bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of endocytoscopy with normal pit‐like structure sign for colorectal low‐grade adenoma compared with conventional modalities
Authors: Suzuki Kenichi , Kudo Shin‐ei , Kudo Toyoki , Misawa Masashi , Mori Yuichi , Ichimasa Katsuro , Maeda Yasuharu , Hayashi Takemasa , Wakamura Kunihiko , Baba Toshiyuki , Ishda Fumio , Hamatani Shigeharu , Inoue Haruhiro , Yokoyama Kazunori , Miyachi Hideyuki
Published: May 2023

Objectives

A “resect‐and‐discard” strategy has been proposed for diminutive adenomas in the colorectum. However, this strategy is sometimes difficult to implement because of the lack of confidence in differentiating low‐grade adenoma (LGA) from advanced lesions such as high‐grade adenoma or carcinoma. To perform real‐time precise diagnosis of LGA with high confidence, we assessed whether endocytoscopy (EC) diagnosis, considering normal pit‐like structure (NP‐sign), an excellent indicator of LGA, could have additional diagnostic potential compared with conventional modalities.

Methods

All the neoplastic lesions that were observed by non‐magnifying narrow‐band imaging (NBI), magnifying NBI (M‐NBI), magnifying pit pattern, and EC prior to pathological examination between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively investigated. The neoplastic lesions were classified into two categories: LGA and other neoplastic lesions. We assessed the differential diagnostic ability of EC with NP‐sign between LGA and other neoplastic lesions compared with that of NBI, M‐NBI, pit pattern, and conventional EC in terms of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 1376 lesions from 1097 patients were eligible. The specificity (94.9%), accuracy (91.5%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.95) of EC with NP‐sign were significantly higher than those of NBI, M‐NBI, pit pattern, and conventional EC.

Conclusions

EC diagnosis with NP‐sign has significantly higher diagnostic performance for predicting colorectal LGA compared with the conventional modalities and enables stratification of neoplastic lesions for “resect‐and‐discard” with higher confidence.
An additive‐free electrosynthesis of gold micro‐stars for sensitive electroanalysis of N‐Acetyl‐L‐cysteine compared to conventional gold nanoparticles
Authors: Guin Saurav K. , Lapiy Alexandra , Dempsey Eithne
Published: May 2023

Gold star (AuST), which is one of the important anisotropic gold structures, finds applications in catalysis, sensing, and photothermal therapy by virtue of its branches of high aspect ratio. The preparation of AuSTs can prove challenging as it requires stringent reaction condition(s) and solution composition including various chemical additives, which are not suitable for either disposal in the environment or use in health‐related studies. Furthermore, these chemical additives often cover the gold surface and hence cause interferences in the applications of AuSTs. In this work, we have reported a proof of concept for preparing AuSTs of monodispersed size on glassy carbon electrodes by developing a simple electrosynthesis method using an aqueous acid solution of chloroauric acid in the absence of any chemical additive, structure‐directing or surface‐protecting agent. This electrosynthesis strategy was developed by understanding the corresponding electrocrystallization mechanism and designing a suitable potentiostatic pulse strategy. The current response per unit area of the gold content for the oxidation of N‐Acetyl‐L‐cysteine was found to be superior on AuSTs compared to widely used citrate‐capped gold nanoparticles (cit‐AuNPs) and bare gold.
Evaluating microbial contaminations of alternative heating oils
Authors: Surger Maximilian J. , Mayer Katharina , Shivaram Karthik , Stibany Felix , Plum Wilfried , Schäffer Andreas , Eiden Simon , Blank Lars M.
Published: May 2023

Since 2008, European and German legislative initiatives for climate protection and reduced dependency on fossil resources led to the introduction of biofuels as CO2‐reduced alternatives in the heating oil sector. In the case of biodiesel, customers were confronted with accelerated microbial contaminations during storage. Since then, other fuel alternatives, like hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVOs), gas‐to‐liquid (GtL) products, or oxymethylene ether (OME) have been developed. In this study, we use online monitoring of microbial CO2 production and the simulation of onset of microbial contamination to investigate the contamination potential of fuel alternatives during storage. As references, fossil heating oil of German refineries are used. Biodiesel blends with fossil heating oils confirmed the promotion of microbial activity. In stark contrast, OMEs have an antimicrobial effect. The paraffinic Fischer–Tropsch products and biogenic hydrogenation products demonstrate to be at least as resistant to microbial contamination as fossil heating oils despite allowing a diversity of representative microbes. Through mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and microbial sequencing, we can discuss fuel properties that affect microbial contaminations. In summary, novel, non‐fossil heating oils show clear differences in microbial resistance during long‐term storage. Designing blends with an intrinsic resistance against microbial contamination and hence reduced activity might be an option.
Shaking‐table test results of a full‐scale free‐standing building with base sliding and rocking
Authors: Kang Jae‐Do , Kajiwara Koichi , Tosauchi Yusuke , Sato Eiji , Inoue Takahito , Kabeyasawa Toshimi , Shiohara Hitoshi , Nagae Takuya , Kabeyasawa Toshikazu , Fukuyama Hiroshi , Mukai Tomohisa
Published: May 2023

This paper present results of shaking‐table tests conducted in 2015 and 2018 on a free‐standing base sliding and rocking system, which allows sliding and uplifting. A full‐scale 10‐story reinforced concrete (RC) building equipped with cast iron plates on the bottom surface of the grade beams was used as a specimen for 2015 and 2018 experiments. In 2018, the static friction coefficients of the specimen were 0.48 and 0.49, which was higher than that of the rustproofed specimens in 2015. In the experiments of 2015 and 2018, the normalized base shear (NBS) values when the sliding length of the building reached ≥1 mm were 0.0035–0.1795 and 0.1744–0.2748, respectively. In the shaking‐table test corresponding to moderate earthquake motions, the 2018 specimen showed almost no lateral movement, whereas the 2015 specimen moved laterally. Therefore, more seismic energy was input into the specimen, and the maximum interstory drift ratio of the 2018 specimen was larger than that of the 2015 specimen. However, when the 50% amplitude excitation results of the 2015 seismic structural system are compared with those of the 2018 free‐standing structural system, the 2018 results are approximately 0.57 times smaller. Thus, a free‐standing structural system with cast iron plates to reduce earthquake energy could reduce damage to buildings. The 2018 specimen satisfies the concept of a free‐standing base sliding and rocking system that does not move laterally during small to moderate earthquake motions but moves laterally during strong earthquake motions to suppress structural damage.
Application of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) gum in food technologies: A review of properties and mechanisms of action
Authors: Tahmouzi Sima , Meftahizadeh Heidar , Eyshi Saba , Mahmoudzadeh Amin , Alizadeh Behnam , Mollakhalili‐Meybodi Neda , Hatami Mehrnaz
Published: May 2023

With the world continuing to push toward modernization and the consumption of processed foods growing at an exponential rate, the demand for texturizing agents and natural additives has also risen as a result. It has become increasingly common to use thickening agents in food products to modify their rheological and textural properties and enhance their quality characteristics. They can be divided into (1) animal derived (chitosan and isinglass), (2) fermentation produced (xanthan and curdlan), (3) plant fragments (pectin and cellulose), (4) seaweed extracts (agar and alginate), and (5) seed flours (guar gum and locust bean gum). The primary functions of these materials are to improve moisture binding capacity, modify structural properties, and alter flow behavior. In addition, some have another responsibility in the food sector, such as the main ingredient in the delivery systems (encapsulation) and nanocomposites. A galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus), known as guar gum (GG), is one of them, which has a wide range of utilities and possesses popularity among scientists and consumers. In the world of modernization, GG has found its way into numerous industries for use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and explosives. Due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, it imparts significant thickening, gelling, and binding properties to the solution as well as increases its viscosity. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the characteristics, mechanisms, and applications of GG in different food technologies.
Inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal anemia and low birth weight in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seid Awole , Dugassa Fufa Desta , Weldeyohannes Misrak , Tadesse Zuriyash , Fenta Selamawit Lake , Bitew Zebenay Workneh , Dessie Getenet
Published: May 2023

Inadequately diversified food consumption during pregnancy can lead to micronutrient deficiencies, which can affect maternal and newborn health outcomes. Previous studies on maternal dietary diversity have either been limited to a specific geographical region or consist entirely of systematic reviews, without meta‐analyses. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pooled estimate of the association between inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy, maternal anemia, and low birth weight in Africa. A systematic review of observational studies published between January 2000 and April 2022 was undertaken using the Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL databases. The PRISMA checklist was followed to present the results. Microsoft Excel was used to abstract the data. STATA version 17 was used to analyze the data, and a random‐effects meta‐analysis model was applied to compute the pooled estimates. The study was registered in PROSPERO with protocol number CRD42022320873. A total of 22 publications with 9,696 participants were included in the final meta‐analysis. The pooled adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for inadequate dietary diversity and maternal anemia was 2.15 (95% CI, 1.66–2.65), while that for low birth weight was 2.04 (95% CI, 1.46–2.63). The highest pooled estimate of maternal anemia was reported in Cameroon (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 1.68–17.92), followed by Ethiopia (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.95–3.25). Similarly, the pooled estimates of low birth weight were highest in Cameroon (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19–4.88) and Ethiopia (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.29–2.39). In Africa, pregnant mothers with inadequate dietary diversity are two times more likely to develop anemia and low birth weight. Social protection policies that prioritize pregnant women, maternal nutrition promotion in the community, and dietary counseling during antenatal care visits, using national food‐based dietary guidelines, should be strengthened.
Opportunities and Challenges of Establishing a Regional Bio‐based Polylactic Acid Supply Chain
Authors: Abdelshafy Ali , Hermann Alina , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja , Walther Grit
Published: May 2023

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the bioplastic with the highest market share. However, it is mainly produced from first‐generation feedstock and there are various inconsistencies in the literature in terms of its production and recycling processes, carbon footprint, and prices. The aim of this study is to compile and contrast these aspects and investigate second‐generation PLA production from technical, economic, and ecological perspectives simultaneously. The comprehensive analyses also show the chances and challenges of originating a PLA supply chain in a specific region. Herein, the German Federal State of North Rhine‐Westphalia (NRW) has been chosen as a region of interest. In addition to highlighting the industrial capabilities and synergies, the study quantifies and illustrates the locations of different suitable second‐generation feedstocks in the region. However, the identified potentials can be challenged by various obstacles such as the high demand of bioresources, feedstock quality, spatial aspects, and logistics. Furthermore, the substantial price gap between PLA and fossil‐based plastics can also discourage the investors to include PLA on their portfolios. Thus, the study also provides recommendations to overcome these obstacles and promote the regional value chains of bioplastics which may serve as prototype for other regions.
Late Roman–Early Byzantine Leukos settlement, Karpathos, Greece: Geoarchaeology, archeoseismology, and paleogeography
Authors: Kleinspehn Karen L. , Nelson Michael C.
Published: May 2023

This archeoseismologic study focuses on the Leukos settlement that thrived on the west coast of the forearc island of Karpathos in the 4th−6th centuries CE. The onshore site occupies the eastern rim of the offshore Karpathos Basin, the deepest Aegean basin, in a sector of the Hellenic forearc typically regarded as seismically insignificant. Investigations of faulting, sedimentary processes, and secondary earthquake effects (hydraulic fracturing, liquefaction, tilting, landslides) are integrated with observations of previously surveyed and newly discovered archeological remains to appraise syn‐ to post‐Early Byzantine seismicity and establish a sequence of faulting. Calibrated radiocarbon dates, the first from Karpathos, indicate intermittent faulting and seismicity spanning the 4th−10th centuries CE, likely contributing to the early 7th‐century CE abandonment of Leukos. The coseismic rupture of competent cobbles whose fractures are filled with fluidized sediment is an established paleoseismologic tool for recognizing earthquakes of magnitude Mw ≥ 6; this study extends that criterion to archeoseismology. This study underscores the need to evaluate land movements, sea‐level fluctuations, and shoreline migration for coastal archeological sites. A plausible Late Roman paleogeography emerges in which Leukos occupied a contiguous peninsula rather than surrounding three modern harbors. This study encourages re‐evaluation of seismic and tsunami hazards in the sector of the Hellenic forearc surrounding ancient Leukos and the Karpathos Basin.
Suicidal ideation among people with Parkinson's disease and comparison with a control group
Authors: Santos‐García Diego , de Deus Fonticoba Teresa , Cores Bartolomé Carlos , Feal Panceiras Maria J. , García Díaz Iago , Íñiguez Alvarado Maria Cristina , Jesús Silvia , Boungiorno Maria Teresa , Planellas Lluís , Cosgaya Marina , García Caldentey Juan , Caballol Nuria , Legarda Ines , Hernández Vara Jorge , Cabo Iria , López Manzanares Lydia , González Aramburu Isabel , Ávila Rivera Maria A. , Gómez Mayordomo Víctor , Nogueira Víctor , Puente Víctor , Dotor García‐Soto Julio , Borrué Carmen , Vila Berta Solano , Álvarez Sauco María , Vela Lydia , Escalante Sonia , Cubo Esther , Carrillo Padilla Francisco , Martínez Castrillo Juan C. , Sánchez Alonso Pilar , Alonso Losada Maria G. , López Ariztegui Nuria , Gastón Itziar , Kulisevsky Jaime , Blázquez Estrada Marta , Seijo Manuel , Rúiz Martínez Javier , Valero Caridad , Kurtis Mónica , de Fábregues Oriol , González Ardura Jessica , Alonso Redondo Ruben , Ordás Carlos , López Díaz Luis M. , McAfee Darrian , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Mir Pablo ,   COPPADIS Study Group
Published: May 2023

Background

Detection of suicidal ideation (SI) is key for trying to prevent suicide. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of SI and related factors in Spanish people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD) and to compare them with a control group.

Methods

PD patients and controls recruited from the Spanish cohort COPPADIS from January 2016 to November 2017 were included. Two visits were conducted: V0 (baseline); V2 (2‐year ± 1 month follow‐up). SI was defined as a score ≥1 on item nine of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II). Regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to SI.

Results

At baseline, 693 PwPD (60.2% males; 62.59 ± 8.91 years old) and 207 controls (49.8% males; 60.99 ± 8.32 years old) were included. No differences between PwPD and controls were detected in SI frequency at either V0 (5.1% [35/693] vs. 4.3% [9/207];p = 0.421) or at V2 (5.1% [26/508] vs. 4.8% [6/125];p = 0.549). Major depression (MD) and a worse quality of life were associated with SI at both visits in PwPD: V0 (MD, OR = 5.63;p = 0.003; PDQ‐39, OR = 1.06;p = 0.021); V2 (MD, OR = 4.75;p = 0.027; EUROHIS‐QOL8, OR = 0.22;p = 0.006). A greater increase in the BDI‐II total score from V0 to V2 was the only factor predicting SI at V2 (OR = 1.21;p = 0.002) along with an increase in the total number of non‐antiparkinsonian drugs (OR = 1.39;p = 0.041).

Conclusion

The frequency of SI (5%) in PwPD was similar to in controls. Depression, a worse quality of life, and a greater comorbidity were related to SI.
Discovering associations between radiological features and COVID‐19 patients' deterioration
Authors: Ahmadinejad Nasrin , Ayyoubzadeh Seyed Mohammad , Zeinalkhani Fahimeh , Delazar Sina , Javanmard Zohreh , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Mohajeri Amirhassan , Esmaeili Marzieh
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Data mining methods are effective and well‐known tools for developing predictive models and extracting useful information from various data of patients. The present study aimed to predict the severity of patients with COVID‐19 by applying the rule mining method using characteristics of medical images.

Methods

This retrospective study has analyzed the radiological data from 104 COVID‐19 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in a hospital in Iran. A data set containing 75 binary features was generated. Apriori method is utilized for association rule mining on this data set. Only rules with confidence equal to one were generated. The performance of rules is calculated by support, coverage, and lift indexes.

Results

Ten rules were extracted with only X‐ray‐related features on cases referred to ICU. The Support and Coverage index of all of these rules was 0.087, and the Lift index of them was 1.58. Thirteen rules were extracted from only CT scan‐related features on cases referred to ICU. The CXR_Pleural effusion feature has appeared in all the rules. The CXR_Left upper zone feature appears in 9 rules out of 10. The Support and Coverage index of all rules was 0.15, and the Lift index of all rules was 1.63. the CT_Adjacent pleura thickening feature has appeared in all rules, and the CT_Right middle lobe appeared in 9 rules out of 13.

Conclusion

This study could reveal the application and efficacy of CXR and CT scan imaging modalities in predicting ICU admission to a major COVID‐19 infection via data mining methods. The findings of this study could help data scientists, radiologists, and clinicians in the future development and implementation of these methods in similar conditions and timely and appropriately save patients from adverse disease outcomes.
Production of exopolysaccharides with a high emulsifying activity using an Idiomarina strain under different conditions of oxygen transfer and temperature
Authors: García Andrés , Mercado‐Muñoz Liliana , Fernández‐Sandoval Marco T , Morales‐Guzmán Daniel , Martínez‐Morales Fernando , Trejo‐Hernández María R
Published: May 2023

Background

Marine microbial exopolysaccharides are the most significant group of polymeric material biopolymers on earth; they exhibit many potential applications in industrial, medical, and environmental fields, due to their chemical structure, which determines their functional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the production and the emulsifying activity of the exopolysaccharides produced by Idiomarina sp. B7H2 cultured under different oxygen transfer rates (OTR) and incubation temperatures.

Results

In cultures developed at low incubation temperatures (15 °C), an increase in OTRmax from 4.2 to 8 mmol L−1 h−1 promoted cellular growth and exopolysaccharide production, reaching a dry weight biomass of 7.7 ± 0.03 g L−1 and a maximal exopolysaccharide production of 4.28 ± 0.14 g L−1. In contrast, at high incubation temperature (25 °C) and at high OTRmax of 8 mmol L−1 h−1, a maximal emulsifying activity of 75.5% was obtained. This value was higher with respect to that obtained at the lower OTRmax (4.2 mmol L−1 h−1). However, higher emulsifying activity was not related to the synthesis of exopolysaccharides.

Conclusion

Overall, our results indicate that by controlling the OTRmax and incubation temperatures it is possible to manipulate the production and the emulsifying activity of the bacterial exopolysaccharide produced by B7H2 strain, mainly carrying out the fermentation process at high incubation temperatures and higher OTRmax. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A critical evaluation of soil salinization, waterlogging, and agricultural productive capacity in Hohokam irrigation of the Phoenix Basin, Arizona, USA
Authors: Caseldine* Christopher R.
Published: May 2023

A causal link between environmental degradation and societal collapse has captivated the imagination of generations of archaeologists, historians, and the public. At its core, it is believed that the agricultural aspirations of societies outstrip what the environment can offer. The Hohokam, who farmed the Phoenix Basin of Arizona, USA, for nearly a millennium (AD 475–1450), have been repeatedly used as an exemplar of incongruence between the environment and agricultural practices leading to crop failures and ultimately societal collapse. Contributing to the collapse narrative is crop failures that spread across the lower Salt River Valley during the late 1800s. Unacknowledged by collapse narratives is that unproductive fields were brought back to life at the start of the twentieth century with techniques not beyond the capability of the Hohokam. Hohokam farmers and their descendants maintained and prospered in the valley for more than a millennium, so the assumed unidirectionality toward degraded productive capacity warrants examination. In this article, five lines of evidence are used to assess the relationships among soil salinization, waterlogging, and agricultural productive capacity. The multistep approach reveals that available evidence fails to substantiate soil salinization and waterlogging as primary catalysts in the decline of Hohokam irrigation. As such, establishing causality between environmental factors and societal decline in the past requires multiple lines of evidence producing contextually detailed syntheses, rather than simple models.
Chronological constraint of Neanderthal cultural and environmental changes in southwestern Europe: MIS 5–MIS 3 dating of the Axlor site (Biscay, Spain)
Authors: Demuro Martina , Arnold Lee J. , González‐Urquijo Jesús , Lazuen Talia , Frochoso Manuel
Published: May 2023

The cave site of Axlor (Biscay, Spain) preserves one of the most informative Middle Palaeolithic (MP) records for the North Atlantic Iberian region, though its age remains poorly known. Here we use single‐grain optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and single‐grain thermally transferred OSL (TT‐OSL) dating of sediments to improve the age constraint of Axlor's MP succession (levels N–B). Our new ages are consistent with the previously publishedterminus ante quem14C ages for the site (>42.9 cal kabp), and suggest the sequence accumulated during a period of ~50 kyr. Axlor's levels N–F were deposited ~100–80 ka, probably during marine isotope stage (MIS) 5d–a, while levels D and B were deposited ~70 and ~50 ka, respectively, during MIS 4 and mid‐MIS 3. Our results indicate that major faunal and technological turnovers occurred towards the end of MIS 5, potentially coinciding with broader environmental and climatic changes. Axlor's Quina record, dated here to the onset of MIS 4, is one of the oldest in Europe. Comparisons with neighbouring sites point to complex regional chronologies and development for this particular behaviour, though detailed correlations with other MP sequences remain difficult due to their poor chronological attributes. The present study highlights the important role that single‐grain optical dating can play in elucidating the broader evolution of the MP across southwestern Europe.
Effects of roasting and ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic treatment of Nigella sativa L. seeds on thymoquinone in the oil and antioxidant activity of defatted seed meal
Authors: Mashhadi Abolghasem Fatemeh , Kim Ryun Hee , Park Sun Young , Lim Taehwan , Lee Haeseong , Hwang Keum Taek , Kim Jaecheol
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Black cumin seeds (black seed; BS) contain various bioactive compounds, such as thymoquinone (TQ). Roasting and ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic treatment (UAET) as pre‐treatments can increase the phytochemical content in the BS oil. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pre‐treatments on the TQ content and the yield of the BS oil and to profile the composition of defatted BS meal (DBSM), followed by evaluating antioxidant properties of the DBSM.

RESULTS

The extraction yield of crude oil from BS was not affected by the roasting time. The highest extraction yield (47.8 ± 0.4%) was obtained with UAET cellulase‐pH 5 (enzyme concentration of 100%). Roasting decreased the TQ content of the oil, while the UAET cellulase‐pH 5 treatment with an enzyme concentration of 100% yielded the highest TQ (125.1 ± 2.7 μg mL−1). Additionally, the UAET cellulase‐pH 5 treatment increased total phenolics and flavonoids of DBSM by approximately two‐fold, compared to roasting or ultrasound treatment (UT) alone. Principal component analysis revealed that the UAET method might be more suitable for extracting BS oil with higher TQ content than roasting and UT.

CONCLUSION

Compared to roasting or UT, using ultrasound along with cellulase could improve the oil yield and TQ in the oil from BS and obtain the DBSM with higher phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Senior citizens’ vitamin D supplements intake: evidence from Denmark
Authors: Caso Gerarda , Grønhøj Alice , Vecchio Riccardo , Videbæk Pernille Nørgaard , Lähteenmäki Liisa
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Several public interventions have been designed in recent years to urge the intake of vitamin D supplements among the senior population to avoid the direct and indirect consequences associated with vitamin D deficiency. However, the effectiveness of these public campaigns remains quite limited. In an online survey, the current study investigates attitudes towards vitamin D supplements intake and associated behaviours in a representative sample of Danish senior citizens (N = 554) – that is, individuals aged 55 years and above.

RESULTS

Approximately half of the sample reported taking vitamin D supplements in the preceding year. Furthermore, being male and having a positive perception of individuals’ own health status increased the probability of being a non‐user. Increasing confidence in the information provided by health authorities (such as medical doctors and pharmacies) is particularly critical for enhancing the likelihood of non‐users to purchase vitamin D supplements. However, also encouraging the uptake of vitamin D supplements in specialized supermarkets with stands and promotions seems an appealing and practical solution to increase seniors’ uptake of vitamin D supplements.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study outlines the characteristics of senior Danish non‐users of vitamin D supplements. Additionally, the research provides information on the strategies that could be applied by public organizations to foster vitamin D supplements intake among this target segment of the population. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Extraction and isolation of diphenylheptanes and flavonoids fromAlpinia officinarumHance using supercritical fluid extraction followed by supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Wu Di , Ge Dandan , Dai Yingping , Chen Yanchun , Fu Qing , Jin Yu
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an off‐line combination method of supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography was developed for the selective extraction and isolation of diphenylheptanes and flavonoids fromAlpinia officinarumHance. The enrichment of target components was successfully achieved using supercritical fluid extraction with the following conditions (8% ethanol as co‐solvent at 45°C and 30 MPa for 30 min). Taking full advantage of the complementarity of supercritical fluid chromatography stationary phases, a two‐step preparative supercritical fluid chromatography strategy was constructed. The extract was firstly divided into seven fractions on a Diol column (250 × 20 mm internal diameter, 10 μm) within 8 min by gradient elution increasing from 5% to 20% modifier (methanol) at 55 ml/min and 15 MPa. Then the seven fractions were separated by using a 1‐AA or a DEA column (250 × 19 mm internal diameter, 5 μm) at 50 ml/min and 13.5 MPa. This two‐step strategy showed superior separation ability for structural analogs. As a result, seven compounds, including four diphenylheptanes and three flavonoids with high purity, were successfully obtained. The developed method is also helpful for the extraction and isolation of other structural analogs of traditional Chinese medicines.
Value propositions in KIBS: How to facilitate the communication of value?
Authors: Heikka Eija‐Liisa
Published: May 2023

This study explores value propositions in knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS). More specifically, this study investigates how to facilitate the effective communication of value to customers in the KIBS context by employing a qualitative case study method. The findings address the importance of trust in developing a solid client relationship to foster successful collaboration and open communication, thus creating a basis for constructing customer knowledge, and also indicate that the phase and intimacy of the relationship both influence which criteria are emphasised during the purchasing process. Consequently, this study challenges the idea that value propositions are always co‐created at every phase of the KIBS customer relationship, and it distinguishes the factors that facilitate the communication of value in these relationships. The understanding gained through this study offers practical insights and will help KIBS firms successfully communicate value to their clients.
Hard–Soft Thermoset Alloy with Enhanced Toughness, Impact‐Resistance, and Electric Conductivity via Interpenetrated Dynamic Crosslinked Interface
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Peng , Ge Zhishen , Wang Xiaohong , Chen Xiaoming , Wu Shilong , Chen Quan , Liang Chenyu , Cheng Yilong , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: May 2023

Polymer alloys (PAs) are mixtures of two or more types of polymers to enhance the properties of polymeric materials. However, thermosets with crosslinked structures are immiscible and cannot be prepared PAs. Herein, two immiscible covalent adaptable networks containing phenoxy carbamate bonds are explored as the typical polymeric materials to prepare the hard–soft thermoset alloy (HSTA) by the interpenetrated dynamic crosslinked interface (IDCI) to enhance the toughness. Specifically, two types of polyurethane covalent adaptable networks with either high stiffness (thermoset) or extensibility (elastomer) are prepared, respectively. The granules of thermoset and elastomer are mixed and hot‐pressed to prepare the HSTA. The HSTA shows improved mechanical properties with a toughness of 22.8 MJ m−3 which is 14 times higher than that of hard thermoset. In addition, the HSTA shows excellent impact‐resistance property after 1000 punctures. Moreover, the obtained HSTA via addition of carbon nanotubes can significantly decrease the electric resistance over six orders of magnitudes as compared to the blending method, which is due to the distribution of the carbon nanotubes at the interfaces of the two networks.
Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with dyslipidemia and risk of metabolic disorders in the State of Qatar
Authors: Al‐Sharshani Dalal , Velayutham Dinesh , Samara Muthanna , Gazal Reham , Al Haj Zen Ayman , Ismail Mohamed A. , Ahmed Mahmoud , Nasrallah Gheyath , Younes Salma , Rizk Nasser , Hammuda Sara , Qoronfleh M. Walid , Farrell Thomas , Zayed Hatem , Abdulrouf Palli Valapila , AlDweik Manar , Silang John Paul Ben , Rahhal Alaa , Al‐Jurf Rana , Mahfouz Ahmed , Salam Amar , Al Rifai Hilal , Al‐Dewik Nader I.
Published: May 2023

Background

Dyslipidemia is recognized as one of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the association between selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with dyslipidemia and increased susceptibility risks of CVD, NAFLD, and/or T2DM in dyslipidemia patients in comparison with healthy control individuals from the Qatar genome project.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 2933 adults (859 dyslipidemia patients and 2074 healthy control individuals) from April to December 2021 to investigate the association between 331 selected SNPs with dyslipidemia and increased susceptibility risks of CVD, NAFLD and/or T2DM, and covariates.

Results

The genotypic frequencies of six SNPs were found to be significantly different in dyslipidemia patients subjects compared to the control group among males and females. In males, three SNPs were found to be significant, the rs11172113 in over‐dominant model, the rs646776 in recessive and over‐dominant models, and the rs1111875 in dominant model. On the other hand, two SNPs were found to be significant in females, including rs2954029 in recessive model, and rs1801251 in dominant and recessive models. The rs17514846 SNP was found for dominant and over‐dominant models among males and only the dominant model for females. We found that the six SNPs linked to gender type had an influence in relation to disease susceptibility. When controlling for the four covariates (gender, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes), the difference between dyslipidemia and the control group remained significant for the six variants. Finally, males were three times more likely to have dyslipidemia in comparison with females, hypertension was two times more likely to be present in the dyslipidemia group, and diabetes was six times more likely to be in the dyslipidemia group.

Conclusion

The current investigation provides evidence of association for a common SNP to coronary heart disease and suggests a sex‐dependent effect and encourage potential therapeutic applications.
Using the decomposition method to solve the fractional order temperature distribution equation: A new approach
Authors: Rawashdeh Mahmoud S. , Obeidat Nazek A. , Ababneh Omar M.
Published: May 2023

Due to its importance in science, finding both exact and approximate solutions to fractional partial differential equations with boundary conditions is important for the research community. The natural decomposition method (NDM), which is based on the natural transformation method (NTM) and the Adomian decomposition method, is modified in this study to produce exact and approximate solutions for boundary value problems (BVPs) of partial differential equations (PDEs) with fractional coefficients. In addition, we present an exact solution to the temperature distribution in a slab constructed of materials with variable thermal conductivity's combined convection–radiation lumped system. We present these findings as numerical tables and graphs that show the convergence and stability rates. The study demonstrates that this approach is effective since it is simple to apply and produces reliable findings. We are the first to use this approach for such applications, as far as we are aware. Additionally, this method is applicable to a sizable class of BVPs for ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and PDEs.
A right inverse of curl which is divergence‐free invariant and some applications to generalized Vekua‐type problems
Authors: Delgado Briceyda B. , Macías‐Díaz Jorge E.
Published: May 2023

In this work, we investigate the system formed by the equations and in bounded star‐shaped domains of . A Helmholtz‐type decomposition theorem is established based on a general solution of the above‐mentioned div‐curl system. When , we obtain a bounded right inverse of which is a divergence‐free invariant. The restriction of this right inverse to the subspace of divergence‐free vector fields with vanishing normal trace is the well‐known Biot–Savart operator. This right inverse will be restricted to guarantee its compactness and satisfy suitable boundary value problems. Applications to Beltrami fields, Vekua‐type problems, as well as Maxwell's equations in inhomogeneous media are proposed.
Mathematical study on bifurcation dynamics and control mechanism of tri‐neuron bidirectional associative memory neural networks including delay
Authors: Ou Wei , Xu Changjin , Cui Qingyi , Liu Zixin , Pang Yicheng , Farman Muhammad , Ahmad Shabir , Zeb Anwar
Published: May 2023

Applying delayed dynamical models to characterize the dynamics of neural networks has attracted great interest from scientific community. In this current manuscript, a kind of new tri‐neuron bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural networks including delay are formulated. The properties of solution and Hopf bifurcation issue of the established tri‐neuron BAM neural networks including delay are investigated. First, we check the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the formulated delayed tri‐neuron BAM neural networks by virtue of fixed point theorem. Second, we seek the boundedness of the solution of the formulated delayed tri‐neuron BAM neural networks in view of a suitable function and inequality skills. Third, the delay‐independent criteria on stability and bifurcation of the formulated delayed tri‐neuron BAM neural networks are acquired. Fourth, Hopf bifurcation control aspect of the formulated delayed tri‐neuron BAM neural networks is explored via designing two proper hybrid controllers. To prove the accuracy of gained primary assertions, software simulation experiments are put into practice.
Bowfishing shoot and release: High short-term mortality of nongame fishes and its management implications
Authors: Montague Graham F. , Schooley Jason D. , Scarnecchia Dennis L. , Snow Richard A.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Although bowfishing is legal in all 50 states in the USA, the practice of releasing shot fish is only legal in 8 states. An argument favoring this practice has been that survival of fish after shoot-and-release fishing is high. Bowfishing mortality trials were conducted in 2021–2022 in Lake Texoma, Oklahoma, to quantify shoot-and-release mortality and characterize the mortality via the location of the wound associated with the release of fish shot by bowfishing.

Methods

A total of 240 nongame fish were shot by experienced bowfishers with conventional bowfishing equipment and held in convalescent pools, with control fish captured by electrofishing to document short-term mortality up to 5 days.

Result

Overall mortality of bowfished fish was 87% versus 0% for control fish. Fish shot in critical areas (head, internal organs, or spine; 78% of total) suffered 96% mortality, whereas fish shot in noncritical areas (dorsal musculature, tail, or fins) experienced 52% mortality. In addition, 13.7% of fish shot were not successfully retrieved. Shot fish were generally older (mean = 19.4 years, range = 3–54) and contained more females (62%) than control fish (mean = 12.5 years, range = 2–39; 37% female), providing evidence that bowfishing can remove individuals of great recruitment value. The shoot-and-release mortality rates in this study, for fish shot in both critical and noncritical areas, exceeded mortality from a wide range of angler catch and release in other studies.

Conclusion

The high mortality rate associated with shoot and release observed in this study and as practiced by recreational bowfisheries renders shoot and release inconsistent with scientifically regulated and sustainable bowfisheries for native nongame species. These results provide evidence that the bow and arrow, when aimed at animals, is a weapon that is intended to kill. Bowfishing should realistically be managed as a 100% consumptive (i.e., kill) pursuit in which shoot and release is prohibited and nonretrieval of shot fish is accounted for.
Identifying the contributions of constituents to the fracture performance and failure mechanism of fiber metal laminate
Authors: Zhang Jipeng , Wang Yue , Yang Wen , Dai Xiangjun , Zhao Yuan , Fang Guodong
Published: May 2023

Fiber metal laminate (FML) is a damage‐tolerant material that has gained special attention in the aircraft industry. To clarify the confusing contributions of constituents to the quasi‐static fracture performance and failure mechanism, six kinds of glass fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (Glare) were designed. Quasi‐static fracture tests were carried out to examine their crack resistance, stable crack extension, and residual strength. Moreover, postmortem characterizations were performed to reveal the macro and micro failure morphologies. It was found that the glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) layers can positively contribute to Glare's quasi‐static fracture performance due to its in‐situ quasi‐brittle but not completely brittle fracture characteristics, which was shown by the special plateau formed onP–Δacurve of Glare, and by the improved crack resistance, longer critical crack length, and higher residual strength in Glare with higher content of GFRP. However, the enhancement achieved by increasing the volume fraction of GFRP was not as effective as by increasing the aluminum thickness, since thickening aluminum in a limited range could increase the fracture toughness and promote the delamination and fiber pull‐outs in Glare. To further identify the effect of the properties of the metal layer, a titanium‐reinforced Glare was designed and tested. It was found to transform the fracture process to be titanium dominant, which delayed the fracture of GFRP and meandered the fracture path, then resulted in superior quasi‐static fracture performance than the basic Glare.
Integrated multi‐omics analysis reveals unique signatures of paclitaxel‐loaded poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles treatment of head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Haider Mohamed , Jagal Jayalakshmi , Bajbouj Khuloud , Sharaf Basma M. , Sahnoon Lina , Okendo Javan , Semreen Mohammad H. , Hamda Mawieh , Soares Nelson C.
Published: May 2023

The use of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers for chemotherapeutic drugs is regarded as an actively targeted nano‐therapy for the specific delivery of anti‐cancer drugs to target cells. However, the exact mechanism by which PLGA NPs boost anticancer cytotoxicity at the molecular level remains largely unclear. This study employed different molecular approaches to define the response of carcinoma FaDu cells to different types of treatment, specifically: paclitaxel (PTX) alone, drug free PLGA NPs, and PTX‐loaded PTX‐PLGA NPs. Functional cell assays revealed that PTX‐PLGA NPs treated cells had a higher level of apoptosis than PTX alone, whereas the complementary, UHPLC‐MS/MS (TIMS‐TOF) based multi‐omics analyses revealed that PTX‐PLGA NPs treatment resulted in increased abundance of proteins associated with tubulin, as well as metabolites such as 5‐thymidylic acid, PC(18:1(9Z)/18:1(9Z0), vitamin D, and sphinganine among others. The multi‐omics analyses revealed new insights about the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of novel anticancer NP therapies. In particular, PTX‐loaded NPs appeared to exacerbate specific changes induced by both PLGA‐NPs and PTX as a free drug. Hence, the PTX‐PLGA NPs’ molecular mode of action, seen in greater detail, depends on this synergy that ultimately accelerates the apoptotic process, resulting in cancer cell death.
Advanced mass spectrometry workflows for accurate quantification of trace‐level host cell proteins in drug products: Benefits of FAIMS separation and gas‐phase fractionation DIA
Authors: Beaumal Corentin , Beck Alain , Hernandez‐Alba Oscar , Carapito Christine
Published: May 2023

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) production relies on multiple purification steps before release as a drug product (DP). A few host cell proteins (HCPs) may co‐purify with the mAb. Their monitoring is crucial due to the considerable risk they represent for mAb stability, integrity, and efficacy and their potential immunogenicity. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) commonly used for global HCP monitoring present limitations in terms of identification and quantification of individual HCPs. Therefore, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) has emerged as a promising alternative. Challenging DP samples show an extreme dynamic range requiring high performing methods to detect and reliably quantify trace‐level HCPs. Here, we investigated the benefits of adding high‐field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) separation and gas phase fractionation (GPF) prior to data independent acquisition (DIA). FAIMS LC‐MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of 221 HCPs among which 158 were reliably quantified for a global amount of 880 ng/mg of NIST mAb Reference Material. Our methods have also been successfully applied to two FDA/EMA approved DPs and allowed digging deeper into the HCP landscape with the identification and quantification of a few tens of HCPs with sensitivity down to the sub‐ng/mg of mAb level.
Exploring the influence of rigid carbocycles on terpenoid copolymer properties
Authors: Galan Nicholas J. , Fried Alan D. , Cromer Chase E. , Fish Abigail , Coughlin Dominic R. , Brantley Johnathan N.
Published: May 2023

Synthesizing soft polymers with uncommon architectural elements is critical for enhancing our understanding of fundamental structure–property relationships in macromolecules. Terpenoid materials are interesting candidates for addressing this grand challenge, as their constituent monomers can exhibit a diverse array of structural and functional groups. Moreover, these biologically‐derived materials can potentially expand the sphere of knowledge surrounding trends in related petrochemically‐derived polymers. For example, vinyl‐addition copolymers of norbornene and acyclic olefins can exhibit predictable properties (e.g., linear changes in Tg as a function of composition). Due to synthetic limitations, however, it is not well understood if other rigid carbocycles engender similar behavior in a range of copolymers. As numerous terpene scaffolds display rigid motifs (such as pinane systems), terpenoid polymers are uniquely positioned to address this deficiency. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of terpenoid copolymers (both statistical and block) with systematically tailored compositions of pinene‐based comonomers. We found that the pinane core (which is a constitutional isomer of norbornene) appears to promote ideal behavior with regard to bulk thermal properties of statistical copolymers, which mirrors the behavior of norbornene‐based systems. We also found that block copolymers exhibited thermomechanical properties that were highly tunable (and apparently correlated to carbocycle composition).