bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study of the stress state on the oral mucosa and abutment tooth upon insertion of partial dentures in the mandible
Authors: Ramakrishnan Anantha Narayanan , Röhrle Oliver , Ludtka Christopher , Varghese Roshan , Koehler Josephine , Kiesow Andreas , Schwan Stefan
Published: April 2022

The introduction of a removable partial denture onto the dental arch significantly influences the mechanical stress characteristics of both the jawbone and oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to analyze the stress state caused by biting forces upon insertion of partial dentures into the assembly, and to understand the influence of the resulting contact pressure on its retention behavior. For this purpose, a numerical model of a removable partial denture is proposed based on 3D models developed using computer tomography data of the jawbone and the removable partial denture. The denture system rests on the oral mucosa surface and three abutment teeth. The application of bite forces on the denture generated a stick condition on the loaded regions of the denture‐oral mucosa interface, which indicates positive retention of the denture onto the oral mucosa surface. Slip and negative retention were observed in the regions of the contact space that were not directly loaded. The contact pressures observed in the regions of the oral mucosa in contact with the denture were below the clinical pressure pain threshold value for soft tissue, which potentially lowers the risk of pain being experienced by denture users. Further, the variation of the retention behavior and contact pressures across different regions of the denture assembly was observed. Thus, there is a need for adhesives or restraining mechanisms for the denture system in order to avoid bending and deformation of sections of the denture as a consequence of the applied bite force.
Confinement‐Enhanced Selective Oxidation of Lignin Derivatives to Formic Acid Over Fe‐Cu/ZSM‐5 Catalysts Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxia , Han Peijie , Li Leisu , Zhang Xindi , Cheng Xiaojie , Lin Jingdong , Wan Shaolong , Xiong Haifeng , Wang Yong , Wang Shuai
Published: April 2022

Aqueous‐phase oxidation by H2O2, known as the Fenton‐type process, provides an attractive route to convert recalcitrant lignin derivatives to valuable chemicals under mild conditions. The development of this technology is, however, limited by the uncontrolled selectivity, resulting from the highly reactive nature of H2O2 and the thermodynamically favored deep oxidation to form CO2. This study demonstrated that formic acid could be produced with a high selectivity (up to 80.3 % at 313 K) from the Fenton‐type oxidation of guaiacol and several other lignin derivatives over a bimetallic Fe−Cu catalyst supported on a ZSM‐5 zeolite. Combined experimental and theoretical investigations unveiled that the micropores of the zeolite support, which contained active metal sites, preferred to adsorb C2−C4 intermediates over formic acid because of its stronger dispersive interaction with the larger guest molecules. This confinement effect significantly suppressed the secondary oxidation of formic acid, accounting for the uniquely high formic acid selectivity over Fe−Cu/ZSM‐5.
Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfides by Using Tetramethylthiuram Monosulfide (TMTM) as Organosulfur Source: A Practical C(sp2)−S Bond Construction
Authors: Wang Xi , Chen Jin‐Quan , Yang Xing‐Xing , Hao Er‐Jun , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: April 2022

A protocol for synthesizing symmetrical thioethers by using a cheap organosulfur reagent (tetramethylthiuram monosulfide: TMTM) was developed. Both iodobenzenes and phenylboronic acids react well with TMTM, giving the target products with good to excellent yields. This method features simple performance, wide functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields, showing a potential application value for the synthesis of drug molecules.
Fabricating MOF‐derived Co3O4 Materials with Co‐catalysis Centers Matching 2‐reaction Sites of Dopamine for Extremely Low Limit of Detection
Authors: Kaiyue Zhang , Juan Li , Lulu Xiong , Wei Sun , Ming Chang Li
Published: April 2022

A hollow Co3O4 turtle shell‐like structure (HS−Co3O4) was synthesized from ZIF‐67 and further employed for the first time to electrochemically real‐time monitor dopamine (DA) released from living cells. X‐ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical methods were used to study its physical and chemical properties and electrocatalytic behaviours. The as‐prepared DA HS−Co3O4 sensor accomplishes an outstanding limit of detection (LOD) of 3 nM, a broad linear range of 0.01–360 μM, good stability and high selectivity. It was further used to successfully real‐time monitor DA released from living cells, demonstrating its great potential in practical applications in clinic diagnosis and bioscience research. The great sensing enhancement mechanism is investigated, revealing that the unique nanostructure not only provides a high density of active centers, but also more interestingly renders a unique mechanism by creating an atomic match between the adjacent Co ions catalysis centers and the two reaction atomic sites of DA for a fast 2‐electron transfer path.
Capture and analysis of double‐stranded DNA with the α‐hemolysin nanopore: Fundamentals and applications
Authors: Denuga Shekemi , Whelan Donal E. , O'Neill Shane P. , Johnson Robert P.
Published: April 2022

The α‐hemolysin nanopore has attracted much attention as a tool for the single‐molecule analysis of DNA due to its potential as an ultra‐sensitive, specific, and label‐free sensing technique. The vast majority of DNA sensing research with the α‐hemolysin nanopore has focused on interrogating single‐stranded DNA. Nevertheless, the structure of the α‐hemolysin pore, specifically the circa 32.6 cubic nanometer vestibule, is of sufficient size for a short section of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) to reside before unzipping into its single‐stranded constituents. In this review, we describe past and current literature relating to the rich information that can be obtained from the interrogation of dsDNA while residing within the α‐hemolysin nanopore vestibule, and the subsequent voltage‐driven unzipping of the residing DNA into its single‐stranded constituents. Applications for dsDNA interrogation and unzipping that have been implemented include DNA sequencing, disease diagnosis, and the identification of epigenetic modifications.
New insights on rocking of rigid blocks: Analytical solutions and exact energy‐based overturning criteria
Authors: Charalampakis Aristotelis E. , Tsiatas George C. , Tsopelas Panos
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the underlying energy flow in rocking dynamics of rigid blocks is utilized to elucidate their response details and overturning conditions. Based merely on the law of the conservation of energy, the exact criteria for a rigid block to overturn in the free vibration regime are established for the first time in the context of both nonlinear and linear theory. That is, if the initial conditions of the free oscillation fall within the prescribed stable libration region, then it is a priori determined that the block will not overturn and vice versa. The analytical solution to the nonlinear free rocking problem is also derived, utilizing integration techniques originating from the solution of the nonlinear pendulum. Regarding the forced rocking problem, an approximate analytical solution is presented based on a Taylor series expansion of the equation of motion. Moreover, employing the newly derived overturning criterion richer pulse‐type overturning spectra are constructed, revealing stability and instability regions that had never been shown before in the literature. The new characteristics of the overturning spectra are elucidated using color maps. Finally, some new results concerning the design of solid blocks against rectangular and half‐sine acceleration pulses are presented.
Topographic controls on ice flow and recession for Juneau Icefield (Alaska/British Columbia)
Authors: Davies Bethan , Bendle Jacob , Carrivick Jonathan , McNabb Robert , McNeil Christopher , Pelto Mauri , Campbell Seth , Holt Tom , Ely Jeremy , Markle Bradley
Published: April 2022

Globally, mountain glaciers and ice caps are losing dramatic volumes of ice. The resultant sea‐level rise is dominated by contributions from Alaska. Plateau icefields may be especially sensitive to climate change due to the non‐linear controls their topography imparts on their response to climate change. However, Alaskan plateau icefields have been subject to little structural glaciological or regional geomorphological assessment, which makes the controls on their present and former mass balance difficult to ascertain.

We inventoried 1050 glaciers and 368 lakes in the Juneau Icefield region for the year 2019. We found that 63 glaciers had disappeared since the 2005 inventory, with a reduction in glacier area of 422 km2 (10.0%). We also present the first structural glaciological and geomorphological map for an entire icefield in Alaska. Glaciological mapping of >20 800 features included crevasses, debris cover, foliation, ogives, medial moraines and, importantly, areas of glacier fragmentation, where glaciers either separated from tributaries via lateral recession (n = 59), or disconnected within areas of former icefalls (n = 281). Geomorphological mapping of >10 200 landforms included glacial moraines, glacial lakes, trimlines, flutes and cirques. These landforms were generated by a temperate icefield during the Little Ice Age (LIA) neoglaciation. These data demonstrate that the present‐day outlet glaciers, which have a similar thermal and ice‐flow regime, have undergone largely continuous recession since the LIA. Importantly, disconnections occurring within glaciers can separate accumulation and ablation zones, increasing rates of glacier mass loss. We show that glacier disconnections are widespread across the icefield and should be critically taken into consideration when icefield vulnerability to climate change is considered.
Shared trust of resident physicians in top‐management and professional burnout: A cross‐sectional study towards capacity for patient‐focussed care, peer support and job expectations
Authors: Gabay Gillie , Netzer Doron , Elhayany Asher
Published: April 2022

Rational

Hospitals desire to achieve the strategy of patient‐centred care but burnout inhibits its implementation. Management has a role in responding to needs of patients, junior professional staff, and the hospital, in the present and future.

Aim

To test the association between shared organisational trust (OT) of resident physicians in top‐management, a systemic organisational process, and professional burnout among residents.

Methods

Participants in this cross‐sectional study, are 316 residents assigned to 31 internal medicine departments at eight out of 15 academic Israeli general public hospitals in various locations and sizes. All measures were published: Burnout, patient‐focussed care, shared trust in top‐management, and antecedents of organisational trust, which are: peer support, clinical autonomy, meeting expectations, and value congruence. Structural Equation Modelling was performed.

Results

The structural equation modelling model was recursive, explaining 14% of the variance in burnout. Shared trust in top‐management was the strongest antecedent of burnout. The facilitation of patient‐focussed care created shared trust in top‐management which reduced burnout.

Discussion

To achieve patient‐centred care, management is called upon to reduce burnout by aligning organisational processes with patient‐focussed care. Shared trust in top‐management may reduce burnout and enhance residents' sense of meaningfulness, engagement, and well‐being.
Hematological findings in adult patients with SARS CoV‐2 infection at Tygerberg Hospital Cape Town South Africa
Authors: Abdullah Ibtisam , Cornelissen Helena M. , Musekwa Ernest , Zemlin Annalise , Jalavu Thumeka , Mashigo Nomusa , Chetty Carissa , Nkosi Nokwazi , Chapanduka Zivanai C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with hematological abnormalities of variable severity. The full blood count (FBC) and leukocyte differential count (DIFF) could facilitate the prediction of disease severity and outcome in COVID‐19. This study aimed to assess the hematological parameters in early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and their correlation with disease outcome.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional descriptive study was performed. Adults with a FBC and positive SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction results between March 1, and June 31, 2020 were reviewed. Basic hematological parameters (FBC, DIFF) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status were recorded. Outcome measures were admission to a general ward or intensive care unit (ICU), recovery or death.

Results

Six hundred and eighty‐five cases median age 51 years, were analyzed. Forty‐four percent were males and fourteen percent were HIV‐positive with no association between death and/or ICU admission (p = 0.522 and p = 0.830, respectively). Leucocytosis was predictive of ICU admission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4, confidence interval [CI]: 1.77–3.8186) and neutrophilia, of both mortality (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.0440–2.0899) and ICU admission (OR: 4, CI: 2.5933–6.475). Median lymphocyte count was decreased and D‐dimer raised, showing no significant association with outcome. Raised neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte‐ratio (NLR) was associated with increased odds of mortality (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.3556–3.2503) and ICU admission (OR: 4.8, CI: 2.4307–9.5430) as was monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte‐ratio (MLR) (OR: 2, CI: 1.3132–2.9064) and (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.0608–1.9935), respectively. Hospital admission and older age were significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.0008 and p < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusion

Evidence‐based interpretation of routine laboratory parameters, readily available in resource‐constrained settings, may identify patients at increased risk of mortality. The FBC, DIFF, NLR, and MLR should form part of the early COVID‐19 investigation.
RSV‐associated hospitalization in adults in the USA: A retrospective chart review investigating burden, management strategies, and outcomes
Authors: Walsh Edward , Lee Nelson , Sander Ian , Stolper Robert , Zakar Jessica , Wyffels Veronique , Myers David , Fleischhackl Roman
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in adults is of growing concern. This study was designed to quantify disease burden, treatment approaches, and outcomes associated with RSV infections in adult subpopulations, from prehospitalization to hospital discharge.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis was conducted to collect patient‐case data from hospitalized US adults (aged >18 years) with RSV infection during two RSV seasons. Patients were categorized into risk groups: comorbid lung disease, immunocompromised, older adults (aged ≥65 years), and other adults (aged <65 years). Physicians reported diagnosis, treatment choices including respiratory supportive therapy (oxygen and fluid supplementation), and outcome variables using a standardized online case form.

Results

The majority (277/379; 73%) of patients presented to the emergency room, with a mean age of 60 years. Once hospitalized, the median length of stay was 6.0 days (3.0–9.0), with disease severity having the greatest impact on duration of stay. No significant between‐group differences in rates of patients requiring management in intensive care units were found (comorbid lung disease, 28%; immunocompromised, 36%; older adults, 26%; and other adults, 23%). Overall, respiratory supportive therapy was the most commonly used form of treatment. Antibiotics were administered in over half of all risk groups (comorbid lung disease, 61%; immunocompromised, 59%; older adults, 59%; and other adults, 51%). Patients usually required follow‐up visits following discharge, with 10%–16% requiring skilled nursing care and approximately 25% requiring assistance from a social worker.

Conclusion

RSV in adult subpopulations, irrespective of age, is a significant burden to healthcare systems.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index assessment in elderly patients during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Yuan Yajun , Mao Junjie , Ou Xueqing , Huang Lili , Tu Qiuyun , Wang Nan
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Globally, coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is persistent in many countries and presents a major threat to public health. Critically, elderly individuals, especially those with underlying disease, poor nutritional and immune functions, are highly susceptible. Therefore, we analyzed the epidemiological features in elderly COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

In total, 126 patients were recruited in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, China from January 2020 to March 2020 (including 103 confirmed COVID‐19 patients and 23 elderly suspected cases). Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and treatment data were collected and analyzed. We assessed nutritional risks in elderly patients by calculating the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI).

Results

When compared with young patients, elderly patients were more likely to have underlying comorbidities and received nutritional support and intensive care unit treatment. Elderly patients had significantly lower levels of the following: lymphocyte percentages, red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and serum albumin values. When compared with suspected COVID‐19 elderly cases, elderly patients had significantly lower red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. The average GNRI of suspected cases and confirmed patients indicated no nutritional risk. There were no marked differences in GNRI values between groups.

Conclusion

Nutritional risk assessments may provide valuable information for predicting a COVID‐19 prognosis, especially in elderly patients. Anemia prevention and management should be actively and timely provided. GNRI is a potentially prognostic factor for hospitalized elderly patients. Moreover, it is also important to follow up discharged patients for continuous nutritional observations.
Transvaginal repair of a rectovaginal fistula caused by transvaginal mesh prolapse surgery
Authors: Matsuyama Aika , Kato Kumiko , Sai Hiroki , Ishiyama Akinobu , Kato Takashi , Inoue Satoshi , Hirabayashi Hiroki , Suzuki Shoji
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Transvaginal mesh surgery can cause mesh complications including rare rectovaginal fistula. We report a case of a rectovaginal fistula treated transvaginally without colostomy.

Case presentation

A 57‐year‐old female was referred to us due to post‐hysterectomy prolapse and had transvaginal mesh surgery. She underwent transvaginal hysterectomy because of uterine prolapse at age 33 and had taken steroids to treat pemphigus. Two years later, she developed vaginal bleeding and discharge. Transvaginal mesh removal was planned to treat vaginal mesh exposure, but immediately before the operation digital rectal examination revealed rectovaginal fistula. Mesh removal and fistula closure were performed transvaginally without colostomy. Three years of follow‐up showed no recurrence of mesh exposure, fistula, or prolapse.

Conclusion

Rectovaginal fistula following mesh surgery may be treated transvaginally without colostomy if infection is minimal. To evaluate mesh exposure on the posterior vaginal wall, rectal examination should be done along with vaginal examination.
Identification and construction of a 13‐gene risk model for prognosis prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Daming , Wang Libing , Qu Fengzhi , Yu Jingkun , Tang Zhaoyuan , Liu Xiaogang
Published: April 2022

We attempted to screen out the feature genes associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients through bioinformatics methods, to generate a risk model to predict the survival rate of patients. Gene expression information of HCC was accessed from GEO database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained through the joint analysis of multi‐chip. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs indicated that the enrichment was mainly displayed in biological processes such as nuclear division. Based on TCGA‐LIHC data set, univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted on the DEGs. Then, 13 feature genes were screened for the risk model. Also, the hub genes were examined in our collected clinical samples and GEPIA database. The performance of the risk model was validated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves. While its universality was verified in GSE76427 and ICGC (LIRI‐JP) validation cohorts. Besides, through combining patients’ clinical features (age, gender, T staging, and stage) and risk scores, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score was an effective independent prognostic factor. Finally, a nomogram was implemented for 3‐year and 5‐year overall survival prediction of patients. Our findings aid precision prediction for prognosis of HCC patients.
Constructing an immune‐ and ferroptosis‐related lncRNA signature to predict the immune landscape of human bladder cancer
Authors: Li Xing , Zhou Libin , Lu Tefei , Zhang Lei , Li Yanjun , Xu Jianting , Yin Min , Long Huimin
Published: April 2022

Background

LncRNAs play a variety of roles in the tumor microenvironment and cancer immune responses. Determining the significance of bladder cancer (BLCA)‐related genes to predict the prognostic and therapeutic response of BLCA is important.

Methods

IrlncRNA/ frlncRNA pairs were determined using univariate analysis. The signature was constructed based on this pairs. Finally, analysis and internal validation were performed from several aspects.

Results

We identified 60 immune‐ and ferroptosis‐related lncRNA pairs, among which 12 were included in the Cox proportional hazards model. Patients in low‐risk group survived for significantly longer. Survival and riskScore analyses showed that the low‐risk group had a significantly better clinical outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of OS values were more than 0.75 in the training set and the whole cohort. As assessed using Cox analysis, the riskScore was an independent prognostic predictor in the training, testing set and the whole cohort. The areas under the multi‐index ROC in the training set, the testing set, and the whole cohort were 0.777, 0.692, and 0.748, respectively. High‐risk group was positively associated with most of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. High‐risk Scores correlated positively with high expression of CD274, but not with PD‐1. Low riskScores correlated positively with high expression levels of the genes ERBB2 and nectin‐4. High‐risk Score was associated with a lower IC50 value for Docetaxel, cisplatin, and Pazopanib, while there was an opposite result for metformin.

Conclusions

The signature constructed by pairing irlncRNAs and frlncRNAs showed a notable clinical predictive value.
Obesity and gut–microbiota–brain axis: A narrative review
Authors: Asadi Arezoo , Shadab Mehr Negar , Mohamadi Mohamad Hosein , Shokri Fazlollah , Heidary Mohsen , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Khoshnood Saeed
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Obesity is a major health problem that is associated with many physiological and mental disorders, such as diabetes, stroke, and depression. Gut microbiota has been affirmed to interact with various organs, including the brain. Intestinal microbiota and their metabolites might target the brain directly via vagal stimulation or indirectly through immune‐neuroendocrine mechanisms, and they can regulate metabolism, adiposity, homoeostasis and energy balance, and central appetite and food reward signaling, which together have crucial roles in obesity. Studies support the concept of bidirectional signaling within the gut–brain axis (GBA) in the pathophysiology of obesity, mediated by metabolic, endocrine, neural, and immune system mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched to find relevant studies.

Results

The gut–brain axis (GBA), a bidirectional connection between the gut microbiota and brain, influences physiological function and behavior through three different pathways. Neural pathway mainly consists of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and vagus nerve. Endocrine pathway, however, affects the neuroendocrine system of the brain, particularly the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and immunological pathway. Several alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to obesity, by modulating metabolic pathways and eating behaviors of the host through GBA. Therefore, novel therapies targeting the gut microbiome, i.e., fecal microbiota transplantation and supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, can be a potential treatment for obesity.

Conclusion

This study corroborates the effect of gut microbiome on physiological function and body weight. The results show that the gut microbiota is becoming a target for new antiobesity therapies.
Combinations of Drug Candidate Properties Affecting Development Success and Discontinuation for 5 Diseases: Lymphoma, Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer, Arthritis, Depression, and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Yamaguchi Shingo , Narukawa Mamoru
Published: April 2022

The effects of the properties of drug candidates on their successful approval for the treatment of diseases are substantial. However, the success rate of candidates when their properties are combined has not been sufficiently evaluated. We aimed to identify combinations of properties (target, action, and modality) that increased the approval success rate of drug candidates for 5 diseases as well as to understand the characteristics of discontinued candidates. We calculated the approval success rates by combining the properties of drug candidates developed for 5 diseases (non–small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer disease [AD]), using candidates for which clinical development was initiated between 2000 and 2010. We also analyzed the phases and the reasons for the discontinuation of candidates of the 5 diseases for which development was discontinued. Probable combinations of properties with relatively high success rates for the diseases except for Alzheimer disease were found. These combinations of properties were considered appropriate in light of the pathology of each disease. The percentage of candidates discontinued in phase III for Alzheimer disease was higher than that for the other diseases. The reasons for discontinuation showed different trends between combinations of properties that had high and low approval success rates. As the effects of the properties of candidates on the success rate vary depending on the intended disease, pharmaceutical companies need to consider the probability of success of candidates for individual diseases for more efficient candidate selection.
Dose–response relationship between qAnti‐HBc and liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B with normal or mildly elevated alanine transaminase based on liver biopsy
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liu Yiqi , Li Jiawen , Liu Hui , Shao Chen , Liu Dan , Yu Min , Xi Hongli , Zhao Hong , Wang Guiqiang
Published: April 2022

The proportion of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal or mildly elevated alanine transaminase (NMALT) levels who have moderate to severe inflammation was not rare. However, we lacked appropriate biomarkers to evaluate liver inflammation in these populations. We aimed to explore the relationship between quantitative hepatitis B core antibody (qAnti‐HBc) and hepatic histological inflammation. This multicenter cohort study enrolled participants from 34 Chinese hospitals including 1376 treatment‐naive CHB patients with liver biopsy (934 with NMALT entered treatment‐naive cohort; 423 with secondary liver biopsy entered treatment cohort). Using unadjusted and multivariate‐adjusted generalized linear models, generalized additive models with smooth curve fitting, we evaluated the associations between qAnti‐HBc and liver inflammation in these patients. In the treatment‐naive patients, qAnti‐HBc was positively associated with liver inflammation (histology activity index [HAI] evaluated by Ishak scoring system; fully adjusted model: β = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.30–0.66], p < 0.001). For per‐SD increase in qAnti‐HBc, the risk of moderate to severe inflammation (HAI ≥ 5) increased by 56% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% CI [1.28–1.91], p < 0.001). The curve fitting indicated a significant “threshold effect” (inflection point was 4.5 log10 IU/ml, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses and interactions were not significant (all p > 0.05). In the treatment patients, there was no significant correlation between qAnti‐HBc and liver inflammation, whether based on unadjusted, minimally adjusted, or fully adjusted models (all p > 0.100). Paired analyses showed a significant correlation between decreasing in qAnti‐HBc and alleviation of liver inflammation. qAnti‐HBc was positively correlated with liver inflammation in treatment‐naive CHB patients with NMALT. The cutoff value of qAnti‐HBc for the diagnosis of moderate to severe inflammation was 4.5 log10 IU/ml. Decreasing in qAnti‐HBc was positively correlated with liver inflammation relieving.
Studies on the biosynthetic pathways of melanin in Auricularia auricula
Authors: Ma Zihui , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Yutong , Chen Wei , Wang Chengtao
Published: April 2022

Melanin is a natural pigment ubiquitously present in living organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Melanin produced by the edible mushroom Auricularia auricula has a remarkable potential for resource development. Several A. auricula strains planted across China were collected and analyzed for mycelial growth rate and colony red, green, blue (RGB) value for color block. Further, the effects of various nutrients on melanin formation, including different carbon and nitrogen sources were evaluated to optimize the medium for submerged fermentation. The pathways involved in the biosynthesis of melanin in A. auricula were investigated using an enzyme inhibitor assay and intermediate determination. In addition, the functional activity of purified A. auricula melanin was assessed. The highest melanin yield (1.797 g/L) was displayed by strain AU‐3 in medium I. A. auricula melanin was composed of eumelanin, pheomelanin, and 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene melanin, and the biosynthetic pathways involved were Raper–Mason and 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene melanin pathway. In addition, melanin purified from A. auricula exhibited substantial antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities.
Safe healing circles: Mindful self‐compassion interventions to address racial battle fatigue with teachers of color
Authors: Solomon Coralis , DiLorenzo‐Garcia Amanda , Johnson Sandra Maria
Published: April 2022

Mindful self‐compassion can address the emotional exhaustion teachers of color experience due to racial injustice and social marginalization compounded by the pandemic. The authors propose a humanistic intervention in which mental health counselors create safe spaces for teaching self‐regulation skills and processing emotional stressors related to racial tensions in schools.
Dynamics of Arabic gum aqueous solutions as revealed by NMR relaxometry
Authors: Florek‐Wojciechowska Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this article is to study molecular dynamics through nuclear magnetic relaxation (NMR) dispersion of Arabic gum aqueous solutions analysed in terms of two‐fraction exchange model.

RESULTS

The experiments revealed that relaxation of water molecules was non‐monoexponential, which was interpreted in terms of a model describing the magnetization transfer due to exchange of water and polysaccharide protons. The analysis showed that water dynamics decreased slightly with gum content. Polymer‐chain dynamics was assigned to regime II of the tube/reptation model. Peculiar temperature dependence of exchange rate was observed in the whole concentration range of Arabic gum solutions.

CONCLUSION

NMR relaxation probed in a broad frequency and temperature range allows probing of the molecular dynamics of complex food systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
An Overview on the Recent Advances in the Treatment of Infected Wounds: Antibacterial Wound Dressings
Authors: Mirhaj Marjan , Labbaf Sheyda , Tavakoli Mohamadreza , Seifalian Amelia
Published: April 2022

A wound can be surgical cuts from an operation or due to accident and trauma. The infected wound, as a result of bacteria growth within the damaged skin, interrupts the natural wound healing process and significantly impacts the quality of life. Wound dressing is an important segment of the skincare industry with its economic burden estimated at $ 20.4 billion (in 2021) in the global market. The results of recent clinical trials suggest that the use of modern dressings can be the easiest, most accessible, and most cost‐effective way to treat chronic wounds and, hence, holds significant promise. With the sheer number of dressings in the market, the selection of correct dressing is confusing for clinicians and healthcare workers. The aim of this research is to review widely used types of antibacterial wound dressings, as well as emerging products, for their efficiency and mode of action. In this review, introducing antibiotics and antibacterial nanoparticles as two important and clinically widely used categories of antibacterial agents is focused. The perspectives and challenges for paving the way for future research in this field are also discussed.
Functional Brain Dysconnectivity in Parkinson's Disease: A 5‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yassine Sahar , Gschwandtner Ute , Auffret Manon , Achard Sophie , Verin Marc , Fuhr Peter , Hassan Mahmoud
Published: April 2022

Background

Tracking longitudinal functional brain dysconnectivity in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a key element to decoding the underlying physiopathology and understanding PD progression.

Objectives

The objectives of this follow‐up study were to explore, for the first time, the longitudinal changes in the functional brain networks of PD patients over 5 years and to associate them with their cognitive performance and the lateralization of motor symptoms.

Methods

We used a 5‐year longitudinal cohort of PD patients (n = 35) who completed motor and non‐motor assessments and sequent resting state (RS) high‐density electroencephalography (HD‐EEG) recordings at three timepoints: baseline (BL), 3 years follow‐up (3YFU) and 5 years follow‐up (5YFU). We assessed disruptions in frequency‐dependent functional networks over the course of the disease and explored their relation to clinical symptomatology.

Results

In contrast with HC (n = 32), PD patients showed a gradual connectivity impairment in α2 (10‐13 Hz) and β (13–30 Hz) frequency bands. The deterioration in the global cognitive assessment was strongly correlated with the disconnected networks. These disconnected networks were also associated with the lateralization of motor symptoms, revealing a dominance of the right hemisphere in terms of impaired connections in the left‐affected PD patients in contrast to dominance of the left hemisphere in the right‐affected PD patients.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings suggest that with disease progression, dysconnectivity in the brain networks in PD can reflect the deterioration of global cognitive deficits and the lateralization of motor symptoms. RS HD‐EEG may be an early biomarker of PD motor and non‐motor progression. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Existence of a solution to the steady Magnetohydrodynamics‐Boussinesq system with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Kim Tujin
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we are concerned with the steady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)‐Boussinesq system with mixed boundary conditions. The boundary conditions for fluid may include the stick, Tresca slip, leak, one‐sided leaks, pressure, vorticity, and stress conditions together, and the conditions for temperature may include Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin conditions together. For the electromagnetic field, mixed boundary conditions are given. Also, the viscosity, magnetic permeability, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat of the fluid depend on the temperature. Special attention is paid to the meaning of non‐homogeneous mixed boundary conditions for magnetic field. For the problem involving the static pressure and stress boundary conditions for fluid, it is proven that if the data of problem are small enough, then there exists a solution and the solution with small norm is unique when the viscosity, magnetic permeability, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat are independent of the temperature. For the problem involving the total pressure and total stress boundary conditions for fluid, the existence of a solution is proven when a datum concerned with non‐homogeneous boundary conditions for magnetic field is small, but without smallness of other data.
Consumption of Boiled, but Not Grilled, Roasted, or Barbecued Beef Modifies the Urinary Metabolite Profiles in Rats
Authors: Khodorova Nadezda V. , Jouan‐Rimbaud Bouveresse Delphine , Pilard Serge , Cordella Christophe , Locquet Nathalie , Oberli Marion , Gaudichon Claire
Published: April 2022

Scope

The consumption of processed meat is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, but determining how the exposure to specific cooking processes alters the metabolome is an analytical challenge. This study aims to evaluate the impact of four typical cooking methods for beef (boiling, barbecuing, grilling, and roasting) on the urinary metabolite profiles in rats, using a non‐targeted approach.

Methods and results

Male Wistar rats (n  =  48) are fed for 3 weeks with experimental diets containing either raw or cooked (boiled, barbecued, grilled, and roasted) beef. A control group is fed with milk proteins. The 24 h‐urines are analyzed using LC‐MS. The consumption of boiled meat leads to the specific excretion of di‐ and tri‐peptides (aspartyl‐leucine, glycyl‐aspartate, and aspartyl‐prolyl‐threonine) and a cyclo‐prolyl‐proline (p < 0.001). No singular metabolite specifically associated with the groups “grilled,” “roasted,” and “barbecued” meat is observed.

Conclusion

Urinary metabolite profiles of rats fed boiled beef are clearly distinct from those of rats fed with raw, grilled, roasted, or barbecued beef. The specific metabolites include the products of non‐digested proteins and may be useful as potential intake biomarkers of this meat cooking method.
Patient‐specific radiation risk‐based tube current modulation for diagnostic CT
Authors: Klein Laura , Liu Chang , Steidel Jörg , Enzmann Lucia , Knaup Michael , Sawall Stefan , Maier Andreas , Lell Michael , Maier Joscha , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Modern CT scanners use automatic exposure control (AEC) techniques, such as tube current modulation (TCM), to reduce dose delivered to patients while maintaining image quality. In contrast to conventional approaches that minimize the tube current time product of the CT scan, referred to as mAsTCM in the following, we herein propose a new method referred to as riskTCM, which aims at reducing the radiation risk to the patient by taking into account the specific radiation risk of every dose‐sensitive organ.

Methods

For current mAsTCM implementations, the mAs product is used as a surrogate for the patient dose. Thus, they do not take into account the varying dose sensitivity of different organs. Our riskTCM framework assumes that a coarse CT reconstruction, an organ segmentation, and an estimation of the dose distribution can be provided in real time, for example, by applying machine learning techniques. Using this information, riskTCM determines a tube current curve that minimizes a patient risk measure, for example, the effective dose, while keeping the image quality constant. We retrospectively applied riskTCM to 20 patients covering all relevant anatomical regions and tube voltages from 70 to 150 kV. The potential reduction of effective dose at same image noise is evaluated as a figure of merit and compared to mAsTCM and to a situation with a constant tube current referred to as noTCM.

Results

Anatomical regions like the neck, thorax, abdomen, and the pelvis benefit from the proposed riskTCM. On average, a reduction of effective dose of about 23% for the thorax, 31% for the abdomen, 24% for the pelvis, and 27% for the neck has been evaluated compared to today's state‐of‐the‐art mAsTCM. For the head, the resulting reduction of effective dose is lower, about 13% on average compared to mAsTCM.

Conclusions

With a risk‐minimizing TCM, significant higher reduction of effective dose compared to mAs‐minimizing TCM is possible.
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction at 3D transperineal ultrasound in maternal exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study during pregnancy
Authors: Pinheiro Fabiane A. , Sartorão Filho Carlos I. , Prudencio Caroline B. , Nunes Sthefanie K. , Pascon Tawana , Hallur Ragavendra L. S. , Takano Luis , Enriquez Eusébio M. A. , Catinelli Bruna B. , Carr Aline M. , Junginger Baerbel , Rudge Marilza V. C. , Barbosa Angélica M. P. ,   The Diamater Study Group
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the dynamic morphometry of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) using three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound (3D‐TPUS) and its progression at two‐time points of gestation between women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and whether the PFM dysfunction is connected to GDM.

Methods

The study comprised 83 consecutive pregnant women with (n = 38) and without (n = 45) GDM screened at 24–30 and 38–40 weeks of gestation. 3D‐TPUS and a mobility test were used to quantify PFM dynamic morphometry during maximum contraction and the Valsalva maneuver.

Results

When compared to the control group, GDM women had no significant variations in all levator hiatal dimensions at 24–30 weeks of gestation. Meanwhile, women with GDM experienced an increase in levator hiatal area (LHa) (p < 0.000) during PFM contraction and enlargement in LHa (p < 0.001) during Valsalva maneuver (p = 0.010) at 38–40 weeks of gestation. As a result, the mobility index among GDM women had a lower value (p = 0.000). The dynamic morphometry development of PFM in GDM women at two stages during pregnancy revealed a substantial decrease (p = 0.000) in all LHa dimensions of contraction, distension, and mobility.

Conclusions

Using 3D‐TPUS, we found that GDM women had a specific pattern of PFM functional changes in the third trimester of pregnancy. These initial findings revealed alterations in PFM functionality, such as decreased contractility, distensibility, or mobility. This dysfunctional PFM could contribute to the long‐term development of pelvic floor dysfunction years after a GDM pregnancy.
An overview of mutational and copy number signatures in human cancer
Authors: Steele Christopher D , Pillay Nischalan , Alexandrov Ludmil B
Published: April 2022

The genome of each cell in the human body is constantly under assault from a plethora of exogenous and endogenous processes that can damage DNA. If not successfully repaired, DNA damage generally becomes permanently imprinted in cells, and all their progenies, as somatic mutations. In most cases, the patterns of these somatic mutations contain the tell‐tale signs of the mutagenic processes that have imprinted and are termed mutational signatures. Recent pan‐cancer genomic analyses have elucidated the compendium of mutational signatures for all types of small mutational events, including (1) single base substitutions, (2) doublet base substitutions, and (3) small insertions/deletions. In contrast to small mutational events, where, in most cases, DNA damage is a prerequisite, aneuploidy, which refers to the abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, usually develops from mistakes during DNA replication. Such mistakes include DNA replication stress, mitotic errors caused by faulty microtubule dynamics, or cohesion defects that contribute to chromosomal breakage and can lead to copy number (CN) alterations (CNAs) or even to structural rearrangements. These aberrations also leave behind genomic scars which can be inferred from sequencing as CN signatures and rearrangement signatures. The analyses of mutational signatures of small mutational events have been extensively reviewed, so we will not comprehensively re‐examine them here. Rather, our focus will be on summarising the existing knowledge for mutational signatures of CNAs. As studying CN signatures is an emerging field, we briefly summarise the utility that mutational signatures of small mutational events have provided in basic science, cancer treatment, and cancer prevention, and we emphasise the future role that CN signatures may play in each of these fields. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Surface modification of h‐BN and preparation of h‐BN/PEI thermally conductive flexible films
Authors: Luo Wenhao , Zeng Jinling , Chen Yanrong , Dai Wenbin , Yao Yingbang , Luo Bing , Zhang Fuzeng , Wang Tingting
Published: April 2022

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) micro‐platelets were surface‐functionalized by sulfuric acid (SA). Such modified h‐BN powders were mixed with thermoplastic polyether imide (PEI) to prepare flexible composite films using a solution casting method. After surface modification, the h‐BN powders were uniformly dispersed in the PEI matrix. The thermal conductivity of the flexible composite materials was significantly improved, with a 60% increase over that of pure PEI. The mechanical properties of the composites were also measured and discussed. The Young's modulus of the h‐BN/PEI composites was increased from 1.15 GPa for pure PEI to 1.62 GPa for the h‐BN/PEI composite with a filling ratio 10 vol%. As compared to pure PEI film, the electrical breakdown strength of the composites with 5 vol% h‐BN increased from 45.3 to 55.3 kV/mm. Our results show that the surface‐modified h‐BN filler is effective in improving the thermal conductivity and insulation performance of PEI‐based composites.
Impairment of response inhibition to emotional face stimuli in individuals with subclinical depression
Authors: Liang Jian‐ning , Hu Wen‐ting , Gu Yu‐ting , Cheng Tian‐hua , Geng Jia‐sen , Wang Kui‐lai , Wang Li‐jun , Yao Xin‐ran , Shen Jian‐fei , Wang Yan‐yu
Published: April 2022

Response inhibition, a crucial component of executive function, is closely related to personal impulse control, social adaption, and mental health. Previous studies have found response inhibition deficit in patients with major depressive disorder, but whether it also exists in individuals with subclinical depression (SD) remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the ability of response inhibition to emotional face stimuli both under explicit and implicit conditions in individuals with SD. Thirty‐six subclinical depressed college students and 39 healthy individuals were recruited and administered the non‐emotional, explicit, and implicit emotional stop‐signal tasks (SSTs). Mixed‐model analyses of variance were used to analyze the differences between and within groups. In implicit emotional SST, the results showed a significant longer stop‐signal response time, a shorter stop‐signal delay time, a shorter go reaction time, and a similar proportion of stop success in the SD group compared to healthy controls. However, the above indices showed no significant difference between the two groups in the non‐emotional SST and explicit emotional SST. These findings suggest a possible defect of response inhibition in implicit emotional processing in individuals with SD, which may potentially serve as a marker of susceptibility to depression and thus be applied to early screening and intervention for major depressive disorder.