bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising the contemporary stress orientations near an active continental rifting zone: A case study from the Moatize Basin, central Mozambique
Authors: Rajabi Mojtaba , Esterle Joan , Heidbach Oliver , Travassos Daniel , Fumo Silvestre
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the first comprehensive analysis of the present‐day stress from boreholes near an active continental rifting zone in the Moatize Basin, Mozambique. The state of present‐day stress in this area that is located ca. 100 km away from the Eastern African Rift System (EARS) is poorly understood, and most of our knowledge is from earthquake focal mechanisms that provide stress information from the deeper part of the lithosphere, and to a lesser extent from surface geological features in the Malawi region. Considering the limited reliability of earthquake‐derived stress orientations near plate boundaries, poor coverage of low to moderate magnitude earthquakes in eastern Africa, and ambiguity about the latest activity of geological structure; other well‐established methods are required to shed light on the active tectonics of EARS. In this study, we analyse stress orientation using log data from 95 vertical boreholes in a mine site to investigate the neotectonic stress pattern of the region. Analysis of 17.9 km of televiewer logs resulted in interpretation of 1188 stress‐related borehole failures. The results indicate a mean regional trend of 045° ± 31° for the maximum horizontal stress (SHmax). Our investigation reveals that the regional state of stress in the study area is controlled by superposition of stress sources that act at very different spatial scales. The consistency between our results and predictions by plate‐scale geodynamic models of stress orientations confirm that the regional pattern of stress in this area is mainly controlled by first (>500 km) and second (distances between 500 and 100 km) order stress sources (i.e., large tectonic forces and lateral density variations). However, high‐resolution data used in this study reveal that third (between 100 and 1 km) and fourth (<1 km) order stress sources from stiffness contrasts, rock fabric and geological structures have a great impact on the stress perturbations at smaller and local scales.
Chemistry and biological evaluation of pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidines: A review
Authors: Yadav Pratibha , Shah Kamal
Published: February 2022

The aim of this review is to update the knowledge of different multi‐component reactions that lead to synthesizing of pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidines. In this study, the multiple synthetic pathways that are discussed in the synthesis of pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidines lead are highlighted. Thus, the developed compounds have been derived from pyridine and pyrimidines fusion or from possible approaches of multistep synthesis reaction versatility. Apart from the synthetic schemes, their biological applications are also comprehended. This review discusses that the pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidines have been developed by using new strategies and may be useful to future researchers.
Insights into the negative regulation of EGFR upon the binding of an allosteric inhibitor
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Xu Yan , Guo Jingjing
Published: February 2022

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an intensively focused drug target for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). JBJ‐04–125–02 is an effective ATP‐noncompetitive and T790M/L858R‐selective inhibitor of EGFR, but the implied negative regulation mechanism is not fully clarified. Here, computational approaches were employed to address this. We find that JBJ‐04–125–02 induces contrary effects on the binding of adenosine and phosphate moieties of ATP. The allosteric inhibitor lowers the stability of the hinge region, affecting the anchor of the adenosine portion of ATP, while a more closed conformation of P‐loop is observed and might be unfavorable for the phosphotransfer and product release. The umbrella sampling simulations further demonstrate that less free energy is needed for the initial dissociation of ATP (the adenosine group) from the inactive EGFR in the presence of JBJ‐04–125–02, but more for the phosphate groups egressing from the active cavity. Together, these findings provide a deeper understanding of the negative regulation of JBJ‐04–125–02. Moreover, the key inter‐molecular interactions contributing to ATP binding are identified. Our work might pave the way for designing allosteric drugs targeting EGFR for lung cancer patients, and also suggests that computational techniques are effective for investigating the allosteric mechanism.
Simultaneous patch testing with fragrance markers in the baseline series and the ingredients of fragrance mixes: An update from southern Sweden
Authors: Sukakul Thanisorn , Bruze Magnus , Mowitz Martin , Antelmi Annarita , Boonchai Waranya , Dahlin Jakob , Hamnerius Nils , Hauksson Inese , Lejding Tina , Svedman Cecilia
Published: February 2022

Background

Regularly updating the prevalence of fragrance contact allergy (CA) is important. Patch testing with fragrance markers in the baseline series and the ingredients of fragrance mixes (FMs) is still debated.

Objectives

To update the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with fragrance CA. To establish the results of patch testing with individual allergens of FMs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 3539 patients with dermatitis who were patch tested with the baseline series and FMs ingredients during 2016 to 2020 was performed.

Results

The prevalence of fragrance CA was 13%. About 10% of these patients with fragrance CA would be missed if the individual ingredients were not tested. Unlike hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, there was no decreasing trend of CA to Evernia prunastri (oakmoss) extract after the EU regulation came into force. Patients with CA from only one ingredient of the mixes or having a weak positive reaction to the ingredients were significantly missed when tested with only the fragrance markers in the baseline series.

Conclusions

Patch testing with individual fragrance allergens is crucial for experts to expand knowledge in the fragrance CA field. The concentrations of the allergens in FMs may need to be adjusted to detect patients with fragrance CA, since some were significantly overlooked.
A multicentre, prospective cohort study of handsewn versus stapled intracorporeal anastomosis for robotic hemicolectomy
Authors: Harji Deena , Rouanet Philippe , Cotte Eddy , Dubois Anne , Rullier Eric , Pezet Denis , Passot Guillaume , Taoum Christophe , Denost Quentin
Published: February 2022

Aim

Robotic right hemicolectomy is gaining in popularity due to the recognized technical benefits associated with the robotic platform. However, there is a lack of standardization regarding the optimal anastomotic technique in this cohort of patients, namely stapled or handsewn intra‐ or extra‐corporeal anastomosis. The ergonomic benefit associated with the robotic platform lends itself to intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA). The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term clinical outcomes of stapled versus handsewn ICA.

Method

A multicentre prospective cohort study was undertaken across four high‐volume robotic centres in France between September 2018 and December 2020. All adult patients undergoing an elective robotic right hemicolectomy with an ICA performed and a minimum postoperative follow‐up of 30 days were included. The primary endpoint of our study was anastomotic leak within 30 days postoperatively.

Results

A total of 144 patients underwent robotic right hemicolectomy: 92 (63.8%) had a stapled ICA and 52 (36.1%) a handsewn ICA. The operative indication was adenocarcinoma in 90% with a stapled ICA compared with 62% in the handsewn ICA group (p < 0.001). The overall operating time was longer in the handsewn ICA group compared with the stapled ICA group (219 min vs. 193 min; p = 0.001). The anastomotic leak rate was 3.3% in stapled ICA and 3.8% in handsewn ICA (p = 1.00). There was no difference in the rate or severity of postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion

ICA robotic hemicolectomy is technically safe and is associated with low rates of anastomotic leak overall and equivalent clinical outcomes between the two techniques.
When Language Switching is Cost‐Free: The Effect of Preparation Time
Authors: Mosca Michela , Manawamma Chaya , de Bot Kees
Published: February 2022

Previous research has shown that language switching is costly, and that these costs are likely to persist even when speakers are given ample time to prepare. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are cognitive limitations to speakers’ ability to prepare for a switch, or whether a new language can be prepared in advance and any cost to switch language eliminated. To explore this, language switching costs were measured in a group of Dutch‐English (L1‐L2) bilinguals who named pictures in their two languages while the preparation time was manipulated. The participants were given either no time to prepare (cue to stimulus interval, CSI: 0 ms), or some time to prepare, for the target language (CSI: 250, 500, and 800 ms). The results revealed that when speakers had no time to prepare, language switching was costly. However, when preparation time was provided, switching costs disappeared. This suggests that there might be no cognitive limitations to the ability to prepare for a language switch, and that, provided enough preparation time, the effort to switch language could be eliminated. This finding might also explain why normal code‐switched conversations seem effortless, as speakers typically have ample time to prepare for the language switch.
Trichilemmal cysts with proteinaceous material: A potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Mitsui Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Koga Kaori , Goto Keisuke , Takai Toshihiro , Anan Takashi , Fukumoto Takaya , Asada Hideo
Published: February 2022

Background

Cysts of the skin are observed frequently and their diagnoses are generally straightforward. However, atypical cystic lesions for which differentiation is indistinct have been noted.

Methods

We examined five cases of trichilemmal cyst with proteinaceous material (TCPM), which required differentiation from sweat duct/gland tumors. We investigated the histopathological findings of TCPMs and evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratin (CK) 10, CK13, CK17, CK19, CD8, and CD117. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the 5 TCPMs, 10 trichilemmal cysts (TCs), 5 clear‐cell hidradenomas, 5 poroid hidradenomas, and cutaneous normal adnexa.

Results

Apoptotic cells were present in the cyst wall with a small amount of keratin or calcification in the cavity of TCPMs. The TCPMs and TCs were negative for CK19 and CD117, on the other hand clear‐cell hidradenoma and poroid hidradenoma were positive for CK19 and CD117. The restricted positivity for CK10 was detected in the suprabasal layers of the cyst walls of TCPMs and TCs. The immunostaining patterns of TCPMs and TCs were similar to those of normal follicular isthmus.

Conclusions

The histopathological findings with characteristics of TCs and a panel of immunohistochemical antibodies including CD117, CK19, and CK10 contributed to a correct diagnosis of TCPM.
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with canagliflozin in patients with peripheral arterial disease: Data from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial
Authors: Barraclough Jennifer Y. , Yu Jie , Figtree Gemma A. , Perkovic Vlado , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Neuen Brendon L. , Cannon Christopher P. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Schutte Aletta E. , Neal Bruce , Arnott Clare
Published: February 2022

Aim

To define the proportional and absolute benefits of the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Materials and Methods

We pooled individual participant data from the CANVAS Program (n = 10 142) and CREDENCE trial (n = 4401). In this post hoc analysis, the main outcomes of interest were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or cardiovascular death), kidney outcomes, and extended major adverse limb events (MALE). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess canagliflozin treatment effects in those with and without PAD. Absolute risk reductions per 1000 patients treated for 2.5 years were estimated using Poisson regression.

Results

Of 14 543 participants, 3159 (21.7%) had PAD at baseline. In patients with PAD, canagliflozin reduced MACE (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.62‐0.92), with similar relative benefits for other cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in participants with or without PAD at baseline (all Pinteraction > .268). There was no increase in the relative risk of extended MALE with canagliflozin, irrespective of baseline PAD history (Pinteraction > .864). The absolute benefits of canagliflozin were greater in those with PAD.

Conclusions

Patients with T2D and PAD derived similar relative cardiorenal benefits from canagliflozin treatment but higher absolute benefits compared with those without PAD, with no increase in extended MALE.
A green skills framework for climate action, gender empowerment, and climate justice
Authors: Kwauk Christina T. , Casey Olivia M.
Published: February 2022

Motivation

As governments move in earnest toward a green economy, few countries are considering education policy that can facilitate the development of green skills for such transitions. Where policy discussions are happening, green skills are often conflated with science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills, with little attention to the breadth of green skills needed to achieve climate justice.

Purpose

We present a green skills framework to help support policy stakeholders imagine a continuum of green skills for a just transition.

Methods and approach

This article applies a critical feminist lens to understand how green skills have been conceptualized across the gender and adolescence, greening and sustainability, and education fields. It also integrates the perspectives of stakeholders from climate, education, and gender‐focused multilateral, government, and non‐governmental organizations working on green skills.

Findings

The analysis finds that green skills coalesce around three distinct but overlapping paradigms. The first understands green skills through a technical lens as the specific capacities needed for green jobs. The second and third paradigms understand green skills through a sociological lens, seeking to tackle the behaviours and social structures driving the climate crisis. As such, they centre on cross‐cutting generic capacities and transformative capacities, respectively. Taken together, the article offers a new definition of green skills for policy stakeholders.

Policy implications

The three approaches to green skills outlined in this paper constitute the pillars of a new green learning agenda for climate action, climate empowerment, and climate justice. This green learning agenda fills a significant void in both climate policy and education policy, and could help governments address current capacity building needs while setting their populations up for the long‐term social transformations required to achieve a just transition.
Effects of multimorbidity on incident COVID‐19 events and its interplay with COVID‐19 event status on subsequent incident myocardial infarction (MI)
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H. , Genaidy Ash , Tran George , Marroquin Patricia , Estes Cara , Sloop Sue
Published: February 2022

Background

With the spread of COVID‐19 pandemic, there have been reports on its impact on incident myocardial infarction (MI) emanating from studies with small to modest sample sizes. We therefore examined the incidence of MI in a very large population health cohort with COVID‐19 using a methodology which integrates the dynamicity of prior comorbid history. We used two approaches, i.e. main effect modelling and a machine learning (ML) methodology, accounting for the complex dynamic relationships among comorbidity and other variables.

Methods

We studied a very large prospective 18–90‐year US population, including 4,289,481 patients from medical databases in a 12‐month investigation of those with/without newly incident COVID‐19 cases together with a 2‐year comorbid profile in the baseline period. Incident MI outcomes were examined in relationship to diverse multimorbid conditions, COVID‐19 status and demographic variables—with ML accounting for the dynamic nature of changing multimorbidity risk factors.

Results

Multimorbidity, defined as a composite of cardiometabolic/noncardiometabolic comorbid profile, significantly contributed to the onset of confirmed COVID‐19 cases. Furthermore, a main effect model (C‐index value 0.932; 95%CI 0.930–0.934) had medium to large effect sizes with incident MI outcomes in a COVID‐19 cohort for the classic multimorbid conditions in medical history profile which includes prior coronary artery disease (OR 4.61 95%CI 4.49–4.73); hypertension (OR 3.55 95%CI 3.55–3.83); congestive heart failure (2.31 95%CI 2.24–2.37); valvular disease (1.43 95%CI 1.39–1.47); stroke (1.30 95%CI 1.26–1.34); and diabetes (1.26 95%CI 1.23–1.34). COVID‐19 status (1.86 95%CI 1.79–1.93) contributed an independent large size risk effect for incident MI. The ML algorithm demonstrated better discriminatory validity than the main effect model (training: C‐index 0.949, 95%CI 0.948–0.95; validation: C‐index 0.949, 95%CI 0.948–0.95). Calibration of the ML‐based formulation was satisfactory and better than the main effect model. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the ML clinical utility was better than the ‘treat all’ strategy and the main effect model. The ML logistic regression model was better than the neural network algorithm.

Conclusion

The very large investigation conducted herein confirmed the importance of cardiometabolic and noncardiometabolic multimorbidity in increasing vulnerabilities to a higher risk of COVID‐19 infections. Furthermore, the presence of COVID‐19 infections increased incident MI complications both in terms of independent effects and interactions with the multimorbid profile and age.
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia and infection
Authors: Keegan Anastazia , Dennington Peta M. , Dhondy Nina , Mulligan Stephen P.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To analyse total national utilisation of immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy (IgRT) for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia patients with acquired hypogammaglobulinaemia and severe and/or recurrent bacterial infections.

Methods

In 2007, the National Blood Authority first published Criteria for the clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulin in Australia. The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood assessed, approved, and recorded all supply with patient demographics, distribution data, intravenous Ig (IVIg) volumes and treatment episodes. IVIg was the sole product used in Australia from 2008–2013 inclusive.

Results

From 2008 to 2013 across Australia, 2734 individual CLL patients received 48,870 treatment episodes using a total 1,324,926 g of IVIg therapy. Six IVIg products were available, with domestically manufactured Intragam® P accounting for 89.7% of supply. The average age for first dose was 74 years. Males received 60.6% of the total treatment episodes representing 20% more than females. The average pre‐treatment IgG level was 4.03 ± 2.03 g/L (range 0.30–10.50 g/L). A sustained average annual increased IVIg utilisation of 5.5% was observed. There was significant regional variation consistent with differences in prescriber preferences across states and territories.

Conclusion

This study provides a globally unique insight into IgRT supply and demand in CLL patients by analysis of total national use in Australia over a 6‐year period.
Organic manure and lime change water vapour sorption of a red soil by altering water repellency and specific surface area
Authors: Chen Chong , Jiang Yuji , Sun Bo , Zhou Hu , Hallett Paul D.
Published: February 2022

Manure and lime as fertiliser and conditioner are widely used on red soils to improve soil fertility and to alleviate soil acidity. Investigating the effects of these compounds on soil interfacial properties is very important for understanding some physical, chemical, and biological processes that are often overlooked. Using a long‐term field experiment (2002–2018) on a red loamy clay soil, we explored how the soil water vapour sorption isotherm, soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), specific surface area (SSA), and water repellency (WR) interacted and were affected by low‐rate pig manure (LM, 150 kg N ha−1 year−1), high‐rate pig manure (HM, 600 kg N ha−1 year−1), and high‐rate pig manure with lime (HML). The HML only increased soil pH relative to the HM. The SSA determined with N2 (SSAN2) showed a significant negative correlation with SOC. Both SSA determined with H2O (SSAH2O) and contact angle (CA) were significantly positively correlated with SOC. Manure amendments increased soil water content change (WCC) in the water activity (aw) range of 0.05–0.2 (WCC0.05–0.2) by 6.3–30.2%, but decreased WCC0.2–0.6 and WCC0.6–0.93 by 5.1–12.5% and 2.8–7.0%, respectively. Local hysteresis became more pronounced with high manure or high manure with lime amendment in the intermediate aw range (0.45–0.75). The observed changes of water vapour sorption were attributed to the alteration of SOC affecting SSA and WR.

HIGHLIGHTS

Manure effects on soil water vapour sorption depended on sorption stage and direction.

Manure with lime treatment did not affect soil interfacial properties relative to manure treatment.

Increasing manure application increased local hysteresis at the intermediate aw range (0.45–0.75).

Soil water vapour sorption behaviour was linked to SOC, SSA, and WR.
Effective specialist or jack of all trades? Experimental evolution of a crop pest in fluctuating and stable environments
Authors: Skoracka Anna , Laska Alicja , Radwan Jacek , Konczal Mateusz , Lewandowski Mariusz , Puchalska Ewa , Karpicka‐Ignatowska Kamila , Przychodzka Anna , Raubic Jarosław , Kuczyński Lechosław
Published: February 2022

Understanding pest evolution in agricultural systems is crucial for developing effective and innovative pest control strategies. Types of cultivation, such as crop monocultures versus polycultures or crop rotation, may act as a selective pressure on pests’ capability to exploit the host’s resources. In this study, we examined the herbivorous mite Aceria tosichella (commonly known as wheat curl mite), a widespread wheat pest, to understand how fluctuating versus stable environments influence its niche breadth and ability to utilize different host plant species. We subjected a wheat‐bred mite population to replicated experimental evolution in a single‐host environment (either wheat or barley), or in an alternation between these two plant species every three mite generations. Next, we tested the fitness of these evolving populations on wheat, barley, and on two other plant species not encountered during experimental evolution, namely rye and smooth brome. Our results revealed that the niche breadth of A. tosichella evolved in response to the level of environmental variability. The fluctuating environment expanded the niche breadth by increasing the mite’s ability to utilize different plant species, including novel ones. Such an environment may thus promote flexible host‐use generalist phenotypes. However, the niche expansion resulted in some costs expressed as reduced performances on both wheat and barley as compared to specialists. Stable host environments led to specialized phenotypes. The population that evolved in a constant environment consisting of barley increased its fitness on barley without the cost of utilizing wheat. However, the population evolving on wheat did not significantly increase its fitness on wheat, but decreased its performance on barley. Altogether, our results indicated that, depending on the degree of environmental heterogeneity, agricultural systems create different conditions that influence pests’ niche breadth evolution, which may in turn affect the ability of pests to persist in such systems.
An expert system for automated classification of phases in cyclic alternating patterns of sleep using optimal wavelet‐based entropy features
Authors: Sharma Manish , Bhurane Ankit A. , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: February 2022

Humans spend a significant portion of their time in the state of sleep, and therefore one's’sleep health’ is an important indicator of the overall health of an individual. Non‐invasive methods such as electroencephalography (EEG) are used to evaluate the ’sleep health’ as well as associated disorders such as nocturnal front lobe epilepsy, insomnia, and narcolepsy. A long‐duration and repetitive activity, known as a cyclic alternating pattern (CAP), is observed in the EEG waveforms which reflect the cortical electrical activity during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The CAP sequences involve various, continuing periods of phasic activation (phase‐A) and deactivation (phase‐B). The manual analysis of these signals performed by clinicians are prone to errors, and may lead to the wrong diagnosis. Hence, automated systems that can classify the two phases (viz. Phase A and Phase B accurately can eliminate any human involvement in the diagnosis. The pivotal aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of stopband energy minimized biorthogonal wavelet filter bank (BOWFB) based entropy features in the identification of CAP phases. We have employed entropy features obtained from six wavelet subbands of EEG signals to develop a machine learning (ML) based model using various supervised ML algorithms. The proposed model by us yielded an average classification accuracy of 74.40% with 10% hold‐out validation with the balanced dataset, and maximum accuracy of 87.83% with the unbalanced dataset using ensemble bagged tree classifier. The developed expert system can assist the medical practitioners to assess the person's cerebral activity and quality of sleep accurately.
Structural basis for the allosteric inhibition of UMP kinase from Gram‐positive bacteria, a promising antibacterial target
Authors: Walter Patrick , Mechaly Ariel , Bous Julien , Haouz Ahmed , England Patrick , Lai‐Kee‐Him Joséphine , Ancelin Aurélie , Hoos Sylviane , Baron Bruno , Trapani Stefano , Bron Patrick , Labesse Gilles , Munier‐Lehmann Hélène
Published: February 2022

Tuberculosis claims significantly more than one million lives each year. A feasible way to face the issue of drug resistance is the development of new antibiotics. Bacterial uridine 5’‐monophosphate (UMP) kinase is a promising target for novel antibiotic discovery as it is essential for bacterial survival and has no counterpart in human cells. The UMP kinase from M. tuberculosis is also a model of particular interest for allosteric regulation with two effectors, GTP (positive) and UTP (negative). In this study, using X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐electron microscopy, we report for the first time a detailed description of the negative effector UTP‐binding site of a typical Gram‐positive behaving UMP kinase. Comparison between this snapshot of low affinity for Mg‐ATP with our previous 3D‐structure of the GTP‐bound complex of high affinity for Mg‐ATP led to a better understanding of the cooperative mechanism and the allosteric regulation of UMP kinase. Thermal shift assay and circular dichroism experiments corroborate our model of an inhibition by UTP linked to higher flexibility of the Mg‐ATP‐binding domain. These new structural insights provide valuable knowledge for future drug discovery strategies targeting bacterial UMP kinases.
The Matthew effect: Common species become more common and rare ones become more rare in response to artificial light at night
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Speißer Benedikt , Knop Eva , van Kleunen Mark
Published: February 2022

Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been and still is rapidly spreading and has become an important component of global change. Although numerous studies have tested its potential biological and ecological impacts on animals, very few studies have tested whether it affects alien and native plants differently. Furthermore, common plant species, and particularly common alien species, are often found to benefit more from additional resources than rare native and rare alien species. Whether this is also the case with regard to increasing light due to ALAN is still unknown. Here, we tested how ALAN affected the performance of common and rare alien and native plant species in Germany directly, and indirectly via flying insects. We grew five common alien, six rare alien, five common native, and four rare native plant species under four combinations of two ALAN (no ALAN vs. ALAN) and two insect‐exclusion (no exclusion vs. exclusion) treatments, and compared their biomass production. We found that common plant species, irrespective of their origin, produced significantly more biomass than rare species and that this was particularly true under ALAN. Furthermore, alien species tended to show a slightly stronger positive response to ALAN than native species did (p = .079). Our study shows that common plant species benefited more from ALAN than rare ones. This might lead to competitive exclusion of rare species, which could have cascading impacts on other trophic levels and thus have important community‐wide consequences when ALAN becomes more widespread. In addition, the slightly more positive response of alien species indicates that ALAN might increase the risk of alien plant invasions.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Medals and Awards celebration 2020 and 2021
Authors: Clifford Nigel , Viles Heather , Eavis Andy , Gardner Rita , Rigg Jonathan , Philo Chris , Kraftl Peter , Noxolo Patricia , Mawdsley Emma , Laurie Nina
Published: February 2022

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) annual Medals and Awards recognise achievements in researching, communicating and teaching a wide range of geographical knowledge. The speeches and citations are a record of both the 2020 and 2021 celebrations, which were delayed and combined because of COVID‐19, with contributions from Heather Viles, Andy Eavis, Rita Gardner, Jonathan Rigg, Chris Philo, Peter Kraftl, Patricia Noxolo, Emma Mawdsley and Nina Laurie. The event concluded with comments from the Society’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The speeches included comments on inspirational students and teachers; the importance of collaboration, of equity and inclusivity; understanding places, making connections and crossing boundaries; earth‐writing and earth‐righting.
Body mass index and self‐rated oral health in Korean adults in 2017
Authors: Han A‐Rum , Shin Min‐Ho , Yang Jung ho , Choi Chang Kyun , Koh Jeong‐Tae , Kim Ok‐Su
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the association between obesity and self‐rated oral health (SROH). This study examined the cross‐sectional associations between body mass index (BMI) and SROH in Korean adults.

Materials and methods

This study used data from 217 304 adults (100 110 men and 117 194 women aged > 19 years) from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey. Participants were categorised into six ordinal groups based on BMI: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5‐22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0‐24.9 kg/m2), obese‐I (25.0‐27.4 kg/m2), obese‐II (27.5‐29.9 kg/m2) or obese‐III (≥30.0 kg/m2). SROH was assessed using responses to the question, “How do you rate your oral health, including your teeth and gums?” rated on a 5‐point scale. SROH was categorised as “good” (reported as “fair,” “good” or “very good”) or “poor” or “very poor.” Age‐ and sex‐stratified associations between BMI categories and poor SROH were assessed using ordinal logistic regression analysis with sampling weights.

Results

The age‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) for poor SROH according to BMI levels was lowest in the overweight group in both men and women. In men, the OR for poor SROH was 2.03 (99% confidence interval [CI], 1.72‐2.39) in the underweight group, 1.17 (99% CI, 1.17‐1.25) in the normal group, 1.05 (99% CI, 0.98‐1.13) in the obese‐I group, 1.08 (99% CI, 0.98‐1.18) in the obese‐II group and 1.36 (99% CI, 1.20‐1.55) in the obese‐III group. In women, the OR was 1.18 (99% CI, 1.07‐1.31) in the underweight group, 1.01 (99% CI, 0.95‐1.07) in the normal group, 1.07(99% CI, 0.99‐1.16) in the obese‐I group, 1.16 (99% CI, 1.04‐1.30) in the obese‐II group and 1.39 (99% CI, 1.20‐1.62) in the obese‐III group. From the restricted cubic spline models in both sexes, BMI showed a J‐shaped association with poor and very poor SROH in men and women. In a stratified analysis by age group and sex, men and older women in the underweight group had poorer SROH than those in overweight group.

Conclusion

In a nationally representative sample of Korean adults, there was a J‐shaped association between BMI and poor SROH, with the highest risk in the underweight group amongst men and in the obese‐III group amongst women. Furthermore, in men and women over 65 years of age, underweight and obesity were associated with poorer SROH.
Study of Water Relative Permeability in Fractures Using Well Tests and Radon: Gas Bubbles Effect
Authors: Kuo M. C. Tom
Published: February 2022

Few published data are available for two‐phase flow in fractures from field studies. All measurements of relative permeability reported in the literature were done in laboratory‐scale. The in situ water saturations are normally not known for multiphase flow in natural fractures; therefore, the direct measurements of relative permeability are difficult in field‐scale. With the help of a case study before and after the 2008 Mw 5.4 Antung earthquake, groundwater radon was used as a tracer to determine the gas and water saturations in a small naturally fractured aquifer. Well tests were also conducted to estimate aquifer transmissivity before and after the 2008 Antung earthquake. Anomalous declines in both groundwater radon concentration and transmissivity were observed precursory to the 2008 Antung earthquake. Both declines are two precursory phenomena having a common effect of gas bubbles. Using the data from well tests and radon tracer, one data point of water relative permeability can be obtained for in situ fractures. This data point reveals strong phase interference between water and gas bubbles for multiphase flow in natural fractures. Both the data of well tests and radon tracer are essential to gain an improved understanding of mass transfer behavior of groundwater‐dissolved gases between water and gas phases.
DNA extracellular traps as potential biomarker of chronic haemophilic synovitis and therapeutic perspective in patients treated with PRP: A pilot study
Authors: Oneto Paula , Landro María Eulalia , Daffunchio Carla , Douglas Price Ana Laura , Carrera Silva Eugenio Antonio , Caviglia Horacio , Etulain Julia
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Hemarthrosis causes chronic haemophilic synovitis (CHS). Although neutrophils are major immune cells infiltrating joints after bleeding, their role on the pathogenesis of CHS is unknown. Neutrophils release extracellular DNA traps (ETs), structures of DNA with bound granular enzymes that were associated with tissue damage.

Aims

To evaluate the presence of ETs as pathogenic biomarker and the protective effect of intraarticular injection of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in patients with CHS.

Methods

Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and bleeding episodes (BE) were measured and correlated with ETs indicators (DNA/DNA‐Elastase) in synovial fluids (SF), PRP and plasma of 21 patients.

Results

Soluble DNA and DNA‐Elastase were detected in SF and plasma of patients. The synovial and plasma levels of DNA‐Elastase positively correlated with worse HJHS/BE. Interestingly, remaining ETs‐inducer factors were present in SF that induced the in vitro release of ETs from blood‐isolated neutrophils. This phenomenon was impaired by adding plasma or PRP. Finally, preliminary data obtained from five patients indicate that levels of DNA‐Elastase and HJHS/BE decreased after receiving intraarticular injection of PRP.

Conclusions

The synovial and plasma levels of DNA‐Elastase correlated with worse HJHS/BE suggesting that ETs formation could be a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for CHS. The intraarticular injection of PRP underlined a new potential alternative therapy, decreasing ETs formation in synovia of patients with CHS. However, our hypotheses must be confirmed in the future with better designed and more statistical power studies. Meanwhile, the use of intraarticular injections of PRP for the treatment of CHS remains controversial.
The views of women with bleeding disorders: Results from the Cinderella study
Authors: Khair Kate , Pollard Debra , Steadman Lisa , Jenner Kathryn , Chaplin Steve
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Despite therapeutic advances in bleeding disorder treatment, over the past 20 years women with bleeding disorders have reported delayed diagnosis, impaired quality of life, dismissive attitudes from health professionals and inappropriate care.

Aim

To explore the lived experience of women with a diagnosed bleeding disorder and to improve understanding of their unmet needs.

Methods

Women haemophilia carriers (WHC), women with a diagnosed bleeding disorder (WBD) and women with immune thrombocytopenia (WITP) were invited to complete an online survey. Those who indicated a willingness to be interviewed took part in a focus group or one‐to‐one interview to further explore their lived experiences.

Results

Two hundred and eighty women completed the survey (126 WHC, 96 WBD, 58 WITP) 13 women (seven WHC, three WBD, three WITP) participated in a focus group (11) or individual interview (2). The most frequently reported symptoms were heavy periods (81%) and bruising (81%). Compared to the group as a whole, more WBD took time off work or school due to symptoms, had discussed symptoms with a healthcare professional (HCP), and had seen a nurse or gynaecologist. WHC were least likely to be screened for a bleeding disorder or seen in a specialist setting. Themes discussed included difficulty obtaining a diagnosis, lack of awareness amongst and poor communication from HCPs, stress and anxiety, coping strategies and sources of support.

Conclusion

Many of the experiences described by women with bleeding disorders 20 years ago remain prevalent. Healthcare provision needs to change to offer them better treatment and support.
Outcome of full pulpotomy in mature permanent molars using 3 calcium silicate‐based materials: A parallel, double blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taha Nessrin A. , Al‐Rawash Mohanad H. , Imran Z. A.
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of full pulpotomy using 2 calcium silicate‐based materials compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure.

Methodology

This study was designed as a parallel, double blind, randomized controlled trial where symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly treated with full pulpotomy using one of 3 calcium silicate‐based materials (ProRoot MTA, Biodentine and TotalFill). Full pulpotomy was performed, and haemostasis was achieved via a cotton pellet moistened with 2.5% NaOCl. A 3‐mm layer of the calcium silicate‐based material was randomly placed as the pulpotomy agent through a block randomization process followed by a resin‐based composite restoration. Postoperative periapical radiograph was taken. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were completed after 6 months and 1 year. The patient and evaluator were blinded to the type of materials used. Pain levels were scored preoperatively and 7 days after treatment. Effect of potential prognosis factors including gender, age, diagnosis, bleeding time and type of caries were also analysed.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐four teeth in 146 patients received full pulpotomy and were randomly assigned to either the tested or control material through block randomization technique (50 MTA, 50 Biodentine and 64 TotalFill). The age ranged from 10 to 70 years. The diagnosis was irreversible pulpitis in 112 teeth (72%) and reversible pulpitis in 28 teeth (28%). The majority of patients presented with severe pain, during the first week 96.9% reported complete relief of pain or mild pain. Four cases had immediate failure. At 6 months the overall success rate was 92.2%, over 1 year 156/164 teeth attended follow‐up with 12 failures (2 restorative failures and 10 endodontic failures), the overall success of pulpotomy at 1 year was 92.3% (144/156); 91.8% in MTA, 93.3% in Biodentine and 91.9% in TotalFill with no significant difference amongst the groups and no side effects observed. No significant association was evident between outcome and the investigated variables.

Conclusions

The 1‐year success rate of full pulpotomy did not differ significantly between Biodentine pulpotomy, TotalFill pulpotomy, and MTA pulpotomy. The study was registered with clinical trials; registration number (NCT04345263).
FIRM EXPORT DYNAMICS AND THE EXCHANGE RATE: A QUANTITATIVE EXPLORATION
Authors: Lopez‐Martin Bernabe
Published: February 2022

This article provides a theoretical model of firm dynamics that replicates the export elasticity values estimated in the empirical literature, and the heterogeneous response of firms. The analysis of alternative versions of the model allows for a decomposition of the contributions of the different mechanisms (distribution costs, imported intermediate inputs, gradual growth of foreign demand, and market access costs in foreign/domestic currency). Distribution costs represent the most important factor to replicate elasticity estimations. Furthermore, distribution costs allow the model to replicate the heterogeneous response of exports to exchange rate movements by decreasing the demand elasticity of more productive firms.
Quality protein maize: nutritional and bioactive composition, technological attributes and potential food applications
Authors: Joshi Swati , Sharma Rajan , Sharma Savita , Gupta Antima , Singh Baljit
Published: February 2022

The present review aimed to explain the composition, nutritional importance, technological functionality, morphology, rheological and bioactive profile of quality protein maize (QPM). This review further highlights the potentiality of QPM for the development of versatile value‐added products, which are advantageous for consumers, researchers and industries related to this area. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Research gate and Google scholar. Full‐text screening of 112 articles was carried out, resulting in a final sample of 90 articles of which the most reliable and recent articles were thoroughly reviewed. Quality protein maize contains the opaque‐2 gene that limits the zein synthesis meanwhile promoting the synthesis of other non‐zein proteins that are rich in tryptophan and lysine. QPM has high antioxidative properties that prevent cardiovascular and degenerative disorders. Regular intake of QPM can also reduce the symptoms of protein–energy malnutrition. Thus, QPM has an excellent potential to be utilised as an ingredient or enrichment source in several food categories.
Effect of glycation on protein structure, amino acid composition and digestibility of silver carp mince
Authors: Liu Junya , Hu Yun , Wei Huihui , Shi Wenzheng
Published: February 2022

This study was to investigate the effects of glycation on the quality of silver carp mince (SCM) proteins. The browning index (BI), sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), total amino acid composition, chemical score, protein digestibility and reductive power of digested products were determined. The correlation between the degree of glycation, protein structure and protein nutritional quality was analysed. The results showed that the BI value of SCM‐G increased with the increase in heating time. Myosin heavy chain (MHC), myosin light chain (MLC), tropomyosin and actin were the main protein reactants for glycation. Glycation led to the expansion of the secondary structure of SCM proteins. Glycation reduced lysine and cysteine content but did not change the first limiting amino acid (Val) in SCM. The essential amino acid content of glycated SCM remained consistent with the amino acid nutritional requirements for children and above recommended by FAO/WHO. In addition, glycation did not change protein digestibility but significantly increased the reducing power of digested products with increasing degree of glycation. These results provided a theoretical basis for the application of glycation in food processing industry and the development of aquatic products with high nutritional value.
Efficacy of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil loaded chitosan nanoemulsion coating against fungal association, aflatoxin B1 contamination and storage quality deterioration of Citrus aurantifolia fruits
Authors: Das Somenath , Singh Vipin Kumar , Chaudhari Anand Kumar , Dwivedy Abhishek Kumar , Dubey Nawal Kishore
Published: February 2022

The present study demonstrates the first time investigation on Cinnamomum camphora essential oil (CCEO) loaded chitosan nanoemulsion coating on Citrus aurantifolia fruits to ensure protection against Aspergillus flavus infestation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination. Encapsulation of CCEO was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). CCEO‐loaded nanoemulsion displayed improved in vitro antifungal (1.0 µL mL−1) and antiaflatoxigenic activity (0.8 µL mL−1) as compared to unencapsulated CCEO. Additionally, CCEO nanoemulsion inhibited synthesis of ergosterol, enhanced the leakage of Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+ ions and retarded methylglyoxal biosynthesis in A. flavus cells. CCEO nanoemulsion coating on C. aurantifolia fruits remarkably reduced weight loss, total soluble solids and titrable acidity along with inhibition of A. flavus contamination and AFB1 secretion during storage. Moreover, nanoemulsion coated fruits maintained the enzymatic antioxidant viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities without affecting sensory attributes, thereby strengthening the practical applicability of CCEO nanoemulsion as nano‐green smart fruit preservative.
Development of Gluten‐Free Muffins made from Breadfruit and Unripe Plantain Flours
Authors: Kemski Megan M. , Cottonaro Aurora , Vittadini Elena , Vodovotz Yael
Published: February 2022

Inclusion of breadfruit (BF) and unripe plantain (UP) in gluten‐free muffins was investigated along with a 1:1 BF/UP blend muffin and compared to controls made with gluten‐free rice (RI) or traditional wheat (WH) flour. The alternative flours had a 10% higher fibre content than WH and 2%–4% higher than RI flours. Muffin batter viscosity of RI and WH was initially much lower (3‐10 times) than UP, BF and BF/UP blend batter. Additionally, starch gelatinisation temperature was increased by 4%–14% for batter made from BF or UP flours, which can provide structural benefits to baked muffins. Muffins made with BF/UP were the hardest (34.7N), followed by BF (31.7N) and RI muffins (30.7N), with UP (28.4) and WH muffins (26.9N) being the softest. Interestingly, overall acceptability of gluten‐free muffins showed that both BF/UP and BF flour muffins scored significantly higher than UP and RI muffins indicating their commercial potential.