bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and treatment of patients with Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Germany—A claims data study
Authors: Starry Alexandra , Hardtstock Fraence , Wilke Thomas , Weihing Julia , Ultsch Bernhard , Wernitz Martin , Renninger Marius , Maywald Ulf , Pfaar Oliver
Published: March 2022

Background

There are different levels of severity among patients who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). In this study, the epidemiology of CRSwNP and severe CRswNP was estimated.

Methods

A retrospective claim data analysis was conducted on adult CRSwNP patients (ICD‐10: J33), and those classified as severe CRSwNP patients with inadequate disease control (based upon combinations of previous and current treatments) between 2015 and 2019. Prevalence and incidence figures were calculated and extrapolated to the German population. In addition, baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes were analysed.

Results

Overall, the 5‐year prevalence of adult CRSwNP cases from 2015 to 2019 in Germany was 374,115 cases (about 5500 per million), with 12,989 (about 200 per million) patients being classified as severe CRSwNP with inadequate disease control, whereas 267,880 (about 3900 per million) patients were identified as having an incident CRSwNP diagnosis between 2016 and 2019. From the incident CRSwNP cohort, 80.55% had received at least one intranasal corticosteroid (INCS), 24.27% received at least 1 systemic corticosteroid (SCS), and 17.33% received at least one functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) within 12 months after their incident diagnosis.

Conclusion

Severe CRSwNP with inadequate disease control affects about 200 per million people in Germany. INCS is the first‐choice treatment for most CRSwNP patients; however, for patients with severe CRSwNP, SCS are prescribed more frequently and long‐term effects of these should be further investigated, especially if despite treatment, adequate disease control cannot be achieved.
Vaccine based on folded receptor binding domain‐PreS fusion protein with potential to induce sterilizing immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 variants
Authors: Gattinger Pia , Kratzer Bernhard , Tulaeva Inna , Niespodziana Katarzyna , Ohradanova‐Repic Anna , Gebetsberger Laura , Borochova Kristina , Garner‐Spitzer Erika , Trapin Doris , Hofer Gerhard , Keller Walter , Baumgartner Isabella , Tancevski Ivan , Khaitov Musa , Karaulov Alexander , Stockinger Hannes , Wiedermann Ursula , Pickl Winfried F. , Valenta Rudolf
Published: March 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is responsible for the ongoing global COVID‐19 pandemic. One possibility to control the pandemic is to induce sterilizing immunity through the induction and maintenance of neutralizing antibodies preventing SARS‐CoV‐2 from entering human cells to replicate in.

Methods

We report the construction and in vitro and in vivo characterization of a SARS‐CoV‐2 subunit vaccine (PreS‐RBD) based on a structurally folded recombinant fusion protein consisting of two SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein receptor‐binding domains (RBD) fused to the N‐ and C‐terminus of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen PreS to enable the two unrelated proteins serving as immunologic carriers for each other.

Results

PreS‐RBD, but not RBD alone, induced a robust and uniform RBD‐specific IgG response in rabbits. Currently available genetic SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines induce mainly transient IgG1 responses in vaccinated subjects whereas the PreS‐RBD vaccine induced RBD‐specific IgG antibodies consisting of an early IgG1 and sustained IgG4 antibody response in a SARS‐CoV‐2 naive subject. PreS‐RBD‐specific IgG antibodies were detected in serum and mucosal secretions, reacted with SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, including the omicron variant of concern and the HBV receptor‐binding sites on PreS of currently known HBV genotypes. PreS‐RBD‐specific antibodies of the immunized subject more potently inhibited the interaction of RBD with its human receptor ACE2 and their virus‐neutralizing titers (VNTs) were higher than median VNTs in a random sample of healthy subjects fully immunized with registered SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines or in COVID‐19 convalescent subjects.

Conclusion

The PreS‐RBD vaccine has the potential to serve as a combination vaccine for inducing sterilizing immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV by stopping viral replication through the inhibition of cellular virus entry.
FGF6 promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction by inhibiting the Hippo pathway
Authors: Hu Zhicheng , Chen Peng , Wang Linlin , Zhu Yu , Chen Gen , Chen Yunjie , Hu Zhenyu , Mei Lin , You Weijing , Cong Weitao , Jin Litai , Wang Xu , Wang Yang , Guan Xueqiang
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Myocardial infarction (MI) commonly occurs in patients with coronary artery disease and have high mortality. Current clinical strategies for MI still limited to reducing the death of myocardial cells but failed to replace these cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) in enhancing the proliferative potential of cardiomyocytes (CMs) after ischemic injury via the Hippo pathway.

Materials and Methods

Expression of FGF6 protein was analysed in mice with MI induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Activation of the Hippo pathway and the proliferation potential were examined in ischemic CMs, treated with FGF6 protein or transfected with an adeno‐virus carrying FGF6 sh‐RNA. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed to assess the relationship between FGF6 and the Hippo pathway.

Results

We found that FGF6 expression was significantly increased in the MI mouse model. Knockdown of FGF6 synthesis resulted in poorer heart function after MI. By contrast, treatment with recombinant human FGF6 protein improved heart function, reduced infarct size, and promoted cardiac repair. Additionally, FGF6 restrains the activation of the Hippo pathway and subsequently promotes nuclear accumulation of YAP. This was largely counteracted by treatment with extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor U0126.

Conclusion

FGF6 inhibits the Hippo pathway via ERK1/2, and facilitates nuclear translocation of YAP, and thereby promotes cardiac repair after MI.
Broad‐ and fine‐scale structure across the distribution of the relict dace (Relictus solitarius) in the Great Basin desert, USA
Authors: Finger Amanda J. , Benjamin Alyssa , Crookshanks Chris , Campbell Matthew A. , Sağlam İsmail K.
Published: March 2022

The Relict Dace is a small cyprinid and the only species in its genus, Relictus. It is naturally distributed in four drainage basins of central Nevada ‐ Butte Valley, Ruby Valley, Steptoe Valley, and Goshute Valley. The species has experienced periods of isolation and connection within these four basins since the late Pliocene, with the last 100 years characterized by anthropogenic disturbance. To better inform conservation actions, we investigated range‐wide and intra‐basin genetic structure and diversity and conducted Fst outlier tests using RAD‐sequencing. We found high levels of genetic structure and four main lineages on a broad scale corresponding primarily to geography, and on a very fine scale (<1 km) within drainage basins. Signatures of selection in the form of outlier loci were documented in multiple locations across the range. Our results provide baseline data for conservation efforts and highlight the degree of fine‐scale genetic structuring that may be present in fishes of the Great Basin that are now restricted to small, isolated habitats—particularly wetland complexes. We caution against assuming that geographic distance is a proxy for genetic similarity in Great Basin fishes, encourage thorough genetic sampling, and note that broad‐scale genetic surveys can overlook fine‐scale genetic structure.
Cutaneous vascular calcification. Perieccrine calcification as a diagnostic key for calciphylaxis
Authors: Reolid Alejandra , Martínez‐Palazuelo María , Rodríguez‐Jiménez Pedro , Muñoz‐Aceituno Ester , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Fraga Javier , Daudén Esteban
Published: March 2022

Background

Attempts have been made to establish discriminative criteria between classic calciphylaxis (CPX) and those cases in which cutaneous vascular calcification (CVC) represents an incidental finding (epiphenomenon).

Methods

Retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with CVC to distinguish clinicopathological features between CVC as classic CPX (CVC in cutaneous lesions with erythematous–violaceous plaques with or without ulceration) or as an epiphenomenon (CVC in cutaneous lesions with known diagnosis). Different clinicopathological parameters and the presence of perieccrine calcification and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)‐like changes were evaluated.

Results

Sixty‐six patients were studied. The CPX group showed a significantly higher percentage of renal failure, hypertension, altered laboratory parameters, painful lesions, and mortality rate. Histopathologically, the CPX group was associated with more than one vessel per field involved with subintimal concentric calcification and perieccrine calcification (observed exclusively in the CPX group), while PXE‐like changes, although more frequent in the CPX group, were also observed in the epiphenomenon group.

Conclusion

Perieccrine calcification and the presence of more than one vessel per field involved by concentric pattern calcification could be used as a diagnostic marker of CPX. Although PXE‐like changes are not an exclusive marker, they could suggest CPX diagnosis.
The functional ecology of mangrove fishes across the Isthmus of Panama
Authors: Stuthmann Lara E. , Castellanos‐Galindo Gustavo A. , Robertson D. Ross
Published: March 2022

Aim

Biogeographic history and variation in modern environmental conditions can greatly influence local and regional community structure and, more generally, ecosystem functioning. This is clearly exemplified at the Isthmus of Panama where marine communities and environments from the Caribbean Sea and the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean differ despite ancient connections during the Miocene and Pleistocene. Here, we compare the functional (implied from traits) and isotopic structure of mangrove fish communities from those two biogeographic regions, which have been separated by the Isthmus of Panama for ~3 my.

Location

Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama (Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea).

Methods

We gathered data on five functional traits (salinity preference, body mass, diet, position in the water column and lifespan) of mangrove fishes from the sampled regions. We also analysed δ13C and δ15C isotopic values and calculated functional isotopic metrics of the most abundant fish species inhabiting mangroves of these two regions.

Results

The taxonomic composition and functional and trophic diversity differed between the mangrove fish communities of the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific. Although the species richness of both assemblages was similar, there was very little taxonomic overlap between them: Snooks (Centropomidae) numerically dominated in the Eastern Pacific, whereas grunts (Haemulidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae) dominated in the Caribbean Sea. Functional divergence (FDiv) and isotopic richness (IRic) were higher in the Caribbean than in the Eastern Pacific, indicating differences in the way fishes use mangroves in these areas.

Main conclusions

Taxonomic and functional characteristics of mangrove fish assemblages across biogeographic realms can be strongly influenced by local environmental factors (e.g. tidal regimes, the presence of adjacent coastal ecosystems and productivity), and these can override similarities that recent historical connections of faunas might be expected to produce. All such aspects need to be considered when seeking generalizations about ecosystem functioning.
Temperature and host plant species affect the performance and immunocompetence of an outbreak defoliator in northwestern Patagonia
Authors: Serra María Noel , Quintero Carolina , Rodríguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Martínez Andrés S. , Paritsis Juan
Published: March 2022

Rising temperature has been associated with increased occurrence of herbivorous insect outbreaks, explained by several direct and indirect mechanisms. Whereas natural enemies are known key drivers of forest‐defoliating insect cycles, indirect effects of temperature on insect's ability to defend against pathogens and parasitoids (e.g., immunocompetence), as well as the interaction with other mechanisms (e.g., diet), remain less explored. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of temperature and diet on the performance and immune response of the model lepidopteran system Ormiscodes amphimone (Saturniidae) and its host plants Nothofagus spp. (Nothofagaceae).

Larvae of O. amphimone were reared under two temperature conditions (ambient 18:6°C and warmed, 21:6°C; light: dark, 14:10 h) and on leaves of two of their preferred Nothofagus host plants, which vary in quality (lower N. antarctica–higher N. pumilio). We measured developmental time, female pupal weight as a proxy of fitness, relative growth rate, nutritional indices and melanisation of a monofilament as a proxy of immune response.

Results showed that an average rise of 2°C favours larval immunocompetence, potentially decreasing mortality exerted by parasitoids. Moreover, depending on diet, an increase in temperature can either maintain (on more nutritious N. pumilio leaves) or enhance (on less nutritious N. antarctica leaves) larval nutritional efficiency, performance and female pupal weight.

Hence, an increase in temperature could enhance O. amphimone population growth, through attenuating differences caused by diet and enhancing immunocompetence, favouring outbreak frequency, severity and area.
High‐risk sexual behaviours in young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Brown Ellie , Castagnini Emily , Langstone Alison , Mifsud Nathan , Gao Caroline , McGorry Patrick , Killackey Eoin , O'Donoghue Brian
Published: March 2022

Aim

The sexual health of adults with schizophrenia is poorer than the general population; however, less is known about young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). The aim of this study was to explore the high‐risk sexual behaviours and sexual well‐being indicators of a cohort of young people with FEP.

Methods

Data collected from young people (15‐24 years) with FEP attending the EPPIC service in Melbourne and participating in a physical health intervention were analysed. Baseline trial data collected on sexual health and high‐risk behaviours, psychiatric symptomology, functioning, and substance use are presented by gender. Associations between symptomology and functioning with sexual behaviour are explored.

Results

A total of 69 young people were included in this study; mean age was 19.6 years (SD±2.8), 53.6% were male, 59.6% identified as heterosexual, and 21.7% were currently in a relationship. Within the cohort, 78.3% had ever been sexually active. Of these, 44.2% consistently used a condom at last sex act and 35.7% used barrier contraception consistently, 22.5% had previously been pregnant, and 18.6% had tested positive for an STI. Finally, young people were more likely to have been sexually active if they were currently using substances.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that high rates of high‐risk sexual behaviour remain an issue for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Promoting sexual well‐being and communication skills between sexual partners should be targeted to ensure that high‐risk sexual health outcomes are mitigated as early as possible.
The sound of silence: Predictive error responses to unexpected sound omission in adults
Authors: Prete David A. , Heikoop David , McGillivray Joshua E. , Reilly James P. , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: March 2022

The human auditory system excels at detecting patterns needed for processing speech and music. According to predictive coding, the brain predicts incoming sounds, compares predictions to sensory input and generates a prediction error whenever a mismatch between the prediction and sensory input occurs. Predictive coding can be indexed in electroencephalography (EEG) with the mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a, two components of event‐related potentials (ERP) that are elicited by infrequent deviant sounds (e.g., differing in pitch, duration and loudness) in a stream of frequent sounds. If these components reflect prediction error, they should also be elicited by omitting an expected sound, but few studies have examined this. We compared ERPs elicited by infrequent randomly occurring omissions (unexpected silences) in tone sequences presented at two tones per second to ERPs elicited by frequent, regularly occurring omissions (expected silences) within a sequence of tones presented at one tone per second. We found that unexpected silences elicited significant MMN and P3a, although the magnitude of these components was quite small and variable. These results provide evidence for hierarchical predictive coding, indicating that the brain predicts silences and sounds.
Predictive values of baseline matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels in peripheral blood on 3‐month outcomes of high‐risk patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack
Authors: Zhang Min , Meng Xia , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Li Jiejie , Yan Hongyi , Liu Xiangrong , Zhang Hui , Pang Lijuan , Wang Yongjun
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

To explore the relationship between baseline levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in peripheral blood and the outcomes in patients with acute minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

We assessed data from patients with acute minor ischemic stroke or TIA who were included in the CHANCE (Clopidogrel in High‐Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events) trial. Baseline level of MMP9 in peripheral blood is classified into five quintiles. We assessed the relationship between the baseline MMP9 and outcomes of stroke recurrence, composite vascular events, and poor functional outcomes within 90 days after stroke onset.

Results

Of the 3014 patients included, 295 (9.79%) had recurrent stroke, 289 (9.59%) had recurrent ischemic stroke, 297 (9.85%) had combined vascular events, and 199 (6.64%) had poor functional outcomes within 90 days. We used MMP9 concentrations near hazard ratio (HR) = 1 (Q3) in restricted cubic splines as the reference. The result showed that, compared to patients in the Q3 group, patients in the highest quintile (Q5 group) had an increased risk of poor functional outcomes at 90 days after adjusting the risk factors and confounders (p = 0.030), which may be associated with an increased risk of combined vascular events (p = 0.052). Using Cox regression models or logistic regression models with restricted cubic spline, we also observed that higher MMP9 ratios were associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence, combined events, and poor functional outcomes at a range of concentrations.

Conclusions

For patients with acute minor stroke or TIA, higher baseline MMP9 level was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes, which might be related to stroke recurrence and combined vascular events.
Climate impact or policy choice? The spatiotemporality of thermoregulation and border crosser mortality in southern Arizona
Authors: Chambers Samuel N. , Boyce Geoff , Martínez Daniel E.
Published: March 2022

US public officials frequently argue that high temperatures are responsible for increasing mortality of undocumented border crossers (UBCs) in southern Arizona. In this article, we suggest that these kinds of assertions are not only empirically misleading, they also serve to naturalise UBC deaths in the region by helping to obscure their structural causes. Indeed, although heat exposure is a primary cause of death in the region, prior studies have also shown that migration patterns have shifted toward more remote and rugged terrain, characterised by higher elevations and greater shade cover. Using physiological modelling and a spatiotemporal forensic analysis, we assess whether the distribution of recovered human remains has shifted toward locations characterised by environments where the human body is more or less capable of regulating core temperature, and thus succumbing to heat stress. We find that the distribution of recovered UBC remains has consistently trended toward locations where the potential for heat stress is lower, rather than higher. This demonstrates that UBC mortality is not principally a function of ambient or regional temperature, but rather is a result of specific policy decisions that lead to cumulative stress and prolonged exposure due to factors like difficulty and distance of travel. To contextualise these findings, we discuss the evolution of the US Border Patrol's policy of Prevention Through Deterrence, and apply the concepts of structural and cultural violence to theorize its consistently deadly outcomes.
Perinatal low‐fat dietary intervention affects glucose metabolism in female adult and aging offspring
Authors: Ueno Megumi , Liu Shuang , Kiyoi Takeshi , Sugiyama Takashi , Mogi Masaki
Published: March 2022

Aim

Diabetes confers a high risk of developing poor health in later life in women. Based on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory, the present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of perinatal fat restriction in maternal high‐fat‐exposed female offspring to maintain glucose homeostasis in later life between adulthood and aging.

Methods

Low‐fat dietary intervention during either gestation or lactation was performed using a high‐fat diet‐induced maternal obesity mouse model (HFD mice). Physiological metabolic parameters, including body weight and serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, were monitored. Glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity test were performed in 12‐ and 70‐week‐old offspring. Insulin‐positive islet cells were also observed using immunohistochemical staining.

Results

HFD significantly induced abnormal weight gain, hyperlipidemia and impairment of both glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in offspring. Standard diet intake after weaning improved weight gain, serum total cholesterol level and glucose tolerance, but not insulin sensitivity, in 70‐week‐old offspring. Only perinatal fat restriction during both gestation and lactation, followed by standard food intake for the rest of their life, provided adequate efficacy to restore insulin sensitivity in aging female progeny.

Conclusions

Perinatal low‐fat intervention may prevent deterioration of glucose metabolism. To improve the health status over a female's lifespan, appropriate nutritional intervention during the early developmental stage may reset the disease trajectory and prevent the onset and development of diabetes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 441–448.
Risk factors for relapse of autoimmune hepatitis in Japan: A nationwide survey
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa , Abe Kazumichi , Zeniya Mikio , Abe Masanori , Arinaga‐Hino Teruko , Nakamoto Nobuhiro , Takaki Akinobu , Kang Jong‐Hon , Joshita Satoru , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Koike Kazuhiko , Inui Ayano , Tanaka Atsushi ,   Japan Autoimmune Hepatitis Study Group
Published: March 2022

Aim

Some autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients experience relapse during their clinical course, and some risk factors for relapse have been identified previously using a relatively small sample size. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for relapse in recently diagnosed AIH patients using a nationwide survey in Japan.

Methods

The nationwide survey performed in Japan in 2018 of AIH patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 was re‐evaluated. A total of 614 patients who received corticosteroids were enrolled in the present study. Associations between relapse and patients' characteristics at diagnosis were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Relapse was identified in 143 (23.3%) patients after remission. At the time of diagnosis of the disease, there were significant differences in the γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP) level, prevalence of liver cirrhosis, and degree of liver fibrosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that γ‐GTP elevation and liver cirrhosis were significantly associated with relapse.

Conclusion

The γ‐GTP level at diagnosis could help identify AIH patients at higher risk of relapse.
Characterisation of the molecular mechanisms of multiple antibiotic tolerance in growth‐arrested Cronobacter sakazakii under ampicillin exposure
Authors: Chen Chuxin , Ao Jialu , Wang Li , Zhang Jingfeng , Mo Yunshao , Zhang Yehui , Zhao Lichao
Published: March 2022

Cronobacter sakazakii could enter a growth‐arrested state when exposed to ampicillin. Growth‐arrested bacteria can become more tolerant to a wide range of antibiotics, posing a serious threat to food safety and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerance of growth‐arrested C. sakazakii to a variety of antibiotics and to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for the variations in antibiotic tolerance levels. The results of the study, as tested by flat colony counting method as well as PMAxx‐qPCR, showed that growth‐arrested C. sakazakii had higher tolerance to four different antibiotics. Results validated by RT‐qPCR indicated that almost all the changes in the expression of antibiotic resistance genes in growth‐arrested cells showed a tendency to promote antibiotic tolerance compared to culturable cells, with significant upregulation of expression of the multidrug efflux pump genes in particular. Furthermore, the up‐regulated gene expression of relA and rpoS and insignificant changes in gene expression of spoT suggested that the stringent response could positively regulate the multidrug efflux pumps of growth‐arrested cells. Growth‐arrested C. sakazakii pose a potential source of contamination and should be taken into account when monitoring of food safety.
Application of induced voltage in cloudy apple juice: enzymatic browning and bioactive and flavouring compounds
Authors: Han Aye Myo , Xu Xueming , Yang Na , Jin Yamei , Jin Zhengyu , Xie Zhengjun
Published: March 2022

Controlling enzymatic browning and decreasing the loss of phenolic and flavour compounds by emerging technologies have drawn interest. In this study, magneto‐induced voltages (900–1800 V, 20‐45 kHz) with mild temperature (20–50 °C) were applied to inactivate polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in cloudy apple juice. Results suggested that PPO and POD activities could be reduced by 98.5% and 99.4%, respectively, following the condition: induced voltage 1800 V; frequency 45 kHz; temperature 50 °C and duration 3 min. And, phenolic compounds included gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and p‐coumaric acid, as well as major aroma compounds consisted of 22 volatile constituents which classified into three categories: esters, alcohols and aldehydes were also investigated. It suggested the phenolic compounds and major aroma compounds remained unchanged after the electrical treatment. This study suggests that the induced voltage produced by electromagnetic induction is an alternative to conventional heating methods.
Investigating the impact of cognitive bias in nursing documentation on decision‐making and judgement
Authors: Martin Krystle , Bickle Korri , Lok Jessica
Published: March 2022

The clinical documentation of patients’ mental status, behaviour and functioning is a fundamental aspect of inpatient mental health care. It is an important source of information‐sharing with the interprofessional team and used by other clinicians within the circle of care to guide their decision‐making process. Given the body of evidence highlighting concerns about the quality of nursing documentation and the growing literature demonstrating the presence of bias in healthcare, it is critically important that we examine the impact of this bias in nursing practice. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether clinical decisions and judgements change when nurses read documentation that is either biased or neutral. Using a quantitative, observational study that used surveys to collect data, participants were exposed to two patient vignettes and six clinical notes associated with each patient (notes were written with either biased or neutral language) and asked to make clinical decisions and judgements. Results from 199 nurse participants from a tertiary mental health hospital revealed a notable relationship between the type of notes read (biased vs. neutral) and clinical practice, namely, participants reading biased notes were less likely to offer health teaching when administering pro re nata (PRN) medication for sleep. We also found differences in decision‐making and judgements based on the type of note read depending on years of experience and type of education. The results indicate that biased language in nursing documentation can influence other clinicians’ decisions and judgements about patients, thereby indicating a cascade of bias.
The diffuse interface phase‐field model for in situ interlayer phase formations in low‐temperature reaction bonding of alumina laminates—A theoretical and experimental comparison
Authors: Hosseinabadi Navid
Published: March 2022

A diffuse interface phase‐field model is developed to study alumina seamless laminate composites formation via reaction interlayer diffusion bonding. The model was designed to indicate the important role of interface on phase transition and interfacial chemical reactions. The model has indicated the interfacial reactions, phase transitions, and phase evolution along the alumina/reaction layer interface. The theoretical results were assessed, validated, and confirmed by experimental data at similar bonding conditions via targeted diffusion bonding in aluminum‐alkaline earth hydride and alanate interlayer systems Me (Me: Mg–Sr). The alanates and hydrides dissociations left pockets of intermetallic phases at interlayer as bonding constituents. The solid‐state bonds have formed by diffusion bonding at laminate interfaces and partial oxidations. The elemental analysis showed the alkaline earth rich zones at interlayer and near interfaces. The crystalline composition of the interlayer materials was combinations of polycrystalline mixed oxide layers, formed due to different oxidation kinetics and diffusion rates. Interlayer oxidation products were combination of complex oxides with SruMgxAlyOz (u: 0.8–1, x: 0.7–1, y: 2–10, z: 4–17) stoichiometry.
The magnetic, thermal transport properties, magnetothermal effect and critical behavior of Co3Sn2S2 single crystal
Authors: Hu Jiyu , Kan Xucai , Chen Zheng , Zheng Ganhong , Ma Yongqing
Published: March 2022

Through the magnetic/thermal transport measurements combined with the analyses of magnetocaloric effect and critical behavior of Co3Sn2S2 single crystal, the main results we obtained are as follows: in the case of the magnetic field H//c‐axis, Co3Sn2S2 exhibits the phase‐separation state below Tc in the low‐field region (H < 500 Oe). Tc increases slightly from 174 to 177 K with an increase in H from 100 to 10 kOe. The second‐order magnetic phase transition near Tc and the itinerant ferromagnetism below Tc are identified. The magnetization below Tc matches well with the three‐dimensional Ising model, instead of the mean‐field model. In the case of H//ab, Tc changes between 175 and 178 K with varying H. Noticeably, M above Tc exhibits a small positive value, instead of the null M as commonly expected in the paramagnetic region. An extra phase transition below 166 K is observed. The magnetic transition near Tc seems not to be the second‐order phase transition. All results show a significant characteristic of anisotropic magnetic phase transition for the Co3Sn2S2 single crystal. They support mutually those in previous reports, moreover, some new phenomena are also observed. They also provide the experimental evidences for the deep insight into the magnetic phase–transition behavior of Co3Sn2S2.
Antibacterial activity of palmarosa oil significantly varies between Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas caviae and exhibits selective action on tetracycline and sulfonamide resistant A. caviae
Authors: Kumar Chandra Bhushan , Kumar Anil , Rathore Gaurav
Published: March 2022

Aims

To investigate the antibacterial activity of three (palmarosa, basil and rosemary) essential oils (EOs) on Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas caviae, and determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of potent EO against tetracycline and sulfonamide resistant strains.

Methods and Results

Palmarosa oil (PMO) showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher inhibition zones against both A. veronii and A. caviae (n = 30) than basil and rosemary in the disk diffusion assay. The MIC (% v/v) of PMO ranged from 0.008% to 1.00%. The mean MIC was significantly higher for A. caviae (0.48 ± 0.24%) than A. veronii (0.21 ± 0.15%). Further, the MIC of PMO was compared in six groups: Group 1: Tetracycline Resistant A. veronii (TRV); Group 2: Tetracycline Resistant A. caviae (TRC); Group 3: Sulfonamide Resistant A. veronii (SRV); Group 4: Sulfonamide Resistant A. caviae (SRC); Group 5: Susceptible A. veronii (SV) and Group 6: Susceptible A. caviae (SC). No significant differences were observed between overall resistant (TRV+ SRV) and susceptible A. veronii (SV). However, in A. caviae, the resistant group had a lower MIC than the susceptible group. Moreover, the MIC was significantly lower for TRC (0.31 ± 0.11%) as compared to SRC (0.46 ± 0.10%). The time of kill of PMO for both the species of Aeromonas was 20–30 min.

Conclusion

Palmarosa oil exhibited significantly higher activity on A. veronii than A. caviae. The resistant strains of A. caviae were inhibited at a lower concentration than susceptible strains.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Palmarosa oil could be explored as an alternative antimicrobial agent for mitigating antimicrobial resistance and managing Aeromonas infection in fish and their risks to public health.
Do the drivers and levels of isolation in fish faunas differ across Atlantic and Pacific drainages in the Americas?
Authors: Griffiths David
Published: March 2022

Aim

The roles of physical barriers to dispersal and species' abilities to cross barriers have in shaping freshwater fish distributions has been little explored at the macroscale. This study investigates how topography and species migratory behaviours and salinity tolerances (vagility) affect catchment isolation, species richness, large‐scale distribution patterns and turnover across latitudes and coasts.

Location

North (NAm), Middle (MAm) and South (SAm) America.

Taxon

Fish.

Methods

From a large, published, dataset Pacific and Atlantic coast catchments in NAm, MAm and SAm were allocated to six georegions and species richness and composition correlated with information on catchment size, channel gradient and discharge. Catchment species richnesses, species–area relations (SAR), endemicity and turnover relationships were examined across coasts and latitude for species with different migratory behaviours and salinity tolerances.

Results

Pacific coast rivers are smaller, steeper, hydrologically more variable and have narrower marine shelves than Atlantic ones, except in MAm. Catchment isolation is greater in Pacific drainages but the barriers to species exchange differ across georegions. Species richnesses are greater in Atlantic drainages but the proportion of vagile species is smaller. SAR slopes are flatter in vagile species and endemicity less. Turnover varies with catchment topography, the relative contribution of vagile species and, in MAm, on evolutionary history.

Main conclusions

Tectonic and geomorphic processes influence catchment size and topography, and along with species differences in dispersal potential, affect how isolated catchments are, with consequences for species richness and composition.
Effects of goal‐oriented care for adults with multimorbidity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Barbato Angelo , D'Avanzo Barbara , Cinquini Michela , Fittipaldo Andrea Veronica , Nobili Alessandro , Amato Laura , Vecchi Simona , Onder Graziano
Published: March 2022

Objective

To systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of goal‐oriented care against standard care for multimorbid adults.

Data Sources/Study Setting

The literature presenting the results of randomized trials assessing the outcomes of goal‐oriented care compared with usual care for adults with multimorbidity.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CENTRAL), EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINHAL, trial registries such as ClinicalTrial.gov and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and the references of eligible trials and relevant reviews. Goal‐oriented care was defined as an approach that engages patients, establishes personal goals, and sets targets for patients and clinicians to plan a course of action and measure outcome. We reviewed 228 trials, and 12 were included. We extracted outcome data on quality of life, hospital admission, patients' satisfaction, patient and caregiver burden. Risk of bias was assessed and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.

Principal Findings

No study was fully free of bias. No effect was found on quality of life (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.05; 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.16) and hospital admission (risk ratio [RR]: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.17). There was a very small effect for patients' satisfaction (SMD: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.29) and caregiver burden (SMD: −0.13; 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.00). Certainty of evidence was low for all outcomes.

Conclusions

No firm conclusions can be reached about the effects of goal‐oriented care for multimorbid adults. Future research should overcome the shortcomings of trials assessed in this meta‐analysis. Sound application of the indications for research of complex healthcare interventions is warranted.
Techno‐economic evaluation of a process for the transformation of VitAto sweet potato into value‐added products
Authors: Mokhtar Mohd Noriznan
Published: March 2022

VitAto is a popular orange sweet potato (SP) variety in Malaysia that is easy to grow, produces a large yield, and contains more nutritional components. VitAto flour is a significant ingredient in a variety of food compositions; nevertheless, establishing a cost‐effective process design is critical. Five potential process scenarios were built using the SuperPro Designer simulator, with a VitAto plant capacity of 4,000 kg/h and additional income from byproducts such as VitAto juice and VitAto protein. Purchasing cost (PC), capital expenditure (CAPEX), operating expenditure (OPEX), and net present value (NPV) were used to compare the suggested projects in order to find the most efficient and profitable ones. The alternate procedure for producing VitAto juice yields a higher NPV (US$ 13,830,000–US$ 13,867,000/year). According to the data, VitAto juice is the most profitable product, accounting for 52–60% of overall project revenue. As a result, implementing a process with water recycling and byproducts revenue can be a more profitable and long‐term project that will benefit Malaysia's low‐ and middle‐income rural areas.

Practical Applications

ViTAto's current applicability is primarily for traditional meals. It has been recognized that it has a lot of potential in the cookie and baking industries. The VitAto must be turned into flour after harvesting to enable for longer storage. Designing a modernized VitAto flour processing facility with a wastewater treatment facility (process water recycling) is costly and keeping the flour price low is difficult. Therefore, comparing different process design configurations and conducting a techno‐economical study is critical. It is thought that incorporating byproducts into the production process can boost project revenue. As a result, it would benefit farmers in rural areas where VitAto could be marketed at a competitive price. The manufacturing process also produces compostable biomass, which farmers can use in their planted fields. This mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and millers is critical for enhancing their quality of life while also benefiting the environment.
Recent developments in ohmic technology for clean label fruit and vegetable processing: An overview
Authors: Roobab Ume , Khan Abdul Waheed , Irfan Muhammad , Madni Ghulam Muhammad , Zeng Xin‐An , Nawaz Asad , Walayat Noman , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The commercial future of any food and its ingredients is mostly determined by consumer perceptions and preferences following their lifestyle. However, health‐conscious and educated consumers are increasingly deliberated on natural, minimally processed foods. Accordingly, academic interest in food processing has expanded to maintain the degree of product freshness. But the scope of these published studies is broad and fragmented while there is limited research that systematically evaluates emerging technologies such as ohmic heating (OH) in clean‐label applications in fruit and vegetable sector. OH applies an electric current endorsing uniform and quick heat generation inside the food matrix. Furthermore, OH has shorter processing times, which inhibits overheating and causes less deterioration of heat‐labile nutrients. This study presents a comprehensive overview of advanced OH applications for inactivation of degrading enzymes and conserving natural properties of food when compared with conventional heating such as pasteurization or sterilization. Moreover, the OH combinations with nonthermal techniques such as vacuum, dehydration/drying, and evaporation/concentration have been discussed.

Practical applications

OH technology is considered very useful for producing products as “clean labeled.” Among the advantages of using OH for food processing and preservation purposes, it is very important to maintain antimicrobial properties, many nutrients and pro‐health components in processed fruit and vegetable products. OH has high potential and wide scope in future for various unit operations such as dehydration, evaporation, blanching and extraction for the food and vegetable sector. These are subjected to continuous investigation as per consumer demand without compromising safety. And due to energy savings (short process time), the possibility of using it in sustainable food production techniques.
Design, development, and evaluation of rotary drum dryer for turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Balakrishnan M. , Jeevarathinam G. , Aiswariya S. , Ambrose R. P. Kingsly , Ganapathy Shunmugam , Pandiselvam Ravi
Published: March 2022

Turmeric is a challenging crop to dry because of its heat sensitive volatile content and browning characteristics. In this study, a pilot scale biomass fired rotary drum dryer was developed for drying turmeric rhizomes. The drying experiments were conducted at 50, 60, and 70°C air temperatures at an air velocity of 2 and 3 m/s and the drum speeds of 6 and 9 rpm. The turmeric rhizomes dried at a faster rate at the operating conditions of 70°C air temperature, 3 m/s air velocity and 9 rpm drum rotational speed. Among the evaluated thin layer drying models, Page model comparatively gave higher R2 values (0.998), lower sum of square error (0.001), and root mean square error (0.01) values. The effective moisture diffusivity of turmeric in the rotary dryer ranged from 0.33 to 0.5 × 10−10 m2 s−1. The calculated activation energy of turmeric rhizomes was 19,338 kJ/kg mol−1. The higher curcumin, oleoresin, starch, and color values such as lightness, redness, and yellowness value of 4.92%, 16.5%, 58.09%, and 59.87, 28.43, and 74.21, respectively, was observed at 50°C, 9 rpm drum rotational speed and 3 m/s air velocity. The results indicated that the color of turmeric could be retained by drying at 50°C.

Practical Applications

The present scenario, turmeric has been considered as an important crop against COVID‐19 due to its antiviral properties and also food applications such as natural coloring agent and flavor enhancer. The unit operations involved in turmeric processing is washing, boiling, drying, polishing, and size reduction. The amount of curcumin content presents in turmeric decides its value. Drying is the time‐consuming process compared to other unit operations and has an impact over the quality parameters of turmeric. Sun drying is the main traditional drying method normally practiced by the farmers for bulk drying of turmeric rhizomes. However, the sun‐dried turmeric rhizomes lost its product value because of poor quality end product (dark yellowish brown color). This could be due to longer exposure of the product in sun causes change in the volatiles and color in turn degrades the market value and fetches lower price to the farmer. And also decreased drying rate, prolonged drying time, non‐uniformity, and lesser energy consumption are the other factors that degrades further the quality of the product. Hence, a drying technology should be identified to overcome the problems faced by the farmers and also to dry the bulk capacities of the turmeric rhizomes at low cost. Rotary dryers are capable of processing larger capacities of various agricultural products having wide range of thermophysical and aerodynamic properties. The current research focused on developing a rotary dryer to reduce the drying time and also to retain the quality that benefits both farmers and industries by providing good quality product.
A nomogram‐based model and ultrasonic radiomic features for gallbladder polyp classification
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Wang Jincheng , Wu Baoqiang , Li Tao , Jin Lei , Wu Yong , Gao Peng , Zhang Zhen , Qin Xihu , Zhu Chunfu
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) are relatively common. Many studies have attempted to distinguish between benign and neoplastic GBPs to identify early‐stage gallbladder carcinoma. We have established an accurate neoplastic predictive model and evaluated the effectiveness of radiomics in predicting malignancy in patients with GBPs.

Methods

A total of 503 patients confirmed through postoperative pathology were included in this retrospective study. Clinical information and ultrasonographic findings were retrospectively analyzed. The model was constructed from independent risk factors using Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis of a training cohort of 250 GBP patients, and its efficacy was verified using an internal validation group of 253 consecutive patients through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The area of GBPs was delimited manually, and the texture features of ultrasound images were analyzed using correlation and ROC analysis.

Results

Independent predictors, including age, gallstones, carcinoembryonic antigen, polyp size, and sessile shape, were incorporated into the nomogram model for the neoplastic potential of GBPs. Compared with other proposed prediction methods, the established nomogram model showed good discrimination ability in the training group (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.865) and validation group (AUC: 0.845). Regarding ultrasonic radiomics, the minimum caliper diameter was identified as the only independent predictor (AUC: 0.841).

Conclusions

Our preoperative nomogram model can successfully evaluate the neoplastic potential of GBPs using simple clinical data, and our study verified the use of radiomics in GBP identification, which may be valuable for avoiding unnecessary surgery in patients.