bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of resveratrol: A focus on anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative activities
Authors: Chupradit Supat , Bokov Dmitry , Zamanian Mohammad Yassin , Heidari Mahsa , Hakimizadeh Elham
Published: December 2021

Being the most essential organ in the body, the liver performs critical functions. Hepatic disorders, such as alcoholic liver disease, hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic failure, have an impact on the biochemical and physiological functions of the body. The main representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, resveratrol (RES), exhibits suitable pharmacological activities for treating various liver diseases, such as fatty hepatitis, liver steatosis, liver cancer, and liver fibrosis. According to various studies, grapes and red wine are good sources of RES. RES has various health properties; it is anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, antioxidative, and hepatoprotective against several hepatic diseases and hepatoxicity. Therefore, we performed a thorough research and created a summary of the distinct targets of RES in various stages of liver diseases. We concluded that RES inhibited liver inflammation essentially by causing a significant decrease in the expression of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines like TNF‐α, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. It also inhibits the transcription factor nuclear NF‐κB that brings about the inflammatory cascade. RES also inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to induce apoptosis. Additionally, it reduces oxidative stress in hepatic tissue by markedly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents and significantly increasing the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced hepatic glutathione (GSH), in addition to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), against toxic chemicals like CC14, As2O3, and TTA. Due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐fibrotic properties, RES reduces liver injury markers. RES is safe natural antioxidant that provides pharmacological rectification of the hepatoxicity of toxic chemicals.
Significant winter CO2 uptake by saline lakes on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Xiao‐Yan , Shi Fang‐Zhong , Ma Yu‐Jun , Zhao Shao‐Jie , Wei Jun‐Qi
Published: December 2021

Direct measuring of CO2 flux remains challenging for global lakes. The traditional sampling and gas transfer models used to estimate lake CO2 fluxes are variable and uncertain, and ice‐covered periods are often excluded from the annual carbon budget. Here, the first longtime (2013−2017) direct measurement of CO2 flux by eddy covariance system over the largest saline lake (Qinghai lake) in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) revealed that ice‐covered period draws large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere (−0.87 ± 0.38 g C m−2 d−1), a value more than twice the CO2 flux rate during the ice‐free period (−0.41 ± 0.35 g C m−2 d−1). The total CO2 uptake by all saline lakes on the QTP was estimated to −10.28 ± 1.65 Tg C yr−1, an equivalent to approximately one third of the net terrestrial ecosystems carbon sink in QTP. Our results indicate large sink for CO2 in winter is controlled by both seasonal hydrochemistry processes and lake ice absorption in saline lakes. This research also demonstrates decreasing CO2 uptake from the atmosphere by saline lakes on the QTP, which may turn carbon sinks to carbon sources with future warming.
Fiber reinforced SiC ceramic helical spring for high elasticity and large deformation at high temperature
Authors: Mei Hui , Yang Yubo , Zhao Yu , Chang Peng , Mao Minxin , Huang Weifeng , Liu Ying , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: December 2021

Ceramic spring devices play a significant role in mechanical systems, developing advanced ceramic helical spring with combination of high toughness and good elasticity still remains challenging. Herein, C/SiC composite helical springs with good elastic response to temperatures were fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration method. The C/SiC springs with rectangular and circular coil structures show high densities of 2.04 ± 0.162 and 1.96 ± 0.132 g/cm3, respectively. In contrast, C/SiC spring with circular coil structure can achieve high toughness of 0.92 ± 0.004 N/mm and low energy loss of 9.13 × 10−3 J at room temperature, while also exhibit an ideal spring constant of 0.35 N/mm and low energy loss of 7.82 × 10−2 J at 1000°C, which are highly comparable with those reported traditional ceramic springs. Furthermore, through finite element simulations, the stress distribution shows that both springs generate residual stresses at different temperatures after several cycles. The more uniform stress distribution and small irreversible deformation can be responsible for the superior elasticity of C/SiC spring with circular coil structure. The proposed strategy holds promising potential for developing C/SiC composite helical spring for future elastic devices used in complex and extreme service environments.
Preparation and characterization of aluminum borate whiskers reinforced ceramics with MnO2 addition
Authors: Feng Ming , Ji Guorong , Wu Yaqiao , Li Guomin , Wang Kaiyue , Tian Yuming
Published: December 2021

Ceramics with aluminum borate whiskers (ABWs) were prepared from H3BO3 and Al2O3 reagent, with and without 6 wt% MnO2 used as an addition. The microstructures, phase composition, and crystal structure of the ceramics were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The results show that MnO2 is an effective addition for enhancing the flexural strength of ceramics. The MnO2 could lead to the distortion of lattice, and improve the mechanical strength via a solid solution strengthening mechanism. Moreover, the content of H3BO3 and the sintering temperature were also key factors in the manufacture of optimal ceramics. The ceramic made from 6 wt% MnO2 addition, 25 wt% H3BO3, and sintered at 1200°C, showed the highest flexural strength of 88.5 (±1.9) MPa, and had a bulk density of 1.64 g/cm3 and porosity of 44.2%.
Factors that affect native English speakers’ comfort levels when communicating with non‐native English speakers
Authors: Nymeyer Kayla , Dewey Dan P , Eggington William , Baker‐Smemoe Wendy
Published: December 2021

This study explores native English speakers’ (NESs) self‐reported comfort levels when speaking with non‐native English speakers (NNESs) from different first language (L1) backgrounds and in six different communication situations. NESs (n = 122) listened to Spanish L1 and Chinese L1 NNESs with low, mid or high levels of English proficiency and rated their comfort level interacting with them. Results indicated that higher proficiency speakers were rated significantly higher (more comfortable as interlocutors) than Mid which were in turn rated higher than Low proficiency speakers. Spanish L1 speakers were rated higher than Chinese L1 speakers except at low proficiency levels. Ratings for more casual communication situations were higher than more formal situations. Results suggest that communicative expectations may be different for Spanish and Chinese speakers.
When health care workers became patients with COVID‐19: A qualitative study
Authors: Du Li , Liu Qian , Chen Qin , Wang Xiao Qin , Fang Shu , Chen Pan , Chen Jie , Zhang Zhi‐Jiang , Liu Zhongchun , Yang Bing Xiang , Guo Qiaohong , Luo Dan
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study aimed to describe the experiences of nurses and other health care workers who were infected with coronavirus disease 2019.

Methods

An empirical phenomenological approach was used. Sixteen participants were recruited in Wuhan using purposive and snowball sampling. Semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted by telephone in February 2020. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed following Colaizzi's method.

Results

Two themes emerged: (1) Intense emotional distress since becoming infected. Participants were fearful of spreading the virus to family and overwhelmed by a lack of information, experienced uncertainty and worried about treatment, felt lonely during isolation and reported moral distress about inadequate health care staffing. (2) Coping strategies were needed. They tried their best to address negative psychological reactions using their professional knowledge and gaining support from others and community resources.

Conclusions

Preparedness for catastrophic events and providing timely and accurate information are major considerations in government policy development, related to pandemics and adequacy of health care personnel. Mental health resources and support, both short‐ and long‐term should be anticipated for health care providers to alleviate their fear and anxiety.
Changes in obesity and lifestyle behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Chinese adolescents: A longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2020
Authors: Yang Dongling , Luo Chunyan , Feng Xiaogang , Qi Wenjuan , Qu Shuangxiao , Zhou Yuefang , Sun Lijing , Wu Huanyu
Published: December 2021

Background

Since December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a global pandemic. Currently, the COVID‐19 pandemic is still ongoing. What changes have taken place in the obesity and obesity‐related lifestyle behaviours of adolescents during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic?

Objective

This study aims at analysing the changes in obesity and lifestyle behaviours of Chinese adolescents before and 1 year after the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, providing evidence for the global strategies to respond to the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on adolescent obesity.

Methods

Physical examinations and student health and influencing factors questionnaires were conducted among 6047 adolescents aged 11–16 years by health professionals in Shanghai, China, before the COVID‐19 pandemic (September–November of 2019) and 1 year after the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic (September–November of 2020). Paired tests, paired t‐tests or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to evaluate the changes in the obesity prevalence, BMI and lifestyle behaviours from 2019 to 2020.

Results

1 year after the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the obesity prevalence of Chinese adolescents rose from 14.2% to 15.4% (p < 0.01), mainly because of the increase in boys. And the average BMI increased from 20.3 to 21.2 kg/m2 (p < 0.01). Their lifestyle behaviours have also significantly changed. The mobile screen time increased from 0.25–1.50 h/day to 0.33–2.00 h/day (p < 0.01). The proportion of adolescents who participated in MVPA for ≥60 min/day on all 7 days during the past week dropped from 14.4% to 11.7% (p < 0.01). The generalized estimation equation analysis indicated that adolescents who participated in MVPA for ≥60 min/day on all 7 days had a lower likelihood of having obesity. Boys with computer time ≥2 h/day and girls with mobile screen time ≥2 h/day or TV time ≥2 h/day had a higher likelihood of having obesity.

Conclusion

This study found that 1 year after the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the BMI and obesity prevalence of Chinese adolescents increased and obesity‐related lifestyle behaviours have also changed.
Consensus guidelines for antifungal stewardship, surveillance and infection prevention, 2021
Authors: Khanina Anna , Tio Shio Yen , Ananda‐Rajah Michelle R. , Kidd Sarah E. , Williams Eloise , Chee Lynette , Urbancic Karen , Thursky Karin A. ,   Australasian Antifungal Guidelines Steering Committee
Published: December 2021

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are serious infections associated with high mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The prescribing of antifungal agents to prevent and treat IFD is associated with substantial economic burden on the health system, high rates of adverse drug reactions, significant drug–drug interactions and the emergence of antifungal resistance. As the population at risk of IFD continues to grow due to the increased burden of cancer and related factors, the need for hospitals to employ antifungal stewardship (AFS) programmes and measures to monitor and prevent infection has become increasingly important. These guidelines outline the essential components, key interventions and metrics, which can help guide implementation of an AFS programme in order to optimise antifungal prescribing and IFD management. Specific recommendations are provided for quality processes for the prevention of IFD in the setting of outbreaks, during hospital building works, and in the context of Candida auris infection. Recommendations are detailed for the implementation of IFD surveillance to enhance detection of outbreaks, evaluate infection prevention and prophylaxis interventions and to allow benchmarking between hospitals. Areas in which information is still lacking and further research is required are also highlighted.
Consensus guidelines for optimising antifungal drug delivery and monitoring to avoid toxicity and improve outcomes in patients with haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, 2021
Authors: Chau Maggie M. , Daveson Kathryn , Alffenaar Jan‐Willem C. , Gwee Amanda , Ho Su Ann , Marriott Deborah J. E. , Trubiano Jason A. , Zhao Jessie , Roberts Jason A. ,   Australasian Antifungal Guidelines Steering Committee
Published: December 2021

Antifungal agents can have complex dosing and the potential for drug interaction, both of which can lead to subtherapeutic antifungal drug concentrations and poorer clinical outcomes for patients with haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Antifungal agents can also be associated with significant toxicities when drug concentrations are too high. Suboptimal dosing can be minimised by clinical assessment, laboratory monitoring, avoidance of interacting drugs, and dose modification. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) plays an increasingly important role in antifungal therapy, particularly for antifungal agents that have an established exposure‐response relationship with either a narrow therapeutic window, large dose‐exposure variability, cytochrome P450 gene polymorphism affecting drug metabolism, the presence of antifungal drug interactions or unexpected toxicity, and/or concerns for non‐compliance or inadequate absorption of oral antifungals. These guidelines provide recommendations on antifungal drug monitoring and TDM‐guided dosing adjustment for selected antifungal agents, and include suggested resources for identifying and analysing antifungal drug interactions. Recommended competencies for optimal interpretation of antifungal TDM and dose recommendations are also provided.
Estimating Monotonic Hazard Ratio Functions of Time
Authors: Kuk Anthony Y.C.
Published: December 2021

In non‐proportional hazards models, the hazard ratio for a unit increase in covariate value is not constant but varies over time. Existing approaches to estimating time‐varying log hazard ratio include various spline approximations and maximum penalised partial likelihood. We consider improvements to these methods under the plausible assumption that the hazard ratio changes from its short‐term to long‐term value in a monotonic fashion. A monotone B‐spline estimate based on equidistant knots with the last few coefficients constrained to be equal works reasonably well. We also propose a constrained maximum penalised partial likelihood approach with the constraints removed through re‐parameterisation. A novel feature of the proposed method is that it is based on a log product of spacings penalty rather than the usual roughness penalty, which makes selection of smoothing parameter easier. The utility of the proposed methods is demonstrated using a real data example and simulations.
Clinical study on orthopaedic treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with soft tissue defect in adults
Authors: Zhang Xinling , Yang Xin , Chen Yujie , Wang Guanhuier , Ding Pengbing , Zhao Zhenmin , Bi Hongsen
Published: December 2021

To investigate the clinical application value of different flap transfer and repair techniques in adult patients with chronic osteomyelitis of limbs complicated with soft tissue defects. According to the characteristics and defects of 21 cases, different plastic surgery was applied, including debridement, negative pressure device, and tissue flap to cover wound. Among 21 cases of chronic osteomyelitis complicated with local soft tissue defect, 15 patients were repaired with sural neurotrophic musculocutaneous flap transfer, 2 patients were repaired with medial plantar skin flap transfer, 2 patients were repaired with ilioinguinal skin flap transfer, 1 patient was repaired with z‐forming wound, and 1 patient was repaired with soleus muscle flap combined with full‐thickness skin graft. All the 21 patients underwent bone cement implantation after dead bone osteotomy. Among them, 19 patients underwent bone cement replacement with 3D prosthesis within 6 months to 1 year after surgery, and 2 patients carried bone cement for a long time. Early intervention, thorough debridement, removal of necrotic or infection, and then selecting the appropriate wound skin flap coverage are important means of guarantee slow osteomyelitis wound healing and for providing a possible way to permanent prosthesis implantation subsequently.
Optical transition properties, internal quantum efficiencies, and temperature sensing of Er3+ doped BaGd2O4 phosphor with low maximum phonon energy
Authors: Luo Mengyan , Sha Xuezhu , Chen Baojiu , Zhang Xizhen , Yu Hongquan , Li Xiangping , Zhang Jinsu , Xu Sai , Cao Yongze , Wang Yichao , Wang Xin , Zhang Yuhang , Gao Duan , Wang Li
Published: December 2021

The hosts with low maximum phonon energy (MPE) are preferred since the nonradiative consumption of the luminescence centers in them are low. Among the low MPE hosts, the oxide ones are more favored owing to their excellent stability and easy synthesis. In this work, the optical and spectroscopic properties of BaGd2O4:Er3+ phosphor were studied. The MPE of BaGd2O4 host was observed from Eu3+ phonon sideband (PSB) spectrum and Raman spectrum to be 477 cm−1 which does not second to the fluoride hosts. The refractive index, which is indispensable for Judd–Ofelt calculation, was confirmed from the both approaches of the Eu3+‐probe and the band gap energy, and the similar refractive indices were confirmed, therefore the average refractive index 2.01 was used in the Judd–Ofelt calculation. The Judd–Ofelt parameters of Er3+ in BaGd2O4 host was confirmed to be = 7.91 × 10−21 cm2, = 2.36 × 10−21 cm2, and = 9.00 × 10−22 cm2. Furthermore, the internal quantum efficiencies for 4F9/2 and 4IJ (J = 9/2, 11/2, and 13/2) levels were determined. Finally, the optical temperature sensing properties were studied in detail, and the temperature calibration curve was experimentally derived, meanwhile the maximum absolute sensitivity was confirmed to be 0.0028 K−1.
SDF‐1 inhibits the dedifferentiation of islet β cells in hyperglycaemia by up‐regulating FoxO1 via binding to CXCR4
Authors: Chen Xiang‐Yu , Shi Ying‐Xin , Huang Ya‐Ping , Ding Min , Shen Qi‐ling , Li Chun‐Jun , Lin Jing‐Na
Published: December 2021

Islet β cell dedifferentiation is one of the most important mechanisms in the occurrence and development of diabetes. We studied the possible effects of chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) in the dedifferentiation of islet β cells. It was noted that the number of dedifferentiated islet β cells and the expression of SDF‐1 in pancreatic tissues significantly increased with diabetes. In islet β cell experiments, inhibition of SDF‐1 expression resulted in an increase in the number of dedifferentiated cells, while overexpression of SDF‐1 resulted in a decrease. This seemed to be contradicted by the effect of diabetes on the expression of SDF‐1 in pancreatic tissue, but it was concluded that this may be related to the loss of SDF‐1 activity. SDF‐1 binds to CXCR4 to form a complex, which activates and phosphorylates AKT, subsequently increases the expression of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and inhibits the dedifferentiation of islet β cells. This suggests that SDF‐1 may be a novel target in the treatment of diabetes.
A randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of dietary protein sources on periodontal health
Authors: Eberhard Joerg , Ruiz Kate , Tan Jian , Jayasinghe Thilini N. , Khan Shahrukh , Eroglu Elif , Adler Christina , Simpson Stephen J. , Le Couteur David G. , Raubenheimer David , Macia Laurence , Gosby Alison K. , Ribeiro Rosilene V.
Published: December 2021

Aim

The aim was to assess two macronutrient interventions in a 2 × 2 factorial dietary design to determine their effects on oral health.

Materials and Methods

Participants (65–75 years old) with a body mass index between 20 and 35 kg/m2 of a larger randomized control trial who consented to an oral health assessment were recruited. They had ad libitum access to one of four experimental diets (omnivorous higher fat or higher carbohydrate, semi‐vegetarian higher fat or higher carbohydrate) for 4 weeks. The periodontal examination included periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing. Oral plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected before and after the intervention.

Results

Between baseline and follow up, the number of sites with a CAL <5 mm (mean difference [MD] −5.11 ± 9.68, p = .039) increased and the GCF amount (MD −23.42 ± 39.42 Periotron Units [PU], p = .050) decreased for the semi‐vegetarian high‐fat diet. For the mean proportion of sites with PPD reduction of >1 mm and CAL gain of >1 mm, significant differences were calculated between the diets investigated. The clinical parameters were not associated with changes in the oral microbiota.

Conclusions

The results of this study provided evidence that a semi‐vegetarian high‐fat diet provides benefits to clinical parameters of periodontal health.

This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ACTRN12616001606471).
Performance evaluation of modified forced convection solar dryer with energy storage unit for drying of elephant apple (Dillenia indica)
Authors: Kondareddy Rajesh , Natarajan Sivakumaran , Radha Krishnan Kesavan , Saikia Dipanka , Singha Siddrtha , Nayak Prakash Kumar
Published: December 2021

The development and performance of a modified force convection solar dryer (MFCSD) for drying elephant apple slices have been presented in this research. The MFCSD consists of two solar collectors and a drying chamber of 20 kg drying capacity. The secondary collector is integrated with thermal energy storage unit using a phase change material—paraffin wax. Performance analysis of the MFCSD was studied for drying elephant apple (Dillenia indica) slices. The proposed design enhanced the collector thermal efficiency by 12% as compared to a conventional glass collector. Drying of elephant apple slices in MFCSD will limit exergy losses and increase exergy efficiency. The estimated uncertainty of the collector chamber and the drying unit of the proposed MFCSD were obtained as ±3.3% and ±1.0%. Quality analysis (proximity analysis and textural properties) of the fresh as well as samples dried in open sun drying, tray drying, and MFCSD was carried out. The contents of carbohydrates (47.85 ± 2.66) and protein (21.24 ± 1.68) were high in samples dried in MFCSD when compared to samples dried in other two methods. The ash content of the sample dried in MFCSD was found to be 10.25 ± 0.15%, which was higher than samples dried in tray dryer. The payback period for drying elephant apple in MFCSD is 2.56 years, which is lower than the lifetime period (20 years) of the dryer.

Practical Applications

A traditional method practiced by small farmers for drying high‐value perishable fruits is conventional open sun drying (OSD). Owing to slow drying rate and excessive heating, products dried under the open sun lose their nutritious and medicinal qualities. The present work details the construction of a low‐cost solar dryer for the drying of elephant apple. The aim of the drying kinetics to develop the architecture aspects of the solar dryer is to refine the drying systems. The results showed that the performance of modified force convection solar dryer (MFCSD) assisted with thermal storage could improve the quality of dried elephant apple slices and reduce drying time in comparison with an OSD method and a tray drying method. MFCSD would be a suitable alternative to the conventional dryers employed commonly in the industries for the drying of high‐valued agricultural products, and it can also be restructured to any size according the requirements.
Medicare‐funded home‐based clinical care for community‐dwelling persons with dementia: An essential healthcare delivery mechanism
Authors: Ornstein Katherine A. , Ankuda Claire K. , Leff Bruce , Rajagopalan Subashini , Siu Albert L. , Harrison Krista L. , Oh Anna , Reckrey Jennifer M. , Ritchie Christine S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Over the past decade, medical care has shifted from institutions into home settings—particularly among persons with dementia. Yet it is unknown how home‐based clinical services currently support persons with dementia, and what factors shape access.

Methods

Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study linked to Medicare claims 2012–2017, we identified 6664 community‐dwelling adults age ≥ 70 years enrolled in fee‐for‐service Medicare. Annual assessment of dementia status was determined via self‐report, cognitive interview, and/or proxy assessment. Receipt of four types of home‐based clinical care (home‐based medical care (HBMC) (i.e., nurse practitioner, physician, or physician assistant visits), skilled home health care (SHHC), podiatry visits, and other types of home‐based clinical services (e.g., behavioral health)) was assessed annually. We compared age‐adjusted rates of home‐based clinical care by dementia status and determined sociodemographic, health, and environmental characteristics associated with utilization of home‐based clinical care among persons with dementia.

Results

Nearly half (44.4%) of persons with dementia received any home‐based clinical care annually compared to only 14.4% of those without dementia. Persons with dementia received substantially more of each type of home‐based clinical care than those without dementia including a 5‐fold increased use of HBMC (95% CI = 3.8–6.2) and double the use of SHHC (95% CI = 2.0–2.5). In adjusted models, Hispanic/Latino persons with dementia were less likely to receive HBMC (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.11–0.93). Use of HBMC, podiatry, and other home‐based clinical care was significantly more likely among those living in residential care facilities, in the Northeast and in metropolitan areas.

Conclusion

Although almost half of community‐dwelling persons with dementia receive home‐based clinical care, there is significant variation in utilization based on race/ethnicity and environmental context. Increased understanding as to how these factors impact utilization is necessary to reduce potential inequities in healthcare delivery among the dementia population.
A practice‐based framework for defining functional units in comparative life cycle assessments of materials
Authors: Furberg Anna , Arvidsson Rickard , Molander Sverker
Published: December 2021

In comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of materials, there is a mismatch between the current practice and existing guidelines regarding functional unit definition. The purpose of this study is to develop a practice‐based framework for defining functional units in comparative LCAs of materials and provide guidance regarding in which situations different functional unit types are relevant. A literature review of comparative LCAs of materials identified three types of functional units: (i) the reference flow functional unit, (ii) the property functional unit, and (iii) the performance functional unit. These functional unit types, of which only the latter strictly complies with LCA guidelines, represent varying degrees of functional equivalence and technological maturity. The most relevant functional unit type depends on the goal of the study. We suggest that screening assessments of whether materials have comparable environmental impacts can apply reference flow functional units. Material comparisons for certain application areas with some important properties can apply property functional units. For comparisons of end products, performance functional units can be applied. However, even in such cases, complete functional equivalence can hardly be achieved due to more or less relevant product differences. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated for the case of comparing cemented carbide and polycrystalline diamond hard materials.
From a Quantity to an Interest Rate‐Based Framework: Multiple Monetary Policy Instruments and Their Effects in China
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Chen Hongyi
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the effects of various monetary policy instruments in China with the structural vector autoregression model. Empirical results are as follows. The effects of benchmark lending rate and short‐term interest rate shocks are larger than those of reserve requirement ratio shocks. Nonpolicy shocks exert substantial effects on intermediate targets under a quantity‐based policy framework. The size and effects of short‐term interest rate shocks in recent years are large. Short‐term interest rate shocks have strong effects on property prices. These results suggest that the new interest rate‐based policy framework is more effective than the previous quantity‐based policy framework.
Knockdown of sexually differentiated vasopressin expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis reduces social and sexual behaviour in male, but not female, mice
Authors: Rigney Nicole , Zbib Adam , de Vries Geert J. , Petrulis Aras
Published: December 2021

The neuropeptide arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) has long been implicated in the regulation of social behaviour and communication, but the sources of AVP release relevant for behaviour have not been precisely determined. Ablations of the sexually dimorphic AVP cells within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which are more numerous in males, affect social behaviour differently in males and females. However, it is unknown whether these behavioural effects are caused by a reduction of AVP or of other factors associated with these cells. To test the role of AVP specifically, we used an shRNA viral construct to knock down AVP gene expression within the BNST of wild‐type male and female mice, using scrambled sequence virus as a control, and evaluated subsequent changes in social behaviours (social investigation, ultrasonic vocalization (USV), scent marking, copulation, and aggression), or anxiety‐like behaviours (elevated plus maze). We observed that, in males, knockdown of AVP expression in the BNST strongly reduced investigation of novel males, aggressive signalling towards other males (tail rattling, USV), and copulatory behaviour, but did not alter attack initiation, other measures of social communication, or anxiety‐like behaviours. In females, however, BNST AVP knockdown did not alter any of these behaviours. These results point to differential involvement of AVP derived from the BNST in social behaviour.
MR diffusion and dynamic‐contrast enhanced imaging to distinguish meningioma, paraganglioma, and schwannoma in the cerebellopontine angle and jugular foramen
Authors: Ota Yoshiaki , Liao Eric , Capizzano Aristides A. , Yokota Hajime , Baba Akira , Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Moritani Toshio , Yoshii Kengo , Srinivasan Ashok
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Differentiation of meningiomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas in the cerebellopontine angle and jugular foramen remains challenging when conventional MRI findings are inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) findings for tumor type differentiation and to identify the most significant diagnostic parameters.

Methods

This retrospective study included 57 patients with pathologically confirmed meningiomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas, diagnosed between January 2018 and August 2021. DWI and DCE‐MRI were obtained before surgery. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and DCE‐MRI parameters were calculated. The Kruskal‐Wallis H test and post hoc test with Bonferroni correction and receiver operating characteristic curve were used for statistical analysis.

Results

There were 20 meningiomas (6 men; 62.3 ± 17.8 years), 23 paragangliomas (3 men; 51.6 ± 17.0 years), and 14 schwannomas (7 men; 37.7 ± 20.0 years). Vp showed a significant difference in each comparison (p < .001, <.001, and <.001, respectively), Ve showed significant differences both in meningiomas and paragangliomas, and paragangliomas and schwannomas (p < .001 and .017, respectively), and Ktrans showed significant differences both in meningiomas and paragangliomas, and meningiomas and schwannomas (p = .0018 and <.001, respectively), though there was no significant difference in ADC. Vp diagnostic performance values for each pair of tumors were area under the curve of 0.89‐1.00, with cutoff values of 0.14‐0.27.

Conclusion

DCE‐MRI can provide promising parameters to differentiate meningiomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas in the cerebellopontine angle and jugular foramen.
Development and initial validity and reliability of the Rural Practice Awareness and Skills Scale
Authors: Iachini Aidyn L. , Kim Jaeseung , DeHart Dana D. , Browne Teri , Reitmeier Melissa , King L. Bailey
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and provide initial evidence of the validity and reliability of the Rural Practice Awareness and Skills Scale (RPASS).

Methods

A pool of 63 items was reviewed by an expert panel, subjected to 2 additional face validity checks, and reduced to 39 items. The scale was then completed by 333 participants, and an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted.

Findings

Results revealed a 3‐factor, 20‐item scale with evidence of reliability and convergent validity.

Conclusions

RPASS has utility for advancing research to support recruitment and retention of rural health providers and ultimately enhance rural health care delivery.
Canine extrahepatic biliary disease
Authors: Jaffey J. A.
Published: December 2021

Extrahepatic biliary disease in dogs is commonly encountered in clinical practice worldwide. Diseases in this segment of the biliary tract are diverse and can manifest with mild clinical signs or can be life‐threatening. In the last decade there have been advances in diagnostic tests, imaging modalities and therapeutic interventions as well as the identification of novel prognostic variables that could improve outcomes in dogs with extrahepatic biliary disease. Therefore, the objective of this review was to summarise clinically relevant updates of extrahepatic biliary disease in dogs.
Presence of multilobular necrosis on liver biopsy identifies corticosteroid responsiveness in acute indeterminate hepatitis
Authors: Lin Su , Araujo Catarina , Hall Andrew , Kumar Rahul , Phillips Alexandra , Hassan Mohsin , Engelmann Cornelius , Quaglia Alberto , Jalan Rajiv
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Treatment of patients with severe indeterminate hepatitis (IAH) is an unmet need. Corticosteroids are often used in the management of these patients but criteria for the selection of patients for this intervention are arbitrary. The aims of this study were to analyse the clinical and pathological features of patients with IAH to define predictors of corticosteroid responsiveness.

Methods

This study included consecutive patients with acute indeterminate hepatitis admitted to a single hospital and underwent a liver biopsy. The clinical manifestation and histopathological features of steroid and non‐steroid groups were compared and their relationship with corticosteroids response was evaluated.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included, 24 (50%) recovered and the other half underwent liver transplantation or died within 3‐months. Of the 48 cases, 24 received corticosteroids (initial dose of 45 ± 12 mg prednisolone). Corticosteroids were initiated 2.7 ± 3.8 days after admission. Liver biopsy was performed 2‐days (median, IQR 1‐3) after admission. Fifteen (62.5%) patients receiving corticosteroids survived without transplantation compared with 9 (37.5%) that did not receive steroids (P = .149). In those with multilobular necrosis, 50% reduction in the death/transplantation rate was observed after steroid treatment (P = .018). In patients without multilobular necrosis and with or without perivenulitis, corticosteroids did not impact the outcome. Response to corticosteroids was independent of the MELD score.

Conclusions

The presence of multilobular necrosis on liver biopsy helps identify a subgroup of IAH cases who may benefit from the administration of corticosteroids.
Deep generative Bayesian optimization for sensor placement in structural health monitoring
Authors: Sajedi Seyedomid , Liang Xiao
Published: December 2021

Optimal sensor placement (OSP) is essential for effective structural health monitoring (SHM). More recently, deep learning algorithms have shown great potential in sensor‐based SHM. However, existing optimization frameworks, such as population‐based algorithms, are often not suited for data‐driven SHM. Evaluating a number of sensor layouts includes training on large datasets, which is computationally expensive. This paper proposes deep generative Bayesian optimization (DGBO) as a solution for a parallel optimization of black‐box/expensive OSP objective functions. Conditional variational autoencoders are leveraged as generative models that transform the OSP problem into a lower‐dimensional latent space. Additionally, DGBO utilizes a surrogate neural network to capture the probability distribution of the objective function space. The proposed method is validated on two case studies on a nine‐story reinforced concrete moment frame. The first one serves as a proof of concept to show that DGBO can find the global optimum configuration. The second case study aims to maximize the semantic damage segmentation (SDS) accuracy using a fully convolutional neural network. Transfer learning is proposed in training the vibration‐based SDS model, which reduces the evaluation times by more than 50%. Without compromising the performance, the number of accelerometers can be reduced by 52% and 43%, respectively, for damage location and severity predictions. It is also shown that DGBO can outperform genetic algorithm with the same number of function evaluations. DGBO can serve as a scalable solution to address the high‐dimensionality challenge in OSP for large‐scale civil infrastructure.
PATAN‐domain regulators interact with the Type IV pilus motor to control phototactic orientation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis
Authors: Han Yu , Jakob Annik , Engel Sophia , Wilde Annegret , Schuergers Nils
Published: December 2021

Many prokaryotes show complex behaviors that require the intricate spatial and temporal organization of cellular protein machineries, leading to asymmetrical protein distribution and cell polarity. One such behavior is cyanobacterial phototaxis which relies on the dynamic localization of the Type IV pilus motor proteins in response to light. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis, various signaling systems encompassing chemotaxis‐related CheY‐ and PatA‐like response regulators are critical players in switching between positive and negative phototaxis depending on the light intensity and wavelength. In this study, we show that PatA‐type regulators evolved from chemosensory systems. Using fluorescence microscopy and yeast two‐hybrid analysis, we demonstrate that they localize to the inner membrane, where they interact with the N‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of PilC and the pilus assembly ATPase PilB1. By separately expressing the subdomains of the response regulator PixE, we confirm that only the N‐terminal PATAN domain interacts with PilB1, localizes to the membrane, and is sufficient to reverse phototactic orientation. These experiments established that the PATAN domain is the principal output domain of PatA‐type regulators which we presume to modulate pilus extension by binding to the pilus motor components.
Effectiveness of radiation therapy on brain invasion by human papillomavirus‐related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Kuroda Naoto , Kawaji Hiroshi , Arai Yoshifumi , Otsuki Yoshiro , Miura Katsutoshi , Minato Hiroshi , Kuroda Kento , Nakatogawa Hirokazu , Yamazoe Tomohiro , Tanaka Tokutaro , Inenaga Chikanori
Published: December 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is newly suggested and characterized by HPV‐related tumors. HMSC has a relatively good prognosis. No cases of brain invasion have been reported to date. We encountered a case of brain invasion by HMSC, in which we assessed the effectiveness of radiotherapy in comparison with biopsy and autopsy. A 69‐year‐old man was referred to a hospital three months after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Contrast magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the ethmoid sinus involving the brain. We performed transnasal biopsy and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for sinonasal and intracranial lesions. Despite radiotherapy, the patient died on day 41 after radiation. Biopsy specimens displayed mixed findings of epithelial and mesenchymal components. The tumor was immunoreactive for p16, and the RNA in situ hybridization for HPV was positive. Finally, we diagnosed the patient as having HMSC. Autopsy of the sinonasal tissue revealed a reduction in the number of tumor cells. There was a marked reduction in the number of tumor cells in the sinonasal tissue compared to that in the invaded brain tissue. The effectiveness of radiotherapy could depend on the histopathological components and location of the lesion, even in the same patient.
Indicators for local health plan monitoring and evaluation: A modified Delphi consensus
Authors: Santos João Vasco , Martins Filipa Santos , Vidal‐Castro Joana , Silva‐Rocha Sofia , Areias Rita , Oliveira António , Santos Sandra , Lamelas Cristina , Amorim Helena , Martins Alexandra , Vieira Mariana , Ramos João Pedro , Pinto Marta
Published: December 2021

Objective

There is still a lack of health indicators for monitoring and evaluating health planning at the local level. In Portugal, local health plans (LHP) include a prioritized set of health priorities, which should be monitored and evaluated. This study is an example of a low‐resource method to identify and reuse indicators for LHP monitoring and evaluation already collected for other purposes.

Design and sample

A modified Delphi consensus method was applied, with three rounds of email rating questionnaires and a final meeting, between January 2018 and January 2019. The Delphi panel consisted of eight members from the Planning and Administration Group of the Espinho/Gaia Local Public Health Unit.

Measurements

Panelists were asked to assess the indicators’ validity for monitoring diseases/determinants from a pre‐selected list of potential binomials between 140 PHC indicators and 15 diseases/determinants.

Results

After four rounds, there was consensus in considering 141 binomials (34.0%) as appropriate, diabetes mellitus being the disease with more appropriate indicators.

Conclusion

This study portrays the applicability of a commonly used, easy and low‐resource method in a Portuguese Local Public Health Unit to select and reuse primary health care indicators for LHP monitoring and evaluation.
Aerothermal Characteristics of Surface-Mounted Round-Edged Slit Ribs With Performance Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Tariq Andallib
Published: December 2021

The author has investigated the aerothermal characteristics of round-edged ribs with a continuous slit. The experiments have been performed by mounting an array of ribs on the bottom wall inside a rectangular duct. Heat transfer characteristics have been measured using liquid crystal thermography (LCT), whereas flow characteristics have been measured using two-dimensional particle image velocimetry (2D-PIV) technique. Experiments have been performed for flow over a rib having ∼20% blockage ratio and 10% open area ratio. Geometrical parameters considered for the study are slit angle (α) and rib pitch-to-height ratio (p/e). Experiments have been performed for three distinct rib configurations having α values, i.e., 0 deg, 5 deg, and 10 deg with different arrangements having p/e values of 5, 10, and 15, at four Reynolds number ranges from 6200 to 12200. The heat transfer results are evaluated by examining the surface and spanwise-averaged distribution of augmented Nusselt number (Nu/Nu0, and Nux¯/Nuo,x¯ respectively). Flow field results are explained within the inter-rib region by examining the time-averaged normalized velocity fields, streamlines, fluctuation statistics, and vorticity distribution. The results show that the flow coming out from the rib geometry significantly affects the heat transfer and flow behavior. Further, the impact of geometrical design parameters (α and p/e) on different performance parameters, i.e., overall averaged augmented Nusselt number (Nu/Nu0¯), friction factor ratio (f/f0), and thermal performance factor (TPF) has been analyzed at all four Reynolds numbers using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Finally, the desired correlations for the performance parameters have been documented and found in accord with an uncertainty range of ±10%.
Social work and economic justice in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Kaloga Marissa
Published: December 2021

The social work profession is dedicated to the promotion of social and economic justice, but often has a limited appreciation of what economic justice actually looks like either in theory or practice. Economic justice, a form of distributive justice, assesses how fairly economic resources are distributed in a society. Currently, in Aotearoa New Zealand, both income and wealth inequality have reached historically high levels. Inequality research has demonstrated a causal link between inequality and a host of social and health issues that, while they impact society as a whole, affect the nation’s most marginalised populations to an increasingly greater degree. Social work literature in Aotearoa New Zealand has limited research in this area. This introductory article will begin with an overview of concepts related to economic justice, such as distributive justice, income inequality, and wealth inequality. Following this is an overview of the 2020 Economic Justice Online Forum and an exploration of the implications for social work.