bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prepulse inhibition in first‐degree relatives of schizophrenia patients: A systematic review
Authors: Li Weidi , Mao Zhen , Bo Qijing , Sun Yue , Wang Zhimin , Wang Chuanyue
Published: June 2020

Background

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a measure of sensorimotor gating used to identify deficits in early‐stage information processing and inhibitory function defects. Many studies support the presence of PPI deficits in schizophrenia patients. However, very few studies have explored PPI levels among first‐degree relatives (FDR) of schizophrenia patients, and the results have been inconsistent. This review article explored PPI levels in FDR of schizophrenia patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review using the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, EBSCO and Chinese databases from inception to January 2020. A series of related factors (eg, PPI paradigm, heritability and sample characteristics) and outcomes were summarized from the literature that met the inclusion criteria. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

A total of eight studies were eligible for systematic review after screening. A meta‐analysis of the selected studies was not conducted due to the limitations of quantity and paradigm heterogeneity. A majority of the studies' subjects were siblings of schizophrenia patients and different paradigms were applied. Most of the included studies reported no difference in PPI values between FDR of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.

Conclusion

Contrary to traditional certainty that unaffected FDR of schizophrenia patients have PPI defects, our review found no sufficient evidence supporting that the PPI level in FDR of schizophrenia patients was lower than in healthy controls. A prospective cohort study focusing on different outcomes such as developing schizophrenia is required to explore PPI levels in FDR of schizophrenia patients.
Patient satisfaction with random assignment to extended early intervention for psychosis vs regular care: Relationship with service engagement
Authors: Iyer Srividya N. , Mustafa Sally S. , Abadi Sherezad , Joober Ridha , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Jarvis Eric , Latimer Eric , Margolese Howard C. , Casacalenda Nicola , Schmitz Norbert , Brown Thomas , Malla Ashok
Published: June 2020

Aim

We investigated whether individuals varied in their satisfaction with being randomized to an extension of early intervention (EI) for psychosis or regular care after 2 years of EI, and whether satisfaction was associated with service engagement 3 years later.

Methods

Following randomization, patients (N = 220) indicated if they were happy with, unhappy or indifferent to their group assignment. Follow‐up with service providers was recorded monthly.

Results

Patients randomized to extended EI were more likely to express satisfaction with their group assignment than those in the regular care group (88.2% vs 31.5%, χ2 = 49.96, P < .001). In the extended EI group, those happy with their assigned group were likelier to continue seeing their case manager for the entire five‐year period than those who were unhappy/indifferent (χ2 = 5.61, P = .030).

Conclusions

Perceptions about EI, indicated by satisfaction with being assigned to extended EI, may have lasting effects on service engagement.
Food web feedbacks drive the response of benthic macrofauna to bottom trawling
Authors: van de Wolfshaar Karen E. , van Denderen P. Daniël , Schellekens Tim , van Kooten Tobias
Published: June 2020

Bottom trawl fisheries have significant effects on benthic habitats and communities, and these effects have been studied intensively in the last decades. Most of these studies have related the changes in benthic community composition to direct effect of trawl gears on benthos, through imposed mortality. This line of argumentation ignores the fact that benthic organisms themselves form a complex food web and that bottom trawling may trigger secondary effects through this food web. We studied the potential consequences of such food web effects using a model of benthic predators, filter feeders, deposit feeders and fish. Our analysis shows how inclusion of ecological interactions complicates the relationship between bottom trawling intensity and the state of the benthic community and causes a non‐linear and non‐monotonic response of the benthic community to trawling. This shows that indirect food web effects can fundamentally alter the response of a benthic ecosystem to bottom trawling, compared to the direct effects of mortality. In light of our results, we argue that indicators of fishing impact on benthos need to account for positive as well as negative effects of bottom trawling, in order to accurately quantify the impact. Our findings highlight that understanding the food web ecology of the benthic ecosystem is crucial for understanding and predicting the effects of trawling on the seafloor. Work that promotes such understanding of the food web ecology seems a more productive research strategy than conducting ever more empirical trawling effect measurements.
Effect of lath martensite submicrostructure on mechanical properties and crack propagation behaviour by in‐situ tension in 0.09C–1.7Mn–0.6Cr steel
Authors: Guo Chengyu , Hao Leilei , Li Shengci , Kang Yonglin , An Yuguo
Published: June 2020

The present paper was aimed at understanding the effect of lath martensite submicrostructure quenched at different austenitizing temperature on the crack propagation behaviour. Different techniques were used to characterize the details of microstructure and submicrostructure. In‐situ tensile tests with scanning electron microscope were performed to observe the propagation of the crack. The results illustrated that packet size and block size increase almost linearly with the increasing austenitizing temperature. However, austenitizing temperature has no significant effect on the size of laths. Both of the packet size and the block size match the Hall–Petch relationship well with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. In macro tensile tests and in‐situ tension, the deflection angle of crack encountered with prior austenite grain boundary is higher than 60°, while it is lower than 90° for packet boundary and 60° for block boundary. The deflection angle of crack is relevant to the interface energy of the encountered boundaries. The interface energy of prior austenite grain boundary is higher than that of packet boundary because of the component difference, while the interface energy of packet boundary is higher than that of block boundary because of larger misorientation.
Genetic improvement of the chemical composition of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) juvenile wood for bioenergy production
Authors: Funda Tomáš , Fundová Irena , Fries Anders , Wu Harry X.
Published: June 2020

Chemical composition is one of the key characteristics that determines wood quality and in turn its suitability for different end products and applications. The inclusion of chemical compositional traits in forest tree improvement requires high‐throughput techniques capable of rapid, non‐destructive and cost‐efficient assessment of large‐scale breeding experiments. We tested whether Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, coupled with partial least squares regression, could serve as an alternative to traditional wet chemistry protocols for the determination of the chemical composition of juvenile wood in Scots pine for tree improvement purposes. FTIR spectra were acquired for 1,245 trees selected in two Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) full‐sib progeny tests located in northern Sweden. Predictive models were developed using 70 reference samples with known chemical composition (the proportion of lignin, carbohydrates [cellulose, hemicelluloses and their structural monosaccharides glucose, mannose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose] and extractives). Individual‐tree narrow‐sense heritabilities and additive genetic correlations were estimated for all chemical traits as well as for growth (height and stem diameter) and wood quality traits (density and stiffness). Genetic control of the chemical traits was mostly moderate. Of the major chemical components, highest heritabilities were observed for hemicelluloses (0.43–0.47), intermediate for lignin and extractives (0.30–0.39), and lowest for cellulose (0.20–0.25). Additive genetic correlations among chemical traits were, except for extractives, positive while those between chemical and wood quality traits were negative. In both groups (chemical and wood quality traits), correlations with extractives exhibited opposite signs. Correlations of chemical traits with growth traits were near zero. The best strategy for genetic improvement of Scots pine juvenile wood for bioenergy production is to decrease and stabilize the content of extractives among trees and then focus on increasing the cellulose:lignin ratio.
Shock the system: Emergency powers and political capacity
Authors: Fisunoğlu Ali , Rooney Bryan
Published: June 2020

States that grant their leaders extraordinary powers in times of emergency do so to protect the nation against dramatic shocks. Implicit in this choice is the assumption that the government will better retain its capacity when confronted with an emergency situation if the leader can invoke emergency powers. This remains an untested proposition. In this article, we challenge this assumption and argue that the relationship between emergency powers and political capacity depends on both the nature of the emergency itself and the type of capacity in question. We find that emergency powers better allow the government to extract resources from the public during periods of emergency. However, it is only in national political emergencies where these resources are well allocated. After extra‐territorial emergencies, increased emergency power strength leads to inefficient government allocation. This suggests that emergency powers are not a panacea guarding against the ills of crisis.
Construction of a 13‐microRNA‐based signature and prognostic nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Zhihua , Wen Yi , Nie Kechao , Tang Shuting , Chen Xu , Lan Shaoyang , Pan Jinglin , Jiang Kailin , Jiang Xiaotao , Liu Peng , Yan Yanhua , Liu Fengbin , Liu Yufeng , Li Peiwu
Published: June 2020

Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy associated with a poor prognosis due to difficulties in reliably estimating overall survival (OS). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in HCC initiation, progression, and metastasis and are highly correlated with patient prognosis. Thus, miRNA‐based risk signatures and nomograms are urgently required for predicting OS in patients with HCC.

Methods

We constructed a 13‐miRNA‐based signature and prognostic nomogram using 408 HCC samples and 58 normal tissues with miRNA sequencing data and clinical data from 323 patients downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A total of 195 patients were assigned as the internal validation cohort for verification and testing. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was applied to investigate pathway enrichment for the signature.

Results

We identified and validated a 13‐miRNA risk signature highly associating with the OS of HCC patients. The signature showed good performances by calculating C‐index, area under the curve, and calibration curves. After verification and testing using an internal validation cohort, the results yielded a miRNA‐based signature and a prognostic nomogram with reliable predictive accuracy. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that various genes and multiple pathways were closely related to the mechanisms of HCC proliferation and metastasis.

Conclusion

We successfully identified a 13‐miRNA‐based signature and prognostic nomogram that are capable of predicting OS in patients with HCC.
Effect of emulsifiers on drying stress and intercellular cohesion in human stratum corneum
Authors: Ansari F. , McGuiness C. , Zhang B. , Dauskardt R. H.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Emulsifier molecules, with their amphiphilic character, are ubiquitous in moisturizing creams and primarily serve to disperse the water‐insoluble molecules such as emollients, oils, lipids and fats in water. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of emulsifier molecules on the barrier and biomechanical properties of human stratum corneum (SC) and to compare the efficacy of emulsifier molecules when used in a fully formulated moisturizing cream.

Methods

We employed methods based on thin‐film mechanics to measure the drying stress and intercellular cohesion in the SC. The emulsifier molecules or moisturizing creams formulated with them were applied to a fully hydrated SC adhered to a glass substrate. In‐plane stress developed in the SC during drying was then measured by tracking changes in the curvature of the glass substrate. The intercellular cohesion within the SC was measured by means of a double cantilever beam (DCB) set‐up, where the treated or untreated SC was sandwiched between two substrates, and the delamination energy calculated by measuring the force required to drive a crack through the SC. Moisturizing cream diffusivity through the stratum corneum was measured by spectroscopic technique and related to internal SC stress and fracture energy.

Results

We observe significant differences in the biomechanical behaviour of SC when moisturizing creams with different emulsifier molecules are applied on isolated stratum corneum ex vivo. The reduction in maximum stress varied between 12% and 26% depending on the emulsifier molecules used in the formulation. The intercellular cohesion and the diffusion of molecules in the formulated moisturizing creams through the SC were also found to be strongly dependent on the type of emulsifier molecule used in the formulation.

Conclusions

The biomechanical and barrier properties of the human stratum corneum show strong dependence on the emulsifier molecule used in the moisturizing creams, even when the creams included only ~3 weight% emulsifier molecules. Moreover, we found that the reduction in SC peak stress was strongly correlated with the formulation diffusivity into the SC. The moisturizing creams diffusing fastest into the SC had the largest reduction in peak stress and vice versa.
Tensin4 (TNS4) is upregulated by Wnt signalling in adenomas in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice
Authors: Raposo Teresa P. , Alfahed Abdulaziz , Nateri Abdolrahman S. , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: June 2020

ApcMin/+ mice are regarded as a standard animal model of colorectal cancer (CRC). Tensin4 (TNS4 or Cten) is a putative oncogene conferring features of stemness and promoting motility. Our objective was to assess TNS4 expression in intestinal adenomas and determine whether TNS4 is upregulated by Wnt signalling. ApcMin/+ mice (n = 11) were sacrificed at approximately 120 days old at the onset of anaemia signs. Small intestines were harvested, and Swiss roll preparations were tested for TNS4 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Individual polyps were also separately collected (n = 14) and tested for TNS4 mRNA expression and Kras mutation. The relationship between Wnt signalling and TNS4 expression was tested by Western blotting in the human CRC cell line HCT116 after inhibition of β‐catenin activity with MSAB or its increase by transfection with a Flag β‐catenin expression vector. Overall, 135/148 (91.2%) of the total intestinal polyps were positive for TNS4 expression by IHC, whilst adjacent normal areas were negative. RT‐qPCR analysis showed approximately 5‐fold upregulation of TNS4 mRNA in the polyps compared to adjacent normal tissue and no Kras mutations were detected. In HCT116, β‐catenin inhibition resulted in reduced TNS4 expression, and conversely, β‐catenin overexpression resulted in increased TNS4 expression. In conclusion, this is the first report linking aberrant Wnt signalling to upregulation of TNS4 both during initiation of intestinal adenomas in mice and in in vitro models. The exact contribution of TNS4 to adenoma development remains to be investigated, but the ApcMin/+ mouse represents a good model to study this.
Laboratory intercomparison for the evaluation of the delamination propensity of glass containers for pharmaceutical use
Authors: Guglielmi Massimo , Bessegato Nicola , Cerdan‐Diaz Juan , Choju Ken , Lisman Dave , Flynn Carol Rea , Guadagnino Emanuel , Meysner Amy , Pfeifer Joachim , Roehl Holger , Rupertus Volker , Scarpa Martina , Sun Huimin , Zhang Jingwei , Zuccato Daniele
Published: June 2020

This paper is the result of two round robin activities run by the Technical Committee TC12, Pharma Packaging, of the International Commission on Glass (ICG). It deals with the phenomenon of delamination, that is, the formation of lamellae or flakes in drug products due to specific and localized corrosion of glass vials, and it follows a first paper PDA J Pharm Sci Technol. 2018, 72, 553–565where a testing protocol for the evaluation of the delamination propensity was proposed. The results showed that the protocol gives information on the quality of vials with respect to the propensity to corrosion, but no direct correlation with delamination could be demonstrated, as no lamellae formation was observed.

In response, further testing was carried out on five sets of vials with expected low delamination propensity, compared to a set of vials with high expected delamination propensity using both the proposed protocol and a more aggressive protocol. The objective was to observe lamellae at least in the high propensity vials to show a correlation to initial test protocols.

The results show that there is a very good consistency between the results of the two testing protocols and therefore, with a good level of reliability, the degree of glass surface corrosion can be estimated by the testing protocol proposed by the Technical Committee. In some cases, the glass surface corrosion results may indicate an increased risk of delamination (depending on the individual interaction between the pharmaceutical solution and the inner vial surface).
The neglected emotion of boredom in teaching English to advanced learners
Authors: Pawlak Mirosław , Zawodniak Joanna , Kruk Mariusz
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the underappreciated phenomenon of boredom and its causes in relation to practical English classes attended by university students majoring in English as a foreign language. It begins with a brief description of boredom where the focus is on its components, intensity and factors contributing to the experience of this negative emotion. This is followed by an overview of the still largely insufficient research into boredom in the L2 classroom. The empirical part of the paper comments on the data obtained from the Boredom in practical English language classes questionnaire which was filled out by 111 English majors. The results reveal the relationship between the intensity of boredom and the time factor. Also, the reasons for student boredom are indicated (e.g., task repetitiveness, lack of challenge, negative previous L2 learning experiences). In the last part of the paper, some pedagogical implications are provided.
Evaluation of DOAC Filter, a new device to remove direct oral anticoagulants from plasma samples
Authors: Sevenet Pierre‐Olivier , Cucini Virginie , Hervé Tristan , Depasse François , Carlo Audrey , Contant Geneviève , Mathieu Olivier
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Directs oral anticoagulants (DOACs) can interfere with coagulation assays, especially in thrombophilia workup. To avoid these interferences, a new device, DOAC Filter, allows the removal of DOACs from citrated plasma. This study aims to confirm that DOAC Filter efficiently removes DOACs and to ascertain that coagulation assays are not impacted by filtration.

Methods

Directs oral anticoagulants Filter (Diagnostica Stago, France) is a filtration cartridge in which DOAC molecules are trapped by noncovalent binding, while plasma is filtered through a solid phase. Normal pool plasma (NPP) spiked with DOACs up to 300 ng/mL, with dabigatran etexilate (n = 27), rivaroxaban (n = 35), apixaban (n = 33), and edoxaban (n = 27) or 120 ng/mL for betrixaban (n = 4), and 18 plasma's samples from DOAC‐treated patients were used to assess efficacy. The potential impact of DOAC Filter on coagulation assays was evaluated with NPP and plasma's samples from positive and negative lupus anticoagulant (LA) patients.

Results

Directs oral anticoagulants concentrations measured after filtration were below the limit of detection (LoD) of DOAC‐specific assays for all plasmas tested, except for one apixaban plasma sample, with postfiltration concentration slightly higher than anti‐Xa assay LoD (25.1 ng/mL). Coagulation assays results varied between −4 and +8% after filtration and between −6 and +8% for LA plasmas. Such limited variations are not expected to have any clinical impact.

Conclusion

Directs oral anticoagulants Filter efficiently removes DOACs from plasma and achieves concentrations below DOAC‐specific assays LoD, except in the case of one apixaban sample. The integrity of plasma is respected, and the cartridge seems not to impact LA diagnosis.
Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in recreational runners participating in Parkrun UK: Prevalence of use and awareness of risk
Authors: Rosenbloom Craig James , Morley Faye L , Ahmed Imran , Cox Anthony Richard
Published: June 2020

Objective

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in endurance running and by elite athletes. We examined the pattern of use of NSAIDs, the purpose of use and knowledge of the adverse effects of NSAID use in a population of recreational runners at Parkrun UK.

Methods

An online observational non-interventional cross-sectional survey of Parkrun UK participants being over the age of 18, on Parkrun UK’s mailing list, and residing in the UK.

Key Findings

Runners (n = 806) had a high use of NSAIDs in the past 12 months (87.8%). The average age of respondents was 48.39 years. There was a significant association between those taking an oral NSAID in the last twelve months and those with a sporting injury (χ2 = 10.89, df = 1, n = 797, P = 0.001). Ibuprofen was the most commonly used NSAID (81.1%). A third of runners had experienced an adverse drug reaction associated with NSAIDs, usually gastrointestinal. Half of runners used NSAIDs with no advice, and patient information leaflets were the most common source for those that had advice. Ninety-four per cent of runners would like more information on the harms and benefits of NSAIDs.

Conclusions

Some recreational runners have a high use of NSAIDs, which is chronic in nature and a potential health risk. Recreational runners want more information on the harms and benefits of NSAIDs. Race event organizers should provide evidence-based advice on the use of NSAIDs.
Improving and standardizing metabolic screening for people prescribed antipsychotic medication who are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome within the community mental health setting
Authors: Hackett Debbie , Fitzgerald Catriona
Published: June 2020

Aim and objective of the audit. The purpose of this audit was to identify the number of people prescribed antipsychotic medication who are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome in a community mental health service area with the aim of improving and standardising metabolic screening practices within this setting. Community mental health services are secondary care services in which individuals are referred from Primary Care (General Practitioners). The catchment area of this audit is within the South East Region of Ireland and offers adults community mental health services to a population of approximately 57 000. For the purpose of this audit we focused on one community mental health team within the service.
COVID‐19 pandemic in France: health emergency experiences from the field
Authors: Chamboredon P. , Roman C. , Colson S.
Published: June 2020

Aim

This paper describes the situation regarding COVID‐19 emergency in France as of early May 2020, the main policies to fight this virus, and the roles and responsibilities of nurses regarding their work at this time, as well as the challenges facing the profession.

Background

Europe continues to be affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. At the time of writing France was the fourth country with the highest number of detected cases and cumulative deaths.

Sources of evidence

Websites of the World Health Organization, French Government, French Agency of Public Health, French National Council of Nurses and ClinicalTrials.gov database, as well as the experiences of the authors.

Discussion

The history of the development of the pandemic in France helps explain the establishment of the state of health emergency and containment of the population. Many decisions made had undesirable repercussions, particularly in terms of intra‐family violence, mental health disorders and the renunciation of care. Hospitals and primary care services, with significant investment by nurses, played a key role in the care of persons with and without COVID‐19.

Conclusion

France has suffered a very high toll in terms of COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality, and effects on its people, health systems and health professionals, including nurses.

Implications for nursing practice

Nurses are recognized for their social usefulness in France. However, it is important to consider the collateral effects of this crisis on nurses and nursing and to integrate the health emergency nursing skills established during the pandemic into the standard field of nursing competence.

Implications for nursing policy

The nursing profession has expectations of a reflection on and revision of nursing skills as well as of its valorization in the French healthcare system, notably carried out by the French National Council Order of Nurses.
Large‐scale synthesis of hollow carbon fibers with ultra‐large diameter by thermally controlled pyrolysis
Authors: Yuan Ye , Xiong Yayuan , Li Jianjun , Yin Weilong , Peng Qingyu , Lu Haibao , Li Yibin , He Xiaodong
Published: June 2020

Hollow carbon fibers (HCF) with ultra‐large diameter have been synthesized and the versatility to convert them into the corresponding carbon‐based composites has been demonstrated. The hollow carbon fibers were fabricated by thermal controlled carbonization of electrospun polyacrylonitrile fibers. For the existence of inorganic silica shell during pyrolysis, heat release will be blocked at the boundary, driving the polyacrylonitrile precursor fiber to form hollow structure. The diameter of the as‐prepared hollow carbon fibers can exceed 150 nm. Sol‐gel‐derived Fe3O4 nanoparticles can grow on the outer‐surface and the inner‐surface of hollow carbon fibers. The microwave absorption performance of ternary HCF@Fe3O4@PPy composite is testified and the values of reflection loss exceeding −10 dB can be obtained in the frequency of 3.3‐11.3 GHz. The large diameter of hollow carbon fibers can have inner and outer interfaces in the corresponding composites, which make them great potential for a variety of applications in future.
Synroc technology: Perspectives and current status (Review)
Authors: Gregg Daniel J. , Farzana Rifat , Dayal Pranesh , Holmes Rohan , Triani Gerry
Published: June 2020

Dr Eric (Lou) Vance spent 32 years at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), where he was dedicated to the development of Synroc technology, a waste treatment solution for intractable nuclear wastes. The original form of Synroc, a multiphase ceramic wasteform based on stable and leach resistant titanate minerals, was invented by Australian scientists in the late 1970s. This formulation was directed toward the immobilization of PUREX wastes from the reprocessing of nuclear fuels. Synroc at ANSTO under the scientific leadership of Dr Vance since evolved beyond these original titanate ceramics into a waste treatment technology platform. This platform can be applied to produce glass, glass‐ceramic and ceramic wasteforms and offers distinct advantages in terms of waste loading and suppressing volatile losses. The platform therefore provides an opportunity to treat those waste streams that are problematic for glass matrices alone or existing vitrification process technologies. Such wastes include, for example, actinide‐bearing wastes, those that contain large proportions of refractory elements, those with significant fission product or corrosive volatile emissions and those wastes resulting from radiopharmaceutical production. The implementation of the latter will see the industrialization of Synroc technology via a first‐of‐a‐kind Synroc Waste Treatment Facility that is currently under construction at ANSTO. This paper will review Synroc technology, particularly noting the substantial and essential contributions from the late Dr Vance. The review will also provide some perspective on the development of the technology for nuclear waste immobilization and describe the significant recent advancements at ANSTO.
The effects of (di‐,tri‐valent)‐cation partitioning and intercalant anion‐type on the solubility of hydrotalcites
Authors: Prentice Dale P. , Gomez‐Zamorano Lauren , Balonis Magdalena , Erdemli Bartu , Ellison Kirk , Neithalath Narayanan , Simonetti Dante , Sant Gaurav
Published: June 2020

Synthetic hydrotalcites were produced by a co‐precipitation method. The hydrotalcites are represented by the general formula [MII(1‐x)MIII(x)(OH)2][An−]x/n·zH2O, where MII is a divalent cation (eg, Mg2+or Ca2+), MIII is a trivalent cation (eg, Al3+) and An− is the interlayer anion. Herein, MII = Mg, and MIII = Al such that [Mg/Al] = [2, 3] (atomic units) and An−, represents intercalant species including: OH−, SO42− and CO32− anions. The thermochemical data of each compound including their solubility constants (Kso), density and molar volume were quantified at T = 25 ± 0.5°C, and P = 1 bar. The solubilities of the synthetic hydrotalcites, irrespective of their divalent‐trivalent cation partitioning ratio, scaled as CO32− < SO42− < OH−; in order of decreasing solubility. The type of anion, very slightly, affected the solubility with less than ±1 log unit of variation for [Mg/Al] = 2, and ±2 log units of variation for [Mg/Al] = 3. The solubilities of these phases were strongly correlated with that of gibbsite (Al(OH)3); such that activity of the [AlO2−] species was solubility determining with increasing pH. The tabulated thermodynamic data were used to construct solid‐solution models for phases encompassing both cation distribution ratios and to calculate stable phase equilibria relevant to alkali‐activated slag (AAS) systems for diverse activator compositions.
B‐site‐doped BiFeO3‐based piezoceramics with enhanced ferro/piezoelectric properties and good temperature stability
Authors: Shi Yunjing , Yan Fei , He Xia , Huang Kaiwei , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei
Published: June 2020

Here, B‐site doped 0.725BiFe0.98M0.02O3‐0.275BaTiO3 (M = Fe, Sc, Ga, and Al) + 0.8 mol% MnO2 (abbreviated as BF, BS, BG, and BA) (BFM‐BT) ceramics were designed and prepared to modulate octahedral distortions. According to bond‐valence calculations based on XRD Rietveld refinement data, B‐site doped BFM‐BT ceramics tended to have a higher distortion as the radius of the doping ion decreases, and obtained a great improvement of ferroelectric and piezoelectric performances. B‐site‐doped BFM‐BT ceramics significantly inhibited the formation of impurities, leading to better ferroelectric and piezoelectric performances. The BFM‐BT ceramics exhibited high Curie temperature of 519‐530℃ and good temperature stability for piezoelectric performances. The d33 values of BF, BS, and BA ceramics remained the room temperature value ranging from room temperature to 470℃. Meanwhile the content of impure phases, oxygen vacancies and valence of Fe3+ to Fe2+ decreased with the decreasing radii of B‐site doping ions.
Enhanced ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties of BiFeO3‐PbTiO3 multiferroic solid solutions with Ba substitutions
Authors: Peng Rui , Jian Jie , Xu Zhoushang , Chen Yixuan , Chen Jianguo , Cheng Jinrong
Published: June 2020

Dense 0.6(Bi0.9La0.1)(Ga0.05Fe0.95)O3‐0.4(Pb1‐xBax)TiO3 (BLGF‐PBT, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) ceramics with different Ba contents were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method, and effects of Ba contents on the structure and multiferroic properties were investigated. X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the Ba‐modified BLGF‐PBT ceramics exhibit single perovskite structure without detectable secondary phases, and a transition from tetragonal phase to rhombohedral one takes place with the increase of Ba content. The piezoelectric constant d33, remanent polarization Pr, and remanent magnetization Mr are improved by the Ba substitution simultaneously. Values of Pr, Mr, and d33 of BLGF‐PBT ceramics for the composition of x = 0.3 with the coexistence of tetragonal and rhombohedral phases are 20 μC/cm2, 0.05 emu/g, and 256 pC/N, respectively, much higher than those without Ba modification. The significantly improved d33 and Mr indicate that BLGF‐PBT ceramics with Ba modification provide alternative materials for multifunctional devices.
Neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin against oxygen and glucose deprivation damage via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 signalling pathway in vitro
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ding Changling , Zhang Shuping , Xu Yangyang
Published: June 2020

Astaxanthin (ATX), which is the most abundant flavonoid in propolis, has previously shown neuroprotective properties against cerebral ischaemia‐induced apoptosis. However, the mechanisms by which ATX mediates its therapeutic effects are unclear. At present, we explored the underlying mechanisms involved in the protective effects of ATX via the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β)/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in SH‐SY5Y cells. The PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 and GSK3β inhibitor LiCl were employed in this study. Pre‐treatment with ATX for 24 hours significantly decreased the oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced viability loss, reduced the proportion of apoptosis and regulated OGD‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, ATX suppressed OGD‐caused mitochondrial membrane potential and decomposition of caspase‐3 to cleaved caspase‐3, and heightened the B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2)/Bax ratio. PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 signalling pathway activation in SH‐SY5Y cells was verified by Western blot. ATX and LiCl treatment raised the protein levels of p‐Akt, p‐GSK3β, nucleus Nrf2 and haeme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1). However, these protein expression levels decreased by treatment of LY294002. The above in vitro data indicate that ATX can confer neuroprotection against OGD‐induced apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 signalling pathway.
Serological diversity in Flavobacterium psychrophilum: A critical update using isolates retrieved from Chilean salmon farms
Authors: Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Tapia‐Cammas Diana , Duchaud Eric , Irgang Rute
Published: June 2020

Chile is currently the second largest producer of farmed salmon worldwide, but Flavobacterium psychrophilum, as one of the most detrimental pathogens, is responsible for major losses during the freshwater culturing step in salmonid fish farms. An antigenic study conducted 10 years ago reported four serological groups using 20 F. psychrophilum Chilean strains. To reduce disease outbreaks and to develop vaccine candidates, antigenic knowledge needs to be regularly updated using a significant number of additional recent F. psychrophilum isolates. The present study aimed at investigating the serological diversity of 118 F. psychrophilum isolates collected between 2006 and 2018 from farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). The current study supports an expansion of the known antigenic groups in Chile from 4 to 14. However, the use of the slide‐agglutination technique for serotyping is costly, is labour‐intensive and requires significant technical expertise. Addressing these points, the mPCR‐based procedure was a very useful tool for serotyping the collected Chilean F. psychrophilum isolates. This technique revealed the presence of diverse mPCR serotypes (i.e. types 0, 1, 2 and 4). Therefore, mPCR should be employed to select the bacterial strain(s) for vaccine development and to conduct follow‐up, selective breeding or epidemiological surveillance in Chilean fish farms. Given the presented findings, changes to Chilean fish‐farming practices are vital for ensuring the continued productivity and well‐being of farmed salmonids.
Wastewater treatment system optimization with an industrial symbiosis model: A case study of a Chinese eco‐industrial park
Authors: Hu Wanqiu , Tian Jinping , Li Xing , Chen Lujun
Published: June 2020

In Chinese industrial parks, the centralized wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) is an essential shared infrastructure to further purify the in‐plant pretreated industrial wastewater. Most of the contaminants, such as organic matter, are removed by in‐plant wastewater treatment to guarantee the safety and efficiency of the CWWTP. Carbon source shortages are common in the denitrification process in CWWTPs, and such issues are generally solved by adding external carbon sources, such as glucose. Some biodegradable organics that are abundant in industrial wastewater, such as food production wastewater, can be utilized as the external carbon sources for denitrification. This study proposed an industrial symbiosis‐based model to optimize the wastewater treatment system in industrial parks by reusing organic matter in food wastewaters as the external carbon source for advanced treatment processes in CWWTPs. A case study of a Chinese eco‐industrial park is investigated to verify the technical and economic feasibility of the model. The case study indicates that the overall cost‐savings potential of the model is approximately 6.55 million Chinese Yuan (CNY) per year, accounting for approximately 20% of the annual operating cost of the CWWTP. Additionally, the mitigation potential of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is 5977 t CO2‐eq per year, accounting for 1.7% of the GHG emissions of the original model. Furthermore, potential barriers to implementing the IS model and the relevant policy implications are discussed.
Diffusion of labor standards through supplier–subcontractor networks: An agent‐based model
Authors: Gold Stefan , Chesney Thomas , Gruchmann Tim , Trautrims Alexander
Published: June 2020

Subcontracting represents a popular business model in supply chains across industries. In the case of hidden subcontracting, subcontractors are beyond the visible horizon of the (focal) buying firm. Hence, buyers must rely on a cascading effect for diffusing practices such as compliance with labor standards through their supply networks. Motivated by the case of the Bangladeshi garment industry, we constructed an agent‐based model with buyers, first‐tier suppliers, and subcontractors as agents in a supply network in order to study the impact of network characteristics on the diffusion of labor standards. Our model followed a power‐based diffusion rule that emphasized the coercive power that buyers use to pressure their suppliers into adopting labor standards. This rule is a key underlying assumption of compliance‐based supplier management. Hypotheses regarding power asymmetries through centrality and density of specific network components, as well as structural elements of the network, such as complexity and distance, were tested for different industry scenarios. Our analysis demonstrated that network asymmetries have ample negative effects on the adoption of labor standards, whereas complexity plays a minor role. Moreover, the impact of the tested structural determinants for sustainability diffusion was found to be contingent on specific industry types in the garment industry. This paper discusses its findings in light of previous research on subcontracting and multitier supply chain management. Among others, we highlight how subcontracting increases horizontal complexity at each supply chain tier, and how intermediaries such as sustainability nexus suppliers may crucially affect the adoption of labor standards within industries.
Narratives of Gestational Diabetes Provide a Lens to Tailor Postpartum Prevention and Monitoring Counseling
Authors: Gunn Christine , Bernstein Judith , Bokhour Barbara , McCloskey Lois
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a marked increased risk of early onset type 2 diabetes, but less than half initiate postpartum glucose testing or connect with a primary care provider for continued follow‐up after giving birth. This study analyzed women's narratives about their GDM‐affected pregnancies to (1) identify different patterns (narrative archetypes) that capture the GDM experience; (2) explore how these patterns relate to awareness of ongoing risk after pregnancy and affect participation in self‐care, monitoring, and preventive health care going forward; and (3) explore the use of identified patterns to tailor conversations with patients during prenatal and postpartum care to their actual perceptions and concerns about future risk.

Methods

Open‐ended interviews elicited women's experiences and perspectives about GDM and its management. A narrative analysis first identified segments of text related to risk and behaviors and then applied Frank's narrative archetypes (restitution, chaos, quest) as an interpretive lens.

Results

Interviews were completed in English (n = 15), Spanish (n = 7), and Haitian Creole (n = 7). We found distinct patterns: stories of restitution (n = 13), quest (n = 4), chaos (n = 4), and mixed narratives (n = 7). Using these archetypes, we found differences in how women respond to challenges related to disease complexity, treatment, and future risks. These patterns led to marked differences in the steps women took to prevent early onset type 2 diabetes.

Discussion

Frank's narrative types provided insight into women's responses to clinical protocols, health care advice, and subsequent prevention actions. A restitution pattern may result in premature closure and lack of awareness of risk. Similarly, a chaos pattern may contribute to a sense of helplessness to implement follow‐up recommendations, despite risk awareness. Understanding these patterns can help clinicians tailor individualized support as women transition from GDM with its focus on a healthy fetus and newborn to preventive self‐care to protect their health.
Physical activity, sitting time and sleep duration before and during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: A prospective panel study
Authors: Weng Shiue‐Shan , Lee Yu‐Hsiang , Chien Li‐Yin
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives

To examine how changes in physical activity, sitting time and sleep duration through pre‐, mid‐ and late pregnancy are in association with Caesarean section, medically indicated Caesarean section and small for gestational age.

Background

While circadian activities could change throughout pregnancy, studies exploring the effect of change in those activities on pregnancy outcomes remain limited.

Design

This study applied a prospective panel design.

Methods

A self‐reported questionnaire was used to assess the three activities before and during pregnancy and was administered three times from August 2015–July 2017. Multiple logistic regression models were used. The analysis included 488, 477 and 455 participants in the models for Caesarean section, medically indicated Caesarean section and small for gestational age, respectively. This study followed the STROBE guidelines.

Results

The mean age of participants was 32.18 years, and more than half (54.90%) were primiparous. Sleep duration of >8 hr/day before pregnancy and experiencing a decrease in mid‐pregnancy was a risk factor for Caesarean section and medically indicated Caesarean section. Sitting ≥8 hr/weekday in pre‐, mid‐ and late pregnancy had a protective effect for Caesarean section and medically indicated Caesarean section. Sitting <8 hr in mid‐pregnancy and experiencing a decrease in late pregnancy was a risk factor for small‐for‐gestational‐age infants. Physical activity was not significantly related to pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

Sleep duration of 7–8 hr and sitting time of more than 8 hr/day seem beneficial for women both before and during pregnancy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health professionals could assess pregnant women or those intending to become pregnant regarding their sleep and sitting behaviour and provide relevant interventions.
7T MPFLAIR versus MP2RAGE for Quantifying Lesion Volume in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Spini Margaret , Choi Seongjin , Harrison Daniel M.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Use of fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) scans to quantify multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion volume on 7 Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has many downsides, including poor image homogeneity. There are little data about the relative benefit of alternative modalities. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if magnetization‐prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP2RAGE) is a viable alternative to FLAIR for robust lesion volume measurement and disability correlations.

METHODS

Forty‐seven participants with MS underwent annual brain 7T MRIs. Magnetization‐prepared FLAIR (MPFLAIR) and MP2RAGE (both at .7 mm3 isotropic resolution) sequences from a total of 80 MRI scans from 47 subjects were reviewed. White matter lesion (WML) masks were manually constructed from MPFLAIR and T1 maps (from MP2RAGE). Lesion volumes (normalized to intracranial volume) were compared to clinical characteristics and disability scales scores by Pearson or Spearman correlation, as appropriate. Relative correlation strength was compared by Fisher r‐ to z‐transformation.

RESULTS

Normalized lesion volume was greater in MPFLAIR masks (median .005 [range, .001‐.030]) than from T1 maps (median .003 [range, .000‐.015]). However, lesion volumes between MPFLAIR and T1 maps were highly correlated (rho = .87, P < .001). WML masks from both modalities correlated with most disability measures with no significant difference in the strength of correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

7T MPFLAIR and MP2RAGE T1 map‐based WML volumes are highly intercorrelated and both correlate with disability. Thus, MP2RAGE may be a viable alternative to FLAIR‐based methods for WML measurement on 7T MRI in MS research.
Determination of textural deterioration in fish meat processed with electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Ceylan Zafer , Meral Raciye , Alav Aslıhan , Karakas Canan Yagmur , Yilmaz Mustafa Tahsin
Published: June 2020

Nano‐applications are named as one of the novel methods, which provide many advantages like a larger contact area on the surface of fish fillets with less material. The goal of the study was to reveal the textural profile changes correlated with TPB growth of fish fillets coated with nanofibers having 2.47 ± 0.68 mV zeta potential value and 172 nm diameter. The difference of TPB count between control (CS) and the fish fillets treated with nanofibers (NG) reached 3.45 log CFU/g (p < .05) on the sixth day. The hardness value of CS was decreased (p < .05) (the decline: 68%) while the hardness of NG was found to be much more stable (the change: 42%). The highest change in springiness for CS and NG samples was determined as ~24 and ~15%, respectively, for 12 days. Cohesiveness values of CS were slightly increased, but those of the fish fillets coated with nanofibers were remarkably decreased. The coefficient of correlation analysis between TPB count and cohesiveness values was determined as “r = −.026 and r = .796” for CS and NG, respectively. Chewiness values of CS were significantly decreased (p < .05). However, chewiness values of the fish fillets coated with nanofibers were found as much more stable (p > .05). The results revealed that nanofiber coating limited the increase of TPB in fish fillets; it also better kept the textural profile of fish fillets as compared to CS stored at 4°C. The study could play a guiding role in further food nanotechnology applications in the industry and food science.