bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human urinary kallidinogenase in acute ischemic stroke: A single‐arm, multicenter, phase IV study (RESK study)
Authors: Ni Jun , Yao Ming , Wang Li‐Hua , Yu Ming , Li Run‐Hui , Zhao Li‐Hong , Wang Jia‐Chun , Wang Yin‐Zhou , Wang Xin , Song Hai‐Qing , Luo Ben‐Yan , Wang Jia‐Wei , Huang Yi‐Ning , Cui Li‐Ying ,   for the RESK Investigators
Published: September 2021

Aims

Human urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) has shown favorable efficacies in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment. We sought confirmation of the safety and efficacy of HUK for AIS in a large population.

Methods

RESK study enrolled patients with AIS of anterior circulation to receive HUK infusion. The primary endpoint was the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints assessed neurological and functional improvements and stroke recurrent rate.

Results

Of 1206 eligible patients, 1202 patients received at least one dose of HUK infusion and 983 (81.5%) completed the study. The incidence of treatment‐emergent AEs and serious AEs were 55.99% and 2.41%, respectively. Pre‐specified AEs of special interest occurred in 21.71% of patients, but the majority were mild and unrelated to therapy. Hypertension, age, treatment time, and drug combination were identified to be associated with drug‐related blood pressure reduction. Neurological and functional evaluations revealed favorable outcomes from baseline to post‐treatment assessment. The cumulative recurrence rate of stroke was 2.50% during the 90‐day assessment.

Conclusion

HUK had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in AIS patients. Besides, HUK demonstrated the neurological and functional improvements in AIS, further confirming its clinical efficacy in a real‐world large population.
Occupational contact allergy of construction workers in Greece: Trends during 2009–2018
Authors: Gregoriou Stamatios , Anagnostou Periklis , Mastraftsi Styliani , Platsidaki Eftychia , Tsimpidakis Antonis , Chatzidimitriou Eleni , Kontochristopoulos George , Katoulis Alexandros , Nicolaidou Electra , Stratigos Alexandros , Rigopoulos Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent trends in the sensitization of construction workers show a decrease in potassium dichromate and an increase in epoxy resin sensitization.

Objectives

To present the trends of occupational contact allergy of construction workers in Greece from 2009 to 2018.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the files of patients with eczema patch tested in our Contact Dermatitis Clinic who were construction workers.

Results

A total of 191 construction workers initially reported contact dermatitis. Of these, 138 had occupation‐relevant allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) or irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). All patients were men. After being patch tested, 98 (71.0%) were diagnosed with ACD and 40 with ICD. Median duration of occupation till onset of ACD was 2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.8–7). The hands were the most common location for ACD (73.5%), followed by the trunk (39.8%), the legs (38.8%), and the face (11.2%). Of the patients, 74.6% had lesions affecting multiple body sites. Potassium dichromate (67%) was the most frequent allergen, followed by thiuram mix (37.4%) and cobalt chloride (31.8%). Sensitization to epoxy resins was lower (12.1%).

Conclusion

The sensitization pattern of Greek construction workers does not follow the trends in Central or Northern Europe, rather sharing attributes with less industrialized countries.
Video education to facilitate patient outreach about living kidney donation: A proof of concept
Authors: Kayler Liise K. , Seibert Rachel E. , Dolph Beth A. , Keller Maria M. , Cadzow Renee B. , Nie Jing , Noyes Katia , Feeley Thomas H.
Published: September 2021

Background

Increasing living‐donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) requires education of transplant candidates and their social network. This pre‐post study tested the feasibility and acceptability of KidneyTIME, an intervention which leverages LDKT video‐based educational content designed for sharing.

Methods

Adult kidney candidates undergoing transplant evaluation/re‐evaluation and their caregivers at a single transplant center viewed different sets of KidneyTIME videos prior to evaluation. Change in LDKT knowledge, self‐efficacy, and concerns was assessed before and immediately after exposure and 3 weeks later. Also assessed were post‐exposure program feedback, online use, and living donor (LD) inquiry.

Results

A total of 82 candidates and 79 caregivers participated. Viewers of KidneyTIME demonstrated increases in mean LDKT knowledge by +71% and communication self‐efficacy by +48%, and reductions in concerns by ‐21%. The intervention was received positively, with over 95% of participants agreeing that the videos were understandable, credible, and engaging. By 3 weeks follow‐up, 58% had viewed it again, 63% of family clusters had shared it, and 100% would recommend the program to a friend. Time to LD inquiry was similar to historic controls.

Conclusion

KidneyTime improved facilitators of LDKT, was rated as highly acceptable, and was highly shared, but did not impact LD inquiry during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on high‐resolution manometry and peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal motility disorder in Japan
Authors: Ominami Masaki , Sato Hiroki , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Abe Hirofumi , Shiwaku Hironari , Shiota Junya , Sato Chiaki , Sakae Hiroyuki , Hata Yoshitaka , Fukuda Hisashi , Ogawa Ryo , Nakamura Jun , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Ikebuchi Yuichiro , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: September 2021

Aim

To elucidate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the practice of high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in Japan.

Methods

We utilized a large‐scale database involving 14 high‐volume centers in Japan to investigate changes in the numbers of HRM and POEM procedures performed and outcomes of POEM between 2019 and 2020. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to analyze pandemic‐associated changes in the HRM and POEM protocols.

Results

Compared to that in 2019, the number of HRM and POEM procedures decreased by 17.2% (1587–1314) and 20.9% (630–498), respectively. These declines were prominent during the state of emergency from April to May 2020, particularly in pandemic areas. HRM and POEM in nonpandemic areas were relatively unaffected. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 0.4% (254–248) decrease in POEM cases within the prefecture, but the number outside the prefecture decreased by 33.6% (372–247). During the pandemic, the safety and efficacy of POEM were maintained. The implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) measures varied among facilities, and PPE for POEM was relatively insufficient compared to that for HRM.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic influenced HRM and POEM practices in Japan. It is necessary to establish a sufficient system for HRM and POEM in each hospital as well as countrywide to overcome the effects of the pandemic.
Voting Up? The Effects of Democracy and Franchise Extension on Human Stature
Authors: Batinti Alberto , Costa‐Font Joan , Hatton Timothy J.
Published: September 2021

We study the effect of the spread of democracy on population health in 15 European countries since the middle of the 19th century, and more specifically the average height of adult males by five‐year birth cohort, and we estimate the effect of transitions to democracy using within‐country variation. We find that the advent of democracy increased average height by about 0.7 cm. When we also account for the extension of the franchise to women, this increases to 1 cm or about 9% of the total increase in height of birth cohorts from the 1870s to the 1970s. Intervening mechanisms include reduced inequality and increased expenditure on social and health services. Our results are robust to a wide range of econometric tests.
The clinical role of transesophageal echocardiography during transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Wang Lu , Hai Ting , Feng Yi , Han QiaoYu , Li YaRu , Ju Hui , Jiang Yan , Li XueBin , Ze Feng , Liu Gang , Jiang LuYang
Published: September 2021

Background

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly used during cardiothoracic procedures. TEE has also become standard during transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures, but its effect and role have not been optimally defined. The goal of this study is to identify how TEE was used during TLE at our institute and review its utility.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed high‐risk patients undergoing TLE, for whom more complications during extraction procedures, from June 2012 to September 2020. The patients were divided into TEE group and non‐TEE group according to real‐time TEE monitoring. We compared the rate of procedural success, complications between two groups and concluded the clinical utility of TEE during TLE.

Results

A total of 195 patients were included (105 in TEE group vs 90 in non‐TEE group), the rate of procedure success (97.8% vs 96.5%, p = 0.41) and complications during extraction (8.6% vs 12.2%, p = 0.40, major complication 5.7% vs 12.2%, p = 0.11, minor complication 2.9% vs 0%, p = 0.30) were comparable. In TEE group, 12 patients (11.4%) received following benefits: altering surgical plans, guiding subsequent therapy strategies, and rapidly diagnosing complications, moreover no complications occurred from TEE.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that real‐time monitoring by TEE cannot change the rate of procedural success and complication during TLE; however, TEE provides valuable information to instruct clinical therapy and improves the safety of TLE.
Complications after transesophageal echocardiogram in pediatric patients with gastrostomy tube and/or Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Jacobs Hannah M. , Aldrich Julie B. , Dutro Marc , Lee Simon , Rowland Daniel G. , Cua Clifford L.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is frequently used in children with and without congenital heart disease when transthoracic echocardiography is inadequate for visualizing cardiac structures. Recent guidelines state relative contraindications of TEE include post‐gastrostomy tube (GT) or Nissen fundoplication surgery. No data exist documenting the incidence of complications in this population after a TEE. Aim of this study was to document the incidence of abdominal complications after TEE in pediatric patients who previously had a GT or Nissen fundoplication.

Methods

Single institution retrospective study was performed evaluating patients from 2013 through 2020. Patients were included if they had previously undergone a GT or Nissen procedure and subsequently underwent a TEE procedure. Baseline demographics were obtained. Major (esophageal/gastric perforation, oropharyngeal dysphagia, GT displacement, and Nissen breakdown) and minor (abdominal pain, feeding intolerance, and GT leakage) complications were recorded.

Results

Total of 34 patients underwent 48 TEE procedures. Age was 6.2 ± 6.6 years (median 3.0 years, .4 – 23.0 years) and weight was 18.5 ± 14.8 kgs (median 12.4 kgs, 4.2 – 57.5 kg) at time of TEE. Twenty‐nine patients had congenital heart disease. Five patients had a Nissen fundoplication, 14 patients had a GT, and 15 patients had both procedures prior to the TEE. No patient had a major abdominal complication after the TEE. One patient had abdominal pain (2.1%), one patient had feeding intolerance and leakage around the GT site (2.1%), and two patients had leakage around the GT site (4.2%) after the TEE. Patients that experienced complications were significantly younger (1.7 ± 1.1 years vs. 6.6 ± 6.7 years, P < .01) and weighed less (8.7 ± 3.5 kg vs. 20.1 ± 15.5 kg, P < .01) than those that had no complications. All minor complications resolved with minimal interventions required.

Conclusion

In this study, major abdominal complications did not occur after a TEE procedure in pediatric patients that had previous abdominal surgeries. The incidence of minor complications was relatively low and was easily remedied in this patient population. Though a relative contraindication by guidelines, TEE imaging, including transgastric views, can be performed relatively safely in pediatric patients with prior abdominal surgeries if needed.
Think outside the coronary artery: Extremely rare case of STEMI in young man
Authors: Bajoras Vilhelmas , Jagelavičius Žymantas , Balčiūnaitė Giedrė , Wong Ivan , Gruslys Vygantas , Ringaitienė Donata , Davidavičius Giedrius
Published: September 2021

Acute myocardial infarction caused by a bronchogenic cyst is a very rare pathology. It occurs as a result of external compression of the coronary artery by the cyst, leading to myocardial ischemia. The present case illustrates that a bronchogenic cyst, which is generally considered to be a chronic disease entity with gradual onset of symptoms, can manifest acutely as a life‐threatening condition. Timely invasive coronary intervention is critical in the acute management of this complication while multimodality imaging assessment is essential in the subsequent management of the underlying etiology.
Comparison of transvalvular flow rate in aortic stenosis subtypes
Authors: Moseley Alex D. , Ahart Zachary C. , Harris David M.
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Evaluate ET and TVFR in normal patients, PLFLGAS, LGLFAS, and classic pre and post TAVR.

Background: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is defined echocardiographically. Generating a pressure gradient to meet diagnostic criteria is dependent on left ventricular contractility, stroke volume, and ejection time.  Abnormalities in these decrease the mean pressure gradient across the valve creating pathology termed low flow, low gradient AS. This occurs in two subtypes, low ejection fraction LFLGAS and paradoxical LFLGAS (PLFLGAS), in which EF is normal but stroke volume is < 35 ml/m2. Paradoxical LFLGAS is difficult to diagnose and does not have a confirmatory echocardiographic parameter. Transvalvular flow rate (TVFR), which is defined as stroke volume divided by the ejection time, provides a direct measure of flow across the aortic valve.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center between 2016 and 2019 was performed. Patients were classified by AS subtype. ET and TVFR were measured pre and post TAVR and statistically compared using SPSS statistics software and ANOVA analysis.

Results: Pre TAVR TVFR in the normal population, severe AS population, and LFLGAS were not significantly different. The pre TAVR TVFR in paradoxical LFLGAS patients was significantly lower than other groups. TVFR improved to the greatest degree post TAVR in PLFLGAS but did not meet statistical significance.

Conclusions: The significantly lower TVFR demonstrated in PLFLGAS provides a comprehensive, direct measurement of aortic valve hemodynamics and PLFLGAS pathology and can aid in diagnosis.
Abnormal dendritic morphology in the cerebellum of cyclooxygenase‐2− knockin mice
Authors: Kissoondoyal Ashby , Rai‐Bhogal Ravneet , Crawford Dorota A.
Published: September 2021

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a bioactive signalling molecule metabolized from the phospholipid membranes by the enzymatic activity of cycloxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). In the developing brain, COX‐2 constitutively regulates the production of PGE2, which is important in neuronal development. However, abnormal COX‐2/PGE2 signalling has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We have previously demonstrated that COX‐2−‐KI mice show autism‐related behaviours including social deficits, repetitive behaviours and anxious behaviours. COX‐2‐deficient mice also have deficits in pathways involved in synaptic transmission and dendritic spine formation. In this study, we use a Golgi–COX staining method to examine sex‐dependent differences in dendritic and dendritic spine morphology in neurons of COX‐2−‐KI mice cerebellum compared with wild‐type (WT) matched controls at postnatal day 25 (P25). We show that COX‐2−‐KI mice have increased dendritic arborization closer to the cell soma and increased dendritic looping. We also observed a sex‐dependent effect of the COX‐2−‐KI on dendritic thickness, dendritic spine density, dendritic spine morphology, and the expression of β‐actin and the actin‐binding protein spinophilin. Our findings show that changes in COX‐2/PGE2 signalling lead to impaired morphology of dendrites and dendritic spines in a sex‐dependant manner and may contribute the pathology of the cerebellum seen in individuals with ASD. This study provides further evidence that the COX‐2−‐KI mouse model can be used to study a subset of ASD pathologies.
Community‐level prevalence of a forest pathogen, not individual‐level disease risk, declines with tree diversity
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa M. , Simler‐Williamson Allison B. , Rizzo David M.
Published: September 2021

Understanding why diversity sometimes limits disease is essential for managing outbreaks; however, mechanisms underlying this ‘dilution effect’ remain poorly understood. Negative diversity‐disease relationships have previously been detected in plant communities impacted by an emerging forest disease, sudden oak death. We used this focal system to empirically evaluate whether these relationships were driven by dilution mechanisms that reduce transmission risk for individuals or from the fact that disease was averaged across the host community. We integrated laboratory competence measurements with plant community and symptom data from a large forest monitoring network. Richness increased disease risk for bay laurel trees, dismissing possible dilution mechanisms. Nonetheless, richness was negatively associated with community‐level disease prevalence because the disease was aggregated among hosts that vary in disease susceptibility. Aggregating observations (which is surprisingly common in other dilution effect studies) can lead to misinterpretations of dilution mechanisms and bias towards a negative diversity‐disease relationship.
Species richness increases fitness differences, but does not affect niche differences
Authors: Spaak Jurg W. , Carpentier Camille , De Laender Frederik
Published: September 2021

A key question in ecology is what limits species richness. Modern coexistence theory presents the persistence of species as a balance between niche differences and fitness differences that favour and hamper coexistence, respectively. With most applications focusing on species pairs, however, we know little about if and how this balance changes with species richness. Here, we apply recently developed definitions of niche and fitness differences, based on invasion analysis, to multispecies communities. We present the first mathematical proof that, for invariant average interaction strengths, the average fitness difference among species increases with richness, while the average niche difference stays constant. Extensive simulations with more complex models and analyses of empirical data confirmed these mathematical results. Combined, our work suggests that, as species accumulate in ecosystems, ever‐increasing fitness differences will at some point exceed constant niche differences, limiting species richness. Our results contribute to a better understanding of coexistence multispecies communities.
Plant input does not exert stronger control on topsoil carbon persistence than climate in alpine grasslands
Authors: Wu Donghai , Xu Xiangtao , Zhang Haicheng
Published: September 2021

Chen et al. (Ecology Letters, 2021, 24, 1018) concluded that plant input governs topsoil carbon persistence in alpine grasslands. We demonstrated that the excluded direct effect of precipitation on topsoil Δ14C in their analysis was significant and strong. Our results provide an alternative viewpoint on the drivers of soil carbon turnover.
Epilepsy centers in China: Current status and ways forward
Authors: Lin Yicong , Hu Shimin , Hao Xueya , Duan Lirong , Wang Wei , Zhou Dong , Wang Xuefeng , Xiao Bo , Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Yi , Zhou Liemin , Fu Xianming , Jiang Yuwu , Zhang Jianguo , Deng Yanchun , Wang Wenzhi , Wu Xun , Fang Xianghua , Hong Zhen , Li Shichuo , Wang Yuping ,   for the Commission on Standardized Development of Epilepsy Centers, China Association Against Epilepsy
Published: September 2021

Objective

China has the largest population of patients with epilepsy worldwide, which imposes a heavy burden on the public and health care systems. Several epidemiological surveys on epilepsy have been performed in China. Although these surveys grossly describe the prevalence and gap in treatment of epilepsy, the status of epilepsy centers is unclear. The number of epilepsy centers has increased substantially in recent decades. Therefore, a nationwide investigation of the scale and distribution, personnel, equipment, and epilepsy care capacity of each epilepsy center is of great value.

Methods

In 2017–2018, a multicenter cross‐sectional survey was performed by the Commission on Standardized Development of Epilepsy Centers, China Association Against Epilepsy in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. The survey consisted of 74 questions divided into four sections: (1) overview, (2) personnel, (3) essential equipment and facilities, and (4) epilepsy care service capacity. The questions ranged from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

There were 358 epilepsy centers for the 1.38 billion national population in 2016. Three quarters were in the eastern and western regions, and >90% were in tertiary hospitals. There were 9688 doctors engaged in epilepsy care, and 4.8% of doctors and electrophysiological physicians/technicians passed the national test for electroencephalography technical accreditation. A total of 9667 patients underwent resective surgeries in 2016. There were 888 vagus nerve stimulation procedures and 275 deep brain stimulation procedures.

Significance

This study is the first unique survey of epilepsy centers in China. Despite their rapid development, epilepsy centers cannot meet patients' needs at this stage. The results provide data‐based evidence for the formulation of policies related to epilepsy service planning.
Does the presence of a conspecific increase or decrease fear? Neophobia and habituation in zebra finches
Authors: St. Lawrence Sophia , Rojas‐Ferrer Isabel , Morand‐Ferron Julie
Published: September 2021

Neophobia, defined as the fear of novelty, can be exhibited when individuals encounter unfamiliar stimuli in their environment. Neophobia has been shown to both increase and decrease when individuals are with conspecifics. An increase in latency to contact new objects can be explained by the negotiation hypothesis, which proposes that individuals in groups will negotiate who will approach novelty first, thereby delaying the first contact. This negotiation process could co‐occur with and mask a potential effect of risk dilution, where individuals in groups should approach novel objects faster due to lower perceived risk in a social than non‐social context. Here, we aimed to test the risk dilution hypothesis using an experimental set‐up that precluded negotiation among group members by physically separating dyads during social trials. We presented zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) with different novel objects in both social and non‐social contexts. We also repeated the presentation of each object to investigate, for the first time to our knowledge, the effect of social context on the change in neophobia over repeated encounters (i.e., habituation). We found that social context increased the latency to approach a novel object upon first presentation of objects (i.e., increased neophobia), but these latencies decreased faster over repeated presentations of the objects (i.e., faster habituation) compared to the non‐social context. These results do not provide support for the risk dilution hypothesis regarding first encounters with objects (neophobia) but seem to support it over repeated object presentations (habituation). This suggests that the effect of social context is different on neophobia and habituation, possibly because they recruit different cognitive mechanisms. Future studies should investigate the impact of ecological and social conditions on decision‐making upon first versus subsequent encounters with a novel object in social animals, as both processes can impact fitness costs and benefits of novelty responses.
Non‐invasive evaluation of subjective sensitive skin by transcriptomics using mRNA in skin surface lipids
Authors: Uehara Yuya , Inoue Takayoshi , Ota Noriyasu , Ikeda Shigaku , Murase Takatoshi
Published: September 2021

Sensitive skin is a condition characterized by hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli, and its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Questionnaires based on subjective symptoms, intervention tests, and measuring devices are used to diagnose sensitive skin; however, objective evaluation methods, including biomarkers, remain to be established. This study aimed to investigate the molecular profiles of self‐reported sensitive skin, understand its pathophysiology and explore its biomarkers. Here, we analysed RNAs in skin surface lipids (SSL‐RNAs), which can be obtained non‐invasively by wiping the skin surface with an oil‐blotting film, to compare the transcriptome profiles between questionnaire‐based “sensitive” (n = 11) and “non‐sensitive” (n = 10) skin participants. Exactly 417 differentially expressed genes in SSL‐RNAs from individuals with sensitive skin were identified, of which C‐C motif chemokine ligand 17 and interferon‐γ pathways were elevated, while 50 olfactory receptor (OR) genes were downregulated. The expression of the detectable 101 OR genes was lower in individuals with sensitive skin compared to that in those with non‐sensitive skin and was particularly associated with the subjective sensitivity among skin conditions. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the mean expression levels of OR genes in SSL‐RNAs could discriminate subjective skin sensitivity with an area under the ROC curve of 0.836. SSL‐RNA profiles suggest a mild inflammatory state in sensitive skin, and overall OR gene expression could be a potential indicator for sensitive skin.
Global gross nitrification rates are dominantly driven by soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen stoichiometry and total nitrogen
Authors: Elrys Ahmed S. , Wang Jing , Metwally Mohamed A. S. , Cheng Yi , Zhang Jin‐Bo , Cai Zu‐Cong , Chang Scott X. , Müller Christoph
Published: September 2021

Soil gross nitrification (GN) is a critical process in the global nitrogen (N) cycle that results in the formation of nitrate through microbial oxidation of ammonium or organic N, and can both increase N availability to plants and nitrous oxide emissions. Soil GN is thought to be mainly controlled by soil characteristics and the climate, but a comprehensive analysis taking into account the climate, soil characteristics, including microbial characteristics, and their interactions to better understand the direct and indirect controlling factors of GN rates globally is lacking. Using a global meta‐analysis based on 901 observations from 330 15N‐labeled studies, we show that GN differs significantly among ecosystem types, with the highest rates found in croplands, in association with higher pH which stimulates nitrifying bacteria activities. Autotrophic and heterotrophic nitrifications contribute 63% and 37%, respectively, to global GN. Soil GN increases significantly with soil total N, microbial biomass, and soil pH, but decreases significantly with soil carbon (C) to N ratio (C:N). Structural equation modeling suggested that GN is mainly controlled by C:N and soil total N. Microbial biomass and pH are also important factors controlling GN and their effects are similar. Precipitation and temperature affect GN by altering C:N and/or soil total N. Soil total N and temperature drive heterotrophic nitrification, whereas C:N and pH drive autotrophic nitrification. Moreover, GN is positively related to nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions. This synthesis suggests that changes in soil C:N, soil total N, microbial population size, and/or soil pH due to anthropogenic activities may influence GN, which will affect nitrate accumulation and gaseous emissions of soils under global climate and land‐use changes.
Climate change and deforestation increase the vulnerability of Amazonian forests to post‐fire grass invasion
Authors: De Faria Bruno L. , Staal Arie , Silva Carlos A. , Martin Philip A. , Panday Prajjwal K. , Dantas Vinicius L.
Published: September 2021

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the vulnerability of the Amazon forest to post‐fire grass invasion under present and future climate scenarios.

Location

Amazon Basin.

Time period

1981–2017 and 2070–2099.

Major taxa studied

Plants.

Methods

We combined a fire–ecosystem model with remote sensing data and empirically‐derived equations to evaluate the effects of a high‐intensity fire (i.e., during an extreme drought) and logging in forest edges on tree canopy, and exotic grass cover under present and unmitigated climate change scenarios. We also contrasted simulated vegetation recovery time (as a function of climate variability) and current fire return intervals to identify areas in which fire–grass feedbacks could lock the system in a grass‐dominated state.

Results

Under current climatic conditions, 14% of the Amazon was found to be vulnerable to post‐fire grass invasion, with the south‐eastern Amazon at the highest risk of invasion. We found that under unmitigated climate change, by the end of the century, 21% of the Amazon would be vulnerable to post‐fire grass invasion. In 3% of the Amazon, fire return intervals are already shorter than the time required for grass exclusion by canopy recovery, implying a high risk of irreversible shifts to a fire‐maintained degraded forest grassy state. The south‐eastern region of the Amazon is currently at highest risk of irreversible degradation.

Main conclusions

Although resilience is evident in areas with low fire activity, increased fire frequency and intensity could push large Amazon forest areas towards a tipping point, causing transitions to states with low tree and high grass cover.
The recurrence rate ofHelicobacter pyloriin recent 10 years: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Haitong , Yan Peijing , Zhang Na , Feng Lufang , Chu Xiajing , Cui Gecheng , Qin Yu , Yang Chaoqun , Wang Shizhong , Yang Kehu
Published: September 2021

Objective

To update and evaluate the recurrence rate ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication therapy in recent 10 years.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of science was performed to identify the studies of recurrence rate ofH. pyloripublished from 2010 to 2019. Stata 15.0 was used for analysis.

Results

A total of 31 studies (16,797 participants) were analyzed. The recurrence rate ofH. pyloriwas 9% (95% CI, 8–11%), and it showed an upward trend with the time elapsed after eradication. The annual recurrence rate was 4%, and there was a stable trend with the time elapsed after eradication. Subgroup analyses showed that the recurrence rate ofH. pylorieradication by triple therapy was higher than that of quadruple therapy (14% [95% CI, 9–19] vs 12% [95% CI, 7–17]); urban was higher than that of rural (8% [95% CI, 1–14] vs 5% [95% CI, 1–9]); males were higher than that of females (11% [95% CI, 8–14] vs 10% [95% CI, 7–14]); Europe had the highest recurrence rate (16% [95% CI, −1 to 42]), and Africa had the lowest (1% [95% CI, 0–2]). The recurrence rate ofH. pyloriwas inversely related to the human development index.

Conclusions

The recurrence rate ofH. pylorishowed an increasing trend in recent 10 years, and it is still a knotty public health problem worldwide. The recurrence rate ofH. pylorishowed an upward trend with the time elapsed after eradication, and the recurrence rate ofH. pylorivaries by area, gender, and eradication methods.
Higher education widening access initiatives—An estimation of wage returns from Scottish Articulation
Authors: Lalley Christopher , Adetutu Morakinyo O.
Published: September 2021

We estimate the wage returns of undergraduates who attained their degree via Scotland's Further Education College Articulation policy. We contribute to existing literature by adding to the research on varying returns based on paths to acquiring a degree, while also being the first paper to examine the returns associated with Scottish Articulation. While Articulation students receive a wage premium relative to college students, we find lower returns for Articulation students relative to those from older and higher ranking university institutions in Scotland. This result questions whether improving educational equality, translates to improved income equality between low versus higher income backgrounds.
Research on the factors that influence patients with colorectal cancer participating in the prevention and control of surgical site infection: Based on the extended theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Yao Lili , Xiao Mingzhao , Luo Yetao , Yan Lupei , Zhao Qinghua , Li Yuerong
Published: September 2021

Background

The most common and severe type of nosocomial infection in patients with colorectal cancer is surgical site infection (SSI). Patient‐related factors are an important components of SSI. So it is necessary to participate in SSI prevention and control. It is important to identify the factors that influence patients' participation behaviour and to explore the mechanism of these effects.

Methods

A total of 580 patients with colorectal cancer completed relevant measures. Based on the extended theory of planned behaviour, a structural equation model was used to analyse the relationship among the influencing factors.

Results

The factors influencing participation of patients with colorectal cancer in SSI prevention and control were participation intention, participation ability, self‐efficacy, participation attitude, perceived medical staff support, trust in physicians and social support. The direct effect coefficients of participation intention, participation ability and physician trust on SSI prevention and control behaviour were 0.67, 0.21 and 0.11, respectively. Self‐efficacy, participation attitude, perceived medical staff support and social support indirectly affect participation behaviour through participation intention, and their effect values are 0.21, 0.11, 0.11 and 0.08, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on the structural equation model developed in this study, targeted intervention measures should be implemented to mobilize the intention and enthusiasm of patients with colorectal cancer to participate in the prevention and control of SSI.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or public contribute to spreading research findings, and promote broad participation in the implementation of policies or strategies.
Insights into how Malaysian adults with limited health literacy self‐manage and live with asthma: A Photovoice qualitative study
Authors: Salim Hani , Young Ingrid , Lee Ping Yein , Shariff‐Ghazali Sazlina , Pinnock Hilary ,   RESPIRE collaboration
Published: September 2021

Background

Adjusting to life with a chronic condition is challenging, especially for people with limited health literacy, which is associated with low compliance with self‐management activities and poor clinical outcomes.

Objective

We explored how people with limited health literacy understand asthma and undertake self‐management practices.

Design

We adapted the arts‐based qualitative methodology Photovoice.

Setting and Participants

We sampled ethnically diverse adults with asthma and limited health literacy from four primary healthcare clinics in Malaysia. After a semistructured in‐depth interview, a subset of participants took part in the Photovoice component in which participants undertook a 2‐week photo‐taking activity and subsequent photo‐interview. Interviews, conducted in participants' preferred language, were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated and analysed thematically. We used the Sorensen's framework (Domains: access, understand, appraise, apply) to describe participants' experience of living with asthma, what they understood about asthma and how they decided on self‐management practices.

Results

Twenty‐six participants provided interviews; eight completed the Photovoice activities. Participants with limited health literacy used various sources to access information about asthma and self‐management. Doctor–patient communication had a pivotal role in helping patients understand asthma. The lack of appraisal skills was significant and experiential knowledge influenced how they applied information. Self‐management decisions were influenced by sociocultural norms/practices, stigmatizing experiences, and available social support.

Conclusion

Locally tailored multilevel interventions (interpersonal, health system, community and policy) will be needed to support people with limited health literacy to live optimally with their asthma in an ethnically diverse population.

Patient/Public Contribution

Patients were involved in the study design, recruitment, analysis and dissemination.
Comparative study of titanate syntheses by the organic steric entrapment method
Authors: Rosczyk Benjamin R. , Lee Sang‐Jin , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: September 2021

Homogeneous and stable, one‐, two‐, and three‐component titanate powders can be synthesized by an ethylene glycol or polyvinyl alcohol steric entrapment method. The powders synthesized were titania (TiO2), and titanates of barium (BaTiO3), strontium (SrTiO3), aluminum (Al2TiO5), dysprosium (Dy2O5), calcium (CaTiO3) as well as lead zirconate titanate of stoichiometry Pb(Zr0.44Ti0.56)O3or “PZT.” Titanium isopropoxide and other metal ionic salts were dissolved in ethylene glycol without any precipitation, where the organic carrier, ethylene glycol, sterically entrapped and immobilized the metal ions. At the optimum amount of polymer, the metal ions were dispersed in solution and a homogeneous polymeric network was formed. The ternary PZT compound was prepared by an aqueous route, where water soluble Pb and Zr cations were dissolved in a polyvinyl alcohol solution containing titania nanoparticles around which the aqueous phase precipitated upon water removal. This method is a relatively simple process for making any titanate oxides of complex chemistry.
Temperature‐stable BaAl2Si2O8–CaSnSiO5 microwave dielectric ceramics
Authors: Zhou Hai‐Tao , Xu Zhe‐Nan , Yan Jian‐Yun , Huang Hao , Guo Yan‐Bo , Du Kang , Lu Wen‐Zhong , Lei Wen
Published: September 2021

In the present study, (1 − x)BaAl2Si2O8−xCaSnSiO5−y wt.% LiF microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared through the traditional solid‐state sintering at 950−1395°C for 5 h. The BaAl2Si2O8 phase could coexist with the CaSnSiO5 phase at (1 − x)BaAl2Si2O8−xCaSnSiO5 (.2 ≤ x ≤ .6) ceramics, and no other secondary phase was observed. The CaSnSiO5, as a τf regulator, adjusted the negative τf value of BaAl2Si2O8 to near zero. Excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr = 8.1, Q × f = 37 560 GHz, and τf = −1.5 ppm/°C) were obtained from the 0.6BaAl2Si2O8−0.4CaSnSiO5 ceramic. The sintering temperature of 0.6BaAl2Si2O8−0.4CaSnSiO5 ceramic decreased from 1375°C to 950°C by introducing 2 wt.% LiF. The 0.6BaAl2Si2O8−0.4CaSnSiO5−2 wt% LiF ceramic exhibited remarkable microwave dielectric properties (εr = 7.6, Q × f = 17 420 GHz, and τf = −12.2 ppm/°C) and could be applied to the low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) field.
Microstructures and corrosion behavior of HVOF‐sprayed WC‐12%Cr3C2‐6%Ni coatings before and after sealing
Authors: Liu Yu‐Wan , Sun Wan‐Chang , Tian Sha‐Sha , Xiao Yan , Jia Ya‐Peng
Published: September 2021

The WC‐12%Cr3C2‐6%Ni coatings are prepared by high‐velocity oxygen‐fuel spraying technology on 42CrMo steel substrate, and then the sealing treatment is carried out by sol‐gel aluminum phosphate inorganic sealing agent. The composition, phase structure, morphologies, and porosities of the coatings are characterized by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and metallographic gray‐scale methods. Results show that the corrosion current density and corrosion rates of WC‐12%Cr3C2‐6%Ni coatings in different media are lessened by the aluminum phosphate sealing treatment, which can improve the corrosion resistance of the coating. The corrosion rates of unsealed and sealed coatings immersed in 3.5% Na2SO4 solution at 35℃ for 28 days are 0.99 and 0.38 g·m–2·h–1, and the porosity of the coatings is significantly decreased by the aluminum phosphate sealing treatment, which is lower than 2%. During the immersion corrosion, the sealed and unsealed coatings surface form oxide films with different compositions, which can slow down the corrosion along the normal direction of the coating surface in the process of continuous destruction and regeneration, and no obvious coating/substrate interface corrosion occurs.
Enhanced high‐temperature resistance and magnetic property of SiFeC nanocomposites containing a small amount of boron
Authors: Yang Le , Feng Yao , Riedel Ralf , Yu Zhaoju
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the boron‐modified polyferrocenylcarbosilanes (namely HBPFCS‐Bs) with hyperbranched structure, as single‐source‐precursors, were successfully prepared by using 9‐borabicyclo [3, 3, 1] nonane (9‐BBN) and polyferrocenylcarbosilanes (HBPFCSs) as starting materials. The obtained HBPFCS‐Bs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), providing that the boron element can be introduced into the HBPFCS chains by the hydroboration (B‐H/C = C) reaction. Then, the structural evolution of HBPFCS‐Bs and the boron‐containing SiFeC ceramics at different temperatures (1100–1500°C) was further investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the incorporation of a small amount of boron (1 wt%) into precursors significantly improves the properties of the final ceramics, including the significant increase of the ceramic yield, enhanced high‐temperature resistance, as well as the higher ceramic densification. Finally, the saturation magnetization of the HBPFCS‐Bs‐derived ceramics was also enhanced by the introduction of boron.
Pressureless joining of SiC ceramics with magnesia‐alumina‐silica glass ceramics
Authors: Malik Rohit , Ryu Eui‐Hyoun , Kim Young‐Wook
Published: September 2021

Liquid phase sintered SiC ceramics were joined using magnesia‐alumina‐silica (MAS) glass‐ceramic fillers without applied pressure. Four different filler compositions with 9.3–25.2 wt.% MgO, 20.7–33.6 wt.% Al2O3, and 49.2–68.1 wt.% SiO2 were studied. The effects of filler composition and joining temperature (1450–1600°C) on the joint strength were investigated. All compositions exhibited an optimum joining temperature at which the maximum joint strength was obtained. A low joining temperature resulted in poor wetting of the SiC substrate due to the high viscosity of the filler. Whereas a high joining temperature caused dewetting and large unfilled sections in the interlayer due to the deleterious interfacial reactions. The joint strength was inversely proportional to the interlayer thickness, which was a function of filler composition and joining temperature. The SiC ceramic joined at 1525°C with MgO‐25 wt.% Al2O3‐60 wt.% SiO2 filler exhibited a four‐point bending strength of 286 ± 40 MPa.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis: new oral therapeutic approaches under development
Authors: de Souza Myla Lôbo , dos Santos Widson Michael , de Sousa André Luiz Moreira Domingues , Ferraz Leslie Raphael de Moura , da Costa Lucas Amadeu Gonzaga , Silva Emerson Oliveira , Rolim Neto Pedro José
Published: September 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies leishmaniasis as a disease for which the development of new treatments is a priority. Available drugs are not fully effective in all cases; they have parenteral administration and exhibit serious and common adverse effects. The only oral drug available (miltefosine) has shown resistance, is expensive, and is not available in many endemic countries. Thus, the development of an oral medicine may solve many of these issues. Based on that, this review aimed to investigate which therapeutic alternatives have been studied for the development of oral drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. A literature search for keywords “leishmania and oral” was performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect, considering articles published in the last 5 years. The articles were selected based on the objective of the review. The main problem in the current treatment of leishmaniasis is the administration of injectables, since it requires patients to travel to health centers, hospitalization, and professional administration, conditions that are not adapted to the socioeconomic reality of patients. Therefore, many research studies have evaluated oral alternatives for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The main tested approaches were obtaining new molecules, repositioning drugs, and new formulations of old drugs. The prospects are encouraging but still require more in vivo bioavailability and clinical trials.
Effects of different wall materials on stability and umami release of microcapsules of Maillard reaction products derived from Aloididae aloidi
Authors: Bu Ying , He Wei , Zhu Lunwei , Zhu Wenhui , Li Jianrong , Liu He , Li Xuepeng
Published: September 2021

Umami has a fast release in the long time high temperature cooking process. Microencapsulation technology can be used to control the release of aromas, and spray drying is the method most commonly used for preparing microcapsules. In this study, the Maillard reaction products from the enzymatic hydrolysate of the Aloididae aloidi were combined with chitosan (C); maltodextrin (M); chitosan and gum arabic (C + GA); M + GA; and C + M + GA via spray drying. Characterisation, flavour characteristics and umami release of microcapsules were analysed and determined. The results showed that the obtained microcapsules had the characteristics of low water content and high solubility, and had good embedding effect and thermal stability (especially MC + GA). Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the addition of wall material increased the diameter of the particles. The microcapsules in MC group and MC + GA group showed the best apparent structure, which was round without pits or pores. In the controlled release study of umami, MC + GA group showed the best sustained umami release, released 13.95%, 38.08% and 80% umami at 0.5, 4 and 32 min, respectively. In conclusion, adding C + GA as wall material of microcapsules had the best stability, flavour and taste sustained‐release effect.
Carboxy groups in fatty acids facilitate the formation and thermal stability of starch‐fatty acids complexes
Authors: Niu Bin , Peng Baixiang , Yan Yizhe
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the number of carboxy group on the formation of complexes between starch and fatty acids using different dicarboxylic acids and monobasic acids as ligand. The complexing index (CI) indicated that dicarboxylic acids could form complexes with starch and show stronger complexing ability than corresponding monobasic acids. Results from differential scanning calorimetry also displayed that starch‐dicarboxylic acids complexes presented higher onset temperature, narrow transition peaks and higher enthalpy change, indicating the higher thermal stability and uniform and homogenous crystal of starch‐dicarboxylic acids complexes. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed that the long‐range and short‐range order of starch‐dicarboxylic acids complexes was better than that of starch‐monobasic acids. According to above results, fatty acid with two carboxyl groups could form larger amount and more stability complexes than it is with one carboxyl group.