bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental food communication and child eating behaviours: A systematic literature review
Authors: Norton Lyza , Parkinson Joy , Harris Neil , Darcy Morgan , Hart Laura
Published: April 2022

Aim

To review current evidence for parental food communication practices and their association with child eating behaviours.

Methods

The PRISMA framework guided the reporting of the review; registered with Prospero in July 2020. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Only quantitative studies that included a parental measure of food communication and a child measure of eating behaviour were included.

Results

From 11 063 articles 23 were eligible for synthesis. The vast majority (82%) of studies used observational cross‐sectional designs. Three involved observing parent–child dyads, with the remainder using questionnaires. Two quasi‐experimental designs tested interventions and two randomised control trial were reported. The majority of measures assessing parental food communication were subscales of larger questionnaires. The Caregiver's Feeding Style Questionnaire (CFSQ) was the most direct and relevant measure of parental food communication. Findings of reviewed studies highlighted that “how” parents communicate about food appears to impact child eating behaviours. Using child‐centred communication provided promising outcomes for positive child eating behaviours, while parental “diet” communication was found to be associated with poorer dietary outcomes in children.

Conclusions

Food communication research is in its infancy. However, evidence for the importance of parents' child‐focused food communication is emerging, providing a focus for future research and interventions.

So What?

Given the gaps in our understanding about prevention of disordered eating, there is a significant opportunity to explore what food communication strategies may assist parents to communicate about food in a positive way.
Sleep disturbance in alopecia areata: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shakoei Safoura , Torabimirzaee Alireza , Saffarian Zahra , Abedini Robabeh
Published: April 2022

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring hair loss with autoimmune pathophysiology, which is associated with psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. Sleep disorders are commonly seen with anxiety and depression. Here we evaluate the sleep quality of AA patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 51 AA patients and 51 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. The sleep quality and day sleepiness were evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires. The severity of AA was evaluated with the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT).

Results

Unlike the ESS score, the mean PSQI score was significantly higher in the AA group compared with the controls (7 ± 4.13 vs. 3.53 ± 1.96, p < 0.001). The number of cases with ESS ≥ 11, indicating the excess daytime sleepiness, was significantly higher in the AA group compared with controls (15 vs. 6, p = 0.02). There was no significant correlation between PSQI score and age, age of onset of the disease, or SALT score (p > 0.05). Anxiety and depression were more common in the AA group versus controls (p = 0.9). PSQI score was higher in AA patients who had anxiety and depression compared with those who did not (9.9 ± 5.28 vs. 4.76 ± 3.08, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Sleep quality is impaired in AA patients. As expected, sleep would be more disturbed in AA cases with depression or anxiety. Therefore, attention to sleep quality and concomitant psychiatric diseases is essential in AA clinical management.
Prehospital administration of broad‐spectrum antibiotics for sepsis patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Varney Joseph , Motawea Karam R. , Kandil Omneya A. , Hashim Hashim T. , Murry Kimberly , Shah Jaffer , Shaheen Ahmed , Akwari Joy , Awad Ahmed K. , Rivera Amanda , Mostafa Mostafa R. , Swed Sarya , Awad Dina M.
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Some studies have suggested that earlier initiation of antibiotics has shown positive outcomes in sepsis patients. We aimed to do a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of prehospital administration of antibiotics on 28 days mortality and length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit for sepsis patients.

Methods

We formulated a search strategy and used it on search databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. We then screened the records for eligibility and included controlled studies, either clinical trials or cohort studies reporting prehospital antibiotic administration for sepsis patients. We excluded duplicates, books, conferences' abstracts, case reports, editorials, letters, author responses, not English studies, and studies with nonavailable full text. Animal and lab studies were also excluded.

Results

The total number of studies identified is 1811, 19 were eligible for systematic review and 4 for meta‐analysis (three cohort and one clinical trial). The total number of sepsis patients in the four included studies in the 28 days mortality outcome was 3523 (1779 took prehospital antibiotics and 1744 did not take prehospital antibiotics). Of 1779 who took the antibiotics, 190 died, and of 1744 who did not take antibiotics, 292 died (95% confidence interval 0.68–0.97, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis reveals that receiving prehospital antibiotics can significantly lower mortality in sepsis patients compared to patients who do not receive prehospital antibiotics. However, more clinical trials and multicenter prospective studies with high sample sizes are needed to get strong evidence supporting our findings.
Interaction of leisure‐time physical activity with body mass index on the risk of obesity‐related cancers: A pooled study
Authors: Sun Ming , Bjørge Tone , Teleka Stanley , Engeland Anders , Wennberg Patrik , Häggström Christel , Stocks Tanja
Published: April 2022

Physical activity (PA) has been associated with a lower risk of some obesity‐related cancers, but the combined association and interaction of PA and body weight on obesity‐related cancer risk is less clear. We examined the association of leisure‐time PA (high/low) and its combination with body mass index (BMI, <25 [low]/≥25 [high] kg/m2) on obesity‐related cancer risk in 570 021 individuals, aged 43 years on average at baseline, in five Scandinavian cohorts. We used Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios of obesity‐related cancers (n = 19 074) and assessed multiplicative and additive interactions between PA and BMI on risk. High leisure‐time PA, recorded in 19% of the individuals, was associated with a 7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4%‐10%) lower risk of any obesity‐related cancer compared to low PA, with similar associations amongst individuals with a low and a high BMI (6% [1%‐11%] and 7% [2%‐11%]). High PA was also associated with decreased risks of renal cell (11% [9%‐31%]) and colon cancer (9% [2%‐16%]). When high PA and low BMI were combined, the relative risk reduction for all obesity‐related cancers was 24% (95% CI 20%‐28%); endometrial cancer, 47% (35%‐57%); renal cell cancer, 39% (27%‐51%); colon cancer, 27% (19%‐35%); multiple myeloma, 23% (2%‐40%) and pancreatic cancer, 21% (4%‐35%), compared to low PA‐high BMI. There were no additive or multiplicative interactions between PA and BMI on risk. The result of our study suggests a reduced risk of obesity‐related cancer by leisure‐time PA in both normal weight and overweight individuals, which further decreased for PA and normal weight combined.
From the voices of supervisees: A theoretical model of reflective supervision (Part II)
Authors: Barron Carla C. , Dayton Carolyn J. , Goletz Jess L.
Published: April 2022

Empirical study of reflective supervision/consultation (RS/C) has been gaining ground over the past decade. However, much of this literature is focused on the supervisor perspective of what RS/C is, what makes it effective, and how it impacts the work of the supervisee. This paper, Part II of a two‐part series, presents a theoretical model of RS/C that was developed from the perspectives and experiences of supervisees who work with infants, young children, and families and participate in either group or individual RS/C. This qualitative study built upon themes that emerged from data obtained from 50 IECMH professionals in the United States who participated in focus groups or individual interviews aimed at investigating their experiences of RS/C. Data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. A developmental and ecological theoretical model of RS/C emerged from the data that includes three domains of influence – individual, relational, and contextual – on the supervisee's capacity to understand and use their experience of RS/C in their work. These novel data contribute to our understanding of RS/C from the supervisee perspective. The theoretical model provides a framework from which to investigate outcomes, train supervisors and supervisees, and advocate for RS/C within agencies and programs.
Social side of vetting: the benefits of charity work and volunteering
Authors: Wright Roz , Statt Jade
Published: April 2022

Volunteering is an important part of veterinary culture and can help broaden and diversify an individual's career path. It provides wide‐reaching benefits to the recipients, the volunteers and the community as a whole. Additionally, voluntary and charitable work can reshape the ethos and vision of a business. This article discusses the personal and broader benefits of volunteering and charity work, some of the pitfalls to be aware of and how you can become involved in this sector.
Bate palmas mutant mice as a model of Kabuki syndrome: Higher susceptibility to infections and vocalization impairments?
Authors: Kirsten Thiago B. , Silva Ericka P. , Biondi Thalles F. , Rodrigues Paula S. , Cardoso Carolina V. , Massironi Silvia M. G. , Mori Claudia M. C. , Bondan Eduardo F. , Bernardi Maria M.
Published: April 2022

The recessive mutant mouse bate palmas (bapa) arose from N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea mutagenesis. Previous studies of our group revealed some behavioral impairments and a mutation in the lysine (K)‐specific methyltransferase 2D (Kmt2d) gene. Because mutations in the KMT2D gene in humans are mainly responsible for Kabuki syndrome, this study was proposed to validate bapa mice as a model of Kabuki syndrome. Besides other symptoms, Kabuki syndrome is characterized by increased susceptibility to infections and speech impairments, usually diagnosed in the early childhood. Thus, juvenile male and female bapa mice were studied in different developmental stages (prepubertal period and puberty). To induce sickness behavior and to study infection susceptibility responses, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used. To study oral communication, ultrasonic vocalizations were evaluated. Behavioral (open‐field test) and central (astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and tyrosine hydroxylase [TH]) evaluations were also performed. Control and bapa female mice emitted 31‐kHz ultrasounds on prepubertal period when exploring a novel environment, a frequency not yet described for mice, being defined as 31‐kHz exploratory vocalizations. Males, LPS, and puberty inhibited these vocalizations. Bapa mice presented increased motor/exploratory behaviors on prepubertal period due to increased striatal TH expression, revealing striatal dopaminergic system hyperactivity. Combining open‐field behavior and GFAP expression, bapa mice did not develop LPS tolerance, that is, they remained expressing signs of sickness behavior after LPS challenge, being more susceptible to infectious/inflammatory processes. It was concluded that bapa mice is a robust experimental model of Kabuki syndrome.
Use of daily precipitation records to assess the response of extreme events to global warming: Methodology and illustrative application to the European region
Authors: Giorgi Filippo , Ciarlò James M.
Published: April 2022

We introduce a technique for identifying daily precipitation records based on the analysis of maximum daily precipitation events within running 30‐day periods. The technique is applied to the E‐OBS daily precipitation dataset for the European region spanning the period 1950–2018. We find that, on a Europe wide scale, the number of actual precipitation records as defined above exceeds the theoretical value expected under stationary climate conditions by a factor increasing with time by up to 1.6–1.8. This result, which has substantial subregional variability, is indicative of an increase of daily precipitation extremes consistent with what expected from climate warming conditions. We also apply the technique to the ERA5 reanalysis and four illustrative 21st century projections conducted with two regional climate models under the high end RCP8.5 and low end RCP2.6 greenhouse gas concentration pathways. We find a sustained increase of precipitation records throughout the 21st century with respect to the expected values for the RCP8.5 scenario, and a much reduced signal for the RCP2.6. In both cases the overall increase in actual to expected ratios of precipitation records is consistent with the warming trends found in the two scenarios, although this signal is highly variable in space and depends on the model being analysed. Our technique can be useful in studies of detection and attribution of extreme precipitation events and in the assessment of the impacts of increasing extremes under global warming conditions.
Cultural racism and burnout among Black mental health therapists
Authors: Shell E Mackenzie , Hua Justin , Sullivan Phillip
Published: April 2022

This study examined the correlation between cultural racism and burnout among 252 Black mental health therapists in the United States. Using the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, the authors aimed to provide a better understanding of stress appraisals (i.e., cultural racism) that affect burnout among Black mental health therapists. Perceived cultural racism and hours worked per week were found to be predictive of burnout. The findings highlight the importance of attending to cultural racism as a work stress that impacts the well‐being of Black mental health therapists.
Population‐level utilisation of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for the treatment of rectal cancer
Authors: Gugusheff Jessica , White Kahren , Fitzadam Suzanne , Creighton Nicola , Engel Alexander , Lee Mark , Thompson Stephen R. , Chantrill Lorraine , Young Jane , Currow David
Published: April 2022

Purpose

International clinical guidelines recommend long‐ or short‐course neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. This study aims to examine variation in the use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer and identify patient and hospital factors that underpin this variation.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a retrospective, consecutive cohort study using statewide hospitalisation and radiotherapy data from New South Wales, Australia, 2013–2018. Included participants had a primary rectal adenocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection. Factors associated with the use or not of any neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and short versus long‐course were explored using multilevel logistic regression models.

Results

Of the 2912 people included in the study, 43% received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. There was significant variation in the use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy depending on geographic location. Abdominoperineal excision (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53–2.28) and having surgery in a public hospital (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.92–2.87) were both predictors of use. Among those receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 17% received short‐course therapy, with short‐course declining over the study period.

Conclusions

The use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer is highly variable, with differences only partially explained by assessable patient‐or hospital‐level factors. Understanding neoadjuvant radiotherapy utilisation patterns may assist in identifying barriers and opportunities to improve adherence to clinical guidelines.
A global solvability of a two‐dimensional kernel determination problem for a viscoelasticity equation
Authors: Totieva Zhanna D.
Published: April 2022

Under study is the two‐dimensional inverse problem of determining the convolutional kernel of the integral term in a viscoelasticity equation. The direct problem is represented by a generalized initial‐boundary value problem for this equation with zero initial data and the Neumann boundary condition in the form of the Dirac delta function. For solving the inverse problem, the traces of the solution to the direct problem on the domain boundary are given as an additional condition. The main result is the theorem of global unique solvability of the inverse problem in the class of functions twice continuously differentiable in the time variable
and analytic in the space variable. We apply the methods of scales of Banach spaces of real analytic functions of variable and weight norms in the class of continuous functions.
Improving nonprofit succession management for leadership continuity: A shared leadership approach
Authors: Geib Nils , Boenigk Silke
Published: April 2022

The topic of nonprofit succession management has gained increasing research attention in recent years. However, the organizational implementation rate of succession management is often low – and even where present, may be mere “lip service.” Previous studies in the field mostly focus on the role of boards or executive directors in succession management. Grounded in shared leadership theory, this study takes a broader perspective, and stresses the shared responsibilities among boards, executive directors/division executives, and human resource (HR) professionals within the succession management process. As such, the study's framework comprises three components: shared leadership, the succession management process, and nonprofit leadership continuity as an outcome variable. The results of a large online survey in Germany (N = 1020) show that only 12.3% of responding nonprofit organizations in Germany practice tripartite shared leadership in succession management. However, applying partial least squares analysis indicates, for example, a positive relationship of shared leadership behavior among boards, executive directors/division executives, and HR professionals with the likelihood of a systematic succession management process, as well as nonprofit leadership continuity. Reflecting on our findings and current threats to nonprofits, such as COVID‐19, we conclude by offering practical implications for nonprofit decision‐makers and for academia. Among other things, we argue that nonprofit practice should push for more (tripartite) shared leadership to improve succession management and leadership continuity.
Field cancerization in breast cancer
Authors: Gadaleta Emanuela , Thorn Graeme J , Ross‐Adams Helen , Jones Louise J , Chelala Claude
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer affects one in seven women worldwide during their lifetime. Widespread mammographic screening programs and education campaigns allow for early detection of the disease, often during its asymptomatic phase. Current practice in treatment and recurrence monitoring is based primarily on pathological evaluations but can also encompass genomic evaluations, both of which focus on the primary tumor. Although breast cancer is one of the most studied cancers, patients still recur at a rate of up to 15% within the first 10 years post‐surgery. Local recurrence was originally attributed to tumor cells contaminating histologically normal (HN) tissues beyond the surgical margin, but advances in technology have allowed for the identification of distinct aberrations that exist in the peri‐tumoral tissues themselves. One leading theory to explain this phenomenon is the field cancerization theory. Under this hypothesis, tumors arise from a field of molecularly altered cells that create a permissive environment for malignant evolution, which can occur with or without morphological changes. The traditional histopathology paradigm dictates that molecular alterations are reflected in the tissue phenotype. However, the spectrum of inter‐patient variability of normal breast tissue may obfuscate recognition of a cancerized field during routine diagnostics. In this review, we explore the concept of field cancerization focusing on HN peri‐tumoral tissues: we present the pathological and molecular features of field cancerization within these tissues and discuss how the use of peri‐tumoral tissues can affect research. Our observations suggest that pathological and molecular evaluations could be used synergistically to assess risk and guide the therapeutic management of patients. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Enhanced ablation resistance of Divinyl‐POSS modified additional liquid silicone rubber and its fiber reinforced composite
Authors: Shen Shuai , Guo Hongbin , Ma Xiaoyan , Ma Xutao , Niu Zhaoqi , Xin Yi , Hou Xiao
Published: April 2022

To further improve the ablation and thermal properties of silicon rubber composite materials, the 3, 13‐divinyloctaphenyl double‐decker polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (DV‐DDSQ) modified additional vinyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (VPDMS) was prepared, and the effect of high silica fiber reinforcement on the ablation properties of VPDMS was investigated. The results show that when 0.8phr DV‐DDSQ was added, the mass residual rate at 800°C of the composites increased from 40.6% to 51.0%. The linear ablation rate (LAR) as well as mass ablation rate (MAR) of the composites of the DV‐DDSQ modified VPDMS, the high silica fiber reinforced VPDMS composite (HSF/VPDMS composite) and the high silica fiber reinforced DV‐DDSQ modified VPDMS composite (HSF/DV‐DDSQ‐VPDMS composite) decreased dramatically compared with raw VPDMS, and it was 16.36%, 35.69%, and 37.17% bring down for LAR and 5.34%, 14.60% and 25.59% for MAR, respectively. The tensile strength and hardness of the DV‐DDSQ modified composites increased by 9.52% and 14.13%, respectively, while the elongation at break decreased by 5.99%, compared with the raw VPDMS.
Recent developments and challenges in natural fiber composites: A review
Authors: Jagadeesh Praveenkumara , Puttegowda Madhu , Boonyasopon Pawinee , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Khan Anish , Siengchin Suchart
Published: April 2022

The continuous demands for reducing environmental impact and energy consumption are the major driving factors for the development of natural fiber (NF)‐reinforced composites (NFRCs). The huge demand for sustainable materials in industries leads to the usage of NFs in product developments. These NFs are more attractive due to their lightweight, cost‐effectiveness, ease of availability, and environmentally friendly aspects. Green composites are the best alternatives in place of petroleum‐based composites which meet the current industrial requirements. In recent years, researchers are more focused on the development of NF composites as a potential candidate in real‐life applications due to economic advantages. This review gives a brief overview of NFs introduction, types, economic aspects, and the recent developments in NFRCs with an analysis of mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties. Moreover, the water absorption behavior, applications, and challenges in using NFs are also studied in this review. Additionally, this review will motivate the researchers for further developments and exist as foundation literature for upcoming researchers.
Self‐Polarization of Hydrogenic Impurity in Quantum Wells Made of Different Materials
Authors: Ozkapi Baris , Mese Ali Ihsan , Cicek Engin , Erdogan Ilhan
Published: April 2022

The effect of the external electric field on the ground state binding energy and self‐polarization of a hydrogenic donor impurity in quantum wells (QWs) made of different materials is calculated within the effective mass approximation using a variational scheme. The variations of binding energy and self‐polarization depending on well width, electric field, and impurity position have been studied in detail. For each QW made of different materials, it has been observed that the binding energy decreases with the increase of the electric field, whereas the self‐polarization increases. Also, it has been observed that InP/In1−x
Ga
x
P has higher binding energy values among the structures discussed. It is seen that material selection has a noticeable effect on self‐polarization and binding energy in QW‐based structures.
Robust duality for the uncertain multitime control optimization problems
Authors: Baranwal Ayushi , Jayswal Anurag , Preeti
Published: April 2022

This article gives some new duality results for the multitime control optimization problem with data uncertainty (MCOPU). We formulate Wolfe and Mond‐Weir type robust dual problems for (MCOPU) and prove the weak robust duality theorem which states that the duality gap is positive and the strong robust duality theorem which shows the zero duality gap under convexity assumptions. Further, we also prove the converse robust duality result. Moreover, we give some nontrivial examples to verify the established results in this article.
Trends in Dermatology Consultations in the COVID-19 Era in Cameroon
Authors: Mandeng Ma Linwa Edgar , Sigha Odette Berline , Djeumen Touka Angelique Jacquie , Eposse Ekoube Charlotte , Ngo Linwa Esther Eleonore , Budzi Michael Ngenge , Meh Martin Geh , Nzozone Henry Fomukong , Kouotou Emmanuel Armand , Zoung Kanyi Bissek Anne-Cecile
Published: April 2022

Introduction

With the advent of COVID-19, a highly infectious viral pandemic, first declared in Cameroon in March 2020, access to expert dermatology care was postulated to decrease. We carried out a descriptive study to understand the epidemiology of skin diseases amongst patients consulting at an outpatient dermatology clinic and its variations with the onset of COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective database study over a period of 2 years at Laquintinie hospital, Cameroon. Two periods were distinguished: 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 (pre-COVID-19 era) and 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 (COVID-19 era).

Results

Overall, 5946 patients with one or more clinical conditions were analysed. The most common age group described was young adults (18–40 years). Females consulted twice as much as males (M/F ratio; 1:1.7). The mean age was 28.9 (±18.0) years with an age range of 1 month to 89 years. Infectious dermatoses predominated. However, the single most prevalent dermatologic condition was acne. There was a 35.6% drop in consultation frequency in the COVID-19 era.

Conclusion

Three in four patients consulting at dermatology clinic are below 40 years, with a female predominance. Epidemiological profile of dermatoses in Cameroon is similar to that in the rest of Africa. Consultation frequency decreased in the COVID-19 era but trends in consultations were rather unaltered except for patients above 50 years where eczema and scabies increased. More studies should be conducted to understand these trends better at a national level and envisage training of health personnel on prevalent dermatoses.
Photoelectrochemical Performance Improving Mechanism: Hybridization Appearing at the Energy Band of BiVO4 Photoanode by Doped Quantum Layers Modification
Authors: Li Yang , Dai Xianying , Bu Yuyu , Zhang Hanzhi , Liu Jie , Yuan Wenyu , Guo Xiaohui , Ao Jin‐Ping
Published: April 2022

Surface passivation of the photoelectrode by wide bandgap semiconductor quantum layer is an important strategy to improve work stability and surface state inhibition. However, an inevitable energy barrier is generated during the quantum tunneling process of the photocarriers. To overcome this shortage, a tandem photo‐generated hole transfer route is fabricated on BiVO4 photoanode by doped dual‐quantum layers modification, Ni‐ZnO (5 nm) and Rh‐SrTiO3 (≈10 nm). Modulated photoelectrochemical (PEC), Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP), and DFT calculation method results indicate that a tandem hole ohmic contact route is formed in the photoanode to reduce the quantum tunneling energy barrier, meanwhile, the photon absorption capacity of BiVO4 is improved after doped quantum layers modification. Both a phenomenal attribute to the energy band hybridization between Ni, Rh 3d orbits in quantum layers with BiVO4 photoanode. Then, the modified BiVO4 photoanode achieves the recoded photocurrent density of 6.47 and 5.18 mA cm–2 (Na2SO3 electrolyte, VRHE = 1.23 V) under simulated sun light (100 mW cm–2 AM 1.5 G) by xenon lamp illumination without and with UV composition cutting down to ≈5%, respectively. Generally, this work will highlight a potential application in the fields of PEC water splitting and photovoltaic conversion for various semiconductor nanomaterials.
Formation of Metal Cation/Oxidized Pyridine Complexes‐Based Bifunctional Interfacial Layer for Fabrication of Highly Efficient and Reproducible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Oh Heeyoon , Kang Gumin , Park Minwoo
Published: April 2022

Interfacial engineering of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been a core process for enhancing their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and environmental stability. Particularly, polymeric passivation of a metal oxide–electron transport layer (ETL) not only leads to a reduction in its surface defects but also improves the morphology of perovskite. However, the dissolution of the passivation layers by dimethylformamide (DMF) in a perovskite solution can cause a significant drop in the PCE and reproducibility of devices. Herein, oxidized poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (O‐P4VP) is used as a bifunctional passivation layer. The O‐P4VP layers are completely insoluble in DMF, which accompanies the highly reproducible deposition of perovskites without damaging the layers. Furthermore, based on metal–pyridine complexation, oxygen vacancies on the surface of the SnO2 ETLs are passivated with the O‐P4VP layers, and the perovskite grains become enlarged by the controlled nucleation and growth rate. The synergetic effects of interfacial passivation present deeper energy levels of the ETL and a prolonged photoluminescence lifetime of the perovskites. The resulting PCE jumps from 19.05% to 21.11% with respect to the pristine device, and the value is retained for 720 h under 1 sun illumination.
ITO‐Free Indoor OPV Modules from Nonhalogenated Solvents
Authors: Müller David , Campos Guzmán Laura , Jiang Ershuai , Zimmermann Birger , Würfel Uli
Published: April 2022

The growing market of the internet‐of‐things (IoT) accelerates the development of indoor organic photovoltaics. Very high performances up to 29% are already achieved under illumination with white light‐emitting diodes with intensities in the range of 500–1000 lux. However, topics relevant for mass production such as large area coating, use of nontoxic solvents, and inexpensive electrodes are hardly addressed thus far. Herein this work, an indium‐tin‐oxide‐free device stack is presented, which shows very good performance with many novel absorber materials under both full sun light as well as indoor illumination. Furthermore, lab‐scale cells are upscaled to small modules that can power typical IoT devices. This includes the transition from spin coating to slot‐die coating as well as the use of green solvents. Further, as the parallel resistance (RP) is crucial for the performance under low illumination intensities, a detailed analysis is carried out and it is found that a one‐diode model with the RP being determined from the dark current–voltage characteristics reproduces the behavior quite accurately. Efficiencies of 19.3% on cell level and above 17% on an 8.1 cm2 module with eight interconnected cells are achieved under 500 lux cold white light‐emitting diode illumination.
Food for thought: Immersive storyworlds as a way into scientific meaning‐making
Authors: Bevan Bronwyn , Rosin Mark , Mejias Sam , Wong Jen , Choi Michelle
Published: April 2022

Science communication aims to equip the public to become critical consumers of, advocates for, and sometimes producers of science. However, many studies suggest that audiences participating in such programs already benefit from strong cultural messages and social resources that encourage their engagement with science. The field is thus seeking to develop new models of science communication that can engage those who do not already seek out science engagement opportunities. In this article, we share findings from a study of an emerging sector of science communication that stages events in non‐science settings, such as nightclubs or music festivals. In particular, we examine a science communication program that leverages the genre of immersive storyworlds to engage non‐science‐seeking audiences at an annual country fair. Leveraging Bakhtin's conceptualization of carnival as a theoretical lens, we ask the questions: How do immersive storyworlds operate to attract and engage non‐science seeking public audiences in science conversations? In what ways do immersive storyworlds afford opportunities for participants to see science in relationship to themselves? We find that the storyworld creates an aesthetically and emotionally saturated context, with improvisational roles and routines that accommodate diverse perspectives and position participants' prior experiences and interests as the means for productive participation. Jointly producing the storyworld affords opportunities for belonging, which in turn appear to support sustained science conversations among participants and science communicators. The study contributes to the nascent evidence base for how such approaches might serve as an inclusive form of science communication, in particular by proposing new ways to think about “belonging” in science.
Dibutyl phthalate‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in swine testis cells and therapy of naringenin via PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Huijie , Zhang Yue , Zou Mengmeng , Sun Xiaowei , Huang Xiaodan , Xu Shiwen
Published: April 2022

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalic acid ester (PAE) that has posed a health hazard to the organisms. Naringenin (NRG) is a flavanone compound that has shown protection against several environmental chemicals through suppression of oxidative stress and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. Herein, swine testis (ST) cells were treated with 1.8 μM of DBP or/and 25.39 nM of NRG for 24 h, we described the discovery path of NRG inhibition on apoptosis in DBP‐exposed ST cells through targeting phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). We first found that the anti‐apoptosis effect of NRG is dependent on mitochondrial pathway through flow cytometry and related gene/protein expression, and then we detected PI3K/AKT pathway‐related gene/protein expression, and established a computational docking assay between NRG and PTEN. We found that NRG specifically binds to three basic residues (His93, Lys125, Lys128) of P loop in PTEN, as well as phosphatase domains (Asp92, His93, Cys124, Lys125, Ala126, Lys128, and Arg130) in active dephosphorylation pockets, thereby reducing PTEN level and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and further inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. Taken together, our results push forward that NRG deserves further attention as a potential antagonistic therapy against DBP through targeting PTEN to inhibit oxidative stress and activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
From left to right all through the night: Characteristics of lying rest in zoo elephants
Authors: Schiffmann Christian , Hellriegel Linda , Clauss Marcus , Brother Stefan  , Knibbs Kevin , Wenker Christian , Hård Therese , Galeffi Cordula
Published: April 2022

Despite increased research during the past years, many characteristics of resting behavior in elephants are still unknown. For example, there is only limited data suggesting elephants express longer lying bouts and increased total nightly lying durations on soft substrates as compared to hard surfaces. Additionally, it has not been investigated how frequently elephants change body sides between lying bouts. Here we present these characteristics based on observations of nighttime lying behavior in 10 zoo elephants (5 African Loxodonta africana and 5 Asian Elephas maximus elephants) living in five different European facilities. We found that elephants housed on soft substrates have significantly increased total lying durations per night and longer average lying bouts. Furthermore, at 70%−85% of all bouts, a consistently higher frequency of side change between lying bouts occurred on soft substrates, leading to an overall equal laterality in resting behavior. Deviations from this pattern became evident in elephants living on nonsand flooring or/and in nondominant individuals of nonfamily groups, respectively. Based on our findings, we consider elephants to normally have several lying bouts per night with frequent side changes, given an appropriate substrate and healthy social environment. We encourage elephant‐keeping facilities to monitor these characteristics in their elephants' nighttime behavior to determine opportunities for further improvements and detect alterations putatively indicating social or health problems in individual elephants at an early stage.
Analytic thin wall false vacuum decay rate
Authors: Ivanov Aleksandar , Matteini Marco , Nemevšek Miha , Ubaldi Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We derive a closed-form false vacuum decay rate at one loop in the thin wall limit, where the true and false vacua are nearly degenerate. We obtain the bounce configuration in D dimensions, together with the Euclidean action with a higher order correction, counter-terms and renormalization group running. We extract the functional determinant via the Gel’fand-Yaglom theorem for low and generic orbital multipoles. The negative and zero eigenvalues appear for low multipoles and the translational zeroes are removed. We compute the fluctuations for generic multipoles, multiply and regulate the orbital modes. We find an explicit finite renormalized decay rate in D = 3, 4 and give a closed-form expression for the finite functional determinant in any dimension.
Raucherassoziierte Malignome
Authors: Martini Katharina
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Tabakkonsum ist die häufigste vermeidbare Ursache für Krebserkrankungen und Krebstodesfälle. Tabakkonsum steht nicht nur im Zusammenhang mit Lungenkrebs, sondern hat Einfluss auf die Krebsentstehung in fast allen Organsystemen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Das Ziel dieses Übersichtsartikels ist es, auf die verschiedenen beteiligten Organsysteme in der tabakassoziierten Krebsentstehung näher einzugehen.

Material und Methoden

Zunächst erfolgt eine kurze Einführung in die Thematik, gefolgt von einer ausführlichen Beschreibung der verschiedenen Tumorentitäten, die mit dem Tabakkonsum assoziiert sind.

Ergebnisse

Der Tabakkonsum wird mit der Verursachung vieler Krebsarten in Verbindung gebracht. Nach aktuellen Erkenntnissen kann Tabakkonsum Mund‑, Pharynx‑, Larynx‑, Ösophagus‑, Magen‑, Nieren‑, Pankreas‑, Leber‑, Blasen‑, Zervix‑, Kolon- und Rektumkarzinome sowie die akute myeloische Leukämie verursachen.

Diskussion

Tabakkonsum ist nicht nur Hauptursache für die Entstehung von Lungenkrebs, sondern hat auch einen großen Einfluss auf die Entstehung bösartiger Erkrankungen in anderen Organsystemen. Daher muss bei der Bildauswertung von Rauchern ein besonderes Augenmerk auf andere maligne Begleiterkrankungen gelegt werden.
Permutation testing for thick data when the number of variables is much greater than the sample size: recent developments and some recommendations
Authors: Langthaler Patrick B. , Ceccato Riccardo , Salmaso Luigi , Arboretti Rosa , Bathke Arne C.
Published: April 2022

In many scientific disciplines datasets contain many more variables than observational units (so-called thick data). A common hypothesis of interest in this setting is the global null hypothesis of no difference in multivariate distribution between different experimental or observational groups. Several permutation-based nonparametric tests have been proposed for this hypothesis. In this paper we investigate the potential differences in performance between different methods used to test thick data. In particular we focus on an extension of the Nonparametric combination procedure (NPC) proposed by Pesarin and Salmaso, a rank-based approach by Ellis, Burchett, Harrar and Bathke, and a distance-based approach by Mielke. The effect of different combining procedures on the NPC is also explored. Finally, we illustrate the use of these methods on a real-life dataset.
Bone tissue engineering using 3D silk scaffolds and human dental pulp stromal cells epigenetic reprogrammed with the selective histone deacetylase inhibitor MI192
Authors: Man Kenny , Joukhdar Habib , Manz Xue D. , Brunet Mathieu Y. , Jiang Lin-Hua , Rnjak-Kovacina Jelena , Yang Xuebin B.
Published: April 2022

Epigenetics plays a critical role in regulating mesenchymal stem cells’ (MSCs) fate for tissue repair and regeneration. There is increasing evidence that the inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) isoform 3 can enhance MSC osteogenesis. This study investigated the potential of using a selective HDAC2 and 3 inhibitor, MI192, to promote human dental pulp stromal cells (hDPSCs) bone-like tissue formation in vitro and in vivo within porous Bombyx Mori silk scaffolds. Both 2 and 5 wt% silk scaffolds were fabricated and characterised. The 5 wt% scaffolds possess thicker internal lamellae, reduced scaffold swelling and degradation rates, whilst increased compressive modulus in comparison to the 2 wt% silk scaffold. MI192 pre-treatment of hDPSCs on 5 wt% silk scaffold significantly enhanced hDPSCs alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). The expression of osteoblast-related genes (RUNX2, ALP, Col1a, OCN) was significantly upregulated in the MI192 pre-treated cells. Histological analysis confirmed that the MI192 pre-treated hDPSCs-silk scaffold constructs promoted bone extracellular matrix (ALP, Col1a, OCN) deposition and mineralisation compared to the untreated group. Following 6 weeks of subcutaneous implantation in nude mice, the MI192 pre-treated hDPSCs-silk scaffold constructs enhanced the vascularisation and extracellular matrix mineralisation compared to untreated control. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the potential of using epigenetic reprogramming and silk scaffolds to promote hDPSCs bone formation efficacy, which provides evidence for clinical translation of this technology for bone augmentation.

Graphical abstract
Plasma autoantibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) react with brain areas according to Braak staging of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gschmack Eva , Monoranu Camelia-Maria , Marouf Hecham , Meyer Sarah , Lessel Lena , Idris Raja , Berg Daniela , Maetzler Walter , Steigerwald Frank , Volkmann Jens , Gerlach Manfred , Riederer Peter , Koutsilieri Eleni , Scheller Carsten
Published: April 2022

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a progredient degeneration of the brain, starting at deep subcortical areas such as the dorsal motor nucleus of the glossopharyngeal and vagal nerves (DM) (stage 1), followed by the coeruleus–subcoeruleus complex; (stage 2), the substantia nigra (SN) (stage 3), the anteromedial temporal mesocortex (MC) (stage 4), high-order sensory association areas and prefrontal fields (HC) (stage 5) and finally first-order sensory association areas, premotor areas, as well as primary sensory and motor field (FC) (stage 6). Autoimmunity might play a role in PD pathogenesis. Here we analyzed whether anti-brain autoantibodies differentially recognize different human brain areas and identified autoantigens that correlate with the above-described dissemination of PD pathology in the brain. Brain tissue was obtained from deceased individuals with no history of neurological or psychiatric disease and no neuropathological abnormalities. Tissue homogenates from different brain regions (DM, SN, MC, HC, FC) were subjected to SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Blots were incubated with plasma samples from 30 PD patients and 30 control subjects and stained with anti-IgG antibodies to detect anti-brain autoantibodies. Signals were quantified. Prominent autoantigens were identified by 2D-gel-coupled mass spectrometry sequencing. Anti-brain autoantibodies are frequent and occur both in healthy controls and individuals with PD. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was identified as a prominent autoantigen recognized in all plasma samples. GFAP immunoreactivity was highest in DM areas and lowest in FC areas with no significant differences in anti-GFAP autoantibody titers between healthy controls and individuals with PD. The anti-GFAP autoimmunoreactivity of different brain areas correlates with the dissemination of histopathological neurodegeneration in PD. We hypothesize that GFAP autoantibodies are physiological but might be involved as a cofactor in PD pathogenesis secondary to a leakage of the blood–brain barrier.
Bacteria in the cavity-restoration interface after varying periods of clinical service — SEM description of distribution and 16S rRNA gene sequence identification of isolates
Authors: Arora Roopinder Kaur , Mordan Nicola J. , Spratt David A. , Ng Yuan Ling , Gulabivala Kishor
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To use extracted human teeth with amalgam (n = 26) or GIC (n = 3) restorations in service up to 20 years to evaluate microbiota at the cavity/restoration interface by SEM or culture.

Materials and methods

Extracted teeth with intracoronal restorations (n = 20) of known history (2–20 years) were fixed, split, and prepared for SEM to ascertain the pattern and structure of bacterial aggregates on cavity and restoration surfaces. Another 9 teeth were anaerobically decontaminated, split and sampled (cavity/restorations), and cultured (anaerobically, aerobically); recovered isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

SEM showed rods, cocci, and filaments in 11/20 teeth (55%) on cavity and corresponding restoration surfaces; 4/20 (20%) on neither surface; 1/20 (5%) on just cavity; and 4/20 (20%) on just restoration. Microbial growth extended from marginal openings into the deeper interfacial microspace to varying extents but was not always evident. Restoration size or age did not predict bacterial presence. Bacteria-free surfaces (cavity/amalgam) showed possible calcification. Cultivation yielded 160 isolates, mainly Gram-positive (86%) and facultative (81%); and morphotypes of rods (43%), cocci (36%), and cocco-bacilli (18%) belonging to Actinobacteria (45%) and Firmicutes (50%). The most frequent genera were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus. Biofilms on cavity and restoration appeared independent of each other.

Conclusions

Cavity and amalgam surfaces were independently colonised and some not. The penetration of microbiota into marginal gaps varied; resembled root caries and was dominated by Gram-positive species.

Clinical relevance

Marginal gaps around restorations are unavoidable but are not always colonised by bacteria after long-term clinical service. Calcification of biofilms in the restorative interface may prevent further colonisation. The viable microbiota in the restorative interface resembled root caries and may be subject to ecological fluxes of activity and arrest and therefore preventative management.