bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phage resistance of Salmonella enterica obtained by transposon Tn5‐mediated SefR gene silent mutation
Authors: Wang Yinfeng , Xuan Guanhua , Lin Hong , Fei Zhenhong , Wang Jingxue
Published: April 2023

Salmonella enterica contamination is a primary cause of global food poisoning. Using phages as bactericidal alternatives to antibiotics could confront the issue of drug resistance. However, the problem of phage resistance, especially mutant strains with multiple phage resistance, is a critical barrier to the practical application of phages. In this study, a library of EZ‐Tn5 transposable mutants of susceptible host S. enterica B3‐6 was constructed. After the infestation pressure of a broad‐spectrum phage TP1, a mutant strain with resistance to eight phages was obtained. Analysis of the genome resequencing results revealed that the SefR gene was disrupted in the mutant strain. The mutant strain displayed a reduced adsorption rate of 42% and a significant decrease in swimming and swarming motility, as well as a significantly reduced expression of the flagellar‐related FliL and FliO genes to 17% and 36%, respectively. An uninterrupted form of the SefR gene was cloned into vector pET‐21a (+) and used for complementation of the mutant strain. The complemented mutant exhibited similar adsorption and motility as the wild‐type control. These results suggest that the disrupted flagellar‐mediated SefR gene causes an adsorption inhibition, which is responsible for the phage‐resistant phenotype of the S. enterica transposition mutant.
Multiple coronally advanced flap with a selective use of connective tissue graft: A 3‐year prospective clinical and histological study
Authors: Di Domenico Giovanna Laura , Di Martino Maria , Arrigoni Gianluigi , Aroca Sofia , de Sanctis Massimo
Published: April 2023

Background

The purpose of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the 3‐year changes in the gingival dimensions following multiple coronally advanced flap (MCAF) with selective use of connective tissue graft (CTG). In addition, the secondary aim was to histologically identify the factors related to phenotype changes.

Methods

Twenty patients treated with MCAF and site‐specific application of a CTG were available for the 3‐year follow‐up. Outcome measures included complete root coverage (CRC), recession reduction, keratinized tissue width (KTW), marginal tissue thickness changes, and primary flap position. Biopsies were harvested at one of the sites treated with the adjunct of CTG. All sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, Verhoeff‐van Gieson, tenascin, and alcian blue stain for semiquantitative evaluation.

Results

At 3 years, CRC was detected in 86% of sites treated with MCAF alone and 81% of sites treated with MCAF + CTG. The 47% of sites treated with MCAF + CTG presented an apical shift of primary flap from its original position. Linear regression showed a significant association between KTW change and the initial KTW in MCAF‐treated sites, while both initial KTW and position of primary flap were statistically significantly associated factors with KTW changes in the MCAF + CTG group. In all the biopsies examined, there is always a marked and clear separation between the connective tissue of the gingival flap and the palatal connective tissue of the graft.

Conclusions

The selective use of CTG is an effective treatment for multiple gingival recessions. Only a limited increase in KTW can be expected in a bilaminar technique if, during the healing phases, the connective tissue is maintained completely covered.
Microbial ecology of Australian commercial rice koji and soybean miso
Authors: Allwood Joanne G. , Wakeling Lara T. , Bean David C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Rice koji and miso are growing in popularity globally. This is because of both the unique sensory properties of the foods, and the belief that fermented foods may be beneficial for our health. This study aimed to increase the collective understanding of the physiochemical properties and microorganisms found in rice koji and miso.

Results

The microbial communities within rice koji and soybean miso were analyzed using physiochemical, microbiological and metagenomic methods. Metagenomic analysis found Bacillus and Weizmannia were the dominant bacterial genera in rice koji samples, and Tetragenococcus, Staphylococcus and Bacillus predominant in the miso samples. Aspergillus was the predominant fungal genera in all three rice koji samples, and in five of the seven miso samples. Debaryomyces was the dominant genera in one miso sample, while no fungal microorganisms were identified in the other miso sample. The physiochemical analysis found rice koji water activity (Aw) between 0.90 and 0.91 and pH from 5.3 to 5.6. The miso samples showed Aw ranging from 0.73 to 0.88, pH between 4.2 and 5.3, and salt concentration from 6.4% to 15.5%.

Conclusion

The predominant genera detected and physiochemical properties in each sample varied according to supplier, length of fermentation and ratio of ingredients used. Details of the microorganisms identified in varieties of unpasteurised rice koji and miso can be used to assist producers with food safety processes, manipulate the flavor of the product and enable accurate labeling of the foods.
Influence of environmental pH on the interaction properties of WP‐EGCG non‐covalent nanocomplexes
Authors: Zhang Shuangling , Dongye Zixuan , Wang Li , Li Zhenru , Kang Mengchen , Qian Yaru , Cheng Xiaofang , Ren Yuhang , Chen Chengwang
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Whey protein‐epigallocatechin gallate (WP‐EGCG) covalent conjugates and non‐covalent nanocomplexes were prepared and compared using Fourier‐transform infrared spectra. The effect of pH (at 2.6, 6.2, 7.1, and 8.2) on the non‐covalent nanocomplexes' functional properties and the WP‐EGCG interactions were investigated by studying antioxidant activity, emulsification, fluorescence quenching, and molecular docking, respectively.

RESULTS

With the formation of non‐covalent and covalent complexes, the amide band decreased; the ‐OH peak disappeared; the antioxidant activity of WP‐EGCG non‐covalent complexes was 2.59‐ and 2.61‐times stronger than WP‐EGCG covalent conjugates for 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), respectively (particle size: 137 versus 370 nm). The antioxidant activity (DPPH 27.48–44.32%, FRAP 0.47–0.63) was stronger at pH 6.2–7.1 than at pH 2.6 and pH 8.2 (DPPH 19.50% and 26.36%, FRAP 0.39 and 0.41). Emulsification was highest (emulsifying activity index 181 m2 g−1, emulsifying stability index 107%) at pH 7.1. The interaction between whey protein (WP) and EGCG was stronger under neutral and weakly acidic conditions: KSV (5.11–8.95 × 102 L mol−1) and Kq (5.11–8.95 × 1010 L mol s−1) at pH 6.2–7.1. Binding constants (pH 6.2 and pH 7.1) increased with increasing temperature. Molecular docking suggested that hydrophobic interactions played key roles at pH 6.2 and pH 7.1 (∆H > 0, ∆S > 0). Hydrogen bonding was the dominant force at pH 2.6 and pH 8.2 (∆H < 0, ∆S < 0).

CONCLUSION

Environmental pH impacted the binding forces of WP‐EGCG nanocomplexes. The interaction between WP and EGCG was stronger under neutral and weakly acidic conditions. Neutral and weakly acidic conditions are preferable for WP‐EGCG non‐covalent nanocomplex formation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
AccsHSP21.7 enhances the antioxidant capacity of Apis cerana cerana
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Yuanying , Niu Xiaojing , Sun Yunhao , Wang Hongfang , Guo Xingqi , Xu Baohua , Wang Chen
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of glyphosate has many adverse effects on Apis cerana cerana. Due to the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms of glyphosate toxicity, there are no available methods for mitigating the threat of glyphosate to Apis cerana cerana. Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) play an important role in resisting oxidative stress, but their mechanism of action in Apis cerana cerana remains unclear.

RESULTS

In this experiment, we cloned and identified AccsHSP21.7. Studies have shown that AccsHSP21.7 contains binding motifs for various transcription factors related to oxidative stress. Abiotic stresses induced the expression of AccsHSP21.7. Bacteriostatic testing of a recombinant AccsHSP21.7 protein proved that Escherichia coli overexpressing AccsHSP21.7 showed increased resistance to oxidative stress. Knocking down the AccsHSP21.7 gene caused significant damage to midgut cells, which seriously disrupted the antioxidant system in Apis cerana cerana and greatly increased mortality under glyphosate stress.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated the relationship between antioxidant regulation and the AccsHSP21.7 gene at the molecular level, and the results have guiding significance for the improvement of stress resistance in Apis cerana cerana. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Lactobacillus paracaseiTK1501 fermented soybeans alleviate dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis by regulating intestinal cell function
Authors: Chen Kaiyang , Luo Honglian , Li Yaqi , Han Xuemei , Gao Congcong , Wang Ningyu , Lu Fuping , Wang Haikuan
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Probiotic food provide health benefits by regulating intestinal floras via live bacteria, but the shelf life is short and the preservation condition is demanding due to the bacteria being fragile. Owing to these problems, we have tried to find a fermented food that is helpful for inflammatory bowel disease treatment but independent of live bacteria. In addition, the mechanisms of fermented food were investigated. Dextran sulfate sodium was used to model inflammatory bowel disease in mice, and Lactobacillus paracasei TK1501 fermented soybeans and their metabolites were used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

RESULTS

In this study, TK1501 fermented soybean alleviated colitis. However, the efficacy was associated with bacterial metabolites but not live or dead bacteria. Compositional analysis of soybean before and after fermentation shows that soy carbohydrates were used for bacteria growth and produced functional substances. Further, we display the main active ingredient was lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan, because lipoteichoic acid reduced the colonic macrophage and peptidoglycan may increase the mucin‐2 expression. A cell experiment displayed that lipoteichoic acid could enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages.

CONCLUSION

In general, TK1501 fermented soybean alleviating colitis is dependent on metabolites of TK1501, particularly lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan. The fermented food may have a long shelf life and lax storage condition. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
In‐capillary screening and quantifying the antioxidants of Yangxinshi Tablet using field‐enhanced sample injection‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Zhou Rui , Wang Lei , Liu Wenping , Li Jin , He Jun , Yao Yaqi , Yuan Hongwei , Chang Yanxu
Published: April 2023

An in‐capillary 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) as oxyradicals combining field‐enhanced sample injection with micellar electrokinetic chromatography was developed for screening and determination of the major antioxidants in Yangxinshi Tablet. To obtain simultaneous separation and detection of radicals and analytes, relevant factors were optimized separately. Under the optimum conditions, four compounds including salvianolic acid B, hyperoside, puerarin, and caffeic acid were identified as the major antioxidants. All validation results covering recovery, precision, and stability demonstrated good applicability of the method. On this basis, the total antioxidant activity was successfully evaluated in terms of the decreased peak area of radicals. There was a correlation coefficient of 0.8974 between the total contents of major antioxidants and the total antioxidative activity of the sample. Therefore, these four compounds were selected as combinatorial markers for the quality evaluation of Yangxinshi Tablet. It was concluded that the established method presented a powerful potential to screen and quantify active ingredients in the complex preparation of Chinese medicine.
Bidirectional Association Between Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Glaucoma: A Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Tae‐Eun , Kim Jong Seung , Yeo Cha Dong , Yeom Sang Woo , Lee Min Gyu , Kang Min Gu , Lee Haeng‐Jin , Lee Eun Jung
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To investigate the bidirectional association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) over a 12‐year follow‐up period using nationwide, population‐based data.

Methods

The study was conducted using the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS‐NHID), which covered 3.5 million individuals from 2008 to 2019. In Study 1, we evaluated the effect of OAG on SSNHL, and in Study 2, we evaluated the effect of SSNHL on OAG. Participants of the control group were enrolled through “greedy nearest‐neighbor” 1:1 propensity score matching.

Results

In Study 1, 26,777 people were included in each group. The hazard ratio (HR) for SSNHL of the OAG group was 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–1.39). In subgroup analysis, there was significant HR value regarding (old age: 1.17, hyperlipidemia: 1.19). In Study 2, 15,433 people were included in each group. The HR for OAG of the SSNHL group was 1.18 (95% CI, 1.07–1.30). In subgroup analysis, the HRs were significant for old age (2.31), hypertension (1.17), diabetes (1.39), and hyperlipidemia (1.26).

Conclusion

Over the 12‐year follow‐up, we found a bidirectional association between SSNHL and OAG, suggesting a shared pathogenesis.

Level of evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 133:3169–3177, 2023
Spring Has Sprung
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: April 2023

It is difficult not to be optimistic at this time of year. Days are getting longer. Evenings are warmer. Flowers are blooming. People often look at spring as a time to clean up, freshen the landscape, and build for the months ahead. Spring gives us every reason to feel upbeat about the future as we're imbued with energy to make things better.
Targeting orexin receptors: Recent advances in the development of subtype selective or dual ligands for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Bonifazi Alessandro , Del Bello Fabio , Giorgioni Gianfabio , Piergentili Alessandro , Saab Elizabeth , Botticelli Luca , Cifani Carlo , Micioni Di Bonaventura Emanuela , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Quaglia Wilma
Published: April 2023

Orexin‐A and orexin‐B, also named hypocretin‐1 and hypocretin‐2, are two hypothalamic neuropeptides highly conserved across mammalian species. Their effects are mediated by two distinct G protein‐coupled receptors, namely orexin receptor type 1 (OX1‐R) and type 2 (OX2‐R), which share 64% amino acid identity. Given the wide expression of OX‐Rs in different central nervous system and peripheral areas and the several pathophysiological functions in which they are involved, including sleep‐wake cycle regulation (mainly mediated by OX2‐R), emotion, panic‐like behaviors, anxiety/stress, food intake, and energy homeostasis (mainly mediated by OX1‐R), both subtypes represent targets of interest for many structure–activity relationship (SAR) campaigns carried out by pharmaceutical companies and academies. However, before 2017 the research was predominantly directed towards dual‐orexin ligands, and limited chemotypes were investigated. Analytical characterizations, including resolved structures for both OX1‐R and OX2‐R in complex with agonists and antagonists, have improved the understanding of the molecular basis of receptor recognition and are assets for medicinal chemists in the design of subtype‐selective ligands. This review is focused on the medicinal chemistry aspects of small molecules acting as dual or subtype selective OX1‐R/OX2‐R agonists and antagonists belonging to different chemotypes and developed in the last years, including radiolabeled OX‐R ligands for molecular imaging. Moreover, the pharmacological effects of the most studied ligands in different neuropsychiatric diseases, such as sleep, mood, substance use, and eating disorders, as well as pain, have been discussed. Poly‐pharmacology applications and multitarget ligands have also been considered.
Comparison of free‐space VNA and TDS measurements using transmission‐type frequency selective surfaces
Authors: Kato Yuto , Kato Eiji
Published: April 2023

A method for directly comparing vector network analyzer (VNA) and time‐domain spectrometer (TDS) measurements in free space using transmission‐type frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) is proposed. The transmission characteristics of FSSs with artificially controlled frequency dispersions facilitate flexible and detailed comparisons of VNA and TDS measurements. Four FSSs were designed as verification devices of free space measurements. The proposed approach was demonstrated in the D and J bands by comparing the measurement results of the transmission amplitude and phase characteristics of the FSSs obtained using VNA and TDS systems. The amplitude and phase results obtained using both systems were in good agreement, confirming the consistency and validity of the VNA and TDS measurements.
A filtering waveguide aperture antenna based on all‐resonator structures
Authors: Mahmud Rashad H. , Salih Idris H. , Shang Xiaobang , Skaik Talal , Wang Yi
Published: April 2023

In recent years, there has been a large amount of attention focused on the design of filtering antennas to reduce the front‐end size of modern wireless communication systems. Although numerous design approaches are presented in the literature, they are usually applicable to a certain microwave circuit structure. Additionally, their implementations demand extra matching circuits or a structure which leads to an increase in the filtering antenna size. In this paper, the design of a 3rd‐order filtering antenna operating at the X‐band frequencies is presented utilizing the coupling matrix approach. It is based on 3rd order coupled‐resonators filter without employing any extra structure. For the physical configuration, three inline coupled rectangular waveguide cavity resonators operating at TE101 mode are employed. The output of the last resonator is coupled to free space via a rectangular aperture. The dimensions of the aperture are manipulated to control the radiation quality factor (Qr). To validate the simulated results, the design has been fabricated using the Computer Numerical Control technique. Excellent agreement between the simulation and measurement results has been obtained. The fractional bandwidth (FBW) is more than 10% when the reflection coefficient S11 = −20 dB. The gain response is very flat (7.54 0.2 dBi) from 9.5 to 10.5 GHz. The proposed filtering antenna is compact and low profile which may be of interest in radar applications.
A broad axial ratio bandwidth and wide angle coverage circularly polarized monopole antenna for wireless communication
Authors: Barik Deepak K. , Mondal Kalyan , Azharuddin Mohd
Published: April 2023

A uniquely shaped layout of a wideband circularly polarized (CP) printed monopole antenna is planned in this article. The proposed antenna comprises a 7‐shaped slotted radiating patch, tapered feed line, and modified partial ground plane. Multiple parasitic strips are employed at optimum positions on the ground and radiating planes to improve the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW). The electrical dimension of the designed antenna is . The confirmed −10 dB impedance bandwidth (IBW) and 3 dB ARBW are 11.86 GHz (3.14–15 GHz), 130% and 6.32 GHz (4.04–10.36 GHz), 87.78% along with coverage angle. The proposed antenna is suitable for different applications in communication systems such as WLAN, WiMAX, FM CW altimeter, and satellite for C‐ and X‐ band.
The spectral‐voltage calibration technology of multispectral pyrometers based on Gauss–Newton‐genetic algorithm method for nonsource temperature regions
Authors: Xing Jian , Li Yaqi , Cui Shuanglong
Published: April 2023

To improve the accuracy of the nonsource temperature calibration method, a new method based on a Gauss–Newton‐genetic algorithm (GN‐GA) for the nonsource calibration of a multispectral pyrometer is proposed. Based on Planck's law, a temperature–voltage power function model was established based on constraint optimization, and the temperature–voltage function relationship of each spectral channel was obtained using a GN‐GA algorithm. When the GN‐GA algorithm extrapolated at 1000°C with 3000°C as the starting point, theoretical simulation results showed that, compared with the derivative least squares method, when the wavelengths were 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 μm, the extrapolation accuracy increased by 54.35%, 63.96%, 51.99%, and 44.05%, respectively. The black‐body experiment results showed that this method was feasible in multispectral, pyrometer, extrapolation, temperature–calibration technology. Compared with the results obtained by the derivative least squares method, the accuracy was improved for a given extrapolation temperature region, and the extrapolation interval was longer under the same accuracy.
Machine learning‐based automatic proton therapy planning: Impact of post‐processing and dose‐mimicking in plan robustness
Authors: Borderias‐Villarroel Elena , Huet Dastarac Margerie , Barragán‐Montero Ana María , Helander Rasmus , Holmstrom Mats , Geets Xavier , Sterpin Edmond
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Automated treatment planning strategies are being widely implemented in clinical routines to reduce inter‐planner variability, speed up the optimization process, and improve plan quality. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and quality of intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans generated with four different knowledge‐based planning (KBP) pipelines fully integrated into a commercial treatment planning system (TPS).

Materials/Methods

A data set containing 60 oropharyngeal cancer patients was split into 11 folds, each containing 47 patients for training, five patients for validation, and five patients for testing. A dose prediction model was trained on each of the folds, resulting in a total of 11 models. Three patients were left out in order to assess if the differences introduced between models were significant. From voxel‐based dose predictions, we analyze the two steps that follow the dose prediction: post‐processing of the predicted dose and dose mimicking (DM). We focused on the effect of post‐processing (PP) or no post‐processing (NPP) combined with two different DM algorithms for optimization: the one available in the commercial TPS RayStation (RSM) and a simpler isodose‐based mimicking (IBM). Using 55 test patients (five test patients for each model), we evaluated the quality and robustness of the plans generated by the four proposed KBP pipelines (PP‐RSM, PP‐IBM, NPP‐RSM, NPP‐IBM). After robust evaluation, dose‐volume histogram (DVH) metrics in nominal and worst‐case scenarios were compared to those of the manually generated plans.

Results

Nominal doses from the four KBP pipelines showed promising results achieving comparable target coverage and improved dose to organs at risk (OARs) compared to the manual plans. However, too optimistic post‐processing applied to the dose prediction (i.e. important decrease of the dose to the organs) compromised the robustness of the plans. Even though RSM seemed to partially compensate for the lack of robustness in the PP plans, still 65% of the patients did not achieve the expected robustness levels. NPP‐RSM plans seemed to achieve the best trade‐off between robustness and OAR sparing.

Discussion/Conclusions

PP and DM strategies are crucial steps to generate acceptable robust and deliverable IMPT plans from ML‐predicted doses. Before the clinical implementation of any KBP pipeline, the PP and DM parameters predefined by the commercial TPS need to be modified accordingly with a comprehensive feedback loop in which the robustness of the final dose calculations is evaluated. With the right choice of PP and DM parameters, KBP strategies have the potential to generate IMPT plans within clinically acceptable levels comparable to plans manually generated by dosimetrists.
RF‐induced heating for active implantable medical devices in dual parallel leads configurations at 1.5 T MRI
Authors: Hu Wei , Guo Ran , Wang Qingyan , Zheng Jianfeng , Tsang Jeffrey , Kainz Wolfgang , Long Stuart , Chen Ji
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The Radiofrequency (RF)‐induced heating for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) with dual parallel leads is evaluated in this paper. The coupling effects between dual parallel leads are studied via simulations and experiments methods. The global transfer function technique is used to assess the RF‐induced heating for dual‐lead AIMDs inside four human body models.

Methods

RF‐induced heating for spinal cord stimulator systems with 60 and 90 cm length leads are studied at three parallel dual‐lead configurations (closely spaced, 8 mm spaced, and 40 mm spaced) and a single‐lead configuration. The global transfer function method is used to develop the AIMD models of different configurations and is used for lead‐tip heating assessments inside human body models.

Results

In simulation studies, the peak 1g specific absorption rate/temperatrue rises of dual parallel leads systems is lower than those from the single‐lead system. In experimental American Society for Testing and Materials phantom studies, the temperature rises for the single‐lead AIMD system can be 2.4 times higher than that from dual‐lead AIMD systems. For the spinal cord stimulator systems used in the study, the statistical analysis shows the RF‐induced heating of dual‐lead configurations are also lower than those from the single‐lead configuration inside all four human body models.

Conclusion

For the AIMD system in this study, it shows that the coupling effects between the dual parallel leads of AIMD systems can reduce RF‐induced heating. The global transfer function for different spatial distance dual‐lead configurations can potentially provide a method for the RF‐induced heating evaluation for dual‐lead AIMD systems.
Evaluation of the correlation between sleep quality and work engagement among nurses in Shanghai during the post‐epidemic era
Authors: Hui‐ren Zhuang , Li‐li Ma , Qin Liu , Wei‐ying Zhang , Hai‐ping Yu , Wei Zhao
Published: April 2023

Aim

To examine the status quo and influencing factors of sleep quality and work engagement of nurses participating in COVID‐19 during the post‐epidemic era and to study the relationship between them.

Design

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey and correlational and predictive logic to determine the association between sleep quality and work engagement among nurses in Shanghai during the post‐epidemic era.

Methods

This design involved 1060 frontline nurses in Shanghai. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale‐9 scales were used for data collection.

Results

This study found that the sleep quality of frontline nurses was impaired and the nurses with poor sleep accounted for 48.20% during the post‐epidemic era. The work engagement of frontline nurses was at the medium level. Factors affecting nurses' sleep quality were the number of nurse night shifts, family support and nurse health. The factors affecting the nurse work engagement were monthly income, profession title, family support and self‐health status. There was a positive correlation between nurses' sleep quality and work engagement.
Growing beyond sickle cell disease: A metasynthesis of children, adolescents, and young adult experiences living with sickle cell disease
Authors: Coco Megan , Henderson Wendy A. , Park Crystal L. , Starkweather Angela R.
Published: April 2023

Children, adolescents, and young adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD) often experience an unpredictable and complex disease course. Although there is a growing literature on the lived experience of patients with SCD, qualitative syntheses are lacking. Therefore, a qualitative metasynthesis was conducted to inform care and potential interventions. Noblit and Hare's phases of metaethnographic research were used to guide the synthesis of qualitative data. Data extracted from the identified studies were directly compared through reciprocal translation. The 12 studies that met inclusion criteria for the meta‐synthesis included 177 participants ranging in age from 6 to 35 years old from six different countries. The authors identified three key metaphors: Ubiquitous Intrusion, Coping to Learn: Learning to Cope, and Part of the Whole. The metaphors were elucidated by three essential concepts that underlie the experience of children, adolescents, and young adults living with SCD: (1) recognition of SCD implications, (2) identifying ways to balance responsibilities, and (3) positioning oneself to thrive with SCD. The metaphors and essential concepts support the global theme of “Growing Beyond SCD.” The metasynthesis revealed the shared complexity of living with SCD among children, adolescents, and young adults from diverse cultures in which the yearning for a normal life drove learning to adapt and manage SCD with their support network. The key metaphors may be used to guide development of nursing interventions designed to promote self‐acceptance, coping, and adaptation skills among children, adolescents, and young adults that will help them to flourish while managing SCD as a chronic condition.
Differential deposition of bird body parts in domestic Viking Age middens in Iceland
Authors: Cesario Grace M. , Steinberg John M.
Published: April 2023

Zooarcheological analysis shows that there is an overabundance of seabird wings recovered from Viking Age archeological sites in Iceland, especially when the rest of the body is considered. Cultural choices seem to be driving this differential. By comparing two species of alcids to ptarmigan, primarily recovered from domestic middens, the overabundance of specific bones suggests differences in bird butchery and use strategies. The data come from nine sites: one from Þjórsárdalur, five from Skagafjörður, and three from Mývatnssveit. Alcid wings, particularly proximal bones, are disproportionately recovered, while ptarmigan are generally represented by more legs than expected. By several metrics, the statistical significance of these patterns is dramatic and leads to the conclusion that alcid wings are discarded more frequently than other body parts. The simplest explanation for this pattern is that it is a result of the availability of each of the birds, which ultimately affects the way they are processed.
Combined effects of nanoparticle and stretch‐induced orientation on crystal structure and properties of UHMWPE/TiO2 composite microporous membranes
Authors: Hu Tao , Mu Yue , Chen Yunqiang , Zhou Chengfan , Zhao Guoqun , Dong Guiwei
Published: April 2023

The nanocomposite microporous membrane of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and nano‐titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO2) system was prepared by combining the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique with the extrusion‐casting process using liquid paraffin (LP) as the diluent. The effects of variations of TiO2 content and melt draw ratio on the properties of composite microporous membranes were studied and the optimal processing parameters were further investigated. ATR‐FTIR demonstrated that nanocomposite microporous membranes were successfully prepared. The crystallization behavior and morphological evolution of membranes were systematically investigated by WAXD, 2D‐SAXS, and SEM. It was found that the stretch‐induced orientation of UHMWPE was promoted and the shish‐kebab structure was formed for the reason of addition of TiO2. The mechanism of combined effects of nanoparticles and stretch‐induced orientation on the crystallization behavior of UHMWPE was further discussed and explained. Compared to pure UHMWPE film, the permeability of the optimum performance film was significantly improved, with porosity of 49% and pure water flux of about 193 L m−2 h−1. Mechanical studies showed that nanoparticles and DR have significant effects on tensile strength and elongation at break. In addition, the thermal stability of composite microporous membranes was found to be improved with the increase of TiO2 content and melt draw ratio. Thus, this investigation delivers inspiration for the expansion of excellent performance microporous membranes used for battery separators and filtration devices.
Dielectric study of CoFe2O4/MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites: Effect of temperature, concentration and irradiation
Authors: Meena Shivali , Kumari Neelam , Mitra Supratim , Singhal Rahul , Verma Sarika , Choubey Ravi Kant , Dwivedi Umesh Kumar
Published: April 2023

In this work, dielectric behavior of CoFe2O4/MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites affected by concentration, temperature and Au ion irradiation is reported. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles are synthesized via co‐precipitation technique. The samples of CoFe2O4/MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites are prepared by varying ferrite contents (upto 50 phr). After that, the dielectric behavior is evaluated using LCR meter. The results exhibited that the dielectric constant of CoFe2O4/MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites increases with increased ferrite content. The effect of temperature on dielectric of CoFe2O4/MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites is observed at 27–100°C. The dielectric constant of prepared nanocomposites is gradually enhanced with elevation in temperature up to a certain value then decreased due to accumulation of charges at interfaces. Furthermore, reduced dielectric behavior of prepared nanocomposites can be seen on the account of ion irradiation effect.
Effects of ε‐polylysine or ε‐polylysine hydrochloride on the pH responsive ι‐carrageenan gel
Authors: Tian Jie , Wang Nan , Teng Wenxiu , Song Shuang , Pang Jie , Wu Chunhua , Wen Chengrong
Published: April 2023

The binding of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes is a well‐known gel strategy, and pH is an important factor affecting the gel properties. In this work, the influence of pH (3, 5, 7, 9, 11) on the rheological and textural properties, molecular structure and micromorphology of binary mixed gels of ι‐carrageenan (IC) and ε‐polylysine (PLL) or ε‐polylysine hydrochloride (PLH) was investigated. The results showed that a change in pH led to a change in the properties of binary mixed gels. The lower the pH, the higher were G′, G″, complex viscosity and gel transition temperature. At the same time, the water holding capacity and gel strength of IC/PLL (IP) and IC/PLH (IPH) were also improved accordingly, and the gel properties of IPH were always better than those of IP. As the pH increased to alkalinity, the density of the gel network structure decreased, the pore size decreased, the pore wall became thinner and the surface smoothed. When the pH dropped into the acidic range, there was a red shift of the hydroxyl group and the sulfate group bands, an enhancement of the hydrogen bonding interaction and a blue shift of the methyl band and the amide I band. At pH 3, the microscopic network structure of IP and IPH were dense and uniform with small pore size, rough surface and thick pore wall. These results showed that the binary mixed gels had better gel properties at pH 3. The results provided a theoretical basis for the preparation of IP and IPH gels, and also enabled a deeper understanding of the mechanism of interaction between polypeptides and carrageenan. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Impact of psychological monitors' interview about suicide on college students' negative emotion
Authors: Zhan Qisheng , Xia Tianyu , Zhang Lisha , Liu Yang
Published: April 2023

This study was to analyze the influence of psychological monitors (namely peer counselors with Chinese characteristics) and counselors on the affect of suicide‐related interviews among high‐risk students. 126 college students (Mage = 19.75 ± 1.05, aged: 18–23, 60% were male) were randomly divided into experimental group (interviewed) and control group (not interviewed). The experimental group filled in the positive and negative affect scale (PANAS) before and after the interview, while the experimental group and the control group filled in the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) before the interview and 1 week after the interview. The results showed that negative affect of the experimental group decreased more after the psychological counselor interviewed the experimental group than the psychological monitors. (short‐term effect: p = .001, Cohen's d = 0.66; long‐term depression: p = .007, ηp2 = 0.057) The interviewer's identity had no effect on the subjects' long‐term affect changes. (depression: F = 0.000, p = .987; hopelessness: F = 2.960, p = .09). Both psychological monitors and counselors can carry out suicide‐related interview for high‐risk students.
Kinetic and thermodynamic study of micron waste polypropylene thermal degradation
Authors: Liu Yitao , Zhao Zhiyuan , Chen Ruiyu , Xu Xiaokang
Published: April 2023

How to properly dispose of waste polymers is a recognized challenge all over the world. Thermal degradation is currently recognized as a promising method for recycling polymer waste into fuels or products with high energy density without polluting the environment. In the present study, the thermal degradation characteristics, kinetics, thermodynamic parameters, and volatiles of a representative and extremely widely‐used polymer (micron waste polypropylene [PP]) pyrolysis in nitrogen were investigated. The results indicate that the thermal degradation of micron waste polypropylene can be considered as a one‐step reaction with merely one distinct peak on the reaction rate curves. The peak and average reaction rates decrease with the heating rate. The most appropriate reaction model to characterize the thermal degradation is g(α) = 1−(1−α)1/4. The average values of activation energy and pre‐exponential factor are 128.76 kJ/mol and 6.79 × 109 min−1, respectively. The kinetic parameters obtained in this study are all larger than those of PP with the particle size of millimeters or larger. The predicted thermogravimetric curves of thermal degradation are in good agreement with the experimental results. The changes of enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy show that the thermal degradation of micron waste polypropylene is a non‐spontaneous and endothermic reaction. In addition, the concentrations of all volatiles in descending order are: H2O > Esters (COO)  > CO2 > Alkanes (CH3) > R2CCH2 > Olefins (CC) > Alcohols (ROH) > Methylene group > CO.
The effect of abamectin application in combination with agronomic measures on the control efficacy of cucumber root‐knot nematodes and the cucumber yield
Authors: Liu Yukun , Liu Yujuan , Yang Liyuan , Zhang Tao , Jin Yan , Liu Lihong , Du Jiang , Zhang Daxia , Li Beixing , Gao Chuanjie , Liu Feng
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

As a registered non‐fumigant nematicide, abamectin has been widely used as a soil treatment against many cash crop nematode diseases. In a previous study, we found that soil adsorption hindered the stable performance of abamectin against root‐knot nematodes in the field.

RESULTS

In this study, an efficient and labor‐saving application method of soil blending abamectin combined with rotary tillage, a common agronomic measure, was developed to improve the efficacy of abamectin against root‐knot nematode disease. We revealed the role of four parameters in this application method. At an abamectin dose of 750 g a.i. ha−1, spray water volume of 675 L ha−1 and rotation depth of 20 cm, abamectin was well distributed in the 0–20 cm soil layer at a concentration of 0.41–0.46 mg kg−1, the efficacy against root‐knot nematode disease was 72.12%, and the cucumber yield was 51.93 t ha−1. At the same dosage, root irrigation and flood irrigation measures resulted in only 29.28% and 33.43% control, with cucumber yields of 42.96 and 44.73 t ha−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

To control root‐knot nematode disease with abamectin, a soil blending application combined with rotary tilling is superior to leaching application combined with the agronomic measure of irrigation. The former application method can improve the dispersion of abamectin in the soil, enhance the efficacy of abamectin against root‐knot nematodes and maintain a stable cucumber yield. In addition, the increased labor required for application combined with agronomic measures is negligible and has excellent application prospects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Smart tag packaging technologies: A qualitative investigation of consumers' needs and expectations
Authors: Htun Nyi‐Nyi , Wiśniewska Agnieszka , Nocella Giuseppe , Santa Cruz Elena , Peracaula‐Moner Aniol , Vehmas Kaisa , Hakola Liisa , Liczmańska‐Kopcewicz Katarzyna , Bridgett Lee , Verbert Katrien
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we attempt to better understand concerns, needs and expectations of European consumers towards the use of intelligent packaging technologies as this topic appears to need further investigation from a marketing point of view. Thus, this study contributes to the currently limited body of research on the application of smart tag technologies on food packaging by exploring information benefits to consumers and by providing insights for marketers on how these technologies could be further employed to create value for consumers, manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

A qualitative user‐centred approach was employed to get insights about consumers' shared views on future packaging solutions that could be introduced by European stakeholders of the food industry using different smart labels. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted online in five European countries: United Kingdom, Finland, Spain, Poland and Iceland.

Respondents indicated that food safety and quality were the most important issues connected to the food value chain. Participants also identified and expressed their preferences for information that stakeholders of the food industry should deliver with smart tag labels. Smart tag labels should inform consumers about ingredients, food storage, food preparation, shelf life, health, real‐time freshness, recycling and personalised deals. In terms of preferences for different smart labels, participants indicated quick response (QR) codes and freshness indicators to be the technologies of the future for stakeholders of the food industry.
Process capability analysis of Taguchi indexCpmbased on generalizedp‐value
Authors: Meng Fanbing , Yang Jun
Published: April 2023

Product quality is an essential issue to promote product sale, and process capability analysis plays an important role to assess and guarantee the process quality of products. Taguchi index is widely adopted to measure the process capability, because it essentially quantifies the quality loss from the actual process quality to the customer need. Large sample approximation and the bootstrap method are often used to test the hypothesis of index , but they do not have satisfactory performance under small or medium sample size. To address this issue, we propose a novel hypothesis testing method of index based on generalizedp‐value theory. For application, its mathematical expression is derived in detail for the normal, gamma, and Weibull distributions, since these distributions are commonly used in engineering practice. Simulation results show that the supremum of type I error probability of the proposed testing method is closer to the significance level than the existing methods, and its type II error probability is lower as well. Based on the proposed hypothesis testing method, a new procedure of process capability analysis is designed for applications. Finally, two real cases are carried out to show the effectiveness of the newly designed procedure.
A New family of Sulfamidophosphonates Derivatives: Microwave‐Accelerated Multicomponent Synthesis, Characterization and X‐Ray Crystallographic Study**
Authors: Ghodbane Racha , K'Tir Hacène , Bouacida Sofiane , Ibrahim‐Ouali Malika , Aouf Zineb , Aouf Nour‐Eddine
Published: April 2023

In this present study, we describe a simple, effective and greener one‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of novel α‐sulfamidophosphonates 4(a–l), and 5(a, b) that were rationally designed and synthesized following the principle of the superposition of bioactives substructures. This reaction was accomplished by the condensation of various aromatic aldehydes, sulfamide and diethyl phosphite via the Kabachnik‐Fields reaction using ethanol as solvent under catalyst‐free conditions. The corresponding products were obtained with good yields, in short reactions time and no side product was observed. All the newly synthesized compounds were systematically characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR analysis and the structures of the compounds 4 b and 4 c were further analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Chiral Ruthenium Nanozymes with Self‐Cascade Reaction Driven the NO Generation Induced Macrophage M1 Polarization Realizing the Lung Cancer “Cocktail Therapy”
Authors: Chen Xu , Yang Yonglan , Ye Gang , Liu Shengming , Liu Jie
Published: April 2023

Macrophages as the main cause of cancer immunosuppression, how to effectively induce macrophage M1 polarization remain the major challenge in lung cancer therapy. Herein, inspired by endogenous reactions, a strategy is proposed to coactivate macrophage M1 polarization by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) with self‐autocatalytic cascade reaction. To enhance the generation of NO and ROS, NO Precursor‐Arginine as capping agents for inducing synthesis two kinds of chiral ruthenium nanozyme (D/L‐Arginine@Ru). Under the properties of Ru nanozymes through synchronously mimicking the activity of oxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), chiral Ru nanozyme can rapidly generate 1O2 and O2 at first stage, and then catalyze Arginine to produce sufficient NO, thus enhance macrophage M1 polarization to reverse tumor immunosuppression. Moreover, combination the antitumor activity of 1O2, NO, the chiral Ru nanozymes realize the “cocktail therapy” by inducing tumor cell apoptosis as well as ferroptosis. In addition, the chirality influences the bioactivity of Ru nanozymes that L‐Arginine@Ru shows the better therapeutic effect with stronger catalytic activity and natural homology. It is hoped the high performance of chiral Ru nanozyme with “cocktail therapy” is an effective therapeutic reagent and can provide a feasible treatment strategy for tumor catalytic therapy.
Hierarchically Templated Synthesis of 3D‐Printed Crosslinked Cyclodextrins for Lycopene Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Mingshi , Liu Wenxing , Lin Qianming , Ke Chenfeng
Published: April 2023

Plants produce a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals, such as antioxidants and vitamins, which play crucial roles in aging prevention, inflammation reduction, and reducing the risk of cancer. Selectively harvesting these phytochemicals, such as lycopene, from tomatoes through the adsorption method is cost‐effective and energy efficient. In this work, a templated synthesis of 3D‐printed crosslinked cyclodextrin polymers featuring nanotubular structures for highly selective lycopene harvesting is reported. Polypseudorotaxanes formed by triethoxysilane‐based telechelic polyethylene glycols and α‐cyclodextrins (α‐CDs) are designed as the template to (1) synthetically access urethane‐based nanotubular structures at the molecular level, and (2) construct 3D‐printed architectures with designed macroscale voids. The polypseudorotaxane hydrogels showed good rheological properties for direct ink writing, and the 3D‐printed hydrogels were converted to the desired α‐CD polymer network through a three‐step postprinting transformation. The obtained urethane‐crosslinked α‐CD monoliths possess nanotubular structures and 3D‐printed voids. They selectively adsorb lycopene from raw tomato juice, protecting lycopene from photo‐ or thermo‐degradations. This work highlights the hierarchically templated synthesis approach in developing functional 3D‐printing materials by connecting the bottom‐up molecular assembly and synthesis with the top‐down 3D architecture control and fabrication.