bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjustments to the “Accommodation Strategy” of the Early Jesuit Mission in China: The Case of Michele Ruggieri's Tianzhu shilu (1584) and its Revised Edition (ca. 1640)
Authors: Huiyu Wang
Published: January 2022

Michele Ruggieri, the first Jesuit who obtained permission to live in China, had to make many subtle adjustments in the process of introducing Catholicism to China, and those adjustments require a careful scholarly examination. His True Record of the Lord of Heaven (Tianzhu shilu, 1584), the first book published in China by a European writer, is a pioneering work that has long been overlooked or misunderstood. Some fifty years later, the work was revised and republished, but the reason for the revised edition has remained largely unexplained. This article first presents the composition of the True Record of the Lord of Heaven, then analyses the content of the first printed version in 1584, as well as its immediate reception. After a comparative analysis of the two versions, the article then explains why the work was revised and takes this as a starting point to discuss the different “accommodation strategy” types adopted by the early Jesuits coming to China.
Relationship between creatinine to body weight ratios and diabetes mellitus: A Chinese cohort study
Authors: Chen Zhuangsen , Zou Yang , Yang Fan , Ding Xiao han , Cao Changchun , Hu Haofei , Wang Xinyu
Published: January 2022

Background

Research on the relationship between creatinine to body weight ratios (Cre/BW ratios) and the prevalence of diabetes is still lacking. The intention of this research was to explore the potential relationship between Cre/BW ratio and diabetes prevalence in Chinese adults.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on 199 526 patients in the Chinese Rich Healthcare Group from 2010 to 2016. The participants were divided into four groups on the basis of the quartiles of the Cre/BW ratios. Multivariate multiple imputation and dummy variables were used to handle missing values. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to detect the relationship between Cre/BW and diabetes. A smoothing plot was also used to identify whether there were nonlinear relationships.

Results

After handling missing values and adjusting for potential confounders, the multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that Cre/BW was inversely correlated with diabetes risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.268; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.229–0.314, p < 0.00001). For men, the HR of incident diabetes was 0.255 (95% CI: 0.212–0.307) and for women it was 0.297 (95% CI: 0.218–0.406). Moreover, sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results. Furthermore, the smoothing plot revealed that there was a saturation effect between Cre/BW and the incidence of diabetes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that increased Cre/BW is negatively correlated with diabetes in Chinese adults. It also found that Cre/BW has a nonlinear relationship with the incidence of diabetes.
Management of status epilepticus: a narrative review
Authors: Migdady I. , Rosenthal E. S. , Cock H. R.
Published: January 2022

Status epilepticus causes prolonged or repetitive seizures that, if left untreated, can lead to neuronal injury, severe disability, coma and death in paediatric and adult populations. While convulsive status epilepticus can be diagnosed using clinical features alone, non‐convulsive status epilepticus requires confirmation by electroencephalogram. Early seizure control remains key in preventing the complications of status epilepticus. This is especially true for convulsive status epilepticus, which has stronger evidence supporting the benefit of treatment on outcomes. When status epilepticus becomes refractory, often due to gamma‐aminobutyric acid and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor modulation, anaesthetic drugs are needed to suppress seizure activity, of which there is limited evidence regarding the selection, dose or duration of their use. Seizure monitoring with electroencephalogram is often needed when patients do not return to baseline or during anaesthetic wean; however, it is resource‐intensive, costly, only available in highly specialised centres and has not been shown to improve functional outcomes. Thus, the treatment goals and aggressiveness of therapy remain under debate, especially for non‐convulsive status epilepticus, where prolonged therapeutic coma can lead to severe complications. This review presents an evidence‐based, clinically‐oriented and comprehensive review of status epilepticus and its definitions, aetiologies, treatments, outcomes and prognosis at different stages of the patient’s journey.
Management of traumatic brain injury: a narrative review of current evidence
Authors: Wiles M. D.
Published: January 2022

Globally, approximately 70 million people sustain traumatic brain injury each year and this can have significant physical, psychosocial and economic consequences for patients, their families and society. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with a summary of recent studies of direct relevance to the management of traumatic brain injury in order to promote best clinical practice. The use of tranexamic acid in the management of traumatic brain injury has been the focus of several studies, with one large randomised controlled trial suggesting a reduction in all‐cause mortality within 24 h of injury. The use of therapeutic hypothermia does not improve neurological outcomes and maintenance of normothermia remains the optimal management strategy. For seizure management, levetiracetam appears to be as effective as phenytoin, but the optimal dose remains unclear. There has been a lack of clear outcome benefit for any individual osmotherapy agent, with no difference in mortality or neurological recovery. Early tracheostomy (< 7 days from injury) for patients with traumatic brain injury is associated with a reduction in the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia and duration of mechanical ventilation, critical care and hospital stay. Further research is needed in order to determine the optimal package of care and interventions. There is a need for research studies to focus on patient‐centred outcome measures such as long‐term neurological recovery and quality of life.
Do beliefs in the malleability of well‐being affect the efficacy of positive psychology interventions? Results of a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Gander Fabian , Proyer René T. , Ruch Willibald
Published: January 2022

The present study examines the role of beliefs about the malleability of well‐being in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, online positive psychology intervention targeting 267 German‐speaking adults (83% women, mean age = 43.16 years). The participants of the experimental group (“three good things” intervention) and placebo control group (“early memories”) reported their levels of happiness before and immediately after the 1‐week intervention, as well as 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Furthermore, the researchers recorded how participants completed the exercises and to what extent they liked the exercises. This study also assesses the participants' beliefs surrounding two different aspects of malleability (well‐being is modifiable in general, and one knows how to change their well‐being). Although both aspects of malleability were strongly intercorrelated, beliefs about how to change one's well‐being seemed particularly relevant in the context of positive psychology interventions: Those who reported a stronger belief about how to change their well‐being liked the intervention better and more often completed the activity as instructed. Further, they reported greater increases in well‐being as compared with the control group. We conclude that beliefs about the malleability of well‐being might represent an important moderating variable in the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions.
Do complexity and ambiguity affect people's intent to apply for public assistance?
Authors: Moon Hyejin , Heo Yong‐Chang
Published: January 2022

This article aims to raise and empirically test whether complexity and ambiguity would affect the intent to apply for public assistance in the case of South Korea. Results of regression analysis reveal that the complexity of the application process has led to a greater decline in the intent of the poor to apply, possibly because the present bias is relatively greater. These outcomes indicate that the ambiguity aversion attitude of the poor was not different from that of the non‐poor. However, when ambiguity is combined with complexity, it has an additive effect, lowering the intention to apply. From these findings, understandable policy manuals should be provided to potential applicants of assistance services and multiple forms, and evidence materials should be simplified in public assistance. Finally, in terms of behavioral economics and social policy, decreasing the complexity and ambiguity could “nudge” the Non‐take‐up and encourage them to apply for selective welfare programs.
Acculturation trajectories of South Korean multicultural adolescents and their immigrant mothers and its association with adolescent adjustments
Authors: Park Jisu
Published: January 2022

This study identified the acculturation trajectories of multicultural adolescents in South Korea along with those of their migrant mothers using a latent class growth analysis and examined the relationship between latent trajectories of adolescents and their mothers and the adjustment of adolescents. Data from a nationally representative sample of Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study (N = 1458, Girls = 50.62%, age range = 9.97–14.96) were used. Three latent acculturation trajectories of multicultural adolescents were identified, including integration, modest assimilation, and high assimilation, and four latent acculturation trajectories of migrant mothers were distinguished, including high assimilation, high separation, modest assimilation, and modest separation. The most favorable profiles were those of the integration of adolescents and high assimilation of migrant mothers. These findings suggested the importance of providing family‐based prevention and intervention programs against the maladjustment of South Korean multicultural adolescents.
Elevated serum uric acid is a facilitating mechanism for insulin resistance mediated accumulation of visceral adipose tissue
Authors: Fernández‐Chirino Luisa , Antonio‐Villa Neftali Eduardo , Fermín‐Martínez Carlos A. , Márquez‐Salinas Alejandro , Guerra Enrique C. , Vargas‐Vázquez Arsenio , Almeda‐Valdés Paloma , Gómez‐Velasco Donají , Viveros‐Ruiz Tania L. , Rojas Rosalba , Aguilar Salinas Carlos A. , Bello‐Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen
Published: January 2022

Objective

Serum uric acid (SUA) has been associated with cardiometabolic conditions such as insulin resistance (IR) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation. Here, we aimed to clarify a unifying mechanism linking elevated SUA to IR and VAT.

Methods

We conducted analyses in 226 subjects from the UIEM cohort with both euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) and dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements for IR and VAT accumulation and explored the role of SUA and adiponectin by developing a network of causal mediation analyses to assess their impact on IR and VAT. These models were then translated to two population‐based cohorts comprising 6337 subjects from NHANES 2003–2004 and 2011–2012 cycles in the US and ENSANUT Medio Camino 2016 in Mexico, using HOMA2IR and adipoIR as indicators of peripheral and adipose tissue IR, and METS‐VF as a surrogate for VAT accumulation.

Results

SUA has a mediating role inside a bidirectional relationship between IR and visceral obesity, which was similar using either gold standard measurements or surrogate measures for IR and VAT. Furthermore, adiponectin acts as a linking mediator between elevated SUA and both peripheral IR and VAT accumulation. The proportion of the mechanism for IR‐mediated (in either peripheral or adipose tissue) VAT accumulation was greater, compared to VAT‐mediated IR accumulation (10.53% [9.23%–12.00%] to 5.44% [3.78%–7.00%]). Normal‐range SUA levels can be used to rule‐out underlying cardio‐metabolic abnormalities in both men and women.

Conclusions

Elevated SUA acts as a mediator inside the bidirectional relationship between IR and VAT accumulation and these observations could be applicable at a phenotype scale.
Selectively disrupted sensorimotor circuits in chronic stroke with hand dysfunction
Authors: Liu FeiWen , Chen ChangCheng , Hong WenJun , Bai ZhongFei , Wang SiZhong , Lu HanNa , Lin QiXiang , Zhao ZhiYong , Tang ChaoZheng
Published: January 2022

Aim

To investigate the directional and selective disconnection of the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) subregions in chronic stroke patients with hand dysfunction.

Methods

We mapped the resting‐state fMRI effective connectivity (EC) patterns for seven SMC subregions in each hemisphere of 65 chronic stroke patients and 40 healthy participants and correlated these patterns with paretic hand performance.

Results

Compared with controls, patients demonstrated disrupted EC in the ipsilesional primary motor cortex_4p, ipsilesional primary somatosensory cortex_2 (PSC_2), and contralesional PSC_3a. Moreover, we found that EC values of the contralesional PSC_1 to contralesional precuneus, the ipsilesional inferior temporal gyrus to ipsilesional PSC_1, and the ipsilesional PSC_1 to contralesional postcentral gyrus were correlated with paretic hand performance across all patients. We further divided patients into partially (PPH) and completely (CPH) paretic hand subgroups. Compared with CPH patients, PPH patients demonstrated decreased EC in the ipsilesional premotor_6 and ipsilesional PSC_1. Interestingly, we found that paretic hand performance was positively correlated with seven sensorimotor circuits in PPH patients, while it was negatively correlated with five sensorimotor circuits in CPH patients.

Conclusion

SMC neurocircuitry was selectively disrupted after chronic stroke and associated with diverse hand outcomes, which deepens the understanding of SMC reorganization.
Intramyocardial echo‐free space with a turbulent flow within, suggestive of an aneurysmal coronary artery
Authors: Omidi Negar , Houshmand Golnaz , Pourhosseini Hamidreza , Hosseinsabet Ali
Published: January 2022

Coronary artery aneurysms are well known, and intramyocardial coronary artery aneurysms comprise a rare type of this condition. This case image presents an incidentally detected intramyocardial aneurysm in the left anterior descending artery of a 32‐year‐old man with atypical chest pain evaluated by multimodality imaging. The presence of an intramyocardial echo‐free space may flag up this condition.
Circadian transcription factor NPAS2 and the NAD+‐dependent deacetylase SIRT1 interact in the mouse nucleus accumbens and regulate reward
Authors: Becker‐Krail Darius D. , Parekh Puja K. , Ketchesin Kyle D. , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Yoshino Jun , Hildebrand Mariah A. , Dunham Brandan , Ganapathiraju Madhavi K. , Logan Ryan W. , McClung Colleen A.
Published: January 2022

Substance use disorders are associated with disruptions to both circadian rhythms and cellular metabolic state. At the molecular level, the circadian molecular clock and cellular metabolic state may be interconnected through interactions with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylase, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). In the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region important for reward, both SIRT1 and the circadian transcription factor neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) are highly enriched, and both are regulated by the metabolic cofactor NAD+. Substances of abuse, like cocaine, greatly disrupt cellular metabolism and promote oxidative stress; however, their effects on NAD+ in the brain remain unclear. Interestingly, cocaine also induces NAc expression of both NPAS2 and SIRT1, and both have independently been shown to regulate cocaine reward in mice. However, whether NPAS2 and SIRT1 interact in the NAc and/or whether together they regulate reward is unknown. Here, we demonstrate diurnal expression of Npas2, Sirt1 and NAD+ in the NAc, which is altered by cocaine‐induced upregulation. Additionally, co‐immunoprecipitation reveals NPAS2 and SIRT1 interact in the NAc, and cross‐analysis of NPAS2 and SIRT1 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing reveals several reward‐relevant and metabolic‐related pathways enriched among shared gene targets. Notably, NAc‐specific Npas2 knock‐down or a functional Npas2 mutation in mice attenuates SIRT1‐mediated increases in cocaine preference. Together, our data reveal an interaction between NPAS2 and SIRT1 in the NAc, which may serve to integrate cocaine's effects on circadian and metabolic factors, leading to regulation of drug reward.
Biota‐mediated carbon cycling—A synthesis of biotic‐interaction controls on blue carbon
Authors: Ren Linjing , Jensen Kai , Porada Philipp , Mueller Peter
Published: January 2022

Research into biotic interactions has been a core theme of ecology for over a century. However, despite the obvious role that biota play in the global carbon cycle, the effects of biotic interactions on carbon pools and fluxes are poorly understood. Here we develop a conceptual framework that illustrates the importance of biotic interactions in regulating carbon cycling based on a literature review and a quantitative synthesis by means of meta‐analysis. Our study focuses on blue carbon ecosystems—vegetated coastal ecosystems that function as the most effective long‐term CO2sinks of the biosphere. We demonstrate that a multitude of mutualistic, competitive and consumer–resource interactions between plants, animals and microbiota exert strong effects on carbon cycling across various spatial scales ranging from the rhizosphere to the landscape scale. Climate change‐sensitive abiotic factors modulate the strength of biotic‐interaction effects on carbon fluxes, suggesting that the importance of biota‐mediated carbon cycling will change under future climatic conditions. Strong effects of biotic interactions on carbon cycling imply that biosphere‐climate feedbacks may not be sufficiently represented in current Earth system models. Inclusion of new functional groups in these models, and new approaches to simplify species interactions, may thus improve the predictions of biotic effects on the global climate.
Noise‐induced versus intrinsic oscillation in ecological systems
Authors: Esmaeili Shadisadat , Hastings Alan , Abbott Karen C. , Machta Jonathan , Nareddy Vahini Reddy
Published: January 2022

Studies of oscillatory populations have a long history in ecology. A first‐principles understanding of these dynamics can provide insights into causes of population regulation and help with selecting detailed predictive models. A particularly difficult challenge is determining the relative role of deterministic versus stochastic forces in producing oscillations. We employ statistical physics concepts, including measures of spatial synchrony, that incorporate patterns at all scales and are novel to ecology, to show that spatial patterns can, under broad and well‐defined circumstances, elucidate drivers of population dynamics. We find that when neighbours are coupled (e.g. by dispersal), noisy intrinsic oscillations become distinguishable from noise‐induced oscillations at a transition point related to synchronisation that is distinct from the deterministic bifurcation point. We derive this transition point and show that it diverges from the deterministic bifurcation point as stochasticity increases. The concept of universality suggests that the results are robust and widely applicable.
Genealogy and royal women in Asser’s Life of King Alfred: politics, prestige, and maternal kinship in early medieval England
Authors: Traves Alex
Published: January 2022

Asser’s Life of King Alfred is notable for its rare inclusion of the genealogies of two royal women: Alfred’s mother Osburh and his wife Ealhswith. This article explores the presence of these genealogies in Asser’s work, arguing that they performed an important and pressing political function for Alfred’s dynasty, which differed from the intended function of male royal genealogies. The ways Asser uses the genealogies of women may indicate that female royal genealogies were more important than the extant sources initially suggest. This also has broader implications for how we understand the place of maternal kin in early medieval England more widely.
Peritoneal fluid analysis in equine post‐partum emergencies admitted to a referral hospital: A retrospective study of 110 cases
Authors: Offer Katie S. , Russell Catherine M. , Carrick Joan B. , Wallington Caitlin E. , Cudmore Lucy A. , Cuming Rosemary S. , Collins Niamh M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Peritoneal fluid analysis has both diagnostic and prognostic value in colic but is little reported in the post‐partum mare. Multiple conditions may present similarly in this period, and peritoneal fluid findings may aid a prompt diagnosis.

Objectives

To describe the peritoneal fluid findings and their association with diagnosis in mares presenting to a single referral hospital for treatment of post‐partum emergencies.

Study design

A retrospective clinical study.

Methods

Clinical records of 110 Thoroughbred mares were reviewed. Details of peritoneal fluid analysis from samples obtained at admission were recorded, in addition to history, physical examination, presenting clinicopathological data. Cases were classified by their primary diagnosis into groups of gastrointestinal tract (GIT), urogenital trauma (UGT) and post parturient haemorrhage (PPH). Univariable analysis was performed to compare findings between groups, using one‐way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey/Kruskal‐Wallis, as appropriate. A multinomial logistic regression was performed for variables significant in the univariable analysis.

Results

When separated into their diagnostic categories, 33/110 (30%) mares were classified as GIT, 55/110 (50%) UGT and 22/110 (20%) PPH. Peritoneal fluid packed cell volume (PCV), nucleated cell count (WBCC) and cytological findings were significantly different between diagnostic categories. The likelihood of diagnosis of PPH increased with an increase in peritoneal fluid PCV, the absence of degenerate neutrophils on peritoneal fluid cytology and a decrease in the peritoneal fluid WBCC. Overall survival to discharge was 55%.

Main limitations

The study is referral hospital‐based and retrospective in nature. Missing data reduced the power of analysis for several variables.

Conclusions

Peritoneal fluid analysis may guide diagnosis in post‐partum emergencies, but no one factor is uniformly diagnostic. Mares with PPH presented with a non‐septic peritonitis with higher peritoneal PCV.
Modeling of cavity nucleation, early‐stage growth, and sintering in polycrystal under creep–fatigue interaction
Authors: Hu Jingdong , Liu Changjun , Xuan Fuzhen , Chen Bo
Published: January 2022

A mechanistic‐based cavitation model that considers nucleation, early‐stage growth, and sintering under creep–fatigue interaction is proposed to predict the number density of cavities ρ. Both the nucleation and early‐stage growth rates, controlled by grain boundary (GB) sliding under tension, are formulized as a function of local normal stress σn. Cavity sintering that occurs during the compression is governed by the unconstrained GB diffusion depending on the σn. Modeling results provide important insights into experimental load‐waveform design. First, test with initial compression promotes higher ρ compared to the initial tension, if the unbalanced hold time in favor of tension is satisfied. Second, the ρ value does not have a monotonic dependence on either the compressive hold time or stress, because of their competing effect on nucleation and sintering. Third, the optimum value of stress variation rate exists in terms of obtaining the highest ρ value due to sintering effect.
CREG1 improves diet‐induced obesity via uncoupling protein 1‐dependent manner in mice
Authors: Endo Yuki , Hashimoto Michihiro , Kusudo Tatsuya , Okada Tadashi , Takeuchi Tamaki , Goto Ayumi , Yamashita Hitoshi
Published: January 2022

Thermogenic brown and beige adipocytes express uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and stimulate energy metabolism, protecting against obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Cellular repressor of E1A‐stimulated genes 1 (CREG1) can stimulate thermogenic fat formation, induce UCP1, and reduce diet‐induced obesity (DIO) in mice at normal room temperature. In this study, we investigated the effect of CREG1 administration and the importance of UCP1 in DIO inhibition under thermoneutral conditions at 30°C, which attenuate thermogenic fat formation. Interestingly, subcutaneous administration of recombinant CREG1 protein via an osmotic pump in C57BL/6J mice for four weeks increased UCP1 expression in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT), inhibited visceral white fat hypertrophy with partial browning, and reduced DIO compared to that in PBS‐treated mice. The mRNA expression of energy metabolism‐related genes was significantly increased in the IBAT of CREG1‐treated mice compared to that in PBS‐treated mice. In contrast, adipocyte‐specific overexpression of CREG1 failed to improve DIO in UCP1‐knockout mice at thermoneutrality. Our results indicate the therapeutic potential of CREG1 administration for obesity under thermogenic fat‐attenuating conditions and highlight the indispensable role of UCP1 in the DIO‐inhibitory effect of CREG1.
Predictive value of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in terms of need for intensive care unit and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Oguz Ebru Gok , Yeter Haci Hasan , Akcay Omer Faruk , Besli Sevval , Selen Tamer , Derici Ulver , Sencan Irfan , Ayli Mehmet Deniz
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The transmission risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 virus infection is increased in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and also the disease causes much higher mortality than the normal population. The aim of this study is to define the predictive value of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in terms of worse outcomes in MHD patients.

Methods

A total of 123 MHD patients who had received inpatient care due to COVID‐19 infection were included in this multicentered retrospective study. Receiver operating curve analysis were plotted to illustrate C reactive protein (C‐rp), systemic inflammatory index (SII) and NLR best cut‐off values for estimation of need for intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. Multivariate regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to determine the association between C‐rp, SII and NLR and mortality.

Results

Twenty‐eight (23%) patients with MHD were dead due to COVID‐19. Nonsurvivor patients was significantly older than the survivors (p < 0.001) and also had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01) and coronary artery disease (p = 0.02). Cox regression analysis revealed that NLR >5.17 significantly associated with mortality [HR: 6.508, p < 0.001]. Similarly, SII > 726 [HR: 3.124, p = 0.006] and C‐rp > 88 [HR: 4.590, p = 0.002] were significantly associated with mortality due to COVID‐19 in hospitalized MHD patients. Multivarite logistic regression analysis showed that age older than 60 years, higher ferritin, and NLR > 5.17 were independent factors associated with mortality.

Conclusion

NLR had favorable predictive value than the C‐rp and SII in terms of need for ICU and mortality in MHD patients. Determining the poor prognosis with simple and easily applicable markers may reduce mortality in these patients with early supportive treatments.
Influence of ultrasonic pretreatment on structural properties and biological activities of lupin protein hydrolysate
Authors: Fadimu Gbemisola J. , Farahnaky Asgar , Gill Harsharn , Truong Tuyen
Published: January 2022

This study examined how application of ultrasound pretreatment (UP) (400 W, 20 kHz for 5, 10 min) influenced the structural characteristics, molecular weight distribution, amino acid composition and biological activity of hydrolysate prepared from lupin protein using protamex enzyme. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques revealed changes in secondary structure after UP, while changes in molecular weight pattern were revealed by SDS‐PAGE and MALDI‐TOF analyses. Also, the crystallinity and surface hydrophobicity of the hydrolysates were affected by UP. The amino acid compositions of the hydrolysate varied, especially glutamic acid, arginine and aspartic acid. In vitro biological assays showed that antioxidant, α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase and ACE inhibitory activities significantly improved in sonicated hydrolysates compared with non‐sonicated samples, and this may be linked to the structural modifications caused by UP. Hence, the application of UP to lupin protein could en hance the biological activity of its hydrolysate.
Synthesis and antibacterial properties of new monomethyl fumaric acid‐modified chitosan oligosaccharide derivatives
Authors: Zhao Lingyu , Khan Imran Mahmood , Wang Bin , Yue Lin , Zhang Yin , Wang Zhouping , Xia Wenshui
Published: January 2022

Inventions into chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) derivatives over recent decades have hugely broadened their application in food safety. Herein, monomethyl fumaric acid (MFA) was grafted on the OH position of COS to synthesise new COS‐O‐MFA derivatives and evaluated their in vitro antibacterial properties. The degrees of substitution (DS) of the derivatives yielded almost 15% with the range of 0.093 to 0.260. The in vitro antibacterial properties of the new COS‐O‐MFA1‐3 derivatives against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were significantly enhanced concerning COS. Based on the finding, the introduction of MFA and increasing DS have a great impact on the enhancement of antibacterial properties of the COS‐O‐MFA1‐3 derivatives. This work proves that COS‐O‐MFA1‐3 derivatives can be potential novel antibacterial agents and also open up a new avenue to improve their antibacterial attributes.
Understanding the binder chemistry, microstructure, and physical properties of volcanic ash phosphate geopolymer binder
Authors: Djobo Jean Noël Yankwa , Stephan Dietmar
Published: January 2022

This work aims to assess the influence of the chemical composition of the binder resulting from the reaction of phosphoric acid and volcanic ash on its final characteristics. Six initial compositions of volcanic ash phosphate geopolymer with molar ratios Fe/P of 0.27, 0.5, 0.54, 0.81, 1, and 1.5 were designed by adding various dosages of phosphoric acid to volcanic ash. The results show that the hardening time increases with the decrease of molar ratios Fe/P. An excess of phosphoric acid leads to an unstable binder that is partially destroyed with the aging of the binder. The volcanic ash phosphate geopolymer with molar ratios of Fe/P = 0.5–0.54 has the optimum compressive strength (49–53 MPa at 90 days), the lowest water absorption (8.8‐9.5 wt.%) as well as porosity (18–19.6 vol.%). The main binder is a porous phase of ferro‐silico‐aluminophosphate. Secondary phases were also identified in some mixes including ferro‐aluminophosphate and magnesium phosphate.
The role of E2A in ATPR‐induced cell differentiation and cycle arrest in acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Zhang Meiju , Wang Long‐fei , Xu Xiaoling , Du Yan , Li Lanlan , Deng Ge , Feng Yubin , Ou Ziyao , Wang Ke , Xu Yayun , Peng Xiaoqing , Chen Feihu
Published: January 2022

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a biologically heterogeneous disease with an overall poor prognosis; thus, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Our previous studies showed that 4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethyl‐phenyl retinate (ATPR), a new derivative of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), could induce AML cell differentiation and cycle arrest. The current study aimed to determine the potential pharmacological mechanisms of ATPR therapies against AML. Our findings showed that E2A was overexpressed in AML specimens and cell lines, and mediate AML development by inactivating the P53 pathway. The findings indicated that E2A expression and activity decreased with ATPR treatment. Furthermore, we determined that E2A inhibition could enhance the effect of ATPR‐induced AML cell differentiation and cycle arrest, whereas E2A overexpression could reverse this effect, suggesting that the E2A gene plays a crucial role in AML. We identified P53 and c‐Myc were downstream pathways and targets for silencing E2A cells using RNA sequencing, which are involved in the progression of AML. Taken together, these results confirmed that ATPR inhibited the expression of E2A/c‐Myc, which led to the activation of the P53 pathway, and induced cell differentiation and cycle arrest in AML.
The role of fibroblast growth factor 8 in cartilage development and disease
Authors: Chen Haoran , Cui Yujia , Zhang Demao , Xie Jing , Zhou Xuedong
Published: January 2022

Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF‐8), also known as androgen‐induced growth factor (AIGF), is presumed to be a potent mitogenic cytokine that plays important roles in early embryonic development, brain formation and limb development. In the bone environment, FGF‐8 produced or received by chondrocyte precursor cells binds to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), causing different levels of activation of downstream signalling pathways, such as phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ)/Ca2+, RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐extracellular regulated protein kinases (RAS/MAPK‐MEK‐ERK), and Wnt‐β‐catenin‐Axin2 signalling, and ultimately controlling chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, cell survival and migration. However, the molecular mechanism of FGF‐8 in normal or pathological cartilage remains unclear, and thus, FGF‐8 represents a novel exploratory target for studies of chondrocyte development and cartilage disease progression. In this review, studies assessing the relationship between FGF‐8 and chondrocytes that have been published in the past 5 years are systematically summarized to determine the probable mechanism and physiological effect of FGF‐8 on chondrocytes. Based on the existing research results, a therapeutic regimen targeting FGF‐8 is proposed to explore the possibility of treating chondrocyte‐related diseases.
The comparative in vitro killing activity of tea tree oil versus permethrin on Demodex folliculorum of rosacea patients
Authors: Yurekli Aslan , Botsali Ayşenur
Published: January 2022

Background

Demodex mites have been implicated in several cutaneous disorders compelling the research efforts for effective anti‐Demodex therapy.

Objective

Compare the survival time (ST) of Demodex folliculorum exposed to six different concentrations of tea tree oil (TTO) versus a positive control (permethrin 5%) and a negative control (immersion oil) group.

Materials and methods

The wastes of rosacea patients’ standardized superficial skin biopsy samples were recruited for the trial. The primary outcome measure of this study was the survival time, defined as the period between the exposure of study agents to the complete cessation of Demodex movements.

Results

All differences between the mean survival times of 2.5% (54.0 ± 6.1), 5% (39.0 ± 3.9), 10% (22.0 ± 2.5), 25% (13.0 ± 2.5), 50% (7.8 ± 0.6), and 100% TTO (3.3 ± 1.3) were significant (p < 0.05). The ST of the negative control group was 196.0 ± 23.6 min. The ST of permethrin 5% was 12.5 ± 1.9 that did not show a statistically significant difference from the ST of TTO 25% (p = 0.628).

Conclusion

The survival times of the six different TTO groups confirmed a dose‐related pattern, all of which had survival times shorter than the negative control (immersion oil). TTO 25% had comparable efficacy to the positive control agent (permethrin 5%).
Esophageal varices in dogs: A retrospective case series
Authors: Slead Tanner S. , Gremillion Christine L. , Cohen Eli B. , Tolbert M. Katherine
Published: January 2022

Background

Esophageal varices (EV) are abnormally dilated veins in the esophagus caused by alterations of blood flow or pressure. Esophageal variceal hemorrhage is a major complication of hepatic disease in humans, but a lack of information exists regarding associated adverse events in dogs.

Objective

To describe the clinical manifestations and associated etiologies and outcomes of dogs with EV.

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs with EV diagnosed via computed tomography (CT), endoscopy, or fluoroscopy.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Cases were identified by review of the hospital imaging records database between 2010 and 2020. Signalment, clinical signs, and outcomes were documented. When present, additional collateral vasculature was also recorded. Cases were subcategorized into suspected etiology based upon the anatomic location or absence of an attributable underlying disease process, as well as the direction of blood flow.

Results

Twenty‐four of 25 cases were identified via CT, with a prevalence of 0.012% (24/1950 total studies). Presenting clinical signs were nonspecific, and more likely because of the underlying cause as opposed to complications secondary to EV themselves. Etiologic anatomic locations were similar in occurrence between the abdomen (N = 14) and thorax (N = 11). All cases with an abdominal etiologic location had presumed or confirmed portal hypertension and 9/11 cases with a thoracic etiologic location had pulmonary, caval, or systemic hypertension. No cases died or were euthanized as a direct result of EV or associated hemorrhage.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Esophageal varices are rarely reported in dogs and commonly identified concurrently with portal, pulmonary, and caval hypertension. Hemorrhage is not a common clinical manifestation of EV.
Hip abductor weakness in anti‐signal recognition particle antibody‐positive myopathy
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Kobayashi Zen , Inoue Keisuke , Tomimitsu Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

A 40‐year‐old man presented with a 3‐month history of progressive weakness of the four limbs. On examination, weakness of the hip abductor was marked. While walking, shoulder sway was noted as a compensation for hip abductor weakness. Blood tests showed a marked elevation of creatine kinase (CK) level and the presence of anti‐signal recognition particle (SRP) antibodies. Thigh muscle MRI demonstrated the presence of inflammation in various muscles including the gluteus medius. Clinicians should consider the possibility of anti‐SRP antibody‐positive myopathy in patients presenting with hip abductor weakness in a subacute onset.
Bundle theory and weak discernibility
Authors: Lee Seungil
Published: January 2022

Bundle Theory is the view that every concrete particular object is solely constituted by its universals. This theory is often criticized for not accommodating the possibility of symmetrical universes, such as one that contains two indiscernible spheres two meters from each other in otherwise empty space. One bundle theoretic solution to this criticism holds that the fact that the spheres stand in aweakly discerning—i.e., irreflexive and symmetric—relation, such asbeing two meters from, is sufficient for the numerical diversity of the spheres. For this solution to be effective, however, it should be established that weak discernibility not only necessitates but alsoexplainsnumerical diversity. In this paper, I argue that the fact that two objects have a certain distance between them does explain why they are non‐identical. I also argue that the worry that the weak discernibility approach has some circularity problems is not well‐founded.
Factors associated with the well‐being of family caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Wu Qian , Yamaguchi Yuko , Greiner Chieko
Published: January 2022

Background

Improving the health and well‐being of family caregivers of people with dementia has become an increasingly important public health and policy issue in China. The aims of this study were to clarify the factors associated with the well‐being of family caregivers of people with dementia in China.

Methods

Data were collected from a sample of 132 family caregivers who volunteered to study and live together with people with dementia who had been treated as outpatients in three hospitals in China. The survey included questions on the family caregivers' characteristics, satisfaction with family support, positive aspects of caregiving, preparedness of caregiving, and characteristics of people with dementia. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with the well‐being of family caregivers.

Results

The mean age of the family caregivers (68.2% women) was 46.8 ± 14.9 years. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that positive aspects of caregiving (β = 0.352, P < 0.001), satisfaction with family support (β = 0.219, P < 0.01), activities of daily living of people with dementia (β = 0.265, P < 0.05), and household size (β = –0.184, P < 0.05) were related to the well‐being of family caregivers.

Conclusions

The findings from this study indicated that positive aspects of caregiving, satisfaction with family support, activities of daily living of people with dementia, and household size were significant factors related to the well‐being of family caregivers. These findings could be expected to aid healthcare providers in identifying the optimal solution to enhance the well‐being of family caregivers in China.
Penalized angular regression for personalized predictions
Authors: Hellton Kristoffer H.
Published: January 2022

Personalization is becoming an important aspect of many predictive applications. We introduce a penalized regression method which inherently implements personalization. Personalized angle (PAN) regression constructs regression coefficients that are specific to the covariate vector for which one is producing a prediction, thus personalizing the regression model itself. This is achieved by penalizing the normalized prediction for a given covariate vector. The method therefore penalizes the normalized regression coefficients, or the angles of the regression coefficients in a hyperspherical parametrization, introducing a new angle‐based class of penalties. PAN hence combines two novel concepts: penalizing the normalized coefficients and personalization. For an orthogonal design matrix, we show that the PAN estimator is the solution to a low‐dimensional eigenvector equation. Based on the hyperspherical parametrization, we construct an efficient algorithm to calculate the PAN estimator. We propose a parametric bootstrap procedure for selecting the tuning parameter, and simulations show that PAN regression can outperform ordinary least squares, ridge regression and other penalized regression methods in terms of prediction error. Finally, we demonstrate the method in a medical application.
Survey of current trends in the management of traumatic subcutaneous emphysema in dogs
Authors: Kramer Leah M. , Walton Karie L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) is a common occurrence in emergency veterinary practice, but published information regarding treatment and management strategies is lacking. This study examined trends in diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Study design

An internet‐based survey with cross‐sectional analysis. There were 129 respondents: board‐certified and nonboard‐certified veterinarians in private practice and university settings.

Key findings

Significant differences in the choice of diagnostics and treatment were found based on the etiology and severity of SCE and between respondent groups. Computed tomography (CT) was selected more frequently for SCE resulting from blunt or penetrating traumas by the board‐certified veterinarians practicing in a teaching hospital (VTH group; P < 0.001). All veterinarians were more likely to select tracheobronchoscopy as part of their workup for SCE as a result of endotracheal intubation trauma (P = 0.0093 [penetrating traumas]; P = 0.0002 [blunt force traumas]). Intermittent SC drainage and ventral cervical exploratory surgery were more likely to be chosen as treatments when SCE was classified as severe generalized (P < 0.0001).

Significance

There is significant variation in the treatment of SCE in veterinary medicine as well as associated diagnostics to determine severity and treatment options. Further studies are indicated to determine the optimal approach and provide guidance to clinicians.
It is about who you know (and how you help them): Insights from staff and donors about how to recruit and retain a panel of committed anti‐D donors
Authors: Thorpe Rachel , Kruse Sarah P. , Masser Barbara M.
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Maintaining a panel of committed anti‐D donors is crucial for the production of anti‐D immunoglobulin to prevent haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Given low numbers of donors in the Australian panel, there is a need to better understand motivators and barriers specific to anti‐D donors.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative approach was used to gather perspectives of staff and current anti‐D donors in Australia. Focus groups were held with staff involved with the anti‐D programme. An asynchronous online discussion forum and interviews were conducted with donors. All data were coded using deductive and inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Staff stressed the importance of recruiting donors who met their own informal criteria as well as the formal selection criteria in order to maximize the chances of donors committing to making regular plasma donations. In contrast, donors were motivated by having a personal connection to anti‐D, the recipient group and being eligible to join the programme. Support from staff and understanding the value of their donations also helped donors overcome concerns about the risks of joining the programme and reduced barriers to remaining in the programme.

Conclusion

Anti‐D donors in Australia are motivated by multiple factors, including knowing who the recipient is, and dedicated staff are integral to building donors' commitment through education and support. Findings suggest the current approach to recruitment could be broadened to include all donors who meet formal selection criteria, with retention enhanced by reinforcing and rewarding the motives identified by donors for donating.
A Book Review on Fifty Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement
Authors: Bakar Mohd Shafie , Abu Bakar Affida , Daniyal Hamdan
Published: January 2022

Along with research-based and state-of-the-art reviews, book reviews can be found in language teacher periodicals. However, less attention has been given to reviews on academic books emphasizing on the issues of cognitive engagement. As such, this paper seeks to review the book entitled, Fifty Strategies to Boost Engagement: Creating a Thinking Culture in the Classroom (50 Teaching Strategies to Support Cognitive Development) by Rebecca Stobaugh. Generally, this book adds to our understanding of how an educator needs to improve on the skill of engagement particularly through the cognitive domain.
Ramblings of a Chemical Engineer: A Book Review
Authors: Sadikin Aziatul Niza
Published: January 2022

Ramblings of a Chemical Engineer is significantly influenced by the author's personal experiences as a chemical engineer who has worked in a variety of chemical companies. It encompasses his college years, time as a university researcher, and professional career; it is told in a fast-paced way via a succession of vignettes that capture the highlights of the events that formed him into the professional chemical engineer he is today. It was his intention to present information about a profession in chemical engineering to potential students seeking degrees in chemical engineering. It also acts as a guide for aspiring chemical engineers and future engineers, emphasizing what they should aim for and how much fun this profession can be.