bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Shielding Gas on the Welding Process and Weld Seam in Semi-automatic Welding of High Strength Steel
Authors: Avišāns Didzis
Published: December 2022

Filler materials, shielding gas and welding parameters influence MAG welding process, welding joint and its chemical composition and structure of high-strength steel. In this research the influence of four different shielding gases on MAG welding process of high-strength low-alloyed steel (650 MPa) in spray-arc conditions is carried out. As welding parameters increased and CO2 content was decreased in shielding gas, plasma had much more influence than the short current in the welding pool. Oxygen mixture is not suitable for high-parameter welding of high-strength steel.
The hidden toll of community outreach
Authors: Ramos Raul A
Published: December 2022

Caught in a system eager for success stories, a PhD student from an underrepresented background learns how to balance his challenges in the lab with his desire to serve his community.
Noteworthy Record of the Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus Insignis) in Western South Carolina
Authors: Williams J. Eric , Webster WM. David
Published: December 2022

The woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) is a boreal species that resides in high elevation, mesic habitats throughout the Appalachian Mountains. This species can be identified by its defining characteristics such as its enlarged hindlimbs, long white-tipped tail, and lack of a fourth upper premolar. While conducting an inventory survey on the banks of Lake Jocassee, we captured a single woodland jumping mouse specimen at an elevation of 251 m asl. This captured specimen represents the lowest known elevational observation of the species in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Shallow Water Blackout (Hypoxic Blackout)–Induced Drowning: An Autopsy Report of Two Cases
Authors: Choi Sangjoon , Lee SangHan , Jeon Yo Han , Park Ji Hyun , Lee Jong Kyu , Yeo Nam Seok
Published: December 2022

Shallow water blackout (SWB) is defined as loss of consciousness due to hypoxia during underwater swimming or breath-holding, usually in shallow waters. To date, no cases of SWB-induced drowning have been reported in the Republic of Korea. Here, we report two cases of SWB, followed by drowning, with autopsy findings. Two men, aged 20 (case 1) and 25 (case 2) years, suddenly lost their consciousness during underwater swimming and escape training, respectively. Postmortem examination revealed foamy fluid within trachea and bronchus, pulmonary edema, and sphenoid sinus fluid, which are commonly observed findings in drowning cases. None of the organs in either case showed pathologic alterations, except for hypoplastic coronary artery disease incidentally found in case 2. Pathologists should be aware of this distinct pathologic entity to avoid misdiagnosing the cause or manner of death.
Level of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shamsan Abbas , Alhajji Mohammed , Alabbasi Yasmine , Rabaan Ali , Alhumaid Saad , Awad Mansour , Al Mutair Abbas
Published: December 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic places a high demand on frontline healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are at high-risk of contracting the virus and are subjected to its consequential emotional and psychological effects. This study aimed to measure the level of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study; data were collected from healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia using a survey that included the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7. A total of 326 participants took part in the study by completing and submitting the survey.

Results

The vast majority of the participating healthcare workers were Saudi nationals (98.8%) working in a public healthcare facility (89.9%). The results indicated that most of the participants had mild levels of anxiety and depression. A total of 72.5% of the respondents had anxiety, ranging from mild (44.1%) to moderate (16.2%) and severe (12.2%). Moreover, 24.4% of the respondents had depression ranging from mild (21.7%) to moderate (2.1%) and severe (0.6%). The generalized linear models showed that the <30 age group (Beta = 0.556, p = 0.037) and the 30–39-year age group (Beta = 0.623, p = 0.019) were predicted to have anxiety. The analysis revealed that females were more anxious (Beta = 0.241, p = 0.005) than males. Healthcare providers working in primary healthcare centers (Beta = −0.315, p = 0.008) and labs (Beta = −0.845. p = 0.0001 were predicted to be less anxious than those working in other healthcare facilities. The data analysis showed that participants with good economic status had more depression than the participants in the other economic status groups (Beta = 0.067, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study found that the level of anxiety and depression in healthcare workers was mild. The factors that may contribute to anxiety in healthcare workers included being female, being younger than 30 or between the ages of 31 and 39, working in a specialized hospital facility, and the number of COVID-19 cases the workers dealt with. Economic status was associated with depression. A longitudinal study design is needed to understand the pattern of anxiety levels among healthcare workers over time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spatial and temporal trends in western polecat road mortality in Wales
Authors: Barg Allison , MacPherson Jenny , Caravaggi Anthony
Published: December 2022

Roads have considerable ecological effects that threaten the survival of some species, including many terrestrial carnivores. The western polecat is a small-medium sized mustelid native to Asia and Europe, including Britain where its historical stronghold is in Wales. Polecats are frequently killed on roads and road casualties represent the most common source of data on the species in the UK. However, little is known about the factors that increase the risk of collision. We used Generalized Additive Models to explore seasonal patterns in collisions as well as using Principal Component Analysis and regression modelling to identify landscape characteristics associated with polecat road casualties in Wales. Polecat road casualties had a bimodal distribution, occurring most frequently in March and October. Casualties were more frequently associated with road density, traffic volume, presence of rabbits, habitat patchiness and the abundance of proximal improved grassland habitat. Casualties were negatively associated with elevation and the abundance of semi-natural grassland habitat. The results of this study provide a framework for understanding and mitigating the impacts of roads on polecats in their historic stronghold, hence has considerable value to polecat conservation as well as broader applicability to ecologically similar species.
Effects of land use types on soil erodibility in a small karst watershed in western Hubei
Authors: Luo Ting , Liu Wenjing , Xia Dong , Xia Lu , Guo Ting , Ma Yueyang , Xu Wennian , Hu Yue
Published: December 2022

Background

Soil erosion is a severe problem in the karst watershed, and analysis of soil erosion at the watershed scale is urgently needed.

Methods

This study tried to estimate the soil erodibility factor (K-factor) using the Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) nomograph and evaluate the spatial distribution of the predicted K-factor in a karst watershed. Soil properties and K-factors of five land use types (NF: natural mixed forest, CF: cypress forest, EF: economic forest, ST: stone dike terrace, VF: vegetable land) in the Xialaoxi small watershed were compared and key factors affecting erodibility were analyzed.

Results

Results showed that (1) The erodibility K-factor was unevenly distributed within different site types and strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities. The soil K-factors of sample sites subjected to frequent human disturbance (ST, VF) were high, ranging from 0.0480-0.0520 t hm2 h/(MJ mm hm2), while the soil K-factors of natural site types (NF, CF, and EF) were low, ranging from 0.0436-0.0448 t hm2 h/(MJ mm hm2). (2) The soil texture in the Xialaoxi watershed was mostly loamy, and that of the agricultural areas frequently disturbed by agricultural practices (ST, VF) was silty loam. (3) Soil carbon fractions were affected by land use types. Soil organic carbon storage of NF and CF had strong spatial heterogeneity. The soil organic carbon (SOC) and labile organic carbon (LOC) of the two were significantly higher than those of the disturbed EF and cultivated land soil. (4) There was a synergistic effect between the soil properties and the K-factor. K was significantly negatively related to sand fractions (2-0.05 mm) and non-capillary porosity, while positively related to silt content (0.05–0.002 mm). Overall, changes in bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), non-capillary porosity (NCP), texture, and organic matter content caused by natural restoration or anthropogenic disturbance were the main reasons for soil erodibility. Natural care (sealing) and construction of stone dike planting practices were effective ways to reduce soil erosion in small karst watershed areas of western Hubei.
A systematic review of effects of daytime napping strategies on sports performance in physically active individuals with and without partial-sleep deprivation
Authors: Sirohi Priya , Khan Moazzam Hussain , Sharma Saurabh , Nuhmani Shibili , Al Muslem Wafa Hashem , Abualait Turki
Published: December 2022

Background

Sleep is the body’s natural recovery process, restoring routine metabolic and regulatory functions. Various sleep interventions have been developed to facilitate recovery, and athletic performance, and daytime napping are among them. However, due to inconsistencies in studies, it remains unclear whether daytime napping affects sports performance. This article aims to review the effects of daytime napping on various variables of sports performance in physically active individuals with and without partial-sleep deprivation.

Methods

A systematic search in three clinical databases, namely Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Web of Science, was conducted. To be included in the current review, the study should be a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the influence of daytime napping on one or more components of sports performance in healthy adults, 18 years old or older.

Results

In the accessible data available until December 2021, 1,094 records were found, of which 12 relevant randomized controlled trials were selected for qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies reported favourable effects of daytime napping on sports performance. However, only one study reported no significant impact, possibly due to a different methodological approach and a shorter nap duration.

Conclusion

Napping strategies optimize sports performance in physically active, athletic populations, benefitting partially sleep-deprived and well-slept individuals, with longer nap durations (~90 min) having more significant advantages. Daytime naps can be considered as cost-efficient, self-administered methods promoting recovery of body functions.
Differential responses of the seed germination of three functional groups to low temperature and darkness in a typical steppe, Northern China
Authors: Liu Mengzhou , Qiao Ning , Zhang Bing , Liu Fengying , Miao Yuan , Chen Ji , Sun Yanfeng , Wang Peng , Wang Dong
Published: December 2022

Seed germination is a key stage in the life history of plants, which has a crucial effect on plant community structure. Climate change has substantially altered the surface soil temperature and light availability, which can affect seed germination. However, whether the seed germination of different functional groups is affected by the interactions of light and temperature remains unclear. Under laboratory conditions, we examined the effects of low temperature and darkness, as well as their interaction, on the seed germination of 16 species belonging to three plant functional groups (annual and biennials, perennial grasses, and perennial forbs) in a typical steppe, Northern China. We found that low temperature had a significant negative effect on seed germination of all species. Low temperature significantly decreased the final germination percentage and germinative force of the three plant functional groups, and the germination duration of perennial grasses. Darkness significantly decreased the germinative force of perennial forbs and total seeds, and the germination duration of perennial grasses. The interactive effects of light and temperature on the seed final germination percentage and germinative force of perennial grass indicated that darkness strengthened the inhibitory effect of low temperature on the seed germination of the grass functional group. Our study indicate that the seed germination of different plant functional groups varied greatly in response to changing environmental conditions. Our results suggest that future climate change could alter the regeneration and species composition of plant communities through changing seed germination.
Assessment of the Effects of Selected AM Strain on the Growth and Yield of Brinjal
Authors: Banu Most. Bilkis , Mian Musharraf Hossain , Rahman M. Mazibur , Moslehuddin Abu Zofar Md. , Islam M. Rafiqul , Matin Mohammad Quamrul Islam
Published: December 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can increase plant uptake of nutrients especially relatively immobile elements such as P, Zn and Cu and consequently, improve plant growth and yield. The study was conducted to identify native AM strains, multiply and test their effects in reduction of P fertilizer brinjal production. Rhizosphere soils and roots of and brinjal were collected from each of four AEZs, viz. AEZ-9 (RARS, Jamalpur), AEZ-11 (RARS, Jashore), AEZ-25 (ARS, Bogura) and AEZ-28 (BARI, Joydebpur) in 2014-2015. Characterization and identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal strains was studied in the microbiology laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). Nine AM strains were identified in brinjal Glomus geosporum, G. mosseae, G. fasciculatum, Acaulospora dilatata, A. mellea, A. morrowiae, Entrophospora infrequens, Sclerocystis coremioides and Gigaspora margarita were identified in brinjal. The collected mycorrhizal strains were maintained with trap crop sorghum under net house condition in 2014-2015 onwards. The best performing AM strain (Glomus mosseae) was selected from pot experiments at greenhouse of BARI. The sandy clay loam soil was used as the potting media. Nine each AM strains each from brinjal were tested with corresponding crops. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was followed with four replications. Dry matter yield (both root and shoot), some vegetative parameter, % root colonization and number of spores were observed. Finally the efficiency of the selected mycorrhiza. Glomus mosseae was tested under field condition during 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Factorial RCBD was followed for field experiments with eight treatments and four replications. Selected soil-based AM inoculum (Glomus mosseae) those preserved in sorghum culture were used in seedbed of respective crops. Many morphological parameters and yield attributes were found as highest from 75% P. The highest crop yield was found from 75% P+AM, which was statistically similar to 100% P-AM indicating the possibility of saving 25% P in these three crops in AEZ 28 of Bangladesh. It was observed that Glomus mosseae could save 25% P in brinjal cultivation.
HANDLINK: A Dexterous Robotic Hand Exoskeleton controlled by Motor Imagery (MI)
Authors: Arora Ashvin , Malkin Robert
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Over 5.6 million stroke survivors in the United States experience hemiparesis of the upper limb. Assistive devices are used to help regain upper limb functionality for affected individuals; however, existing devices are bulky, costly, and lack adaptability. The objective of this pilot study was to test the performance of a newly developed hand exoskeleton on a sample of individuals with hand impairment.

Methods: A hand exoskeleton was developed comprising of a novel linkage system with three four-bar linkages structures set up in a series and a novel algorithm that finds optimal Electroencephalogram (EEG) channels, through Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) Recognition, and classifies them with a stacked Linear Discriminant Analysis-Support Vector Machine (LDA-SVM) classifier. The functionality of the novel hand exoskeleton was tested by examining performance across a battery of hand mobility assessments among individuals in the experimental group with hand impairment (n=10) compared to controls (n=10).

Results: A paired-t test was used to show better performance for the experimental group with the exoskeleton compared to those without the exoskeleton across function, grip force, and range of motion measures. An unpaired-t test was used to show that there was no statistical difference in the mean performance of the experimental group with the exoskeleton compared to the control group for most measures, indicating that functionality with the exoskeleton is comparable to a healthy hand.  The LDA-SVM classifier resulted in an 88% accuracy in classifying which finger the user intends to move with minimal latency as a result of its computational efficiency.

Conclusions: Findings suggest HANDLINK was effective in improving function, grip force, and range of motion among hand-impaired individuals. The HANDLINK, and its complementary stacked SVM-LDA classification algorithm, work as a viable solution for a fully adaptable and cost-effective assistive hand aide for individuals with paraplegia.
Overview of the Advancement in the Drug Discovery and Contribution in the Drug Development Process
Authors: Fokunang Estella Tembe , Fokunang Charles Ntungwen
Published: December 2022

The drug discovery and development of a new chemical entity from original idea to the regulatory approval for launch into the market is a very long and complex journey. The process is complex and can take between 10-15 years, with a significant financial implication of cost of about $1 billion and more. The bioactive molecules as lead compounds may be derived from several sources such as plant, animal sources or as synthetic compounds. The odyssey of drug discovery/development may take several years elucidate valid evidence-based information from data mining, before a target selection for the progression of the drug discovery platform. The successful selection of identified drug target is an important objective for many Pharmaceutical industries before laying down a platform for research and development on hit target identification of compounds with promising biological and pharmacological activities with the potential to produce a good drug. The objective of this review paper is to develop a comprehensive review on the odyssey of drug discovery and development from the research and development standpoint with special bias within the frame of the preclinical level, hit and lead compound identification, optimization and validation, using different high throughput assay development platform. The consideration of a potential active pharmaceutical product necessitates a good test battery for hit identification, lead optimization a good process for candidate f selection of a candidate compound for drug development and putting into consideration the regulatory compliance guideline for new drug approval before the attain the market and subsequent post marketing surveillance process.
Calcification of Indocyanine Green Laden Dendritic Mesoporous Manganese‐Silicon Nanocomposite for Multiple Oxygen Compensation Enhanced Phototherapy
Authors: Liu Bin , Feng Lili , Bian Yulong , Zhu Yanlin , Xing Bengang , Yang Piaoping , Lin Jun
Published: December 2022

Increasing oxygen (O2) content and down‐regulating the concentration of glutathione (GSH) in tumor microenvironment (TME) by multiple approaches remain critical factors for the promotion of phototherapeutic effect, especially for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, indocyanine green (ICG) laden dendritic mesoporous manganese‐silicon nanocomposite (NC) is designed and subsequently managed with calcification through in situ growth of calcium phosphate (IDMMS@CaP NC). As specific response behavior of the mildly acidic and GSH overexpressed TME, the IDMMS@CaP NC can rapidly collapse when accumulated at the tumor site, liberate Mn2+, Ca2+, and ICG, simultaneously reduce the concentration of GSH. Mn2+ can catalyze endogenous hydrogen peroxide to produce O2. Overloaded Ca2+ induces mitochondrial injury, and reduces cellular metabolism and O2 consumption. The photothermal effect from ICG with 808 nm laser irradiation can not only cause tumor cells necrosis but also accelerate blood flow to further improve the O2 content at the tumor site. Consequently, owing to effective GSH depletion and multiple O2 compensation, the PDT efficiency of ICG can be significantly increased. As proof of concept, the designed multifunctional nanocomposite will provide a general strategy for enhancing the role of phototherapy in cancer therapeutic area.
Feasibility of a standard cognitive assessment in European academic memory clinics
Authors: Grazia Alice , Altomare Daniele , Preis Lukas , Monsch Andreas U. , Cappa Stefano F. , Gauthier Serge , Frölich Lutz , Winblad Bengt , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Teipel Stefan J. , Boccardi Marina ,   For the Consortium for the Harmonization of Neuropsychological Assessment
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Standardized cognitive assessment would enhance diagnostic reliability across memory clinics. An expert consensus adapted the Uniform Dataset (UDS)‐3 for European centers, the clinician's UDS (cUDS). This study assessed its implementation acceptability and feasibility.

Methods

We developed a survey investigating barriers, facilitators, and willingness to implement the cUDS. With a mixed‐methods design, we analyzed data from academic memory clinics.

Results

Seventy‐eight percent of responding clinicians were experienced neuropsychologists/psychologists and 22% were medical specialists coming from 18 European countries. Sixty‐five percent clinicians were willing to implement cUDS. General barriers related to implementation (43%) and clinical‐methodological domains (21%). Favorable clinicians reported finances (15%) and digitalization (9%) as facilitating, but unavailability of local norms (23%) as hindering. Unfavorable clinicians reported logistical (23%) and time issues (18%).

Discussion

Despite challenges, data showed moderate clinicians' acceptability and requirements to improve feasibility. Nonetheless, these results come from academic clinicians. The next steps will require feasibility evaluation in non‐academic contexts.
Effects of tablet‐based drawing and paper‐based methods on medical students' learning of gross anatomy
Authors: Styn Amelie , Scheiter Katharina , Fischer Martin R. , Shiozawa Thomas , Behrmann Felix , Steffan Adrian , Kugelmann Daniela , Berndt Markus
Published: December 2022

The way medical students learn anatomy is constantly evolving. Nowadays, technologies such as tablets support established learning methods like drawing. In this study, the effect of drawing on a tablet on medical students' anatomy learning was investigated compared to drawing or summarizing on paper. The quality of drawings or summaries was assessed as a measure of the quality of strategy implementation. Learning outcome was measured with an anatomy test, both immediately afterward and after 4–6 weeks to assess its sustainability. There were no significant group differences in learning outcome at both measurement points. For all groups, there was a significant medium strength correlation between the quality of the drawings or summaries and the learning outcome (p < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the quality of strategy implementation moderated outcomes in the delayed test: When poorly implemented, drawing on a tablet (M = 48.81) was associated with lower learning outcome than drawing on paper (M = 58.95); The latter (M = 58.89) was related to higher learning outcome than writing summaries (M = 45.59). In case of high‐quality strategy implementation, drawing on a tablet (M = 60.98) outperformed drawing on paper (M = 52.67), which in turn was outperformed by writing summaries (M = 62.62). To conclude, drawing on a tablet serves as a viable alternative to paper‐based methods for learning anatomy if students can make adequate use of this strategy. Future research needs to identify how to support student drawing, for instance, by offering scaffolds with adaptive feedback to enhance learning.
Wilhelm Reich and Sexology from Below
Authors: Moir Cat
Published: December 2022

One of sexologist Wilhelm Reich's most ambitious and enduring theories claims that sexuality and sexual repression play a central role in the production and reproduction of class structures and hierarchies. From 1927–1933, Reich combined his sexological work with his communist political convictions in a movement that became known as sex‐pol. Reich developed some of his most provocative and potentially emancipatory theories through this empirical work with members of working‐class communities. Though they often remain anonymous in his writings, the traces of their voices remain audible throughout. In this paper, I employ a Gramscian method, developed by post‐colonial scholars, to read for the trace of proletarian voices in Reich's archive. I argue that these subjects helped to theorize the role of sex in producing and reproducing class oppression. Reading for the trace of proletarian voices in the archive expands our understanding of how working‐class subjects in early twentieth‐century Germany and Austria helped to produce concrete sexological knowledge from below.
Chemical constituents from Betula schmidtii and their free radical scavenging, tyrosinase inhibitory, and neuroprotective activities
Authors: Wang Da‐Hye , Koh Eun‐Hie , Lee Kyung Ae , Chung Ha Sook
Published: December 2022

The study was performed to identify bioactive constituents from the inner bark of Betula schmidtii. Seven compounds were isolated through silica gel and Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography, and identified to be betulin (1), betulinic acid (2), β‐sitosterol (3), lupeol (4), kojic acid (5), 1,7‐bis‐(ρ‐hydroxyphenyl)‐(3,4‐dihydroxy)‐hepan‐5‐one (6), and platyphyllenone (7) using EI‐MS, 1D‐, and 2D‐NMR data. Compounds 5, 6, and 7 show antioxidant effect with IC50 values of 18.23 ± 1.08, 29.37 ± 1.42, and 40.14 ± 1.75 μM in DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Compounds 4 and 5 show an antioxidant effect with IC50 values of 28.21 ± 1.80 and 37.74 ± 1.02 μM in DCHF‐DA intracellular ROS generations. Compounds 5, 6, and 7 also exhibited mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 17.42 ± 1.08, 47.17 ± 1.92, and 26.64 ± 1.40 μM. Compound 1 showed cell viability of 24.50 ± 6.30 and 45.60 ± 3.10% at 10 and 25 μM, while compound 6 showed 11.20 ± 1.40% at 25 μM in glutamate‐induced damaged mouse neuronal cells.
Stereoselective Synthesis and Immunological Evaluation of Common O‐antigen of P. mirabilisOE and P. vulgarisTG103
Authors: Wu Xiaopei , Lai Jinsheng , Yang Kexin , Xue Yunxia , Liao Jinxi , Wang Liming , Sun Jian‐song , Hu Jing , Yin Jian , Zhang Qingju
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Proteus species especially Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris are zoonotic pathogens which can cause public health disease. Owing to their antibiotic‐resistance, developing vaccines against these pathogens is urgently required. Herein, we describe the first synthesis of the common O‐antigen of Proteus mirabilis OE and Proteus vulgaris TG 103. The repeating unit incorporates two challenging 1,2‐cis‐glycosidic bonds: the 1,2‐cis‐2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐glucosidic bonds were successfully constructed by use of conformation‐restrained 2‐nitroglucal donor under bifunctional organothiourea catalysis; while the 1,2‐cis‐2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐galactosidic bonds were formed by use of di‐tert‐butylsilylidene protected 2‐azidogalactose donors. The synthetic fragments were screened by glycan microarray with immunized rabbit sera against purified LPS from Proteus mirabilis O54. The results revealed that the synthetic common O‐antigens both hexasaccharide 2 and nonasaccharide 3 can strongly bind with the IgG antibodies (Abs) in the sera, which is highly valuable for further immunological investigation in synthetic carbohydrate‐based vaccine development.
Diversity of cellular physiology and morphology of Purkinje cells in the adult zebrafish cerebellum
Authors: Magnus Gerhard , Xing Junling , Zhang Yueping , Han Victor Z.
Published: December 2022

This study was designed to explore the functional circuitry of the adult zebrafish cerebellum, focusing on its Purkinje cells and using whole‐cell patch recordings and single cell labeling in slice preparations. Following physiological characterizations, the recorded single cells were labeled for morphological identification. It was found that the zebrafish Purkinje cells are surprisingly diverse. Based on their physiology and morphology, they can be classified into at least three subtypes: Type I, a narrow spike cell, which fires only narrow Na+ spikes (<3 ms in duration), and has a single primary dendrite with an arbor restricted to the distal molecular layer; Type II, a broad spike cell, which fires broad Ca2+ spikes (5–7 ms in duration) and has a primary dendrite with limited branching in the inner molecular layer and then further radiates throughout the molecular layer; and Type III, a very broad spike cell, which fires very broad Ca2+ spikes (≥10 ms in duration) and has a dense proximal dendritic arbor that is either restricted to the inner molecular layer (Type IIIa), or radiates throughout the entire molecular layer (Type IIIb). The graded paired‐pulse facilitation of these Purkinje cells’ responses to parallel fiber activations and the all‐or‐none, paired‐pulse depression of climbing fiber activation are largely similar to those reported for mammals. The labeled axon terminals of these Purkinje cells end locally, as reported for larval zebrafish. The present study provides evidence that the corresponding functional circuitry and information processing differ from what has been well‐established in the mammalian cerebellum.
Infrared Spectroscopy Evidence of Weak Interactions in Frustrated Lewis Pairs Formed by Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane
Authors: Marques Leandro Ramos , Ando Rômulo Augusto
Published: December 2022

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have been widely investigated as promising catalysts due to their metal‐free feature and ability to activate small molecules. Since their discovery, many works have been investigating how these Lewis pairs (intermolecular pairs) are held together in an encounter complex. This prompted several studies based on theoretical investigations, but experimental ones are limited yet. In this communication we show evidence of weak intermolecular interactions between Lewis acids and Lewis bases, distinguishing the Lewis adduct from FLPs, by probing fluorine‐carbon vibrational modes using infrared spectroscopy. The main evidence is based on the band shifts occurring in FLPs due to weak hydrogen bonds between the hydrogen atoms of the Lewis base and the fluorine atoms of Lewis acid.
Stress, trauma, and perception of eating behavior changes during the first weeks of the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Karvay Yvette G. , Helion Chelsea , Vafiadis Athena , Smith David V. , Jarcho Johanna M.
Published: December 2022

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic is one of the largest collective stressors in recent history. Consistent with prior research, this stress has led to impactful eating behavior change. While prior life traumas also impact eating behavior, it is unclear whether the current stress experienced during COVID‐19, and prior life traumas (overall, socially relevant, and nonsocially relevant), interact to influence eating behavior changes. Moreover, it is unclear whether current stress and prior traumas impact how eating behavior changes are perceived (i.e., in magnitude, valence, or both) by the individuals experiencing the changes. Therefore, this study sought to examine both the relationship between current stress and perception of eating behavior changes, as well as the moderating impact of prior life traumas on this relationship.

Methods

Between March and April 2020, participants completed a subjective, self‐report online assessment of current stress, prior life traumas, pandemic‐related changes in eating behaviors, and the perceived impact of eating behavior changes.

Results

Higher current stress was associated with larger, more negative perceptions of eating behavior changes. This relationship was moderated by prior life traumas. Specifically, the association between current stress and perceived negative impact of eating behavior change was potentiated among those with more prior socially relevant (but not nonsocially relevant) traumas.

Discussion

These results suggest eating behavior changes occurred early in the pandemic and were uniquely impacted by the cumulative effect of present stress and socially relevant prior life traumas.

Public Significance

Changes in eating behaviors and pathology have been prevalent during COVID‐19. We examined how stress and prior life traumas interacted during the first weeks of COVID‐19 to influence perceptions of eating behavior change. As altered perception of eating behaviors is a notable feature of eating pathology, these results will help inform development of intervention targets for those at risk for developing disordered eating during future‐ and post‐pandemic recovery.
Utilizations and characteristics of ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma in situ
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Violette Caroline J. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Shoupe Donna , Roman Lynda D.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine the trends and characteristics of ovarian conservation at time of hysterectomy in cervical carcinoma in situ.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study examining the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample, January 2016 to December 2019. The study population included 6605 patients aged less than 65 years with cervical carcinoma in situ who underwent hysterectomy. Exposure allocation was the adnexal procedure status (ovarian conservation vs. oophorectomy). Main outcome measures were temporal trends of ovarian conservation over time and per patient age. A classification‐tree was constructed to examine utilization patterns of ovarian conservation.

Results

Ovarian conservation was performed in 57.2% of patients. Ovarian conservation rates were unchanged over time (P‐trend = 0.219). Ovarian conservation rates remained stable until age 40 years, ranging from 88.0% to 78.6% (P‐trend = 0.236), after which time the rate sharply decreased from 78.6% to 19.1% (P‐trend <0.001). In a multivariable analysis, younger age, fewer comorbidities, higher household income, vaginal hysterectomy, and surgery at small bed capacity non‐rural hospitals were associated with ovarian conservation (all, P < 0.05). There were 17 utilization patterns of ovarian conservation for which the rate ranged from 17.2% to 94.4% (absolute rate difference 77.2%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Decrease in the utilization of ovarian conservation at hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma in situ occurred at age 40 years, which is earlier than expected.
Reduction of adverse outcomes from cesarean section by surgical‐site infection prevention care bundles in maternity
Authors: Erritty Matthew , Hale Joann , Thomas James , Thompson Anna , Wright Ria , Low Anna , Carr Megan , George Richard , Williams Lisa , Dumitrescu Alexandra , Rees Jacqui , Irukulla Shashi , Fry Christopher H. , Fluck David , Han Thang S.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To reduce average surgical‐site infection (SSI) rates to less than 7.5%, as well as other complications by incrementally implementing an SSI prevention care bundle in maternity: (1) ChloraPrep; (2) PICO dressings, performing elective cesarean sections in a main theater rather than a labor ward and warming blankets; (3) vaginal cleansing; and (4) Hibiscrub.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, the association between categorical variables was assessed by χ2 tests, temporal trends in the monthly percentage change of SSI were measured using the Joinpoint Regression Program v4.7.0.0.

Results

In all, 1682 women (mean age 33.1 ± 5.2 years) underwent either elective (53.9%) or emergency (46.1%) cesarean section. After a small initial increase (10.0%–11.8%), SSI progressively declined to 4.4% (χ2 = 22.1, P < 0.001), as did sepsis, reoperation or readmission for SSI: from 12.5% to 0.5% (χ2 = 90.1, P < 0.001). The rates of SSI fell progressively with the cumulative introduction care bundle components. The average monthly percentage change was −14.0% (95% confidence interval −21.8% to −5.4%, P = 0.004), and the average SSI rate was kept below 7.5% for the last 12 months of the study.

Conclusion

The maternal SSI prevention care bundle is simple and inexpensive; it effectively reduces SSI after a cesarean section and should be offered routinely to women undergoing cesarean section.
Escalating schedules of incentives increase physical activity with no differences between deposit and no‐deposit groups: A systematic replication
Authors: Batchelder Sydney R. , Van Heukelom Justin T. , Proctor Kaitlyn , Washington Wendy Donlin
Published: December 2022

Physical inactivity has increasingly affected public health in the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic as it is associated with chronic diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Contingency management has been shown to increase physical activity. Therefore, the present study sought to evaluate the effects of an escalating schedule of monetary reinforcement with a reset contingency on physical activity, as compared between 2 counterbalanced groups in which a monetary deposit of $25 was either required (deposit group) or not (no‐deposit group). Twenty‐five adults wore Fitbit accelerometers to monitor step counts. An ABA reversal design was used; in the 2 baseline phases, no programmed contingencies were in place for step counts. During intervention, step goals were set using a modified 70th percentile schedule with a 7‐day window: Reaching the first goal would result in $0.25, and incentives increased by $0.25 for each subsequent day in which the goal was met. Failure to reach a goal resulted in a reset of the monetary incentive value to $0.25. Ten out of 12 participants from the deposit group were determined to be responders to intervention, whereas 8 out of 13 participants from the no‐deposit group were determined to be responders to intervention. Overall, there were no significant differences between the groups' step counts. However, the deposit group's intervention was cheaper to implement, which suggests that deposit contracts are a viable modification for physical activity interventions.
An evaluation of the teach‐back method for training new skills
Authors: Sleiman Andressa A. , Gravina Nicole E. , Portillo Daniel
Published: December 2022

There are several effective training packages (e.g., behavioral skills training, video modeling, and self‐instruction packages) available to train staff. Despite their efficacy, these training procedures require substantial time or preplanning and resources to create materials. Teach‐back, an empirically validated method used in the healthcare setting to enhance communication between clinicians and patients, does not require any preplanning or materials. However, this method has yet to be investigated in the context of training and supervision. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the efficacy of teach‐back in training participants to implement preference assessments and a token economy. The teach‐back method improved procedural integrity to at least 88%, and the addition of vocal‐verbal feedback resulted in all participants achieving 100% integrity in all skills. We discuss the implications of these findings.
Adverse effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ming Yang , Liu Gang , Li Jun , Lai Hao , Wang Chunsheng , Zhu Kai
Published: December 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Meanwhile, environment air pollution has become a serious health risk factor, contributing to the mortality of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. A substantial body of evidence has shown that many types of vascular diseases are related to air pollution. The physiology and pathophysiology of the three layers of vascular vessels, especially the inner and medial layer, contribute to the process of vascular diseases. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cells in the medial layer, and several studies have indicated that air pollution has an adverse effect on VSMCs. There are numerous sources of air pollution across the world, and the components of air pollutants are a complex mixture of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter. Among these air pollutants, particulate matter (PM)2.5 presents the highest risk factor leading to global mortality from cardiovascular disease and disability. In this review, we primarily focus on the impacts of PM2.5 exposure on VSMCs. We further discuss the correlation between exposure to PM2.5 and other vascular diseases and present potential protective and treatment strategies to decrease vascular mortality related to air pollution.
Reaction of propionitrile with methylidyne: A theoretical study
Authors: Krikunova Lubov I. , Nikolayev Anatoliy A. , Porfiriev Denis P. , Mebel Alexander M.
Published: December 2022

The results of a CCSD(T)‐F12/cc‐pVTZ‐f12//ωB97XD/cc‐pVTZ quantum‐chemical study of the potential energy surface (PES) for the reaction of propionitrile with methylidyne are combined with Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus (RRKM) calculations of the reaction rate constants and product branching ratios in the deep space conditions corresponding to the zero‐pressure limit at various collision energies. The most energetically favorable reaction pathways have been identified. The reaction outcome has been shown to strongly depend on the branching in the entrance reaction channel, between CH additions and insertions into various C‐H and C‐C bonds. For instance, CH addition to the N atom predominantly leads to 3H‐pyrrole + H (p9), with CH2NC + C2H4 (p2) also being a significant product. CH addition to the triple C≡N bond mostly results in 2‐methylene‐2H‐azirine + CH3 (p13), whereas CH insertions into C‐H bonds in the CH3 and CH2 groups of propionitrile form CH2CN + C2H4 (p1) and CH2CHCN + CH3 (p7) respectively. Less likely CH insertions into single C‐C bonds yield CH3CHCHCN + H (p5) and CH2CHCH2CN + H (p8). The results indicate that the methylidyne + propionitrile reaction may represent a critical step toward the formation of heterocyclic N‐containing molecules in the interstellar medium and in planetary atmospheres.
Ex vivo study of detergent‐assisted intraosseous bone wash treatment of osteonecrosis
Authors: Andre Graham , Boschetto Francesco , Gokani Vishal , Singhal Mo , Jing Yan , Kim Harry K. W. , Ma Chi
Published: December 2022

Avascular necrosis (AVN) involves ischemic cell death of the bone. AVN leaves an abundance of necrotic lipids and debris in the bone marrow, which instigates inflammatory bone repair. Consequently, the necrotic bone microenvironment stimulates excessive bone resorption, leading to joint deformities and osteoarthritis. Here, we performed a detergent‐assisted bone wash using poloxamer 407 (P407) to clean the necrotic bone environment by removing lipids and necrotic debris. The new concept was tested using an established ex vivo AVN model of porcine cadaver humeral heads. The P407 wash was performed using P407 solution and followed with saline via two intraosseous needles. Visual inspection and image analyses of average pixel light intensity showed that the P407 wash produced a better‐cleaned bone than the saline wash. Analyses of the collected bone wash solution showed a two‐fold increase in triglycerides (101 vs. 53 mmol/head, p = 0.006) and a 10‐fold increase in the dry weight of the removed debris (1.34 vs. 0.13 g/head, p = 0.02) with the P407 wash compared to saline. The histological evaluation showed significantly decreased Oil‐Red‐O (fats) staining in the P407‐washed bone compared with the saline‐washed bone. The in vitro assays of Alizarin red and qPCR showed the P407 wash neither altered the osteogenic behaviors of porcine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal cells (pBMMCs) nor raised inflammatory responses of porcine bone marrow‐derived macrophages (pBMMs). In conclusion, detergent‐assisted bone wash using P407 produced a better removal of nonsoluble debris from the bone marrow space than the saline wash without causing changes to osteogenesis or inflammatory reactions.
Non‐negative matrix factorisation of Raman spectra finds common patterns relating to neuromuscular disease across differing equipment configurations, preclinical models and human tissue
Authors: Alix James J. P. , Plesia Maria , Schooling Chlöe N. , Dudgeon Alexander P. , Kendall Catherine A. , Kadirkamanathan Visakan , McDermott Christopher J. , Gorman Gráinne S. , Taylor Robert W. , Mead Richard J. , Shaw Pamela J. , Day John C.
Published: December 2022

Raman spectroscopy shows promise as a biomarker for complex nerve and muscle (neuromuscular) diseases. To maximise its potential, several challenges remain. These include the sensitivity to different instrument configurations, translation across preclinical/human tissues and the development of multivariate analytics that can derive interpretable spectral outputs for disease identification. Nonnegative matrix factorisation (NMF) can extract features from high‐dimensional data sets and the nonnegative constraint results in physically realistic outputs. In this study, we have undertaken NMF on Raman spectra of muscle obtained from different clinical and preclinical settings. First, we obtained and combined Raman spectra from human patients with mitochondrial disease and healthy volunteers, using both a commercial microscope and in‐house fibre optic probe. NMF was applied across all data, and spectral patterns common to both equipment configurations were identified. Linear discriminant models utilising these patterns were able to accurately classify disease states (accuracy 70.2–84.5%). Next, we applied NMF to spectra obtained from the mdx mouse model of a Duchenne muscular dystrophy and patients with dystrophic muscle conditions. Spectral fingerprints common to mouse/human were obtained and able to accurately identify disease (accuracy 79.5–98.8%). We conclude that NMF can be used to analyse Raman data across different equipment configurations and the preclinical/clinical divide. Thus, the application of NMF decomposition methods could enhance the potential of Raman spectroscopy for the study of fatal neuromuscular diseases.
Effect of exercise on rehabilitation of breast cancer surgery patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Yawei , Chen Yi , Liu Rongrong , Cao Baohua
Published: December 2022

Aim

To determine the effective exercise methods for different complications of breast cancer patients after surgery.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic search was carried out with no time limit until May 2020. Studies must have been randomized controlled trials of patients after breast cancer surgery, without limit to the way of exercise. Literature quality was evaluated by the modified Jadad scale. The meta‐analysis was conducted with CMA2.0 software.

Results

Aerobic exercise reduced the intensity of the pain (MD = −1.043), improved shoulder flexion (MD = 3.398) and internal rotation range (MD = 3.868), lessened upper limb dysfunction (MD = −5.231) and improved muscle strength during flexion (MD = 1.076) and abduction (MD = 0.991). Shoulder elbow movement improved the range of shoulder external rotation (MD = 2.691) and reduced the incidence of arm lymphedema (RR = 0.343). Anti‐resistance exercise also lessened upper limb dysfunction (MD = − 4.094).