bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene Enhanced Photo‐Electrochemical Water Splitting by Diminishing Pt/p‐Si Photocathode Interfacial Barrier
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Yu Xue , Li Jiangli , Li Hao , Wang Shuai , Xu Yuchen , Ma Yanqing , Ma Lei
Published: March 2023

Converting solar energy into hydrogen by photo‐electrochemical cells is believed to be one of the most promising strategies to acquire clean energy. However, one barricade for further improving the performance of the photocathode system is flattening of the Schottky barrier formed at the interface between the p‐type photo‐absorber and metal co‐catalyst (e. g. Pt/p‐Si) due to the mismatch of their Fermi levels. Here, we present a facile way of making photocathodes by transferring high‐quality chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene onto p‐type Si as a buffer layer, which can effectively diminish the Pt/p‐Si interfacial barrier and promote charge separation efficiency, hence, improving the photo‐electrochemical performance of such a device for hydrogen generation. The measured photocurrent density is 3.9 times higher than that achieved without graphene buffer. This approach offers a novel route to decrease the Pt/p‐Si interfacial barrier for developing highly efficient solar conversion systems in the future. It can easily be extended to many other photocathode systems.
Liquid Redoxmers for Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Robertson Lily A. , Afsar Uddin Mohammad , Shkrob Ilya A. , Moore Jeffrey S. , Zhang Lu
Published: March 2023

Redoxmers are organic active molecules storing electrochemical energy in nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs). Increasing the solubility of redoxmers is an important approach for increasing energy density of NRFBs as effective redoxmer concentration determines how much electricity can be stored in a given volume. Molecular engineering redoxmers towards liquid forms is regarded as one promising strategy as liquid redoxmers represent an extreme scenario where fluidity is maintained at maximum concentration using a minimum amount of supporting solvents. In this Perspective, recent examples of liquid redoxmers as well as their development strategy will be discussed.
Landscape experiments unlock relationships among habitat loss, fragmentation, and patch‐size effects
Authors: Fletcher Robert J. , Smith Thomas A. H. , Kortessis Nicholas , Bruna Emilio M. , Holt Robert D.
Published: March 2023

Habitat loss is often considered the greatest near‐term threat to biodiversity, while the impact of habitat fragmentation remains intensely debated. A key issue of this debate centers on the problem of scale–landscape or patch–at which to assess the consequences of fragmentation. Yet patterns are often confounded across scales, and experimental designs that could solve this scaling problem remain scarce. We conducted two field experiments in 30 experimental landscapes in which we manipulated habitat loss, fragmentation, and patch size for a community of four insect herbivores that specialize on the cactusOpuntia. In the first experiment, we destroyed 2088Opuntiapatches in either aggregated or random patterns and compared the relative effects of landscape‐scale loss and fragmentation to those of local patch size on species occurrence. This experiment focused on manipulating the relative separation of remaining patches, where we hypothesized that aggregated loss would disrupt dispersal more than random loss, leading to lower occurrence. In the second experiment, we destroyed 759Opuntiapatches to generate landscapes that varied in patch number and size for a given amount of habitat loss and assessed species occurrence. This experiment focused on manipulating the subdivision of remaining habitat, where we hypothesized that an increase in the number of patches for a given amount of loss would lead to negative effects on occurrence. For both, we expected that occurrence would increase with patch size. We find strong evidence for landscape‐scale effects of habitat fragmentation, with aggregated loss and a larger number of patches for a given amount of habitat loss leading to a lower frequency of patches occupied in landscapes. In both experiments, occurrence increased with patch size, yet interactions of patch size and landscape‐scale loss and fragmentation drove species occurrence in patches. Importantly, the direction of effects were consistent across scales and effects of patch size were sufficient to predict the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation across entire landscapes. Our experimental results suggest that changes at both the patch and landscape scales can impact populations, but that a long‐standing pattern—the patch‐size effect—captures much of the key variation shaping patterns of species occurrence.
Esophageal and gastric cancer incidence trends in Golestan, Iran: An age‐period‐cohort analysis 2004 to 2018
Authors: Ghasemi‐Kebria Fatemeh , Semnani Shahryar , Fazel Abdolreza , Etemadi Arash , Amiriani Taghi , Naeimi‐Tabiei Mohammad , Hasanpour‐Heidari Susan , Salamat Faezeh , Jafari‐Delouie Nastaran , Sedaghat SeyyedMehdi , Sadeghzadeh Hamideh , Akbari Mahnaz , Mehrjerdian Mahshid , Weiderpass Elisabete , Roshandel Gholamreza , Bray Freddie , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: March 2023

Golestan province in the northeast of Iran is part of the Asian esophageal cancer belt and is known as a high‐risk area for esophageal (EC) and gastric cancers (GC). Data on incident cases of EC and GC during 2004 to 2018 were obtained from the Golestan Population‐based Cancer Registry (GPCR). The age‐standardized incidence rates (ASRs) were calculated and presented per 100 000 person‐years. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. We also fitted age‐period‐cohort (APC) models to assess nonlinear period and cohort effects as incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Overall, 3004 new cases of EC (ASR = 15.7) and 3553 cases of GC (ASR = 18.3) were registered in the GPCR. We found significant decreasing trends in incidence rates of EC (EAPC = −5.0; 95% CI: −7.8 to −2.2) and less marked nonsignificant trends for GC (EAPC = −1.4; 95% CI: −4.0 to 1.4) during 2004 to 2018. There was a strong cohort effect for EC with a consistent decrease in the IRR across successive birth cohorts, starting with the oldest birth cohort (1924; IRR = 1.9 vs the reference birth cohort of 1947) through to the most recent cohort born in 1988 (IRR = 0.1). The marked declines in EC incidence rates in Golestan relate to generational changes in its underlying risk factors. Despite favorable trends, this population remains at high risk of both EC and GC. Further studies are warranted to measure the impact of the major risk factors on incidence with a view to designing effective preventative programs.
Capital flows to emerging economies and global risk aversion during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Alba Carlos , Cuadra Gabriel , Hernandez Juan R. , Ibarra Raul
Published: March 2023

This paper analyses recent changes in the relative importance of the determinants of capital flows to emerging market economies. For this purpose, we estimate vector autoregressive (VAR) models for the period 2009–2021. Based on these models, we estimate the effects on debt flows from shocks to their determinants. Then, we quantify the contribution of each of the variables included in the model to explain the evolution of these flows in each month of the sample through a historical decomposition analysis. The main results indicate that the contribution of global risk aversion to explain the evolution of debt flows increased during March 2020 compared to the past, although its relative importance has decreased since, particularly as central banks in systemically important economies restored liquidity and the performance of financial markets improved.
A short review on catalytic hydrogenation of fructose into mannitol
Authors: Alexzman Zulaikha A. , Ibrahim Mohd L. , Annuar Nur Hazirah R.
Published: March 2023

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions caused by increased use of fossil fuels is one of the primary causes of climate change. Catalytic hydrogenation of fructose is seen as an alternative method for addressing this issue, as it converts biomass into useful compounds via the hydrogenation reaction. Unfortunately, catalyst inactivation has restricted its industrial application. The creation of novel catalysts with the potential to raise the hydrogenation reaction's efficiency has thus attracted a lot of attention. Most literature has revealed that Ru‐based and bimetallic Cu–Ni‐based catalysts possess high catalytic activity. The type of metal, the supporting material and the reaction conditions have a considerable impact on the performance of the catalysts. An overview of fructose hydrogenation over numerous heterogeneous catalysts is the goal of this review. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Mixed methods evaluation of an oral health education program for pediatric dental, medical and nursing providers
Authors: Gomez Francisco Ramos , Kinsler Janni J. , Love‐Bibbero Laurie , Garell Cambria , Wang Yan , Pike Nancy A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the application of knowledge, attitudes, and skills learned in an oral health education program among pediatric dental and medical residents, and pediatric and family nurse practitioners (PNPs and FNPs).

Methods

A mixed methods study design included a year‐end online survey and focus groups. Eighty participants completed the survey (94%) and seven focus groups were conducted (n = 69) representing each of the four cohorts in 2020–2022. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in survey responses by dental/medical specialty. Focus group audio recordings were analyzed using Atlas.ti.22 to identify common themes.

Results

The program increased knowledge and skills in oral health core competencies and positive attitudes regarding oral health education. All PNPs (100%) and most pediatric medical residents (94%) and FNPs (91%) strongly agreed/agreed that the oral health program led to an increase in screening for early childhood caries, more confidence in applying fluoride varnish and providing oral health anticipatory guidance during patient visits. Most pediatric medical residents, PNPs and FNPS (98%) strongly agreed/agreed that primary care providers should incorporate oral health into their practice and provide referrals to dental professionals as part of well‐child visits.

Conclusions

The program improved oral health‐related knowledge, attitudes and skills among dental and medical primary care providers. Future oral health education programs for health care professionals can use this model to help bridge the gap between dental and primary care and ultimately improve access to preventive oral health care for children and families.
Assessment of current clinical practice throughout the UK for the diagnosis and management of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance
Authors: Choudhuri Satarupa , Rainone Francesco
Published: March 2023

Since the inception of the term monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) in 2012 by the International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group, there have been no consensus guidelines specifically pertaining to the UK regarding to patient management. We aimed to identify both regional and cross‐discipline variation in current clinical practice, to provide insight and rationale for a potential standardised pathway in the future. A national survey of 88 consultants from the disciplines of haematology and nephrology was conducted between June 2020 and July 2021. Agreement was evident for aspects of the diagnostic pathway, including presenting features likely to raise suspicion of MGRS and the most pertinent confounding factors to consider before renal biopsy. However, significant variability was identified in both the cohort of diagnostic tests used, as well as urinary work‐up for patients with suspected MGRS. Treatment and monitoring frequency was also an aspect of management identified as variable. Despite differences in clinical practice across the UK, MGRS diagnosis was widely regarded to be the joint responsibility of both disciplines. The results provide an indication of inter‐regional and interdisciplinary differences in practice, highlighting the need for improved awareness and standardised protocol for management of MGRS that applies to the UK population.
The hard part we often forget: providing care to children and adolescents with advanced HIV disease
Authors: Frigati Lisa Jane , Gibb Diana , Harwell Joseph , Kose Judith , Musiime Victor , Rabie Helena , Rangaraj Ajay , Rojo Pablo , Turkova Anna , Penazzato Martina
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Many children and adolescents living with HIV still present with severe immunosuppression with morbidity and mortality remaining high in those starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) when hospitalized.

Discussion

The major causes of morbidity and mortality in children living with HIV are pneumonia, tuberculosis, bloodstream infections, diarrhoeal disease and severe acute malnutrition. In contrast to adults, cryptococcal meningitis is rare in children under 5 years of age but increases in adolescence. In 2021, the World Health Organizations (WHO) consolidated guidelines for managing HIV disease and rapid ART included recommendations for children and adolescents. In addition, a WHO technical brief released in 2020 highlighted the various interventions that are specifically related to children and adolescents with advanced HIV disease (AHD). We discuss the common clinical presentations of children and adolescents with AHD with a focus on diagnosis, prevention and treatment, highlight some of the challenges in the implementation of the existing package of care, and emphasize the importance of additional research to address the needs of children and adolescents with AHD.

Conclusions

There are limited data informing these recommendations and an urgent need for further research on how to implement optimal strategies to ensure tailored approaches to prevent and treat AHD in children and adolescents. Holistic care that goes beyond a simple choice of ART regimen should be provided to all children and adolescents with AHD.
Long‐term outcomes of rapid antiretroviral NNRTI‐based initiation among Thai youth living with HIV: a national registry database study
Authors: Teeraananchai Sirinya , Kerr Stephen J. , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Khananuraksa Panthep , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The Thai National AIDS programme (NAP) treatment guidelines have recommended rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, regardless of CD4 count since 2014. We assessed treatment outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV), initiating first‐line ART and assessed the association between virological failure (VF) and timing of ART initiation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data for YLHIV aged 15–24 years, initiating non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐based ART from 2014 to 2019, through the NAP database. We classified the timing of ART into three groups based on duration from HIV‐positive diagnosis or system registration to ART initiation: (1) <1 month (rapid ART); (2) 1–3 months (intermediate ART); and (3) >3 months (delayed ART). VF was defined as viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml after at least 6 months of first‐line ART. Factors associated with VF were analysed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Of 19,825 YLHIV who started ART, 78% were male. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 21 (20–23) years and CD4 count was 338 (187–498) cells/mm3. After registration, 12,216 (62%) started rapid ART, 4272 (22%) intermediate ART and 3337 (17%) delayed ART. The proportion of YLHIV starting ART <30 days significantly increased from 43% to 57% from 2014–2016 to 2017–2019 (p < 0.001). The median duration of first‐line therapy was 2 (IQR 1–3) years and 89% started with efavirenz‐based regimens. Attrition outcomes showed that 325 (2%) died (0.73 [95% CI 0.65–0.81] per 100 person‐years [PY]) and 1762 (9%) were loss to follow‐up (3.96 [95% CI 3.78–4.15] per 100 PY). Of 17,512 (88%) who had VL checked from 6 to 12 months after starting treatment, 80% achieved VL <200 copies/ml. Overall, 2512 experienced VF 5.87 (95% CI 5.65–6.11) per 100 PY). In a multivariate model, the adjusted incidence rate ratio for VF was 1.47 (95% CI 1.33–1.63, p < 0.001) in the delayed ART group and 1.14 (95% CI 1.03–1.25, p< 0.001) in the intermediate ART group, compared to YLHIV in the rapid ART group.

Conclusions

Rapid ART initiation after diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced risks of VF and death in YLHIV, supporting the implementation of rapid ART for optimizing health outcomes.
Persuading managers to enact ideas in organizations: The role of voice message quality, peer endorsement, and peer opposition
Authors: Brykman Kyle M. , Raver Jana L.
Published: March 2023

We extend research on employee voice by examining what persuades managers to enact voice messages communicated on organizations' idea management platforms (i.e., software systems designed to gather, vet, and enact employee voice). Applying the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion, we propose that voice message quality affects managerial voice enactment via peer endorsement and that peer opposition qualifies the latter effect. Specifically, we argue that peers are more likely to endorse higher‐ versus lower‐quality voice messages because they are attentive recipients who are motivated to support higher‐quality voice. In turn, we argue that managers are influenced by image concerns and legitimacy inferred by social proof, and thus, they will enact voice messages with higher levels of peer endorsement, especially when combined with lower opposition. Results of our archival analysis of over 5000 voice messages communicated on five organizations' idea management platforms support our predictions, such that peer endorsement mediates the relationship between voice message quality and managerial voice enactment, and that this relationship is stronger under conditions of lower versus higher peer opposition. Altogether, our research illuminates how voice messages on idea management platforms are endorsed and ultimately enacted by organizational leaders.
Effect of fermentation methods on properties of dough and whole wheat bread
Authors: Zeng Fangye , Yang Yueyue , Liu Qing , Yang Jiahua , Jin Zhengyu , Jiao Aiquan
Published: March 2023

Background

Whole wheat bread is high in nutritional value but poor in technological quality; therefore, research on how to improve its technological quality has attracted extensive attention. The effects of fermentation methods, including straight dough(STD), sourdough (SOD), sponge dough (SPD), and refrigerated SPD (RSD) methods, on the dough and bread quality of whole wheat bread were investigated, focusing on pasting properties, rheological properties, thermal properties, microstructure, basic quality, and starch digestibility.

Results

The rapid viscosity analysis and rheological results demonstrated that SOD had the highest pasting temperature and the lowest viscosity, indicating an inhibition of starch pasting and partial protein hydrolysis, whereas the opposite trend presented by SPD and RSD indicated a greater starch hydration and a stronger gluten network. Thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results indicated reduced starch thermal degradation and increased starch pasting enthalpy in SOD and RSD. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the starch granules of SOD and RSD were tightly wrapped by a gluten network. SOD and RSD breads had the largest specific volume, the softest texture, and the lowest glycemic index.

Conclusion

The effects of different fermentation methods on dough and bread structure can provide instructive information for future studies on their applications in whole wheat bread production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reflections on establishing an effective and sustainable community of practice for a strategic objective within a higher education institution
Authors: Bastiaens Ellen , Heymann Perry
Published: March 2023

Communities of practice (CoPs) have received much attention since the introduction of this concept in the early nineties. Most CoPs in higher education address teaching and learning for specific subject matter, or professional development focusing on the student or the teacher. In our case study, we developed a CoP around a strategic objective for our institution: addressing the enhancement of the employability of our students. This article presents our investigation of what features are key for an effective and sustainable CoP that facilitates the achievement of a strategic objective in a higher education institution (HEI). We used a case study analysis to identify key ingredients that contribute to establishing an effective and sustainable CoP: (1) installing a core group as catalyst; (2) defining a common language connecting strategy, theory and practice; (3) appointing the facilitator; (4) creating an open atmosphere in and around the community; (5) create close involvement in the CoP with the already‐standing organisation to ensure long‐lasting and sustainable continuation of a CoP. Next to the evaluation of key features for the CoP, we also reflected on design thinking as integral to facilitating the community's practice.
Incidence of asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children undergoing elective otolaryngologic surgery throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Koh Elizabeth S. , Kacker Ashutosh , Maresh Alison M. , Modi Vikash K. , Rosenblatt Steven D. , Jones Jacqueline E.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are less clinically affected than adults, with most cases presenting as asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. However, true rates of asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children remain unclear. We sought to examine rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 in asymptomatic children and the role of children in transmission.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients between 6 months and 17 years of age who underwent elective or semi‐elective otolaryngologic surgery with physicians affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine between May 15, 2020 and March 31, 2022. Patients were included if they received molecular assay testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 without SARS‐CoV‐2 symptoms within 5 days of scheduled surgery. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status, exposure, clinical symptoms, demographic data, and insurance status were recorded.

Results

1047 patients met inclusion criteria. Thirteen positive cases (1.24%) were identified in the study population. Six cases occurred between December 2021 and February 2022 following the classification of the omicron variant as a variant of concern in November 2021. Five of the 13 cases occurred in children under 2 years of age. Seven patients were male, and five were female. Residences spanned all five boroughs of New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Conclusion

Throughout the pandemic, children have had a low rate of asymptomatic disease and likely pose a low risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 to the general population. Our results suggest that testing of asymptomatic children is a low‐yield practice that is unlikely to influence rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the general population.

Level of Evidence

3.
Effects of fatty acid‐ethanol amine (FA‐EA) derivatives on lipid accumulation and inflammation
Authors: Li Mengyu , Huang Xiaoqing , Huang Mengxian , Jin Wenhui , Hong Zhuan , Zhang Yucang , Fang Hua , Chen Weizhu
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fatty acid‐ethanol amine (FA‐EA) derivatives (L1–L10) on the mitigation of intracellular lipid accumulation and downregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in vitro. First, the series of FA‐EA derivatives were synthesized and characterized. Then, their cytotoxic, intracellular lipid accumulation and inhibition of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. The oil red O staining experiment showed that the tested compounds L4, L6, L8, L9, and L10 could reduce intracellular lipid accumulation induced by palmitic acid (PA). Moreover, ω‐3/ω‐6 PUFA‐EA derivatives showed inhibitory effect on the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. ω‐3/ω‐6 PUFA‐EA derivatives at a concentrations of 10 μM could significantly decrease mRNA levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α, inhibit NO production, and alleviate the protein expression of IL‐1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These data suggest that ω‐3 PUFA‐EA derivatives can be beneficial for further pharmaceutical development to treat chronic low‐grade inflammation diseases such as obesity.
All‐Dielectric Huygens’ Meta‐Waveguides for Resonant Integrated Photonics
Authors: Sırmacı Yunus Denizhan , Barreda Gomez Angela , Pertsch Thomas , Schmid Jens H. , Cheben Pavel , Staude Isabelle
Published: March 2023

The growing maturity of nanofabrication technology has recently enabled the deployment of high‐quality subwavelength nanostructures on photonic chips. Combining existing photonic waveguide technology with the paradigms adapted from metamaterials opens new avenues towards unprecedented control of guided light waves. However, developing new functionalities while preserving efficiencies and offering compatibility with current technology remains a major challenge in on‐chip nanophotonics. Here, a novel silicon nanophotonic waveguide comprising a chain of resonantly forward scattering nanoparticles empowered by spectrally overlapping electric and magnetic dipolar Mie‐type resonances is proposed and demonstrated. The propagation loss of the meta‐waveguides in the telecom spectral range is as low as 0.4 dB mm−1, exceeding the current record for Mie‐resonant waveguides by more than an order of magnitude. Furthermore, the meta‐waveguides support a negative group index over a broad spectral range of 60 nm and regions of vanishing and anomalous dispersion within the transmission band. Finally, it is shown that meta‐waveguide topologies can implement compact resonance‐protected waveguide bends and efficient splitters within just 320 nm propagation length. This work addresses the fundamental challenges of miniaturization, dispersion, and scattering control in integrated photonics and opens new opportunities for enhancing light–matter interactions, interfacing nanophotonic components, and developing nonlinear, ultrafast, and quantum optics resonant on‐chip devices.
Assessment of Fibrin‐Based Hydrogels Containing a Fibrin‐Binding Peptide to Tune Mechanical Properties and Cell Responses
Authors: Brinkmann Jannika , Malyaran Hanna , Enezy‐Ulbrich Miriam Aischa Al , Jung Shannon , Radermacher Chloé , Buhl Eva Miriam , Pich Andrij , Neuss Sabine
Published: March 2023

Fibrin‐based hydrogels are used as scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility, low cell toxicity, autologous production, and relevance for wound healing and clot formation. The availability of fibrinogen as well as its unique mechanical behavior exhibiting nonlinear elasticity makes it suitable for the fabrication of hydrogels. However, the broad application of fibrin hydrogels in biomaterials still faces challenges in terms of gel shrinkage and degradation processes. This can be addressed through the modulation of the hydrogels'r chemical and mechanical properties. In the present work, it is demonstrated that fibrin‐based hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties and controllable degradation profiles can be fabricated through the addition of fibrin‐binding peptides. The cyclic peptide X2CXYYGTCLX (Tn7) is used, binding to fibrin by noncovalent supramolecular interactions. These new hydrogels exhibit no toxicity and reduced degradation rate at the same time supporting cell proliferation. Tn7 peptides significantly increase the Young's Modulus and mechanical stiffness as well as fibrin fiber thickness and inter‐fiber crosslinking in hydrogels. In conclusion, hydrogels with optimized mechanical properties and controllable degradation profiles that can be advantageous for further approaches in tissue regeneration, cell‐based therapies, or clinical treatment options are produced.
Global prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in food products and its relationship with the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liang Tingting , Liang Zhuang , Wu Shi , Ding Yu , Wu Qingping , Gu Bing
Published: March 2023

The worldwide distribution of Staphylococcus aureus across food types is an important food safety concern. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of S. aureus in food products and its relationship with the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus. A total of 55 articles were included. The pooled prevalence of S. aureus was 30.2%. The highest prevalence of S. aureus was observed in cereals, followed by meat and bean products, and the lowest in confectionery, egg products, and vegetables. The prevalence in dairy and seafood products was similar. Combinations of culture and molecular methods have been used for S. aureus detection. Furthermore, the prevalence of S. aureus in developed countries (Europe and North America) was higher than that in developing countries (Asia and Africa). In addition, the prevalence was higher in the provinces of Xinjiang and Shaanxi than that in Sichuan and Shandong in China, which may be due to the difference in climate and dietary habits. The results revealed that food type, bacterial detection methods, and location can influence the prevalence of S. aureus contamination. Resistance rates to preferred antibiotics against S. aureus were the highest for cephradine, polymyxin B, and penicillin at 82.9%, 82.0%, and 81.3%, respectively. In addition, 17 studies were system reviewed that the S. aureus infections are closely associated with the development of diabetes, and the treatment of probiotic, prebiotic, FMT, and bacteriophage can prevent and control S. aureus infections. This review emphasizes the high prevalence of S. aureus contamination in food, suggesting a potential diabetic infection risk and importance of observing principles of food safety and hygiene to reduce S. aureus.
Rapamycin encourages the maintenance of mitochondrial dynamic balance and mitophagy activity for improving developmental competence of blastocysts in porcine embryos in vitro
Authors: Park Hyo‐Jin , Heo Gyeong‐Deok , Yang Seul‐Gi , Koo Deog‐Bon
Published: March 2023

Rapamycin induces autophagosome formation and activity during oocyte maturation, improved fertilization ability of matured oocytes, and early embryonic developmental competence. However, potential changes in mitochondrial fission and mitophagy via regulation of autophagy in early porcine embryonic development have not been previously studied. Here, we investigated embryonic developmental ability and quality of porcine embryos 2 days after in vitro fertilization and following treatment with 1 and 10 nM rapamycin. As a results, 1 nM rapamycin exposure significantly improved (p < 0.05) blastocyst developmental competence compared to that in nontreated embryos (nontreated: 26.2 ± 5.7% vs. 1 nM rapamycin: 35.3 ± 5.1%). We observed autophagic (LC3B) and mitochondrial fission protein expression (dynamin‐related protein‐1 [DRP1] and pDRP1‐Ser616) at the cleavage stage of 1 and 10 nM rapamycin‐treated porcine embryos, using Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Interestingly, 1 nM rapamycin treatment significantly improved autophagy formation, mitochondrial activation, and mitochondrial fission protein levels (p < 0.05; p‐DRP1 [Ser616]) at the cleavage stage of porcine embryos. Additionally, mitophagy was significantly increased in blastocysts treated with 1 nM rapamycin. In conclusion, our results suggest that rapamycin promotes blastocyst development ability in porcine embryos through mitochondrial fission, activation, and mitophagy in in vitro culture.
Improved MR temperature imaging at 0.5 T using view‐sharing accelerated multiecho thermometry for MR‐guided laser interstitial thermal therapy
Authors: Pan Ziyi , Liu Simin , Hu Jianxiong , Luo Hai , Han Meng , Sun Hao , Liu Wenbo , Wu Ziyue , Guo Hua
Published: March 2023

The aim of the current study was to improve temperature‐monitoring precision using multiecho proton resonance frequency shift‐based thermometry with view‐sharing acceleration for MR‐guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) on a 0.5‐T low‐field MR system. Both precision and speed of the temperature measurement for clinical MRgLITT treatments suffer at low field, due to reduced image signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), decreased temperature‐induced phase changes, and limited RF receiver channels. In this work, a bipolar multiecho gradient‐recalled echo sequence with a temperature‐to‐noise ratio optimal weighted echo combination is applied to improve the temperature precision. A view‐sharing–based approach is utilized to accelerate signal acquisitions while preserving image SNRs. The method was evaluated using ex vivo (pork and pig brain) LITT heating experiments and in vivo (human brain) nonheating experiments on a high‐performance 0.5‐T scanner. In terms of results, (1) after echo combination, multiecho thermometry (i.e., ~7.5–40.5 ms, 7 TEs) provides ~1.5–1.9 times higher temperature precision than the no echo combination case (i.e., TE7 = 40.5 ms) within the same readout bandwidth. Additionally, echo registration is necessary for the bipolar multiecho sequence; (2) for a threefold acceleration, the view‐sharing approach with variable‐density subsampling shows around 1.8 times lower temperature errors than the GRAPPA method. Particularly for view‐sharing, variable‐density subsampling performs better than Interleave subsampling; and (3) ex vivo heating and in vivo nonheating experiments demonstrated that the temperature accuracy was less than 0.5
and that the temperature precision was less than 0.6
using the proposed 0.5‐T thermometry. It was concluded that view‐sharing accelerated multiecho thermometry is a practical temperature measurement approach for MRgLITT at 0.5 T.
Weight loss maintenance with exercise and liraglutide improves glucose tolerance, glucagon response, and beta cell function
Authors: Jensen Simon B. K. , Juhl Christian R. , Janus Charlotte , Lundgren Julie R. , Martinussen Christoffer , Wiingaard Christoffer , Knudsen Cecilie , Frikke‐Schmidt Ruth , Stallknecht Bente M. , Holst Jens J. , Madsbad Sten , Torekov Signe S.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate glucose tolerance, glucagon response, and beta cell function during a 1‐year maintenance period with either exercise, the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide, or the combination after diet‐induced weight loss.

Methods

In this randomized placebo‐controlled trial, adults with obesity (BMI: 32–43 kg/m2) without diabetes underwent an 8‐week low‐calorie diet (800 kcal/d) and were randomized to 52 weeks of aerobic exercise, liraglutide 3.0 mg/d, exercise and liraglutide combined, or placebo. Change in glucose and glucagon response to a 3‐hour mixed meal test and disposition index, as a measure of beta cell function, were measured.

Results

A total of 195 participants were randomized. After 1 year of treatment, the combination group had decreased postprandial glucose response by −9% (95% CI: −14% to −3%; p = 0.002), improved beta cell function by 49% (95% CI: 16% to 93%; p = 0.002), and decreased glucagon response by −18% (95% CI: −34% to −3%; p = 0.024) compared with placebo. Compared with placebo, liraglutide alone improved postprandial glucose response by −7% (95% CI: −12% to −1%; p = 0.018), but not beta cell function or glucagon. Exercise alone had similar postprandial glucose response, beta cell function, and glucagon response as placebo.

Conclusions

Only the combination of exercise and liraglutide improved glucose tolerance, beta cell function, and glucagon responses after weight loss.
The development and evaluation of a vaccination pathway for children with intellectual and developmental disability and needle fear
Authors: Ong Natalie , Brogan Deidre , Lucien Abbie , Wolman Shayna , Campbell Denise , Deng Lucy , Koirala Archana , Garg Pankaj , Sharma Ketaki
Published: March 2023

This qualitative study describes the development and evaluation of a clinical pathway to facilitate the implementation of catch‐up vaccinations for children with significant needle fear, particularly in children with developmental disabilities. The Specialist Immunization Team, based at a tertiary level teaching children's hospital, participated in process mapping activities using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques and reflective discussions. Team members developed a clinical pathway by incorporating parental feedback from semistructured interviews and clinical expertise from within the team, facilitated by colleagues from the Child Development Unit. A process map was developed that included process strengths and touch points with an action plan that was discussed and agreed upon. A repeat process mapping activity was conducted 16 months later. Reports from parental feedback included: positive, efficient, and successful experiences of having their child undergo catch‐up vaccinations. The experience empowered families for further procedures. Team members reported improvements in triaging appropriate children for the pathway, and an increase in confidence to interact and manage behaviors of children with significant anxiety and challenging behaviors. They also reported an increase in successful vaccinations with improved clinical judgment of facilitating the sedation pathway. This study demonstrates that using group facilitation using motivational interviewing in reflective discussions and process mapping utilizing parent and staff feedback in service improvement activities results in efficient and successful service delivery with improved patient outcomes.
Functional characterization of five developmental signaling network genes in the white‐backed planthopper: Potential application for pest management
Authors: Liu Xuan‐Zheng , Guo Huan , Long Gui‐Jun , Ma Yun‐Feng , Gong Lang‐Lang , Zhang Meng‐Qi , Hull J Joe , Dewer Youssef , Liu Li‐Wei , He Ming , He Peng
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The white‐backed planthopper (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera) is a major rice pest that exhibits condition dependent wing dimorphisms – a macropterous (long wing) form and a brachypterous (short wing) form. Although, the gene cascade that regulates wing development and dimorphic differentiation has been largely defined, the utility of these genes as targets for pest control has yet to be fully explored.

RESULTS

Five genes typically associated with the developmental signaling network, armadillo (arm), apterous A (apA), scalloped (sd), dachs (d), and yorkie (yki) were identified from the WBPH genome and their roles in wing development assessed following RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown. At 5 days‐post injection, transcript levels for all five targets were substantially decreased compared with the dsGFP control group. Among the treatment groups, those injected with dsSfarm had the most pronounced effects on transcript reduction, mortality (95 ± 3%), and incidence (45 ± 3%) of wing deformities, whereas those injected with dsSfyki had the lowest incidence (6.7 ± 4%). To assess the utility of topical RNAi for Sfarm, we used a spray‐based approach that complexed a large‐scale, bacteria‐based double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) expression pipeline with star polycation (SPc) nanoparticles. Rice seedlings infested with third and fourth instar nymphs were sprayed with SPc–dsRNA formulations and RNAi phenotypic effects were assessed over time. At 2 days post‐spray, Sfarm transcript levels decreased by 86 ± 9.5% compared with dsGFP groups, and the subsequent incidences of mortality and wing defects were elevated in the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterized five genes in the WBPH developmental signaling cascade, assessed their impact on survival and wing development via RNAi, and developed a nanoparticle‐dsRNA spray approach for potential field control of WBPH. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Unique Electronic Properties of the Twisted Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Wang Mingda , Shan Wenzhe , Wang Hongming
Published: March 2023

Graphene is the first experimentally discovered two‐dimensional material. This article reviews the unique properties of the so‐called twisted bilayer graphene (TBG), which can be considered a superstructure formed by stacking two graphene layers with a specific twisting angle. The main topics covered by this review include the correlated insulating phase, superconducting phase, quantum anomalous Hall effect, and the corresponding theoretical analysis. In addition, the twisted multilayer graphene, considered to have better tunability than the TBG, is discussed, followed by our conclusions and proposed research fields.
Ab Initio Study of the Electronic Structure and Lattice Dynamics of Scheelite Type AgTcO4
Authors: Mukherjee Supratik , Mondal Subrata , Kennedy Brendan J. , Vaitheeswaran Ganapathy
Published: March 2023

To build a safe, sustainable, and reliable disposal system for radioactive waste from the nuclear industry, researchers need to understand the physical and chemical aspects of technetium (Tc)‐based oxides. Here, structure–property correlation studies of scheelite‐type are performed using ab initio calculations. The full phonon dispersion studies reveal the dynamical stability of this compound. The partial phonon density of states, including the complete mode assignment of the vibrational frequencies, shows the maximum involvement of silver (Ag) atoms in the low‐frequency range, while high contribution of oxygen atoms and average contribution from Tc atoms are found throughout the frequency region. The electronic band structure shows that the main contribution to the bottom of the conduction band is Tc d states with a minor contribution from oxygen p states, while the top of the valence band is from Ag d states, which are responsible for the electronic transitions. The frequency‐dependent dielectric functions and computed optical properties show near‐isotropy behavior and, together with absorption peak in the low‐energy range, indicate that may be a good phosphor when doped with a suitable activator. The estimations are grounded by the available experimental data and also deliver direction for distinct and futuristic applications of .
Achieving sustainable development by reducing income inequality: The differential impact of industrial land expansion in urban agglomerations
Authors: Li Qiao , Chen Wei , Zhang Sun , Shi Haimeng
Published: March 2023

Reducing inequality is essential to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study aims to clarify the relationship between industrial land expansion, which is closely related to global urban expansion, and inequality reductions and propose strategies to reduce inequality from the perspective of resource utilization. A geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model is to analyze the impact of industrial land expansion on the urban–rural income gap using data from 215 cities in 19 urban agglomerations in China from 2007 to 2018. The estimation results show that the scale and structure of industrial land expansion differently impact the urban–rural income gap: the expansion scale and structure mainly have a shrinking and expanding effect, respectively. The stage differences of impacts are obvious, with 2013 as the turning point. Finally, there are significant differences between urban agglomerations. The shrinking effect of the expansion scale is smaller in the mature stage than in the development and cultivation stage, while the expanding effect of the expansion structure is more apparent in the cultivation stage. Thus, the differential characteristics and laws of urban agglomeration development can provide useful insights for policymakers as they help to understand the characteristics of industrial land use in urban agglomeration at different stages of development and to reasonably allocate industrial land resources, giving full play to their important role in achieving SDGs.
Studying the Effect of different Temperatures Synthesis of Fe3O4/MnO2 Microrobots on Water Remediation
Authors: Wang Wei long , Lu Hao , Wang Tao bin , Wang Ying
Published: March 2023

Industrial emissions of organic pollutants pose a serious threat to the water environment on which people depend. The effective combination of MnO2‐based microrobots with Fe3O4 nanoparticles offers a promising solution to this challenge. In this work, Fe3O4/MnO2 microrobots were synthesised using a low‐cost and efficient one‐step hydrothermal method. It was found that the kinematic speed of the microrobots increased significantly with increasing synthesis temperature. In addition, the higher the synthesis temperature of Fe3O4/MnO2 microrobots, the more effective they were in removing organic pollutants. The results showed that different structures of MnO2 were produced at different temperatures and the effect of the synthesised microrobots at 80 °C, 100 °C and 130 °C on the catalytic performance and degradation effect was investigated. The Fe3O4/MnO2 microrobots synthesised at 130° showed the most favourable effect on the catalytic performance and degradation. This finding provides a new strategy for future microrobots for water remediation.
Carbon Nanotube Supported CdM(S, Se)/CdTe Anode Catalysts for Electrooxidation of Glucose in Alkaline Media
Authors: Caglar Aykut , Kivrak Hilal , Aktas Nahit
Published: March 2023

The sequential sodium borohydride (SBH, NaBH4) reduction method was utilized to prepare the 0.1 % CdSe/CNT, 0.1 % CdS/CNT, 0.1 % (CdS−CNT)/CdTe, and 0.1 % (CdSe−CNT)/CdTe catalysts. The XRD, SEM‐EDS, TEM, and XPS analyses were used to characterize the catalysts. The electrochemical measurements were examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses for glucose electrooxidation. The characterization analyses revealed that the desired structure was formed on the support material. The electrochemical analysis results indicated that the 0.1 % (CdSe−CNT)/CdTe catalyst has higher catalytic activity, stability, and resistance compared to other catalysts with a specific activity of 2.4 mA cm−2.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some Azole Derivatives as Potential Biological and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Uygun Cebeci Yıldız , Ceylan Şule , Altun Muhammed , Alpay Karaoğlu Şengül
Published: March 2023

The treatment of 4‐{[(1E)‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)methylene]amino}‐5‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐one (2) was synthesized from 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐one (1). Then ethyl (4‐{[(1E)‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)methylene]amino}‐3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)acetate (3) were synthesized by the condensation of compounds 2 with ethyl bromoaetate in basic media. The reaction compound 3 with hydrazine hydrate led to the formation of acid hidrazides (4). The carbohydrazide derivative (5) were afforded by the reaction corresponding 4 with arylisocyanate. Then, this compounds were converted to the corresponding 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives (6) in basic media. The reaction of compounds 6 with several heterocyclic amines in the presence of formaldehyde afforded the corresponding Mannich bases containing various pharmacophore groups (7 a–b). The structures of recently obtained molecules were elucidated on the foundation of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT IR, EI MS methods and elemental analysis. All novel synthesized molecules were investigated for their antimicrobial activity. Most of the acquired structures were observed to have excellent antimicrobial property against to most of the test microorganisms. And these compounds have activity better than the standard drug ampicillin and streptomycin In addition, it has been reported that several of the products have potent antiproliferative activities against HeLa cervical cancer cells, while at the same time demonstrating cytotoxic effects toward normal cells.