bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for falls among older adults in India: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Biswas Isha , Adebusoye Busola , Chattopadhyay Kaushik
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim

Falls are common among older adults in India. Several primary studies on its risk factors have been conducted in India. However, no systematic review has been conducted on this topic. Thus, the objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing evidence on the risk factors for falls among older adults in India.

Methods

JBI and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyse guidelines were followed, and two independent reviewers were involved in the process. This review included observational studies conducted among older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) residing in India, reporting any risk factor for falls as exposure and unintentional fall as the outcome. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched until September 24, 2020. Where possible, data were synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

The literature search yielded 3445 records. Twenty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review, and 19 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Out of the 22 included studies in the systematic review, 12 (out of 18) cross‐sectional studies, two case–control studies, and two cohort studies met more than 70% criteria in the respective Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. Risk factors for falls among older adults in India included sociodemographic factors, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, physical and/or mental health conditions, and medical interventions.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analysis provided a holistic picture of the problem in India by considering a range of risk factors such as sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, physical and/or mental health conditions and medical intervention. These findings could be used to develop falls prevention interventions for older adults in India.

Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Registration

The systematic review and meta‐analysis protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number‐CRD42020204818).
Heat transfer and thermodynamic analysis of the impact of porous media and nano‐powder types in an open cavity equipped with an electronic component
Authors: Korei Zakaria , Bengherbia Nardjes
Published: June 2022

In this study, a numerical investigation has been carried out to analyze thermal and flow behavior with thermodynamic perspectives in a cooling application problem. The configuration under consideration in this analysis consists of a cubic electronic chip placed in an open cavity filled with porous media. The solver's reliability is achieved by comparing our results with experimental studies. In this regard, various parameters were considered, which consist of different nanoparticles (Al2O3, TiO2, Cu, and Ag), porosities (0.85–0.97), and Reynolds numbers under turbulent conditions within the range (5000 ≤ Re ≤ 30,000). Their imprints have been highlighted on temperature distribution, streamlines, local and average Nusselt numbers, pressure drop, global entropy generation, and exergy efficiency. Results reveal that there is an optimal porosity to achieve the highest cooling performance based on the Reynolds number. In addition, using Al2O3–water nanofluid as a working fluid, the highest values of the mean Nusselt numbers were recorded. Furthermore, operating the system with a porous medium and the Al2O3–water nanofluid results in only a minor increase in pressure drop. Finally, the results substantiate that using porous media reduces global entropy production and slightly decreases the exergy efficiency in the system.
A smart city qualitative data analysis model: Participatory crowdsourcing of public safety reports in South Africa
Authors: Currin Aubrey , Flowerday Stephen , de la Rey Edward , van der Schyff Karl , Foster Greg
Published: June 2022

Increased urbanization against the backdrop of limited resources complicates city planning and the management of functions, including public safety. The smart city concept can help, but most previous smart city systems have focused on utilizing automated sensors and analyzing quantitative data. In developing nations, limited resources make using the mobile phone to enable the crowdsourcing of qualitative public safety reports from the public a more viable option. However, there is no best practice for analyzing such citizen reports for a smart city in a developing nation. Given the rise of megacities in developing nations, many of which struggle to provide access to vital resources, this study developed and tested a model for guiding the analysis of unstructured natural language texts instead of traditional sensory data. In the study, citizens engaged with the project and 663 usable reports were received. Following a design science approach, the model was developed through an extensive review of related literature, and assessed and refined by observing the associated model prototype. This study emphasizes that a city‐specific ontology needs to be developed and that natural language processing should be its focus, specifically within the larger context of our smart city qualitative data analysis (SCQDA) model. Together, these aspects enable this study to contribute practically, as we prove that cities in developing nations can improve the lives of their citizens using that which is already at their disposal instead of specialized (and often expensive) sensory networks.
Surface finishing of Nitinol for implantable medical devices: A review
Authors: Mani Gopinath , Porter Deanna , Grove Kent , Collins Shell , Ornberg Andreas , Shulfer Robert
Published: June 2022

Nitinol (NiTi), a nickel–titanium alloy, has been used for various cardiovascular, orthopedic, fracture fixation, and orthodontic devices. As with most other metallic biomaterials, the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of NiTi are primarily determined by the properties of the surface oxide layer such as thickness, chemical composition, structure, uniformity, and stability. Currently, a number of finishing methods are used to improve the properties of surface oxide of NiTi with an ultimate goal to produce a defect‐free, impurity‐free, thin homogeneous oxide layer that is stable and composed of only titanium dioxide (TiO2) with negligible amount of Ni species. This review discusses the effects of various surface finishing methods such as mechanical polishing, electropolishing, magnetoelectropolishing, heat treatments at different temperatures, passivation, chemical etching, boiling in water, hydrogen peroxide treatment, and sterilization techniques (steam autoclave, ethylene oxide, dry heat, peracetic acid, and plasma‐based treatments) on the properties of a surface oxide layer and how it impacts the corrosion resistance of NiTi. Considering the findings of the literature review, a checklist has been provided to assist with choosing finishing/sterilization methods and relevant rationale and recommendations to consider when selecting a surface finishing process for NiTi used in implantable medical devices.
Relationship between interhemispheric Rossby wave propagation and South Atlantic convergence zone during La Niña years
Authors: Braga Hugo A. , Ambrizzi Tercio , Hall Nicholas M. J.
Published: June 2022

Through a set of observational analyses and baroclinic model experiments, we show that during La Niña conditions a wave train in North Pacific propagates eastwards along the Asian jet, crosses the equator and interacts with the SACZ through an equatorial window in the East Pacific. Composites of active SACZ for November–March of 1979–2013 are used, drawn from the full dataset and also from just the La Niña years. The data are filtered in two‐time bands: 20–90 days (intraseasonal) and >200 days (interannual). Interhemispheric waveguides are identified in the anomalous SACZ composites during La Niña years. A similar wave pattern is simulated by a baroclinic atmospheric model with a fixed La Niña basic state where a thermal forcing anomaly is added on Southeast Asia. This La Niña basic state favours anomalous westerly equatorial flow at high levels, enabling a connection between Asia and South America around 15 days.
The role of weak C–H···O hydrogen bond in alcohol–water mixtures
Authors: Li Tao , Fan Wei , Sun Jin , Yu Yuanqin , Zhou Xiaoguo , Xie Chuanmei , Liu Shilin
Published: June 2022

Does the weak C–H···O hydrogen bonding interaction coexist in liquid when it competes with conventional hydrogen bonding interaction? The Raman spectroscopic studies were performed for deuterated 2‐propanol/water (CD3CHOHCD3) mixture in the C‐H stretching region as a function of concentration and temperature. Combined with theoretical calculations, it is shown that both conventional O–H···O hydrogen bond and weak C–H···O hydrogen bond coexist in 2‐propanol/water solution and should be responsible for the observed C‐H blue shift in concentration‐dependent spectra. At relatively high alcohol concentrations, the O–H···O hydrogen bond plays a dominant role, whereas with the increase of water concentrations, the cooperative effect between C–H···O and O–H···O hydrogen bonds play a more significant role, responsible for continuously increased C‐H blue shift. Furthermore, the opposite temperature dependence was observed for the C‐H stretching spectra of 2‐propanol/water and methanol–water mixtures, which were explained as a result of the competition and balance between O–H···O and C–H···O hydrogen bonds at high temperature. The results not only show the role of secondary hydrogen bonds in the hydrated process of amphiphilic molecules but also demonstrate that the temperature can be used as a means of triggering and investigating weak C–H···O interaction in liquid.
Structural and in vitro starch digestion properties of starch‐fatty acid nanocomplexes: effect of chain lengths and degree of unsaturation of fatty acids
Authors: Wu Xiaonian , Jiang Yuling , Wang Xiaoyan , Fang Yong , Lin Qinlu , Ding Yongbo
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The structural and digestion properties of starch‐lipid complexes are closely related to the properties of lipids. The chain length and degree of unsaturation of fatty acids (FAs), which can affect the structural and digestion properties of starch‐lipid nanocomplexes, therefore need to be examined in detail to gain a better understanding of this. In this study, the effects of chain length (10–18 carbons) and degree of unsaturation (0–2) of FA on the structural and in vitro starch digestion properties of high amylose corn starch (HAS)–FA nanocomplexes were investigated, as was the correlation between their structural alterations and digestibility.

RESULTS

This study showed that HAS–FA nanocomplexes with 10‐carbon (38.55%) and 12‐carbon (44.56%) FAs displayed high‐resistant starch (RS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) content, whereas those with 18‐carbon FAs with two double bonds exhibited low RS + SDS content (23.41%). The complexing index, R1047/1022, relative crystallinity, and enthalpy change in the HAS–FA nanocomplexes also increased with the reduction in the chain length (except for 10‐carbon FA) and the degree of unsaturation of FAs, whereas the equilibrium hydrolysis percentage, kinetic constant and apparent amylose content showed an opposite trend.

CONCLUSION

Chain length and degree of unsaturation of FAs affected the digestibility of HAS–FA nanocomplexes. The HAS–FA nanocomplexes with 12‐carbon FAs displayed high RS + SDS content with higher degrees of molecular order at long‐range and short‐range levels. Results provided guidelines to regulate the digestibility of starch‐fatty acid nanocomplexes by varying the FA structures. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Agronomic technology to promote sustainable utilization of newly created farmland in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Li Yurui , Zhang Xuanchang , Liu Yansui , Wang Yongsheng , Huang Yunxin , Lu Zhi , Feng Weilun , Chen Zongfeng , Wei Hong'an
Published: June 2022

The new farmland created by land consolidation often faces the problems of poor soil structure and low productivity, which cause potential degradation risk. The Gully Land Consolidation Program (GLCP) significantly increased the quantity of farmland in the Chinese Loess Plateau (LP), but the research on a comprehensive method of simultaneously improving soil quality, agricultural profit, and utilization efficiency of newly created farmland (NCF) is relatively scant. This study explored an agronomic technology to improve soil quality, agricultural profit, and utilization efficiency NCF by the GLCP in the LP. Our field experiment was carried out in Yangjuangou catchment with seven soil treatments and planting Brassica napus (B. napus) on these soils: dry mixing Malan Loess and red clay at volumetric ratios of 1:0 (MR10), 5:1 (MR51), 2:1 (MR21), 1:1 (MR11), 1:2 (MR12), 1:5 (MR15), and 0:1 (MR01). The results showed that: the soil microstructure, physico‐chemical properties, and productivity of NCF were significantly improved after soil reconstruction by dry mixing Malan Loess and red clay. More specifically, the MR51 boosted the root thickness and fresh weight of B. napus by 78.69% and 45.01% compared to that of red clay (MR01). Crop optimization by the B. napus helped to increase the agricultural profits of NCF. The proposed three portfolios of B. napus' silage, vegetable plus rapeseed, and vegetable plus silage enhanced the profits by 35.39%, 57.05%, and 66.93% in comparison with that of traditional crop planting, respectively. Therefore, industrial integration through effective, ecological and economic (3E) agriculture could advance sustainable utilization of NCF. Further, developing efficient agriculture, animal husbandry, agricultural products processing industry, and ecological tourism would enhance the multi‐functional value of farmland. Our study suggests that targeted agronomic technology based on agricultural geographical engineering oriented to human‐environment interaction can provide technical support for minimizing the degradation risk of NCF and generating more sustainable development in ecologically fragile areas.
Cascaded Amplification and Manipulation of Terahertz Emission by Flexible Spintronic Heterostructures
Authors: Jin Zuanming , Peng Yan , Ni Yangyang , Wu Guanjie , Ji Bingyu , Wu Xu , Zhang Zongzhi , Ma Guohong , Zhang Chao , Chen Lin , Balakin Alexey V. , Shkurinov Alexander P. , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin
Published: June 2022

Spintronic heterostructures consisting of ferromagnetic (FM) and nonmagnetic (NM) have become increasingly important devices for terahertz (THz) pulse generation, named as spintronic THz emitter (STE). The recycling of the laser pump energy is known to have a key impact on further improvement of the THz emission. Here, an efficient and practical approach to enhance and manipulate THz generation based on a cascaded Pt/CoFe/Ta trilayer fabricated on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate is shown. Considering the refractive index n of PET is ≈1.61 at 1.55 eV and ≈1.75 at THz frequencies, it is anticipated that the femtosecond (fs) laser pulse propagates with a similar group velocity as the generated THz pulse. Therefore, the cascaded design enables all THz emission from each PET/STE propagating almost in‐phase and yields a 1.55 times amplification compared to a single PET/STE. Two proof‐of‐concept demonstrations are experimentally presented. First one, a metasurface can be assembled with the cascaded PET/STE to manipulate the THz signal. Second one, the cascaded PET/STE is used to perform a spectroscopic measurement of riboflavin. These demonstrations highlight the potential of flexible PET/STE for building blocks of advanced functionalities, such as compact THz emitters, THz spectroscopic, and imaging systems.
Eigenvalue‐UTilité Additive approach for evaluating multi‐criteria decision‐making problem
Authors: Rezaeinia Nahid
Published: June 2022

Forest road building is experiencing a period of expansion. It is linked to better resource extraction and transportation and higher ease of access for inhabitants. This paper discusses the problem of evaluating a forest road network in the Hyrcanian forest in northern Iran. This includes the requirements that forest managers must consider, such as economic and environmental criteria. In addition, opportunities and risks of forest road building are also considered. A multi‐methodology decision‐making approach is proposed to solve the problem. In light of the results, the proposed approach is reliable and flexible for use in similar cases. Using the proposed approach can structure and facilitate the decision‐making process for the managers.
Group method analysis for blood‐Mn‐ZnFe2O4 flow and heat transfer under ferrohydrodynamics through a stretched cylinder
Authors: Alam Jahangir , Murtaza Md. Ghulam , Tzirtzilakis Efstratios Em. , Ferdows Mohammad
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a steady, viscous, incompressible, and electrically non‐conducting laminar flow of biomagnetic fluid, namely, the flow of blood with magnetic particles over a stretched cylinder in the presence of magnetic dipole, is studied. Since magnetic particles with low cytotoxicity can carry away unwanted reactive oxygen species and provide safeguard for biomedical applications, this study has immense applications in medical and bio‐engineering sections like cancer treatment, drug delivery, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The problem is first analyzed by applying group theoretical method, namely, one parameter group method. The invariance property of system of partial differential equations (PDEs) under one parameter group method transformations yields the weeny generators. By using the basic theorem of one parameter group method including invariance conditions, the set of PDEs is converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and consequently, the number of independent variables is reduced into one variable. Afterwards, the resulting coupled nonlinear set of ODEs is numerically solved by introducing an efficient numerical technique that based upon common finite difference with central differencing, a tridiagonal matrix manipulation, and finally, an iterative procedure. A comparative graphical analysis of velocity, temperature profiles, skin friction coefficient and rate of heat transfer for blood‐Mn‐ZnFe2O4 magnetic fluid has been carried out for various physical parameters such as ferromagnetic interaction parameter and magnetic particles volume fraction etc. The important findings from the present investigation are that the temperature of blood is enhanced for larger values of magnetic particles volume fraction and more effectively than pure blood. It is also found that blood velocity is increased as the ferromagnetic number increases. The skin friction coefficient is enhanced 132.22%, and the rate of heat transfer is increased by 5.86% by the application of magnetic field; whereas for particles volume fraction, skin friction decreases about 0.61%, and rate of heat transfer declines about 4%. Additionally, this study also discloses that the application of group theoretical method is justified in biomagnetic fluid dynamics especially research on blood flow and heat transfer, where the blood flow significantly influenced by the ferromagnetic number. A comparison has been also performed, and the results are found in excellent agreement with previous published in literature. The present study could be considered for magnetic driving of biologically suitable magnetic particles filled with medicine.
Association between pregnancy and nocturia: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey analysis
Authors: Khosla Lakshay , Huang Aaron J. , Kasarla Nikhil , Monaghan Thomas F. , Weiss Jeffrey P. , Kabarriti Abdo E.
Published: June 2022

Aims

This study aimed to determine the impact of pregnancy and pregnancy‐associated characteristics on nocturia.

Methods

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005/06 to 2017/18, we analyzed women who completed the “Reproductive Health” and “Kidney Conditions‐Urology” questionnaires by sorting them into three groups: nulligravida, previously pregnant (nonpregnant with prior pregnancies), and currently pregnant. After excluding patients with pre‐existing conditions impacting nocturia or with incomplete data, we weighed and matched the groups for age, race, BMI, and number of pregnancies. The relationships of nocturia to pregnancy in all groups and pregnancy‐associated characteristics (gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM], history of multiple pregnancies, and trimesters of pregnancy) in currently pregnant women were assessed.

Results

Of 8330 women that indicated pregnancy status, 1544 women (age range: 20–44 years; 523 nulligravida, 498 previously pregnant, 523 currently pregnant women) were included in analysis. Currently, pregnant women had a higher prevalence of nocturia than previously pregnant and nulligravida women (56.4% vs. 22.5% vs. 16.1%, p < 0.001) and had the highest odds of nocturia (OR: 6.82, p < 0.001). GDM or history of multiple pregnancies showed no associations in currently pregnant women. Increasing trimesters were associated with nocturia, with the third trimester showing the highest odds (OR: 10.35, p < 0.001) and a greater average of nighttime voids than the first and second trimesters (2.40 ± 1.42 vs. 1.56 ± 1.31 and 1.88 ± 1.32, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The association noted between pregnancy and nocturia, which strengthened with increasing trimesters, demonstrates that nocturia can significantly impact quality of life and therefore must be addressed during pregnancy.
Local knot method for solving inverse Cauchy problems of Helmholtz equations on complicated two‐ and three‐dimensional domains
Authors: Wang Fajie , Chen Zengtao , Gong Yanpeng
Published: June 2022

This article presents a local knot method (LKM) to solve inverse Cauchy problems of Helmholtz equations in arbitrary 2D and 3D domains. The Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse using the truncated singular value decomposition is employed in the local approximation of supporting domain instead of the moving least squares method. The developed approach is a semi‐analytical and local radial basis function collocation method using the non‐singular general solution as the basis function. Like the traditional boundary knot method, the LKM is simple, accurate and easy‐to‐program in solving inverse Cauchy problems associated with Helmholtz equations. Unlike the boundary knot method, the new scheme can directly reconstruct the unknowns both inside the physical domain and along its boundary by solving a sparse linear system, and can achieve a satisfactory solution. Numerical experiments, involving the complicated geometry and the high noise level, confirm the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method for solving inverse Cauchy problems of Helmholtz equations.
Short‐term weight loss decreased the risk of chronic kidney disease in men with incident nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hu Shiqi , Li Xiaolan , Sun Yuanyuan , Wu Shouling , Lan Yanqi , Chen Shuohua , Wang Yanhong , Liao Wei , Wang Xiaomo , Zhang Di , Yuan Xiaojie , Gao Jingli , Wang Li
Published: June 2022

Objective

The study aimed to examine the association of obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) after nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurrence.

Methods

The study enrolled 10,311 adult men with newly diagnosed NAFLD and without CKD in the Kailuan cohort (2006–2013). The Fine‐Gray model was used to compare advanced CKD risk in NAFLD with different baseline or trajectories in obesity measures.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 10 years, maintaining normal waist circumference or waist‐hip ratio, or transition from obesity to nonobesity determined by BMI, decreased 31% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.51–0.93), 34% (HR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.95), and 38% (HR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40–0.96) of the CKD hazard compared with the “constantly without obesity” subgroup, respectively. NAFLD patients with at least 10% weight loss (HR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.34–0.97) and with 7.0% to 9.9% weight loss (HR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.28–0.99) had a lower risk for CKD than those with weight change ±4.9%. Compared with the stable weight population, the lower risk of ≥7% weight loss was observed only in patients with elevated blood pressure (adjusted HR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28–0.81).

Conclusions

Short‐term weight loss of at least 7% could decrease CKD risk, especially among patients with obesity and elevated blood pressure. It is important to monitor waist circumference, waist‐hip ratio, and weight for NAFLD management.
The impact of pretransplant serum ferritin on haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant for acquired severe aplastic anemia in children and adolescents
Authors: Lin Fan , Zuo Yangyang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Cheng Yifei , Han Tingting , Mo Xiaodong , Suo Pan , Sun Yuqian , Tang Feifei , Wang Fengrong , Yan Chenhua , Chen Yuhong , Han Wei , Wang Jingzhi , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Kaiyan , Huang Xiaojun , Xu Lanping
Published: June 2022

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant (haplo‐HSCT) provides an important alternative for children and adolescents with acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA) lacking matched donors. To test whether pretransplant serum ferritin (SF) represents a candidate predictor for survival and a potential biomarker for graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) in pediatric haplo‐HSCT, we retrospectively evaluated 147 eligible patients with SAA who underwent haplo‐HSCT. The patients were divided into the low‐SF group (< 1000 ng/mL) and the high‐SF group (≥ 1000 ng/mL). We found that SF ≥1000 ng/mL independently increased the risk of grade II‐IV aGvHD (HR = 2.596; 95% CI, 1.304‐5.167, P = 0.007) and grade III‐IV aGvHD (HR = 3.350; 95% CI, 1.162‐9.658, P = 0.025). Similar probabilities of transplant‐related mortality at 100 days were observed in the two groups (6.19 ± 2.45% vs 8.00 ± 3.84%, P = 0.168). The two‐year overall survival (85.29 ± 3.89% vs 92.00% ± 3.84%, P = 0.746) and failure‐free survival (83.23% ± 4.08% vs 83.37% ± 6.27%, P = 0.915) were comparable. GvHD‐/failure‐free survival were 60.06 ± 5.10% and 75.56 ± 6.87%, respectively (P = 0.056). In conclusion, elevated pretransplant SF level is associated with higher incidences of grade II‐IV aGvHD and grade III‐IV aGvHD. However, it is not associated with worse survival after haplo‐HSCT for children and adolescent patients with SAA.
Spatial distribution of incident pediatric Burkitt lymphoma in central and northern Malawi and association with malaria prevalence
Authors: Gondwe Yolanda , Salima Ande , Manda Agness , Ozuah Nmazuo , Mapurisa Gugulethu , Brandt Katerina , Gopal Satish , Tomoka Tamiwe , Fedoriw Yuri , Westmoreland Katherine D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for 90% of pediatric lymphomas in sub‐Saharan Africa. Plasmodium falciparum malaria is considered an etiological factor of BL. We describe the geographic distribution of pediatric BL in Malawi and association with P. falciparum malaria prevalence rate (PfPR).

Methods

We enrolled 220 pathologically confirmed incident pediatric BL cases (2013–2018) into an observational clinical cohort at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe district. KCH is the main tertiary cancer referral center serving the central and northern regions of Malawi. Using an ecological study design, we calculated district‐level annual BL incidence rate using census population estimates. District‐level PfPR was extracted from the National Malaria Control Program 2010 report. BL incidence and PfPR maps were constructed in QGIS. Moran's I  test was used to identify BL spatial clusters. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to statistically examine the relationship between PfPR and BL.

Results

BL incidence was higher in central region districts (8.2 cases per million) than northern districts (2.9 cases per million) and was elevated in lakeshore districts. Districts with elevated PfPR tended to have elevated BL incidence. A low‐risk BL cluster was detected in the north. Statistically, BL incidence was positively correlated with PfPR (r = .77, p < .01). A 1% increase in PfPR predicted an increase in BL incidence of 0.2 cases per million (p = .03), when controlling for travel time from referral district hospital to KCH.

Conclusion

Our study supports evidence for an association between P. falciparum and BL and highlights a need to improve geographic accessibility to tertiary cancer services in Malawi's northern region.
High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography coupled attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier‐transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy‐based identification of α‐amylase inhibitor from the aerial part of Asparagus racemosus Willd
Authors: Das Priya , Ashraf Gouhar Jahan , Baishya Tania , Dua Tarun Kumar , Paul Paramita , Nandi Gouranga , Sahu Ranabir
Published: June 2022

Introduction

α‐Amylase inhibitors from natural sources are of interest for new drug development for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled bioassay guided isolation of bioactive compounds has been improved within last few years.

Objective

A microchemical derivatised HPTLC‐coupled attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed for profiling α‐amylase inhibitor from the aerial part of Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Methodology

Asparagus racemosus Willd. aerial part extracted with different solvents (n‐hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol) and assayed to detect free radical scavengers and α‐amylase inhibitor by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and starch‐iodine assay method, respectively. HPTLC‐coupled ATR‐FTIR and NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the α‐amylase inhibitor.

Results

Methanolic extract of A. racemosus showed highest antioxidant activity (21.99 μg GAE/μL) where n‐hexane extract showed lowest antioxidant activity (5.87 μg GAE/μL). The α‐amylase inhibition was recorded as highest and lowest in ethyl acetate extract (13.13 AE/μL) and n‐hexane extract (3.92 AE/μL), respectively. The deep blue zone of α‐amylase sprayed TLC plate of extracts with hRF = 72 analysed for ATR‐FTIR and NMR spectroscopy which revealed the presence of stigmasterol is responsible for α‐amylase inhibition.

Conclusion

The present work establishes the α‐amylase inhibiting properties of A. racemosus maintaining its use for the treatment of DM as a traditional medicine. Bioassay guided isolation through HPTLC‐coupled ATR‐FTIR and NMR spectroscopy offers an effective method for the exploration of bioactive compounds such as α‐amylase inhibitor from complex plant extracts.
Implementation of online classes during national school closure due to COVID‐19 and mental health symptoms of adolescents: A cross‐sectional survey of 5000 students
Authors: Morishima Ryo , Koike Haruna , Kanehara Akiko , Usui Kaori , Okada Naohiro , Ando Shuntaro , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: June 2022

Aim

Online classes were implemented in numerous schools during the school closure due to COVID‐19. The present study examined the relationship between online classes during national school closure and mental health symptoms after the reopening of schools.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey from October 1 to November 7, 2020 using an anonymous self‐reported questionnaire to evaluate 21 junior and senior high schools in the Saitama prefecture of Japan. Out of the 5538 students who were recruited, 5000 agreed to participate. The relationship between the implementation of online classes and mental health symptoms (emotional symptoms, psychotic experience [PE], and smartphone addiction) was evaluated using mixed‐effect logistic regression models, while controlling for individual and class‐level covariates (e.g., gender, grades).

Results

Implementation of online classes was reported by 78.2% of classroom teachers, and it was associated with lower rates of emotional symptoms (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63–0.99, p = 0.040) and smartphone addiction (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65–0.96, p = 0.020), but not related to PE (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.61–1.36, p = 0.637).

Conclusions

Implementing online classes during the national school closure might have had a potential protective effect for adolescents' mental health symptoms (especially emotional symptoms and smartphone addiction) after the reopening of schools during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.
On the viability of divergent donor moieties in malononitrile‐based donor‐π‐acceptor NLO active materials: A DFT/TD‐DFT study
Authors: Yahya Mohamed , Kurtay Gülbin , Suvitha Athisaya Rajah
Published: June 2022

In this study, a detailed density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent (TD)‐DFT investigation of (E)‐2‐((5‐(2‐aryl)thiophen‐2‐yl)methylene)malononitrile backbone decorated with divergent donor subunits including triphenylamine (Q1), 2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H,5H‐pyrido[3,2,1‐ij]quinoline (Q2), 1‐phenylpiperidine (Q3), 1‐phenylpyrrolidine (Q4), and 4‐phenylmorpholine (Q5) were conducted consecutively. During the modelization of the dye molecules, the linker and acceptor subunits were kept identical to focus on the donor scaffolds' influence on the electronic and photophysical properties. The target photosensitizers were then abbreviated according to their different donor subunits, C(1‐5). Conducted computational studies reveal that these compounds have enhanced electronic properties and that their reduced bandgap (Ɛgap) energies prove their potent applicability as non‐linear optical (NLO) active components. Accordingly, the dye molecules were also investigated using UV–vis absorption spectra in the presence of various solvent systems. The global chemical reactivity descriptors, molecular electrostatic potential, and first‐order NLO response of C(1‐5) molecules were examined, and the thermodynamic parameters of target molecules, including heat capacity, entropy, enthalpy, free energy, and zero‐point energy, were also determined as a function of temperature (298.15 K).
The role of exercise right heart catheterization to guide pulmonary hypertension therapy in older adults
Authors: Mak Susanna , Kolker Shimon , Girdharry Natasha R. , Bentley Robert F. , Valle Felipe H. , Gurtu Vikram , Mok K. H. , Moric Jakov , Thenganatt John , Granton John T.
Published: June 2022

The spectrum of patients referred for suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) includes a population with clinical features suggestive of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH‐LHD). Even after right heart catheterization (RHC) performed at rest, it can be a challenge to identify patients who will clearly benefit from PAH drug therapy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of exercise RHC to influence decisions regarding prescription of PAH drug therapy in this population. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of older adults with risk factors for PH‐LHD and suspected PH referred for exercise RHC. One year follow‐up was conducted to record clinical outcomes, all changes in PAH drug therapy, and changes in patient‐reported quality of life. The final cohort included 61 patients, mean age of 69 ± 10; 44% and 34% had a history of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation respectively. Exercise changed the proportional breakdown of hemodynamic diagnoses from 36% No PH, 44% PAH, and 20% PH‐LHD at rest to 15% No PH, 36% PAH, and 49% PH‐LHD. Although a significant proportion of patients were reclassified as PH‐LHD, there was an overall increase in the proportion of patients receiving PAH drug therapy, particularly for those with PAH confirmed by exercise RHC. A total of 11 PAH drug prescriptions were employed before exercise RHC increasing to 24 after (p = 0.002). Patients receiving PAH therapy demonstrated significant improvement in self‐reported quality of life. Exercise RHC appeared to influence selection of PAH drug therapy.
Decentralized composite generalized predictive control strategy for DC microgrids with high PV penetration
Authors: Li Mingdi , Lang Jilin , Zhang Chuanlin , Cui Chenggang , Xu Long
Published: June 2022

High PV penetration into DC microgrids could bring serious stabilization challenges for power electronics engineers, as renewables are accessible to DC bus voltage oscillation, hence leading to degradation of power quality and even system collapse. This article addresses the stabilization issue for a DC microgrid with high PV penetration rate, in which a decentralized composite generalized predictive control strategy is designed. First, a disturbance observer is designed to deal with the lumped uncertainties of both PV intermittency and variation of constant power loads, which is subsequently integrated into the control design through feedforward compensation loops. Second, an offset‐free generalized predictive controller is designed by employing the receding‐horizon optimization process. In this regard, the new method could endow the DC microgrid system of two main distinguishable features: (1) large‐signal stability for global system; (2) optimized transient‐time control performance based on an offset‐free voltage regulation objective. The effectiveness and performance improvement of the proposed methodology are verified by comparative experimental studies on a DC microgrid platform with 50% PV integration.
Cellulose‐Based Materials for Water Purification
Authors: Jain Preeti , De Anindita , Singh Nakshatra Bahadur
Published: June 2022

Cellulose is a linear syndiotactic homopolymer, made up of glucose units designated as D‐anhydroglucopyranose units (AGU). The glucose units are connected with each other by b‐(l‐4)‐glycosidic linkage to form a dimeric structure known as cellobiose. These units are assembled into microfibils in a heirarchial manner with excellent strength and stiffness. The properties of cellulose can be further enhanced by either surface functionalization or by converting it to nano form. Nanocellulosic materials are non‐toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and exhibit enhanced surface properties so widely used for purification of water through adsorption process. This review outlined the most recent updates of uses of cellulose and cellulose derived nano material, composite and nanocomposite as a new class of adsorbents for water remediation.
A Phenothiazine‐Thiophene‐linked Chalcone as a Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Chemosensor for Ag+ Ions
Authors: Karuppannan Sekar , Karmegam Muthu Vengaian , Leslee Denzil Britto Christopher
Published: June 2022

A novel Phenothiazine‐Thiophen Chalcone (PTC) sensor exhibit selective fluorescent recognition of Ag+ ions over other potential influencing metal ions. A turn off fluorescence was observed with addition of Ag+ ion which revealed through naked eye detection with red to colorless solution after addition of Ag+ ion. The optical sensing activities were investigated with UV‐Visible and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques in acetonitrile/water (6 : 4, v/v) mixture. The ligand PTC showed quenching in absorbance and fluorescence with increasing addition of Ag+ ions that related to the static quenching due to ground state complex formation. The sensor PTC established a lowest detection limit of about ∼10−8 m and good binding equilibrium. The binding and optical sensing mechanism of PTC with Ag+ was evaluated using FT‐IR, NMR, ESI‐MS and optical spectrum. The surface morphology of the probe and its ensemble was investigated by using SEM and EDAX analysis. Also the environmental applications have shown that the results of PTC have the greatest potential in testing using different water samples.
Does Cr(CO)3Really behave as Catalyst in the Diels‐Alder Reaction of Styrene with Cyclopentadiene? A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Aurell María José , Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar
Published: June 2022

The role of the coordination of the Cr(CO)3complex to the aromatic ring of styrene in the Diels‐Alder (DA) reaction towards cyclopentadiene (Cp) has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at theωB97X−D/6‐311G(d,p) level. While Electron Localization Function (ELF) topological analysis of the reagents indicates that coordination of Cr(CO)3to the aromatic ring of styrene does not cause any remarkable change in its electronic structure, it increases its global electrophilicity but does not efficiently activate the C−C double bond. Thus, the DA reaction of styrene with Cp, which has a high activation energy, 15.9 kcal ⋅ mol−1, is decreased by only 2.1 kcal ⋅ mol−1with the formation of the corresponding Cr(CO)3complex. This DA reaction isendoandantistereoselective. Analysis of the geometrical parameters and the electron density distribution at theendoTSs confirms that coordination of the Cr(CO)3complex to the aromatic ring of styrene does not produce any appreciable change at the corresponding TSs. These DA reactions, which have low polar character, take place through a one‐step mechanismviaan asynchronousendoTS, in which the formation of the C4−C5 simple bond is more advanced than the C1−C6 one. The present MEDT study shows that the Cr(CO)3complex has no effective catalytic activity in the non‐polar DA reactions of styrene with Cp.
2D Oxides for Electronics and Optoelectronics
Authors: Hu Xiaozong , Liu Kailang , Cai Yongqing , Zang Shuang-Quan , Zhai Tianyou
Published: June 2022

In recent years, 2D oxides have attracted considerable attention due to their novel physical properties and excellent stability. With the efforts of researchers, significant progress has been made in the synthesis and electronics and optoelectronics application of 2D oxides. Herein, a systematic review focusing on the preparation of 2D oxides and their applications in electronics and optoelectronics is provided. First, 2D oxides are summarized and classified according to their elements. Then, common preparation methods to synthesize 2D oxides including exfoliation, liquid‐phase synthesis, vapor deposition, surface oxidation of metal, and so on are introduced. Further, the applications of 2D oxides in electronics and optoelectronics are presented. Finally, the current challenges and envisioned development of 2D oxides are commented and prospected.
Dynamic simulation of CFRP‐shear strengthening on existing square RC members under unequal lateral impact loading
Authors: Al‐Bukhaiti Khalil , Yanhui Liu , Shichun Zhao , Abas Hussein
Published: June 2022

With the plethora of data on how CFRP layers enhance RCs under static loads, research on how the reinforced structural components react to unequal lateral impact loads from a derailed train striking metro station columns or a car accident is lacking. A similar motivation inspired the current study, which sought to create a numerical technique backed by actual testing to evaluate RC members with CFRP in a range of unequal lateral impact scenarios. This paper uses explicit nonlinear finite element techniques to numerically analyze the response of unequal lateral impact‐loaded RC members wrapped in (CFRP) layers. Diverse variables related to CFRP, concrete, steel reinforcement, and impact energy are investigated. This kind of thorough analysis provides unique insights to strengthen RC members against unequal lateral impact loads. The effects of internal forces and deflections, as well as absorbed energy on the impact response of CFRP‐RC components, were investigated and verified by prior experimental results. A parametric sensitivity analysis was conducted after the strain characteristics of steel bars confirmed the finite element model, reinforcement ratio, impact velocity, CFRP properties, and ductility index all influence the member's impact response. This study's results will help advance the field's understanding of CFRP‐RC components analysis and design under unequal lateral impact.
Long noncoding RNA ST8SIA6‐AS1 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in triple‐negative breast cancer by targeting miR‐145‐5p/CDCA3 to inactivate the p53/p21 signaling pathway
Authors: Qiao Yan , Wang Bin , Yan Yu , Niu Ligang
Published: June 2022

Background

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, always exhibits a poor prognosis due to high risk of early recurrence and distant metastasis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as crucial regulators in breast cancer. However, the functions and action mechanisms of lncRNA ST8SIA6‐AS1 in TNBC are largely unknown.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot assays were used to measure the expression levels of different genes and proteins. Cell proliferation ability was monitored by CCK‐8, colony forming and flow cytometry assays. Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion. The regulatory mechanisms of ST8SIA6‐AS1 in TNBC were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter and RIP assays. A mouse xenograft model was established to investigate the role of ST8SIA6‐AS1 in TNBC tumor growth.

Results

ST8SIA6‐AS1 displayed a higher expression in TNBC cells. Silencing ST8SIA6‐AS1 impaired cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion in vitro, and slowed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, ST8SIA6‐AS1 could facilitate the expression of its target CDCA3 (cell division cycle associated protein 3) and inactivate the p53/p21 signaling by inhibiting miR‐145‐5p. Moreover, miR‐145‐5p exerted a tumor‐suppressive activity by targeting CDCA3. The tumor‐suppressive effects induced by ST8SIA6‐AS1 knockdown were abated by the down‐regulation of miR‐145‐5p or the up‐regulation of CDCA3.

Conclusion

ST8SIA6‐AS1 exerts an oncogenic role in TNBC by interacting with miR‐145‐5p to up‐regulate CDCA3 expression and inactivate the p53/p21 signaling, highlighting ST8SIA6‐AS1 as a promising molecular target to combat TNBC.
A 2‐Aza‐3,4‐Diphospha‐1‐Bora‐Butadiene
Authors: Rothe Julia , Bresien Jonas , Reiß Fabian , Villinger Alexander , Beweries Torsten , Schulz Axel
Published: June 2022

The reaction of a lithiated supermesityl‐substituted amino‐diphosphene with boron trichloride yielded a formal 2‐aza‐3,4‐diphospha‐1‐bora‐heterobutadiene after LiCl elimination. X‐ray structure and bonding analyses revealed a planar trans‐bent B−N‐P−P framework with short B−N and P−P bond lengths in accord with the description as a heterobutadiene derivative.
An assessment on effect of process parameters on pull force during pultrusion
Authors: Mukherji Arindam , Njuguna James
Published: June 2022

This research investigates the process behaviour by prediction of the pull force required to drag the raw materials through heated die at different reinforcing material configuration during pultrusion. Pultrusion is a continuous manufacturing process that is widely used in manufacture for composite profiles. A specially designed device, friction force by virtue of pulling on ‘resin impregnated’ fibres with both liquid resin and partially cured resin, was employed to measure pulling force against temperature and resin conversion. This allowed to experimentally simulate materials tracing in short and long die length used in process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determining polymer conversion. The results shows that the downstream part of a die has no significant effect on the pulling force before a specific conversion level is achieved and that higher resin conversion leads to a higher friction at viscous/liquid zone. The difference noted is much more significant when the temperature is low (e.g. room temperature) and considerably drops due to on rising temperature. Further, a new mathematical model is proposed that predicts the rise in compaction pressure on increasing fibre volume fraction and drag velocity which is an opposite characteristic to tapping angle and part thickness considerations. Similarly, many parameters including shrinkage, viscous force and dry friction were modelled and simulated for ortho polyester resins as a function of temperature and resin conversion during dynamic pulling. The study has direct application in configuring pultrusion manufacturing customisation for a specific configured material, components manufacturing and respective designing of the die for the profile to be manufactured.