and the dynamic responses for the underlying media. Finally, a calculation program is compiled to verify the presented theory and discuss the effects of the stratifications, the dynamic permeability, and the foundation flexibility.
Rational design of h‐AlC monolayer as anode material for Mg‐ion battery: A DFT study
Authors: Shekh Nayana , Chodvadiya Darshil , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: October 2022

In the present work, we have analyzed the suitability of two‐dimensional (2D) h‐AlC as a high‐capacity anode material for Mg‐ion batteries (MIBs) by employing first principles‐based density functional theory (DFT). The structural parameters, electronic band structure, partial density of states (PDOS), theoretical storage capacity (TSC), diffusion energy barrier (DEB), open‐circuit voltage (OCV), and room temperature stability (from ab initio molecular dynamic (AIMD) simulations) are calculated and discussed. The band structure of h‐AlC monolayer remains metallic for all considered adsorption concentrations of Mg‐atoms which indicates its good electrical conductivity. A significant quantity of charge is transferred from Mg atom to h‐AlC during adsorption of the Mg atom due to its lower electronegativity compared with the Al and C atoms. The calculated TSC is 1221.75 mAh g−1 which is higher than many anode materials. For MIBs, calculated DEB and OCV are 1.21 and 0.73 V, respectively. However, transition from planar structure to buckled structure takes place during the adsorption of more than 9 Mg‐atoms over h‐AlC. The lattice change is negligible during adsorption of Mg atoms. The AIMD calculations revels that the 9 and 18 Mg atoms adsorbed h‐AlC is stable at T = 300 K. The aforementioned findings suggest that h‐AlC can be anode material for MIBs.
A new convergent science framework for food system sustainability in an uncertain climate
Authors: Sixt Gregory N. , Hauser Michael , Blackstone Nicole Tichenor , Engler Alejandra , Hatfield Jerry , Hendriks Sheryl L. , Ihouma Samuel , Madramootoo Chandra , Robins Renee J. , Smith Pete , Ziska Lewis H. , Webb Patrick
Published: October 2022

The complexity and interconnectivity of food systems and climate requires new thinking and research designs that better address the real‐world challenges of securing the resilience and sustainability of human and environmental systems. Central to such an approach is coherent action across sectors and scales. Although inter‐and transdisciplinary approaches are widely discussed, no convergence model exists to detect and prepare for food system vulnerabilities emerging from disruptions in climate systems, or to address the contributions to climate change from food system functions. Convergence research is critical to solving these vexing dynamics by integrating knowledge from multiple scientific domains to inform societal action. Here, we present a new convergent science model that incorporates four key components at the global, national and local level. Through the newly created Food and Climate Systems Transformation Alliance, we are now operationalizing, testing and refining the model to promote science convergence for tackling systemic vulnerabilities in the current food paradigm. Globally, funding relating to climate change and food systems transformation needs to pivot to support the levels of ambition, magnitude of need and complexity of challenges posed.
Sensitivitätsanalyse der unterschiedlichen Einflussfaktoren auf numerische Untersuchungen von Hangrutschungen
Authors: Schneider‐Muntau Barbara , Dai Xiaoru , Fellin Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Calculation approaches, shear strength approaches, material parameters and external influences have a significant impact on the results of slope stability analyses. This influence can be quantified as influence on the safety factor in sensitivity analyses. As expected, a lower shear strength of the soil or a higher groundwater flow through a slope lead to lower factors of safety. In the two case studies considered here, it is evident that the parameter with the highest sensitivity of the safety factor is not unique. This most influencing parameter depends on the boundary conditions and the geometry of the landslide. In addition to the safety factor, the above parameters also strongly influence the geometry of the failure mechanism. Here, for example, different permeability coefficients for stratified soil and the consideration of a nonlinear shear strength criterium show significant changes in the failure geometry. Therefore, the modelled failure geometry has to be considered in addition to an certain safety factor for the validation of a landslide modelling.
Projekt Pumpspeicherkraftwerk Limberg III – besondere Herausforderungen an die Logistik sowie die Vortriebssysteme einer Großbaustelle im Hochgebirge
Authors: Schorn Roland , Rieder Christian , Hager Andreas
Published: October 2022

Construction of the Verbund project Limberg III pumped storage power station is currently underway in the area of the Kaprun/Salzach power station group. Preliminary work started on 6 April 2021, the main construction work started on 7 January 2022 and the overall facility is scheduled to be commissioned the end of 2025. Kaprun has a long history in the construction of power stations. The Kaprun storage power stations in the 1950s were an outstanding engineering feat and is symbolic of the reconstruction efforts that took place in Austria in the wake of World War II. The power station facilities at the main and upper stage have been in existence since the 1950s and have since been continuously expanded. From 2006 to 2011 the all‐year‐round reservoirs Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden were extended to include the Limberg II pumped storage station. The group is currently expanding the Kaprun/Salzach power station group by building the Limberg III pumped storage station, for which the same design as Limberg II has been adopted for implementation purposes. In addition to the significant logistical challenges posed by the high mountain location of the construction site, this report also covers the tunnelling systems.
Neubau Bahnstromkraftwerk Obervellach II
Authors: Höss Christian , Binder Michael , Hofmann Michael , Zmölnig Martin , Reiter Franz
Published: October 2022

In the interests of climate protection, ÖBB Infrastruktur AG traditionally focuses on the sustainable use of hydro‐electric power for the generation of traction current for the railways. After about 100 years in service, the existing Obervellach I and Lassach power stations will be replaced by the more efficient new Obervellach II and Kaponig plants. With an increased output of 38 MW and a regular working capacity of 125 GWh per year, around 30,000 high speed journeys from Villach to Vienna will be possible.

The challenges in the course of the submission, tender and project planning were the complexity of the project and its size. In particular, the hydraulic, geographical, geological and ecological conditions required cross‐disciplinary cooperation in all phases of the planning. Likewise, close coordination between the contractor and the local construction supervision took place and continues to take place in the course of the project.

The vastness of the project area requires sophisticated logistics in its execution. The tunnelling work, in particular, was challenging due to the small cross‐section to be excavated and the tunnel length. A special feature is the use of a full‐round formwork carriage. During the work along the high pressure down pipe in impassable terrain, using a cableway for carrying material, the focus is on the parallel health and safety arrangements in the construction and equipment activities. The whole project is planned to be commissioned in March 2024.
Potenziale und Grenzen der Prognose von Injektionsparametern mittels Künstlicher Intelligenz – Ergebnisse einer Fallstudie bei einem Tunnelprojekt in Skandinavien
Authors: Thienert Christian , Ouschan † Michael , Wenighofer Robert , Könemann Frank , Klaproth Christoph , Gabriel Patrick , Villeneuve Marlene , Pechhacker Robert
Published: October 2022

Great importance is attached to ‘pressure‐volume records’ for the execution, documentation and billing of rock grouting. In this context, special digital data management systems are now available which can provide data in a structured and consistent format that is also suitable for artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. Using datasets from a tunnel project in Scandinavia, this paper shows that artificial neural networks can be used to reliably predict the evolution of pressure‐volume records or the volume of grout injected at the end in the interests of construction site efficiency. Taking into account the technical feasibility of using AI to support tunnel grouting, we then show which contractual modifications would be required in order to make effective use of corresponding developments.
Automated geological model updates during TBM operation – An approach based on probabilistic machine learning concepts
Authors: Wellmann Florian , Amann Florian , de la Varga Miguel , Chudalla Nils
Published: October 2022

Geological models are commonly used to predict the position of relevant geological features, such as rock types or faults in the subsurface. These models can contain significant uncertainties, as the geological input parameters are often not perfectly known. Predictions of geological features, for example, on the level of a tunnel during an excavation process, are therefore uncertain. This work shows how these uncertainties can be estimated using probabilistic concepts. Furthermore, an approach is presented to automatically adjust the geological model predictions using measurements of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation. To this aim, the geological forward model is combined with a measurement model and both are integrated in a probabilistic machine learning framework. This integration enables a Bayesian inference process using computational methods, enabling an update of the parameters of the geological and measurement models. Based on the inferred parameter distributions, the model predictions on the tunnel level are subsequently updated. The application of the concept in a simple schematic application shows that such a combination can accurately and precisely predict features ahead of the operation within the limits of the model capabilities. In future work, the methods need to be tested with a real case study to evaluate the accuracy of predictions using real‐world TBM data and more complex geological models. The framework presented here could directly be extended to this purpose.
Illness progression in older‐age bipolar disorder: Exploring the applicability, dispersion, concordance, and associated clinical markers of two staging models for bipolar disorder in an older population
Authors: van der Markt Afra , Beunders Alexandra J. M. , Korten Nicole C. M. , Schouws Sigfried N. T. M. , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , Kupka Ralph W. , Klumpers Ursula , Dols Annemiek
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The validity and applicability of two existing staging models reflecting illness progression have been studied in bipolar disorder (BD) in adults, but not in older adult populations. Staging model A is primarily defined by the number and recurrence of mood episodes, model B is defined by the level of inter‐episodic functioning. This study aimed to explore the applicability, dispersion, and concordance of, and associations with clinical markers in these two staging models in older‐age bipolar disorder (OABD).

Methods

Using cross‐sectional data from the Dutch Older Bipolars study, OABD outpatients (N = 126, ≥50 years) were staged using models A and B. Dispersion over the stages and concordance between the models were assessed. Associations were explored between model stages and clinical markers (familial loading, childhood abuse, illness duration, episode density, treatment resistance, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and composite cognitive score).

Results

Ninety subjects could be assigned to model A, 111 to model B, 80 cases to both. The majority (61%) had multiple relapses (model A, stage 3C) but were living independently (model B, stage I‐III). Concordance between models was low. For model A, the markers childhood abuse, illness duration, and episode density significantly increased over subsequent stages. Model B was not associated with a significant change in any marker.

Conclusions

Assigning stages to OABD subjects was possible for both models, with age‐related adjustments for model B. Model B as currently operationalized may be less suitable for OABD or may measure different aspects of illness progression, reflected by its low correspondence with model A and lack of associated clinical markers.
A higher FIB‐4 index is associated with an increased incidence of renal failure in the general population
Authors: Schleicher Eva Maria , Gairing Simon Johannes , Galle Peter Robert , Weinmann‐Menke Julia , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Kostev Karel , Labenz Christian
Published: October 2022

The Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) is a recommended noninvasive fibrosis test in patients at risk of liver fibrosis. Chronic liver diseases are often associated with kidney diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between FIB‐4 and the development of renal failure among the general population. For this study, we used the Disease Analyzer database, which includes diagnoses and basic medical and demographic data of patients followed in general practices in Germany. Using these data, we extensively matched patients with a FIB‐4 index ≥ 1.3 (n = 66,084) to patients with a FIB‐4 index < 1.3 (n = 66,084). The primary outcome was the incidence of renal failure or chronic renal failure during a 10‐year period. Within 10 years of the index date, 9.2% of patients with a FIB‐4 < 1.3 and 10.6% of patients with a FIB‐4 ≥ 1.3 were diagnosed with renal failure (p = 0.007). The endpoint chronic renal failure was reached by 7.9% with a FIB‐4 < 1.3 and 9.5% with a FIB‐4 ≥ 1.3 (p < 0.001). A FIB‐4 index ≥ 1.3 was associated with a slight increase in renal failure incidence (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.08, p = 0.009). There was an increasing association between an increase in FIB‐4 index and the incidence of renal failure with the strongest association for a FIB‐4 index ≥ 2.67 (HR: 1.34, p = 0.001). In sensitivity analyses, a significant association was found for the age group of 51–60 years (HR: 1.38, p < 0.001), patients with arterial hypertension (HR: 1.15, p < 0.001), obese patients (HR: 1.25, p = 0.005), and patients with lipid metabolism disorders (HR:1.22, p < 0.001). Conclusion: A higher FIB‐4 index is associated with an increased incidence of renal failure. Therefore, the FIB‐4 index may be useful in identifying patients who are at risk not only for liver‐related events but also for renal disease.
How to improve food waste management in hospitals through focussing on the four most common measures for reducing plate waste
Authors: Antasouras Georgios , Vasios Georgios K. , Kontogiorgis Christos , Ioannou Zacharias , Poulios Efthymios , Deligiannidou Georgia‐Eirini , Troumbis Andreas Y. , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: October 2022

Hospitals have a responsibility to link human health and the environment, but food waste in hospitals has traditionally been much higher than in other areas of food supply. The cause of this situation has many negative impacts on health, economy, society, and environment. As a result, food waste has become a topic of discussion in hospital food departments. Part of this problem is plate waste, the served food that remains uneaten by patients. Given the magnitude of the food problem, this systematic review is aimed to identify the most common measures used to reduce plate waste in hospitals. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were comprehensively searched to identify food waste studies worldwide using related search terms. Many approaches have been recommended to increase patient food intake and minimise plate waste in hospitals. Up to date, the four most common include flexible portion sizes, increased food choices through selective menus, additional nutritional support and a better ordering and delivery system. Among them, the most used and effective are flexible portion sizes which may increase the ability of patients choosing their menus and upgrade ordering and delivery system by electronic format. In most studies, plate waste covers the most significant percentage of food waste produced in hospitals, while more than one approach is recommended to minimise it. In this aspect, further well‐design, multicenter, clinical studies are strongly required to highlight and establish novel and effective approaches for improving food waste management in hospitals by reducing plate waste.
Mean population salt intake in Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pourkhajoei Sirous , Yazdi‐Feyzabadi Vahid , Amiresmaeili Mohamadreza , Nakhaee Nouzar , Goudarzi Reza
Published: October 2022

Introduction

High salt intake has been connected with the increase of many non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. Like other middle‐income countries, Iran is experiencing a considerable increase in NCDs, necessitating attempts to reduce dietary salt intake. As in Iran there is uncertainty about the existing rate of salt intake. The present study aimed to estimate mean salt intake of Iranian population by systematically reviewing existing literature.

Methods

This research is a systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA Protocol) of published article data, with no time constraint until the end of 2020, to estimate mean salt intake of Iranian population. A comprehensive literature search was performed on international databases of Medline, Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Springer, Online Library Wiley, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar and domestic data bases of Iranmedex, Magiran, SID, and Medlib. Subgroup analysis was conducted for gender, region, measurement method, and age group. Research homogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistic. We reviewed all studies which met inclusion criteria. STATA Ver.13.1 was used to perform meta‐analysis.

Results

Meta‐analysis of data from 32 studies showed that the average salt intake in all ages was 9.674 g/day (95% CI, 9.033–10.316 g/day). The lowest estimation of salt intake was 9.33 g/day (95% CI, 7.75–10.91 g/day) which was estimated from studies which used point collection method, and the highest estimate using the food reminder questionnaire was 10.41 g/day (95% CI, 8.49–12.34 g/day). Also, the average weight salt intake for men over 18 years old in different cities was 10.39 g/day (95% CI, 9.01–11.78 g/day), for women over 18 years in different cities 9.52 g/day (95% CI, 8.42–10.62 g/day), and children and adolescents was estimated at 5.664 g/day (95% CI, 2.91–8.41 g/day).

Conclusion

The intake of salt in the Iranian population is near twice the WHO recommendation. Therefore, it is necessary to consider effective strategies and interventions to reduce dietary salt intake in Iran as a health priority.
Front Cover
Authors: Cui Yancheng , Zhong Qinghua , Sun Dawei , Chen Yan , Jiang Zhe , Yang Xiaodong , Shen Zhanlong , Sun Yunhua , Yin Mujun , Liang Bin , Zhu Xin , Guo Xuefeng , Ye Yingjiang
Published: October 2022

The slide‐free, stain‐free multimodal multiphoton imaging provides rich morphological and chemical information about the tissue. Non‐destructive and automated qualitative and quantitative assessment of the pathological changes provides promising potentials for building a more standardizable system for the evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer.

Further details can be found in the article by Yancheng Cui, Qinghua Zhong, Dawei Sun, Yan Chen, Zhe Jiang, Xiaodong Yang, Zhanlong Shen, Yunhua Sun, Mujun Yin, Bin Liang, Xin Zhu, Xuefeng Guo, Yingjiang Ye (e202200079)

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Antioxidant, antiproliferative, and apoptotic activity of thymoquinone against benzo(a)pyrene‐induced experimental lung cancer
Authors: Nithya Gajendran , Santhanasabapathy Rajasekaran , Vanitha Manickam Kalappan , Anandakumar Pandi , Sakthisekaran Dhanapalan
Published: October 2022

Several studies have suggested that increased consumption of phytochemicals is a comparatively easy and practical strategy to significantly decrease the incidence of cancer. In the present study, we have reported the protective effect of a natural compound, thymoquinone (TQ) against benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P)‐induced lung carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered twice weekly for four successive weeks and left until 20 weeks to induce lung cancer in mice. TQ (20 mg/kg body weight) was given orally as a pretreatment and posttreatment drug to determine its chemopreventive and therapeutic effects. B(a)P‐induced lung cancer‐bearing animals displayed cachexia‐like symptoms along with an abnormal increase in lung weight and the activities of marker enzymes adenosine deaminase, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, 5′‐nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase; tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen levels. Furthermore, B(a)P‐induced animals showed elevated levels of lipid peroxides with subsequent depletion in the antioxidant status and histological aberrations. These anomalies were accompanied by increased expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1 in the lung sections derived from B(a)P‐induced animals. On TQ treatment, all the above alterations were returned to near normalcy. Furthermore, TQ administration in B(a)P‐induced animals downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway and induced apoptosis as evidenced by a decrease in cytochrome c, proapoptotic Bax, caspase‐3, and p53 with a parallel increase in antiapoptotic Bcl‐2. Our present results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of TQ as an antioxidant, antiproliferative, and apoptotic agent against B(a)P‐induced experimental lung tumorigenesis.
Ropivacaine inhibits proliferation and invasion and promotes apoptosis and autophagy in bladder cancer cells via inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Qiao Hui , Zhang Wei , Liu Pengfei , Zhu Ruilou , Zhang Jing , Gao Jing , Li Tianzuo , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: October 2022

Application of a certain concentration of local anesthetics during tumor resection inhibits the progression of tumor. The effects of ropivacaine in bladder cancer (BC) have never been explored. We explored the effects of ropivacaine on the progression of BC in vitro and in vivo. CCK8 assay and EDU staining was conducted to examine cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and transwell assay were performed to evaluate apoptosis and invasion, respectively. Expression of light chain 3 (LC3) was observed through immunofluorescence. Furthermore, the xenograft tumor model of BC was built to detect the effects of ropivacaine in vivo. IHC and TUNEL assay were conducted to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis in vivo. Ropivacaine inhibited the proliferation of T24 and 5639 cells with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.08 and 31.86 µM, respectively. Ropivacaine suppressed the invasion ability and induces the apoptosis of cells. Besides, ropivacaine triggers obvious autophagy in BC cells. Moreover, ropivacaine blocks the PI3K/AKT signal pathway in BC cells. The impact of ropivacaine on cell viability, motility, and autophagy was reversed by 740 Y‐P, the activator of PI3K/AKT signal pathway. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that ropivacaine inhibited the proliferation and mobility of BC. Ropivacaine has anti‐carcinoma effects in BC via inactivating PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a new theoretical reference for the use of local anesthetics in the treatment of BC.
Simultaneous analysis of 16 metal ions by ion‐pairing high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Kuok‐Fai , Syue Pai‐Chi , Lien Ching‐Yi , Ku Kuo‐Lung
Published: October 2022

Metal ions can be analyzed by ESI‐MS with chelating agents. However, matrix effect and the marginal difference in atomic weight of the isotopes of some metal ions make the analysis of a metal ion mixture not feasible. In this paper, we present the use of IP‐HPLC in conjunction with a metal ion chelating agent to analyze the metal ion mixtures. Hydrophobic (±)‐trans‐1,2‐cyclohexylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (CDTA) was used to chelate 16 metal ions. The chelates were then separated by IP‐HPLC followed by ESI‐MS analysis. For IP‐HPLC, different combinations of primary amines and their salts were employed as the ion‐pairing reagent in eluent on a high‐pH resistant C‐18 column under basic conditions. For ESI‐MS, Q‐Exactive Focus system was used. Among the metal ions, the results indicated that Al3+ showed the lowest LOD (3.88 × 10−3 μM) while Zn2+ showed the highest (0.227 μM). The sensitivity was close to that of ICP‐AES. The coefficients of determination (R2) were greater than 0.995 except for Sr2+ (R2 = 0.9899), indicating the high accuracy of the method. Finally, this method was used to analyze the black soybean samples from two different sources. Eight metal ions were successfully identified with simultaneous detection of sugars, organic acids, and nucleotides.
Catalytic synthesis of sucrose‐6‐acetate by lipase in DMF composite solvent
Authors: Qian Junqing , Zhu Hanxiao , Shi Bobo , Huang Aomei , Gou Lihong
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

High selectivity, fewer reaction steps, and energy conservation are the most important advantages of the enzymatic synthesis of sucrose‐6‐acetate. To improve the enzymatic synthesis efficiency, a solvent system involving N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) for lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of sucrose‐6‐acetate was studied.

RESULTS

Using Lipozyme TL IM as the catalyst, tert‐amyl alcohol was screened out as the auxiliary solvent and complexed with DMF at 1/1 (v/v) ratio. The optimized technology conditions for the enzymatic synthesis of sucrose‐6‐acetate in the above solvent system were as follows: 100 ml composite solvent with sucrose (2.0%, w/v), vinyl acetate (2.90 M), and Lipozyme TL IM (20 mg/ml) was oscillated at 160 rpm in a water bath at 45 °C for 16 h. The esterification rate and the 6‐position esterification rate of sucrose were 88.9 ± 1.3% and 94.2 ± 1.2%, respectively. Raising the sucrose concentration to 7.0% and reacting by mechanical stirring at 45 °C in 1000 ml composite solvent could also achieve ideal esterification effects (esterification rate: 87.2 ± 1.0%, 6‐position esterification rate: 90.7 ± 1.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

As a reaction medium for the enzymatic synthesis of sucrose‐6‐acetate, the DMF/tert‐amyl alcohol solvent was significantly more efficient than the DMSO composite solvent reported in the literature; therefore, the studied solvent could be an ideal application prospect. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Immunopathology of chronic critical illness in sepsis survivors: Role of abnormal myelopoiesis
Authors: Rincon Jaimar C , Efron Philip A , Moldawer Lyle L
Published: October 2022

Sepsis remains the single most common cause of mortality and morbidity in hospitalized patients requiring intensive care. Although earlier detection and improved treatment bundles have reduced in-hospital mortality, long-term recovery remains dismal. Sepsis survivors who experience chronic critical illness often demonstrate persistent inflammation, immune suppression, lean tissue wasting, and physical and functional cognitive declines, which often last in excess of 1 year. Older patients and those with preexisting comorbidities may never fully recover and have increased mortality compared with individuals who restore their immunologic homeostasis. Many of these responses are shared with individuals with advanced cancer, active autoimmune diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic renal disease. Here, we propose that this resulting immunologic endotype is secondary to a persistent maladaptive reprioritization of myelopoiesis and pathologic activation of myeloid cells. Driven in part by the continuing release of endogenous alarmins from chronic organ injury and muscle wasting, as well as by secondary opportunistic infections, ongoing myelopoiesis at the expense of lymphopoiesis and erythropoiesis leads to anemia, recurring infections, and lean tissue wasting. Early recognition and intervention are required to interrupt this pathologic activation of myeloid populations.