bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness and Practice Concerning Biomedical Waste Management with Special Reference to COVID-19 among Healthcare Providers at a Tertiary Care Centre in Karnataka, India
Authors: Vedavati BI , Tabaseera Nazeema , Vathsalya MR , Attavar Rahul
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Growing healthcare facilities to provide better health for patients have contributed in increased generation of Biomedical Waste (BMW). Emergence of Coronavirus Disease2019 (COVID-19) has added to this burden. BMW carries a higher risk of infections, injuries and also environmental hazards. Effective management of BMW is a fundamental practice of healthcare providers in averting health and environmental hazards. Aim: To know about the awareness and practice concerning BMW management among healthcare provider at tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at district hospital attached to Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri, Karnataka, India, for seven months during July 2021 to January 2022. A total of 232 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who were involved in patient caring participated in this study. Study included Questionnaires (30 questions) regarding awareness and practice of BMW management. The data was procured by structured self-administered questionnaire through Google forms. Results: The study showed that majority of participants had good awareness and modest numbers of participants were practicing proper method of waste management. About 93.5% were aware of BMW management categories, 98.7% of participants knew regarding which coloured bags are used for collection. Study identified some gaps in awareness and practices. About 49.1% participants dispose used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during COVID-19 into proper bag, only 27.6% participants knew correctly regarding maximum time limit to store BMW. Conclusion: Every healthcare provider must have proper knowledge and awareness of BMW management. It is necessary to contain transmission of infection and prevention of environmental hazards caused due to BMW. The study emphasises the need for regular monitoring and training requirement at all level to bridge the awareness gap. Proper BMW handling and disposal are components of infection control measures.
Numerous Peripheral Retinal Yellow Flecks in an Adult Woman
Authors: Rym Maamouri , Olfa Beizig , Monia Cheour
Published: September 2022

This case report describes a woman aged 24 years with a diagnosis of fundus albipunctatus who presented with progressively blurry vision in both eyes and numerous deep yellow flecks on fundus examination bilaterally.
Association of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status With Visual Impairment in Adolescent Children in the US
Authors: Adomfeh Jean , Jastrzembski Benjamin G. , Oke Isdin
Published: September 2022

Importance

Although racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in visual impairment have been described in adults, few studies have focused on the adolescent population, which may provide insight into the emergence of vision health inequities.

Objective

To describe visual health disparities among adolescent children in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cross-sectional study of adolescents from the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were aged 12 to 18 years with a completed visual function questionnaire and eye examination. Data analyses were conducted from January 19 to July 20, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes included subjective (self-reported poor vision) and objective (visual acuity worse than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye) measures of visual function. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the sociodemographic risk factors and each outcome, adjusting for age, sex, and other covariates.

Results

The 2833 included participants (mean [SD] age, 15.5 [2.0] years; 1407 female participants [49%]) represent a survey-weighted 57 million US adolescent children, of whom 14% were non-Hispanic Black participants (876), 11% were Mexican American participants (828), 63% were non-Hispanic White participants (816), and 11% were other race and ethnicity (313). A total of 5% of participants (266) were not US citizens, and 19% (773) had a family income below the poverty threshold. There were increased odds of self-reported poor vision among Black (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% CI, 2.00-4.05; P < .001), Mexican American (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.70-4.73; P < .001), and low-income (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.63-3.65; P < .001) adolescent children. Similarly, there were increased odds of visual acuity worse than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye among Black (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.41-3.24; P = .001), Mexican American (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.39-3.26; P = .001), and non-US citizen (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10-3.49; P = .02) participants.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationally representative sample from 2005 to 2008, adolescent children identifying as Black, Mexican American, low-income, or non-US citizen were more likely to report poor subjective visual function and perform worse on objective visual acuity testing. A greater understanding of the underlying etiology of these disparities may yield opportunities for improving vision at the population level.
Two‐Dimensional Semiconductors for Photodetection
Authors: Sun Jian , Yang Cheng , Yao Fei , Li Huamin
Published: September 2022

Since the discovery of graphene, two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors have attracted intensive interest due to their unique properties. In particular, 2D semiconductors possess unique physics and superior performance for light–matter interactions in a comparison with three‐dimensional (3D) bulk counterparts. In this article, the general electronic and optoelectronic properties of 2D semiconductors will be firstly introduced. Then the technical approaches for tuning their electronic properties including both energy bandgap engineering and doping will be presented. Electrical contacts of 2D semiconductor devices as another technical challenge will also be discussed. Finally, the application of 2D semiconductors in photodetectors, including both the light–matter interaction mechanisms and the metric benchmarking of recent advances will be summarized.
Socioeconomic Status and Medication Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Russell Oscar , Lester Susan , Black Rachel J. , Hill Catherine L.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Socioeconomic status (SES) influences disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Differences in medication use may partly explain this association. A scoping review was used to identify research conducted on this topic and determine what knowledge gaps remain.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and PsychInfo were searched from their inception until February 2022 for studies that assessed SES and medication use as an outcome variable. Data was extracted on the use of specific SES measures, medication use, and whether differences in SES variables were associated with differences in medication use.

Results

We identified 2,103 studies, of which 81 were selected for inclusion. Included studies originated most frequently from the US (42%); the mean ± SD age of participants was 55.9 ± 6.8 years, and most were female (75%). Studies measured a median of 4 SES variables (interquartile range 3–6), with educational, area‐level SES, and income being the most frequent measurements used. Patients' race and/or ethnicity were documented by 34 studies. Studies primarily assessed the likelihood of prescription of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs or dispensation, medication adherence, or treatment delays. A majority of studies documented at least 1 SES measure associated with a difference in medication use.

Conclusion

There is some evidence that SES affects use of medications in patients with RA; however, multiple definitions of SES have been utilized, making comparisons between studies difficult. Prospective studies with consistently defined SES will be needed to determine whether differences in medication use accounts for the poorer outcomes experienced by patients of lower SES.
Multiphase Morphology with Enhanced Carrier Lifetime via Quaternary Strategy Enables High‐Efficiency, Thick‐Film, and Large‐Area Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhan Lingling , Yin Shouchun , Li Yaokai , Li Shuixing , Chen Tianyi , Sun Rui , Min Jie , Zhou Guanqing , Zhu Haiming , Chen Yiyao , Fang Jin , Ma Chang‐Qi , Xia Xinxin , Lu Xinhui , Qiu Huayu , Fu Weifei , Chen Hongzheng
Published: September 2022

With the continuous breakthrough of the efficiency of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), their practical applications are on the agenda. However, the thickness tolerance and upscaling in recently reported high‐efficiency devices remains challenging. In this work, the multiphase morphology and desired carrier behaviors are realized by utilizing a quaternary strategy. Notably, the exciton separation, carrier mobility, and carrier lifetime are enhanced significantly, the carrier recombination and the energy loss (Eloss) are reduced, thus beneficial for a higher short‐circuit density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of the quaternary system. Moreover, the intermixing‐phase size is optimized, which is favorable for constructing the thick‐film and large‐area devices. Finally, the device with a 110 nm‐thick active layer shows an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.32% (certified 19.35%). Furthermore, the large‐area (1.05 and 72.25 cm2) devices with 110 nm thickness present PCEs of 18.25% and 12.20%, and the device with a 305 nm‐thick film (0.0473 cm2) delivers a PCE of 17.55%, which are among the highest values reported. The work demonstrates the potential of the quaternary strategy for large‐area and thick‐film OPVs and promotes the practical application of OPVs in the future.
Recent Advances in Silver Nanowire Based Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensors: From Structure, Fabrication to Emerging Applications
Authors: Basarir Fevzihan , Madani Zahra , Vapaavuori Jaana
Published: September 2022

Skin mountable flexible pressure sensors are crucial for the next generation technologies. Capacitive pressure sensors bring several advantages and hence, they have been preferred over piezoelectric and piezoresistive alternatives. Flexible electrode and dielectric material are the fundamental components of the capacitive flexible pressure sensors. Hence, solution processable silver nanowires (AgNWs) are highly promising as electrode material or filler material in dielectric layer, owing to their superior inherent conductivity and flexibility. This article reviews recent progress on fabrication of flexible capacitive pressure sensors with AgNWs used as electrode and dielectric material. Performance of the sensors based on AgNWs is comprehensively discussed and emerging applications, as well as future outlook, are presented in detail.
Self‐Templated Synthesis of CoFeP @ C Cage‐In‐Cage Superlattices for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Deng Yuwei , Cao Yangfei , Xia Yan , Xi Xiangyun , Wang Yun , Jiang Wenfeng , Yang Dong , Dong Angang , Li Tongtao
Published: September 2022

Designing highly‐efficient, cost‐effective, and stable electrocatalysts for water splitting is of great significance for implementing renewable energy technologies. Herein, a self‐templated strategy is employed to fabricate 2D porous electrocatalysts of heterometallic phosphides featuring a cage‐in‐cage superlattice architecture. The as‐made heterometallic phosphide electrocatalysts, comprising a layer of close‐packed CoFeP nanocages intimately embedded in an interconnected carbon‐cage framework, are converted from carbon‐coated CoFeO nanocrystal superlattices by one‐step phosphidation. Benefiting from the unique hierarchical porous structure and the ability of modulating the Co/Fe molar ratio, such 2D CoFeP @ C cage‐in‐cage superlattices show remarkable activity and stability for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Moreover, water electrolyzers constructed using CoFeP @ C superlattices as both cathode and anode require a low cell voltage of 1.55 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, outperforming most nonprecious metal‐based electrocatalysts reported previously. The superior electrocatalytic performance of CoFeP @ C superlattices is revealed by density functional theory calculations. These findings provide new opportunities for developing efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting.
One‐year outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients regarding the age, gender, and postoperative follow‐ups
Authors: Tabasi Mohsen , Farsimadan Marziye , Yazdannasab Mohammadreza , Elyasinia Fezzeh , Siadat Seyed Davar , Soroush Ahmadreza
Published: September 2022

The outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), one of the most common bariatric surgery (BS) procedure, may differ depending on the patient's age, gender, and postoperative follow‐ups. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LSG technique on weight loss, obesity‐associated co‐morbidities and complications in patients undergoing LSG over 3 months and 1 year, regarding their age, gender, and postoperative follow‐ups. The LSG associated complications in participants regarding their preoperative BMI (<39.9 and >39.9), age (30‐40 and 40‐50), and gender were assessed after 3 and 12 months. Besides, the remission and improvement rates of comorbid conditions in patients were examined after 12 months of LSG. Our results showed that LSG led to a significant weight loss in the resolution of obesity‐associated co‐morbidities and different complications after 1 year. No significant difference was found in the improvement and the resolution of obesity‐associated co‐morbidities according to gender. Also, the class 3 patients had significantly higher rates of hearing loss after 12 months and had higher levels of depression and brittle nails 3 months after the surgery. The younger patients also showed a significantly higher percentage of dry skin, intolerance to bread, and menstrual disorder compared to the older group. In conclusion, this study emphasized the importance and necessity of further research into the factors influencing the outcome of LSG such as age, gender, and postoperative follow‐ups.
Menopause hormone therapy significantly alters pathophysiological biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Depypere Herman , Vergallo Andrea , Lemercier Pablo , Lista Simone , Benedet Andrea , Ashton Nicholas , Cavedo Enrica , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Hampel Harald ,   the Neurodegeneration Precision Medicine Initiative (NPMI)
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This increasing body of literature indicates that menopause hormonal replacement therapy (MHT) may substantially mitigate the risk of developing late‐life cognitive decline due to progressive Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. For the first time, we investigated the question whether MHT impacts AD biomarker‐informed pathophysiological dynamics in de‐novo diagnosed menopausal women.

Methods

We analyzed baseline and longitudinal differences between MHT‐taking and ‐not women in terms of concentrations of core pathophysiological AD plasma biomarkers, validated in symptomatic and cognitively healthy individuals, including biomarkers of (1) the amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathway, (2) tau pathophysiology, (3) neuronal loss, and (4) axonal damage and neurodegeneration.

Results

We report a prominent and significant treatment response at the Aβ pathway biomarker level. Women at genetic risk for AD (APOE e4 allele carriers) have particularly shown favorable results from treatment.

Discussion

To our knowledge, we present first prospective clinical evidence on effects of MHT on AD pathophysiology during menopause.
Scalable Electrosynthesis of Formamide through C−N Coupling at the Industrially Relevant Current Density of 120 mA cm−2
Authors: Shao Jiang , Meng Nannan , Wang Yuting , Zhang Baoshun , Yang Kaiwen , Liu Cuibo , Yu Yifu , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2022

The scalable and durable electrosynthesis of high‐valued organonitrogen compounds from carbon‐ and nitrogen‐containing small molecules, especially operating at a high current density, is highly desirable. Here, a one‐pot electrooxidation method to synthesize formamide (HCONH2) from methanol and ammonia over a commercial boron‐doped diamond (BDD) catalyst is reported. The formamide selectivity from methanol and formamide Faradaic efficiency (FE
) achieve 73.2 % and 41.2 % at the current density of 120 mA cm−2 with high durability. The C−N bond originates from the nucleophilic attack of ammonia on an aldehyde‐like intermediate. Impressively, an 8 L electrolyzer is employed for the pilot plant test over a 2200 cm2 BDD electrode, which exhibits 33.5 % FE
at 120 mA cm−2 (current: 264 A) with a yield rate of 36.9 g h−1, demonstrating the potential of this technique for large‐scale electrosynthesis of formamide.
Approach to microalgal biodiesel production: Insight review on recent advancements and future outlook
Authors: Yadav Meena , Sharma Yogesh Chandra
Published: September 2022

The environmental concerns about fossil energy and rising oil prices are regular global phenomena. In such an exigency where fossil fuel sources are dwindling, carbon‐neutral biodiesel derived from microalgae lipid seems to be an important renewable energy resource. In recent years, microalgae have become a lucrative feedstock for economically viability of commercial‐scale biofuel production owing to its high biomass growth and high oil yield compared with other crops. The screening and selection of promising microalgae strain should be based on their fatty acid profile and culture conditions. The laboratory to pilot scale culture of microalgae species requires systematic experimental designs to maximize microalgal growth using open or raceway ponds, closed photo bioreactors and hybrid systems. The pros and cons of each harvesting technique, including filtration, centrifugation, sedimentation and flocculation as well cell disruption by thermal, mechanical, chemical and biological techniques, are deliberated in details. Furthermore, the application of homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzyme catalysts in transesterification processes as well as purification technologies are emphasized to ensure high‐quality biodiesel production as per ASTM norms. Microalgae comprise a potential feedstock and biodiesel synthesis from them requires a series of complex up‐streaming and down‐stream processes which are inherently disadvantageous in technology transfer from laboratory to industrial scale. This review paper is mainly focused on microalgal cultivation, harvesting, oil extraction, biodiesel production and purification technologies, and each vital process is critically reviewed in each step. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drug library screening identifies histone deacetylase inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for choriocarcinoma
Authors: Watanabe Eri , Yokoi Akira , Yoshida Kosuke , Sugiyama Mai , Kitagawa Masami , Nishino Kimihiro , Yamamoto Eiko , Niimi Kaoru , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: September 2022

Background

Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive gynecological malignancy. The standard treatment is systemic chemotherapy as choriocarcinoma exhibits high chemosensitivity. However, refractory choriocarcinoma exhibits chemoresistance; thus, the prognosis remains very poor. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic agents for choriocarcinoma by utilizing a drug repositioning strategy.

Methods

Three choriocarcinoma cell lines (JAR, JEG‐3, and BeWo) and a human extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR‐8/SVneo) were used for the analyses. The growth inhibitory effects of 1,271 FDA‐approved compounds were evaluated in vitro screening assays and selected drugs were tested in tumor‐bearing mice. Functional analyses of drug effects were performed based on RNA sequencing.

Results

Muti‐step screening identified vorinostat, camptothecin (S, +), topotecan, proscillaridin A, and digoxin as exhibiting an anti‐cancer effect in choriocarcinoma cells. Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, was selected as a promising candidate for validation and the IC50 values for choriocarcinoma cells were approximately 1 μM. RNA sequencing and subsequent pathway analysis revealed that the ferroptosis pathway was likely implicated, and key ferroptosis‐related genes (i.e., GPX4, NRF2, and SLC3A2) were downregulated following vorinostat treatment. Furthermore, vorinostat repressed tumor growth and downregulated the expression of GPX4 and NRF2 in JAR cell‐bearing mice model.

Conclusion

Vorinostat, a clinically approved drug for the treatment of advanced primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, showed a remarkable anticancer effect both in vitro and in vivo by regulating the expression of ferroptosis‐related genes. Therefore, vorinostat may be an effective therapeutic candidate for patients with choriocarcinoma.
Clinicopathologic characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma in China
Authors: Wei Chong , Li Wei , Qin Liping , Liu Shan , Xue Chang , Ren Kexing , Zhang Zirong , Liu Caili , Bao Fang , Zhang Huilai , Zhou Hui , Li Zhiming , Wu Huijing , Zou Liqun , Liu Lihong , Jing Hongmei , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aimed to better characterize the clinicopathologic characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of AITL in China.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 312 patients with AITL enrolled between January 2011 and December 2020 from five institutions in China.

Results

The median age was 65 years, with 92.6% advanced stage, 59.7% elevated LDH, 46.1% anemia, and 44.0% hypergammaglobulinemia. The majority of patients (84.9%) received anthracycline‐based regimens with or without etoposide, and only 6.1% underwent autologous stem cell transplantation following first remission. The 5‐year OS and PFS estimates were 43.4% and 25.0% with no significant improvement of survival between patients treated during 2011–2015 and 2016–2020, respectively. Both the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the prognostic index for PTCL, not otherwise specified (PIT), were predictive for OS. In multivariate analysis, age >70 years, elevated LDH, and albumin level <35 g/L were independent prognostic factors for OS. Combining these three factors, a novel prognostic model (the Chinese AITL score) was constructed, which stratified patients into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups, with 5‐year OS rates of 69.0%, 41.5%, and 23.7%, respectively. This new model was successfully validated in an independent cohort.

Conclusions

Patients with AITL were mainly treated with anthracycline‐based regimens, and the outcomes were still unsatisfactory in China. Our novel prognostic model may improve our ability to identify patients at different risks for alternative therapies.
Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy combined with abiraterone acetate in patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer: When to perform radical prostatectomy?
Authors: Xu Ziyang , Wei Fukun , Wang Jie , Ma Sai , Kan Yi , Li Bingheng , Qi Nienie , Mao Lijun
Published: September 2022

The surgical timing after neoadjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) plus abiraterone acetate (AA) for patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) is unknown. We divided patients with locally advanced or metastatic PCa into three groups according to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nadir after neoadjuvant ADT plus AA: group 1 (PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/ml), group 2 (0.2 < PSA ≤ 4.0 ng/ml), and group 3 (PSA > 4.0 ng/ml).The median PSA baseline levels in groups 1, 2, 3 were 118.42 (32.03–457.78), 143.48 (17.7–8100.16), and153.35 (46.44–423.31) ng/ml, respectively. The median times of progression to CRPC in groups 1, 2,and 3 were 30, 26, and 26 months, respectively. Compared to patients with PSA nadir >0.2 ng/ml, patients with PSA nadir <0.2 ng/ml presented with longer PFS (p = 0.048).Our results suggested that, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic PCa, the time to progression to CRPC was longer after radical prostatectomy when PSA decreased below 0.2 ng/ml using neoadjuvant ADT plus AA.
AD does justice to the legacy of Title IX
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: September 2022

Yale University was prominently featured in the ESPN docuseries “37 Words,” which covered the history, impact, and legacy of Title IX. Former members of the women's crew team described the dismal conditions under which they trained in the 1970s and 80s. Fast forward to 2022, when these alumnae, several of whom became Olympians, returned to Yale to experience the vastly improved facilities for women's crew.
Unusual case of broad ligament leiomyoma: A diagnostic and surgical challenge
Authors: Lodhia Jay , Gaffur Raziya , Sadiq Adnan , Amsi Patrick , Tsandiraki Justin , Maro Eusebious
Published: September 2022

Extra‐uterine leiomyoma (EUL) is extremely rare and due to its unusual location, results into diagnostic dilemma and due to its unusual location may lead to surgical complication as in this case. We present a case of large broad ligament leiomyoma in a 40‐year‐old premenauposal that was excised with challenges.
Experimental investigation on dynamic behaviour of bubbles emerging from micro‐capillary orifice in a flow channel
Authors: Guo Chenglong , Chai Wang , Lyu Qian , Min Ming , Wang Wei , Liang Lin
Published: September 2022

The flow phenomenon of liquid with bubbles is widespread in various industrial fields, which determines the mass transfer characteristics of the equipment. In this work, the dynamic behaviour of bubbles emerging from micro‐capillary orifice in a flow channel was studied by a visualization experiment, while the effects of gas flow rate and liquid flow rate on these processes of bubble growth, departure, and inrush were explored. The experimental results showed that one bubble formation cycle can be divided into three stages: Waiting, departure, and inrush, as well as the dynamic behaviour of bubble emerging from micro‐capillary orifice in a flow channel, were significantly affected by gas flow rate and liquid flow rate. At a higher gas flow rate, the growth time and the departure time were shorter, as well as the departure volume of the leading bubble and the inrush volume of the trailing bubble were smaller, while the transverse longitudinal ratio fluctuated more violently, and the swing amplitude of the bubble centroid was greater. With an increasing liquid flow rate, the growth time, the departure time, and the inrush time shortened, while the departure volume of the leading bubble decreased and the fluctuation of the bubble centroid weakened. These findings are conducive to improving the performance of the equipment by optimizing the design of the aerator to regulate the dynamic behaviour of bubbles.
Comparative evaluation of the postbleaching application of sodium ascorbate, alpha‐tocopherol, and quercetin on shear bond strength of composite resin to enamel
Authors: Moradian Marzieh , Saadat Maryam , S. Shiri Mohammad Hossein , Sohrabniya Fatemeh
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the impacts of the postbleaching application of sodium ascorbate, alpha‐tocopherol, and quercetin on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin.

Material and Methods

60 extracted intact maxillary first premolars were collected and were randomly divided into five experimental groups as follows (n=12): Group A (negative control): no bleaching, Group B (positive control): bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP), Group C: HP±10% sodium ascorbate for 10min, Group D: HP±10% alpha‐tocopherol for 10min, and Group E: HP±1% quercetin for 10min. Composite bonding was done immediately after bleaching for Groups B‐E and without any treatment for Group A. After being stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24h, all specimens were tested for SBS in the universal testing machine. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post‐hoc test were used to analyze the SBS values of all groups.

Results

The results showed that the bonding of composite to the unbleached group exhibited the highest mean value of SBS (22.68±2.91MPa). Among the antioxidant‐treated groups, the highest SBS value was detected in quercetin‐treated specimens (15.45±1.58MPa), which was significantly different from the positive control group (p<.05).

Conclusion

It could be concluded that 10% quercetin applied for 10min increased the bond strength to bleached enamel, but it was not able to reverse it completely.
Are gender‐diverse boards eco‐innovative? The mediating role of corporate social responsibility strategy
Authors: Issa Ayman , Bensalem Nasrine
Published: September 2022

Despite the recognized importance of board gender diversity and eco‐innovation, it is far from clear how board gender diversity can improve eco‐innovation. Grounded in upper echelon theory and the gender socialization theory, we suggest that this relationship operates through corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. In a sample of FTSE 350 firms, we find that CSR strategy mediates the influence of the board's gender diversity on eco‐innovation. These findings are robust to several regression specifications and alternative samples. This work offers empirical evidence that gender diversity on boards can play a significant role in promoting firm's CSR strategy, which in turn improves eco‐innovation. Our findings could provide useful insights for regulators and stakeholders concerned with enhancing corporate governance structure and promoting eco‐innovation.
Automatic fault identification in WSN‐based smart grid environment
Authors: Mullur Nagaraja Murthy Rekha , Mahadevaswamy Udigala Basavaraju
Published: September 2022

Wireless sensor network (WSN) plays a vital role in the smart grid (SG) environment. Due to the fault tolerance characteristics, cost reduction, and large‐scale convergence, SG introduces many unique challenges caused by system and functional devices. To solve this problem, a WSN‐based SG network is used to identify faults. During data transmission, faulty nodes occur in the transmission line. The node failures, calibration, network failures, low battery, dead nodes, environmental changes, software failures, and so on lead to the interruption in data delivery and spoil the entire WSN‐based SG network. In order to tackle these problems, the new WSN model is designed to detect the faults in the transmission line based on the SG environment. This paper uses the Adaptive Zigbee‐Aquila communication protocol (AZACP) to find the optimal shortest path for transferring data. AZACP finds the shortest optimal path for transmitting the sensed data to the base station with low cost and less time consumption. Fault detection automatically identifies the fault in the transmission line and isolates the faulty nodes to ensure efficient data transmission in WSN. Here, enhanced recurrent equilibrium neural network (ERENN) is introduced to identify the fault in data transmission. The proposed approach provides better performance in terms of evaluating performance metrics like throughput, delay, reliability, average residual energy, number of total transmissions, network lifetime, efficiency, and bit error rate (BER).
Recent insights into gap junction biogenesis in the cochlea
Authors: Defourny Jean , Thiry Marc
Published: September 2022

In the cochlea, connexin 26 (Cx26) and connexin 30 (Cx30) co‐assemble into two types of homomeric and heteromeric gap junctions between adjacent non‐sensory epithelial cells. These channels provide a mechanical coupling between connected cells, and their activity is critical to maintain cochlear homeostasis. Many of the mutations in GJB2 or GJB6, which encode Cx26 and Cx30 in humans, impair the formation of membrane channels and cause autosomal syndromic and non‐syndromic hearing loss. Thus, deciphering the connexin trafficking pathways in situ should represent a major step forward in understanding the pathogenic significance of many of these mutations. A growing body of evidence now suggests that Cx26/Cx30 heteromeric and Cx30 homomeric channels display distinct assembly mechanisms. Here, we review the most recent advances that have been made toward unraveling the biogenesis and stability of these gap junctions in the cochlea.
Response of distribution patterns of two closely related species in Taxus genus to climate change since last inter‐glacial
Authors: Wu Xingtong , Wang Minqiu , Li Xinyu , Yan Yadan , Dai Minjun , Xie Wanyu , Zhou Xiaofen , Zhang Donglin , Wen Yafeng
Published: September 2022

Climate change affects the species spatio‐temporal distribution deeply. However, how climate affects the spatio‐temporal distribution pattern of related species on the large scale remains largely unclear. Here, we selected two closely related species in Taxus genus Taxus chinensis and Taxus mairei to explore their distribution pattern. Four environmental variables were employed to simulate the distribution patterns using the optimized Maxent model. The results showed that the highly suitable area of T. chinensis and T. mairei in current period was 1.616 × 105 km2 and 3.093 × 105 km2, respectively. The distribution area of T. chinensis was smaller than that of T. mairei in different periods. Comparison of different periods shown that the distribution area of the two species was almost in stasis from LIG to the future periods. Temperature and precipitation were the main climate factors that determined the potential distribution of the two species. The centroids of T. chinensis and T. mairei were in Sichuan and Hunan provinces in current period, respectively. In the future, the centroid migration direction of the two species would shift towards northeast. Our results revealed that the average elevation distribution of T. chinensis was higher than that of T. mairei. This study sheds new insights into the habitat preference and limiting environment factors of the two related species and provides a valuable reference for the conservation of these two threatened species.
Geopolymer‐based sub‐ambient daytime radiative cooling coating
Authors: Yang Ning , Fu Yang , Xue Xiao , Lei Dangyuan , Dai Jian‐Guo
Published: September 2022

Sub‐ambient daytime radiative cooling coating (SDRCC) is an appealing thermal management technology with great potential for alleviating the global warming and urban heat island effect. Over the past few years, various polymeric SDRCCs have been developed. However, they may face problems of environmental aging under UV and moisture due to their organic nature. In this study, an ambient‐cured inorganic geopolymer‐based SDRCC was synthesized with the modification of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and nano‐silica (SiO2) particles. The optical and physicochemical properties were systematically investigated. The chemical composition, functional groups, surface morphologies of the raw materials, and the formed geopolymer coating were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS. The developed coating exhibits a high infrared emissivity of 0.9491 and solar reflectance of 97.6%. When exposed to direct sunlight, the coating's surface could cool down up to 8.9 °C below the ambient air temperature under Hong Kong's climate. In addition, the coating could retain well its performance under a variety of harsh environments, including high temperature, water immersion, mechanical wearing, and exposure to sunlight.

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Transcriptome and metabolome integration in sugarcane through culm development
Authors: Perlo Virginie , Furtado Agnelo , Botha Frederik C. , Margarido Gabriel R. A. , Hodgson‐Kratky Katrina , Choudhary Hemant , Gladden John , Simmons Blake , Henry Robert J.
Published: September 2022

Sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) is a tropical and subtropical C4 plant with a high photosynthetic and carbon assimilation efficiency that stores sucrose. Culm biomass is also composed of bagasse fibre, a by‐product of the sugarcane industry. This high‐yielding grass, high in sucrose and lignocellulosic biomass, is considered an optimal feedstock as an alternative to fossil fuels and to produce a broad range of high‐value biomaterials. The ideal sugarcane production system would optimise the relative production of sugar and these new products. Multi‐omics correlation analysis was used to generate a global view of the essential metabolic pathways identifying critical genes involved in carbon partitioning during different stages of development. This research employed an unprecedented metabolic and transcriptomic dataset of 360 samples from a selection of 1440 culms of 24 genotypes at five different development stages. Chemical composition and metabolome analysis showed an increase through the culm development of lignin, sucrose, carbon, and amino acids such as aspartic acid, serine, alanine, methionine, threonine 3‐cyano‐L‐alanine, and citric acid. Transcriptome analysis revealed functionalities such as transcription, nucleotide transport and metabolism, and the biosynthesis of amino acids that are highly activated during the immature stage and highly down‐regulated during the most mature age.
Miso: A traditional nutritious & health‐endorsing fermented product
Authors: Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Shah Yasir Abbas , Khan Mujahid Hassan , Hussain Muzzamal , Ikram Ali , Ateeq Huda , Noman Muhammad , Saewan Shamaail A. , Khashroum Ashraf O.
Published: September 2022

Consumer demand for fermented foods with a well‐balanced nutrient profile has been increasing owing to their ability to prevent chronic diseases as well as their functional, nutritional, and nutraceutical benefits. Among those functional foods, miso is a well‐known traditional fermented food with a distinctive savory flavor and aroma that is most commonly used as a seasoning in miso soup. Among different fermented products, miso is derived from soybeans and grains as a result of the activities of Koji enzymes and beneficial microbes. Additionally, the microbial community of miso is thought to be crucial in enhancing its distinct flavor and texture as well as its nutritional properties. Despite the importance of microorganisms in the production of miso, there has been relatively little research done to characterize and describe the nutritional and medicinal potential of miso. In this review, the potential therapeutic properties, i.e., anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiobesity, of miso have been discussed comprehensively. This review envisions the production technology, its history, microbial population, nutritional properties, and the potential health benefits of miso associated with its consumption.
Improving the adsorption characteristics and antioxidant activity of oat bran by superfine grinding
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Zhang Meili , Guo Xinyue , Bai Xue , Zhang Jing , Huo Rui , Zhang YuanYuan
Published: September 2022

Oat bran (OB) is a by‐product of oat, which is rich in β‐glucan. As a new food processing technology, ultrafine powder can improve the surface properties of samples. OB with different grinding times was prepared, and its functional components, physical properties, adsorption properties, and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Results showed that with increased grinding times, the average particle size of OB decreased significantly (p < .05). And the water‐holding capacity, swelling capacity, and water solubility index of OB increased significantly (p < .05), whereas the animal and vegetable oil‐holding capacities decreased. Oat bran could adsorb cholic acid and glucose, which was related to the time of superfine grinding. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of OB was improved after superfine grinding. Related analysis shows that there was significant positive relationship between β‐glucan, polyphenols and soluble dietary fibers and antioxidant indicators (p < .05). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed that the FTIR spectra of OB powder with different crushing times were similar. On the basis of the above analyses, it is suggested that OB prepared by superfine grinding for 5 min had good physical and chemical properties and antioxidant properties and is widely used in food.
A quantitative prevalence of Escherichia coliO157 in different food samples using real‐time qPCR method
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Brück Wolfram Manuel , Brück Thomas B. , Allahyari Samaneh , Ashrafi Tamai Iradj
Published: September 2022

Escherichia coli serogroup O157 is the main causative agent of several intestinal and extra‐intestinal foodborne diseases in humans through consumption of low‐dose contaminated foods such as milk, beef, and vegetables. To date, studies regarding the quantitative prevalence of E. coli O157 in foods are so limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quantitative prevalence rate of E. coli serogroup O157 in raw milk (n = 144), vegetable salad (n = 174), and minced beef samples (n = 108) using the real‐time qPCR SYBR green melting curve method targeting the rfbA gene. First, we evaluated the method and found a sensitive and specific qPCR assay with 1 log of CFU/ml detection limit to detect E. coli O157 (Tm = 80.3 ± 0.1°C). About 2.77%, 10.18%, and 9.19% of raw milk, minced beef, and vegetable salad samples, respectively, were contaminated with E. coli O157. Minced beef and vegetable salad samples were significantly more contaminated than raw milk samples. Population average of E. coli O157 in raw milk, minced beef, and vegetable salad samples were 2.22 ± 0.57, 3.30 ± 0.40, and 1.65 ± 0.44 log CFU/ml or gr, respectively. Significantly higher levels of population of E. coli O157 were observed in minced beef samples. Minced beef can be regarded as the main food in the transmission of this foodborne pathogen. Routine quantitative rapid monitoring is strongly suggested to be carried out to prevent foodborne diseases caused by E. coli O157.
A global drought monitoring system and dataset based on ERA5 reanalysis: A focus on crop‐growing regions
Authors: Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , Reig Fergus , Tomas‐Burguera Miquel , Peña‐Angulo Dhais , Latorre Borja , Beguería Santiago , Rabanaque Isabel , Noguera Ivan , Lorenzo‐Lacruz Jorge , El Kenawy Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Drought monitoring systems are real‐time information systems focused on drought severity data. They are useful for determining the drought onset and development and defining the spatial extent of drought at any time. Effective drought monitoring requires databases with high spatial and temporal resolution and large spatial and temporal coverage. Recent reanalysis datasets meet these requirements and offer an excellent alternative to observational data. In addition, reanalysis data allow better quantification of some variables that affect drought severity and are more seldom observed. This study presents a global drought dataset and a monitoring system based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and ERA5 reanalysis data. Computation of the atmospheric evaporative demand for the SPEI follows the FAO‐56 Penman‐Monteith equation. The system is updated weekly, providing near real‐time information at a 0.5° spatial resolution and global coverage. It also contains a historical dataset with the values of the SPEI at different time scales since January 1979. The drought monitoring system includes the assessment of drought severity for dominant crop‐growing areas. A comparison between SPEI computed from the ERA5 and CRU datasets shows generally good spatial and temporal agreement, albeit with some important differences originating mainly from the different spatial patterns of SPEI anomalies, as well as from employing long‐term climate trends for different regions worldwide. The results show that the ERA5 dataset offers robust results and supports its use for drought monitoring. The new system and dataset are publicly available at the link https://global‐drought‐crops.csic.es/.
Combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint inhibition and dendritic cell therapy in mice models and in patients with mesothelioma
Authors: van Gulijk Mandy , Belderbos Bob , Dumoulin Daphne , Cornelissen Robin , Bezemer Koen , Klaase Larissa , Dammeijer Floris , Aerts Joachim
Published: September 2022

Immunotherapy with anti‐PD1/PD‐L1 is effective in only a subgroup of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We investigated the efficacy of a combination of anti‐PD1/PD‐L1 and dendritic cell (DC) therapy to optimally induce effective anti‐tumor immunity in MPM in both humans and mice. Data of nine MPM patients treated with DC therapy and sequential anti‐PD1 treatment were collected and analyzed for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Survival and T‐cell responses were monitored in AC29 mesothelioma‐bearing mice treated concurrently with the combination therapy; additionally, the role of the tumor‐draining lymph node (TDLN) was investigated. The combination therapy resulted in a median OS and PFS of 17.7 and 8.0 months, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 treatment‐related adverse events had not been reported. Survival of the mesothelioma‐bearing mice treated with the combination therapy was longer than that of untreated mice, and coincided with improved T‐cell activation in peripheral blood and less T‐cell exhaustion in end stage tumors. Comparable results were obtained when solely the TDLN was targeted. We concluded that this combination therapy is safe and shows promising OS and PFS. The murine data support that PD‐L1 treatment may reinvigorate the T‐cell responses induced by DC therapy, which may primarily be the result of TDLN targeting.
The beginning of a friendship: Teaching individuals with autism to identify shared interests
Authors: Hood Stephanie A. , Gopez Jesey M. , Fallon Maya J. , Byczynski Francesca A. , Aquino Sylvia C. , Monroy Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Individuals with conversation skill deficits often have difficulties discriminating cues of interest and uninterest from their conversation partner(s). We used behavioral skills training (BST) to teach 3 individuals with autism spectrum disorder to converse about the conversation partner's topics of interest, initiate strategic preferred topics to identify shared interests after indices of uninterest, and end the conversation. We assessed generality of each skill across conversation partners and ratings of social acceptability. We replicated previous research on BST producing robust increases in following the conversation, shifting the topic of conversation, and ending the conversation. In addition, all participants learned to categorize shared interests. We observed overall high levels of generality across following, shifting, and ending the conversation with all conversation partners. However, for 2 out of the 3 participants the inclusion of rules was necessary to promote the generality of the intraverbal categorization response. We discuss the implication of these findings for clinical practice and future research.