bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left atrial appendage closure in end‐stage renal disease and hemodialysis: Data from a German multicenter registry
Authors: Fink Thomas , Paitazoglou Christina , Bergmann Martin W. , Sano Makoto , Keelani Ahmad , Sciacca Vanessa , Saad Mohammed , Eitel Charlotte , Heeger Christian‐Hendrik , Skurk Carsten , Landmesser Ulf , Thiele Holger , Stiermaier Thomas , Fuernau Georg , Reil Jan‐Christian , Frey Norbert , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Tilz Roland R. , Sandri Marcus , Eitel Ingo
Published: January 2023

Background

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has emerged as an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). OAC treatment has been proven feasible in mild‐to‐moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). In contrast, the optimal antithrombotic management of AF patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is unknown and LAAC has not been proven in these patients in prospective randomized clinical trials.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of LAAC in patients with ESRD.

Methods

Patients undergoing LAAC were collected in a German multicenter real‐world observational registry. A composite endpoint consisting of the occurrence of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, and/or major clinical bleeding was assessed. Patients with ESRD were compared with propensity score‐matched patients without severe CKD. ESRD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 or chronic hemodialysis treatment.

Results

A total of 604 patients were analyzed, including 57 with ESRD and 57 propensity‐matched patients. Overall, 596 endocardial and 8 epicardial LAAC procedures were performed. Frequency of major complications was 7.0% (42/604 patients) in the overall cohort, 8.8% (5/57 patients) in patients with ESRD, and 10.5% (6/57 patients) in matched controls (p = 0.75). The estimated event‐free survival of the combined endpoint after 500 days was 90.7 ± 4.5% in patients with ESRD and 90.2 ± 5.5% in matched controls (p = 0.33).

Conclusions

LAAC had comparable procedural safety and clinical efficacy in patients with ESRD and patients without severe CKD.
Synthesis of α‐Aryl Carbonyls via Photoinduced Formation of C−C Bonds
Authors: Li Songyi , Wei Jingyao , Ren Qianhang , Yue Guanglu , Qiu Di , Fagnoni Maurizio , Protti Stefano
Published: January 2023

The present review aims to provide an overview of recent developments in photochemical and photocatalyzed synthesis of α‐aryl carbonyls via formation of C(sp)2−C(sp)3bonds. The approaches described are based on the use of light as the exclusive energy source for the generation of highly reactive carbon radicals, cations or radical ions as the key intermediates of the process. Such strategies efficiently compete with traditional routes, that require the combined use of transition metal complexes, ligands, additives and often harsh reaction conditions.
Photophysical Characterization of Isoguanine in a Prebiotic‐Like Environment
Authors: Ortín‐Fernández Javier , Caldero‐Rodríguez Naishka E. , Crespo‐Hernández Carlos E. , Martínez‐Fernández Lara , Corral Inés
Published: January 2023

It is intriguing how a mixture of organic molecules survived the prebiotic UV fluxes and evolved into the actual genetic building blocks. Scientists are trying to shed light on this issue by synthesizing nucleic acid monomers and their analogues under prebiotic Era‐like conditions and by exploring their excited state dynamics. To further add to this important body of knowledge, this study discloses new insights into the photophysical properties of protonated isoguanine, an isomorph of guanine, using steady‐state and femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopies, and quantum mechanical calculations. Protonated isoguanine decays in ultrafast time scales following 292 nm excitation, consistently with the barrierless paths connecting the bright S1 (ππ*) state with different internal conversion funnels. Complementary calculations for neutral isoguanine predict similar photophysical properties. These results demonstrate that protonated isoguanine can be considered photostable in contrast to protonated guanine, which exhibits 40‐fold longer excited state lifetimes.
Blockchain based integrity assurance framework for COVID‐19 information management & decision making at National Command Operation Center, Pakistan
Authors: Zaid Muhammad , Akram Muhammad Waheed , Rizvi Amna , Rizvi Syed Khurram Jah
Published: January 2023

The uncontrollable spread of contagious disease COVID‐19 is a perennial threat to mankind and has resulted in an unprecedented lockdowns in several countries including Pakistan which in turn has caused an adverse socio‐economic impact to all industries. The strategic leadership and concerned state authorities are trying hard to combat and control the spread of COVID‐19 pandemic. The effective use of Information Management & Decision Support (IMDS) System can play significant role in combating pandemic and its spread, managing relief actions effectively, accessing vulnerable communities to roll out targeted subsidies by ensuring the coordinated effort and subsequent implementation. Reliable information is significantly critical to assist government and public health agencies in determining the best way forward to control this global health emergency. Therefore, this paper aims to strengthen capacity of IMDS System used by government institutions and authorities for decision making and information dissemination. In this research work, we addressed the integrity‐based issues that include completeness, correctness, and freshness of data by proposing a block chain‐based integrity protection mechanism. The proposed novel framework is a cascaded formulation of Integrity Assurance (IA) Protocol, Cryptographic Merkle Hash Tree, Digital Signature, and Blockchain. Beside cascaded formulation, two (2) schemes for MHT Generation are also presented in the framework. The proposed framework ensures fairness, completeness, and correctness of data that will be very helpful for secure data management, integration, and utilization in analysis for decision‐making. The proposed framework achieved an accuracy of more than 98.09% with better quantitative performance in standard evaluation parameters.
Molecular Amplification as an Affordable Strategy for Trace‐Level Detection of Ionic Analytes with Fluorimetric or Colorimetric Readout
Authors: Choudhury Abhijnan Ray , Dey Nilanjan
Published: January 2023

Naked‐eye detection of an analyte at an ultralow concentration in a complex mixture is the ultimate goal of an analytical chemist. Over the years, with a wide range of sophisticated analytical techniques based on, for example, various microscopies (TEM, SEM, AFM), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), one can achieve as low as single‐molecule detection. Despite their excellent sensitivities, these methods are often found to be unsuitable for on‐location analysis of real‐life samples due to limitations such as the requirement for advanced instrumental facilities and skilled technicians, high‐cost maintenance, and multi‐step sample preparation procedures. On the other hand, using the concept of molecular amplification a similar level of sensitivity can be achieved with changes in color or fluorescence as the output response. Unlike previous related reviews, in this work we chose not to focus on the different kinds of amplification strategies (target, label, signal, or receptor amplification) nor on the species responsible for generating reporter molecules (catalysts, macromolecules, metal surfaces, and supramolecular aggregates). Instead, herein we have attempted to discuss how the concept of molecular amplification has helped in the trace‐level detection of ionic analytes (for example, anions, heavy metal pollutants and charged biological molecules).
Horseradish Peroxidase‐Coupled Ag3PO4/BiVO4 Photoanode for Biophotoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Organic Contaminants
Authors: Liu Jianqiao , Qin Jin , Li Shiquan , Yan Kai , Zhang Jingdong
Published: January 2023

Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) is regarded as a promising and sustainable process for removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. Meanwhile, enzymatic catalysis also provides an effective way to carry out polluted environment remediation under mild conditions. In this study, a biophotoelectrocatalytic (BPEC) system is designed to remove 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) based on a combination of PEC and enzymatic catalysis. The developed BPEC system is constructed with a Ag3PO4/BiVO4 photoanode and a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐loaded carbon cloth (CC) cathode. On the photoanode, the construction of a direct Z‐scheme Ag3PO4/BiVO4 heterojunction enhanced the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers, which promoted the PEC degradation of 4‐NP under visible light irradiation. After HRP was immobilized on the cathode, the degradation efficiency of 4‐NP reached 97.1 % after 60 min PEC treatment. The result could be ascribed to the HRP‐catalyzed oxidation reaction via in situ‐generated H2O2 from the CC cathode during the PEC process. Moreover, the possible degradation pathways of 4‐NP in such a BPEC system are also discussed.
One‐cycle controllability of high step‐up Boost converter with coupled inductor
Authors: Song Jiuxu , Chang Zhiwei , Liu Hongxia , Ding Shuai
Published: January 2023

Comparing with traditional pulse width modulation technique, the transient performances of the high step‐up DC/DC converters can be significantly improved by one‐cycle control (OCC) technique, which is an appropriate control strategy for interface converters directly connecting the renewable energies to the DC microgrid. However, the suitability of OCC for these converters is rarely studied. One‐cycle controllability of the high step‐up DC/DC Boost converter with coupled inductor is studied with theoretical researches and experimental verifications. First, with the analysis on the operating modes of the converter, its periodic switched linear system model and the criterion for OCC are established. Furthermore, one‐cycle controllability of the converter is calculated in detail. Final, a prototype of the high step‐up converter from 48 to 380 V is prepared. Experimental results indicate that the disturbances in the input of the high step‐up converter can be depressed within only one switching cycle. Ideal dynamic characteristic for the converter under disturbance in the output is also achieved. Results of this paper are meaningful for investigations on the transient characteristics of high step‐up DC/DC converters applied to DC microgrid.
Clinical features of adult patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder presenting for medical stabilization: A descriptive study
Authors: Nitsch Allison , Watters Ashlie , Manwaring Jamie , Bauschka Maryrose , Hebert Melanie , Mehler Philip S.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical features of adult patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) to better understand the medical findings, psychological comorbidities, and laboratory abnormalities in this population.

Method

We completed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients with a diagnosis of ARFID, admitted for medical stabilization, between April 2016 and June 2021, to an inpatient hospital unit, which specializes in severe eating disorders. Information collected included anthropomorphic data, laboratory assessments, and medical history at time of admission.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐two adult patients with ARFID were identified as meeting inclusion criteria for the study. The most common ARFID presentation was “fear of adverse consequences.” The majority were female (70%), with an average age of 32.7 ± 13.7 years and mean percent of ideal body weight (m%IBW) of 68.2 ± 10.9. The most common laboratory abnormalities were low serum prealbumin and vitamin D, hypokalemia, leukopenia, and elevated serum bicarbonate. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were anxiety and depressive disorders, and the most common medical diagnoses were disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI).

Discussion

This is the largest study to the authors' knowledge of medical presentations in adult patients with ARFID. Our results reflect that the adult patient with ARFID may, in some aspects, present differently than pediatric and adolescent patients with ARFID, or from ARFID patients requiring less intensive care. This study highlights the need for further investigation of adult patients with ARFID.

Public Significance

ARFID is a restrictive eating disorder first defined in 2013. This study explores the medical presentations of adult patients (>18 years old) with ARFID presenting for specialized eating disorder treatment and identifies unique features of the adult presentation for treatment, compared to pediatric and adolescent peers.
Effect of patisiran on stroke volume in hereditary transthyretin‐mediated amyloidosis: insights from pressure–volume analysis of the APOLLO study
Authors: Rosenblum Hannah R. , Griffin Jan M. , Minamisawa Masatoshi , Prasad Narayana , Vest John , White Matthew T. , Solomon Scott D. , Burkhoff Daniel , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: January 2023

Aims

Transthyretin‐mediated (ATTR) amyloidosis is caused by deposition of transthyretin protein fibrils in the heart, nerves, and other organs. Patisiran, an RNA interference therapeutic that inhibits hepatic synthesis of transthyretin, was approved for the treatment of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy based on the phase 3 APOLLO study. We use left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) to quantify LV function overtime and non‐invasive pressure–volume techniques to delineate the effects of patisiran on LV mechanics in the pre‐specified cardiac subpopulation of the APOLLO study.

Methods and results

Left ventricular SV was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, and after 9 and 18 months of therapy. To determine the mechanisms underlying changes in LV SV, non‐invasive pressure–volume parameters, including the end‐systolic and end‐diastolic pressure–volume relationship, were derived using single beat techniques. At baseline, the mean SV was 51 ± 14 ml. At 9 months, the least‐squares mean change in SV was −0.3 ± 1.2 ml for patisiran and −5.4 ± 1.9 ml for placebo (p = 0.021). At 18 months, the least‐squares mean change in SV was −1.7 ± 1.3 ml for patisiran and − 8.1 ± 2.3 ml for placebo (p = 0.016). Decline in LV SV was driven by diminished LV capacitance in placebo relative to patisiran.

Conclusions

Patisiran may delay progression of LV chamber dysfunction starting at 9 months of therapy. These data elucidate the mechanisms by which transthyretin‐reducing therapies modulate progression of cardiac disease and need to be confirmed in ongoing phase 3 trials.
Silver‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization for Syntheses of Azaoxa‐ and Diazaspirocycles**
Authors: Shimaoka Momoka , Sai Masahiro
Published: January 2023

1‐Azaspirocycles are important structures present in many drugs and natural products. This work describes the silver‐catalyzed tandem cyclization strategy, which provides atom‐economical access to various azaoxa‐ and diazaspirocycles from alkynes containing two appended oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐based nucleophiles. Intramolecular attack of the pendant nucleophile on the in situ‐generated iminium intermediate is the key to the success of this transformation.
Assessing the impacts of large‐scale substitution of pressurized irrigation on basin hydrology through a water accounting framework
Authors: Mohammadpour Maryam , Zeinalzadeh Kamran , Rezaverdinejad Vahid , Hessari Behzad
Published: January 2023

As the main challenge to water resource management, the impacts of irrigation method improvement need to be addressed in regional hydrological processes. This study investigates the hydrological impacts of developing pressurized irrigation systems at the basin scale using the WEAP–WA (water evaluation and planning system–water accounting) coupling approach. Regarding the development of pressurized irrigation systems since 2006, two separate periods can be mentioned for surface irrigation (1998–2006) and for pressurized irrigation development (2006–2013) in the intermediate basin of Ahar‐Chai in Iran. All major water resource elements of the region were found and constructed in WEAP as predefined object‐oriented elements. The simplified soil moisture method was adopted to model the rainfall‐runoff process in irrigated areas. This model was calibrated and validated using PEST (parameter estimation tool) with acceptable statistical criteria. To understand water balance components, the water accounting framework (WAF) was employed, and the results indicated that modernizing the irrigation system increased water depletion and usage. The results indicate an increase of 26% in actual evapotranspiration in pressurized irrigation compared with surface irrigation (50% of the irrigated area). Actual evapotranspiration and nonbeneficial evapotranspiration per unit area also followed the same trend. However, pressurized systems have higher crop productivity and denser crop patterns. In contrast, the basin runoff during pressurized irrigation was 42% less than that during surface irrigation, which is due to fewer return flows caused by pressurized irrigation. Therefore, the basin surface runoff can be influenced by the type of irrigation. The results obtained by this study suggest an adverse effect of altering the surface irrigation methods in pressurized systems.
Teager energy assisted variational mode decomposition‐based fault location technique for STATCOM compensated system
Authors: Mishra Saswati , Gupta Shubhrata , Yadav Anamika
Published: January 2023

Modern power systems are structurally complex and thus experience transient events. For secure and reliable operation, quick system restoration is required whenever transient phenomenon like line faults occurs. Fault location techniques (FLTs) aid in faster restoration process. However, the accuracy of FLTs gets affected in presence of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) since STATCOM compensates the dip in measured voltage during fault thereby affecting the fault current signals. Therefore, in this paper, a Teager energy assisted variational mode decomposition (VMD) based traveling wave FLT is developed for transmission lines with STATCOM. The proposed FLT considers two‐terminal instantaneous voltage signals for locating faults. In this FLT, the signals are first decoupled into modal signals and then aerial mode of the signals is chosen for decomposition using VMD. The signals are decomposed via VMD to level three producing mode three signals. Teager energy of the resultant signals is obtained and from the first peak of the energy signals, arrival time of waves (ATWs) is estimated. These estimated ATWs are used to calculate fault location and percentage error. To validate the performance of proposed FLT, several test cases with different fault scenarios are considered and the results are compared with existing techniques. The results prove efficacy of proposed FLT for studied system.
Nondestructive detection of water status and distribution in corn kernels during hot air drying using multispectral imaging
Authors: Ren Lin , Liu Wei , Liu Changhong , Zheng Lei
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The characteristics of corn kernels are strongly connected with the content of three statuses of water: bound water, immobilized water, and free water. Monitoring different water contents is very important to optimize the drying process, improve corn quality, and reduce energy consumption. The feasibility of nondestructive detection of water status and its distribution in corn kernels during the hot‐air drying process using multispectral imaging was investigated.

RESULTS

The chemometric methods used to develop prediction models were back propagation neural network, least‐squares support vector machine, and partial least squares. The back propagation neural network achieved the best prediction performance for total and free water contents, with correlation coefficient of prediction (Rp) of 0.9717 and 0.9782 respectively, root‐mean‐square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 4.48% and 2.54% respectively, and ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) of 4.87 and 4.29 respectively. And partial least squares was better for the prediction of immobilized and bound water contents, with Rp of 0.9612 and 0.9798 respectively, RMSEP of 0.57% and 0.06% respectively, and RPD of 4.78 and 4.42 respectively.

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that multispectral imaging combined with chemometric methods would be a promising technique for rapid and nondestructive detection of water status and its distribution in corn kernels. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adaptive nitrogen inputs sustain water‐nitrogen use and improve maize productivity with varied precipitation conditions on a semi‐arid agroecosystem
Authors: Liu Pengzhao , Ning Fang , Li Haoyu , Zhang Yuanhong , Zhang Qi , Wang Rui , Wang Xiaoli , Chen Xiaoli , Li Jun
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Maize productivity in semi‐arid regions is increasingly at risk because of the sparse and uneven precipitation, and it is also restricted by excessive or insufficient fertilization management strategies. A 4‐year (2016–2019) field experiment was therefore conducted to show the effects of fertilizer with five nitrogen levels (0, 75–90, 150–180, 270, and 360 kg ha−1, represented as N0, N75‐90, N150‐180, N270, N360, respectively) under two variable precipitation patterns (rainy at pre‐anthesis in 2016 and 2018 versus dry at pre‐anthesis in 2017 and 2019) on soil water storage (SWS), water use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and maize yield in the Loess Plateau.

RESULTS

Nitrogen inputs increased the amount of above‐ground dry matter and the WUE for dry matter (WUEd). Dry years at pre‐anthesis significantly reduced dry matter accumulation and kernel number per plant. However, soil water storage before sowing (SWSs) decreased from 440 mm in 2016 to 384 mm in 2019, and the increase in fertilization resulted in the water imbalance. Both the maximum grain yield and WUE for grain yield were found in N270 under rainy years at pre‐anthesis, whereas in N150‐180 under dry years at pre‐anthesis. The average nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE), nitrogen agronomy efficiency (NAE) and nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) decreased with increases in N application, compared with N360, the NRE,NAE and NPFP of N150‐180 increased by 63.5%, 189.2% and 135.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing basal N fertilizers could enhance maize yield and maintain moderate water and nitrogen productivity in years with less rainfall. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
To model or not to model: false positive detection error in camera surveys
Authors: McKibben Fiona E. , Abadi Fitsum , Frey Jennifer K.
Published: January 2023

Occupancy models are commonly used with motion‐sensitive camera data to estimate patterns of species occurrence while accounting for false negative detection error (i.e., the species is present but not detected). False positive detection error (i.e., the species is not present but is detected) is present in camera data sets, especially when morphologically similar species co‐occur. Researchers use different approaches to address this problem: ignore the potential for false positive detections, remove all ambiguous detections and treat them as non‐detections, or model false positive detection error by dividing detections into ambiguous detections (could be true or false positives) and unambiguous detections (true positives). We performed a simulation study to compare these 3 strategies. To implement these modeling strategies, detections must be classified as ambiguous or unambiguous, or all ambiguous detections must be re‐classified as non‐detections. We also performed a simulation study to assess the impact of researcher confidence in the designation of ambiguous and unambiguous detections. Ignoring false positive detection error resulted in biased parameter estimates, whereas removing ambiguous detections and modeling false positive detections resulted in similar estimates of occupancy probability (ψ) in most situations. Researcher over‐confidence (i.e., the tendency for observers to overestimate their own ability) positively biased estimates of ψ. Moderate under‐confidence did not increase bias or decrease precision in estimates of ψ. Consistent with the patterns observed in simulations, analysis of example data from a chipmunk (Neotamias minimus atristriatus) population in the Sacramento Mountains of south‐central New Mexico during 2019 indicated that removing ambiguous detections and modeling false positives resulted in similar estimates of ψ and that over‐confidence biased estimates of ψ. Our results expand on previous literature, suggesting that removing ambiguous detections provides similar estimates of occupancy compared to modeling false positives in many scenarios, and emphasizing the importance of the designation of ambiguous and unambiguous detections. We provide guidance on simple methods to define ambiguous and unambiguous detections, thus mitigating the chances for erroneous inferences.
Development of 1.6‐μm Er: YAG solid‐state laser for lidar
Authors: Li Kuan , Ren Tingwei , Wu Chunting , Yu Yongji , Li Changqing , Sun Shu Wei
Published: January 2023

In view of the advantages of 1.6‐μm laser, it has important applications in the fields of laser radar, industry, military, and optical communication. This paper mainly focuses on 1.6‐μm Er: YAG solid‐state‐laser for Laser Radar. The references about pulsed 1.6‐μm single‐longitudinal‐mode laser, continuous wave 1.6‐μm Er: YAG single‐longitudinal‐mode seed laser, and pulsed 1.6‐μm Er: YAG Q‐switched amplifier are collected and analyzed. The development status is introduced, the main problems are identified, and the future development direction is clarified. Maybe, this can provide a reference for other scholars.
Investigating the dentoalveolar complex in archaeological human skull specimens: Additional findings with large volume micro‐CT compared to standard methods
Authors: Gurr Angela , Higgins Denice , Henneberg Maciej , Kumaratilake Jaliya , O'Donnell Matthew Brook , McKinnon Meghan , Hall Kelly A. , Brook Alan Henry
Published: January 2023

Archaeological investigation of the dentoalveolar complex in situ within a human skull requires detailed measurements using non‐invasive techniques. Standard macroscopic and radiographic methods have limitations but large volume micro‐computed tomography (LV micro‐CT) scanning has the potential to acquire data at high resolution in microns. In this study, archaeological specimens are analyzed using three‐dimensional data visualization software from LV micro‐CT scans with the aims of (1) determining whether LV micro‐CT can act as a single technique to provide detailed analysis of the dentoalveolar complex and (2) how findings from the LV micro‐CT technique compare with standard methods. These aims are explored by measuring a range of human skull specimens from a rare archaeological sample requiring non‐invasive methods, for multiple dental and alveolar bone health categories. The LV micro‐CT technique was the only method to provide a full range of detailed measurements across all categories studied. A combination of macroscopic and radiographic techniques covered a number of categories, but the use of multiple methods was more time consuming, did not provide the same level of accuracy, and did not include all measurements. There were high levels of reproducibility for intra‐operator scoring and good inter‐operator agreement from four operators with one operator whose results were outliers. As a further investigation of the potential of the LV micro‐CT technique, an additional individual, a fragile, fragmented skull of an infant was studied. This investigation confirms the value of LV micro‐CT scanning as a non‐invasive, accurate, single technique for the extensive analysis of the dentoalveolar complex within archaeological skulls, which also allows the relationship of different tissues to be studied in situ.
Obesity among Latinx people in the United States: A review
Authors: Alemán José Orlando , Almandoz Jaime P. , Frias Juan Pablo , Galindo Rodolfo J.
Published: January 2023

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that is associated with a range of adiposity‐based comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the United States, obesity is a public health crisis, affecting more than 40% of the population. Obesity disproportionately affects Latinx people, who have a higher prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) compared with the general population. Many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, traditional calorie‐dense Latinx diets, family dynamics, and differences in socioeconomic status, contribute to the increased prevalence and complexity of treating obesity in the Latinx population. Additionally, significant heterogeneity within the Latinx population and disparities in health care access and utilization between Latinx people and the general population add to the challenge of obesity management. Culturally tailored interventions have been successful for managing obesity and related comorbidities in Latinx people. Antiobesity medications and bariatric surgery are also important options for obesity treatment in Latinx people. As highlighted in this review, when managing obesity in the Latinx population, it is critical to consider the impact of genetic, dietary, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, in order to implement an individualized treatment strategy.

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Implementation of weekday time‐restricted eating to improve metabolic health in breast cancer survivors with overweight/obesity
Authors: Kirkham Amy A. , Ford Katherine L. , Ramos Da Silva Bruna , Topolnyski Jordan , Prado Carla M. , Joy Anil A. , Paterson D. Ian , Boulé Normand , Pituskin Edith , Haykowsky Mark J. , Thompson Richard B.
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of telephone‐based delivery of weekday‐only time‐restricted eating (TRE), its preliminary efficacy for metabolic outcomes, and concurrent lifestyle changes.

Methods

Twenty‐two breast cancer survivors aged 60+ years with overweight/obesity completed an 8‐week feasibility study of 12 to 8 p.m. weekday‐only ad libitum TRE. The intervention was delivered by one registered dietitian call, twice‐daily automated text messages asking about eating start and stop times, and three support phone calls. Magnetic resonance imaging, venipuncture, and 3 days of diet records and accelerometry were performed at baseline and after intervention.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 66 (SD 5) years with BMI of 31.8 (4.8) kg/m2. Intervention implementation was successful, including excellent adherence (98%), participant acceptability, and a low symptom profile and cost ($63/participant). There were no significant changes in individual components of metabolic syndrome, lipid profile, or hemoglobin A1c, despite clinically relevant changes occurring within individual participants. Magnetic resonance imaging–derived hepatic steatosis and thigh myosteatosis did not change. Dietary intake changes included reduced energy (−22%) and protein (−0.2 g/kg). Physical activity and sleep did not change.

Conclusions

Eight weeks of telephone‐delivered weekday TRE is a feasible, acceptable, low‐symptom, and low‐cost intervention. Future studies may consider a longer intervention length for more consistent metabolic improvements and counseling to enhance protein intake.
Rising NAFLD and metabolic severity during the Sars‐CoV‐2 pandemic among children with obesity in the United States
Authors: Slusher Aaron L. , Hu Pamela , Samuels Stephanie , Tokoglu Fuyuze , Lat Jessica , Li Zhongyao , Alguard Michele , Strober Jordan , Vatner Daniel , Shabanova Veronika , Caprio Sonia
Published: January 2023

Objective

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease among youth with obesity, precedes more severe metabolic and liver diseases. However, the impact of the Sars‐CoV‐2 global pandemic on the prevalence and severity of NAFLD and the associated metabolic phenotype among youth with obesity is unknown.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the Yale Pediatric Obesity Clinic during the Sars‐CoV‐2 global pandemic (August 2020 to May 2022) and were compared with a frequency‐matched control group of youth with obesity studied before the Sars‐CoV‐2 global pandemic (January 2017 to November 2019). Glucose metabolism differences were assessed during an extended 180‐minute oral glucose tolerance test. Magnetic resonance imaging‐derived proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was used to determine intrahepatic fat content in those with NAFLD (PDFF ≥ 5.5).

Results

NAFLD prevalence increased in participants prior to (36.2%) versus during the Sars‐CoV‐2 pandemic (60.9%), with higher PDFF values observed in participants with NAFLD (PDFF ≥ 5.5%) during versus before the pandemic. An increase in visceral adipose tissue and a hyperresponsiveness in insulin secretion during the oral glucose tolerance test were also observed.

Conclusions

Hepatic health differences were likely exacerbated by environmental and behavioral changes associated with the pandemic, which are critically important for clinicians to consider when engaging in patient care to help minimize the future risk for metabolic perturbations.
The Impact of Facility Type and Volume on Outcomes in Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Roman Kelsey M. , Torabi Sina J. , Bitner Benjamin F. , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Haidar Yarah M. , Tjoa Tjoson , Kuan Edward C.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate differences in treatment outcomes for head and neck mucosal melanoma (HNMM) patients seen at academic versus nonacademic centers and high versus low volume facilities.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Cancer Database.

Methods

Differences in treatment course and overall survival (OS) by facility type and volume were assessed for 2772 HNMM cases reported by the 2004 to 2017 National Cancer Database. A subgroup analysis was performed with a smaller cohort containing staging data. The analysis employed Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A higher proportion of patients treated at academic centers within the HNMM cohort waited longer for surgery after diagnosis (p < .001), had negative surgical margins (p < .001), and were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of surgery (p = .001); these relationships remained significant when controlling for cancer stage. Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated higher 5‐year OS for patients treated at academic versus nonacademic facilities within the main cohort (32.5% ± 1.3% vs 27.3% ± 1.5%; p = .006) and within the stage‐controlled subgroup (34.8% ± 2.1% vs 27.2% ± 2.6%; p = .003). Treatment at high volume versus low volume facilities was associated with improved 5‐year OS for main cohort patients (33.5% ± 1.7% vs 28.8% ± 1.2%; p = .016) but not for subgroup patients (35.3% ± 2.7% vs 30.1% ± 2.1%; p = .100). Upon multivariate analysis controlling for demographic and oncologic factors, there was no significant difference in OS by facility type (main cohort: odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01‐1.21; subgroup: OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.97‐1.32).

Conclusion

Neither facility type nor surgical volume predicts overall survival in HNMM.
Graduate training in school psychology: Applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Marshall Amanda P. , Ding Yi , Harris Abigail , Zusho Akane , Shen Yangqian , Wu Ying
Published: January 2023

This study investigated school psychologist's professional self‐efficacy in working with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and other general domains. This study recruited 215 specialist and doctoral level school psychologists or school psychology interns. The Applied Behavior Analysis Efficacy Scale (ABAES) was modeled after the Huber Inventory of Trainee Self‐Efficacy (HITS). Contributions of training quality, amount of training, and knowledge of ASD to predicting professional self‐efficacy measured by the HITS and ABAES were examined. The vicarious experiences during field training were the greatest predictor of self‐efficacy in general duties and ABA‐based tasks. Mastery experiences were found to predict self‐efficacy in ABA based tasks and imaginal experiences were predictive of self‐efficacy in general duties. Field experiences were the most impactful aspect of training, but concerns were raised about disparities in experience quality. Suggestions for graduate training of school psychologists are provided.
Matrine can be absorbed and transmitted bidirectionally to defend against aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on wheat and pepper
Authors: Sun Zheng , Zhang Bin , Li Wenkui , Zhou Yiwan , Zhang Jing , Wang Jun , Ma Zhiqing
Published: January 2023

Background

Although matrine is widely used, its absorption and transport mechanisms in crops remain unexplored. In this study, three methods including foliar application, hydroponics and seed immersion were used to investigate whether matrine molecules could enter into plants through different channels, and to further resolve its transport characteristics. The systemic activity of matrine also was evaluated.

Result

Matrine was quickly absorbed and transported downwards after the leaves of wheat or peppers were treated, and also accumulated and transmitted upwards by roots. It was not only absorbed by seeds, but also appeared continuously in young roots and leaves in both plants for nearly 20 days. There were some differences in the uptake and conduction of matrine between pepper and wheat: matrine concentrated in pepper upper leaves with less delivered downwards to roots than in wheat, and also transduction of matrine in pepper lower leaves upwards to upper leaves was less than in wheat. Matrine had systemic activity, with LC50 of 361.99 and 904.24 μg·mL−1 against Rhopalosiphum padib on wheat and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on pepper plants at 48 h, separately.

Conclusion

Matrine can be absorbed by the roots, seeds and leaves of plants, and transmitted bidirectionally to any organs, presenting satisfactory systemic poisoning activity against aphids. It is of great significance to develop new formulation products of matrine and promote its commercialized value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantification of flight times of aerial treatments targeting invasive species: the interplay of helicopter or drone with bait‐delivery systems, flight speed and bait form
Authors: Hoffmann Benjamin D. , Tessmann Adam , Quinn Greg , Lawton Faye
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Aerial treatments for invasive species management are now common, but we are unaware of any work published in the scientific literature quantifying how the interplay of numerous factors affects flight time and therefore operational costs. Here, we analyse aerial treatment data collected from two ant‐eradication programmes, quantifying how the relationships between flight time and area are influenced by numerous aircraft/delivery system/bait/flight speed combinations.

RESULTS

For bait dispersal by helicopters, and when swath widths are equivalent, side‐mounted Isolair was significantly more efficient than the simultaneous use of two underslung buckets, and use of two buckets was slightly but not significantly more efficient than one bucket. In this scenario, delivery by Isolair was, on average, 39.8% and 31.5% more efficient than the use of one or two buckets, respectively. However, when the swath width used with Isolair was halved to 10 m and flight speed was increased slightly, flight time was significantly greater compared to the other configurations. For bait dispersed by drone, flights conducted using an upgraded Flight Management System (FMS) and greater flight speed but smaller swath width were significantly more efficient than flights using the older FMS and lower flight speed. Over 10 and 50 ha the helicopter was 2.87 and 4.82 times more time efficient than the drone.

CONCLUSION

We encourage practitioners to publish data from their aerial treatments, and to try new methods, to accelerate improvements in efficiency and reduce the costs of aerial treatments. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
What drives feelings of responsibility for disaster preparedness? A case of power failures in Finland and New Zealand
Authors: Nikkanen Maija , Malinen Sanna , Laurikainen Heikki
Published: January 2023

The division of responsibilities for disaster preparedness between individuals and society is rapidly evolving: national‐level preparedness has made way for networked disaster risk governance, and citizens are also expected to play their part. Preparedness is shaped by various individual and socioeconomic factors, including previous disaster experience and perceptions of risk. However, little is known about whom citizens perceive to be responsible for preparedness. This study examines the factors associated with an individual's perception of their own responsibility in preparing for a disaster—long power failures—and the factors related to preparedness measures taken. As societal disaster context may impact perceptions of responsibility, we investigate preparedness through large‐scale surveys (n = 2028) in two countries: Finland, where the frequency of disasters is low, and New Zealand, which experiences disasters relatively often. We find that self‐efficacy strongly predicts perception of responsibility and actual preparedness measures in both countries. However, we show that New Zealanders feel more responsible for their own preparedness than Finns. This may be influenced by New Zealand's recent experiences of severe disasters and active preparedness‐related communication. In addition, previous experience with power failures and risk perception are connected to preparedness in both countries, echoing past research. We conclude that surrounding historical and societal context seem to shape the individual's feelings of responsibility for disaster preparedness, while self‐efficacy remains the most salient factor in empowering individuals to take responsibility.
Autonomous control of a prototype solar‐powered offshore autonomous underwater vehicle servicing platform via a low‐cost embedded architecture
Authors: Rolland Ethan S. , Haji Maha N. , de Weck Olivier L.
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the design, implementation, and field‐testing of a low‐cost autonomous control system on the Platform for Expanding Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) exploRation to Longer ranges (PEARL). PEARL is a floating, solar‐powered platform designed as a servicing station for AUVs. This paper describes the field testing of a prototype system currently without the ability to dock and recharge AUVs. In this prototype, autonomous operations are realized through the open‐source MOOS‐IvP marine robotics software running on an embedded architecture including a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, Arduino microcontroller, and onboard inertial measurement unit and GPS sensors. A solar charge controller monitors energy system statistics in real‐time. Field tests included station‐keeping and waypoint missions in a freshwater pond in Orleans, MA. An RMS tracking error of 0.9–2.2 m was achieved during waypoint pattern executions, with an average battery usage of 13% per hour. Net power consumption rate will change due to variations in currents and winds, as well as variations in solar irradiance. The implementation of an autonomous sun‐tracking mode to maximize solar panel flux while station‐keeping is also evaluated. The field testing results will inform the design of a full‐scale PEARL capable of docking with AUVs. This research helps pave the way for autonomous solar‐powered service stations in the ocean that can connect the underwater world with space.
Targeted Protein Degradation Technology and Nanomedicine: Powerful Allies against Cancer
Authors: Lin Jia‐Yi , Liu Hai‐Jun , Wu Ye , Jin Jin‐Mei , Zhou Yu‐Dong , Zhang Hong , Nagle Dale G. , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Luan Xin
Published: January 2023

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an emerging therapeutic strategy with the potential of targeting undruggable pathogenic proteins. After the first proof‐of‐concept proteolysis‐targeting chimeric (PROTAC) molecule was reported, the TPD field has entered a new era. In addition to PROTAC, numerous novel TPD strategies have emerged to expand the degradation landscape. However, their physicochemical properties and uncontrolled off‐target side effects have limited their therapeutic efficacy, raising concerns regarding TPD delivery system. The combination of TPD and nanotechnology offers great promise in improving safety and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of novel TPD technologies, discusses their clinical applications, and highlights the trends and perspectives in TPD nanomedicine.
Ouch! Eew! Blech! A Trialogue on Porous Technologies, Places and Embodiments
Authors: Iengo Ilenia , Kotsila Panagiota , Nelson Ingrid L.
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we bring political ecologies of health and the body into conversation with environmental justice and crip theory, science, technology and society studies (STS) and biopolitics. We present a trialogue that highlights three cases of health and embodiment examining the crosscutting themes of porosity and technologies as they offer us ways to insist on the right to be and signal a politics of health in FPE: (a) the lived experience of chronic pain as a catalyst for learning about environmental injustice in Naples, southern Italy, and the epistemic activism of crip communities producing counter-knowledge and mutual aid; (b) the spread of malaria among immigrant farmworkers in southern Greece as invisibilised intersectional and embodied injustice; and (c) embracing pharmaceuticals and vlogs with ambivalence while living with the temporary condition, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in the northeastern United States. We bring to the fore questions around bodies, harm, care and power, as those were brought about by our own situatedness in, and response-ability towards, embodied experiences of chronic pain, infection and nausea.
Meanings and Practices of Care in Feminist Political Ecology: An Intergenerational Conversation with Khayaat Fakier and Wendy Harcourt
Authors: Gómez Marlene , Voss Anna Katharina , Farrelly Eoin
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, the authors reflect on meanings of care through a conversation with Khayaat Fakier and Wendy Harcourt recorded in March 2022. The cross generational conversation weaves around the issue of care in relation to ethics, intersectional justice, feminism and environmental activism. We ask Khayaat and Wendy to share their perspectives on care, reflecting on the feminist roots of their activism, teaching and research.
Caring Communities for Radical Change: What Can Feminist Political Ecology Bring to Degrowth?
Authors: Barca Stefania , Di Chiro Giovanna , Harcourt Wendy , Iengo Ilenia , Kotsila Panagiota , Kulkarni Seema , Leonardelli Irene , Sato Chizu
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we share the insights of feminist political ecology (FPE) for degrowth, building from the debates on “caring communities for radical change” at the 8th International Degrowth Conference in August 2021. We discuss how FPE links to the principles of degrowth as an academic and activist movement and why it is necessary to take feminist political ecology perspectives on care and caring communities in resisting, questioning, and counteracting the structural racial, gender, and wider social inequalities that uphold and are perpetuated by growth-dependent economic systems. As we critically reflect on the experiences of paid versus unpaid, collectivised versus feminised care work, we argue that care is crucial to social and ecological reproduction in order to build just, sustainable and convivial societies.