bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastic response of Medicago sativa L. root system traits and cold resistance to simulated rainfall events
Authors: Li Zhensong , Wan Liqiang , Li Shuo , Li Xianglin , He Feng , Tong Zongyong
Published: September 2021

Climate change (rainfall events and global warming) affects the survival of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in winter. Appropriate water management can quickly reduce the mortality of alfalfa during winter. To determine how changes in water affect the cold resistance of alfalfa, we explored the root system traits under different rainfall events and the effects on cold resistance in three alfalfa cultivars. These were exposed to three simulated rainfall events (SRE) × two phases in a randomized complete block design with six replications. The three cultivars were WL168, WL353 and WL440, and the three SRE were irrigation once every second day (D2), every four days (D4) and every eight days (D8). There were two phases: before cold acclimation and after cold acclimation. Our results demonstrated that a period of exposure to low temperature was required for alfalfa to achieve maximum cold resistance. The root system tended toward herringbone branching under D8, compared with D2 and D4, and demonstrated greater root biomass, crown diameter, root volume, average link length and topological index. Nevertheless, D8 had less lateral root length, root surface area, specific root length, root forks and fractal dimensions. Greater root biomass and topological index were beneficial to cold resistance in alfalfa, while more lateral roots and root forks inhibited its ability to survive winter. Alfalfa roots had higher proline, soluble sugar and starch content in D8 than in D2 and D4. In contrast, there was lower malondialdehyde in D8, indicating that alfalfa had better cold resistance following a longer irrigation interval before winter. After examining root biomass, root system traits and physiological indexes we concluded that WL168 exhibited stronger cold resistance. Our results contribute to greater understanding of root and cold stress, consequently providing references for selection of cultivars and field water management to improve cold resistance of alfalfa in the context of changes in rainfall patterns.
Efficient Operating Control of Fire Protection of In-House Inspection Systems
Authors: Kim Seok-Hun , Hwang Euy-Hong , Choi Doon-Mook
Published: September 2021

Installation of ancillary facilities such as electrical rooms is crucial due to the complicated structure and division of the interior of a complex building. Furthermore, carbon-dioxide extinguishing systems are mainly installed in these ancillary facilities, and the number of systems installed has been increasing annually. Accordingly, the importance of in-house inspection is being emphasized. In this study, the literature and statistics related to the in-house inspection of fire-fighting facilities were reviewed. Based on the results, problems were derived from the overlap between in-house inspection and similar inspection, the installation location of the pressure switch, the installation standard of the air respirator, the safety awareness of people involved, and the technical qualification level of the in-house inspection assistant. Additionally, improvement measures to enact, amend, and establish public notices were proposed for self-inspection systems.
Discovering language discovering language properties through corpus-based dictionary data analysis
Authors: Lyddon Paul A.
Published: September 2021

To reveal underlying patterns in real language use, linguists have increasingly come to rely on corpus analyses, involving the evaluation of statistical frequencies in generally sizable bodies of natural linguistic data. However, accessing and analyzing large samples of raw language is neither always practical nor even truly necessary, especially in cases pertaining to structural characteristics. In fact, the requisite data can oftentimes be gleaned from a state-of-the-art (i.e., corpus-based) dictionary. Moreover, given the widespread availability of easily searchable electronic dictionaries nowadays, almost any language teacher or learner can use one to answer a number of these types of queries. This paper illustrates this claim with a step-by-step analysis of corpus-based dictionary data for the purpose of formulating the sound-symbol relations in English words with vowels preceding -gh.
The Effects of Omitted Variable on Multicollinearity in Hierarchical Linear Modelling
Authors: Jemilohun V. G.
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the impact of violation of the assumption of the hierarchical linear model where covariate of level – 1 collinear with the correct functional and omitted variable model. This was carried out via Monte Carlo simulation. In an attempt to achieve this omitted variable bias was introduced. The study considers the multicollinearity effects when the models are in the correct form and when they are not in the correct form.  Also, multicollinearity test was carried out on the data set to find out whether there is presence of multicollinearity among the data set using Variance Inflation Factor (VIF).  At the end of the study, the result shows that, omitted variable has tremendous impact on hierarchical linear model.
Recent Advances of Biotechnological Tools on Diverse Species of Citrus: Current Applications and Future Prospects
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Roy Bidhan , Roy Monish
Published: September 2021

Based on the long term conservation of several endangered and indigenous species of Citrus, significant impact of biotechnological tools particularly in terms of in-vitro micropropagation methods in addition to synthetic seed production using encapsulation of plant propagules including shoot tips, nodal segments, androgenic embryos, embryogenic callus, etc. in sodium alginate has been highlighted in this manuscript. When seed is not available in enough quantity for raising seedlings for rootstock or have low levels of polyembryony and do not produce adequate quantities of nucellar seedlings, then micropropagation techniques could quickly supply in vitro regenerated rootstock or budwood. Rapid, mass-production and cost-effective biotechnological tools for propagation of citrus rootstocks and budwood would be of great importance in this regard. Reports on another aspect of long term conservation particularly based on storage of cells, tissues and organs of drought tolerant species of Citrus at ultra-low temperature preferably at -196 ºC via applications of cryopreservation techniques using vitrification and encapsulation or dehydration methods has been highlighted in this manuscript. In addition, several research on techniques of in-vitro micrografting using superior scion and rootstocks of two different species of Citrus with an objective of eradication of virus infected citrus stocks for successful production of grafts have been reviewed. Furthermore, effects of explants either through direct and indirect regeneration and conversion into a complete disease free plantlet using suitable synthetic nutrient media along with plant growth regulators at various concentrations and combinations have been highlighted in this manuscript. Hence, the current review is primarily focused on the applications and its effects of superior biotechnological tools for long term conservation of diverse species of citrus for further increasing the potentiality of Citrus industries in addition to genetic improvement and genetic resource conservation.
Reference Ranges of Iron Profiles in Apparently Healthy Elderly in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Uchechukwu Onuigwe, Festus , Chitogu Ibeh, Nancy , Ifechukwudebelu Amilo, Grace
Published: September 2021

Background: Iron is an important micronutrient in the body, lead to anaemia, frailty and cognitive disorders in the elderly when deficient.

Aim: This study was aimed to determine reference values of iron profile in apparently healthy elderly persons in Sokoto and compared with the local reference values.

Study Design: This was a comparative study

Duration of Study: The study lasted for a period of one year between January to December, 2020.

Methodology: This was a comparative study involving 105 apparently healthy elderly persons aged 60 years and above in Sokoto metropolis. Serum iron and total-iron binding capacity (TIBC) were determined using Iron Ferrozine method. Serum ferritin, Serum transferrin (Tf) and Serum Transferrin Receptors (sTfR) were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transferrin Saturation (TS) and Serum Transferrin Receptors ferritin log (sTfR/FL) was calculated.  Data were expressed as percentiles, mean and standard deviation and analysed using t-test and one way ANOVA.

Results: The study established reference ranges of Serum iron,TIBC, Serum ferritin, Tf, sTfR, TS and sTfR/FL was calculated.  in Sokoto. The study showed that iron and ferritin have high reference ranges than the local values in Sokoto. The local values for TIBC, ferritin, sTfR, TS and sTfR/FL were not available. Mean Ferritin (µg/L), sTfR (ng/L) and sTfR/Fl the test subjects were significantly higher in males than females in Sokoto (p=0.026), (p= 0.001), (p=0.044) and (p= 0.003) respectively. Iron, ferritin and TS increased as the BMI was increasing (p=<0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, normal reference values obtained in this study notably vary with the local reference ranges used in the Sokoto metropolis. There is a need for each locality to have separate reference ranges for the elderly for their proper diagnosis and management of iron related disorders.
Factors that Influence Audit Delay in the Trade, Service, and Investment Sector that Listed on Indonesian Stock Exchange
Authors: Safitri Rohana Dita , Triani Ni Nyoman Alit
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence of the effect of company size, audit opinion, the complexity of company operations, audit tenure, and KAP specialization on audit delay. The sampling method used was purposive sampling on companies in the trade, service, and investment sectors for the period 2013-2018 and produced 447 data. The research data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of data analysis show that company size and audit opinion affect audit delay meanwhile, the complexity of company operations, audit tenure, KAP specialization does not affect audit delay.
Bioinspired Intrinsic Versatile Hydrogel Fabricated by Amyloidal Toxin Simulant‐Based Nanofibrous Assemblies for Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Xuan Qize , Jiang Feng , Dong Hao , Zhang Wenxue , Zhang Feiyang , Ma Tonghao , Zhuang Jiafeng , Yu Jinlong , Wang Yibing , Shen Hao , Chen Chao , Wang Ping
Published: September 2021

Persistent microbial infection and decreased neovascularization are common issues associated with diabetic wound treatment. Hydrogel dressings that offer intrinsic antibacterial and angiogenesis‐inducing may substantially avoid the use of antibiotics or angiogenic agents. Herein, a versatile hydrogel is fabricated using an amyloid‐derived toxin simulant (Fmoc‐LFKFFK‐NH2, FLN) as building blocks, inspired by the defense strategy of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The simulant assemblies of the hydrogel function as both matrix components and functional elements for diabetic wound treatment. The hydrogel undergoes quick assembly from random monomers to nanofibrils with abundant b‐sheet driven by multiple non‐covalent interactions. The developed hydrogel demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and accelerates angiogenesis via hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) signaling as a consequence of its amyloidal structure. The simulant‐based nanofibrils endow the hydrogel with broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity dominated by a membrane‐disruption mechanism. In addition, the hydrogel exhibits excellent performance compared with the commercial hydrogel Prontosan in accelerating wound healing of diabetic mice infected with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). This study highlights the fabrication of a single component and versatile hydrogel platform, thereby avoiding the drug‐related side effects and complicated preparations and demonstrating its profound potential as a clinical dressing for the management of microbe‐infected diabetic wounds.
Ablating the Transporter Sodium‐Dependent Dicarboxylate Transporter 3 Prevents Leukodystrophy in Canavan Disease Mice
Authors: Wang Yan , Hull Vanessa , Sternbach Sarah , Popovich Brad , Burns Travis , McDonough Jennifer , Guo Fuzheng , Pleasure David
Published: September 2021

Canavan disease is caused by ASPA mutations that diminish brain aspartoacylase activity, and it is characterized by excessive brain storage of the aspartoacylase substrate, N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate (NAA), and by astroglial and intramyelinic vacuolation. Astroglia and the arachnoid mater express sodium‐dependent dicarboxylate transporter (NaDC3), encoded by SLC13A3, a sodium‐coupled transporter for NAA and other dicarboxylates. Constitutive Slc13a3 deletion in aspartoacylase‐deficient Canavan disease mice prevents brain NAA overaccumulation, ataxia, and brain vacuolation. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:845–850
Bio‐derived nanosilica‐anchored Cu(II)‐organoselenium complex as an efficient retrievable catalyst for alcohol oxidation
Authors: Gogoi Rajjyoti , Borah Geetika
Published: September 2021

A new copper(II) complex supported onto rice‐husk‐derived nanosilica was prepared from 2,6‐bis((phenylselanyl)methyl)pyridine, salicylaldehyde and copper acetate monohydrate, Cu(OAc)2·H2O. The as‐synthesized complex Cu(II)SeNSe@imine‐nanoSiO2 (Complex I) was extensively characterized with FT‐IR, powder XRD, SEM‐EDX, solid‐state UV‐Vis, ESR, XPS, TGA and BET surface area analysis. The catalytic activity of the complex was explored for alcohol oxidation reactions using H2O2 as oxidant and acetonitrile as solvent. For comparison, we have also prepared an analogous homogeneous catalyst (Complex II) and characterized it with FT‐IR, UV‐Vis, LC‐MS and ESR analyses. Its catalytic activity was also screened to the same reaction. The immobilized catalyst showed better efficiency with 75%–95% isolated yield compared with the homogeneous one for alcohol oxidation with at least five times recyclability without profound loss in activity.
The use of sludge as a micronutrient for the improvement of biogas production from seaweed: the integration of two sources of environmental concern to bring new opportunities
Authors: Rezaei Mostafa , Ebrahimi‐Nik Mohammadali , Tedesco Silvia , Zeynali Reyhaneh
Published: September 2021

Large quantities of seaweed in marine environments and coastal areas can cause serious hygienic and environmental problems. Anaerobic digestion (AD) could provide a solution and could also be useful for the production of bioenergy and fertilizer. However, the AD of algae biomass has some limitations and further work is required on the process. To increase the efficiency of the process, batches of 350 mL feedstock containing seaweed biomass (Sargassum sp.), inoculum, and different dosages of sludge from drinking water treatment (DWTS) as a micronutrient source to improve biogas production were digested in a 500 mL glass reactor and under mesophilic conditions, leading to significantly enhanced methane production. The highest methane yield (199 NmL g−1 VS) was observed when 6 mg L−1 DWTS was added, which showed a 30% improvement compared with the control digester and accounted for a 249.4 kWh increase in net energy per ton. The biodegradability index also increased by 10% compared with the control after the addition of DWTS. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Connection to nature and sustainability in small‐ and medium‐sized environmental organizations: A dynamic strategic thinking approach
Authors: Karami Azhdar , Gorzynski Robert Anthony
Published: September 2021

Strategic thinking has evolved from a concept predominantly based on analysis, closely integrated with strategic planning, to a broader mindset, yet it remains strongly ‘head based’. The aim of this paper is to explore a context where a broader, more holistic perspective exists, focused on the connection of small‐ and medium‐sized environmental organizations with the natural world, why and how this relationship influences strategic thinking and how it enables organizations to leverage limited resources. The research methodology reflects the rationale that a holistic perspective of strategic thinking is best understood by adopting an interpretivist research philosophy, using an inductive, ethnographic approach, focused on interpreting deep, rich layers of meaning within participant data to inform new theory and existing practice. The triangulated multi‐method approach, within an embedded case study setting, comprised 38 individual interviews and 4 workshops (group interviews, participant observation) drawn from 29 organizations across the United Kingdom. The findings indicate that the strategic thinking process is emergent, complex, interconnected, informal and is embedded within pivotal places alongside governance, strategic planning and other key processes. Participants are driven by a strong embodied personal connection with nature, extending well beyond the cognitive dimension (mind) to a diverse range of sensibilities (heart, body and spirit) and share an experiential process of connection that binds them together as purpose‐ and value‐driven organizations. The implication is that a connection to nature underpins all aspects of the strategic processes within participant organizations and is fundamentally important to decision‐making at all levels, both strategic and implementational.
Identification of a novel six‐gene signature with potential prognostic and therapeutic value in cervical cancer
Authors: Qu Xinyu , Shi Zhiwen , Guo Jingjing , Guo Chenyan , Qiu Junjun , Hua Keqin
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Cervical cancer has high mortality, high recurrence and poor prognosis. Although prognostic biomarkers such as clinicopathological features have been proposed, their accuracy and precision are far from satisfactory. Therefore, novel biomarkers are urgently needed for disease surveillance, prognosis prediction and treatment selection.

Materials

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cervical cancer and normal tissues from three microarray datasets extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus platform were identified and screened. Based on these DEGs, a six‐gene prognostic signature was constructed using cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Next, the molecular functions and related pathways of the six genes were investigated through gene set enrichment analysis and co‐expression analysis. Additionally, immunophenoscore analysis and the QuartataWeb Server were employed to explore the therapeutic value of the six‐gene signature.

Results

We discovered 178 overlapping DEGs in three microarray datasets and established a six‐gene (APOC1, GLTP, ISG20, SPP1, SLC24A3 and UPP1) prognostic signature with stable and excellent performance in predicting overall survival in different subgroups. Intriguingly, the six‐gene signature was closely associated with the immune response and tumour immune microenvironment. The six‐gene signature might be used for predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the six genes may serve as new drug targets for cervical cancer.

Conclusion

Our study established a novel six‐gene (APOC1, GLTP, ISG20, SPP1, SLC24A3 and UPP1) signature that was closely associated with the immune response and tumour immune microenvironment. The six‐gene signature was indicative of aggressive features of cervical cancer and therefore might serve as a promising biomarker for predicting not only overall survival but also ICI treatment effectiveness. Moreover, three genes (UPP1, ISG20 and GLTP) within the six‐gene signature have the potential to become novel drug targets.
Coronary bypass graft surgery accentuates proximal coronary disease progression!
Authors: Okuya Yoshiyuki , Moussa Issam D.
Published: September 2021

Key Points

Optical coherence tomography imaging demonstrated that patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) to the left coronary circulation have greater amount of calcium in the distal left main coronary artery and proximal segments of the left anterior descending and left circumflex artery compared to those without prior CABG.

Atherosclerotic disease progression in coronary segments proximal to bypass grafts should be considered in decision‐making for patients undergoing CABG.

Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms and implications of atherosclerotic disease progression in coronary segments proximal to bypass grafts.
Ultrafast reaction‐sintering of grain size‐controlled titanium niobate from TiO2 and Nb2O5
Authors: G. Oliveira Vinícius S. , S. Falk Gilberto , Hotza Dachamir , Gómez González Sergio Yesid
Published: September 2021

TiNb2O7 is a promising alternative to graphite anodes currently employed in lithium‐ion batteries. The material offers a high specific capacity, good cycling stability, and better safety characteristics. The solid‐state reaction between TiO2 and Nb2O5 is the most straightforward synthesis route to prepare TiNb2O7. It has only been documented so far to be conducted at long periods of sintering time (>10 h). In this work, we propose a fast‐firing approach to the solid‐state synthesis, which yields TiNb2O7 in less than 2 min of furnace holding time, starting from tape‐cast titania (d50 = 0.26 μm) and niobia (d50 = 0.967 μm) green compacts. Besides significantly reducing processing time, fast‐firing enabled the hindering of grain growth, producing a material with grain size ∼0.5 μm (holding time of 2 min) and ∼1 μm (5–10 min).
CPP11sort: A parallel quicksort based on C++ threading
Authors: Langr Daniel , Schovánková Klára
Published: September 2021

A new efficient implementation of the multithreaded quicksort algorithm called CPP11sort is presented. This implementation is built exclusively upon the threading primitives of the C++ programming language itself. The performance of CPP11sort is evaluated and compared with its mainstream competitors provided by GNU, Intel, and Microsoft. It is shown that out of the considered implementations, CPP11sort mostly yields the shortest sorting times and is the only one that is portable to any conforming C++ implementation without a need of external libraries or nonstandard compiler extensions. The experimental evaluation with various input data distributions resulted in parallel speedup between 16.1 and 44.2 on a 56‐core server and between 6.8 and 14.5 on a 10‐core workstation with enabled hyperthreading.
A comparison of completion and recovery rates between first‐line protocol‐based cognitive behavioural therapy and non‐manualized relational therapies within a UK psychological service
Authors: Leonidaki Venetia , Constantinou Matthew P.
Published: September 2021

This study compares completion and recovery rates between protocol‐based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), offered as a first‐line therapy for common mental health problems as per national guidelines, and relational therapies (RTs), scarcely provided in the English Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. This is a non‐randomized, naturalistic study in a treatment‐seeking community sample (n = 708). RTs consist of brief psychodynamic and relational integrative therapy. Completion rates relied on clinicians' coding and recovery rates were calculated based on the Patient Health Questionnaires‐9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7. Doubly robust regression analysis was used to control both the treatment allocation and outcome variables for pretreatment differences between the intervention groups. Significantly more RT clients completed treatment compared with CBT clients. No significant differences in recovery rates between CBT and RTs were found using traditional null hypothesis significance tests; the groups were found to be equivalent using equivalence tests. Only when the analysis was repeated in treatment completers did CBT clients achieve around one‐quarter higher recovery rates. Both CBT and RTs appeared to be equally effective and showed recovery and completion rates equivalent to or above the national average. These findings demonstrate the advantages of therapies other than CBT. Future research is needed to replicate the equivalence between these two treatments and to explore specific patient characteristics that make one treatment more suitable and acceptable than the other.
Gender disclosure: The impact of peer behaviour and the firm's equality policies
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Minutiello Valentina , Tettamanzi Patrizia
Published: September 2021

Gender equality is the future towards which society and companies have to move, and it is thus essential to know what efforts organisations are making. In this paper, we analyse the transparency of multinationals in matters of gender, in accordance with the requirements determined by the global reporting initiative (GRI) and United Nations (UN). The results suggest that higher levels of gender equality support the decision to report all GRI+UN indicators, a decision that has been maintained over time and is not moderated by peer disclosure. This behaviour facilitates the inclusion of companies in different reputation lists as a consequence of a greater commitment to gender equality, although these rankings also assess the completeness of the information when considering the disclosure of the GRI+UN indicators. The effect differs according to the practices of peer firms.
A variable gain reconfigurable mixer using gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistor for wireless local area network applications
Authors: Vishnoi Manoj Kumar , Srikant Satya Sai , Mahapatra Rajendra Prasad , Sharma Shikha Swaroop
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a design of reconfigurable frequency mixer is adapted with gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistor (GaN HEMT) architecture under variable gain, different intermediate frequency (IF) bandwidth, and active/passive configuration for multidisciplinary applications supported by wireless local area network (WLAN) framework. The low band (LB) and high band (HB) are reconfigured by shunting the power between the switching and transconductance at the IF stage of the transistor. The transistor switching mode (active and passive) and logic levels are fixed at the input stage, and the input radio frequency (RF) signal is steering between the gate and drain terminals of transistors. The transistor gain is controlled by adjusting transconductance at the input RF stage and the current‐steering in transimpedance stage at the output. The simulation results show that the proposed circuit provides variable gain of 23/25 and 30/32 dB and noise figure of 14.5/12.5 at the LB and HB reconfigurable scenarios. Hence, it is suitable for transceiver optimistic functions with converge large bandwidth through shunting stages of reconfigurable frequency mixer and transconductance.
The lysine methyltransferase SETD2 is a dynamically expressed regulator of early neural crest development
Authors: Roffers‐Agarwal Julaine , Lidberg Kevin A. , Gammill Laura S.
Published: September 2021

SETD2 is a histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) tri‐methylase that is upregulated in response to neural crest induction. Because the H3K36 di‐methylase NSD3 and cytoplasmic non‐histone protein methylation are necessary for neural crest development, we investigated the expression and requirement for SETD2 in the neural crest. SetD2 is expressed throughout the chick blastoderm beginning at gastrulation. Subsequently, SetD2 mRNA becomes restricted to the neural plate, where it is strongly and dynamically expressed as neural tissue is regionalized and cell fate decisions are made. This includes expression in premigratory neural crest cells, which is downregulated prior to migration. Likely due to the early onset of its expression, SETD2 morpholino knockdown does not significantly alter premigratory Sox10 expression or neural crest migration; however, both are disrupted by a methyltransferase mutant SETD2 construct. These results suggest that SETD2 activity is essential for early neural crest development, further demonstrating that lysine methylation is an important mechanism regulating the neural crest.
Prevention of eating disorders—Efficacy and cost‐benefit of a school‐based program (“MaiStep”) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Authors: Wolter Vanessa , Hammerle Florian , Buerger Arne , Ernst Verena
Published: September 2021

Objective

Given the severity of eating disorders, effective and easily implementable prevention programs which reduce incidence rates and in addition have health‐economic benefits are essential. The majority of research on prevention programs focuses on questionnaire‐based efficacy or the reduction of eating disorder symptoms while neglecting the health‐economic perspective. By contrast, the present study focuses on both an efficacy analysis considering diagnostic criteria (DSM‐5) and on evaluating the cost‐benefit of a universal prevention program for eating disorders (“MaiStep”).

Method

A three‐arm randomized controlled trial with baseline, posttreatment and 12‐month follow‐up was conducted with 1,654 adolescents (M = 13.35, SD = 0.76), comprising two intervention groups (MaiStep delivered by psychologists or teachers, IG‐T) and an active control group (ACG). The primary outcome was DSM‐5 eating disorder diagnosis measured with the SIAB‐S. Furthermore, the costs of the prevention program and the savings in health care costs were calculated.

Results

A significant difference in eating disorder diagnosis was found between the IG‐T and the ACG for posttreatment (χ2(1= 7.352, p = .007), Relative Risk (RR) = .53 and 12‐month follow‐up (χ2 (1= 5.203, p = .023), RR = .61. MaiStep proved to be cost‐effective (tcbr = 6.75), saving about 560,000 € (standardized per 1,000 students = 601,388.19 €).

Discussion

Universal prevention can both reduce incidence rates of eating disorders and be cost‐beneficial for health care systems. Future research should analyze prevention programs regarding efficacy and cost‐benefit to enable comparability and derive guidelines for political decision‐makers.

Trial registration number

MaiStep is registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00005050).
Metabolite mass spectrometry profiling of cacao genotypes reveals contrasting resistances to Ceratocystis cacaofunesta phytopathogen
Authors: Neves dos Santos Fábio , Magalhães Dilze Maria Argôlo , Luz Edna Dora Martins Newman , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Simionato Ana Valéria Colnaghi
Published: September 2021

Ceratocystis wilt is a lethal disease of cacao, and the search for resistant genotypes may provide the best way to deal with the disease. Resistance or susceptibility behavior of some cacao genotypes when infected by Ceratocystis cacaofunesta is not yet understood. Herein, we report an LC‐MS metabolomic screening analysis based on high‐resolution MS to obtain comprehensive metabolic profile associated with multivariate data analysis of PLS‐DA, which was effective to classify CCN‐51 and TSH‐1188 as resistant genotypes to C. cacaofunesta fungus, while CEPEC2002 was classified as a susceptible one. Using reversed‐phase LC method, electrospray interface, and high‐resolution tandem MS by the quadrupole‐TOF analyzer, the typical profiles of metabolites, such as phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, lipids, alkaloids, and amino acids, were obtained. Untargeted metabolite profiles were used to construct discriminant analysis by partial least squares (PLS‐DA)‐derived loading plots, which placed the cacao genotypes into two major clusters related to susceptible or resistant groups. Linolenic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, arachidonic, and asiatic acids were annotated metabolites of infected, susceptible, and resistant genotypes, while methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid, hydroxylated jasmonic acid, caffeine, and theobromine were annotated as constituents of the resistant genotypes. Trends of these typical metabolites levels revealed that CCN51 is susceptible, CEPEC2002 is moderately susceptible, and TSH1188 is resistant to C. cacaofunesta. Therefore, profiles of major metabolites as screened by LC‐MS offer an efficient tool to reveal the level of resistance of cacao genotypes to C. cacaofunesta present in any farm around the world.
Porous layer open‐tubular column with styrene and itaconic acid‐copolymerized polymer as stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yu Xinhong , Liu Yikun , Sun Wenqi , Chen Zilin
Published: September 2021

Enhancing the specific surface area of stationary phase is important in chromatographic science, especially in open‐tubular column in which the coating only exists on the inner surface. In this work, a porous layer open‐tubular (PLOT) column with stationary phase of styrene and itaconic acid‐copolymerized polymer was developed. Thermal‐initiated polymerization method with strategies like controlling the ratio of reaction reagents to solvents and reaction time, confinement by the narrow inner diameter of capillary were used for preparing the stationary phase with uniform structure and relatively thick layer. Due to the high separation efficiency and capacity, the PLOT column was used for capillary electrochromatography (CEC) separation of multiple groups of analytes like alkylbenzenes, phenyl amines, phenols, vanillins, and sulfonamides with theoretical plates (N) up to 1,54,845 N/m. In addition, due to high permeability of the CEC column and large electroosmotic flow mobility generated by abundant carboxyl groups in the coating material, the PLOT‐CEC column was successfully coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) through a sheath flow interface. The developed PLOT‐CEC‐MS method was used for the analysis of antiseptics like parabens and herbicides like pyridines.
Ageing as “early-life inertia”: Disentangling life-history trade-offs along a lifetime of an individual
Authors: Carlsson Hanne , Ivimey-Cook Edward , Duxbury Elizabeth M. L. , Edden Nathan , Sales Kris , Maklakov Alexei A.
Published: September 2021

The theory that ageing evolves because of competitive resource allocation between the soma and the germline has been challenged by studies showing that somatic maintenance can be improved without impairing reproduction. However, it has been suggested that cost-free improvement in somatic maintenance is possible only under a narrow range of benign conditions. Here, we show that experimental downregulation of insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) in C. elegans nematodes, a robustly reproducible life span- and health span-extending treatment, reduces fitness in a complex variable environment when initiated during development but does not reduce fitness when initiated in adulthood. Thus, our results show that the costs and benefits of reduced IIS can be uncoupled when organisms inhabit variable environments, and, therefore, do not provide support for the resource allocation theory. Our findings support the theory that the force of natural selection on gene expression in evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that shape life-history traits declines after the onset of reproduction resulting in organismal senescence.
Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of hospitalized pregnant women with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in South Africa: An International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems‐based cohort study
Authors: Budhram Samantha , Vannevel Valerie , Botha Tanita , Chauke Lawrence , Bhoora Shastra , Balie Gaynor M. , Odell Natalie , Lombaard Hennie , Wise Amy , Georgiou Chrysanthi , Ngxola Nondumiso , Wynne Emma , Mbewu Unati , Mabenge Mfundo , Phinzi Sibusiso , Gubu‐Ntaba Nontsikelelo , Goldman Gareth , Tunkyi Kay , Prithipal Sudhir , Naidoo Keshree , Venkatachalam Santhi , Moodley Terence , Mould Sean , Hlabisa Mzuvele , Govender Logie , Maistry Charlene , Habineza John P. , Israel Priya , Foolchand Serantha , Tsibiyane Nomandla V. , Panday Mala , Soma‐Pillay Priya , Adam Sumaiya , Molokoane Felicia , Mojela Matthew S. , van Rensburg Elizabeth J. , Mashamba Tshililo , Matjila Mushi , Fawcus Sue , Osman Ayesha , Venter Mareli , Petro Gregory , Fakier Ahminah , Langenegger Eduard , Cluver Catherine A. , Bekker Adrie , de Waard Liesl , Stewart Chantal , Ngene Nnabuike C. , Lunda Ongombe , N.Cebekhulu Sylvia , Moodley Siva , Koranteng‐Peprah Mama‐Asu , Ati Emmanuel M. C. , Maswime Salome , Yates Laura M.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To describe risk factors and outcomes of pregnant women infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 admitted to South African healthcare facilities.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was conducted utilizing an amended International Obstetric Surveillance System protocol. Data on pregnant women with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, hospitalized between April 14, 2020, and November 24, 2020, were analyzed.

Results

A total of 36 hospitals submitted data on 673 infected hospitalized pregnant women; 217 (32.2%) were admitted for COVID‐19 illness and 456 for other indications. There were 39 deaths with a case fatality rate of 6.3%: 32 (14.7%) deaths occurred in women admitted for COVID‐19 illness compared to 7 (1.8%) in women admitted for other indications. Of the women, 106 (15.9%) required critical care. Maternal tuberculosis, but not HIV co‐infection or other co‐morbidities, was associated with admission for COVID‐19 illness. Rates of cesarean delivery did not differ significantly between women admitted for COVID‐19 and those admitted for other indications. There were 179 (35.4%) preterm births, 25 (4.7%) stillbirths, 12 (2.3%) neonatal deaths, and 162 (30.8%) neonatal admissions. Neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly from those of infected women admitted for other indications.

Conclusion

The maternal mortality rate was high among women admitted with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and higher in women admitted primarily for COVID‐19 illness with tuberculosis being the only co‐morbidity associated with admission.
Body mass index‐related cesarean section complications in sub‐Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Asah‐Opoku Kwaku , Pijtak Iris , Nuamah Mercy , Damale Nelson , Bloemenkamp Kitty , Browne Joyce , Rijken Marcus J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Obesity and cesarean section (CS) rates are rising in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), where risks for complications that adversely affect maternal health, such as infections, are high.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to report on the incidence and types of body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters)‐related complications following CS in SSA.

Search strategy

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Global Health Library up to August 2020 using (MeSH) terms related to CS, BMI, and SSA.

Selection criteria

Quantitative studies that evaluated BMI‐related complications of CS in English.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted using a standardized form. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. The incidence of BMI‐related complications at 95% confidence interval was calculated and a meta‐analysis conducted.

Main results

Of 84 articles screened, five were included. Complications associated with a higher BMI were: wound infection, hemorrhage, post‐dural puncture headache, and prolonged surgery time in comparison with patients with a normal BMI. Women with a high BMI (>25.0) have a two‐fold increased risk for post‐cesarean wound infection compared with women with a normal BMI (20.0–24.9) (odds ratio 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.11–3.52).

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity were associated with CS complications in SSA, but limited research is available.
Recurrent mucinous neoplasm arising in cesarean scar: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Gundogdu Fatma , Orhan Nazlı , Ozgul Nejat , Usubutun Alp
Published: September 2021

Ovarian mucinous tumors are one of the common epithelial tumors in the ovary, but their recurrence is extremely rare. In a 37‐year‐old female patient who had had five operations in 7 years due to recurrent mucinous neoplasms, a mass extending to the umbilicus was recently detected during a routine examination. With this finding the patient underwent cystectomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, and left salpingo‐oophorectomy. Two of the five operations were performed during cesarean delivery. In the recent surgical procedure, two cysts were removed. A 20 cm cyst in the pelvic region was diagnosed as a mucinous cystadenoma. The other cyst located in the myometrium was a mucinous cystadenoma with focal borderline change and arose in the previous cesarean scar. The authors present what is believed to be the first case of recurrent mucinous neoplasm arising within a cesarean scar. A review of the literature concerning the topic is also presented.
Research and scholarly methods: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Baker William L. , Sobieraj Diana M.
Published: September 2021

Meta‐analysis refers to the statistical combination of findings from individual studies and is a component of many published systematic reviews. Several considerations are critically important to ensure researchers conduct a high‐quality study. These include appropriate choice of analytic model, consideration of the presence and sources of heterogeneity, sensitivity/subgroup analyses or meta‐regression where appropriate, and evaluation of small‐study effects, amongst others. Advanced applications such as network meta‐analysis and individual participant data meta‐analysis allow for the comparison of a broad number of potential interventions and evaluating effect modifiers. Various free and subscription‐based software packages are available depending on the needs of the analyst and their familiarity with programming language and contemporary methods. While not an exhaustive review of these methods, we present a general overview of key concepts for those interested in performing or evaluating a meta‐analysis.
Implementation of warfarin to direct oral anticoagulant conversion initiative in pharmacist‐run anticoagulation clinics during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kish Katie , Lekic Sanela
Published: September 2021

Due to community transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), social distancing and stay‐at‐home orders were implemented statewide in an effort to limit the spread of disease. This posed unique challenges for patients on medications requiring close and continued monitoring by clinic staff, such as anticoagulation clinics. Thus, innovative measures were implemented at Cleveland Clinic Health System (CCHS) to maintain the health and care of ambulatory patients. An initiative to evaluate patients for warfarin to direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) conversion was used in the pharmacist‐run anticoagulation clinics. This article describes how patients were screened for eligibility, the education to pharmacists, the utilization of student learners in the process, and the workflow for provider notification of conversion. Follow up monitoring, challenges encountered, and future directions are also described.
Spectral photokinetic conversion of the fluorescent probes BSB and K114 for improved detection of amyloid assemblies
Authors: Stepanchuk Anastasiia A. , Joseph Jeffrey T. , Stys Peter K.
Published: September 2021

Cross‐β‐sheet‐rich protein fibrils are infamous for their accumulation in the brains of patients diagnosed with a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disease‐relevant fibrils are a result of deviation of the proteins from their native structure to a misfolded state resulting in aggregation and formation of fibrils. In this study, we explored the phenomenon of light‐induced fluorescence enhancement of amyloid assemblies stained with two amyloid probes (BSB and K114) using Bombyx mori silk and human AD brain sections. The photoconversion effect, accompanied by an increase in fluorescence intensity and spectral blue‐shift, was highly dependent on the chemical structures of the dyes, pH, presence of glycerol and the type of amyloid. The degree of intensity and spectral change over time in response to high laser exposure were quantified and analyzed using custom‐written analysis tools. Our findings provide further insight into possible mechanisms of amyloid‐mediated photoconversion kinetics of K114 and BSB, and may provide more insight into the molecular nature of various amyloid assemblies.
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and metabolic syndrome among young adults in an annual health check‐up setting
Authors: Javadekar Narendra S , Oka Gauri A , Joshi Ashwini S , Vaste Parag , Tamane Sandeep , Lawate Parimal S
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Some studies have found a positive association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic syndrome; however, none are from India.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 1040 adults aged between 18 and 50 years. Individuals from the annual health check‐up setting were screened using anthropometry and biochemistry. Based on the results, they were identified as with and without metabolic syndrome. We excluded individuals who were already diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or those who were already on medication for diabetes mellitus or hypertension or dyslipidemia. All the participants were administered the Rome III questionnaire for the diagnosis of IBS.

Results

Metabolic syndrome was found in 307 of 1040 (29.5%) while 33 of 1040 (3.2%) had IBS. The proportion of IBS was not significantly different between participants with and without metabolic syndrome (1.6% vs 3.8% respectively; P = 0.06). Those with IBS had significantly greater mean weight (72.4 vs 67.2 kg; P = 0.009), mean waist circumference (88.8 vs 85.2 cm; P = 0.011), mean body mass index (BMI) (26.2 vs 24.2 kg/m2; P = 0.002), and higher mean fasting glucose (96 vs 89 mg/dL; P < 0.000) respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and IBS are comparable to previous literature from India. There was no association between metabolic syndrome and IBS.
Organic interventions conferring stress tolerance and crop quality in agroecosystems during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Sarkar Deepranjan , Dubey Pradeep Kumar , Chaurasiya Rajan , Sankar Ardith , Shikha  , Chatterjee Neha , Ganguly Sabuj , Meena Vijay Singh , Meena Sunita Kumari , Parewa Hanuman Prasad , Rakshit Amitava
Published: September 2021

Excessive use of synthetic chemicals in conventional agriculture largely degraded the agroecosystems that constitute approximately 40% of the global terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, changing climate resulted in a substantial loss in agricultural productivity (both in quantity and in quality) mainly due to diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. This draws public awareness about depleting natural resources, viz., soil, land, and water due to unsustainable agricultural practices and equivalently concerns for food‐related animal and human health risks. Modern organic agriculture has shown positive impacts in terms of food/biomass production, climate resilience, soil health, biodiversity, nutritional security, and good quality of life; and is of prodigious demand for nutrient‐rich organic food products. In the ensuing decade, owing to the principal focus for the quality aspects or health benefits of organic agriculture, this review explores how organic interventions affect the nutritional value and yield quality in a production system; enable plants to adapt to adverse futuristic environmental conditions, and address the global food and nutritional security challenges. The chronological emergence, current global status, public perceptions, and key components of organic agriculture with their attached health benefits are inextricably synthesized herein. Fostering the ethos of organic agriculture under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) is highly imperative for agroecosystem restoration and its sustainable management. Moreover, the multidimensional paybacks of organic agriculture help in attaining important global goals and targets such as the Bonn Challenge and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) by the year 2030. Therefore, invigorating the escalation of organic farming as a concurrent strategy of soil, land, and ecosystem restoration is the need of the hour.