bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating‐disorder psychopathology in female athletes and non‐athletes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chapa Danielle A. N. , Johnson Sarah N. , Richson Brianne N. , Bjorlie Kayla , Won Ying Q. , Nelson Sarah V. , Ayres Joseph , Jun Daiil , Forbush Kelsie T. , Christensen Kara A. , Perko Victoria L.
Published: June 2022

Objective

There is ongoing discussion about whether sports participation is a risk or protective factor for eating disorders (EDs). Research is mixed, with some studies suggesting that athletes have higher mean levels of ED psychopathology compared to nonathletes, while other studies suggest the opposite effect or no differences. The purpose of the current meta‐analysis was to identify whether female athletes reported higher mean levels of ED psychopathology compared to nonathletes.

Method

Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified 56 studies that reported ED psychopathology for female athletes and nonathletes. A three‐level random‐effects model of between‐ and within‐study variance was completed for the following outcome variables: overall ED psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, restricting, and loss‐of‐control eating.

Results

Athletes reported lower levels of body dissatisfaction compared to nonathletes (g = −.21, p < .0001). Athletes and nonathletes reported similar levels of overall ED psychopathology, drive for thinness, restricting, and loss‐of‐control eating on average. Sport type significantly moderated standardized mean difference effect sizes of ED psychopathology in athletes versus nonathletes. Effect sizes comparing levels of drive for thinness, restricting, and loss‐of‐control eating in athletes versus nonathletes were larger for studies with athletes participating in aesthetic/lean sports compared to nonaesthetic/nonlean sports.

Discussion

Findings from this meta‐analysis could inform future ED prevention and treatment in female athletes by providing further evidence that athletes in aesthetic/lean sports may report higher levels of ED psychopathology. Participating in nonaesthetic/nonlean sports may be a protective factor for experiencing less body dissatisfaction.

Public Significance Statement

The current meta‐analysis summarized findings from 56 studies that assessed levels of disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, dietary restricting, and loss‐of‐control eating in female athletes and nonathletes. Athletes reported lower levels of body dissatisfaction compared to nonathletes, highlighting that participation in sport could have some protective factors.

Athletes participating in sports that require weight categories (e.g., judo) and sports that emphasize thinness/leanness (e.g., gymnastics and distance running) had higher levels of disordered eating relative to athletes participating in other types of sports that do not emphasize thinness/leanness (e.g., volleyball and basketball).
Interpreting long‐distance movements of non‐migratory golden eagles: Prospecting and nomadism?
Authors: Poessel Sharon A. , Woodbridge Brian , Smith Brian W. , Murphy Robert K. , Bedrosian Bryan E. , Bell Douglas A. , Bittner David , Bloom Peter H. , Crandall Ross H. , Domenech Robert , Fisher Robert N. , Haggerty Patricia K. , Slater Steven J. , Tracey Jeff A. , Watson James W. , Katzner Todd E.
Published: June 2022

Movements by animals can serve different functions and occur over a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Routine movement types, such as residency (localized movements) and migration, have been well studied. However, nonroutine movement types, such as dispersal, prospecting, and nomadism, are less well understood. Documenting these rarely detected events requires tracking large numbers of individuals across all age classes. We studied >500 golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) tracked by telemetry over a 10‐year period in western North America, of which 160 engaged in nonroutine, long‐distance (>300 km) movements. We identified spatial and temporal correlates of those movements at both small and large scales, and we quantified movement timing and direction. We further tested which age and sex classes of eagles were more likely to engage in these movements. Our analysis of 88,093 daily tracks suggested that distances traveled by eagles were responsive to the updraft potential of the spatial and temporal landscape they encountered. Tracks covered longer distances at locations and times of higher updraft potential, and older birds traveled farther than younger birds. By contrast, after decomposing daily tracks into 563 nonroutine, long‐distance movements measured at a multiday scale, only the duration of travel was responsive to environmental conditions encountered by eagles. Multiday trips that were longer were those initiated in open and warm landscapes and those that ended in mountainous regions. Finally, long‐distance movements were more frequently made in seasons other than winter, in north–south directions, and by young birds. We documented clear correlates of nonroutine, long‐distance movements by golden eagles at small, local scales but found little evidence of such correlates at larger, regional scales. Most long‐distance movements we documented fit patterns associated with traditional definitions of prospecting and nomadism but not migration. Our study is the first to describe these movement types by golden eagles, and as such provides a foundation for subsequent study into the movement ecology of other species.
Edge effects increase soil respiration without altering soil carbon stocks in temperate broadleaf forests
Authors: Schedlbauer Jessica L. , Miller Jason
Published: June 2022

Anthropogenic disturbance has left the world's forests highly fragmented, with a significant proportion of edge‐affected area. Abiotic changes at forest edges are likely to affect forest soil carbon cycling, as higher temperatures and lower moisture availability in edge environments have well‐documented effects on soil respiration. The present study sought to quantify persistent changes in soil carbon cycling in the fragmented broadleaf forests of southeastern Pennsylvania. At three sites with >80‐year‐old forest‐field edges, three 100‐m transects perpendicular to the edge were established. Monthly measurements of soil respiration, temperature, and moisture were made at fixed distances along each transect throughout the growing season. Soil carbon storage from 0 to 20 cm depth, litter biomass, and decomposition rates were also assessed. Soil respiration was significantly higher at forest edges, relative to the interior, and this effect penetrated 60 m into the forest. Significantly elevated surface soil temperature and decreased soil moisture were also observed in edge environments. Despite elevated soil respiration at the edge, soil carbon storage, litter biomass, and decomposition rates were invariant along edge to interior gradients. The temperature responsiveness of soil respiration was significantly higher in the forest interior (100 m), relative to locations ≤60 m from the edge. Edge effects altering elements of the soil carbon cycle were apparent in the forests of southeastern Pennsylvania, and principally manifest as increased soil respiration rates and decreased temperature responsiveness of soil respiration. Lack of variation in soil carbon pools and decomposition rates from the forest edge to interior suggests that increased soil respiration may be related to changes in root and rhizosphere respiration at the edge. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence documenting increased soil respiration in the edge environments of temperate broadleaf forests. Discounting the alterations imposed by forest fragmentation on carbon cycling has the potential to produce misleading estimates of land–atmosphere CO2 exchange and terrestrial carbon storage.
Wide‐Bandgap Donor–Acceptor Copolymer Based on BDTTz Donor and TPD Acceptor for Polymer Solar Cells Using Fullerene and Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Keshtov Muhammed L. , Konstantinov Igor O. , Godovsky Dimitri Y. , Ostapov Ilya E. , Alekseev Vladimir G. , Agrawal Anupam , Dahiya Hemraj , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: June 2022

A donor–acceptor copolymer based on thiazole substituted benzodithiophene (BDTTz) (donor unit) and thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4‐6‐dione (TPD) (acceptor unit) P(BDTTz‐TPD) denoted as P132 is investigated. P132 shows an absorption profile from 300 to 680 nm and the low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of −5.54 eV. P132 as donor along with fullerene derivative (PC71BM) or nonfullerene denoted as BThIND‐Cl as acceptor are used for the fabrication of polymer solar cells. The P132:BThIND‐Cl‐based polymer solar cell shows high open‐circuit voltage as compared with P132:PC71BM which is attributed to the upshifted lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level of BThIND‐Cl and low energy loss. Moreover, P132:BThIND‐Cl attains higher short‐circuit current than that for P132:PC71BM which is attributed to the broader absorption spectra and low optical band gap of BThIND‐Cl, which leads to high light‐harvesting ability of the P132:BThIND‐Cl active layer. The polymer solar cells based on P132:PC71BM and P132:BThIND‐Cl attain power conversion efficiencies of 7.03% and 15.52%, respectively. The charge transport is more balanced in P132:BThIND‐Cl and results in a high value of fill factor. Small energy loss in P132:BThIND‐Cl‐based PSCs is attributed to the low HOMO offsets between P132 and BThIND‐Cl.
Optimal timing of interictal FDG‐PET for epilepsy surgery: A systematic review on time since last seizure
Authors: de Laat Nienke N. , Tolboom Nelleke , Leijten Frans S. S.
Published: June 2022

Interictal 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is used in the workup for epilepsy surgery when MRI and EEG video monitoring are not conclusive. Timing of FDG‐PET is crucial to avoid the metabolically dynamic (post)ictal state that complicates interpretation, but the exact time window is unclear. We performed a systematic review to provide an evidence‐based recommendation for the minimal time interval between last seizure and FDG‐PET acquisition. We searched PubMed and Embase for articles on the effect of time since last seizure on FDG‐PET outcome. Quality assessment was conducted with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Cohort Study Checklist. We identified five studies. Three studies were classified as of low to moderate quality, mainly due to undocumented data or insufficient statistical measurements. Two high‐quality studies included only adults with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE). The metabolic interictal phase is 24 or 48 hours after the last seizure, depending on seizure type. The recommendation is based on the best available evidence from two small study populations for TLE. If clinically possible, interictal FDG‐PET in adults should be performed at least 24 hours after focal aware seizures and 48 hours after focal impaired awareness and focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures.
Out‐of‐plane shear‐axial failure in slender rectangular reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Niroomandi Arsalan , Pampanin Stefano , Dhakal Rajesh P. , Ashtiani Mohammad Soleymani , Torre Chris de la
Published: June 2022

On 22 February 2011, one of the main structural walls of one of the tallest buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand (Grand Chancellor Hotel), had an extremely brittle and unusual failure that significantly damaged the building, severely compromising its structural stability. To this date, this peculiar failure mode has not yet been fully investigated and understood. Moreover, currently, it is not possible to identify and assess walls that are prone to this failure mode. Following recent findings based on experimental investigations, this failure mode was identified as out‐of‐plane shear‐axial failure. A Finite Element (FE) model was developed in DIANA to capture this failure mode, and through a numerical parametric study, the key parameters that contribute to the development of this failure mode in rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) walls were identified. Solid elements were used for the concrete material and embedded truss elements for the steel reinforcement. Bar buckling was not included in this investigation due to the limitation of DIANA in implementing the bar buckling and Menegotto‐Pinto models together, among which the latter was found to be more influential on the behaviour of RC walls investigated in this study. Based on the numerical and experimental studies conducted, an analytical method is proposed to: (1) identify rectangular walls prone to out‐of‐plane shear‐axial failure as a first‐level check for both design and assessment purposes; and (2) determine the out‐of‐plane drift capacity of rectangular walls prone to out‐of‐plane shear‐axial failure. Design recommendations are provided for rectangular walls prone to out‐of‐plane shear‐axial failure.
Multi‐objective risk‐constrained operation of hydrogen‐based renewable energy integrated distribution network
Authors: Zare Oskouei Morteza , Mohammadi‐Ivatloo Behnam , Erdinç Ozan , Gülşen Erdinç Fatma
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, an important point that has attracted the attention of system planners is to maintain the adequacy of distribution networks under an acceptable range during interactions with multi‐carrier energy systems under several uncertain sources. Achieving scalable and operational solutions to deal with the risk associated with these challenges has become a major concern among system planners. Thanks to the recent advances, hydrogen‐based facilities offer distinctive opportunities to increase the flexibility and adequacy of distribution networks considering the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs). In this regard, the development of a comprehensive market‐based mechanism by distribution network operators with respect to grid code considerations in the presence of hydrogen‐based facilities is challenging. This study tries to fill the research gaps regarding the optimal coordination of the hydrogen‐based energy hubs and distribution networks that host high RESs penetration. To this end, a multi‐objective framework is developed to represent a risk‐constrained operation problem for the distribution networks in the day‐ahead scheduling process. The main objective of this study is 2‐fold: (a) to preserve the adequacy of distribution networks by enhancing the self‐sufficiency level and (b) to guarantee the flexible operation of distribution networks by mitigating the techno‐economic and environmental risks. To attain a risk‐averse strategy, a hybrid robust‐stochastic programming model is used to handle the uncertain nature of renewable generation, demand consumption, and market price. Moreover, the proposed framework considers the load shifting program, as efficient ancillary service, to evaluate the impact of the deferrable loads on improving the performance of system operators' decision‐making. The feasibility and robustness of the proposed mixed‐integer linear programming strategy are investigated through a set of case studies on the IEEE 33‐bus test system under the GAMS software environment. Numerical results demonstrate that if hydrogen‐based energy hubs are employed by operator, the whole operation cost decreases by up to 77%, renewable power curtailment decreases by up to 92%, and CO2 emission cost lessens by up to 50%.
Performance potential of a new molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell–based triple‐cycle system for clean and efficient coal use
Authors: Han Yuan , Zhang Houcheng , Xie Gongnan , Ni Meng
Published: June 2022

Abstract: To efficiently and environmental‐friendly use coal, a novel triple‐cycle system model incorporating molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell (MHDCFC), alkali metal thermal electric converter (AMTEC), and thermoelectric generator (TEG) is proposed to evaluate the performance potential. Considering a variety of electrochemical and thermodynamic irreversible losses, a mathematical model for the proposed system is developed, and optimum operation ranges for several important performance indicators are determined. Numerical calculations indicate that the improvements in the maximum power density and the corresponding efficiency of the triple‐cycle system are, respectively, about 92% and 26% compared with the single MHDCFC, and the improvements are, respectively, 11% and 10% compared with the cogeneration system composed of MHDCFC and AMTEC. Extensive parametric studies show that an increase in the operating temperature, reactor compartment width, proportional coefficient, or thermocouple number may positively improve the tricycle system performance; whereas an increase in the O2 flow rate, ratio of AMTEC cathode area to MHDCFC electrode area or thermodynamic loss‐related parameter may degrade the tricycle system performance.

Highlights

An advanced triple‐cycle system is proposed for waste heat recovery.

Various irreversible losses within the system are mathematically described.

Optimal operation ranges for several important performance indicators are determined.

Maximum power density and efficiency are increased by 92% and 26%, respectively.

Effects of some important parameters on the system performance are discussed.
Electromagnetic performance analysis of the umbrella shaping inner rotor coaxial magnetic gear with dual modulation rings
Authors: Wang Jun‐gang , Zhang Bin , Qian Li‐qun , Xu Shuai‐rui
Published: June 2022

The coaxial magnetic gear is a new type of noncontact transmission mechanism, which avoids the inherent defects of the mechanical gearbox due to gear meshing transmission. To study a coaxial magnetic gear (CMG) with high torque density and low torque ripple to replace the mechanical gear in the semidirect drive wind turbine, a novel umbrella shaping inner rotor CMG (US‐CMG) with an auxiliary modulation ring is proposed in this paper. The novel structure adopts a CMG with a dual modulated ring to increase the electromagnetic torque. In addition, the magnetic block of the poled inner rotor is divided into three pieces magnetized by Halbach arrays, and the middle piece is umbrella‐shaped to reduce torque ripple. Based on the topology of the US‐CMG and the principle of the magnetic field modulation, the operation mechanism of the US‐CMG is analyzed. A contrastive analysis among the US‐CMG, Halbach magnetized dual‐modulator CMG (HM‐CMG), and surface‐mounted CMG (SM‐CMG) is established to identify the performance of the US‐CMG. Compared with the SM‐CMG, the results show that the electromagnetic torque of the US‐CMG has increased by 65.46%, and the torque ripple of the US‐CMG is 57.6% of that of the SM‐CMG.
Seismic signatures of individual wave impacts on a coastal cliff
Authors: Thompson Catriona F. , Dickson Mark E. , Young Adam P.
Published: June 2022

The mechanisms through which wave action induces cliff erosion are not well quantified, which limits our ability to model future cliff erosion. Previous studies have investigated using seismic measurements of cliff‐top ground motion from wave impacts as a proxy for potential wave driven cliff erosion. However, most attention has focussed on averaged hourly statistics, rather than at the individual wave impact scale. Higher temporal resolution studies are needed to determine the extent to which frequent, low magnitude impacts transfer wave energy into cliff rock, compared to violent impacts that occur much less frequently. We carried out fieldwork in Taranaki, New Zealand on a cliff that is exposed to broken, breaking, and unbroken wave impacts at different tidal stages. Synchronized seismometer, wave gauge, and video data were collected to observe a range of wave impact types under different marine conditions. Approximately 7500 wave impacts were manually classified into eight groups according to the stage of wave transformation at impact using video data. Corresponding seismic signals were then analysed to compare ground motion and impact types. The greatest peaks in ground motion were associated with impact classes identifiable by the wave breaking just in front of, or onto the cliff face. Waves classed as broken and unbroken had a median displacement of 4.2 μm and 5.1 μm, respectively, whereas breaking wave impact classes had a median displacement value of 25.8 μm. Spectral analyses of impact types suggest that different impacts produce peaks in energy at different frequency bands, and the total energy transfer is higher for breaking wave impact classes. This research provides a first step in assessing the spectral signature of wave impacts at an individual wave scale, providing a new method to investigate wave–cliff interaction.
Otherwise
Authors: Meek Laura A. , Morales Fontanilla Julia Alejandra
Published: June 2022

In this article we offer the term otherwise as a keyword for feminist vocabulary. We consider how the otherwise is simultaneously a concept, an analytics, a method, and an ethico‐onto‐political commitment to the insistence of the possible against the pull of the probable. The otherwise conjures latent possibilities and potentialities held within a situation or formation—which we might only glimpse obliquely, yet which holds or opens to liberatory transformation. While a standard genealogy of the term might trace its theoretical lineage, we aim to enact the otherwise we write by decentering this genealogy. Our essay is situated in conversation with feminist Black studies, science and technology studies, and decolonial studies, seeking to potentiate the transformative possibilities of bringing together these literatures. We explore the world‐making capacities of an otherwise anthropology through practices such as: attunement to the political in the mundane; speculative colaboring as a form of care; the fracturing of anthropological epistemologies; writing as a complex we; and not knowing. Finally, our collaborative essay is refracted through our respective experiences of social unrest and protests in Hong Kong and Colombia to enact an unruly and undisciplined genealogy of the otherwise, written from here, now.
Rhyacian‐Orosirian Khondalite Belt in the Borborema Province (NE Brazil): An active margin setting based on U–Pb zircon and monazite constraints
Authors: Muniz Robert Lima , dos Santos Ticiano José Saraiva , Dantas Elton L. , Fuck Reinhardt A.
Published: June 2022

Khondalite belts are of special importance is delimiting old suture zones and in palaeocontinental reconstruction of Precambrian terrains. In the South‐American Platform, khondalitic rocks surround cratonic areas and Archean blocks reworked in the Neoproterozoic, an example of which being the Ceará Khondalite Belt (CKB). Located in the northern portion of the Borborema Province in NE Brazil, CKB is here described by means of its petrographic, structural, and LA‐SF‐ICP‐MS zircon and monazite U–Pb geochronological characteristics. CKB constitutes an E‐W to NE–SW striking belt comprising migmatitic spinel (hercynite)‐ and graphite‐bearing cordierite‐garnet‐sillimanite‐biotite gneisses, small granulitic boudins, garnet‐biotite quartzite, lenses of garnet amphibolite, calc‐silicate rock, gondite, and mylonitized leucogneiss. Relicts of Palaeoproterozoic island and continental arcs surrounding CKB are represented by tonalitic and dioritic gneiss, respectively. The contact between CKB and the Neoproterozoic Independência Unit is marked by a transpressional shear zone to the north, whereas the contact between CKB and Archean and Palaeoproterozoic rocks to the south is via a N‐verging thrust fault. The metamorphic peak is given by the parageneses: spinel (hercynite)‐quartz, spinel (hercynite)‐cordierite, and cordierite‐sillimanite‐garnet, possibly stable under UHT conditions. Crystallization ages of 2,086 ± 8 Ma and 2,063 ± 9 Ma were obtained by dating CKB migmatitic dioritic orthogneisses using the zircon U–Pb method. The CKB para‐derived rocks yielded detrital zircon U–Pb age peaks at 2,190, 2,130, and 2,060 Ma. Three metamorphic stages are identified in the Palaeoproterozoic via U–Pb dating of zircon rims and monazite at 2,094 ± 4 Ma, 2,055 ± 5 Ma, and 1,958 ± 3 Ma. A fourth metamorphic event with associated migmatization in shear zones took place in the Neoproterozoic between 595 ± 6 Ma and 573 ± 15 Ma, as indicated by dating zircon rims and monazite, respectively. Our study shows that the metamorphic events occurring in CKB in the Palaeoproterozoic share similarities with those that affected the khondalitic rocks bordering the São Francisco and the North China cratons, which suggests the existence of a continuous orogen during the Rhyacian‐Orosirian related to the Columbia Supercontinent amalgamation.
Pharyngeal tongue base augmentation for dysphagia therapy: A prospective case series in patients post head and neck cancer treatment
Authors: Schar Mistyka S. , Omari Taher I. , Woods Charmaine M. , Footner Lauren R. , Marshall Nicholas , Cock Charles , Thompson Alison , Nguyen Thi , Athanasiadis Theodore , Ooi Eng H.
Published: June 2022

Background

Dysphagia post head and neck cancer (HNC) multimodality treatment is attributed to reduced pharyngeal strength. We hypothesized that pharyngeal tongue base augmentation for dysphagia (PAD therapy) would increase pharyngeal pressures during swallowing thereby improving swallow symptoms.

Methods

Adults with moderate–severe dysphagia post‐HNC treatment had PAD therapy using a temporary filler (hyaluronic acid [HA]), with follow‐up long‐lasting lipofilling. Swallowing preprocedure and postprocedure was assessed with the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ), High‐Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry (HRPM), and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS). Statistical comparison utilized paired tests.

Results

Six participants (all male; median age 64 years [IQR 56, 71]) underwent PAD therapy at a median of 47 [IQR 8, 95] months post‐treatment. SSQ scores reduced from baseline (mean 1069 [95%CI 703, 1434]) to post‐HA (mean 579 [76, 1081], p > 0.05), and post‐lipofilling (491 [95%CI 913, 789], p = 0.003, n = 4). Individual participants demonstrated reduced Swallow Risk Index, Bolus Presence Time, and increased Upper Esophageal Sphincter opening, but mesopharyngeal contractile pressures were unchanged. VFSS measures of aspiration, residue, and severity were unchanged.

Conclusions

Novel PAD therapy is safe and improves dysphagia symptoms. Biomechanical swallowing changes are suggestive of more efficacious bolus propulsion with conservative filler volume, but this was unable to resolve residue or aspiration measures.
The role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: Recent evolution and open questions
Authors: Deltenre Pierre , Zanetto Alberto , Saltini Dario , Moreno Christophe , Schepis Filippo
Published: June 2022

In selected patients with cirrhosis and ascites, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement improves control of ascites and may reduce mortality. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the use of TIPS for the treatment of ascites in patients with cirrhosis, from pathophysiology of ascites formation to hemodynamic consequences, patient selection, and technical issues of TIPS insertion. The combination of these factors is important to guide clinical decision‐making and identify the best strategy for each individual patient. There is still a need to identify the best timing for TIPS placement in the natural history of ascites (recurrent vs. refractory) as well as which type and level of renal dysfunction is acceptable when TIPS is proposed for the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis. Future studies are needed to define the optimal stent diameter according to patient characteristics and individual risk of shunt‐related side effects, particularly hepatic encephalopathy and insufficient cardiac response to hemodynamic consequences of TIPS insertion.
Use of local waste for biochar production: Influence of feedstock and pyrolysis temperature on chromium removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Arán Daniela S. , Deza María , Monferrán Magdalena V. , Pignata M. Luisa , Harguinteguy Carlos A.
Published: June 2022

Sediment enrichment with biochar, a high-carbon material produced by the pyrolysis of biomass, is a promising remediation strategy for metal pollution. The metal immobilization capacity of biochar can be explained by its porous structure, surface functional groups, pH greater than 7, and cation exchange capacity. However, the effectiveness in reducing metal bioavailability depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the biochar, which are strongly associated with the process conditions and feedstock. The aims of this study were to analyze the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of biochars derived from different locally available biomass materials, biochar potential to adsorb Cr, and biochar phytotoxicity in seed germination. Poultry litter (PL), maize straw, the macrophyte Juncus imbricatus, and phytoremediation wastes from the macrophyte previously exposed to Cr were pyrolyzed into biochar at 300 °C and 600 °C. The properties and capacity of biochar to remove Cr from the aqueous phase were determined. Finally, a germination assay was performed to evaluate biochar phytotoxicity. Biochar yield decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature, whereas ash content and pH increased. Biochar C content and total surface area increased with temperature. Biochar Cr removal capacity improved under the highest temperature, reaching a maximum sorption value of 13.7 mg g−1 Cr at 300 °C in PL biochar and of 42.6 mg g−1 Cr at 600 °C in J. imbricatus biochar. Despite the comparatively high metal content in the biochar, the germination indices of all biochars produced at 600 °C were higher than 80%, suggesting no phytotoxicity. Considering the metal sorption capacity and the phytotoxicity, biochars produced from J. imbricatus, PL, and phytoremediation residues at 600 °C were suitable for use in the removal of Cr from water. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:717–725. © 2022 SETAC
Application of autonomous sensor technology to estimate selenium exposure and a site-specific selenium threshold in a Canadian boreal lake
Authors: Peixoto Mendes Maíra , Cupe-Flores Beatriz , Panigrahi Banamali , Liber Karsten
Published: June 2022

There is an increasing trend in the use of real-time sensor technology to remotely monitor aquatic ecosystems. Commercially available probes, however, are currently not able to measure aqueous selenium (Se) concentrations. Because of the well-described bioaccumulation potential and associated toxicity of Se in oviparous vertebrates, it is crucial to monitor Se concentrations at sites receiving continuous effluent Se input. This study aimed to estimate Se concentrations in a boreal lake (McClean Lake) downstream from a Saskatchewan uranium mill using real-time electrical conductivity (EC) data measured by autonomous sensors. Additionally, this study aimed to derive a site-specific total aqueous Se (TSe) threshold based on Se concentrations in periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates sampled from the same lake. To characterize effluent distribution within the lake, eight Smart Water (Libelium) sensor units were programmed to report EC and temperature for five and seven consecutive weeks in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In parallel, periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled with Hester-Dendy's artificial substrate samplers (n = 4) at the same sites and subsequently analyzed for Se concentrations. Electrical conductivity was measured with a handheld field meter for sensor data validation and adjusted to the median lake water temperature (13 °C) registered for the deployment periods. Results demonstrated good accuracy of sensor readings relative to handheld field meter readings and the successful use of real-time EC in estimating TSe exposure (r = 0.87; r2 = 0.84). Linear regression equations derived for Se in detritivores versus Se in periphyton and Se in periphyton versus sensor-estimated TSe were used to estimate a site-specific TSe threshold of 0.7 µg/L (±0.2). Moreover, mean Se concentrations in periphyton (16.7 ± 4.4 µg/g dry weight [d.w.]) and benthic detritivores (6.0 ± 0.4 µg/g d.w.) from one of the exposure sites helped identify an area with potential for high Se bioaccumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms in McClean Lake. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:395–411. © 2022 SETAC
Forecasting equity risk premium: A new method based on wavelet de‐noising
Authors: Dai Zhifeng , Kang Jie , Yin Hua
Published: June 2022

Forecasting equity risk premium is notoriously difficult due to a mass of data noise in the raw series and the absence of clear tendency. Using the monthly S&P 500 excess returns from 1927:01 to 2018:12, we first de‐noise the in‐sample original returns series via wavelet method to capture the basic trend of equity risk premium, and then propose forecasting models to obtain one‐step forward out‐of‐sample predicted values based on the de‐noised returns. Our new models can provide substantially superior out‐of‐sample performance compared with other competing models and the historical average. Sizeable economic gains can be realized by a mean–variance investor if they allocate their asset through the new approach. Our findings are robust under different settings from both statistical and economic perspectives.
Protective effect of pterostilbene in a streptozotocin‐induced mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by targeting monoamine oxidase B
Authors: Li Qiushi , Li Xidong , Tian Buxian , Chen Long
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease in elderly population. Pterostilbene (PTS) is a resveratrol analog with neuroprotective activity. However, the biological mechanisms of PTS in AD progression are largely uncertain. An animal model of AD was established using streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated C57BL/6J mice. Monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) expression was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and detected by western blotting assay. The memory impairment was investigated by Morris water maze test. The levels of Tau hyperphosphorylation and death‐related proteins were detected by western blotting analysis. The levels of amyloid β (Aβ)1–42 accumulation, oxidative stress‐related markers (ROS, MDA, SOD, and GSH), and inflammation‐relative markers (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and p‐NF‐κB) were measured by ELISA. MAOB expression was increased in hippocampus of AD mice, and it was decreased by PTS. PTS attenuated STZ‐induced body weight loss and memory impairment by regulating MAOB. PTS mitigated Aβ1–42 accumulation and Tau hyperphosphorylation by regulating MAOB in STZ‐treated mice. PTS attenuated neuronal death by decreasing cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax levels and increasing Bcl2 expression in hippocampus by regulating MAOB in STZ‐treated mice. PTS weakened STZ‐induced oxidative stress in hippocampus by decreasing ROS and MDA levels and increasing SOD and GSH levels by regulating MAOB. PTS protected against STZ‐induced neuroinflammation in hippocampus by inhibiting TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and p‐NF‐κB levels through regulating MAOB. In conclusion, PTS alleviates STZ‐induced memory impairment, Aβ1–42 accumulation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, neuronal death, oxidative stress, and inflammation by decreasing MAOB in AD mice, proving anti‐AD potential of PTS.
Monitoring of irrigated lesion formation with single fiber based multispectral system using machine learning
Authors: Park Soo Young , Singh‐Moon Rajinder P. , Yang Haiqiu , Hendon Christine P.
Published: June 2022

In radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, intraprocedural assessment of treatment efficacy relies on indirect measures of adequate tissue destruction. Direct sensing of diffuse reflectance spectral changes at the ablation site using optically integrated RFA catheters has been shown to enable accurate prediction of lesion dimensions, ex vivo. Challenges of optical guidance can be due to obtaining reliable measurements under various catheter‐tissue contact orientations. In this work, addressed this limitation by assessing the feasibility of monitoring lesion progression using single‐fiber reflectance spectroscopy (SFRS). A total of 110 endocardial lesions of various sizes were generated in freshly excised swine right ventricular tissue using a custom‐built, irrigated SFRS‐RFA catheter. Models were developed for assessing catheter‐tissue contact, the presence of nontransmural or transmural lesions and lesion depth percentage. These results support the use of SFRS‐based catheters for irrigated lesion assessment and motivate further exploration of using multi‐SFRS catheters for omnidirectionality.
Recent advancement in polymer/halloysite nanotube nanocomposites for biomedical applications
Authors: Mohamed Haneef Intan Najwa Humaira , Mohd Shaffiar Norhashimah , Buys Yose Fachmi , Syed Shaharuddin Sharifah Imihezri , Abdul Hamid Abdul Malek , Widiyati Khusnun
Published: June 2022

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have recently been the subject of extensive research as a reinforcing filler. HNT is a natural nanoclay, non‐toxic and biocompatible, hence, applicable in biomedical fields. This review focuses on the mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of polymer nanocomposites with HNT as a reinforcing agent from an experimental and theoretical perspective. In addition, this review also highlights the recent applications of polymer/HNT nanocomposites in the biomedical fields.
Drug Disposition in Subjects With Obesity: The Research Work of Darrell R. Abernethy
Authors: Greenblatt David J. , Bruno Christopher D. , Harmatz Jerold S. , Zhang Qingchen , Chow Christina R.
Published: June 2022

In 1979, the late Dr. Darrell R. Abernethy and colleagues began a series of clinical studies aimed at understanding the pertinent determinants of drug distribution, elimination, and clearance in obesity, and how those variables are interconnected. The studies confirmed that volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance are the principal independent biological variables, which conjointly determine elimination of half‐life as a dependent variable. For drugs distributed by passive diffusion, their pharmacokinetic Vd — after correcting for plasma protein binding — was increased in obesity, depending in part on the physicochemical lipophilicity of the individual drugs, and the quantitative extent of obesity in overweight individuals. Across all studies, the ratio of mean clearance in obese divided by control groups had an overall median value of 1.21 (range, 0.75‐3.11), indicating a small and variable effect of obesity on clearance, without clear directionality. Since drug clearance was not clearly related to lipophilicity or degree of obesity, the prolonged half‐life of lipophilic drugs in patients with obesity was largely explained by the increased Vd. Dr. Abernethy further identified delayed attainment of steady state after initiation of multiple‐dose treatment, and delayed washout after termination of dosage, as potential clinical consequences of the extended half‐life in people with obesity. These consequences for specific drugs have been recently emphasized in contemporary studies of chronic dosage in subjects with obesity. Without data identifying an obesity‐related change in clearance for a specific drug, maintenance doses (in milligrams) should be based on ideal weight rather than adjusted upward on the basis of total weight.
Intertwin membrane cord insertion in dichorionic twin pregnancy: The description and comparison with other umbilical cord insertion types
Authors: Can Sultan , Has Recep , Turkyilmaz Gurcan , Aktoz Fatih , Yuksel Atil
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Multiple pregnancy is associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity. Abnormal cord insertions more common in twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies and velamentous cord insertion is related with poor pregnancy outcomes. There is no definition of velamentous cord insertion into the intertwine membrane between two fetuses in the literature.

Methods

In our single‐center cross‐sectional study, monochorionic‐diamniotic and dichorionic‐diamniotic twins who were admitted to our clinic between 18 + 0 and 23 + 6 weeks of pregnancy were enrolled in this study. We evaluated fetal, placental, and umbilical cord abnormalities in addition to fetal growth restrictions and weight discordance by ultrasonography.

Results

Although abnormal cord insertion frequency was significantly higher in monochorionic twins (p = 0.003), intertwin membrane cord insertion could only occur in dichorionic twins. In cases with cord insertion anomaly; FGR and weight discordance was observed more frequently (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Weight discordance, the presence of abnormal cord insertion and abnormal UAD were found as statistically significant predictors of FGR (p < 0.001, p = 0.021, and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Intertwin membrane insertion is a novel umbilical cord insertion abnormality. The presence of abnormal umbilical cord insertion is a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies.
The prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor GSK1120360A reduces early brain injury, but protection is not maintained in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Jones Nicole M. , Nathanson Anton D. , Chell Simon , DeAngelis Elena , Whelan Greg , Willé David , Cheng Katharine
Published: June 2022

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with many babies suffering long‐term neurological deficits. Currently, treatment options are limited to therapeutic hypothermia, which is not appropriate for use in all babies. Previous studies have shown protective effects of increasing the transcription factor—hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) in animal models, by using mild hypoxia or compounds that act as prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (PHIs). Here, we aimed to examine the neuroprotective actions of an orally active, small molecule PHI, GSK1120360A in a neonatal rat model of hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) compared to another PHI, desferrioxamine (DFX). Sprague–Dawley rats underwent HI surgery on postnatal day 7 (P7), where unilateral carotid artery occlusion was performed followed by hypoxia (8% oxygen, 3 h). Initial testing showed that GSK1120360A and erythropoietin levels were detectable in plasma at 6 h following oral exposure to GSK1120360A. For the short‐term neuroprotection study, pups were assigned to receive either saline (s.c), desferrioxamine (DFX—200 mg/kg, s.c), methylcellulose (1%, oral) or GSK1120360A (30 mg/kg, oral) immediately after HI. Histological analysis showed that GSK1120360A in this setting reduced brain injury size 7 days after HI, compared to the methylcellulose vehicle control group. DFX had no significant effect on injury size compared to saline group at the same 7 day timepoint. In the long‐term neuroprotection study, pups were randomly assigned to be administered methylcellulose (1%, oral) or GSK1120360A (30 mg/kg, oral) immediately after HI. On P42, rats underwent behavioural testing using the forelimb grip strength, grid walking and novel object recognition tasks, and brains were collected for histological analysis. Long‐term behavioural deficits were observed in grid walking, grip strength and novel object recognition tests after HI which were not improved in the GSK1120360A treatment group compared to the methylcellulose group. Similarly, there was no improvement in injury size on P42 in the GSK1120360A study group compared to the methylcellulose group. Here, we have shown that GSK1120360A can reduce brain injury at 7 days but that this neuroprotective benefit is not maintained when examined at 5 weeks after HI.
Association of IRGM gene promoter polymorphisms with hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Sharma Ambika , Duseja Ajay , Parkash Jyoti , Changotra Harish
Published: June 2022

Background

In response to intracellular pathogens, the autophagy gene IRGM plays an essential role in the innate immune response. Various identified IRGM gene risk loci are associated with several diseases but, so far, no study is available that shows the association of IRGM with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods

We genotyped promoter variants (rs4958842, rs4958843, and rs4958846) of IRGM in HBV infected patients (551) and healthy controls (247) for their role in HBV infection. The genotyping was performed by applying methods developed in our laboratory and various biochemical parameters were assessed applying commercially available kits.

Results

Data analysis has shown that the mutant allele A of rs4958842 plays a role in the protection from HBV infection in various genetic models that includes allelic, co‐dominant and dominant models with the respective statistical data: allelic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.48–0.78; p = 0.0003), co‐dominant (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.38–0.71; p = 0.0008) and dominant (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.38–0.70, p = 0.0004). In chronic hepatitis B (CHB), protective association was observed in the allelic (OR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.35–0.65, p = 0.0004), co‐dominant (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.26–0.54, p = 0.0004) and dominant (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.26–0.54, p = 0.0002) models. Mutant allele C of rs49598843 was associated with the risk of CHB in co‐dominant (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.07–2.16, p = 0.04) and dominant (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.00–2.00, p = 0.04) models. The mutant allele C of rs4958846 decreased the risk of HBV infection in allelic (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.59–0.92, p = 0.01), dominant (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.53–0.98, p = 0.05), homozygous (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.24–0.74, p = 0.01) and recessive (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.24–0.74, p = 0.0004) models. However, in the asymptomatic group, it was associated with the increased chance of HBV infection. Haplotypes, ATT (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.33–0.68, p = 0.001) and GTC (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.51–0.92, p = 0.01) protect, whereas GTT (OR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.55–2.60, p < 0.0001) predisposes the individuals to HBV infection. All of these p values mentioned here were obtained after performing Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings revealed that mutant allele A of rs4958842, mutant allele C of rs4958843 and rs4958846 were associated with hepatitis B virus infection in the North Indian population.
Association between polymorphisms of ABCB1 and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with taxane
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Yang Xin , Du Feng , Shi Youwu , Sun Jing , Jia Jun , Liu Chuanling , Xiao Yanjie , Yu Jing , Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Ying
Published: June 2022

Background

In China, most esophageal cancer patients are squamous cell carcinomas and are treated with taxane‐containing regimens; however, few studies have examined taxane pharmacokinetics genes and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prognosis.

Methods

In total, 227 pathologically confirmed ESCC patients receiving chemotherapy with taxane were included in the analysis. We genotyped seven SNPs (rs1045642, rs2032582 and rs3213619 of ABCB1; rs2231137 and rs2231142 of ABCG2; and ABCC1 rs246221 and ABCC2 rs3740066) and analyzed their relationship with overall survival.

Results

With a retrospective cohort study design, by Cox regression and semi‐Bayesian shrinkage, in the genetic recessive model, the variant homozygote of ABCB1 rs1045642 was inversely associated with survival (semi‐Bayesian shrinkage crude hazard ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.00, 3.31; p = 0.0482).

Conclusions

Because of inherent defects of the research itself, the finding that the ABCB1 rs1045642 variant was related to poor prognosis in ESCC patients treated with taxane‐containing regimens needs to be tested in a larger population and by using more genetic and molecular mechanism experiments.