bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Device and nondevice‐guided slow breathing to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Freitas Gonçalves Kamila S. , Queiroz Godoy Daniel Ana C. , Tatagiba Lamas José L. , Oliveira Henrique C. , Cloutier Lyne , De Campos Pereira Silveira Renata C. , Veiga Eugenia V.
Published: May 2022

Backgroud and Aims

Hypertension (HTN) is a multifactorial chronic disease. Considering the high prevalence rates of this disease, treatment of HTN is necessary, not only to reduce blood pressure (BP) levels but also to prevent the development of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and kidney diseases. This treatment can be through medication, which will be determined according to the BP values, obtained either in medical consultations or at home; presence of cardiovascular risk factors, and the presence of target organ damage identified during anamnesis. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to summarize the effects of device‐guided slow breathing (DGSB) and nondevice‐guided slow breathing (NDGSB) on BP levels of patients with HTN.

Methods

This study is a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials, pertaining to hypertensive patients, with or without comorbidity, over 18 years old, of both sexes, and with or without hypertensive medication. The selected studies showed comparisons between groups that performed DGSB and/or NDGSB with control conditions. The primary outcome was the value of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after the interventions.

Results

Twenty‐two studies involving 17,214 participants were included in the quantitative analysis. Considerable heterogeneity was revealed between studies. Using random effect model, it was found that DGSB did not significantly reduce SBP and DBP compared to usual care, both in terms BP values and in relation to their variations (SBP, mean difference [MD]: −2.13 mmHg, (95% confidence interval [CI]: −12.71 to 8.44), 288 individuals; I2 = 93%, high heterogenity: DBP, MD: −0.90, 95% CI: −3.97 to 2.11, 288 individuals; I2 = 63%, substantial heterogenity. SBP variations MD: −2.42, 95% CI: −7.24 to 2.40, 443 individuals; I2 = 85% high heterogenity/DBP variations MD: −1.67, 95% CI: −4.57 to 1.24, 443 individuals; I2 = 80%, high heterogenity).

Conclusion

Based on these results it appears that DGSB did not reduce BP in hypertensive patients and NDGSB is a new path for the future.
Fasting status modifies the association between triglyceride and all‐cause mortality: A cohort study
Authors: Fang Yan , Wang Yutang
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Both fasting and non‐fasting levels of triglyceride have been shown positively associated with all‐cause mortality. It is unknown whether fasting status modifies this association. This study aimed to address this question.

Methods

This study included 34,512 US adults (27,036 fasting and 7476 nonfasting participants). All‐cause mortality was ascertained by linkage to the National Death Index records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios of triglyceride for mortality.

Results

This cohort was followed up for a mean of 13.0 years. During the follow‐up, 8491 all‐cause deaths were recorded. A 1‐natural‐log‐unit increase in triglyceride was associated with an 8% higher multivariate‐adjusted risk of all‐cause mortality. Interaction analyses showed that fasting status interacted with triglyceride in predicting all‐cause mortality. Sub‐analyses showed that a 1‐natural‐log‐unit increase in triglyceride was associated with a 17% higher multivariate‐adjusted risk of all‐cause mortality in the nonfasting subcohort; however, there lacked such an association in the fasting sub‐cohort. Similarly, high (200–499 mg/dL) and very high levels of triglyceride (≥500 mg/dL) were associated with higher all‐cause mortality risks compared with low normal triglyceride (<100 mg/dL) only in the nonfasting subcohort.

Conclusion

This study found that, compared to fasting triglyceride, nonfasting triglyceride was more sensitive in predicting all‐cause mortality. This study supports the initiatives by some guidelines to recommend the use of nonfasting triglycerides for risk assessment.
Numerical analysis on heat transfer enhancement of Al2O3 nanofluid in the flattened conically coiled tubes
Authors: Solanki Anand K. , Ram B. Kasi , Siddharth V. S.
Published: May 2022

Enhancement in the heat transfer of the working fluid flowing inside the tube is achieved by modification of tubes and changing the direction of fluid flow. For this purpose, the straight tube can be changed into a conical coil tube, thereby, heat transfer is increased due to the centrifugal effect caused by the curvature of the tube. Furthermore, the circular cross‐section of the tube is modified into an oblong shape for more heat transfer enhancement. In this study, the numerical heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of Al2O3–water nanofluids in the flattened conically coiled tube are studied. The effect of the aspect ratio, cone angle, coil pitch, and solid volume fraction of nanofluids on heat transfer and pressure drop are examined. It is found that the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increase with the rise of aspect ratio, Reynolds number, and solid volume fraction of nanofluid, while it decreases with the increment of cone angles and coil pitches of conical coil tube. Furthermore, the effect of aspect ratio on the heat transfer enhancement factor, pressure drop ratio, and thermal performance index for Al2O3–water nanofluid are presented.
Special issue “The advance of solid tumor research in China”: Multi‐omics analysis based on 1311 clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples identifies a glycolysis signature associated with prognosis and treatment response
Authors: Tian Xi , Wang Yue , Xu Wenhao , Tang Haidan , Zhu Shuxuan , Anwaier Aihetaimujiang , Liu Wangrui , Wang Wenfeng , Zhu Wenkai , Su Jiaqi , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhang Hailiang , Ye Dingwei
Published: May 2022

In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), glycolysis is enhanced mainly because of the increased expression of key enzymes in glycolysis. Hence, the discovery of new molecular biomarkers for glycolysis may help guide and establish a precise system of diagnosis and treatment for ccRCC. Expression profiles of 1079 tumor samples of ccRCC patients (including 311 patients treated with everolimus or nivolumab) were downloaded from public databases. Proteomic profiles of 232 ccRCC samples were obtained from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC). Biological changes, tumor microenvironment and prognostic differences were explored between samples with various glycolysis characteristics. There were significant differences in CD8+effector T cells, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and pan‐fibroblast TGFb between the Low and High glyScore groups. The tumor mutation burden of the Low glyScore group was lower than that of the High glyScore group. And higher glyScore was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) in 768 ccRCC patients (P < .0001). External validation in FUSCC cohort also indicated that glyScore was of strong ability for predicting OS (P < .05). GlyScore may serve as a biomarker for predicting everolimus response in ccRCC patients due to its significant associations with progression‐free survival (PFS). And glyScore may also predict overall survival in patients treated with nivolumab. We calculated the glyScore in ccRCC and the defined glyScore was of strong ability for predicting OS. In addition, glyScore may also serve as a biomarker for predicting PFS in patients treated with everolimus and could predict OS in patients treated with nivolumab.
The existence of partitioned balanced tournament designs
Authors: Araya Makoto , Tokihisa Naoya
Published: May 2022

E. R. Lamken proved that there exists a partitioned balanced tournament design of side , PBTD(), for a positive integer, , except possibly for . In this article, we establish the existence of PBTD() for . As a consequence, the existence of PBTD() has now been completely determined.
A novel approach to type 3 diabetes mechanism: The interplay between noncoding RNAs and insulin signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moayedi Kiana , Orandi Shirin , Ebrahimi Reyhane , Tanhapour Maryam , Moradi Mona , Abbastabar Maryam , Golestani Abolfazl
Published: May 2022

Today, growing evidence indicates that patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, AD as one of the main causes of dementia in people aged more than 65 years can be aggravated by insulin resistance (IR) and other metabolic risk factors related to T2D which are also linked to the function of the brain. Remarkably, a new term called “type 3 diabetes” has been suggested for those people who are diagnosed with AD while also showing the symptoms of IR and T2D. In this regard, the role of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with AD has been confirmed by many studies. On the other hand, it should be noted that the insulin signaling pathway is highly regulated by various mechanisms, including epigenetic factors. Among these, the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs has been comprehensively studied with respect to the pathology of AD and the most well‐known underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, the number of studies exploring the association between ncRNAs and the downstream targets of the insulin signaling pathway in the development of AD has notably increased in recent years. With this in view, the present study aimed to review the interplay between different ncRNAs and the insulin signaling pathway targets in the pathogenesis of AD to find a new approach in the field of combining biomarkers or therapeutic targets for this disease.
Adsorption performance of red mud magnetic composite material modified by Spirit‐based distillers' grains for low‐concentration phosphorus in water
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Xie Yan , Meng Mei , Cao Yang , Feng Lunwei , Ao Xianquan , Yang Min
Published: May 2022

Background

Research on phosphate removal has focused on high‐phosphorus wastewater, which has difficulty meeting the discharge standard through one‐step processing. Herein, the rich carbon source of spirit‐based distillers' grains was used to reduce and roast red mud (RM) to prepare magnetic adsorption material (MRM), aiming to improve the adsorption performance of RM on low‐concentration phosphorus in water and to facilitate the separation and recovery of the adsorbent.

Results

The characterization results of MRM indicated that the high‐temperature decomposition of macromolecular minerals in RM exposed more active sites of metal ions. Compared with unmodified samples, the specific surface area and saturation magnetization of MRM increased by 3.64 and 9.21 times, respectively;this provided more active sites for phosphorus adsorption by MRM and gave the material magnetic separation ability. The results of adsorption experiments showed that MRM had a wide applicable pH range and good selectivity for phosphorus adsorption, and the phosphorus removal rate was 4.97 times that of RM. The adsorption process of phosphorus by MRM was more in line with the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model and the quasi‐second‐order kinetic equation, as it was a process of spontaneous endothermic entropy increase. The phosphorus removal mechanism included chemical precipitation, coordination exchange, physical adsorption, and electrostatic attraction.

Conclusion

MRM has good adsorption performance for low concentrations of phosphorus in water and provides an effective method for the resource utilization of red mud and spirit‐based distillers' grains. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Solidarity for African Women's Rights: A Case of Co‐Emergent Grassroots Leadership Activity in Nigeria
Authors: Ari Anisah , Kliewer Brandon W.
Published: May 2022

The mechanisms that advance community well‐being and the practice of democracy are changing. However, theories that inform democracy and associated leadership activities have not recognized Nigeria's unique historical, political, socio‐cultural, and economic context. The current article aims to offer a culturally specific and relevant understanding of grassroots movements that contribute to improved leadership activity in Nigeria.
HPV E6/E7mRNA association with interleukin 10 (rs1800872) polymorphism in a group of Macedonian women
Authors: Duvlis Sotirija , Dabeski Drage , Hiljadnikova‐Bajro Marija , Osmani Dugagjin , Memeti Shaban
Published: May 2022

Interleukin 10 (IL‐10) is an immunosuppressive cytokine and its genetic variants could have an indirect impact on viral biology and human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression as well. This study evaluates the association between IL‐10‐592 C/A (rs1800872) single‐nucleotide polymorphism and HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression in a group of women from the Republic of North Macedonia. Using a commercial test, 272 women's cervical samples were analyzed for HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HPV DNA presence. The cases were stratified into three groups: double‐positive (n = 108, positive for both tests), negative (n = 51, negative for HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HPV DNA positive), and the control group (n = 113, negative for both tests). The IL‐10‐592 C/A polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results showed the CC genotype and the C allele frequencies of IL‐10‐592C/A were significantly higher in double‐positive (59.3% and 78.2%) compared to negative group (39.2% and 65.7%), (p = 0.018, confidence interval [CI] = 2.25; 1.14–4.45 and p = 0.016, CI = 1.88; 1.11–3.16, respectively). The CC genotype and C allele of rs1800872 polymorphism were shown to be associated with HPV E6/E7 mRNA but not with HPV DNA positivity, which implies a possible role of this polymorphism in the course of the infection only after HPV onset, and lack of association with the susceptibility to HPV.
Genomics of postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 infections during the Delta dominated second wave of COVID‐19 pandemic, from Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), India
Authors: Nilgiriwala Kayzad , Kadam Pratibha , Patel Grishma , Shaikh Ambreen , Mestry Tejal , Vaswani Smriti , Sakthivel Shalini , Poojary Aruna , Gandhi Bhavesh , Rohra Seema , Udwadia Zarir , Oswal Vikas , Shah Daksha , Gomare Mangala , Sriraman Kalpana , Mistry Nerges
Published: May 2022

The present study was initiated to understand the proportion of predominant variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in postvaccination infections during the Delta dominated second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in India and to understand any mutations selected in the postvaccination infections or showing association with any patient demographics. Samples were collected (n = 166) from severe/moderate/mild COVID‐19 patients who were either vaccinated (COVISHIELD/COVAXIN—partial/fully vaccinated) or unvaccinated, from a city hospital and from home isolation patients in MMR. A total of 150 viral genomes were sequenced by Oxford Nanopore sequencing and the data of 136 viral genomes were analyzed for clade/lineage and for identifying mutations. The sequences belonged to three clades (21A, 21I, and 21J) and their lineage was identified as either Delta (B.1.617.2) or Delta+ (B.1.617.2 + K417N) or sub‐lineages of Delta variant (AY.120/AY.38/AY.99). A total of 620 mutations were identified of which 10 mutations showed an increase in trend with time (May–October 2021). Associations of six mutations (two in spike, three in orf1a, and one in nucleocapsid) were shown with milder forms of the disease and one mutation (in orf1a) with partial vaccination status. The results indicate a trend toward reduction in disease severity as the wave progressed.
Clinicopathological alteration of symptoms with serotype among dengue infected pediatric patients
Authors: Verma Priya , Banerjee Sayan , Baskey Upasana , Dutta Supradip , Bakshi Sagnik , Das Raina , Samanta Sandip , Dutta Shanta , Sadhukhan Provash C.
Published: May 2022

Dengue fever is a self‐limiting, acute febrile illness caused by an arbovirus. This infection may be asymptomatic or symptomatic with its potential life‐threatening form as DHF/DSS. Severe dengue cases occur typically in children due to overproduction of proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (called cytokines storm) as well as increased microvascular permeability in them. This study aimed to find circulating dengue serotype and their clinicopathological association among pediatric patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Kolkata, India. Overall, 210 patients were approached, among them, 170 dengue suspected children admitted to three tertiary care hospitals were included in this study. Dengue samples were screened for the presence of dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Viral RNA was extracted from NS1 seropositive serum samples and subjected to molecular serotyping by semi‐nested reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. All patients were followed up for clinical manifestations and biochemical parameters associated with dengue. Cocirculation of all four serotypes was observed and DENV2 was the major circulating strain. Physiological classification of associated clinical symptoms was done as per WHO guideline and represented as a percentage variable. A multivariate logistic regression approach was used for making a regression model including dengue‐associated clinical symptoms with dengue positivity or negativity as dependent variables. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 69% of patients and the commonest bleeding manifestation was petechia. Liver function profiles of infected patients were observed during follow‐up and represented using a box plot. A significant change in trends of dengue‐associated clinical manifestations and differential expression of liver functional profile with different phases of transition of dengue fever was observed in this study population.
Long‐term meteorological drought characterization in the São Francisco watershed, Brazil: A climatic water balance approach
Authors: Mutti Pedro R. , Dubreuil Vincent , Bezerra Bergson G. , Arvor Damien , Funatsu Beatriz M. , Santos e Silva Cláudio M.
Published: May 2022

Partially located in the Brazilian Semiarid region, the São Francisco watershed (SFW) is a strategic hydrological system for power generation, agricultural development and the integration of the national territory. Droughts are recurrent in the Brazilian Semiarid, and climate change projected scenarios indicate their intensification in the SFW, which may compromise the access to its resources. In this context, the objective of this study was to characterize long‐term spatial and temporal meteorological drought patterns over the SFW while accounting for its different climates. We used gridded Climate Research Unit Time Series rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (PET) data for the 1942–2019 (78 years) period to retrieve a monthly climatic water balance‐based drought index. The climatological aspects of drought incidence in the SFW were assessed through linear trend analysis, the estimation of the relative effects of precipitation and PET trends in drought occurrence, and the identification of the main interannual variability modes controlling the triggering of meteorological drought through wavelet functions. Results showed that water deficit periods are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting larger areas in the middle (tropical climate) and lower (semiarid climate) portions of the SFW. Months with water surplus in these regions are also becoming less frequent. In the upper (humid subtropical climate) SFW, evidences show that water deficit periods are becoming more frequent, with an expansion of areas affected by droughts. In this subregion, increasing PET trends played a more important role than precipitation trends in the propagation of drought. Finally, low‐frequency teleconnection mechanisms such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation were found to drive the occurrence of drought in most of the SFW, while higher frequency oscillations (such as the Atlantic Meridional Mode) play a role in the lower latitudes of the basin. In the upper SFW, results indicated that interannual variability might be driven by oscillations with stronger intraseasonal components.
An objective assessment for bone drilling: A pilot study on vertical drilling
Authors: Nigam Aman , Mohanty Ronak R. , Kellam James F. , Ambrose Catherine G. , Krishnamurthy Vinayak R. , Tai Bruce L.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to propose a quantitative assessment scheme to help with surgical bone drilling training. This pilot study gathered and compared motion and force data from expert surgeons (n = 3) and novice residents (n = 6). The experiment used three‐dimensional printed bone simulants of young bone (YB) and osteoporotic bone (OB), and drilling overshoot, time, and force were measured. There was no statistically significant difference in overshoot between the two groups (p = 0.217 for YB and 0.215 for OB). The results, however, show that the experts took less time (mean = 4.01 s) than the novices (mean = 9.98 s), with a statistical difference (p = 0.003 for YB and 0.0001 for OB). In addition, the expert group performed more consistently than the novices. The force analysis further revealed that experts used a higher force to drill the first cortical section and a noticeably lower force in the second cortex to control the overshoot (approximate reduction of 5.5 N). Finally, when drilling time and overshoot distance were combined, the motion data distinguished the skill gap between expert and novice drilling; the force data provided insight into the drilling mechanism and performance outcomes. This study lays the groundwork for a data‐driven training scheme to prepare novice residents for clinical practice.
Adolescent obesity incurs adult skeletal deficits in murine induced obesity model
Authors: Ben Tahar Soha , Garnier Julien , Eller Kerry , DiMauro Nicole , Piet Judith , Mehta Shihkar , Bajpayee Ambika G. , Shefelbine Sandra J.
Published: May 2022

Adolescent obesity has risen dramatically in the last few decades. While adult obesity may be osteoprotective, the effects of obesity during adolescence, which is a period of massive bone accrual, are not clear. We used a murine model of induced adolescent obesity to examine the structural, mechanical, and compositional differences between obese and healthy weight bone in 16‐week‐old female C57Bl6 mice. We also examined the effects of a return to normal weight after skeletal maturity (24 weeks old). We found obese adolescent bone exhibited decreased trabecular bone volume, increased cortical diameter, increased ultimate stress, and increased brittleness (decreased plastic energy to fracture), similar to an aging phenotype. The trabecular bone deficits remained after return to normal weight after skeletal maturity. However, after returning to normal diet, there was no difference in ultimate stress nor plastic energy to fracture between groups as the normal diet group increased ultimate stress and brittleness. Interestingly, compositional changes appeared in the former high‐fat diet mice after skeletal maturity with a lower mineral to matrix ratio compared to normal diet mice. In addition there was a trend toward increased fluorescent advanced glycation endproducts in the former high‐fat diet mice compared to normal diet mice but this did not reach significance (p < 0.05) due to the large variability. The skeletal consequences of adolescent obesity may have lasting implications for the adult skeleton even after return to normal weight. Given the rates of adolescent obesity, skeletal health should be a concern.
Preparation, characterization, and bioactivity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe powder‐based Pickering emulsions
Authors: Formoso Patrizia , Tundis Rosa , Pellegrino Maria Carmela , Leporini Mariarosaria , Sicari Vincenzo , Romeo Rosa , Gervasi Luigia , Corrente Giuseppina Anna , Beneduci Amerigo , Loizzo Monica Rosa
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Biocompatible Pickering emulsions (PE) stabilized by tailor‐made antioxidant‐loaded particles have been known for some time now, but antioxidant‐rich natural plant particle‐based emulsions are much less well known. This study aimed to investigate the physico‐chemical properties of commercial Zingiber officinale powders obtained from biological and conventional agricultural practice and ginger powder‐based PE.

RESULTS

The physico‐chemical and biological properties of Zingiber officinale powders (GDPs) obtained from conventional (GDPC1 and GDPC2) and biological agricultural (GDPBIO) practices, and the properties of derived PE (PE_GDPs) were examined. All GDPs showed weak aggregation in aqueous media and a sufficiently hydrophobic surface to stabilize oil‐in‐water (O/W) PE against coalescence for at least 1 month. Zingiber officinale powders (2% w/w) derived from biological agricultural practices (GDPBIO) demonstrated the best emulsifying properties. The Zingiber officinale powders and PE_GDPs were also characterized by their phytochemical profiles. All the investigated samples exhibited ferric reducing ability power greater than the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), with values ranging from 91.21 to 102.63 μmol L−1 Fe (II) g−1 for GDPC2 and 05PE_GDPC1 (O/W=1:1), respectively. In β‐carotene bleaching test the following trend GDPC1 > GDPBIO > GDPC2 was observed. A 05PE_GDPBIO sample with the oil volume fraction equal to 50% was stable to oxidation and exhibited a promising α‐amylase inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that ginger powder should be used as a starting point to design biocompatible PEs for different applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. In fact, powder and based PE are characterized by a promising antioxidant activity, carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme and lipase inhibitory properties. Further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these findings. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The body distribution of scabies skin lesions
Authors: Osti Millicent H. , Sokana Oliver , Lake Susanna , Whitfeld Margot J. , Boara Dickson , Nasi Titus , Dauer Sean , Marks Michael , Romani Lucia , Kaldor John M. , Steer Andrew C. , Engelman Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background

The clinical diagnosis of scabies relies on the assessment of signs and symptoms and an improved understanding of the distribution of skin lesions may lead to improved diagnostic performance.

Objectives

To investigate the detailed body distribution of scabies lesions and to explore the accuracy of simplified, focused examination approaches.

Methods

We did a prospective, cross‐sectional study in the Western Province of Solomon Islands (2019). Consenting individuals of all ages were eligible. The entire skin surface was examined, and the presence and number of typical scabies lesions were recorded at 98 topographic body sites, corresponding to 5 regions and 16 subregions. We compared the distribution at sites, regions and subregions overall, and by age and sex. We also calculated the expected sensitivity of examination of limited body areas. Choropleth maps were generated to provide detailed descriptions of the distribution of lesions.

Results

A total of 467 individuals were enrolled (median age: 9 years [range: 0–86]; female: 54.6%) of whom 269 (57.6%) participants had typical scabies lesions. The most common sites for scabies lesions were the dorsal fingers (65.7% of participants with scabies lesions), dorsal finger web spaces (62.1%) and dorsal hands (61.7%). Of those less than 2 years old with scabies, eight (30.8%) had lesions at the head and neck region compared to 10.8% of those aged 2–5. Genital lesions were more common in males than females (27.3% vs. 7%, relative risk 3.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–2.1). Simplified, focused examinations were estimated have very high sensitivity (hands and wrists only: 93.3%; exposed arms and legs: 99.3%) compared to whole‐body examinations.

Conclusion

We report highly detailed descriptions of the body distribution of scabies lesions, including differences by age and sex. These data are valuable for training and diagnosis and support the use of simplified, focused examinations for scabies mapping.
Recent Trends in Advanced Photoinitiators for Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing
Authors: Bao Yinyin
Published: May 2022

3D printing has revolutionized the way of manufacturing with a huge impact on various fields, in particular biomedicine. Vat photopolymerization‐based 3D printing techniques such as stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) attract considerable attention owing to their superior print resolution, relatively high speed, low cost, and flexibility in resin material design. As one key element of the SLA/DLP resin, photoinitiators or photoinitiating systems have experienced significant development in recent years, in parallel with the exploration of 3D printing (macro)monomers. The design of new photoinitiating systems cannot only offer faster 3D printing speed and enable low‐energy visible light fabrication, but also can bring new functions to the 3D printed products and even generate new printing methods in combination with advanced optics. This review evaluates recent trends in the development and application of advanced photoinitiators and photoinitiating systems for vat photopolymerization 3D printing, with a wide range of small molecules, polymers, and nanoassemblies involved. Personal perspectives on the current limitations and future directions are eventually provided.
Stability analysis of inertial neural networks: A case of almost anti‐periodic environment
Authors: Arbi Adnène , Tahri Najeh
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a class of inertial neural networks with time delays is considered. By developing an approach based on differential inequality techniques coupled with Lyapunov function method, some assertions are demonstrated to guarantee the exponential stability of almost anti‐periodic solutions for the dynamical system described the model. Finally, two numerical examples to illustrate the feasibility of our theoretical outcomes.
Neuromodulation for lower urinary tract symptoms in special populations
Authors: Wang Connie N. , Chung Doreen E.
Published: May 2022

Aims

Discuss the efficacy, safety, and future directions of neuromodulation in special populations of patients with neurological conditions.

Methods

A literature review was done to find meta‐analyses, review articles, studies, and case reports of the use of neuromodulation, either sacral neuromodulation or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, in patients with various neurological conditions of interest.

Results

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) appear to be safe and effective in special neurological populations of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and spinal cord injury (SCI). The majority of publications are smaller retrospective case series. Outcomes appear similar to those seen in nonneurogenic patients but also partly depend on disability progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility has helped to improve eligibility for SNM in these special populations.

Conclusions

In a small number of studies, SNM and PTNS appear to be safe and effective in special neurological populations of patients with MS, PD, and SCI. MRI compatibility has helped to improve eligibility for SNM in these special populations. Studies looking at SNM are limited by a small number of subjects, lack of prospective trials, and selection bias. Larger, randomized studies with long‐term follow up are needed to better predict response to SNM and PTNS in these populations
Effects of chronic metformin treatment on training adaptations in men and women with hyperglycemia: A prospective study
Authors: Moreno‐Cabañas Alfonso , Morales‐Palomo Felix , Alvarez‐Jimenez Laura , Ortega Juan Fernando , Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether chronic metformin use interferes with the improvements in insulin resistance (IR) and cardiorespiratory fitness with aerobic training in people with hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

A total of 63 middle‐aged (53 [7] years) individuals with MetS and obesity (BMI = 32.8 [4.5] kg/m2) completed 16 weeks of supervised high‐intensity interval training (3 d/wk, 43 min/session). Participants were either taking metformin (EXER+MET; n = 29) or were free of any pharmacological treatment for their MetS factors (EXER; n = 34). Groups were similar in their initial cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2MAX]), age, percentage of women, BMI, and MetS factors (z score). The effects of exercise training on IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA‐IR]), MetS z score, VO2MAX, maximal fat oxidation during exercise, and maximal aerobic power output were measured.

Results

Fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR decreased similarly in both groups with training (EXER+MET: −4.3% and −10.6%; EXER: −5.3% and −14.5%; p value for time = 0.005). However, metformin use reduced VO2MAX improvements by half (i.e., EXER+MET: 12.7%; EXER: 25.3%; p value for time × group = 0.012). Maximal fat oxidation during exercise increased similarly in both groups (EXER+MET: 20.7%; EXER: 25.3%; p value for time = 0.040). VO2MAX gains were not associated with HOMA‐IR reductions (EXER+MET: r = −0.098; p = 0.580; EXER: r = −0.255; p = 0.182).

Conclusions

Metformin use was associated with attenuated VO2MAX improvements but did not affect fasting IR reductions with aerobic training in individuals with hyperglycemia and high cardiovascular risk (i.e., MetS).
Poly(2‐oxazoline)s: a comprehensive overview of polymer structures and their physical properties—an update
Authors: Jana Somdeb , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: May 2022

Poly(2‐alkyl/aryl‐2‐oxazoline)s (PAOxs) have gained immense attraction in the polymer research community because of their relative ease of microwave‐assisted synthesis, tailor‐made properties and, most importantly, recent recognition as an upcoming polymer platform for many medical and biological applications (next generation polymer therapeutics/biomaterials). The materials and solution properties of PAOx can be easily tuned by changing the side chain functionalities. This review describes very recent advances in structures and side‐chain‐dependent properties of PAOx that are reported in the literature from 2017 and onwards. The review starts with providing an encyclopaedic overview of newly reported PAOx homopolymers, including their design strategies and limitations. Subsequently, their side‐chain‐dependent thermal and solution properties are discussed. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Reference values for respiratory sinusoidal oscillometry in children aged 3 to 17 years
Authors: Ducharme Francine M. , Smyrnova Anna , Lawson Christiane C. , Miles Laura May
Published: May 2022

Background

New oscillometry devices allowing quantification of respiratory function using tidal breathing are commercially available, but reference equations are lacking for the multiethnic Canadian pediatric population.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cross‐sectional study of healthy children carefully selected for absence of asthma, atopy, tobacco smoke, obesity, prematurity, and recent respiratory infection. Triplicate measures were obtained of respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs), area under the reactance curve (AX) and resonant frequency (Fres) on four signals, whose testing order was randomized: two signals on the Resmon Pro Full (8 Hz and 5‐11‐19 Hz) and two signals on the tremoflo C‐100 (5–37 Hz and 7–41 Hz). Feasibility was defined as the ability to obtain valid reproducible results. Prediction equations and 95% confidence intervals were derived for whole‐ and within‐breath Rrs and Xrs and for AX and Fres, using linear regression or Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape.

Results

Of 306 children randomized, valid and reproducible results on ≥1 signal were obtained in 299 (98%) multiethnic (69% Caucasians: 8% Black: 23% Others) children aged 3–17 years, 91–189 cm tall. Standing height was the strongest predictor with no significant effect of sex, age, body mass index or ethnicity. Significant within‐patient differences were observed between Resmon Pro and tremoflo C‐100 measurements, justifying the derivation of device‐specific reference equations.

Conclusion

Valid reproducible oscillometry measurements are highly feasible in children aged 3 years and older. Device‐specific reference equations, valid for our multiethnic population, are derived.
Examining the mechanistic relationship of APC/CCDH1 and its interphase inhibitor EMI1
Authors: Bolhuis Derek L. , Martinez‐Chacin Raquel C. , Welsh Kaeli A. , Bodrug Tatyana , Cui Liying , Emanuele Michael J. , Brown Nicholas G.
Published: May 2022

Proper protein destruction by the ubiquitin (Ub)‐proteasome system is vital for a faithful cell cycle. Hence, the activity of Ub ligases is tightly controlled. The Anaphase‐Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) is a 1.2 MDa Ub ligase responsible for mitotic progression and G1 maintenance. At the G1/S transition, the APC/C is inhibited by EMI1 to prevent APC/C‐dependent polyubiquitination of cell cycle effectors. EMI1 uses several interaction motifs to block the recruitment of APC/C substrates as well as the APC/C‐associated E2s, UBE2C, and UBE2S. Paradoxically, EMI1 is also an APC/C substrate during G1. Using a comprehensive set of enzyme assays, we determined the context‐dependent involvement of the EMI1 motifs in APC/C‐dependent ubiquitination of EMI1 and other substrates. Furthermore, we demonstrated that an isolated C‐terminal peptide fragment of EMI1 activates APC/C‐dependent substrate priming by UBE2C. Together, these findings reveal the multiple roles of the EMI1 C‐terminus for G1 maintenance and the G1/S transition.
Trunk injection delivery of dsRNA for RNAi‐based pest control in apple trees
Authors: Wise John C , Wise Annabel G , Rakotondravelo Mamy , Vandervoort Christine , Seeve Candace , Fabbri Brad
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new approach for controlling insect pests without the use of synthetic pesticides. Trunk injection is a delivery system for woody plants that harnesses the vascular system of the tree to transport materials to the tree canopy. Full size apple trees were injected with double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), and season‐long leaf samples were taken to measure the vascular mobility and temporal persistence of dsRNA, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

RESULTS

The qRT‐PCR results revealed that the quantities of dsRNA in the apple leaves of treated trees were significantly greater than those in the leaves of untreated trees for both 2019 and 2020 studies. The peak dsRNA concentration in 2019 was 242 pg/30 mg of leaf tissue, and in 2020 was 16.4 pg/30 mg. The persistence of dsRNA in the apple tree canopy in 2019 was at least 84 days, and in 2020 was at least 141 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The highest mean measurement of dsRNA on a single date in 2019 was 242 pg, which is approximately equivalent to 8 ng/1 g leaf tissue. The projection using the highest replicate concentration from the same date is approximately equivalent to 27 ng/1 g leaf tissue, which may be sufficient to be considered biologically active. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Fault‐tolerant controller design for nonlinear systems with multiple input and state delays based on sliding mode algorithm
Authors: Azmi Hadi , Yazdizadeh Alireza
Published: May 2022

In this article, a novel sliding mode control (SMC) strategy for nonlinear Lipschitz systems with multiple and dissimilar time delays in the states and inputs is proposed. Using linear matrix inequality, a modified integral sliding surface scientifically based on which the innovative SMC approach is developed. Lyapunov–Krasovskii's theory is employed to guarantee asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system, such that states starting from any arbitrary initial conditions reach the sliding surface in a finite time and stay on it for all subsequent time. It is also proved that the practical effects of the actuator's faults are simultaneously attenuated. An online adaptive tuning law is used to estimate and isolate actuators' possible faults reliably. From the implementation point of view, the controller structure is more straightforward than the most existing recent fault‐tolerant control methods. Simulation results performed on practical nonlinear systems (quadruple tank and industrial continuous stirred tank reactor) verified the outstanding merits of the proposed approach. The operational capabilities of the proposed scheme in the presence of actuators' faults and multiple delays in the states and inputs were also demonstrated.
Observer and output feedback control for nonlinear ordinary differential equation coupled to an under‐actuated transport partial differential equation
Authors: Mathiyalagan Kalidass , Shree Nidhi Ayyapparaj
Published: May 2022

In this article, the under‐actuation problem for a class of first order hyperbolic partial differential equation system coupled to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation is considered. An anticollocated observer design and an appropriate output feedback control is developed based on the backstepping methodology. The stability conditions for the nonlinear coupled system are proposed using the Lyapunov theory and are formulated in terms of the LMI constraints. Further, we have extended the stability results and backstepping control design for the fractional‐order coupled system. The stability conditions and the control law proposed in the work are evaluated considering a numerical simulation.
Effect of Chemical and Thermal Treatment Priority on Physicochemical Properties and Removal of Crystal Violet Dye from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Gökırmak Söğüt Eda
Published: May 2022

The release of pollutants, especially dyes, has been a significant concern as it affects the stability of ecosystems due to poor implementation of waste protocols. In this study, the diatomite samples were characterized by pHpzc, ICP, pore size distribution, XRD, TG‐DTA, BET, SEM and FTIR (before‐after). The adsorption properties of a cationically charged dye, crystal violet (CV), on the diatomite samples were investigated by varying the adsorption parameters with the aim of evaluating the adsorption mechanism. Nonlinear Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin‐Radushkevich and Redlich‐Peterson isotherm models, pseudo‐first and pseudo‐second order kinetic models, intraparticle diffusion and Boyd models were evaluated. The adsorption mechanism was explained by the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacities for CV (at pH 7.0) of DHCl, D800 °C+HCl and DHCl+800 °C were 5.07 mg g−1 and 4.93 mg g−1 and 65.78. mg g−1 at 298 K, respectively. It was also shown that the CV adsorption was reasonable according to the second‐order kinetic model (R2=1). Adsorption occurred via two mechanisms: hydrophobic interactions and the combination of surface hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups on the diatomite surface and the nitrogen atoms of the CV. The results indicated that using DHCl+800 °C would provide a simple, energy‐saving, and cost‐effective approach to removing cationic dyes from an aqueous solution.
Controlling Superhydrophobicity of Aluminum with Hierarchical Micro‐Nanostructure Film for Superb Self‐Cleaning and Anti‐Corrosion
Authors: Wu Shen , Zhang Di , Gong He , Wang Zengyi , Huang Yi , Guo Lide , Hu Chenxi , Yan Huiyu , Kang Jianhai , Han Jianhua , Liu Zhifeng
Published: May 2022

In this study, typical electrodeposition method was proposed to fabricate uniform CuO hierarchical micro‐nanostructure on aluminum (Al) substrate. The superhydrophobic protective film was then fabricated by modifying stearic acid (STA) on this hierarchical CuO film. The static water contact angle reached up to 163° by coating CuO/STA film on Al substrate, and the rolling‐off angle was as low as 3.7°. In addition, CuO/STA coated Al displayed wonderful non‐sticking performance when the free‐falling water droplets contact the surface. As expected, superb anti‐corrosion properties of Al were achieved by coating superhydrophobic CuO/STA film on Al. The corrosion current density of CuO/STA coated Al decreased 2 orders of magnitude comparing with that of pristine Al, and the corrosion protection efficiency of CuO/STA coated Al reached up to 98 % in comparison with pristine Al. Therefore, superhydrophobic CuO/STA film coated Al substrate greatly prolong the working life of Al materials in harsh working condition. The universal method used in this study also provides a potential route for coating superhydrophobic and anti‐corrosion protective film on other metallic substrates or conductive substrates.
A New Benzimidazolium Ion‐Based “Turn Off” Fluorescent Compound for Detection of Fe3+ Ion and Its Application towards Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Cell Imaging Study
Authors: Manna Susanta Kumar , Chakraborty Sudipta , Adak Arup Kumar , Samanta Shubhankar
Published: May 2022

A novel water soluble fluorescent compound methylated polycyclic benzimidazolium ion 4 based on benzimidazolium ion (85 % yield) for the response of Fe3+ has been demonstrated for the first time due to its excellent photophysical properties. The molecule is highly sensitive and selective towards Fe3+. A dramatic fluorescence switch on‐off‐on has been observed during interchange from Fe3+ to EDTAand the detection limit is 15.8 nM (3σ method) for Fe3+ ions. The compound 4 exhibits excellent antimicrobial and anti‐biofilm activities against E.cloacae and S.aureus. Cell imaging and mammalian cell cytotoxicity were also investigated. The synthesized molecule exhibits selective activity toward gram‐positive bacteria than gram‐negative ones among six different bacterial species.
Recent Research Progress of Silicon‐Based Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Aimin , Li Hang , Chen Xinwen , Han Yeyang , Zhu Zhongpan , Chu Chuanchuan
Published: May 2022

Silicon (Si)‐based materials have become one of the most promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to their high energy density, but in practice, lithium ions embedded in Si anode materials can lead to a maximum volume expansion of nearly three times, which can cause material chalking and shedding, thus affecting the battery cycle life, while the poor electrical conductivity of Si as a semiconductor material also restricts its further development. A lot of research has been carried out based on these problems. This paper reviews the recent research in three aspects: binder, Si surface structure function, and Si carbon composites, summarizes the research lines, methods, and problems of different Si‐based materials, and gives an outlook on their future research.