bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency and impact of musculoskeletal symptoms on quality of life in MEN2B
Authors: Henderson James W. , Montebello Annalisa , Grey Joanna , Druce Maralyn
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the impact of musculoskeletal (MSK)‐related symptoms on the quality of life of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2b (MEN2B).

Design

An online survey was distributed by the Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders (AMEND) to their members and worldwide via a social media group for MEN2B patients.

Methods

The survey consisted of a detailed questionnaire analysing the MSK‐related symptoms and structural deformities of MEN2B patients and their impact on patient's lives.

Participants

Forty‐eight participants completed the survey.

Results

Participants reported several musculoskeletal complaints; the most prevalent being musculoskeletal weakness at 73% (n = 35) and pain 58% (n = 28). The median pain score was 7 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5–8) and the frequency of pain was daily in 44% (n = 15) and constant in 21% (n = 7). Structural complaints were common with 63% (n = 30) stating their physique was ‘different' and 40% (n = 19) describing marfanoid body features. Spinal curvature and foot deformities were the commonest structural abnormalities with scoliosis 70% (n = 16) and pes cavus 63% (n = 22) prevailing. Dental problems were mentioned by 69% (n = 33) with interdental spacing being the most common complaint at 61% (n = 20). The musculoskeletal symptoms of MEN2B had a median impact of 6 (IQR: 3–9) on quality of life (QOL) with structural deformities 53% (n = 18) and pain 26% (n = 9) listed as having the highest impact. Poor MSK health affected exercise, work and mobility.

Conclusions

We report a high prevalence of musculoskeletal‐related complaints in MEN2B which significantly affects QOL. This suggests a need to provide better holistic care including a multidisciplinary team with physiotherapist, orthopaedic and dental specialist input.
Loss‐of‐function mutations in SGCE found in Japanese patients with myoclonus‐dystonia
Authors: Azuma Kenko , Horisawa Shiro , Mashimo Hideaki , Fukuda Mitsumasa , Kumada Satoko , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi , Akagawa Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

SGCE myoclonus‐dystonia is a monogenic form of dystonia with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance that co‐occurs with a myoclonic jerk. In this study, we present 12 Japanese patients from nine families with this disease. Targeted next‐generation sequencing covering major causative genes for monogenic dystonias identified nine distinct SGCE mutations from each of the families: three nonsense, two frameshift, two missense, one in‐frame 15 bp deletion, and one splice donor site mutations, of which four were previously unreported. One missense mutation (c.662G>T, p.Gly221Val) was located at the 3′ end of exon 5 (NM_001099400), which was predicted to cause aberrant splicing according to in silico predictions. Minigene assays performed together with the c.825+1G>C mutation demonstrated complete skipping of exon 5 and 6, respectively, in their transcripts. The other missense (c.1345A>G, p.Met449Val) and 15 bp deletion (c.168_182del, p.Phe58_Leu62del) mutations showed a significant reduction in cell membrane expression via HiBiT bioluminescence assay. Therefore, we concluded that all the detected mutations were disease‐causing. Unlike the other detected mutations, p.Met449Val affects only isoform 3 (NP_001092870 encoded by NM_001099400) among the variously known isoforms of SGCE. This isoform is brain‐specific and is mostly expressed in the cerebellum, which supports recent studies showing that cerebellar dysfunction is a key element in the pathophysiology of SGCE myoclonus‐dystonia.
Diagnostik und Therapie von Mycobacterium‐marinum‐Infektionen: Ergebnisse einer retrospektiven monozentrischen Studie
Authors: Strobel Katharina , Sickenberger Christina , Schoen Christoph , Kneitz Hermann , Kolb‐Mäurer Annette , Goebeler Matthias
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund und Ziele: In Europa sind Infektionen mit Mycobacterium (M.) marinum selten. Wir führten eine retrospektive Studie durch, um klinisches Spektrum sowie Diagnostik, Therapie und Ergebnisse von M.‐marinum‐Infektionen unter praxisnahen Bedingungen zu analysieren.

Patienten und Methodik: In der Datenbank des Universitätsklinikums Würzburg wurden zwischen 1998 und 2018 18 Patienten mit M.‐marinum‐Infektionen identifiziert.

Ergebnisse: Zwölf Betroffene berichteten über eine Exposition gegenüber Zierfischaquarien oder Teichen. Sechzehn Patienten präsentierten Hautläsionen an den oberen Extremitäten. Es wurden keine invasiven Infektionen beobachtet. Der durchschnittliche Zeitraum bis zur Diagnosestellung betrug 15 Wochen. Bei 14 Patienten ergab die Histologie eine granulomatöse Entzündung. In 16 Fällen gelang der kulturelle Nachweis. Die meisten Patienten erhielten eine Antibiotika‐Monotherapie (14/18), in vier Fällen wurde eine Kombinationstherapie verabreicht. Die Behandlung (mediane Dauer von 10 Wochen) war bei 13 Patienten erfolgreich. Fünf Patienten stellten sich im Therapieverlauf nicht wieder vor.

Schlussfolgerungen: Unsere retrospektive Analyse von M.‐marinum‐Infektionen an einem tertiären Referenzzentrum in Deutschland zeigte eine erhebliche zeitliche Verzögerung in der Diagnosestellung und belegt die Bedeutung von mikrobiologischer Kultur, PCR und Histologie. Eine Monotherapie mit Clarithromycin (anstelle von Doxycyclin) erwies sich als geeignet, während die Behandlung bei immunsupprimierten oder ‐geschwächten Patienten und bei ausgedehnten Befunden durch eine Kombinationstherapie ergänzt wurde.
Thyroid hormone‐dependent and independent processes of red blood cell transition from larval to adult type during metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Yamaguchi Masahiro , Kawaguchi Yui , Minami Shohta , Matsuda Iyo , Hirooka Asuka , Yamakawa Natsumi , Ikoma Akiho , Ikai Waku , Kinoshita Tsutomu
Published: September 2022

Amphibian metamorphosis results in drastic whole‐body remodeling. Thyroid hormone (TH) drives most of these metamorphic changes. A prominent event during this remodeling is the red blood cell (RBC) transition from larval to adult forms, which exclusively contain larval and adult hemoglobin, respectively. However, the role of TH in RBC transition remains unclear. Here we reconfirmed that RBC transition of Xenopus laevis is completed much later than morphological metamorphosis. Further, larval and adult RBCs/erythroblasts proliferated both in the erythropoietic liver and in circulation during metamorphic climax. RBC transition was also confirmed in Rana ornativentris, but in contrast to X. laevis, adult RBC‐specific proliferation was observed from the early climax stages. We also revealed in either species that RBC transition occurs in the liver prior to circulating RBCs. Moreover, anemia induction using phenylhydrazine during the prometamorphosis of X. laevis caused precocious RBC transition even when TH synthesis was blocked, resulting in metamorphosis‐arrested larvae in which most of RBCs were of adult type. These results indicate that a decline in larval RBCs facilitates RBC transition during metamorphosis in a TH‐independent manner. Further, combined administration of phenylhydrazine and TH induced precocious appearance of adult RBCs in early prometamorphic X. laevis tadpoles, whereas individual treatment with phenylhydrazine or TH did not cause precocious RBC transition; this suggests that TH is required to initiate RBC transition by promoting the differentiation of adult erythroblasts during early prometamorphosis in X. laevis. These results show that TH‐dependent and independent processes are present in RBC transition in X. laevis.
Participation‐related constructs and participation of children with additional support needs in schools
Authors: Maciver Donald , Roy Anusua Singh , Johnston Lorna , Tyagi Vaibhav , Arakelyan Stella , Kramer Jessica M. , Richmond Janet , Romero‐Ayuso Dulce , Nakamura‐Thomas Hiromi ,   SPQ Study Group
Published: September 2022

Aim

To investigate associations between participation‐related constructs and participation frequency and involvement in inclusive schools.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, teachers of children with additional support needs, including intellectual disability, autism, and learning difficulties, completed measures. Participation‐related constructs were measured using the School Participation Questionnaire; participation frequency and involvement were measured using the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth. A series of multilevel linear mixed‐effects regression models with maximum likelihood estimates and bootstrap confidence intervals with p‐values were obtained. Final models included participation‐related constructs and participation, controlling for demographic and diagnostic confounders (including age, sex, language, level of school support, and autism).

Results

Six hundred and eighty‐eight children (448 [65.1%] males; mean age 8 years 7 months [range 4 years 10 months–12 years 13 months, standard deviation 2 years 1 months]) were assessed by 252 teachers. Across a series of models, participation‐related constructs were consistently associated with more intensive participation (competence, environment, identity p < 0.001; symptoms p = 0.007), independent of confounders. More frequent participation remained associated with three of four participation‐related constructs (competence, identity p < 0.001; environment p = 0.021). Age (p = 0.046), language (p = 0.002), and level of school support (p = 0.039) also remained significantly associated with frequency of participation.

Interpretation

Children with additional support needs in inclusive schools may have several participation barriers. Policies and interventions to improve participation are needed.

What this paper adds

Across a series of models, participation‐related constructs were associated with frequency and intensity of participation.

Only participation‐related constructs were associated with participation intensity.

Demographic and diagnostic variables were associated with frequency, not intensity, of participation.

Teacher assessment is valid for assessment of participation and participation‐related constructs.
Early detection of the oak wilt fungus (Bretziella fagacearum) using trapped nitidulid beetle vectors
Authors: McLaughlin Kelsey , Snover‐Clift Karen , Somers Liam , Cancelliere Jessica , Cole Robert
Published: September 2022

As the range of the oak wilt fungal pathogen expands, it will become increasingly important for land managers to have early detection tools to find the disease before it becomes locally established and causes environmental and economic losses. New York State has been at the leading edge of the disease's range since 2008 and intensively surveys for and manages the disease to protect the state's oak resource. The oak wilt fungus was successfully detected using double‐nested PCR on nitidulids wet‐collected in multi‐funnel traps, suggesting we can find it on the landscape before symptomatic trees are detected. From 2019 to 2021, 10–13 percent of beetle samples were PCR positive for the oak wilt fungus, including sites in New York where oak wilt had been treated and ‘early detection’ sites where infected trees had never been found. Our method is also useful for identifying local associates, such as Carpophilus lugubris in New York. While some obstacles exist, such as the efficiency of sampling and the ability to trace positive nitidulid samples back to infected trees, with more development this tool will be another useful option for land managers in detecting and managing oak wilt.
Local stressors mask the effects of warming in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Morris Olivia F. , Loewen Charlie J. G. , Woodward Guy , Schäfer Ralf B. , Piggott Jeremy J. , Vinebrooke Rolf D. , Jackson Michelle C.
Published: September 2022

Climate warming is a ubiquitous stressor in freshwater ecosystems, yet its interactive effects with other stressors are poorly understood. We address this knowledge gap by testing the ability of three contrasting null models to predict the joint impacts of warming and a range of other aquatic stressors using a new database of 296 experimental combinations. Despite concerns that stressors will interact to cause synergisms, we found that net impacts were usually best explained by the effect of the stronger stressor alone (the dominance null model), especially if this stressor was a local disturbance associated with human land use. Prediction accuracy depended on stressor identity and how asymmetric stressors were in the magnitude of their effects. These findings suggest we can effectively predict the impacts of multiple stressors by focusing on the stronger stressor, as habitat alteration, nutrients and contamination often override the biological consequences of higher temperatures in freshwater ecosystems.
Drugs–Protein affinity‐score prediction using deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Sharma Moolchand , Deswal Suman
Published: September 2022

Drug discovery involves identifying novel drug–target (DT) interactions. Most proposed computer models for predicting drug–target interactions have emphasized binary classification, but the aim is to determine whether two drug targets interact. However, it is more practical but more challenging to anticipate the binding affinity, which evaluates the strength of a DT pair's association. The drug may not work if the binding affinity is not strong enough. Due to this reason, we need an expert system for predicting the affinity score between the drug and target protein. Advanced deep learning techniques can predict binding affinities because there are more new public affinity data in databases related to DT. This paper uses a comparative analysis of different drug and protein‐encoding techniques to predict DT binding affinities based on similarities between drugs and proteins. The validation results on the standard dataset show that the proposed model is an excellent way to predict how well DT binds and can be very helpful in the process of new drugs. Hence, the model on the DAVIS dataset achieved a higher concordance index, that is, 0.897, and the lowest mean square error, that is, 0.226; for the KIBA dataset, the concordance index score achieved is 0.867, and the mean square error is 0.191. The findings are compared to baseline methods using some evaluation parameters, including the mean squared error and the concordance index.
The effects of temperature extremes on survival in two semi‐arid Australian bird communities over three decades, with predictions to 2104
Authors: Gardner Janet L. , Clayton Mark , Allen Richard , Stein John , Bonnet Timothée
Published: September 2022

Aim

Organisms in arid and semi‐arid regions are frequently exposed to climatic extremes and accordingly among the most vulnerable to climate change. Studies of seasonal differences in vital rates, which mediate effects of climate on viability, are rare in arid species, limiting ability to project population trends. We quantified survival patterns for two bird communities as a function of exposure to temperature extremes in winter and summer, then projected survival patterns to 2104.

Location

Semi‐arid eastern Australia.

Time period

1986–2016; 1986–2104.

Major taxa studied

Birds.

Methods

Using mark–recapture time‐dependent Cormack–Jolly–Seber models and data for 37 species from two >30‐year ringing programmes, we tested for effects on 6‐monthly survival of exposure to temperatures >38 and <0°C. We then predicted future survival for different emission scenarios, testing whether changes in survival associated with warming winters would be sufficient to offset the effects of rising summer temperatures.

Results

Survival probability declined strongly with increasing exposure to days >38°C and to a lesser extent to days <0°C, with temperature extremes explaining 43 and 13% of temporal variation in survival among years, respectively. Summer survival patterns were similar across avian guilds but only survival of nectarivores declined in winter. Our models predict that gains in winter survival will not offset reductions in summer survival. Annual survival is predicted to decline substantially by the end of the century: from .63 in 1986 to .43 in 2104 under an optimistic emission scenario and to .11 under a pessimistic scenario.

Main conclusions

We highlight the significance of temperature extremes for species' persistence in arid and semi‐arid regions, comprising 70% of Australia's landmass, and 40% globally. Our demography‐based results are consistent with physiological‐based projections evaluating avian survival in arid and semi‐arid regions globally and suggest rising summer temperatures pose a risk to population persistence in these regions.
Recommendations for community pharmacy to improve access to medication advice for people from ethnic minority communities: A qualitative person‐centred codesign study
Authors: Robinson Anna , O'Brien Nicola , Sile Laura , Guraya Harpreet K. , Govind Thorrun , Harris Vicki , Pilkington Guy , Todd Adam , Husband Andy
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Medicines‐centred consultations are vital to support medicine effectiveness and optimize health outcomes for patients. However, inequalities negatively impact ethnic minority populations when accessing medicines advice. It is important to identify opportunities to improve access for these communities however, knowledge of how best to achieve this is lacking; this study will generate recommendations to improve access to medicines advice from community pharmacies for people from ethnic minority communities.

Methods

A series of codesign workshops, with four groups of patient‐stakeholders, were conducted between September–November 2021; they took place in‐person or via video call (adhering to COVID‐19 restrictions). Existing evidence‐based perceptions affecting access to medicines advice were critiqued and recommendations were generated, by use of reflexive thematic analysis, to improve access for ethnic minority patients. The workshops were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. QSR NVivo (Version 12) facilitated data analysis.

Results

Twelve participants were recruited using purposive sampling; including eight UK citizens, two asylum seekers and two participants in receipt of residency visas. In total, four different ethnic minority groups were represented. Each participant took part in a first and second workshop to share and cocreate recommendations to improve access to medicines advice in community pharmacies. Three recommendations were developed and centred on: (i) delivering and providing culturally competent medicines advice; (ii) building awareness of accessing medicines advice from community pharmacies; and (iii) enabling better discussions with patients from ethnic minority communities.

Conclusions

These recommendations have the potential to support community pharmacy services to overcome ethnic inequalities affecting medicines advice; service commissioners should consider these findings to best meet the needs of ethnic minority patients. Cultural competence training for community pharmacy staff could support the creation of pharmacies as inclusive healthcare settings. Collaborative working with ethnic minority communities could enable specific tailoring of medicines‐centred services to best meet their needs.

Patient or Public Contribution

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Newcastle University Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group had extensive input in the study design and conceptualization. Seven patient champions were appointed to the steering group to ensure that the research was conducted, and findings were reported, with cultural competence.

Trial Registration

Not applicable.
Synthesis and process modeling of mesoporous γ‐Al2O3 granules using the biopolymer chitosan via experimental design
Authors: Mohammadi Behnam , Mirkazemi Seyed Mohammad , Vahidshad Yaser , Dorani Akram
Published: September 2022

In this study, biopolymer chitosan is presented as a template for synthesizing and shaping the mesoporous γ‐Al2O3 macrospheres. This porous γ‐Al2O3 granule has a high surface area (310 m2/g), high pore volume (.6148 cm3/g), and pore diameter between 2 and 10 nm. The full factorial design based on a mathematical model was implemented to study the acid concentration, chitosan amount, ammonia concentration, and aging time affecting the responses (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and pore volume). Predicted responses were found to be in satisfactory agreement with experimental values (R2 = .9580 and .9109, respectively). The adequacy of the model was examined by analyzing the residual distribution plots and Pareto graph. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, and N2 adsorption/desorption techniques are employed to characterize the structure of the prepared γ‐alumina sample.
The Doctrine of the Trinity: Intellectual Construct or Ontological Reality? Reflections from the Philosophy of Science
Authors: McGrath Alister E.
Published: September 2022

This article draws on the distinction between instrumentalism and realism in the philosophy of science to consider the merits of two possible approaches to the doctrine of the Trinity. One considers this doctrine to be an intellectual construct, which coordinates multiple insights about the nature and action of God; the other considers it to be a statement about the ontological reality of God. After considering some of the scientific issues associated with each of these positions, it is argued that the Trinity can be helpfully envisaged theologically in both these manners, providing that they are not separated or considered to be incompatible. The article concludes by exploring the potential contribution of each approach to contemporary theological reflection.
Understanding the “state of play” of long‐term care provision in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Glinskaya Elena , Feng Zhanlian , Suarez Guadalupe
Published: September 2022

In this article, we provide an overview of the current long‐term care (LTC) landscape across low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), based on an analysis and synthesis of literature review findings. We begin with a brief assessment of LTC needs on the demand side, followed by a supply side assessment of the available mix of formal LTC services vis‐à‐vis informal care provision. Next, we describe and discuss the role of government policies in LTC provision and governance. We conclude by discussing and offering practical LTC policy considerations for LMICs, drawing on experiences, best practices and lessons learned from high‐income countries.
Effects of LiF on the properties of (Ba, Ca)(Ti, Sn, Hf)O3‐based multilayer ceramics co‐fired with Ni at reduced atmosphere
Authors: Yu Mei‐Chieh , Tsai Cheng‐Che , Hong Cheng‐Shong , Zhang Yuan‐Xin , Feng Guang‐Huan , Chu Sheng‐Yuan
Published: September 2022

In this work, (Ba0.97Ca0.03)(Ti0.96Sn0.005Hf0.035)O3–0.03MnCO3–xLiF (BCTSH–0.03M–xL, x = 0–6 mol%) multilayer piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the solid‐state synthesis technique. The microstructure and piezoelectric properties of the samples sintered at the reduced atmosphere and co‐fired with the Ni base metal inner electrode were studied. The results showed that 3 mol% LiF could effectively reduce the sintering temperature from 1350 to 1200°C. BCTSH–0.03M–3L ceramics exhibited excellent electrical properties with d33 = 277 pC/N, d31 = −132 pC/N, kp = 0.350, Qm = 315, and εr = 3387. Furthermore, the complex impedance spectroscopy (e.g., activation energy) was used to analyze the doping mechanism of these obtained ceramics sintered at reduced atmosphere. The results indicated when LiF was added in a small amount (x ≤ 3), the bulk density was enhanced, and thus, the activation energy was also increased. Moreorver, when x > 3, Li ions could partly enter the interstitial site of crystal structure resulting in the increase of activation energy. Rayleigh behaviors of reversible and irreversible domain wall contributions were analyzed. It was observed when x = 3, there was a larger Rayleigh coefficient, suggesting that this sample had the weaker pinning effect, and thus contributing to the higher d33 value due to the irreversible domain wall contribution. As x > 3, the Rayleigh coefficient was found to decrease with increasing x due to the formation of the second phase, which could inhibit the motion of extrinsic domain wall. Finally, five‐layer multilayer piezoelectric ceramics co‐fired with inner Ni electrode were fabricated, and the electrical properties of five‐layer multilayer piezoelectric ceramics were found to be d33 = 1468 pC/N, d33* = 2000 (at 20 kV/cm), and kp = 0.342. To the best of our knowledge, the (Ba, Ca)(Ti, Sn, Hf)O3‐based lead‐free multilayer piezoelectric ceramics co‐fired with Ni‐based metal was first reported by us and used as the alternative multilayer ceramics for piezoelectric device applications.
Oxygen vacancy‐rich ZnO nanorods‐based MEMS sensors for swift trace ethanol recognition
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Gao Ruixue , Zhao Hongchao , Li Jing , Zhang Ruijie , Wang Yuhang , Zhou Yong
Published: September 2022

Ethanol vapor plays a significant role in the aspects of human health and industrial production, thus necessitating a swift, sensitive, and low‐power ethanol detection in the field of future gas sensors. In this work, we prepared micro–electro–mechanical system ethanol sensors based on ZnO nanorods (NRs) and nanoparticles (NPs) for trace ethanol detection. Both ZnO samples were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The comparison results exhibited that ZnO NRs based sensors prevailed over NPs‐based counterparts in terms of sensitivity, optimal operation temperature, and reaction speeds. Briefly, that ZnO NRs‐based sensors presented a large response (11.5 toward 5 ppm), fast response/recovery times (5 s/5 s), ultralow detection limit (400 ppb), and tiny power consumption (30 mW) at 245°C, surpassing most of recently reported ethanol sensors and commercial products based metal oxides. The abundant oxygen vacancies, large specific surface area, and porous structure were primarily responsible for the excellent sensor performance. This work also offers a facile and competitive approach to realize a sensitive and swift trace ethanol recognition with minimal power consumption, catering for the demanding requirements of future gas sensors in the fields of wearable devices and Internet of Things.
Sex differences in the association between visceral adipose tissue and atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients with normal bodyweight: A study in a Chinese population
Authors: Xu Kun , Zheng Qidong , Shao Jianlin , Yang Lin , Dai Yuancheng , Zhang Jingyuan , Liang Yao , Huang Wenhao , Liu Yajun , Cheng Jian , Pan Yuping , Yang Mengyao , Tang Lijiang , Du Changqing
Published: September 2022

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the impact of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients with normal bodyweight (OB[−]) in the Chinese population, and to further assess the sex–age differences between them.

Materials and Methods

A total of 8,839 type 2 diabetes patients from two of the National Metabolic Management Centers in China were included in this study. Participants were classified into four groups by visceral fat area (VFA; cm2) and body mass index (BMI; kg/m2): VFA < 100 and BMI < 23.9 (VA[−]OB[−]), VFA < 100 and BMI ≥ 23.9 (VA[−]OB[+]), VFA ≥ 100 and BMI < 23.9 (VA[+]OB[−]), VFA ≥ 100 and BMI ≥ 23.9 (VA[+]OB[+]). Atherosclerosis was defined by brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV; cm/s), and we analyzed the association between VFA, BMI and the tertiles of baPWV values.

Results

The VA(+)OB(−) prevalence was 3.7% among these participants. Patients with VA(+)OB(−) had the highest baPWV value (P < 0.001) and the highest proportion of the tertile 3 of baPWV (P < 0.001) among four groups, and were significantly associated with baPWV (standardized β = 0.026, P = 0.008). VFA was significantly related to tertile 2 to tertile 3 of baPWV in (OB[−]) type 2 diabetes patients, when compared with tertile 1 of baPWV, respectively. In sex–age stratified analysis, the association of VFA and the tertiles of baPWV showed sex differences. For the 55 years age stratification analysis, there was no age difference in the relationship between VFA and baPWV in (OB[−]) patients.

Conclusion

Increased VAT was an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in female type 2 diabetes patients with normal weight.
Redefining effect modification
Authors: Doi Suhail A. , Abdulmajeed Jazeel , Xu Chang
Published: September 2022

The odds ratio (OR) has been misunderstood in evidence based medicine and clinical epidemiology. Currently, “noncollapsibility” is considered a problem with interpretation of the OR and it is thought that the OR is rarely the parameter of interest for causal inference or interpretation of effect modification. The current focus on the relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD) suffers from an important limitation: they are not solely measures of effect and vary numerically with baseline risk. In this paper, generalized linear models are examined in terms of the three binary effect measures commonly used in epidemiology to demonstrate thatORs may be the only way to interpret effect modification and have properties that should make them the parameter of interest for causal inference. We look forward to discussion, debate, and counter‐views on this issue from the epidemiology community.
Truly standard‐essential patents? A semantics‐based analysis
Authors: Brachtendorf Lorenz , Gaessler Fabian , Harhoff Dietmar
Published: September 2022

Standard‐essential patents (SEPs) have become a key element of technical coordination via standard‐setting organizations. Yet, in many cases, it remains unclear whether a declared SEP is truly standard‐essential. To date, there is no automated procedure that allows for a scalable and objective assessment of SEP status. This paper introduces a semantics‐based method for approximating the standard essentiality of patents. We provide details on the procedure that generates the measure of standard essentiality and present the results of several validation and robustness exercises. We illustrate the measure's usefulness in estimating the share of true SEPs in firm patent portfolios for several telecommunication standards.
Cleaning and microstructural effects of amyl acetate on pulp chamber dentin impregnated with epoxy resin‐based endodontic sealer
Authors: Zaniboni Joissi Ferrari , de Souza Vitor , Escalante‐Otárola Wilfredo Gustavo , Leandrin Thaís Piragine , Fernández Godoy Eduardo , Besegato João Felipe , Kuga Milton Carlos
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the cleaning potential of 95% ethanol, acetone, and amyl acetate solutions used solely or in association, to remove epoxy resin‐based sealer residues from pulp chamber dentin and their microstructural effects.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and eighty bovine incisor specimens were divided into nine groups according to the cleaning protocol: ET (ethanol); AC (acetone); AA (amyl acetate); E1: AA+AC; E2: AA+ET; E3: AC+ET; E4: AA+AC+ET; PC (positive control), and NC (negative control). All groups were impregnated with epoxy resin‐sealer, except NC. Ninety specimens were divided into groups (n = 10) for evaluation of persistence of residues and amount of open dentinal tubules by SEM analysis and evaluation of chemical compounds on the dentin surface after cleaning with electron dispersive spectroscopy. The others 90 specimens were submitted to Knoop microhardness evaluation. Persistence of residues data were submitted to the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). Open dentinal tubules and microhardness data were submitted to one‐way ANOVA and Mann Whitney tests (α = 0.05).

Results

AA and E4 protocols showed the lowest persistence of residues. E4 group had the highest incidence of open dentinal tubules. E3 and E4 groups showed no changes in the atomic ratio Ca/P, which was similar to NC group. E4 group did not present W, an element presents in all the other groups. ET and E4 protocols showed the smallest reduction in dentin microhardness.

Conclusions

The combination of amyl acetate, acetone and ethanol is the most effective and safe protocol to remove epoxy sealer residues on pulp chamber dentin. Moreover, it has the lowest microhardness reduction.

Clinical Significance

The combined use of amyl acetate, acetone, and ethanol enhanced the cleaning of pulp chamber dentin with minimal microstructural damage.
In vitro analysis of antioxidant peptides from an enzymatically hydrolysed Channa punctata protein isolate
Authors: Das Madhushrita , Ghosh Mahua
Published: September 2022

Channa punctata, a freshwater fish consists of a good amount of protein (64.42 ± 0.51%) with essential amino acids. The degree of hydrolysis was maximum at 240 min with 82.72 ± 0.89% and 21.37 ± 1.21% of hydrolysis in the case of Alcalase 2.4 L (AlcHyd240) and pepsin (PepHyd240). Low molecular weight bands (<10 kDa) were more prominent in AlcHyd240. Hydrolysate shows improved functional properties in comparison with isolate. <3 kDa ultrafiltrate shows enhanced antioxidative efficacy than the hydrolysate and isolate. The fractions were analysed by MALDI‐TOF MS/MS and two peptides PLRVGN and PLPNSK with the highest score of 70.4 and 56.5, respectively and hydrophobicity of 50% were selected for in vitro study. Molecular docking studies revealed that peptides interacted with the radicals by H‐bond. The presence of proline, leucine, valine, glycine, arginine, serine, and lysine induces antioxidant activity. Thus, this study suggested the peptides identified from Channa punctata can be used as a nutraceutical with potent antioxidant activity.

Novelty impact statement

A potent antioxidant Channa punctata protein hydrolysates were generated by enzymatic hydrolysis and were purified by ultrafiltration.

Amino acid sequences PLRVGN and PLPNSK were identified by using MALDI‐TOF MS/MS. Docking study revealed H‐bond interactions between the peptides and the free radical.

According to the structure–activity relationship study, the presence of hydrophobic amino acid residues, glycine, and serine influences the antioxidant potential.
The Effect of Monetary Policy on Consumption Inequality: An Analysis of Transmission Channels through TANK Models
Authors: KOMATSU MOMO
Published: September 2022

What transmission channels drive the effect of monetary policy on consumption inequality? This paper investigates this question with tractable Two‐Agent New Keynesian models with search‐and‐matching frictions and wage rigidities. I make a distinction between credit‐constrained households and unconstrained households and find that an expansionary monetary policy shock decreases consumption inequality between those two households through three channels: (i) the income composition channel, through fluctuations in labor and profit income; (ii) the savings redistribution channel, through fluctuations in real interest rate; and (iii) the earnings heterogeneity channel, through fluctuations in unemployment. The results are in line with the empirical evidence.
A cross‐sectional study on the use of big data for the past H1N1 influenza epidemic in obesity after COVID‐19: Focused on the body slimming cream and leptin via DTC gene test
Authors: Lee Jinkyung , Kwon Ki Han
Published: September 2022

Background

Based on the big data of 2010, 2011, and 2012, when H1N1 influenza was prevalent around the world in the past, this study investigated the obesity rate, weight change, and dietary methods of Korean dieters based on the historical situation of the past H1N1 influenza epidemic in Republic of Korea. This is intended to be the data for utilizing the prognostic evaluation of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19).

Objective

After COVID‐19, research on obesity should be conducted systematically, and to prevent obesity, nutrition education, customized inner beauty & cosmetics, and the development of body slimming cream and leptin for proper diet should be done at the national level. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between methods of weight control, generation, and gender, which have not yet been evaluated in the Korean adult population.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was comprised of 25 534 Korean who participated in the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) conducted in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Results

A 17 876 of the 19 375 respondents 20 years of age or older in the KNHNES answered about diet method. Two thousand and fifty‐seven (15.63%) men and 4134 (25.77%) women thought of themselves as fat. However, 11 973 people (66.96%) did not change weight in the past year, 2536 people (14.19%) had increase in weight, and 3.164 (17.70%) reduced weight. A total of 7176 people (48.11%) indicated that they attempted to reduce weight through exercising, while 5553 people (37.23%) did so through reduced food intake.

Conclusions

This study was based on big data at the time of the H1N1 influenza epidemic in Korean population. The results of the present study will be helpful in the development of the body slimming cream and leptin via direct to consumer (DTC) gene test (GT) due to the rapid increase in obesity due to COVID‐19 pandemic.
The Building That Teaches: Exploring Augmented Reality Affordances in Academic Incubators
Authors: Scolere Leah , Malinin Laura
Published: September 2022

Efforts to enhance the experience of interior environments have led to experimentation with augmented reality (AR) technology to encourage users to participate in the built space using their mobile devices. To investigate the role of AR technologies in interior design experiences, we highlight the interdisciplinary design of a mobile AR-application to assess and enhance the effectiveness of building design strategies for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Gold academic incubator. Drawing on user feedback data, observations, and in-depth interviews of 15 building occupants, we identified the affordances of mobile-AR for interior design. Our findings suggest approaches for contextualizing post-occupancy user feedback and interior design across the digital-physical spatial continuum and illustrate how AR has the potential to expand the goals of post-occupancy evaluations, beyond improved evaluation to enhancement, by allowing the building to teach occupants about resources while nudging them to utilize spatial features designed to enhance wellness. As hybrid interior environments are becoming more dependent on a convergence of the digital and physical, we found a series of strategies and practices for enhancing user experiences. A key contribution of our research is a framework, grounded in affordance theory, useful for designing and examining hybrid spaces at the intersection of AR and interior design.
Transformative family scholarship: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Dow Dawn M. , Few‐Demo April L. , Williams Deadric T.
Published: September 2022

This introductory essay situates this special issue within the context of antiracism and social justice for family scholars. The editors underscore the political and social context that led the National Council on Family Relations' three flagship journals—Journal of Family Theory & Review (JFTR), Family Relations (FR), and Journal of Marriage and Family (JMF) to collectively invite submissions for separate special issues on Transformative Family Scholarship: Theory, Practice, and Research at the Intersection of Families, Race, and Social Justice. This special issue focuses on scholarship using cutting‐edge theory, research, and practices to investigate racial injustice and confront white supremacy within the context of the family. The guest editors synthesize the dominant themes cross‐cutting the 13 articles, including parenting, racial stratification, health and economic well‐being, and racial identity. The guest editors explain how these articles contribute to a more robust analysis of structural racism within families. The introduction closes with an invitation to scholars doing scholarship using critical theoretical approaches to continue their efforts and consider the Journal of Marriage and Family as a potential publication outlet for their research.
Effect of cumulative body mass index exposure and long‐term related change on incident non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Feng Baoyu , Chen Shuohua , Wang Xiaomo , Hu Shiqi , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Jing , Wu Shouling , Wang Li
Published: September 2022

Background

To evaluate the association between cumulative body mass index (BMI) and long‐term BMI change with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

We included 19 477 adult participants (12 556 men and 6921 women) from the Kailuan study from January 2006 to December 2013. Cumulative BMI was assessed using a quadratic mixed‐effects method by sex before the index year; then, the NAFLD outcome was followed till December 2019. The long‐term BMI change was calculated as the percentage change in average cumulative BMI from the baseline BMI.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 5.63 years, 6229 individuals developed incident NAFLD. Independent of baseline BMI, the NAFLD risk escalated with the cumulative BMI with adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.60 (1.48–1.73) and 2.28 (2.06–2.53) for the intermediate tertile and the highest tertile (Ptrend <0.001). The association is amplified in women and the young. Compared to a stable weight (BMI change: −3% to 3%), NAFLD risk increased in the baseline BMI < 24 kg/m2 group with weight gain (BMI change: >3%) and decreased in BMI ≥24 kg/m2 group with weight loss (BMI change: <−3%) for men and women. However, we only observed a decreased NAFLD risk in men (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.97) with BMI < 24 kg/m2 and weight loss.

Conclusions

Monitoring cumulative BMI may help to identify high‐risk NAFLD populations. The association between weight gain or loss varies by sex and baseline BMI, suggesting the importance of individualized weight management for NAFLD prevention.
Chronic kidney disease in public renal practices in Queensland, Australia, 2011–2018
Authors: Hoy Wendy E. , Wang Zaimin , Zhang Jianzhen , Diwan Vishal , Cameron Anne , Venuthurupalli Sree K. , Fassett Robert G. , Chan Samuel , Healy Helen G. , Tan Ken‐Soon , Baer Richard , Mallett Andrew J. , Gray Nicholas , Mantha Murty , Cherian Roy , Mutatiri Clyson , Madhan Krishan , Kan George , Mitchell Geoffrey , Hossain Shahadat , Wu Danielle , Han Thin , Kark Adrian , Titus Thomas , Ranganathan Dwarakanatan , Bonner Ann , Govindarajulu Sridevi ,   the NHMRC CKD.CRE and the CKD.QLD Collaborative
Published: September 2022

Aim

To describe adults with (non‐dialysis) chronic kidney disease (CKD) in nine public renal practice sites in the Australian state of Queensland.

Methods

7,060 persons were recruited to a CKD Registry in May 2011 and until start of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), death without KRT or June 2018, for a median period of 3.4 years.

Results

The cohort comprised 7,060 persons, 52% males, with a median age of 68 yr; 85% had CKD stages 3A to 5, 45.4% were diabetic, 24.6% had diabetic nephropathy, and 51.7% were obese. Younger persons mostly had glomerulonephritis or genetic renal disease, while older persons mostly had diabetic nephropathy, renovascular disease and multiple diagnoses. Proportions of specific renal diagnoses varied >2‐fold across sites. Over the first year, eGFR fell in 24% but was stable or improved in 76%. Over follow up, 10% started KRT, at a median age of 62 yr, most with CKD stages 4 and 5 at consent, while 18.8% died without KRT, at a median age of 80 yr. Indigenous people were younger at consent and more often had diabetes and diabetic kidney disease and had higher incidence rates of KRT.

Conclusion

The spectrum of characteristics in CKD patients in renal practices is much broader than represented by the minority who ultimately start KRT. Variation in CKD by causes, age, site and Indigenous status, the prevalence of obesity, relative stability of kidney function in many persons over the short term, and differences between those who KRT and die without KRT are all important to explore.
Singlet oxygen production by photosystem II is caused by misses of the oxygen evolving complex
Authors: Mattila Heta , Mishra Sujata , Tyystjärvi Taina , Tyystjärvi Esa
Published: September 2022

Singlet oxygen (1O2) is a harmful species that functions also as a signaling molecule. In chloroplasts, 1O2 is produced via charge recombination reactions in photosystem II, but which recombination pathway(s) produce triplet Chl and 1O2 remains open. Furthermore, the role of 1O2 in photoinhibition is not clear.

We compared temperature dependences of 1O2 production, photoinhibition, and recombination pathways.

1O2 production by pumpkin thylakoids increased from −2 to +35°C, ruling out recombination of the primary charge pair as a main contributor. S2QA− or S2QB− recombination pathways, in turn, had too steep temperature dependences. Instead, the temperature dependence of 1O2 production matched that of misses (failures of the oxygen (O2) evolving complex to advance an S‐state). Photoinhibition in vitro and in vivo (also in Synechocystis), and in the presence or absence of O2, had the same temperature dependence, but ultraviolet (UV)‐radiation‐caused photoinhibition showed a weaker temperature response.

We suggest that the miss‐associated recombination of P680+QA− is the main producer of 1O2. Our results indicate three parallel photoinhibition mechanisms. The manganese mechanism dominates in UV radiation but also functions in white light. Mechanisms that depend on light absorption by Chls, having 1O2 or long‐lived P680+ as damaging agents, dominate in red light.
Reforming global supply chain management under pandemics: The GREAT‐3Rs framework
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Sethi Suresh P. , Chung Sai‐Ho , Choi Tsan‐Ming
Published: September 2022

The recent outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has posed serious threats and challenges to global supply chain management (GSCM). To survive the crisis, it is critical to rethink the proper setting of global supply chains and reform many related operational strategies. We hence attempt to reform the GSCM from both supply and demand sides considering different pandemic stages (i.e., pre, during, and post‐pandemic stages). In this research paper, we combine a careful literature review with real‐world case studies to examine the impacts and specific challenges brought by the pandemic to global supply chains. We first classify the related literature from the demand and supply sides. Based on the insights obtained, we search publicly available information and report real practices of GSCM under COVID‐19 in nine top global enterprises. To achieve responsiveness, resilience, and restoration (3Rs), we then propose the “GREAT‐3Rs” framework, which shows the critical issues and measures for reforming GSCM under the three pandemic stages. In particular, the “GREAT” part of the framework includes five critical domains, namely, “government proactive policies and measures,” “redesigning global supply chains,” “economic and financing strategies under risk,” “adjustment of operations,” and “technology adoption,” to help global enterprises to survive the pandemic; “3Rs” are the outputs that can be achieved after using the “GREAT” strategies under the three pandemic stages. Finally, we establish a future research agenda from five aspects.