bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A population‐based cohort of adult patients with diabetes mellitus in a Western District of Austria: The Diabetes Landeck cohort
Authors: Haslwanter Veronika , Rochau Ursula , Siebert Uwe , Schönherr Hans‐Robert , Oberaigner Willi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become an important and exacerbating health epidemic, with severe consequences for both patients and health systems. The National Diabetes Strategy of Austria addresses the lack of high‐quality data on DM in Austria and the need for developing a national data network. The aims of our study are to establish a cohort including all adult diabetes patients in a district in western Austria, describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of this cohort, and provide an estimation of diabetes prevalence.

Methods

We recruited a population‐based cohort of adult patients with a diagnosis of DM in cooperation with a network of all caregivers. Data collection was based on a case report form, including patient characteristics, clinical parameters and long‐term complications.

Results

In total, 1845 patients with DM were recruited and analysed. We observed an overall prevalence of 5.3% [95% CI: 5.0%–5.5%]. For the subsequent main analysis, we included 1755 patients with DM after excluding 90 patients with gestational DM. There were significant differences between genders in the distribution of specific clinical parameters, patient characteristics, and the long‐term complications diabetic foot, amputation and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, we established the first diabetes cohort study in Austria. Prevalence and the proportion of specific long‐term complications were lower when compared to the international context. We assume that the Diabetes Landeck Cohort has reached a high degree of completeness; however, we were not able to identify independent data sources for a valid check of completeness.
How does pain work? A qualitative analysis of how young adults with chronic pain conceptualize the biology of pain
Authors: Leake Hayley B. , Moseley G. Lorimer , Murphy Lexa K. , Murray Caitlin B. , Palermo Tonya M. , Heathcote Lauren C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Pain science education (PSE) is commonly integrated into treatments for childhood‐onset chronic pain. A core component of PSE is learning about, and often reconceptualizing, the biology of chronic pain. Yet, few interventions have been developed specifically for young adults and little is known about how young adults conceptualize the biology of pain. This study used a qualitative methodology to examine how young adults with childhood‐onset chronic pain understand the biology of pain, and the language they use in this meaning‐making process, which may inform future interventions tailored to this age group.

Methods

We identified a cohort of young adults with childhood onset chronic pain, and a subset of 17 young adults with continuing chronic pain completed individual, semi‐structured interviews. Telephone interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

We generated four themes that capture participants' conceptualizations of the biology of pain: (1) Something is wrong with the body, (2) An injury has not healed, (3) Nerves fire when they should not, (4) An overactive stress system.

Conclusion

These conceptualizations, and the language used by young adults with childhood‐onset chronic pain to describe them are discussed. Recommendations are provided for how PSE interventions can be tailored for young adults.

Significance

This study provides new qualitative insights reflecting a variety of ways that young adults with childhood‐onset chronic pain conceptualize pain. Some conceptualizations of pain align with modern pain science principles (altered function of nervous and endocrine systems) while others conflict (unhealed injury). Health professionals can use these findings to tailor their pain education interventions by leveraging concepts that ‘stick’ for youth, being aware of, and interrogating, common misconceptions, and offering language and metaphors familiar to youth.
Seismic resilience assessment and improvement framework for electrical substations
Authors: Liang Huangbin , Blagojević Nikola , Xie Qiang , Stojadinović Bozidar
Published: December 2022

Experience from previous earthquakes shows that electrical substations are the most vulnerable components within the power transmission system. Thus, their disaster resilience is essential for providing electric power to communities in earthquake‐prone regions. In this study, a quantitative framework was proposed to assess the seismic resilience of electrical substations. The functionality of a substation was quantified using its maximum allowable transmission capacity that integrates the substation topology, redundancy level, line capacity, and power balance. The network model of the substation was developed to investigate how component damage affects substation's functionality. Substation's recovery was simulated as a time‐stepping process, in which at each time step the substation's ability to provide transmission capacity was conditioned on the functionality state of its components, whose recovery depends on the availability of repair crews and spare parts. The uncertainty of the resilience assessment was quantified by considering the uncertainty in the component‐level vulnerability and recoverability. The impacts of components’ robustness, repair resource constraints, and post‐earthquake recovery scheduling on substation resilience were investigated by modifying components’ seismic fragility curves, available recovery resources, and repair priorities. A case study was conducted on a real‐world 220/110 kV step‐down substation, and a parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the effect of various seismic resilience improvement strategies to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework in seismic disaster risk reduction and management.
Including patient‐reported measures in performance evaluation systems: Patient contribution in assessing and improving the healthcare systems
Authors: De Rosis Sabina , Ferrè Francesca , Pennucci Francesca
Published: December 2022

In healthcare, the introduction of quality standards and indicators to assess performance triggered the development of multidimensional Performance Management Systems (PMSs). The concept of performance in healthcare has recently evolved and broadened its scope. One of the current challenges of PMSs is measuring and integrating the patient perspective into traditional measures. In the regional healthcare system of Tuscany (Italy), a PMS has been implemented and used since 2005. The PMS counts on the systematic involvement of clinicians and managers. Furthermore, the PMS also includes patients' perspective. Moreover, Tuscany has recently implemented the first regional permanent Patient‐Reported Outcome and Experience Measures (PROMs and PREMs) Observatory in Italy. This paper presents the results of an action research aimed at analysing the integration of patient‐reported outcome and experience indicators into a consolidated PMS. The study describes the process of identifying and discussing of patient‐reported indicators with practitioners and categorising findings into three domains: design of patient‐reported indicators, integration process into the PMS, and goal of adoption of the patient‐related indicators. The paper also describes facilitators, challenges, and lessons learnt with respect to organisational, methodological, cultural, and responsibility‐linked factors. The study discusses the ability to agree on how to transform patient data, especially PROMs, into effective performance indicators. The integration of patient‐reported indicators into the PMS poses two main challenges: one in terms of sustainability of the performance system itself, and another regarding the attribution of the responsibility for patient outcomes between care settings and providers. This paper provides initial insights on how the integration of patient‐reported indicators can make PMSs more inclusive and focussed on the patient‐centred perspective.
Analysis of the variation tendency and influencing factors of reference evapotranspiration in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Liu Zihan , Zhangzhong Lili , Zheng Wengang , Zhang Xin , Yu Jingxin , Zhang Fujie , Yang Lihong
Published: December 2022

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important part of the water and energy cycles during crop growth. The study of its changing trend is of significance for guiding efficient water utilization and reasonable regulation of agricultural production. Based on daily meteorological data, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and sunshine hours, from 38 surface meteorological stations in Shandong Province from 1980 to 2019, the FAO56 Penman–Monteith formula was used to calculate the ET0 and analyse trend and influencing factors, combined with the methods of climate tendency rate, Morlet wavelet, sensitivity analysis and contribution rate analysis. ET0 had 26–30 main oscillation cycles during the 1980–2019 period, and 28‐, 18‐ and 8‐year time scales corresponded to the first, second and third main cycles of ET0, respectively, which determined the characteristics of ET0 change in the past 40 years. The annual average ET0 was significantly positively correlated with average temperature (T), wind speed (WS) and sunshine daily hours (SSD) and significantly negatively correlated with average relative humidity (RH), among which WS, SSD and RH were the main factors affecting ET0. On this basis, because T was not the dominant factor affecting ET0 change, a simplified ET0 calculation algorithm based on seasonal temperature was established that had high goodness of fit R2 accuracy. This study quantitatively analysed the periodic changes and causes of ET0 from a spatio‐temporal view and provided a scientific basis for the rational regulation of agricultural production in Shandong Province.
Novel optical fiber Vernier immunosensor based on cascading Sagnac loops embedded with excessively tilted fiber grating for specific detection of canine distemper virus
Authors: Gu Hong , Luo Binbin , Wu Shengxi , Shi Shenghui , Zou Xue , Dai Qin , Zhao Mingfu , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2022

A novel optical fiber Vernier effect (VE) biosensor based on cascading Sagnac loops embedded with excessively tilted fiber grating (ExTFG) is proposed for the label free and specific detection of canine distemper virus (CDV). The VE was realized by cascading two different Sagnac loops with similar free spectrum range (FSR), one of which was integrated with panda‐type polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) as the reference loop, and the other was embedded with ExTFG as the sensing loop. Owning to the amplified function of the VE, the refractive index (RI) sensitivity of the proposed sensing structure reached −1914.89 nm/RIU, which is approximately 12 times higher than that of the single ExTFG based RI sensor. Furthermore, the ExTFG in sensing loop was modified by graphene oxide (GO) and bio‐functionalized by the CDV monoclonal antibodies (anti‐CDV MAbs) for the specific detection of the CDV. Experimental results show that the proposed optical fiber Vernier sensor could detect the CDV in buffer solution with concentration as low as 1 pg/mL, and the sensitivity was about −1.18 nm/[log(mg/ml)] in the concentration range of 1 pg/mL ~ 50 ng/mL. The excellent specific and clinical properties of the biosensor were verified by immunoassays for fetal bovine serum, Toxoplasma gondii, rabies virus and CDV serum in sequence. Due to the sensitivity amplification function of VE, dense comb spectrum of the Sagnac loop and the stable interference spectra maintained by the polarized light, the proposed biosensor possesses the combined advantages of high sensitivity, high Q‐factor and high stability, which may have potential applications in biosensing fields.
Are Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Bone Mineral Density Associated? — A Cross‐Sectional Study Using Liver Biopsy and Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Hansen Stinus Gadegaard , Wernberg Charlotte Wilhelmina , Grønkjær Lea Ladegaard , Jacobsen Birgitte Gade , Caterino Tina Di , Krag Aleksander , Juhl Claus Bogh , Lauridsen Mette Munk , Shanbhogue Vikram V.
Published: December 2022

There is controversy regarding the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and osteoporosis. Our study aim was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and examine if the severity of NAFLD affects BMD. A total of 147 adult women (n = 108) and men (n = 39) aged 18–76 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 45.3 ± 12.5) were recruited in this cross‐sectional study and underwent a liver biopsy and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). NAFLD activity score (NAS) based on the degree of steatosis, lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning was used to assess NAFLD severity. The majority of subjects, 53%, had steatosis, 25% had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) whereas 23% served as control subjects with no evidence of NAFLD. There were no significant differences in the lumbar spine (1.09 ± 0.12, 1.11 ± 0.18, and 1.12 ± 0.15 g/cm2, p = 0.69, in controls, steatosis, and NASH, respectively) or hip BMD (1.10 ± 0.15, 1.12 ± 0.13, and 1.09 ± 0.13 g/cm2, p = 0.48, in controls, steatosis, and NASH, respectively) between the groups. Adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and diabetes in multiple regression models did not alter the results. There was no correlation between NAS and neither lumbar spine BMD (r = 0.06, p = 0.471), nor hip BMD (r = −0.03, p = 0.716). In conclusion, BMD was similar across the spectrum of NAFLD in both genders and not related to the severity of the underlying histological lesions, suggesting that neither steatosis nor NASH exerts a detrimental effect on BMD in these relatively young patients. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Assessment of hypolipidemic and anti‐inflammatory properties of walnut (Juglans regia) seed coat extract and modulates some metabolic enzymes activity in triton WR‐1339‐induced hyperlipidemia in rat kidney, liver, and heart
Authors: Palabıyık Esra , Sulumer Ayşe Nurseli , Uguz Handan , Avcı Bahri , Askın Seda , Askın Hakan , Demir Yeliz
Published: December 2022

Atherosclerosis and cognitive impairment are both influenced by hyperlipidemia. Due to their high margin of safety and low cost, natural chemicals have recently attracted particular attention in the context of the treatment of disease. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible amendatory impact of ethanol extract walnut (Juglans regia) seed coat (E‐WSC) on some metabolic enzymes (glutathione reductase (GR), paraoxonase‐1 (PON1), aldose reductase (AR), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)) activity in the liver, kidney, and heart of rats with Triton WR‐1339‐induced hyperlipidemia. Rats were divided into five groups: control group, HL‐Control group (Triton WR‐1339 400 mg/kg, i.p administered group), E‐ WSC + 150 (150 mg/kg,o.d given group), E‐ WSC + 300 (E‐ WSC 300 mg/kg, o.d given group) and HL+ E‐WSC + 300 (Group receiving E‐ WSC 300 mg/kg, o.d 30 min prior to administration of Triton WR‐1339 400 mg/kg, i.p). In HL‐Control, AR, SDH, and BChE enzyme activity was significantly increased in all tissues compared to the control, while the activity of other studied enzymes was significantly decreased. The effects of hyperlipidemia on balance were improved and alterations in the activity of the investigated metabolic enzymes were prevented by E‐WSC. As a result, promising natural compounds that can be used as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cognitive disorders and hyperlipidemia may be found in E‐WSC powder.
Linking servant leadership to follower emotional exhaustion through impression management
Authors: Peng Ann C. , Gao Riguang , Wang Biying
Published: December 2022

We argue that servant leaders convey expectations that one needs to behave self‐sacrificially, support others and perform well. Perceiving organizational politics heightens the concern of being seen as meeting these expectations and contributes to the belief that impression management is necessary to achieve desired outcomes. Thus, to make impressions consistent with a servant leader's expectations, employees enact exemplification, ingratiation, and self‐promotion, but doing so is emotionally exhausting. We conducted 2 three‐wave survey studies in China (Study 1) and the United States (Study 2), and the results generally supported our theory. Study 1 results showed that servant leadership had positive relationships with exemplification and ingratiation, although the theorized mediation effect of impression management was not significant. Study 2 replicated the positive relationships between servant leadership and impression management. Servant leadership also had positive indirect effects on emotional exhaustion through both exemplification and ingratiation. Perceptions of organizational politics strengthened the positive effect of servant leadership on impression management, resulting in a stronger indirect effect on exhaustion. We discuss the findings' implications for servant leadership research and practice.
Accuracy of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) Carotid Doppler Velocity Criteria for Grading North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) Stenosis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Polak Joseph F. , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) consensus panel proposed six Doppler velocity cut points for classifying internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis of 50% and 70% according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) method. Their relative accuracies have not been compared.

Materials and Methods

Meta‐analysis performed following comprehensive literature review and identification of manuscripts with graphs of individual patient NASCET ICA stenosis measured by arteriography versus ICA peak‐systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) and ICA PSV to common carotid artery (CCA) PSV. True positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives were calculated and used in two‐level mixed effects models. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Areas under the ROC curves were estimated.

Results

Nine studies performed between 1993 and 2016 were identified after review of 337 manuscripts. There were 1738 bifurcation data points extracted for PSV, 1026 for EDV, and 775 for ICA/CCA ratio. The highest sensitivity was 96% (95% CI: 93%, 98%) for PSV of 125 cm/s (50% stenosis) and highest specificity 86% (95% CI: 71%, 93%) for PSV of 230 cm/s (70% stenosis). Areas under the ROC curves ranged from a high of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.95) for PSV (50% stenosis) to a low of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.88) for EDV (70% stenosis).

Conclusions

The SRU consensus Doppler cut points vary in their accuracies for predicting ICA stenosis. The PSV cut points have tradeoffs: high sensitivity/low specificity for 50% stenosis and high specificity/moderate sensitivity for 70% stenosis.
Asymmetric responses of soil bacterial community and soil respiration to precipitation changes: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Fan , Wang Yunqiang , Wang Juntao
Published: December 2022

Changes in the frequency and intensity of precipitation altered the hydrological features, thereafter greatly affecting carbon (C) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil bacteria are pivotal drivers of the global C cycle in terrestrial ecosystems; however, the responses of soil bacterial communities and the C‐cycle they regulated to precipitation changes remain unclear. Here, we conducted a global meta‐analysis using 98 paired observations from 58 studies to explore the responses of soil bacteria (abundance and diversity) and their C‐related functions (soil respiration) to increased/decreased precipitation. We found that the response of soil bacterial abundance was linearly correlated with precipitation changes, while the response of soil respiration was negatively asymmetric (concave‐down). The relationship among soil bacterial abundance, alpha diversity, and soil respiration was weakened by decreased precipitation, indicating that decreased precipitation exhibited a stronger effect on soil bacterial community and soil respiration. Our study extends the understanding of soil bacteria and their functions in response to precipitation change and facilitates the prediction of soil carbon cycle‐related functions by using soil microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystem models under future precipitation scenarios.
Satellite‐air‐ground integrated multi‐source earth observation and machine learning processing brain for tailings reservoir monitoring and rapid emergency response
Authors: Wan Yuting , Zhong Yanfei , Ma Ailong , Hu Xin , Wei Lifei
Published: December 2022

Tailings reservoirs are an inevitable part of the production process of metal mines and are typical of post‐mining and post‐industrial lands. Tailings reservoirs are often located in mountainous areas so earth observation and remote sensing is a necessary monitoring means. However, existing observation are generally based on satellite, air or ground platforms, Combined satellite‐air‐ground observation is rare, and the coordination ability of processing methods to cope with it is insufficient. Therefore, the response to sudden major environmental and disaster events is slow and lagging. In this study, inspired by the human brain, a satellite‐air‐ground integrated multi‐source earth observation and machine learning processing system was built up for tailings reservoir stereoscopic monitoring and rapid emergency response (SAGTR). Firstly, the brain‐inspired human visual multimodal data acquisition by satellite‐air‐ground integration platform has been established to break through the traditional single‐source and single‐mode data approach and involves satellite remote sensing images, UAV hyperspectral images, and ground parameters. Moreover, it is unique among current tailings reservoir monitoring systems. In general, our proposed SAGTR framework has promise for improving the comprehensive monitoring and emergency response to tailings reservoir failures.
Novel device to collect deep‐sea porewater in situ: A focus on benthic carbonate chemistry
Authors: Cetiner Jaclyn E. P. , Berelson William M. , Rollins Nick E. , Barnhart Holly A. , Liu Xuewu , Dong Sijia , Byrne Robert H. , Adkins Jess F.
Published: December 2022

We have designed, built, tested, and deployed a novel device to extract porewater from deep‐sea sediments in situ, constructed to work with a standard multicorer. Despite the importance of porewater measurements for numerous applications, many sampling artifacts can bias data and interpretation during traditional porewater processing from shipboard‐processed cores. A well‐documented artifact occurs in deep‐sea porewater when carbonate precipitates during core recovery as a function of temperature and pressure changes, while porewater is in contact with sediment grains before filtration, thereby lowering porewater alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Here, we present a novel device built to obviate these sampling artifacts by filtering porewater in situ on the seafloor, with a focus near the sediment–water interface on cm‐scale resolution, to obtain accurate porewater profiles. We document 1–10% alkalinity loss in shipboard‐processed sediment cores compared to porewater filtered in situ, at depths of 1600–3200 m. We also show that alkalinity loss is a function of both weight % sedimentary CaCO3 and water column depth. The average ratio of alkalinity loss to DIC loss in shipboard‐processed sediment cores relative to in situ porewater is 2.2, consistent with the signal expected from carbonate precipitation. In addition to collecting porewater for defining natural profiles, we also conducted the first in situ dissolution experiments within the sediment column using isotopically labeled calcite. We present evidence of successful deployments of this device on and adjacent to the Cocos Ridge in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific across a range of depths and calcite saturation states.
Experimental & Modelling Digital Twin Approach for Polymer Synthesis via Re‐initiated Oxygen inhibited RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Pashayev Emil , Kandelhard Felix , Georgopanos Prokopios
Published: December 2022

Controlled polymerization techniques like the reversible‐addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) are sensitive to impurities such as oxygen. This work explores the application of re‐initiation as a tool to enhance monomer conversion. A kinetic model for the oxygen inhibited RAFT dispersion polymerization for the synthesis of poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐b‐polystyrene (P4VP‐b‐PS) is developed. Thus, using the kinetic model, the re‐initiation of the inhibited RAFT polymerization is partially (monomer conversion ≤10%) predicted. By implementing the re‐initiation as a solution, the synthesis of P4VP‐b‐PS copolymers with the high conversion (>96%) and a good dispersity (≤1.2) is enabled.
The added value of the nurse practitioner: An evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Savard Isabelle , Al Hakim Grace , Kilpatrick Kelley
Published: December 2022

Aim

Nurse practitioners' added value is often mentioned in publications, but there is no consensus on what value is being added, what value is being added to, and in comparison with what can be considered to be an added value. A concept analysis was conducted to clarify the attributes, antecedents and meaning and better understand the Nurse practitioners' added value.

Design

Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis.

Methods

We selected 16 studies from CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and Medline to conduct a thematic analysis, considering the date, location and discipline of publications.

Results

Nurse practitioners' added value include: skills and competencies, activities performed, positive outcomes, and positive role perceptions, and antecedents and consequences were also identified. Nurse practitioners' added value is context‐dependent and is often understood by comparing it to a context prior to implementation or other professional roles.
Strategies to improve the quality of nurse triage in emergency departments: A realist review protocol
Authors: Ouellet Simon , Galliani Maria Cécilia , Gélinas Céline , Fontaine Guillaume , Archambault Patrick , Mercier Éric , Severino Fabian , Bérubé Mélanie
Published: December 2022

Aim

The purpose of this realist review was to assess what works, for whom and in what context, regarding strategies that influence nurses' behaviour to improve triage quality in emergency departments (ED).

Design

Realist review protocol.

Methods

This protocol follows the PRISMA‐P statement and will include any type of study on strategies to improve the triage process in the ED (using recognized and validated triage scales). The included studies were examined for scientific quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The framework for this realist review is based on the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and the context‐mechanism‐outcome (CMO) models.

Discussion

Nurses and ED decision makers will be informed on the evidence regarding strategies to improve the quality of triage and the factors required to maximize their effectiveness. Research gaps may also be identified to guide future research projects on the adoption of best practices in ED nursing triage.
From biodiversity to health: Quantifying the impact of diverse ecosystems on human well‐being
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Batáry Péter , Baudry Julia , Beaumelle Léa , Bucher Roman , Čerevková Andrea , de la Riva Enrique G. , Felipe‐Lucia Maria R. , Gallé Róbert , Kesse‐Guyot Emmanuelle , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Rusch Adrien , Stanley Dara , Birkhofer Klaus
Published: December 2022

Ample evidence suggests positive effects of species diversity on ecosystem functioning and services in natural and agricultural landscapes. Less obvious and even contested are the effects of such diversity on human well‐being. This state of art partly stems from methodological difficulties to evaluate and quantify these effects and imprecise conceptual frameworks.

Here we propose a conceptual framework that links different aspects of diversity, particularly species and genetic richness, to ecosystem functioning, ecosystem services and disservices, and different aspects of well‐being. We review current approaches for the study of diversity–well‐being relationships and identify shortcomings and principle obstacles, mainly stemming from theoretical premises that are too imprecise.

We discuss five basic methodological approaches to link diversity to well‐being: matrix models, indirect inference, Price partitioning, structural equation modelling, and environmental inference.

We call for a stricter terminology with respect to the different aspects of functioning, multifunctionality and well‐being and highlight the need to evaluate each step in the different pathways from diversity to well‐being. A full understanding of ecological constraints on human well‐being requires consideration of trade‐offs in diversity effects, of contrasting perceptions of well‐being, and of ecosystem disservices. We also call for appropriate long‐term socio‐ecological research platforms to gather relevant data about ecosystem functioning and well‐being across space and time.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Experimental study on the prestress loss of double‐end prestressing of carbon‐fiber reinforced polymer fabric for strengthening large‐diameter reinforced concrete circular columns
Authors: Lu Chun‐Ling , Chen Jian‐tong , Gan Xiao , Wang Qiang , Zhu Wan‐Xu
Published: December 2022

When using single‐end tensioned carbon‐fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) columns, the contact length between CFRP fabric and column increases with the increase in column diameter, and the prestress losses are often very large at the distance farthest from the anchorage. To address the problem, a method for double‐end transverse prestressing of CFRP fabric for strengthening large diameter RC columns is proposed in this paper. Tests were carried out on 20 RC column specimens strengthened with prestressed CFRP fabric in constant temperature and humidity. The prestress losses due to friction during the tensioning process and the prestress losses in CFRP fabric during load holding were analyzed. A theoretical formula for the CFRP fabric prestress losses was established. The test results revealed that compared to single‐end tensioning, double‐end tensioning of CFRP fabric can effectively reduce the average friction loss ratio. The friction loss ratio in large‐diameter columns is more significant than that in small‐diameter ones. Applying epoxy coating to the column surface can reduce the prestress loss ratios due to friction and CFRP fabric retraction. The latter can also be effectively reduced by repeated tensioning. The prestress losses calculated using the formula proposed in this paper were in good agreement with the measured data.
Use patterns of systemic immunomodulators in the United States before and after dupilumab approval in adults with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Anand Priyanka , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Mostaghimi Arash , Schneeweiss Maria C.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The patterns of dupilumab use, the first systemic drug approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), is not well understood in the context of off‐label systemic medications.

Objective

To describe patterns of prescribing, switching and discontinuing systemic AD drugs, before and after the approval of dupilumab and understand variables associated with dupilumab prescription.

Methods

Using longitudinal claims data, we identified patients with AD who initiated a systemic therapy (dupilumab, cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) from March 2015 to February 2021, with a washout period of 1 year. We used Sankey plots to visualize longitudinal patterns of use at 3, 6, and 12 months and logistic regression to determine associates of dupilumab prescription.

Results

The number of patients starting systemic treatment increased from 319 before dupilumab approval to 1358 after. Dupilumab use increased from 72% to 84%. In 2019–2020, 36% of patients discontinued systemic treatment within a year compared to 62% in 2015–2016. 92% of patients who started dupilumab in 2020–2021 had received no other systemic treatment before. Patients <60 years and those who used steroid‐sparing topical treatments were more likely to receive dupilumab.

Conclusion

Among new users of a systemic treatment for AD, dupilumab was most used treatment by far.
Incidence and predictive factors of radiation‐induced hypothyroidism in breast cancer patients who receive supraclavicular lymph nodes irradiation: A prospective study
Authors: Youssef Monika , Elmaraghi Caroline , Kamel Tarek , El‐Leithy Mahmoud , Abdelhakim Khaled
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aimed to assess the incidence of radiotherapy‐induced hypothyroidism (RIHT) in breast cancer patients and correlate it with different factors.

Methods

Patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer who received supraclavicular lymph node irradiation as a part of adjuvant radiotherapy from October 2019 to July 2020 were recruited and followed up for 18 months. All patients underwent three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy and underwent computed tomography simulation. The levels of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels were assessed at baseline (before starting radiotherapy) and 9,12, and 18 months after radiotherapy using immunochemilluminescence. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with developing hypothyroidism.

Results

Twenty patients out of 96 (20.8%) developed hypothyroidism. Baseline TSH (cutoff value >1.42 μIU/ml) was significantly correlated with hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

Routine thyroid function tests assessment is recommended for all breast cancer patients at baseline and after radiotherapy.
Aldo‐keto reductase may contribute to glyphosate resistance in Lolium rigidum
Authors: Zhou Feng‐Yan , Han Heping , Han Yun‐Jing , Nyporko Alex , Yu Qin , Beckie Hugh J. , Powles Stephen B.
Published: December 2022

Background

We have previously demonstrated that an aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) from Echinochloa colona (EcAKR4‐1) can metabolize glyphosate and confers glyphosate resistance. This study aims to investigate if the EcAKR4‐1 orthologs from Lolium rigidum also play a role in glyphosate resistance in non‐target‐site based, glyphosate‐resistant (R) L. rigidum populations from Western Australia.

Results

The full‐length L. rigidum AKR gene (LrAKR4C10) orthologous to EcAKR4‐1, together with a distinct LrAKR1, were cloned from plants of a glyphosate‐susceptible (S) (VLR1) and three glyphosate R L. rigidum populations (WALR50, WALR60 and WALR70). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) results showed that basal expression levels of the two LrAKR genes did not differ between the R and S populations, but their expression was significantly induced by glyphosate (up to 4.3‐fold) or 2,4‐D treatment (up to 3.4‐fold) in R populations. Escherichia coli cells transformed respectively with LrAKR4C10 and LrAKR1 were more tolerant to glyphosate. Rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings overexpressing each of the two LrAKR gene survived glyphosate rates that were lethal to the green fluorescence protein (GFP) control plants. Structural modeling predicts a similar way of glyphosate binding and detoxification by LrAKR4C10 and EcAKR4‐1, but an alternative way of glyphosate binding by LrAKR1. Relatively lower capacity of the two LrAKRs in conferring glyphosate resistance than the known EcAKR4‐1 was discussed in relation to structural interaction.

Conclusion

Glyphosate‐induced higher expression of the two LrAKR genes in L. rigidum populations contributes to a moderate level of glyphosate resistance likely through enhanced glyphosate metabolism. The herbicide 2,4‐D can also induce the LrAKR expression, indicating the potential antagonistic effect of 2,4‐D to glyphosate. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Bacteria‐mediated RNAi for managing fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea: screening target genes and analyzing lethal effect
Authors: Zhang Xun , Fan Zhizhi , Zhang Rong , Kong Xiangbo , Liu Fu , Fang Jiaxing , Zhang Sufang , Zhang Zhen
Published: December 2022

Background

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, an invasive forest pest found worldwide, causes serious ecological and economic damage. Currently, the application of chemical pesticides is the most widely used strategy for H. cunea management. However, long‐term pesticide use leads to pest resistance, phytotoxicity, human poisoning, and environmental deterioration. RNA interference (RNAi) technology may provide an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective option for H. cunea control. However, effective RNAi targets and application methods for H. cunea are lacking.

Results

We screened and obtained two highly effective RNAi targets, vATPase A (V‐type proton ATPase catalytic subunit A) and Rop (Ras opposite), from 23 candidate genes, using initial and repeat screening tests with the double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection method. RNAi against these two genes was effective in suppressing each target messenger RNA level and interfering with larval growth, leading to significant larval mortality and pupal abnormality. For massive production of dsRNA and practical application of RNAi technology in H. cunea, transformed bacteria expressing dsRNAs of these two genes were prepared using the L4440 expression vector and HT115 strain of Escherichia coli. Oral administration of bacterially expressed dsRNA targeting vATPase A and Rop genes showed high mortality and the same malformed phenotype as the injection treatment. To further investigate the lethal effects of targeting these two genes on larval development, transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed on RNAi samples. The results demonstrated disorders in multiple metabolic pathways, and the expression levels of most genes related to insect cuticle metabolism were significantly different, which may directly threaten insect survival. In addition, some new findings were obtained via RNA‐seq analysis; for example, the progesterone‐mediated oocyte maturation and oocyte meiosis processes were significantly different after silencing vATPase A, and the insect olfactory protein‐related genes were significantly downregulated after dsHcRop treatment.

Conclusion

vATPase A and Rop are two highly effective RNAi‐mediated lethal genes in H. cunea that regulate insect growth via multiple metabolic pathways. Oral delivery of bacterially expressed dsRNA specific to vATPase A and Rop can potentially be used for RNAi‐based H. cunea management. This is the first study to apply bacteria‐mediated RNAi for the control of this invasive pest, which is a major step forward in the application of the RNAi technology in H. cunea. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
On the formulation of disulfide herbicides based on aminophenoxazinones: polymeric nanoparticle formulation and cyclodextrin complexation to combat crop yield losses
Authors: Mejías Francisco J.R. , Carrasco Ángela , Durán Alexandra G. , Molinillo Jose M.G. , Macías Francisco A. , Chinchilla Nuria
Published: December 2022

Background

The resistance of weeds to herbicides is a significant issue in ensuring future food supply. Specific examples are Plantago lanceolata, Portulaca oleracea and Lolium rigidum, which mainly infect rice, wheat, barley and pastures, and cause high yield losses every year. In this regard, natural products and their mimics have provided new hope as a result of their different modes‐of‐action, activity at low concentrations and reduced pollution effects relative to conventional herbicides. However, the poor water solubility and physicochemical properties of these compounds limit their broad application. These problems can be addressed by formulation techniques, and encapsulation appears to be of great interest.

Results

Disulfide herbicides inspired by aminophenoxazinones have been formulated with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD), γ‐CD and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). In silico studies were employed to identify which complexes would be generated and complex formation was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Solubility diagrams were generated to assess any improvement in water solubility, which was enhanced 2–13‐fold. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra confirmed the success of the formulation process for the nanoparticles. Formulated compounds were evaluated in an in vitro wheat coleoptile bioassay, with almost 100% elongation inhibition achieved using only water for the bioassay. Specific in vitro testing on weed phytotoxicity showed that the application of core/shell NPs is highly effective in the fight against P. lanceolata seed germination.

Conclusions

The formulation of disulfide herbicides with CD complexes and NPs led to an enhancement in water solubility and bioactivity. These systems can be applied in pre‐emergent mode against P. lanceolata, using only water to prepare the sample, and they showed better activity than the positive controls. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Selective Area Growth of Cubic Gallium Nitride in Nanoscopic Silicon Dioxide Masks
Authors: Meier Falco , Littmann Mario , Bürger Julius , Riedl Thomas , Kool Daniel , Lindner Jörg , Reuter Dirk , As Donat Josef
Published: December 2022

Herein, the possibilities of nanoselective area growth (NSAG) of cubic gallium nitride on 3C‐SiC/Si (001) pseudo substrates are studied. Growth is masked by SiO2 patterned with hole arrays and groove structures. Nanosphere lithography and block‐copolymer lithography are employed to pattern holes with diameters of 130 and 17 nm, respectively. Electron beam lithography is used to pattern grooves. Patterns are transferred into SiO2 and 3C‐SiC by reactive ion etching with CHF3/Ar and SF6 chemistry, correspondingly. It is possible to demonstrate phase pure nanoselective nucleation of c‐GaN on <001> and <111> facets of 3C‐SiC. Phase pure nucleation of cubic gallium nitride is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy measurements on the nanoscopic scale. A hexagonal fraction of 17.6% is achieved on the macroscopic scale measured by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD), employing V‐shaped grooves on 4° miscut substrates. Furthermore, the possibility of coalescence after NSAG is demonstrated with the dominant cubic phase.
Increasing the dosing accuracy of a screw dosing device by inline measurement of the product density
Authors: Kruppa Felix , Weiß Uta , Oberdorfer Berend , Wilke Bernd
Published: December 2022

Fine‐powdered bulk materials exhibit high compressibility even under low pressure. The dosing error in volumetric dosing devices increases fundamentally with increasing product compressibility. In order to increase the dosing accuracy of a volumetric dosing of powdered bulk solids, the dosing process must be adapted to the product parameters. The most important parameter is the time‐variable product density. With a pure volumetric dosage, it has a direct influence on the actually filled product quantity. Attempts are often made to obtain feedback by means of a scale in order to continuously adjust the volume. However, this is often associated with a delay. In this article, the approach is to measure the product mass flow directly by means of a microwave sensor and to regulate it to a predetermined mass flow. The experimental investigations were carried out with a screw dosing device FVS 3111. Two scenarios were tested: on the one hand, the integration of the sensor directly at the product delivery point, whereby the difference of the average value of the dosed quantity to the target weight could be improved with the sample product coffee; on the other, the sensor was integrated directly at the beginning of the screw and the remaining product flow was simulated. A reduction of the standard deviation compared with the conventional control could also be achieved, but here, the difference between the average of the dosed quantity and the nominal quantity is greater. The cause is presumed to be the too generalized assumption of product behaviour in the case of vertical conveying by means of a screw. In summary, the dosing accuracy of a screw dosing device could be increased by measuring and regulating the mass flow and thus the costs of a manufactured packaging could be reduced.
Scheduling collateral sensitivity‐based cycling therapies toward eradication of drug‐resistant infections
Authors: Tetteh Josephine N. A. , Olaru Sorin , Crauel Hans , Hernandez‐Vargas Esteban A.
Published: December 2022

Drug resistant pathogens are a global public health threat and their control has become a challenging task. A new health paradigm has been proposed in recent years through clinical research, this is the sequential use of drugs where resistance to one drug induces sensitivity to another drug, a concept called collateral sensitivity and its converse is known as cross resistance. However, the order and time of cycling between drugs need to be tailored to the pathogen population presented in the host. Here, by abstracting mutation networks of collateral sensitivity based on switched systems, we explore the control theoretical aspects and implications of collateral sensitivity on the impact of eradication of drug‐resistant pathogens. Our numerical simulations illustrate the potential implications of our approach to mitigate drug resistance or even eradicate pathogenic populations.
Emerging 2D Copper‐Based Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion: A Review and Perspective
Authors: Ren Xuehua , Wang Haoyu , Chen Jun , Xu Weili , He Qingqing , Wang Huayu , Zhan Feiyang , Chen Shaowei , Chen Lingyun
Published: December 2022

2D materials have shown great potential as electrode materials that determine the performance of a range of electrochemical energy technologies. Among these, 2D copper‐based materials, such as Cu–O, Cu–S, Cu–Se, Cu–N, and Cu–P, have attracted tremendous research interest, because of the combination of remarkable properties, such as low cost, excellent chemical stability, facile fabrication, and significant electrochemical properties. Herein, the recent advances in the emerging 2D copper‐based materials are summarized. A brief summary of the crystal structures and synthetic methods is started, and innovative strategies for improving electrochemical performances of 2D copper‐based materials are described in detail through defect engineering, heterostructure construction, and surface functionalization. Furthermore, their state‐of‐the‐art applications in electrochemical energy storage including supercapacitors (SCs), alkali (Li, Na, and K)‐ion batteries, multivalent metal (Mg and Al)‐ion batteries, and hybrid Mg/Li‐ion batteries are described. In addition, the electrocatalysis applications of 2D copper‐based materials in metal–air batteries, water‐splitting, and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) are also discussed. This review also discusses the charge storage mechanisms of 2D copper‐based materials by various advanced characterization techniques. The review with a perspective of the current challenges and research outlook of such 2D copper‐based materials for high‐performance energy storage and conversion applications is concluded.