bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental‐related variation of stoichiometric traits in body and organs of non‐native sailfin catfishes Pterygoplichthys spp
Authors: Wei Hui , Liang Yanting , Luo Qiang , Gu Dangen , Mu Xidong , Hu Yinchang
Published: November 2022

Intraspecific variation in stoichiometric traits was thought to be an adaptive response to reduce the elemental imbalance between organism and diet in the habitat. Studying the spatial variation of stoichiometric traits of non‐native species and the factors contributing to the variation could help to better understand the invasion mechanism of non‐native fish. In this study, stoichiometric traits (i.e. carbon [C], phosphorus [P], calcium [Ca] and their ratios) variation in the body and organs of non‐native sailfin catfishes Pterygoplichthys spp. were investigated across 13 river sections in the main river basins of Guangdong province. The relationships between environmental factors and stoichiometric traits were analyzed using a general linear model and an information‐theoretic approach. A manipulated feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of food quality on the stoichiometry of sailfin catfishes in a greenhouse. Sailfin catfishes exhibited considerable variability in body and organ elemental composition. Site identity was the main factor contributing to the variation, which could be explained by a combination of environmental factors including climate, diet quality, fish species richness and trophic status in the invaded rivers. Water chemistry (i.e. total nitrogen and phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorus) contributed to the most variation of stoichiometric traits. Imbalances of P and Ca between sailfin catfishes and food resources varied among sampling sites, reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of nutrients limitation. Juvenile sailfin catfishes exhibited stoichiometric homeostasis (0 < 1/H < 0.25) for all elemental contents and ratios in the feeding experiment. These findings suggested variation in stoichiometric traits of sailfin catfishes might be attributed to the changes in elemental metabolism to cope with context‐specific environments. This study provided heuristic knowledge about environmental‐related variation in stoichiometric traits, which could enhance the understanding of the non‐native species' adaptation to resource fluctuation in the invaded ecosystems.
A survey of aquatic macroinvertebrates in a river from the dry corridor of Nicaragua using biological indices and DNA barcoding
Authors: Mendoza‐Ramírez Bryant H. , Páiz‐Medina Lucía , Salvatierra‐Suárez Thelma , Hernández Nelvia , Huete‐Pérez Jorge A.
Published: November 2022

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are widely used as indicators for water quality assessment around the world. Modern strategies for environmental assessment implement molecular analysis to delimitate species of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Delimitation methods have been established to determine boundaries between species units using sequencing data from DNA barcodes and serve as first exploratory tools for taxonomic revisions. This is useful in regions such as the neotropics where aquatic macroinvertebrate habitats are threatened by human interference and DNA databases remain understudied. We asked whether the biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in a stream in Nicaragua, within the Central American Dry Corridor, could be characterized with biological indices and DNA barcoding. In this study, we combined regional biological indices (BMWP‐CR, IBF‐SV‐2010) along with distance‐based (ASAP, BIN) and tree‐based (GMYC, bPTP) delimitation methods, as well as nucleotide BLAST in public barcode databases. We collected samples from the upper, middle, and low reaches of the Petaquilla river. The three sites presented excellent water quality with the BMWP‐CR index, but evidence of high organic pollution was found in the middle reach with the IBF‐SV‐2010 index. We report a total of 219 COI sequences successfully generated from 18 families and 8 orders. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) designation ranged from 69 to 73 using the four methods, with a congruency of 92% for barcode assignation. Nucleotide BLAST identified 14 species (27.4% of barcodes) and 33 genera (39.3% of barcodes) from query sequences in GenBank and BOLD system databases. This small number of identified OTUs may be explained by the paucity of molecular data from the Neotropical region. Our study provides valuable information about the characterization of macroinvertebrate families that are important biological indicators for the assessment of water quality in Nicaragua. The application of molecular approaches will allow the study of local diversity and further improve the application of molecular techniques for biomonitoring.
The efficacy and safety of ganaxolone for the treatment of refractory epilepsy: A meta‐analysis from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Meng Jiahao , Yan Zeya , Tao Xinyu , Wang Wei , Wang Fei , Xue Tao , Liu Yanfei , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2022

Objective

Epilepsy is one of the most common and refractory neurological disorders globally. Ganaxolone, a neuroactive steroid that enhances GABAergic inhibition, has been tested in many trials for the resolution of refractory epilepsy. Based on these, our study implemented a meta‐analysis to evaluate the general benefit of ganaxolone for refractory epilepsy.

Methods

EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, andClinicaltrials.govwere searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to June 20, 2022. The risk ratio (RR) and standard mean difference (SMD) were analyzed using dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively with a random effect model. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was also performed to judge the reliability of results.

Results

We totally collected 659 patients from four RCTs to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ganaxolone. As results showed, ≥50% reduction in mean seizure frequency has improved significantly compared with placebo (RR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.02–2.49,p = 0.04,I2 = 30%), which is supported by TSA. However, the percentage of seizure‐free days shows no statistical significance (p = 0.36). For safety outcomes, adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events, and AE leading to study drug discontinuation all revealed no obvious difference between ganaxolone and placebo (p > 0.05).

Significance

Based on our research, we have observed that ganaxolone is safe and has potential efficacy in the treatment of refractory epilepsy, waiting for further studies.
Investigating a university library building evacuation in Pakistan during a semi‐announced fire drill
Authors: Rafi Muhammad Masood , Ahmed Shoaib , Lovreglio Ruggiero , Dias Charitha
Published: November 2022

Evacuation models represent one of the main tools used to assess building fire safety. Existing evacuation models are based on data from evacuation drills in western and developed countries, while there is a need for data from South Asian and developing countries (in general). This paper presents the results of an evacuation drill carried out in a library of a developing country in South Asia (Pakistan). The data of 85 student evacuees were recorded and analysed. Pre‐evacuation and walking speed data have been reported in this paper which are compared with the available data for library evacuations in other countries. The average pre‐evacuation time of 24.3 s (± standard deviation [SD] = 19.83 s) obtained in this study was shorter than previously published data for similar building types in other parts of the world. Furthermore, unimpeded horizontal speeds (mean = 0.74 m/s, SD = 0.28 m/s) were also smaller than the values reported in the available literature. Stair descending speeds (mean = 0.97 m/s, SD = 0.36 m/s) were within the ranges of stair movement data listed in previous studies. These findings represent a pioneering dataset for future building designs and evacuation simulations in developing countries.
Effects of fruits and vegetables on gut microbiota in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome induced by high‐fat diet
Authors: Yu Congcong , Guo Cang , Geng Xueying , Yao Yuyang , Guo Junxia , Zhang Yanzhen , Zhang Jing , Mi Shengquan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit and vegetable intake on gut microbiota using a mouse model of metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a high‐fat diet. Forty‐eight male mice were randomly divided into four groups, control group (C), high‐fat diet‐fed model group (H), high fat plus low intake of fruits and vegetables diet‐fed group (H.LFV), high fat plus high intake of fruits and vegetables diet‐fed group (H.HFV), and each group were fed for 60 days. During the experiment, mouse body weights were recorded and fecal samples were collected. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method was used to extract fecal bacterial DNA, and the purity and concentration of the DNA were detected by electrophoresis. DNA samples underwent PCR amplification (primers in 16 S V4 (515F and 806R)). Raw sequencing data were processed, and sample complexity and multiple‐sample comparisons were investigated. Mouse organ coefficient, serum lipid levels, fecal TC (total cholesterol) and TBA (total bile acid) levels, and hepatic glutathione and malondialdehyde levels were determined. Compared to the H group, the fecal TC and TBA levels decreased significantly in the H.HFV group (p < .05), and hepatic glutathione and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly in both H.LFV and H.HFV groups (p < .05). Decreased abundance of Firmicutes, Burkholderiales, Syntrophomonas, and Pseudomonadales in gut microbiota was observed in H.LFV and H.HFV groups compared to the H group. The Anosim results showed significant differences in pairwise comparison between groups. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) results showed that k_bacteria not only exhibited statistically differences between H and C groups but also among H.LFV, H.LFV, and H groups, and hence, could be used as a biomarker between groups. To sum up, fruit and vegetable powder could increase the fecal excretion of TC and TBA, and the antioxidant capacity in C57BL/6N mice. Meanwhile, the mechanism that fruit and vegetable powder could prevent MS in C57BL/6N mice was related to the decreased abundance of gut microbiota, including Firmicutes, Syntrophomonadales, and Pseudomonadales. Hence, fruit and vegetable powder could be used as a recommended food to regulate gut microbiota and prevent the occurrence of MS‐related diseases.
The multitaskers of the brain: Glial responses to viral infections and associated post‐infectious neurologic sequelae
Authors: Davé Veronica A. , Klein Robyn S.
Published: November 2022

Many viral infections cause acute and chronic neurologic diseases which can lead to degeneration of cortical functions. While neurotropic viruses that gain access to the central nervous system (CNS) may induce brain injury directly via infection of neurons or their supporting cells, they also alter brain function via indirect neuroimmune mechanisms that may disrupt the blood–brain barrier (BBB), eliminate synapses, and generate neurotoxic astrocytes and microglia that prevent recovery of neuronal circuits. Non‐neuroinvasive, neurovirulent viruses may also trigger aberrant responses in glial cells, including those that interfere with motor and sensory behaviors, encoding of memories and executive function. Increasing evidence from human and animal studies indicate that neuroprotective antiviral responses that amplify levels of innate immune molecules dysregulate normal neuroimmune processes, even in the absence of neuroinvasion, which may persist after virus is cleared. In this review, we discuss how select emerging and re‐emerging RNA viruses induce neuroimmunologic responses that lead to dysfunction of higher order processes including visuospatial recognition, learning and memory, and motor control. Identifying therapeutic targets that return the neuroimmune system to homeostasis is critical for preventing virus‐induced neurodegenerative disorders.
Noninvasive tests for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a multi‐ethnic population: The HELIUS study
Authors: van Dijk Anne‐Marieke , Vali Yasaman , Mak Anne Linde , Galenkamp Henrike , Nieuwdorp Max , van den Born Bert‐Jan , Holleboom Adriaan Georgius
Published: November 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in prevalence and severity globally, prompting noninvasive testing, yet limited data exist on noninvasive liver tests (NITs) including transient elastography (TE) in ethnically diverse populations. Therefore, we studied prevalence and ethnic differences in NAFLD with NITs in the multi‐ethnic HEalthy Life In an Urban Setting (HELIUS) cohort. NITs of liver steatosis (Fatty Liver Index [FLI]) and fibrosis (Fibrosis‐4 index [FIB‐4], and aspartate aminotransferase–to–platelet ratio [APRI]) were assessed in 10,007 participants. A subpopulation of 399 participants, selected on high‐risk criteria for NAFLD (obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], and/or elevated NITs), was examined with TE. FLI was ≥60 in 27.3% of 10,007 participants, indicating steatosis. Most participants (71.8%) had FIB‐4 < 1.30, excluding advanced liver fibrosis, and 1.1% (n = 113) had high FIB‐4 (FIB‐4 ≥ 2.67), indicating likely advanced liver fibrosis. In the TE subpopulation, 37.8% and 17.3% had steatosis and fibrosis (continuation attenuation parameter [CAP] ≥ 280 dB/m, liver stiffness measurement [LSM] ≥ 7.0 kPa, respectively). Turkish participants had highest adjusted odds ratio (OR) for elevated LSM (1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–5.01) and Ghanaians the lowest (0.24, 95% CI 0.09–0.65). Ghanaians had lowest adjusted OR for elevated CAP: 0.18 (95% CI 0.09–0.37). In diabetics, CAP and LSM were 17.6% and 14.6% higher than in nondiabetics, respectively. Correlations of FIB‐4 and APRI with LSM were absent and weak. Conclusion: Liver steatosis proxy FLI was elevated in 27.3% of this multi‐ethnic population. In Turkish background and in those with T2DM, proxies for steatosis and fibrosis were high, whereas in Ghanaian background, NITs were generally low. Together, this warrants awareness for NAFLD among high‐risk populations, taking ethnic background into account. The absence of clear correlation between FIB‐4 and APRI with LSM questions the accuracy of these fibrosis NITs to detect advanced fibrosis in the general population.
Exploring physicians′ experiences under the national health insurance scheme in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Okunna Nene , Ezeama Nkiru Nwamaka , Ezeama Chukwuemeka Okwudili , Munala Leso
Published: November 2022

Background

A number of low‐and middle‐income countries have implemented National Health Insurance Schemes (NHIS) as part of efforts to increase access to quality healthcare and financial protection from regressive out‐of‐pocket payments. This study explored physicians' experiences under the Nigerian (NHIS) to identify factors that may influence efficient health care delivery.

Methods

A convenient sample of 85 physicians residing in South‐East Nigeria who had active contracts with the NHIS were surveyed via self‐administered questionnaire for this study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data while Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used to determine if there were statistically significant associations between physician professional characteristics and their responses to key statements that assessed their experiences and behavior. Also, thematic analysis was used to assess additional qualitative data provided by study participants.

Results

Provider experiences were affected by the perceived inadequacy of reimbursement rates, delays in payment and services not covered by the NHIS. Participants' responses to statements on inadequacy of reimbursement was significantly associated with location using Kruskal‐Wallis test (χ2 (1) = 7.24, p = 0.027) while billing patients for services not covered under the NHIS was significantly associated with length of years of practice (χ2 (1) = 15.5, p = 0.001) and place of employment (χ2 (1) = 5.82, p = 0.054).

Conclusion

Physician experiences and challenges they face under the NHIS program in Nigeria have unintended effects on the delivery of health care services. It is imperative that these issues are addressed to improve health service delivery.
Circulating levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3, a protein with inhibitory effects on angiogenesis, are increased in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Palei Ana C. , Cruz Juliana de O. , Chaguri João Leandro , Peraçoli José Carlos , Romão‐Veiga Mariana , Ribeiro‐Vasques Vanessa R. , Cavalli Ricardo C. , Nunes Priscila R. , Luizon Marcelo R. , Sandrim Valéria C.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To assess and compare circulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP‐3) concentrations between women with pre‐eclampsia and healthy pregnant women. We also aimed to determine the relationships between circulating TIMP‐3 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2), MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 concentrations in pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

A primary case–control study included patients with pre‐eclampsia (n = 219) and gestational hypertension (n = 118), healthy pregnant women (n = 214), and non‐pregnant women (n = 66), and a replication case–control study included patients with pre‐eclampsia (n = 177) and healthy pregnant women (n = 124), all from southeastern Brazil. Plasma TIMP‐3, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 concentrations were assessed using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits, and the relationships between them were analyzed using Spearman's correlation.

Results

In our primary study, patients with pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension exhibited increased TIMP‐3 concentrations compared with healthy pregnant women (both P < 0.0001) and non‐pregnant women (both P < 0.001). These findings were confirmed in the replication study, showing elevated TIMP‐3 concentrations in women with pre‐eclampsia versus healthy pregnant women (P < 0.001). We found no difference in TIMP‐3 concentrations between early‐onset and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia. Moreover, TIMP‐3 concentrations were significantly correlated with plasma concentrations of TIMP‐1 (r = 0.2333; P = 0.0086) and MMP‐2 (r = 0.2159; P = 0.0156) in pre‐eclampsia.

Conclusions

Circulating TIMP‐3 concentration is increased in women with pre‐eclampsia compared with healthy pregnant women, and it is positively correlated with plasma MMP‐2 and TIMP‐1 concentrations in pre‐eclampsia.
Maternal colonization with extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in term versus preterm pregnancies
Authors: Sgayer Inshirah , Glikman Daniel , Shqara Raneen Abu , Maimon Maya , Rechnitzer Hagai , Lowenstein Lior , Wolf Maya Frank
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and risk factors of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL‐E) colonization among women who delivered preterm and at term.

Methods

A prospective observational study of maternal ESBL‐E rectovaginal colonization in threatened preterm labor and low‐risk term pregnancies was conducted between March 2017 and August 2021 at the Galilee Medical Center, Israel. Obstetric and neonatal complications were compared between colonized and non‐colonized mothers and neonates.

Results

ESBL‐E colonization was similar in the preterm (n = 202) and term (n = 172) groups: 14.4% and 16.9%, respectively (P = 0.567). The maternal‐neonatal transmission rate was higher in the preterm than the term group but the difference was not statistically significant: 42.1% and 22.2%, respectively (P = 0.42). Prematurity was a risk factor of neonatal ESBL‐E colonization (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.75, P = 0.041). ESBL‐E‐colonized preterm infants were delivered at an earlier gestational age and were more likely to have complications. Maternal ESBL‐E colonization and transmission were more prevalent in pregnancies complicated by threatened preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes than in term pregnancies.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the need for further research on the cost‐effectiveness of screening for maternal ESBL‐E colonization in preterm labor, to prevent neonatal infectious complications. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03251885.
Enc‐Unet: A novel method for Glioma segmentation
Authors: Hussain Syed Sajid , Sachdeva Jainy , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Singh Abhiav
Published: November 2022

The diagnosis' treatment planning, follow‐up and prognostication of Gliomas is significantly enhanced on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In the present research, deep learning‐based variant of convolutional neural network methodology is proposed for glioma segmentation where pretrained autoencoder acts as backbone to the 3D‐Unet which performs the segmentation task as well as image restoration. Further, Unet accepts input as the combination of three non‐native MR images (T2, T1CE, and FLAIR) to extract maximum and superior features for segmenting tumor regions. Further, weighted dice loss employed, focusses on segregating tumor region into three regions of interest namely whole tumor with oedema (WT), enhancing tumor (ET), and tumor core (TC). The optimizer preferred in the proposed methodology is Adam and the learning rate is initially set to , progressively reduced by a cosine decay after 50 epochs. The learning parameters are reduced to a larger extent (up to 9.8 M as compared to 27 M). The experimental results show that the proposed model achieved Dice similarity coefficients: 0.77, 0.92, and 0.84; sensitivity: 0.90, 0.95, and 0.89; specificity: 0.97, 0.99, and 0.99; Hausdorff95: 5.74, 4.89, and 6.00, in the three regions including ET, WT, TC. This proposed Glioma segmentation method is efficient for segregation of tumors.
Application of a frequency inverter in irrigated perimeters: A case study for irrigation automation
Authors: Barbosa Eloiny Guimarães , de Moraes Maria Joselma , de Araujo Marcos Eduardo Viana , Oliveira Filho Delly , Barbosa Elisa Guimarães
Published: November 2022

The wide variation in water demand and pressure means that most irrigated perimeter pumping systems are oversized. The objective of this study was to control a pressurized irrigation system using a frequency inverter, aiming at automation and energy savings in irrigated perimeters. First, a prototype was assembled using drawer valves to simulate head losses in the system. Second, a frequency inverter was used to control the speed of the rotation of the motor pump, improving its performance. Finally, a microcontroller was used to manage the number of plots under irrigation in the perimeter. The frequency inverter reduced the consumed power by 40, 30 and 19% and the electric power consumption per hour by 46, 38 and 23% for one, two and three plots under irrigation, respectively. The use of the inverter frequency led to a reduction in operating points for all irrigation plot scenarios evaluated. The use of the frequency inverter is justified when the full power of the pump is not always required and adjustment of the rotation speed is necessary. In addition, the proposed automation system proved to be efficient in managing the rotation control of the frequency inverter.
Density forecasting with Bayesian Vector Autoregressive models under macroeconomic data uncertainty
Authors: Clements Michael P. , Galvão Ana Beatriz
Published: November 2022

Macroeconomic data are subject to data revisions. Yet, the usual way of generating real‐time density forecasts from Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (BVAR) models makes no allowance for data uncertainty from future data revisions. We develop methods of allowing for data uncertainty when forecasting with BVAR models with stochastic volatility. First, the BVAR forecasting model is estimated on real‐time vintages. Second, the BVAR model is jointly estimated with a model of data revisions such that forecasts are conditioned on estimates of the ‘true’ values. We find that this second method generally improves upon conventional practice for density forecasting, especially for the United States.
The Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Bone Microarchitecture and Strength after Denosumab and Teriparatide Administration: DATA-HD Study Extension
Authors: Ramchand Sabashini K. , David Natalie L. , Lee Hang , Bruce Michael , Bouxsein Mary L. , Tsai Joy N. , Leder Benjamin Z.
Published: November 2022

The combination of denosumab and teriparatide is an effective treatment strategy in postmenopausal osteoporosis, though skeletal gains are promptly lost when these agents are discontinued. In the DATA-HD study, we reported that a single dose of zoledronic acid (ZOL) maintains the increases in areal spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) achieved with this combination for at least 12 months. The capacity of ZOL to maintain corresponding improvements in peripheral volumetric BMD and microarchitecture, however, has not been reported. In the 15-month DATA-HD study, 76 postmenopausal osteoporotic women were randomized to receive 9 months of teriparatide (20-μg or 40-μg daily) overlapped with denosumab (60 mg at months 3 and 9). In the Extension study, 53 participants received a single dose of ZOL (5 mg intravenously) 24–35 weeks after the last denosumab dose. We measured volumetric BMD and microarchitecture at the distal radius and tibia using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography at months 27 and 42. Despite ZOL administration, total and cortical BMD gradually decreased over 27 months resulting in values similar to baseline at the radius but still significantly above baseline at the tibia. At both sites, cortical porosity decreased to values below pretreatment baseline at month 27 but then increased from month 27 to 42. There were no significant changes in trabecular parameters throughout the 27-month post-ZOL observation period. Stiffness and failure load, at both sites, decreased progressively from month 15 42 though remained above baseline at the tibia. These findings suggest that in contrast to the largely maintained gains in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived spine and hip BMD, a single dose of ZOL was not as effective in maintaining the gains in volumetric peripheral bone density and microarchitecture produced by 15 months of overlapping treatment with denosumab and teriparatide. Alternative therapeutic approaches that can fully maintain improvements in peripheral bone parameters require further study. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Groundwater flow in saturated riparian buffers and implications for nitrate removal
Authors: McEachran Andrea R. , Dickey Loulou C. , Rehmann Chris R. , Isenhart Thomas M. , Groh Tyler A. , Perez Michael A. , Rutherford Cassandra J.
Published: November 2022

A saturated riparian buffer (SRB) is an edge‐of‐field conservation practice that intercepts tile drainage and reduces nitrate flux to nearby streams by redistributing the flow as shallow groundwater. In this study, a three‐dimensional, finite‐difference groundwater model representative of SRBs in central Iowa was developed to assess the flow of groundwater and implications for nitrate removal during spring conditions, when flow to the SRB is highest. The model reproduces field observations of water level with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.68, which is deemed acceptable for hydrologic models. The modeling shows that groundwater flow is three‐dimensional near the distribution pipe and the stream and primarily one‐dimensional in the rest of the buffer. The path the water takes in flowing toward the stream depends on where it exits the distribution pipe. When nitrate is not limiting, the potential for nitrate removal depends on the length of the path—and thus travel time—and depth because denitrification potential varies with depth. Travel time Tt can be estimated well with slight modifications to a one‐dimensional approximation: Tt = 1.11Lx/vx, where Lx is the buffer width and vx is a one‐dimensional approximation of the average linear velocity of groundwater. Refining knowledge of SRB function is an important step toward enhancing design for improving water quality.
Comparison of the effects of individual symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease co‐existing functional dyspepsia on patients' daily lives: A prospective, observational study
Authors: Nakada Tatsuya , Isshi Kimio , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Kamiya Takeshi , Manabe Noriaki , Higuchi Kazuhide , Joh Takashi , Oshio Atsushi , Ogawa Maiko , Hokari Atsushi , Saruta Masayuki , Haruma Ken , Nakada Koji
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently also have functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms, which impair their quality of life. However, the magnitude and characteristics of the effects of each symptom on daily life have been unclarified. Using multiple regression analysis, we aimed to clarify these questions.

Methods

We enrolled 290 patients from 29 institutions across Japan, in this prospective, observational study. Patients responded to three questionnaires (Gastroesophageal Reflux and Dyspepsia Therapeutic Efficacy and Satisfaction Test [GERD‐TEST], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], and 8‐item Short‐Form Health Survey [SF‐8]) before and after 4 weeks of proton pump inhibitor treatment. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted between symptoms such as typical GERD, epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) of FD, and aspects of daily life, namely, level of satisfaction with the daily life of GERD‐TEST, anxiety and depression score of HADS, and physical and mental component summary of SF‐8.

Results

Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation in all combinations between GERD/FD‐EPS/FD‐PDS symptoms and the nine aspects of daily life. However, multiple regression analysis results deviated from these results, with the most significant effects seen in the PDS‐symptom subscale (SS) on the five aspects of daily life, that is, dissatisfaction with eating, daily life‐SS, anxiety, depression, and mental component summary (MCS) whereas the significant effects in GERD‐SS on five aspects of daily life, that is, dissatisfaction for eating, anxiety, depression, physical component summary, and MCS, disappeared.

Conclusion

Dealing with co‐existing FD symptoms without overlooking them may be important in the management of GERD.
Who is asking? Requests for antimicrobial prescribing advice received by hospital pharmacists
Authors: Wise Sarah , Smith Eloise , Carlos Lilibeth , Coleshill Matthew , Day Richard Osborne , Melocco Terry , Carland Jane Ellen
Published: November 2022

Doctors are perceived as the primary decision makers in antimicrobial therapy, but prescribing decisions are influenced by the multidisciplinary team. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs formalise interprofessional advice‐giving. No studies capture the advice provided by pharmacists. This study aimed to describe the volume and nature of antimicrobial prescribing advice that healthcare professionals seek from hospital pharmacists. A prospective audit of antimicrobial‐related advice requests received by pharmacists (n = 18) at an Australian public hospital was undertaken in July 2020. Antimicrobial advice was sought from 11 pharmacists on 300 occasions. Most requests (80%) were received by the AMS pharmacist. A mean (range) of 30 (17–40) requests per day was recorded and the AMS pharmacist received 24 (16–31) requests daily. Most requests came from the intensive care unit (22.1%), pharmacy (21.4%), and infectious diseases (17.1%). The AMS pharmacist was mostly contacted by consultants and pharmacists, and other pharmacists were contacted by registrars and junior medical officers. Despite COVID‐19 adaptations, face‐to‐face interaction was most common. This audit demonstrates the value of an AMS pharmacist, and indicates the importance of face‐to‐face interactions and the formalisation of pharmacists' role in prescribing decision‐making. Pharmacists provided antimicrobial advice daily to other healthcare professionals. Further research is required to provide insights into the barriers and enablers to effective advice‐giving interactions.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction of warfarin and gemfibrozil in biological samples using polydopamine‐coated magnetic nanoparticles via core‐shell nanostructure
Authors: Ghani Milad , Jafari Zahra , Maleki Behrooz , Chamani Maryam
Published: November 2022

Herein, polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 spheres were synthesized using a very simple, easy, cost‐effective, efficient, and fast method. First, magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were synthesized and were followed by accommodating polydopamine on the surface of the prepared Fe3O4. The prepared polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 spheres were utilized as a sorbent in magnetic solid phase extraction of gemfibrozil and warfarin (as the model analytes). The extracted model analytes were desorbed by a suitable organic solvent and were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Under optimized condition, the linearity of the method was in the range of 0.1–200.0 μg/L for the selected analytes in water. The limits of detection were calculated to be in the range of 0.026–0.055 μg/L for warfarin and gemfibrozil, respectively. The limits of quantification were calculated to be in the range of 0.089–0.185 μg/L. The inter‐day and intra‐day relative standard deviations were determined to be in the range of 1.4%–3.3% in three concentrations in order to calculate the method precision. Furthermore, the enrichment factors were found to be 78 and 81 for warfarin and gemfibrozil, respectively. Moreover, the calculated absolute recoveries were between 78% and 81%. The obtained recoveries indicated that the method was useful and applicable in complicated real samples.
Alternate drip irrigation regulates the soil fungal community structure and metabolic function based on root–fungus interactions
Authors: Wang Jingwei , He Qiuqin , Niu Wenquan , Han Jinxian
Published: November 2022

Fungal communities play an essential role in soil nutrient cycling, but the mechanism of their response to soil dry–wet cycles under alternate drip irrigation (ADI) is uncertain, which limits the improvements in crop yield that can be achieved through fungal community management in controlled environmental agriculture. In this study, surface drip irrigation was used as the control (CK) to study the effects of ADI with different thresholds of irrigation (designated A50, A60, and A70) on the soil fungal community and root–fungus interactions and to analyze the contribution of root–fungus interactions to tomato yield. Compared with CK, ADI increased the tomato fine root length and specific root fork number but decreased fungal community richness while shaping fungal communities with different compositions and functional metabolisms. For example, the relative abundance of Basidiomycota in A70 was 8.73, 3.25, and 2.81 times those of CK, A50, and A60 respectively. Among the well‐defined fungal functional guilds, the fungal community of A50 was dominated by pathotroph‐saprotroph‐symbiotroph; however, that of A60 was dominated by pathotroph‐saprotroph‐symbiotroph and pathotroph‐symbiotroph, and that of A70 was dominated by pathotroph‐symbiotroph. The root–fungus interaction model showed significant one‐way direct positive effects between adjacent pairs of variables among the four variables (from tomato specific root fork number and fine root length to Basidiomycota, total nitrogen in roots and then tomato yield). These results provide insights into the possibility of regulating the fungal community by optimizing drip irrigation techniques to improve water use efficiency and tomato yield.
Anisotropic Aerogels with Excellent Mechanical Resilience and Thermal Insulation from Pleurotus eryngii Fungus
Authors: Tong Jutao , Gao Hainan , Weng Yunxuan , Wang Yuzhong
Published: November 2022

Biomass aerogels with superior sustainability, high compressibility, and resilience are highly attractive for diverse technological applications. Anisotropic fungus aerogels derived from natural Pleurotus eryngii with excellent compressibility and resilience are obtained through a facile and environmentally friendly top‐down approach. The preserved alignment of polysaccharide fibers inside fungus aerogels leads to remarkable anisotropic mechanical and thermal insulation properties. The cross‐links generated via facile chemical modification endow fungus aerogels with excellent compressibility and resilience (deformation recovery rate of ≥96% even when the compression strain is ≥90%). Moreover, via a facile hydrophobic silanization treatment, the elastic aerogels can be endowed with excellent superhydrophobicity and water resistance. It is anticipated that this facile and sustainable strategy will provide technical support for scalable production of fungus‐based aerogels with excellent compressibility and resilience, unique thermal anisotropy, and superior renewability. Meanwhile, the newly developed fungus aerogels will have broad applications in durable thermal insulation and acoustic absorption materials.
A Novel PEEK Foam with Ultra‐High Temperature‐Resistant by Temperature Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Meng Lingcheng , Zhang Jinling , Zhao Shuang , Qi Desheng , Xu Pan , Wu Shuoqi , Wang Le , Yue Xigui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: November 2022

Polyaryletherketone is a kind of special engineering plastics with excellent comprehensive properties, high strength, good stability, and almost insoluble in any common solvent except concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature. However, its high processing temperature also hinders its application and development in the foam. Here, a series of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and diphenyl polyetheretherketone (PEDEK) composite foams are prepared by temperature induced phase separation, using diphenyl sulfone as solvent. The microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of PEEK and PEDEK foam are compared. Highly porous PEEK and PEDEK foams with densities ranging from 0.13 to 0.25 g cm−3, with compressive strength ranging from 0.68 to 2.6 MPa, respectively, are produced. Meanwhile, the introduction of diphenyl structure can effectively improve the performance of PEEK foams at high temperature. It is found that PEDEK foam has a higher operating temperature than PEEK, and the compressive strength of 0.24 g cm−3 foam is still ≈1 MPa at 200 °C.
Phenothiazine‐Based Donor–Acceptor Polymers as Multifunctional Materials for Charge Storage and Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Wessling Robin , Delgado Andrés Rodrigo , Morhenn Isabel , Acker Pascal , Maftuhin Wafa , Walter Michael , Würfel Uli , Esser Birgit
Published: November 2022

The increasing energy demand for diverse applications requires new types of devices and materials. Multifunctional materials that can fulfill different roles are of high interest as they can allow fabricating devices that can both convert and store energy. Herein, organic donor–acceptor redox polymers that can function as charge storage materials in batteries and as donor materials in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic devices are investigated. Based on its reversible redox chemistry, phenothiazine is used as the main building block in the conjugated copolymer design and combined with diketopyrrolopyrrol and benzothiadiazole as electron‐poor comonomers to shift the optical absorption into the visible region. The resulting polymers show excellent cycling stability as positive electrode materials in lithium–organic batteries at discharge potentials of 3.6–3.7 V versus Li/Li+ as well as good performances in BHJ solar cells with up to 1.9% power conversion efficiency. This study shows that the design of such multifunctional materials is possible, however, that it also faces challenges, as essential properties for good device function can lead to diametrically opposite requirements in materials design.
Rational Construction of Electrically Conductive Covalent Organic Frameworks through Encapsulating Fullerene via Donor–Acceptor Interaction
Authors: Xu Xiaoyi , Yue Yue , Xin Guoqing , Huang Ning
Published: November 2022

A new kind of perylene‐based 2D covalent organic framework (COF) is designed and synthesized based on the C2 + C2 topological diagram. The perylene‐based COF is constructed via the condensation reaction using 2,5,8,11‐tetrakis((4‐formylphenyl) perylene (TFPPer) and 2,5,8,11‐tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl) perylene (TAPPer) as building blocks. The resulting TFPPer‐TAPPer‐COF features high crystallinity, excellent stability, intrinsic porosity, and an electron‐rich skeleton. Significantly, the electrical performance of the COF can be enhanced through the encapsulation of fullerene (C60) into the 1D channels via donor–acceptor interaction. Compared to the pristine COF, the electrical conductivity of C60@TFPPer‐TAPPer‐COF can be greatly increased from 8.98 × 10−8 to 1.59 × 10−5 S cm−1, meanwhile the carrier mobility rises from 1.04 × 10−3 to 4.23 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1. The improvement in electrical performance stems from the strong donor–acceptor interaction between perylene and C60. These results provide insights into the rational construction of conductive COFs through donor–acceptor interaction and demonstrate their great potential in related application fields.
Price cap regulation under duopoly
Authors: Nie Pu‐yan , Wen Hong‐xing , Wang Chan
Published: November 2022

This article captures price cap regulation under duopoly with game theory approaches. First, price cap regulation reduces price difference, output difference, and price dispersion under both Cournot and Stackelberg competition. Second, price cap regulation weakens the advantages of both costs and first‐mover. Third, price cap regulation reduces firms' profits while promotes consumer surplus. Finally, the relationship between the social welfare and price cap regulation is an inverse U‐shape. Therefore, optimal price cap regulation exists.
New York CCBHC offers integrated, culturally‐based services
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2022

One of the first five providers in New York City to operate a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid demonstration grantee, Acacia Network has witnessed service expansion, including crisis services expansion and increased staff, since becoming a grantee in 2017.
Analysis of resonance and bifurcation in a fractional order nonlinear Duffing system
Authors: Bai Xueting , Yang Qinle , Xie Jiaquan , Chen Lei
Published: November 2022

In this paper, resonance and bifurcation of a nonlinear damped fractional‐order Duffing system are studied. The amplitude and phase of the steady‐state response of system are obtained by means of the average method, the stability is analyzed, and then the amplitude‐frequency characteristic curves of the system with different parameters are drawn based on the implicit function equation of amplitude. Grunwald–Letnikov fractional derivative is used to discretize the system numerically, the response curve and phase trajectory of the system under different parameters are obtained; meanwhile, the dynamic behavior is analyzed. The bifurcation and saddle bifurcation behavior of the system is studied through numerical simulation with different parameters.
Time‐domain PML analysis of a fluid–solid interaction problem above a rough surface
Authors: Wei Changkun , Yang Jiaqing , Zhang Bo
Published: November 2022

This paper is concerned with the time‐dependent acoustic–elastic interaction problem associated with a bounded elastic body immersed in a homogeneous air or fluid above an unbounded rough surface. The well‐posedness and stability of the problem are first established by using the Laplace transform and the energy method. A perfectly matched layer (PML) is then introduced to truncate the interaction problem above a finite layer containing the elastic body, leading to a PML problem in a finite strip domain. We further establish the existence, uniqueness, and stability estimate of solutions to the PML problem. Finally, we prove the exponential convergence of the PML problem in terms of the thickness and parameter of the PML, based on establishing an error estimate between the DtN operators of the original problem and the PML problem.
Socioeconomically‐deprived patients suffer hip fractures at a younger age and require more hospital admissions, but early mortality risk is unchanged: The IMPACT Deprivation Study
Authors: Kay Robert S. , Hall Andrew J. , Duckworth Andrew D. , Clement Nick D.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with multi‐morbidity and frailty, but influence on hip fracture outcomes is poorly understood. The primary aim was to investigate the association between deprivation and mortality, and secondary aims were to assess the effects on: (i) age at presentation; (ii) inpatient outcomes, and (iii) post‐discharge outcomes.

Method

This cohort study included all patients aged >50 years admitted with a hip fracture to a high‐volume centre between 01 March 2020 and 20 November 2021. Data were collected contemporaneously by specialist auditors and underwent validation using live health records after 180 days follow‐up. Variables were demographics including Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, injury and management factors, and outcome measures including length of stay, discharge destination, readmission, and mortality status at 180 days.

Results

There were 1822 patients of which 1306/1822 (72%) were female. Deprivation was independently associated with younger age at hip fracture, demonstrating a linear correlation with each deprivation level. The overall mean age was 80.7 years (range 50–102), with the mean age in the most deprived group being 77.2 years (95% CI; 75.7–78.7) versus 82.8 years (95% CI; 82.0–83.5) in the least deprived. Multivariate logistic regression showed no association between deprivation and 30‐ or 180‐day mortality risk. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis demonstrated no difference between the most deprived versus least deprived (log‐rank, p = 0.854). Deprivation had no influence on length of stay, discharge destination, or COVID‐19 status, but deprived patients had an increased risk of readmission (OR 1.63, 95% CI [1.18–2.24]; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Deprivation showed no linear correlation with early mortality risk (within 180 days of injury), but it was associated with an earlier age at presentation (the most deprived sustained a hip fracture 5.6 years earlier than the least deprived) which may impact overall life expectancy. More deprived patients were more likely to require further acute hospital admissions.
The color of nonprofit leadership: Nonprofits with a CEO of color
Authors: Lee Young‐joo
Published: November 2022

This study examines how a set of organizational characteristics relates to a nonprofit's likelihood of having a chief executive officer (CEO) of color, focusing on board diversity, revenue streams, risk aversion, and organizational capacity. The analysis of 2150 501(c)(3) organizations with the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency reveals a positive association between board racial diversity and having a minority CEO, with the likelihood of having a CEO of color increasing by 1.1% when the proportion of racial minorities on the board increases by 1%. Findings also show that the likelihood of having a CEO of color increases with the number of paid staff and that environmental and animal‐focused organizations are less likely to have a CEO of color. Overall, the findings suggest that building a racially diverse board is key to improving the racial diversity of nonprofit executive leadership.