bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote housing for Indigenous children in the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia: A case study
Authors: Dockery Alfred M. , Sykes Erica
Published: December 2022

Poor‐quality and overcrowded housing in remote communities in Australia is widely seen to negatively impact Indigenous children's health and development. Despite widespread reports of, in some instances, quite appalling housing conditions, recent analyses of data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) found little evidence of adverse housing effects for Indigenous children living in very remote Australia. Given the apparent inconsistency in evidence coming from representative survey data and other accounts, a small‐scale case study was conducted in the Kimberley's Fitzroy Valley to gain greater insights into housing in very remote communities for families with school‐aged children. The LSIC very remote sample is confirmed to offer a good representation of housing conditions in these communities, based on replication of key housing data items in a small survey of Fitzroy Valley parents. While not apparent in those parent surveys, problems of severe overcrowding were highlighted in interviews with community leaders. Other issues raised included delays in maintenance and repairs and a lack of local input into housing management and associated employment, which was seen to disempower communities.
Comparison of risk factors for dementia among rural and urban elderly adults‐data from two cohort studies in India
Authors: Menesgere Abhishek , Sundarakumar Jonas S. , Shahul Hameed Shafeeq K. ,   SANSCOG & TLSA Study Teams, Ravindranath Vijayalakshmi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Studies on risk factors for dementia in India, especially rural India, are sparse and therefore we aimed to assess risk factors in a rural cohort on aging and compare it with an urban cohort.

Methods

We are presenting baseline data on proportion of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) scores in both cohorts.

Results

The rural cohort is younger and less educated than the urban cohort. The chi‐square test showed that the proportion of participants with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity was lower in the rural cohort, whereas physical inactivity was higher in comparison with the urban cohort; however, the proportion of high‐risk CAIDE scores was higher in the rural cohort.

Discussion

Despite the rural cohort having a smaller proportion of participants with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, the overall CAIDE score was higher—the main reason for this is low educational level.
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among aging veterans: Examining gene‐by‐environment interactions with post‐traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury
Authors: Logue Mark W. , Miller Mark W. , Sherva Richard , Zhang Rui , Harrington Kelly M. , Fonda Jennifer R. , Merritt Victoria C. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Hauger Richard L. , Wolf Erika J. , Neale Zoe , Gaziano J. Michael ,   the Million Veteran Program
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) confer risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).

Methods

This study from the Million Veteran Program (MVP) evaluated the impact of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4, PTSD, and TBI on ADRD prevalence in veteran cohorts of European ancestry (EA; n = 11,112 ADRD cases, 170,361 controls) and African ancestry (AA; n = 1443 ADRD cases, 16,191 controls). Additive‐scale interactions were estimated using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) statistic.

Results

PTSD, TBI, and APOE ε4 showed strong main‐effect associations with ADRD. RERI analysis revealed significant additive APOE ε4 interactions with PTSD and TBI in the EA cohort and TBI in the AA cohort. These additive interactions indicate that ADRD prevalence associated with PTSD and TBI increased with the number of inherited APOE ε4 alleles.

Discussion

PTSD and TBI history will be an important part of interpreting the results of ADRD genetic testing and doing accurate ADRD risk assessment.
Controlling orientation, polymorphism, and crystallinity in thin films of poly(lactic‐acid) homopolymer and stereocomplex aligned by high temperature rubbing
Authors: Brosset Marion , Herrmann Laurent , Kiefer Céline , Falher Thierry , Brinkmann Martin
Published: December 2022

High temperature rubbing is a fast and low‐cost method that can align semi‐crystalline polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by application of a shear‐force via a rotating cylinder covered with a microfiber cloth on a thin film maintained at high temperature. A multi technique approach uncovers the role of rubbing temperature and film thickness on the PLA thin film structure. Both poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and the stereo‐complex (SC‐PLA) can be readily aligned by high temperature rubbing. The rubbing temperature TR and the film thickness are the key parameters that control polymorphism, in‐plane orientation, crystallinity and contact plane of the polymer crystals. Rubbing PLLA films in the range 80–140°C affords different aligned polymorphs (mesophase, α′, α′ + α mixtures and pure α phase) depending on the rubbing temperature. Pure α form of PLLA with 53% crystallinity is obtained at TR = 140°C whereas pure oriented crystalline SC‐PLA films are obtained by rubbing at 200°C.
Utilizing the metaverse in anatomy and physiology
Authors: Moro Christian
Published: December 2022

Of the many disruptive technologies being introduced within modern curricula, the metaverse, is of particular interest for its ability to transform the environment in which students learn. The modern metaverse refers to a computer‐generated world which is networked, immersive, and allows users to interact with others by engaging a number of senses (including eyesight, hearing, kinesthesia, and proprioception). This multisensory involvement allows the learner to feel part of the virtual environment, in a way that somewhat resembles real‐world experiences. Socially, it allows learners to interact with others in real‐time regardless of where on earth they are located. This article outlines 20 use‐cases where the metaverse could be employed within a health sciences, medicine, anatomy, and physiology disciplines, considering the benefits for learning and engagement, as well as the potental risks.
Operational Validation of a Power Distribution Algorithm for a Modular Megawatt Battery Storage System
Authors: Koltermann Lucas , Jacqué Kevin , Figgener Jan , Zurmühlen Sebastian , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: December 2022

Large‐scale battery storage systems have become popular for various grid services in recent years. A worldwide market growth for battery storage has led to increased competition in several grid service markets. Modular large‐scale battery storage systems require a safe, highly available, and intelligent energy management system (EMS) in order to be economically competitive. One component of this EMS is the control for distributing the power requests between individual battery units of the large‐scale battery storage system. As the EMS is usually undisclosed intellectual property of the system manufacturers, there is only little information on real‐world operation available. To contribute, we present a rule‐based power distribution algorithm (SPDA) in this paper and validate it through field tests on a 6 MW/7.5 MWh system that is providing frequency containment reserve to the German power grid. The results show that especially when combining different battery technologies, the SPDA can exploit individual technological strengths. In this way, the state of charge of the batteries, energy throughput and power load of the batteries can be controlled to extend the lifetime. Moreover, the SPDA managed to shift nearly 80 % of the energy throughput to one battery unit to protect less cyclic stable batteries and make use of the advantage of cyclic stable battery technologies, while fulfilling all grid service requirements. By shifting those large quantities of the energy throughput to more cyclic stable battery units, the large‐scale battery storage system experienced in sum up to 45 % less cyclic aging with the SPDA than with a symmetrical power distribution algorithm. Furthermore, the operational efficiency of a large‐scale battery storage system can be significantly improved via additional software adaptations of the power distribution, depending on the system layout.
Synthesis and biological investigation of protein phosphatase 2A‐activating compounds with dimeric tail as non‐small cell lung cancer cell death agents
Authors: Kim Su Bin , Lee Taeho , Oh Yoon Sin , Park Eun‐Young , Baek Dong Jae
Published: December 2022

FTY720 exerts an anticancer effect through the activation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which acts as a tumor suppressor, and inhibits SK1 activity. However, FTY720 taken into the body is phosphorylated by endogenous SK2. The structure of FTY720 is well‐studied as a basis for developing SK inhibitors and PP2A activators. We synthesized analogs of PF‐543 with a dimeric tail structure and reported the efficacy of SK1 inhibition. The compounds with this structure had improved anticancer activity and stability compared with PF‐543. To confirm whether the dimeric tail structure could be applied as a PP2A‐active material, we synthesized four types of compounds with a dimeric tail structure and confirmed the anticancer activity and PP2A activation in A549 non‐small cell lung cancer cells. Compounds 2 and 4 were more cytotoxic to A549 cells than RB005, and induced similar levels of cytotoxic and PP2A activation as FTY720.
Sustainable development and greenwashing: How blockchain technology information can empower green consumers
Authors: Nygaard Arne , Silkoset Ragnhild
Published: December 2022

The unethical behavior of greenwashing threatens the growth of sustainable products and markets. Greenwashing degrades essential efforts to reduce climate change and pollution and to promote social justice. False marketing communication that claims products are sustainable hurts the value of green products and weakens customer capability to prefer sustainable to nonsustainable products. Greenwashing also eliminates trust in “green” products. Markets infected by fake “green” products ultimately fail to provide the necessary sustainable transformation. Our study demonstrates that consumer access to reliable transparent, traceable, and tamperproof product information counteracts perceived greenwashing among consumers of ecological foods. Furthermore, our data indicate that blockchain information significantly more than certification systems safeguard consumers against the threat of greenwashing. Information validating authenticity promotes the development of sustainable products, protects intellectual property rights for suppliers of green products, and safeguards the supply of green products to consumers. Consumers need key information that ensures the provenance of green products. Conventional wisdom endorses certifications to constrain greenwashing. However, we find that blockchain information dimensions protect brands against perceived greenwashing more robustly than certification systems.
Identification of Genes Essential for Fluorination and Sulfamylation within the Nucleocidin Gene Clusters of Streptomyces calvus and Streptomyces virens
Authors: Wojnowska Marta , Feng Xuan , Chen Yawen , Deng Hai , O'Hagan David
Published: December 2022

The gene cluster in Streptomyces calvus associated with the biosynthesis of the fluoro‐ and sulfamyl‐metabolite nucleocidin was interrogated by systematic gene knockouts. Out of the 26 gene deletions, most did not affect fluorometabolite production, nine abolished sulfamylation but not fluorination, and three precluded fluorination, but had no effect on sulfamylation. In addition to nucI, nucG, nucJ, nucK, nucL, nucN, nucO, nucQ and nucP, we identified two genes (nucW, nucA), belonging to a phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate (PAPS) gene cluster, as required for sulfamyl assembly. Three genes (orf(−3), orf2 and orf3) were found to be essential for fluorination, although the activities of their protein products are unknown. These genes as well as nucK, nucN, nucO and nucPNP, whose knockouts produced results differing from those described in a recent report, were also deleted in Streptomyces virens – with confirmatory outcomes. This genetic profile should inform biochemistry aimed at uncovering the enzymology behind nucleocidin biosynthesis.
Enhanced Production of Liquid Alkanes from Waste Polyethylene via the Electronic Effect‐Favored Csecondary−Csecondary Bond Cleavage
Authors: Lu Shenglu , Jing Yaxuan , Jia Shengchao , Shakouri Mohsen , Hu Yongfeng , Liu Xiaohui , Guo Yong , Wang Yanqin
Published: December 2022

Catalytic hydrogenolysis of polyethylene to liquid alkanes has drawn particular attention. However, it remains not very clear about the factors influencing the positions (internal Csecondary−Csecondary and terminal Csecondary−Cprimary bonds) of C−C bond cleavage. Here, we clarify the influence of Ru chemical state on the positions of C−C bond cleavage by designing two Ru/CeO2 catalysts with different Ru chemical states tuned by the metal‐support interaction. It is found that the positively charged Ru species favor the hydrogenolysis of the internal Csecondary−Csecondary bond, inhibiting methane production, because these Ruδ+ species enable the selective bonding with the internal Csecondary containing higher electron density through the electron‐donating effect of adjacent alkyl species instead of the terminal Cprimary. Furthermore, a simple Ru/CeO2−I catalyst with plenty of Ruδ+ species was designed and was efficient for the hydrogenolysis of real waste polyethylene plastics. This work would guide catalyst design to enhance the selective production of liquid alkanes.
Single Electrochemical Impacts of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 Bacteria for Living Cells Adsorption onto a Polarized Ultramicroelectrode Surface
Authors: Smida Hassiba , Lefèvre François‐Xavier , Thobie‐Gautier Christine , Boujtita Mohammed , Paquete Catarina M. , Lebègue Estelle
Published: December 2022

Single electrochemical impacts of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 Gram‐negative electroactive bacteria onto ultramicroelectrode surfaces are reported and in‐depth analysed. Chronoamperometry measurements recorded onto 10 μm‐diameter Pt and 7 μm‐diameter carbon fibre disk ultramicroelectrodes in a 20 mM potassium ferrocyanide aqueous solution in the presence of living bacteria show an electrostatic attraction of Shewanella cells onto the ultramicroelectrode surface polarized at +0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl. Single current step events analysis and atomic force microscopy experiments confirm the adsorption of living bacteria following the collision onto the ultramicroelectrode surface. The bacteria washing step before the chronoamperometry measurements leads to lower current step events related to the smaller size of the living cells. The electrostatic attraction of the negatively charged bacteria onto the positively charged ultramicroelectrode surface polarized at the oxidation potential of ferrocyanide is clearly demonstrated.
Modulating the Electrochemical Response of Eco‐Friendly Laser‐Pyrolyzed Paper Sensors Applied to Nitrite Determination
Authors: Gongoni Juliana L. M. , Filho Lauro A. P. , De Farias Davi M. , Arantes Iana V. S. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C.
Published: December 2022

Miniaturized paper‐based electrochemical sensors were fabricated using kraft paper and CO2 laser, dispensing the need for chemical reagents and controlled atmospheric conditions. This study initially evaluated the paper type and laser processing parameters, enhancing the electrodes′ robustness, electrochemical response, and electrical resistance. The sensors were also treated by applying −1 V for 60 s in 1.0 mol L−1 KCl, which is a simple and rapid procedure. The electrochemical treatment increased the electroactive area and roughness, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. These aspects helped modulate the sensors′ electrochemical response for nitrite determination, improving selectivity and sensitivity for this compound. The sensors also showed repeatability and batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, with 2.2 and 10 % RSD, respectively. Therefore, this work brings a protocol to fabricating competitive electrochemical sensors through a sustainable strategy, opening possibilities for designing new analytical systems.
Tuning Energy Transfer in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Fluorescence Turn‐on Sensing of Hg(II) Ions†
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Mal Arindam , Gui Bo , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Tuning Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in metal‐organic frameworks for fluorescence turn on sensing is rarely reported. Herein, we designed and synthesized several FRET‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with different donor/acceptor ratios. Through the oxidation of the acceptor, the FRET process in MOFs can be efficiently modulated so as to turn‐on the fluorescence of the framework in a controlled manner. Interestingly, the MOF with an optimized donor/acceptor ratio of 7.0 was used as an efficient fluorescence turn on sensor for Hg(II) ions with good sensitivity and selectivity. We believe our present study will not only give a useful method to construct fluorescence turn‐on sensors but also trigger the construction of novel FRET‐based MOFs for the fluorescence turn‐on sensing of target analytes in the future.
A Data Driven Approach to Support Tailored Clinical Programs for Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Guillen Elena , Ekman Niklas , Barry Sean , Weise Martina , Wolff‐Holz Elena
Published: December 2022

Biosimilar monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved in the European Union since 2013 and have been demonstrated to reduce healthcare costs and to expand patient access. Biosimilarity is mainly established on the basis of demonstrated similarity of relevant quality attributes (QAs), determined by comprehensive physiochemical and functional analyses, and demonstration of bioequivalence. In addition, comparative efficacy/safety studies have been requested for all approved biosimilar mAbs so far, although the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Guidelines state that such confirmatory clinical trials may not be necessary in specific circumstances. In order to evaluate the degree of analytical similarity, how residual uncertainty regarding biosimilarity was resolved, and the value of clinical data, we analyzed the quality and clinical data packages for authorized adalimumab (7 products) and bevacizumab (5 products) biosimilars. The percentage of biosimilar batches meeting the similarity range for QAs, as defined by the biosimilar manufacturer based on a comprehensive characterization of the EU reference product (RP), was determined and clinical data were reviewed. Our analyses show that QAs of approved adalimumab and bevacizumab biosimilars have varying concordance with the EU‐RP similarity range. In this study, we found that clinical efficacy data played a limited role in addressing quality concerns. Therefore, we encourage a regulatory review of the standards for clinical data requirements for mAb and fusion protein biosimilars. This study outlines a quality data driven approach for facilitating tailored clinical programs for biosimilars.
Highly Luminescent Blue Emitter with Balanced Hybridized Locally and Charge‐Transfer Excited‐States Emission
Authors: Wiefermann Julia , Kaminski Jeremy M. , Pankert Elisabeth , Hertel Dirk , Meerholz Klaus , Marian Christel M. , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: December 2022

In this work, we perform an in‐depth investigation of the optoelectronic properties of a blue emitter (4’’‐(diphenylamino)‐2’’‐methyl‐[1,1’:4’,1’’‐terphenyl]‐4‐carbonitrile), which was reported earlier. Lippert–Mataga analysis of the emission spectra obtained in solvents of varying polarity reveal charge transfer (CT) contributions to the first singlet excited state, S1. Multi‐reference quantum chemical calculations clearly show a balanced local excitation (LE) and CT character of the S1state and suggests the presence of a LE triplet state, T2, in its energetic vicinity. Finally, organic light emitting diodes (OLED) revealed blue emission at 451 nm and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 2 %, corresponding to an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of circa 10 %.
Optimizing Ramadan fasting: A randomised controlled trial for people with type 2 diabetes during Ramadan applying the principles of the ADA/EASD consensus
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud , Barker Mary Moffett , Ahmad Ehtasham , Ahmed Asma , Annabi Firas A. , Ba‐Essa Ebtesam M. , Davies Melanie J. , Houeiss Pamela , Iraqi Hinde , Masood Shabeen Naz , Mimouni‐Zerguini Safia , Shaikh Shehla , Tantawi Hyam , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: December 2022

Background

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting is not meant to create excessive hardship on the Muslim individual according to religious tenets. It is important that health professionals are aware of potential risks associated with fasting during the month of Ramadan (mainly hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia).

Aims

To explore the impact of applying the principles of our 2020 recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) during the month of Ramadan.

Methods

A multinational randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in five Muslim majority countries. Six hundred and sixty participants were deemed eligible for the study; however, 23% declined to participate later for various reasons. In total, 506 participants were enroled and were equally randomized to the intervention or the control group. At the end of the study, data from 231 participants in the intervention group and 221 participants from the control group were collected after 12.6% and 8.7% were, respectively, lost to follow‐up. Participants were randomized to receive a Ramadan‐focussed education with treatment for diabetes adjusted as per our 2020 recommendation update compared with the local usual care (control group). Results are presented using mean, standard deviation, odds ratio (OR), and percentages.

Results

At the end of the study, the number of hypoglycemic episodes in the intervention group was less than in participants who received usual care. The intervention group had significantly lower severe hypoglycemia compared to the control group with an OR of 0.2 [0.1–0.8]. Compared to baseline, both groups had a significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), but the improvements were significantly greater in the intervention group. Whilst body weight reduced and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol increased with the intervention, these changes were not significantly different from usual care.

Conclusions

A pre‐Ramadan assessment of people with T2D coupled with pre‐Ramadan education and an adjustment of glucose‐lowering treatment as per our updated 2020 recommendations can prevent acute complications and allow a safer fast for people with T2D. We have shown that such an approach reduces the risk of developing severe hypoglycemia and improves the metabolic outcomes in people with T2D.
Environmental filtering drives the assembly of mammal communities in a heterogeneous Mediterranean region
Authors: Suárez‐Tangil Bruno D. , Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: December 2022

Agricultural expansion and intensification are major drivers of global change. Quantifying the importance of different processes governing the assembly of local communities in agroecosystems is essential to guide the conservation effort allocated to enhancing habitat connectivity, improving habitat quality or managing species interactions. We used multiple detection methods to record the occurrence of medium‐sized and large‐sized mammals in three managed landscapes of a heterogeneous Mediterranean region. Then we used a joint species distribution model to evaluate the relative influence of dispersal limitation, environmental filtering, and interspecific interactions on the local assembly of mammal communities in 4‐km2 plots. The partitioning of the explained variation in species occurrence was attributed on average 99% to environmental filters and 1% to dispersal filters. No role was attributed to biotic filters, in agreement with the scarce support for strong competition or other negative interactions found after a literature review. Four principal environmental factors explained on average 63% of variance in species occurrence and operated mainly at the landscape scale. The amount of shrub cover in the neighboring landscape was the most influential factor favoring mammal occurrence and accounted for nearly one‐third of the total variance. The proportion of intensively managed croplands and proxies of human activity within landscape samples limited mammal presence. At the microhabitat scale (~80 m2 plots) the mean percentage area deprived of woody vegetation also had a negative effect. Functional traits such as body mass or social behavior accounted for a substantial fraction of the variation attributed to environmental factors. We concluded that multiscale environmental filtering governed local community assembly, whereas the role of dispersal limitation and interspecific interactions was negligible. Our results suggest that further removal of shrubland, the expansion of intensive agriculture, and the increase of human activity are expected to result in species losses. The fact that community integrity responds to a single type of ecological process simplifies practical recommendations. Management strategies should focus on the conservation and restoration of shrubland, adopting alternatives to intensive schemes of agricultural production, and minimizing recreational and other human activities in remnant natural habitats within agroecosystems or mosaic landscapes.
Fatal mobbing and attack of the common cuckoo by its warbler hosts
Authors: Zhao Huahua , Luo Haixia , Yan Hanlin , He Gangbin , Wang Longwu , Liang Wei
Published: December 2022

Nest defense is an effective strategy of hosts against parasites. Typically, hosts will aggressively attack brood parasites that approach or visit their nests, which can prevent the parasites from laying eggs or may even lead to the death of the parasites. Few previous studies have specifically reported such fatal cases involving brood parasites and have attributed the cause of death to either drowning or hypothermia after falling into the water following an attack from hosts. In this study, we recorded the process of multiple host individuals of the Oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis) mobbing and attacking a female common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) in the field. We discovered that the immediate cause of the cuckoo's death was the fatal physical damage resulting from the aggressive defense from the hosts, suggesting that frantic pecking and scratching by the hosts is the most proximate cause of mortality among egg‐laying female cuckoos. This finding enhances our essential understanding of the effectiveness of host attacks.
Sex‐related differences in left ventricular assist device utilization and outcomes: results from the PCHF‐VAD registry
Authors: Radhoe Sumant P. , Jakus Nina , Veenis Jesse F. , Timmermans Philippe , Pouleur Anne‐Catherine , Rubís Pawel , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M. , Gaizauskas Edvinas , Barge‐Caballero Eduardo , Paolillo Stefania , Grundmann Sebastian , D'Amario Domenico , Braun Oscar Ö. , Gkouziouta Aggeliki , Planinc Ivo , Macek Jana Ljubas , Meyns Bart , Droogne Walter , Wierzbicki Karol , Holcman Katarzyna , Flammer Andreas J. , Gasparovic Hrvoje , Biocina Bojan , Milicic Davor , Lund Lars H. , Ruschitzka Frank , Brugts Jasper J. , Cikes Maja
Published: December 2022

Aims

Data on sex and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) utilization and outcomes have been conflicting and mostly confined to US studies incorporating older devices. This study aimed to investigate sex‐related differences in LVAD utilization and outcomes in a contemporary European LVAD cohort.

Methods and results

This analysis is part of the multicentre PCHF‐VAD registry studying continuous‐flow LVAD patients. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventricular arrhythmias, right ventricular failure, bleeding, thromboembolism, and the haemocompatibility score. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess associations between sex and outcomes. Overall, 457 men (81%) and 105 women (19%) were analysed. At LVAD implant, women were more often in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1 or 2 (55% vs. 41%, P = 0.009) and more often required temporary mechanical circulatory support (39% vs. 23%, P = 0.001). Mean age was comparable (52.1 vs. 53.4 years, P = 0.33), and median follow‐up duration was 344 [range 147–823] days for women and 435 [range 190–816] days for men (P = 0.40). No significant sex‐related differences were found in all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79 for female vs. male sex, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.50–1.27]). Female LVAD patients had a lower risk of ventricular arrhythmias (HR 0.56, 95% CI [0.33–0.95]) but more often experienced right ventricular failure. No significant sex‐related differences were found in other outcomes.

Conclusions

In this contemporary European cohort of LVAD patients, far fewer women than men underwent LVAD implantation despite similar clinical outcomes. This is important as the proportion of female LVAD patients (19%) was lower than the proportion of females with advanced HF as reported in previous studies, suggesting underutilization. Also, female patients were remarkably more often in INTERMACS profile 1 or 2, suggesting later referral for LVAD therapy. Additional research in female patients is warranted.
Seismic demand on non‐structural elements for quantifying seismic performance factors
Authors: Rodriguez Derek , Perrone Daniele , Filiatrault Andre
Published: December 2022

The quantification of non‐structural seismic performance factors is a crucial step to improve the seismic performance of non‐structural elements (NSEs). Non‐structural seismic performance factors currently included in modern seismic design provisions are mainly based on engineering judgment and have not been calibrated to meet specific performance objectives. This makes the seismic performance of NSEs designed according to force‐based procedures uncertain at best. Previous studies have proposed a general framework for the quantification of non‐structural seismic performance factors. However, due to the necessity of considering the supporting structure dynamic properties in the estimation of the seismic demand, the required computational overhead can make the process unfeasible in some cases depending on the target supporting structure population and the pursued performance objectives. This paper proposes a procedure to estimate the seismic demand on NSEs for the quantification of non‐structural seismic performance factors that drastically reduces the required computational overhead. The proposed procedure makes use of synthetic floor accelerograms to describe in terms of seismic demand an entire population of supporting structures and ground motion sets. The proposed procedure is validated against a complete multiple‐stripe non‐linear time history analysis by deriving and comparing fragility curves. The results of the validation demonstrate that the proposed procedure is able to derive fragility curves that closely match the ones generated by using a multiple‐stripe analyses with remarkable savings in computational time and output storage size.
Stability of ellagitannins in processing products of selected Fragaria fruit during 12 months of storage
Authors: Hejduk Agnieszka , Sójka Michał , Klewicki Robert
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the stability of ellagitannins (ETs), ellagic acid, and conjugates (EAC) in unclarified juices and purees produced from two selected berries of the Rosaceae family, genus Fragaria. A total of 16 ellagitannins have been identified in the products. Stability studies were carried out for 1 year in three temperature variants: −20, 4, and 20°C (±2°C). The quantitative and qualitative determinations of ETs + EAC were performed every 3 months using the HPLC‐DAD and LC–MS techniques. An important element of the research was also the determination of ETs transformations that occur in juices and purees during storage. The stability of ETs + EAC is primarily determined by the temperature and storage time as well as the matrix. After 1 year of storage at −20°C, the sum of ETs and EAC did not decrease in strawberry juice. On the other hand, the decrease was shown at the level of 30 and 20% at temperatures of 4 and 20°C, respectively. In strawberry purees, a decrease in ETs + EAC of 15–28% was recorded during storage in all three temperature variants. After 1 year, in wild strawberry juice, 20–50% of ellagitannin decreased, in puree the decrease in ETs + EAC concentration was 40–54%. With increasing temperature, the percentage of compounds with lower molecular weight increased—from 10 to 14% at temperatures of 4 and 20°C, respectively. At the temperature of −20°C, the proportion of low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight compounds remained stable in each case.
Patterns of sleep disturbances across stages of cognitive decline
Authors: Gallagher Virginia T. , Reilly Shannon E. , Williams Ishan C. , Mattos Meghan , Manning Carol
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate insomnia symptoms and excessive sleep/sluggishness across stages of cognitive decline (cognitively normal [CN], Cognitively Impairment, Not Demented [CIND], dementia) in a large, racially/ethnically diverse sample of older adults (70+) in the US. We also examined whether sleep disturbances at baseline predicted conversion to CIND or dementia at follow‐up.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) supplement of the Health Retirement Study, we analyzed patterns of informant‐reported insomnia and excessive sleep symptoms among three groups of older adults (n = 846): CN, CIND, and dementia.

Results

CIND adults were significantly more likely to have informant‐reported insomnia symptoms than those in the CN group (p = 0.013). This was driven by a significant race/ethnicity‐by‐insomnia interaction with diagnostic status (p = 0.029), such that CIND Black and Hispanic older adults had increased insomnia symptom rates compared to CN, whereas White adults had similar insomnia symptoms across diagnostic status. Across all racial/ethnic groups, the prevalence of excessive sleep symptoms increased stepwise from CN to CIND to dementia (p < 0.001). Overall, insomnia symptoms at baseline predicted conversion from CN to CIND (p < 0.001, OR = 0.288; 95% CI: 0.143‐0.580) at 4‐year (approximate) follow‐up; there was no relationship between baseline insomnia or excessive sleep/sluggishness symptoms and conversion from CIND to dementia.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the increased risk of insomnia symptoms among Hispanic and Black older adults with CIND, and indicates that insomnia symptoms may be associated with increased risk for development of cognitive impairment.
Socioeconomic and epidemiological milieu of maternal death due to eclampsia in West Bengal, India: A mixed methods study
Authors: Sk Md Illias Kanchan
Published: December 2022

Background

West Bengal is experiencing an unanticipated risk of eclampsia among pregnant women and it persists as the leading cause of maternal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the predictors for maternal deaths due to eclampsia in West Bengal.

Methods

The study adopted retrospective mixed methods covering facility and community‐based maternal death review approaches. Facility‐based data were used for 317 deceased cases wherein the community‐based review approach was used in 40 cases. An in‐depth interview was also performed among 12 caregivers.

Results

One‐third of maternal deaths occurred due to eclampsia, and this accounted for the leading cause of maternal deaths in West Bengal. A younger age, a primigravida or nulliparous status, absence of antenatal care (ANC), and residence in rural areas appeared to have the highest risk of developing eclampsia. The majority of pregnant women had an irregular antenatal check‐up history, particularly during the second trimester of pregnancy. The rate of eclampsia‐related maternal death was higher in women residing more than 49 km from the studied hospitals. Most of the deceased women were referred to three or more hospitals before their death. Gravidity, the number of ANC visits, the mode of delivery, and delays at different levels were significant confounders of death due to eclampsia. The risk of death due to eclampsia was two times higher among women without ANC and those who had a cesarean section than that in their counterparts.

Conclusions

Women in West Bengal have a high risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia resulting in maternal mortality and morbidity. Gravidity, the number of ANC visits, the mode of delivery, and delays in recognition of eclampsia contribute to the risk of maternal deaths. The establishment of separate eclampsia units, enhanced screening, and preventive and treatment procedures may optimize managing eclampsia.
Ninety‐day mortality following transoral robotic surgery or radiation at Commission on Cancer‐accredited facilities
Authors: Janopaul‐Naylor James R. , Rupji Manali , Tobillo Rachel A. , Lorenz Joshua W. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Tian Sibo , Kaka Azeem S. , Qian David C. , Schlafstein Ashley J. , Steuer Conor E. , Remick Jill S. , Rudra Soumon , McDonald Mark W. , Saba Nabil F. , Stokes William A. , Patel Mihir R. , Bates James E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Postoperative mortality for oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) varies from 0.2% to 6.5% on trials; the real‐world rate is unknown.

Methods

NCDB study from 2010 to 2017 for patients with cT1‐2N0‐2M0 OPSCC with Charleson–Deyo score 0–1. Ninety‐day mortality assessed from start and end of treatment at Commission on Cancer‐accredited facilities.

Results

3639 patients were treated with TORS and 1937 with radiotherapy. TORS cohort had more women and higher income, was younger, more often treated at academic centers, and more likely to have private insurance (all p < 0.05). Ninety‐day mortality was 1.3% with TORS and 0.7% or 1.4% from start or end of radiotherapy, respectively. From end of therapy, there was no significant difference on MVA between treatment modality.

Conclusions

There is minimal difference between 90‐day mortality in patients treated with TORS or radiotherapy for early‐stage OPSCC. While overall rates are low, for patients with expectation of cure, work is needed to identify optimal treatment.
Investigating the effectiveness of employing clinical faculty members in the shift work system during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gilavand Abdolreza
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Having an accurate attitude about shift work and choosing the right people to work in the shift work system increases organizational productivity and improves the employees' life quality. Consequently, the current research investigates the effectiveness of employing clinical faculty members in the shift work system during the Covid‐19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

In this descriptive study, 71 Iranian clinical faculty members with a history of shift work (night shift) during the Covid‐19 pandemic participated. Circadian Type Inventory (CTI) was used to collect data.

Results

Based on the results of this research (Flexible/Rigid = Mean ± SD = 2.47 ± 18.17) and (Languid/Vigorous = Mean ± SD = 2.89 ± 15.35) which revealed that although clinical faculty members in normal conditions can overcome the feeling of sleepiness due to lack of sleep, they are not flexible and cannot work in the shift work system with the ability to stay awake at unusual times of the day or night. Pearson's correlation coefficient test also showed that as the value of the Languid/Vigorous component increases, the value of the Flexible/Rigid component also increases (r = 0.410). Likewise, there was no significant relationship between the main research variables and demographic characteristics.

Discussion and Conclusion

Clinical faculty members who are simultaneously responsible for the duties of teaching students, research, and treating patients, if they are employed in a shift work system, especially during the pandemic, it may lead to a decrease in the quality of teaching, lack of motivation in research and indifference toward students' affairs, reducing flexibility, inability to update what they have learned in the professional world, increasing medical errors and also reducing their ability to manage the class. Consequently, it is suggested to avoid using them in the shift work systems as much as possible.
Estimation of hydraulic parameters in a heterogeneous low‐lying farmland near Venice
Authors: Zancanaro Ester , Zoccarato Claudia , Morari Francesco , Teatini Pietro
Published: December 2022

Estimating the hydraulic properties of the vadose zone is essential to understand soil‐water dynamics and achieving appropriate water management in agricultural lands. Inverse modelling methods are commonly used to estimate hydraulic properties from field observations. Unlike the extensively applied local search methodologies, data assimilation techniques can fully account for multiple uncertainties and are becoming a widely used tool for estimating hydraulic parameters. However, only few applications on real field tests are available. The main objective of this study was to estimate the van Genuchten‐Mualem (VGM) parameters and the saturated hydraulic conductivity () of a heterogeneous low‐lying farmland at the margin of the Venice Lagoon, Italy, characterized by high peat content, sandy drifts, and a very shallow water table. To this end, two methods were tested, that is, the Ensemble Smoother (ES) and the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm associated with hydrological modelling performed with Hydrus‐1D. Volumetric water content (VWC) observations were collected at three monitoring sites from May to September 2011. Results on parameters highlighted that the ES technique effectively reduced the uncertainty of and , but it was less effective on and . The results on VWC showed that the ES efficiency decreased with the increasing non‐linearity of the system (e.g., higher sand content) and when the variability of the experimental data was lower (e.g., deepest soil layers where saturation remained permanently close to 1). Both LM and ES allowed to reproduce the VWC observations in the calibration and validation phases, with the former and the latter performing better in the case of sandy and peat soils, respectively. As concerns the method applicability, the ES was less time‐demanding as it efficiently updated all the parameters at once and was less dependent on the user choices. Finally, the paper points out the importance of previous knowledge of the VGM parameters (e.g., from lab hydraulic analyses) in defining the constraints for the optimization.
Integrated brain on a chip and automated organ‐on‐chips systems
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhao Yimeng , Lv Xuefei , Deng Yulin
Published: December 2022

The nervous system plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating with the external environment. However, the incidence of neurological diseases is high and increasing year by year. Long drug development cycles, low efficacy, improper models and other bottlenecks restrict the prevention and treatment of diseases. Organ‐on‐chips (OOCs), as in vitro constructed organ microsystems, have made remarkable progress in recent years. The blood–brain barrier chip, neurovascular unit chip, nerve signal transduction chip, and other chips related to brain function have been widely studied. However, in vitro modeling of complex biological systems remains a major challenge for OOCs. The future development goal of OOC is to realize automatic culture, organ function simulation, and real‐time monitoring of physiological and biochemical indicators. In this paper, a strategy for optimizing the structure and functional interface of cell‐derived modules is presented, and a specific model of the automated integration system is proposed. It aims to build standardized and commercial chips related to brain functions and systems by integrating multidisciplinary strengths. In addition, it will drive the progress of life science research, disease modeling, and drug research and promote the development of related industries.
Diamond‐like carbon films prepared by a low temperature periodic process for application in ventricular assist devices
Authors: Jing Peipei , Zhang Meili , Chan Chris H. H. , Jing Fengjuan , Pauls Jo P. , Dargusch Matthew S. , Fraser John F. , Leng Yongxiang
Published: December 2022

Due to the poor tribological properties of titanium (Ti) and its alloy Ti6Al4V (commonly used for ventricular assist devices manufacturing), diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films with excellent anti‐wear properties are pursued to improve the wear resistance of Ti and its alloys. Considering the effect of temperature on magnets inside pump impellers and workpiece deformation, DLC films are preferred to be prepared under low temperature. In this study, DLC films were prepared on Ti6Al4V alloys by periodic and continuous processes, and the corresponding maximum deposition temperature was 85 and 154°C, respectively. The periodic DLC films exhibited the feature of columnar structure, and the surface hillocks were less uniform than that of continuous DLC films. The periodic DLC films possessed more sp3‐bonded structures, and the accessorial sp3‐bonding mainly existed in the form of CH. Compared to continuous DLC films, the periodic DLC films had lower residual stress and better adhesion with Ti6Al4V substrates. Both DLC films could effectively reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of Ti6Al4V alloys both in air and fetal bovine serum (FBS), and the periodic DLC films exhibited superior anti‐wear properties to that of continuous DLC films in FBS. Haemocompatibility evaluation revealed that both DLC films presented similar levels of more human platelet adhesion and activation as compared with that of bare Ti6Al4V. However, both DLC films significantly prolonged plasma clotting time in comparison to bare Ti6Al4V. This study demonstrates the potential of low‐temperature DLC films as wear‐resistant surface modification for VADs.
Hybrid digital manufacturing: Capturing the value of digitalization
Authors: Stark Andreas , Ferm Kenneth , Hanson Robin , Johansson Mats , Khajavi Siavash , Medbo Lars , Öhman Mikael , Holmström Jan
Published: December 2022

A chasm is growing between the advanced technologies available for improving manufacturing operations and those effectively used in practice. The vision of Industry 4.0 is to mobilize industry to seek out these possibilities for improvement and to close the gap between opportunity and reality. However, when compared with more established improvement opportunities such as lean manufacturing, the digitalization of manufacturing lacks in both paradigmatic examples and an understanding of how to achieve the benefits. This lack is a complication of concern: Without an appropriate operations strategy to capture the value of digitalization, manufacturing companies will be unable to focus on technological investments and operational changes. To address this concern, operations management academics must develop new theory through active engagement in the practice of digitalization in manufacturing. This research presents a paradigmatic example, based on engaged scholarship, focused on effectively combining novel object‐interactive and conventional manufacturing syntax for benefiting from digitalization in internal operations and the wider supply chain. The contribution to literature is a novel operations strategy—hybrid digital manufacturing—for capturing the value of Industry 4.0 technologies.