bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chelated amino acids: biomass sources, preparation, properties, and biological activities
Authors: Jacob Rania H. , Afify Adel S. , Shanab Sanaa M. , Shalaby Emad A.
Published: January 2022

Micronutrients such as Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn are required metals for plant crops to increase their yield and quality. Metals are included in numerous biochemical reactions as enzymes, co-enzymes, and co-factors. Copper, zinc, and manganese are essential for the development and growth of animal as pigs and broiler chicks. Amino acids are of significant importance and are used in many applications, fields, and industries such as food, animal feed, supplement, pharmaceutical production, and as biofertilizers. Fertilizers of inorganic mineral structure are hardly diffused from the leaf surface into the plant, while chelated minerals with amino acids provide a great advantage in increasing the absorption efficiency and translocation of minerals within the plant.

Also, it was known that derivatives of free or chelated amino acids have marked antioxidant activity and are able to inhibit the development of tumor tissues and leading to increase immune protective abilities of the organisms. Nanotechnology increased the application efficiency of metal-amino acid complexes. Using nano fertilizers to plants is one of critical importance due to their unique properties in size and increased surface areas. It released the nutrients on demand and regulates plant growth (such as wheat, rice, barley, and rapeseed plants). Metal chelating complexes have found extensive applications in various fields of human interest.

Chelators are used in medical applications; water softeners are included as ingredients in many commercial products such as shampoos and food preservatives and control heavy metal pollution in aquacultures. Amino acids may be used separately in chelation process as free amino acids or can be separated from plant or animal wastes. It can be separated by hydrolysis of plant or agricultural crop wastes as thrones of tomato and sugar beet plants. Also, it can be separated from animal origin as leather wastes and chicken feather waste or from whey of cow milk after mozzarella cheese formation. So, amino acid production from wastes decreases the cost of metal-chelated complex formation.
Eco-friendly bioremediation approach for crude oil-polluted soils using a novel and biostimulated Enterobacter hormaechei ODB H32 strain
Authors: El-Liethy M. A. , El-Noubi M. M. , Abia A. L. K. , El-Malky M. G. , Hashem A. I. , El-Taweel G. E.
Published: January 2022

Petroleum oil contaminants have become severe ecological problems and negatively impact human health. It is, therefore, imperative to identify environmentally friendly approaches to remediate oil-polluted environments. Therefore, bacterial oil degradation stimulated with a nitrogen source under optimum conditions was assessed in this study. Based on the 16S rRNA analysis, strain ODB H32 recovered from oil-based mud of some petroleum drilling sites in the western desert, Egypt, was identified as Enterobacter hormaechei. The metabolic fingerprint of E. hormaechei, achieved using BIOLOG GEN III, revealed that the strain could utilize diverse carbon and chemical sources. Also, E. hormaechei could biodegrade 0.6% of oil under optimized pH (7.0) and temperature (30 °C) conditions. Analyzing different nitrogen stimulants revealed that peptone ˃ yeast extract ˃ ammonium nitrate ˃ urea enhanced the growth of E. hormaechei on mineral salts medium (MSM). Analysis by capillary gas chromatography revealed maximum (70.7%) degradation of peptone by E. hormaechei, indicating that peptone was a good biostimulant for oil degradation. These findings recommend using biostimulated E. hormaechei as an eco-friendly approach for remediating oil-polluted environments, under optimized conditions, especially in arid regions like the western desert of Egypt.
Fatigue assessment of weld seams considering elastic–plastic material behavior using the local strain approach
Authors: Rudorffer Winniefred , Wächter Michael , Esderts Alfons , Dittmann Florian , Varfolomeev Igor
Published: January 2022

In this contribution, the notch strain approach is applied to seam welds including butt welds and filet welds. This allows the fatigue assessment for all regimes of fatigue life, including the low cycle fatigue regime (N > 10). Linear-elastic finite element analyses are used to determine the local stresses. The modeling of the geometry to be assessed is similar to that of the effective notch stress concept. Necessary input values besides linear-elastic stresses are estimated from the hardness of the heat-affected zone. Subsequently, the elastic–plastic stresses and strains are estimated, and a service life calculation is carried out. The used algorithm for the notch strain approach is based on the German FKM-guideline “nonlinear” and includes the influence of stress gradients, highly stressed surfaces, and the influence of surface roughness. Up to now, this FKM-guideline has only been approved for non-welded components. However, this article shows that, with a few modifications, it can also be applied to welds.
Disentangling binge eating disorder and food addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: di Giacomo Ester , Aliberti Francesca , Pescatore Francesca , Santorelli Mario , Pessina Rodolfo , Placenti Valeria , Colmegna Fabrizia , Clerici Massimo
Published: January 2022

Background and aims

The concept of "Food Addiction" has been based on criteria of Substance Use Disorder. Several studies suggested a relationship between food addiction and eating disorders, but little is known about its extent or role.

We aim at exploring if food addiction is coincident with a specific eating disorder (binge eating disorder appears the closest) or it is a separate diagnostic entity that afflicts in comorbidity with eating disorders or other conditions like obesity or even in the general population.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed observational studies with a comparative estimation on rates of subjects affected by binge eating disorder and food addiction.

Results

Binge eating disorder shows higher comorbidity with food addiction compared to other eating disorders (OR = 1.33, 95% CI, 0.64–2.76; c2 = 4.42; p = 0.44;I2 = 0%), or each eating disorder [anorexia nervosa purging type (OR = 1.93, 95% CI, 0.20–18.92; p = 0.57) and restrictive type (OR = 8.75, 95% CI, 1.08–70.70; p = 0.04)], obese patients (OR = 5.72, 95% CI, 3.25–10.09; p =  < 0.0001) and individuals from the general population (OR = 55.41, 95% CI, 8.16–376.10; c2 = 18.50; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0%)but has decreased prevalence when compared to bulimia nervosa (OR = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.33–2.22; c2 = 0.35; p = 0.74; I2 = 0%).

Discussion and conclusions

Our data show that the prevalence of food addiction in binge eating disorder is higher than in other eating disorders except in bulimia nervosa. Moreover, it is a separate diagnostic reality and can be detected in people without mental illness and in the general population.

Food addiction might have a prognostic value, since in comorbidity, and should be addressed to boost treatment efficacy and patient’s recovery.

Level of evidence

I: Evidence obtained systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Deep learning model construction for a semi-supervised classification with feature learning
Authors: Mandapati Sridhar , Kadry Seifedine , Kumar R. Lakshmana , Sutham Krongkarn , Thinnukool Orawit
Published: January 2022

Several deep models were proposed in image processing, data interpretation, speech recognition, and video analysis. Most of these architectures need a massive proportion of training samples and use arbitrary configuration. This paper constructs a deep learning architecture with feature learning. Graph convolution networks (GCNs), semi-supervised learning and graph data representation, have become increasingly popular as cost-effective and efficient methods. Most existing merging node descriptions for node distribution on the graph use stabilised neighbourhood knowledge, typically requiring a significant amount of variables and a high degree of computational complexity. To address these concerns, this research presents DLM-SSC, a unique method semi-supervised node classification tasks that can combine knowledge from multiple neighbourhoods at the same time by integrating high-order convolution and feature learning. This paper employs two function learning techniques for reducing the number of parameters and hidden layers: modified marginal fisher analysis (MMFA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA). The MMFA and KPCA weight matrices are modified layer by layer when implementing the DLM, a supervised pretraining technique that doesn't require a lot of information. Free measuring on citation datasets (Citeseer, Pubmed, and Cora) and other data sets demonstrate that the suggested approaches outperform similar algorithms.
Switching to Fully Online Teaching and Learning of Mathematics: The Case of Norwegian Mathematics Lecturers and University Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Radmehr Farzad , Goodchild Simon
Published: January 2022

Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was detected and quickly spread worldwide. The resulting pandemic led many countries to lockdown and teaching and learning switched to fully online provision. This study explores how Norwegian higher education lecturers and students of mathematics experienced online provision following this switch in March 2020 when the national lockdown was imposed. Data are generated and analysed using an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach that first entailed interviews with ten mathematics lecturers and six undergraduate students as the foundation for developing a survey instrument. The instrument was designed to explore further how a larger sample of mathematics lecturers and students perceived their experiences following the switch to online teaching and learning. One hundred and twenty-seven university students from four universities and eighteen mathematics lecturers from seven universities responded to the survey. The data generated indicate that advanced technology and the internet were not entirely successful in supporting many students and lecturers to adjust to the lockdown environment. Additionally, it appears that some mathematics lecturers were not aware of several challenges that students experienced following the switch. This paper aims to increase the awareness of the mathematics education community at the tertiary level about the challenges mathematics lecturers and students experience through online education. Further, it is hoped to prompt collaboration within the community to address these challenges in order to be better equipped for any use of online teaching and learning of mathematics in higher education.
Ethisch geleitete Netzwerkforschung in inklusiven Grundschulklassen: Ein Vergleich zweier Methoden
Authors: Mumenthaler Fabian , Eckhart Michael , Nagel Siegfried
Published: January 2022

Soziometrische Verfahren stoßen häufig auf ethische Bedenken. Sie bedürfen deshalb einer besonderen Legitimierung – insbesondere in der Inklusionsforschung. In dieser Studie wird argumentiert, dass der empirische Nachweis ethisch vertretbarer Instrumente schwierig zu liefern ist, weshalb ethische Aspekte bereits in der Testkonstruktion beachtet werden müssen. Mittels Intrarater-Reliabilität bei 109 und exponential random graph models bei 77 inklusiven Grundschulklassen wird überprüft, ob zwei soziometrische Erhebungsmethoden – eine gängige Freundschaftsnomination und ein ethisch durchdachtes Interaktionsrating (Sozio) – zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen führen. Der Vergleich zeigt, dass sich Freundschafts- und Interaktionsnetzwerke stark gleichen.
Computational and Analytical Bounds for Multivariate Bernoulli Distributions
Authors: Fontana Roberto , Semeraro Patrizia
Published: January 2022

Building on a new but simple method to characterize multivariate Bernoulli variables with given means, we investigate their dependence structure. We evaluate on some computational examples whether the assumption of exchangeability is binding. This is useful in applications where exchangeability is a standard assumption, such as credit risk.
Urological Cancers in French Overseas Territories: A Population-Based Cancer Registry Pooled Analysis in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana (2007–2014)
Authors: Deloumeaux Jacqueline , Bhakkan-Mambir Bernard , Desroziers Laure , Plenet Juliette , Peruvien Jessica , Chatignoux Édouard , Belliardo Sophie , Macni Jonathan , Ulric-Gervaise Stephen , Véronique-Baudin Jacqueline , Joachim Clarisse
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the Caribbean. We present world-standardized incidence (WSI) and mortality (WSM) rates for urological cancers for French overseas territories.

Materials and Methods

Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) were calculated for 2008–2014, 2007–2014 and 2010–2014 in Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana.

Results

For prostate cancer, in Guadeloupe and Martinique, the WSI rates are among the highest in the world (173.0 and 164.5 per 100,000 person-years) and 94.4 in French Guiana. Mortality remains more than twice that observed in mainland France, at 23.0 in Guadeloupe and Martinique, and 16.9 in French Guiana.

For bladder cancer, WSI rates were 5.9, 4.9 and 4.1 in men, and 1.9, 1.4 and 1.3 in women, in French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique. WSM rates from bladder varied from 1.5 in French Guiana to 1.8 in Guadeloupe and 2.0 in Martinique in men. In women, it ranges from 0.2 in French Guiana to 0.5 in Guadeloupe and 1.1 in Martinique. Regarding kidney, WSI rates in men are 4.3 in Martinique, 5.2 in Guadeloupe and 6.1 in French Guiana, and 2.3, 2.5 and 3.4, respectively, in women. Mortality rates in men were 1.7 in Guadeloupe, 1.4 in Martinique, and 1.5 in French Guiana, while in women, rates were 0.8 in Guadeloupe and Martinique and 0.6 in French Guiana. All these rates are lower than in mainland France.

Conclusions

Identifying the profile of patients with urological cancers is key to understanding the needs of patients in these regions.
Cluster-based hierarchical network model of the fluidic pinball – cartographing transient and post-transient, multi-frequency, multi-attractor behaviour
Authors: Deng Nan , Noack Bernd R. , Morzyński Marek , Pastur Luc R.
Published: January 2022

We propose a self-supervised cluster-based hierarchical reduced-order modelling methodology to model and analyse the complex dynamics arising from a sequence of bifurcations for a two-dimensional incompressible flow of the fluidic pinball. The hierarchy is guided by a triple decomposition separating a slowly varying base flow, dominant shedding and secondary flow structures. All these flow components are kinematically resolved by a hierarchy of clusters. The transition dynamics between these clusters is described by a directed network, called the cluster-based hierarchical network model (HiCNM). Three consecutive Reynolds number regimes for different dynamics are considered: (i) periodic shedding at

$Re=80$

, (ii) quasi-periodic shedding at

$Re=105$

and (iii) chaotic shedding at

$Re=130$

, involving three unstable fixed points, three limit cycles, two quasi-periodic attractors and a chaotic attractor. The HiCNM enables identification of the dynamics between multiple invariant sets in a self-supervised manner. Both the global trends and the local structures during the transition are well resolved by a moderate number of hierarchical clusters. The proposed HiCNM provides a visual representation of transient and post-transient, multi-frequency, multi-attractor behaviour and may automate the identification and analysis of complex dynamics with multiple scales and multiple invariant sets.
A physics-inspired alternative to spatial filtering for large-eddy simulations of turbulent flows
Authors: Johnson Perry L.
Published: January 2022

Large-eddy simulations (LES) are widely used for computing high Reynolds number turbulent flows. Spatial filtering theory for LES is not without its shortcomings, including how to define filtering for wall-bounded flows, commutation errors for non-uniform filters and extensibility to flows with additional complexity, such as multiphase flows. In this paper, the theory for LES is reimagined using a coarsening procedure that imitates nature. This physics-inspired coarsening approach is equivalent to Gaussian filtering for single-phase wall-free flows but opens up new insights for both physical understanding and modelling even in that simple case. For example, an alternative to the Germano identity is introduced and used to define a dynamic procedure without the need for a test filter. Non-uniform resolution can be represented in this framework without commutation errors, and the divergence-free condition is retained for incompressible flows. Potential extensions of the theory to more complex physics such as multiphase flows are briefly discussed.
Women have higher levels of CoQ10 than men when supplemented with a single dose of CoQ10 with monoglycerides omega-3 or rice oil and followed for 48 h: a crossover randomised triple blind controlled study
Authors: Beaulieu Sandrine , Vachon Annick , Plourde Mélanie
Published: January 2022

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipid involved in ATP synthesis, exhibits very limited oral absorption, and its endogenous production decreases with ageing and with the occurrence of oxidative stress. Our group previously showed that monoglycerides omega-3 (MAG-OM3) increase OM3 plasma concentrations. Since CoQ10 is liposoluble, we hypothesised that its 48 h pharmacokinetics is higher when provided with MAG-OM3 compared to CoQ10 alone (in powder form) or added to rice oil (a neutral triacylglycerol oil). A randomised triple-blind crossover study was performed with fifteen men and fifteen women consuming the three supplements providing 200 mg of CoQ10 in a random order. Blood samples were collected before (t = 0) and 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 24 and 48 h after the supplement intake. Plasma total CoQ10 concentrations were analysed on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Participants were 26⋅1 ± 4⋅8 years old. When CoQ10 was provided with rice or MAG-OM3 oils, the 48 h area under the curve (AUC 0–48 h) was approximately two times higher compared to when provided without an oil. The delta max concentration (ΔCmax) of plasma CoQ10 was, respectively, 2 (MAG-OM3) and 2⋅5 (rice oil) times higher compared to CoQ10 alone. There was a significant sex by treatment interaction (P = 0⋅0250) for the AUC 0–6 h supporting that in postprandial, men and women do not respond the same way to the different supplement. Women had a higher CoQ10 concentration 48 h after the single-dose intake compared to men. We conclude that CoQ10 supplements must be provided with lipids, and their kinetics is different between men and women.
Rate of strong convergence to Markov-modulated Brownian motion
Authors: Nguyen Giang T. , Peralta Oscar
Published: January 2022

Latouche and Nguyen (2015b) constructed a sequence of stochastic fluid processes and showed that it converges weakly to a Markov-modulated Brownian motion (MMBM). Here, we construct a different sequence of stochastic fluid processes and show that it converges strongly to an MMBM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first result on strong convergence to a Markov-modulated Brownian motion. Besides implying weak convergence, such a strong approximation constitutes a powerful tool for developing deep results for sophisticated models. Additionally, we prove that the rate of this almost sure convergence is
$o(n^{-1/2} \log n)$
. When reduced to the special case of standard Brownian motion, our convergence rate is an improvement over that obtained by a different approximation in Gorostiza and Griego (1980), which is
$o(n^{-1/2}(\log n)^{5/2})$
.
How a probabilistic analogue of the mean value theorem yields stein-type covariance identities
Authors: Psarrakos Georgios
Published: January 2022

A method for the construction of Stein-type covariance identities for a nonnegative continuous random variable is proposed, using a probabilistic analogue of the mean value theorem and weighted distributions. A generalized covariance identity is obtained, and applications focused on actuarial and financial science are provided. Some characterization results for gamma and Pareto distributions are also given. Identities for risk measures which have a covariance representation are obtained; these measures are connected with the Bonferroni, De Vergottini, Gini, and Wang indices. Moreover, under some assumptions, an identity for the variance of a function of a random variable is derived, and its performance is discussed with respect to well-known upper and lower bounds.
The Long Shadow of Slavery: The Persistence of Slave Owners in Southern Lawmaking
Authors: Bellani Luna , Hager Anselm , Maurer Stephan E.
Published: January 2022

This paper documents the persistence of Southern slave owners in political power after the American Civil War. Using data from Texas, we show that former slave owners made up more than half of all state legislators until the late 1890s. Legislators with slave-owning backgrounds were more likely to be Democrats and voted more conservatively even conditional on party membership. A county’s propensity to elect former slave owners was positively correlated with cotton production, but negatively with Reconstruction-era progress of blacks. Counties that elected more slave owners also displayed worse educational outcomes for blacks in the early twentieth century.
Dissection of depression heterogeneity using proteomic clusters
Authors: van Haeringen Marije , Milaneschi Yuri , Lamers Femke , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Jansen Rick
Published: January 2022

Background

The search for relevant biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD) is challenged by heterogeneity; biological alterations may vary in patients expressing different symptom profiles. Moreover, most research considers a limited number of biomarkers, which may not be adequate for tagging complex network-level mechanisms. Here we studied clusters of proteins and examined their relation with MDD and individual depressive symptoms.

Methods

The sample consisted of 1621 subjects from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). MDD diagnoses were based on DSM-IV criteria and the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology questionnaire measured endorsement of 30 symptoms. Serum protein levels were detected using a multi-analyte platform (171 analytes, immunoassay, Myriad RBM DiscoveryMAP 250+). Proteomic clusters were computed using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA).

Results

Six proteomic clusters were identified, of which one was nominally significantly associated with current MDD (p = 9.62E-03, Bonferroni adj. p = 0.057). This cluster contained 21 analytes and was enriched with pathways involved in inflammation and metabolism [including C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin and insulin]. At the individual symptom level, this proteomic cluster was associated with ten symptoms, among which were five atypical, energy-related symptoms. After correcting for several health and lifestyle covariates, hypersomnia, increased appetite, panic and weight gain remained significantly associated with the cluster.

Conclusions

Our findings support the idea that alterations in a network of proteins involved in inflammatory and metabolic processes are present in MDD, but these alterations map predominantly to clinical symptoms reflecting an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure.
Sensory processing sensitivity behavior moderates the association between environmental harshness, unpredictability, and child socioemotional functioning
Authors: Li Zhi , Sturge-Apple Melissa L. , Jones-Gordils Hannah R. , Davies Patrick T.
Published: January 2022

Building on Ellis et al.’s theorization for potent dimensions of environmental adversity, the present work sought to evaluate how environmental harshness and unpredictability might function directly and in interaction with child sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) to shape the development of child socioemotional functioning. Participants were 235 young children (Mage = 2.97 at the first measurement occasion) and their parents, who were followed for two consecutive annual measurement occasions. Child SPS was measured through behavioral observation across multiple tasks within the laboratory setting. Greater environmental unpredictability was significantly associated with the development of children’s externalizing problems over a year only for children with high SPS. Follow-up analyses indicated that the unpredictability-x-SPS interaction was consistent with differential susceptibility, such that high SPS children showed greater increases in externalizing problems under high unpredictability, but also lower increases/greater decreases in externalizing problems under low unpredictability. Such association did not apply to children with low SPS.
Perceptions of childhood unpredictability, delay discounting, risk-taking, and adult externalizing behaviors: A life-history approach
Authors: Martinez Jose L. , Hasty Connor , Morabito Danielle , Maranges Heather M. , Schmidt Norman B. , Maner Jon K.
Published: January 2022

Guided by principles from life-history theory, theories of adaptive calibration provide an overarching theoretical framework for understanding the developmental roots of impulsivity and externalizing psychopathology. The current research provides evidence for robust associations between perceptions of childhood unpredictability, delay discounting (Studies 1a and 1b), and adult externalizing traits and behaviors (Study 2). Both associations were observed while controlling for perceptions of the harshness of childhood environments, as well as a range of demographic characteristics. The association with externalizing traits and behavior was observed over and above current mood and depressive symptoms. Study 2 also replicated a previously documented association between changes in maternal employment, residence, and cohabitation during childhood and externalizing behavior and, furthermore, suggested that this association was mediated by perceptions of unpredictability. These studies provided no evidence for links between perceived childhood unpredictability and basic forms of risk-taking (Studies 1a and 1c). This research adds to a growing body of work leveraging principles from life-history theory to demonstrate links between childhood experiences, impulsivity, and potentially debilitating forms of mental illness. This work also highlights the value of assessing people’s perceptions of their childhood environments.
The Naming Assessment in Multicultural Europe (NAME): Development and Validation in a Multicultural Memory Clinic
Authors: Franzen S. , van den Berg E. , Ayhan Y. , Satoer D.D. , Türkoğlu Ö. , Genç Akpulat G.E. , Visch-Brink E.G. , Scheffers E.A. , Kranenburg J. , Jiskoot L.C. , van Hemmen J. , Papma J.M.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Traditional naming tests are unsuitable to assess naming impairment in diverse populations, given the influence of culture, language, and education on naming performance. Our goal was therefore to develop and validate a new test to assess naming impairment in diverse populations: the Naming Assessment in Multicultural Europe (NAME).

Method:

We carried out a multistage pilot study. First, we generated a list of 149 potentially suitable items – e.g. from published cross-linguistic word lists and other naming tests – and selected those with a homogeneous age of acquisition and word frequency across languages. We selected three to four colored photographs for each of the 73 remaining items; 194 controls selected the most suitable photographs. Thirteen items were removed after a pilot study in 15 diverse healthy controls. The final 60-item test was validated in 39 controls and 137 diverse memory clinic patients with subjective cognitive impairment, neurological/neurodegenerative disease or psychiatric disorders in the Netherlands and Turkey (mean age: 67, SD: 11). Patients were from 15 different countries; the majority completed primary education or less (53%).

Results:

The NAME showed excellent reliability (Spearman–Brown coefficient: 0.95; Kuder–Richardson coefficient: 0.94) and robust correlations with other language tests (ρ= .35–.73). Patients with AD/mixed dementia obtained lower scores on most (48/60) NAME items, with an area under the curve of 0.88. NAME scores were correlated with age and education, but not with acculturation or sex.

Conclusions:

The NAME is a promising tool to assess naming impairment in culturally, educationally, and linguistically diverse individuals.
Short sleep and social jetlag are associated with higher intakes of non-milk extrinsic sugars, and social jetlag is associated with lower fibre intakes in those with adequate sleep duration: a cross-sectional analysis from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (Years 1–9)
Authors: Al Khatib Haya , Dikariyanto Vita , Bermingham Kate M , Gibson Rachel , Hall Wendy L
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To investigate associations and interactions between sleep duration and social jetlag status with nutrient intake, nutrient status, body composition and cardio-metabolic risk factors in a nationally representative UK adult population.

Design:

A cross-sectional study using 4-d food diary and self-reported sleep data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme 2008–2017.

Setting:

UK free-living population.

Subjects:

Totally, 5015 adults aged 19–64 years.

Results:

Thirty-four per cent were short sleepers (< 7 h); 7 % slept ≥ 9 h; 14 % had > 2 h difference in average sleep duration between weeknights and weekend nights (social jetlag). Compared to those reporting optimal sleep duration (≥ 7–< 9 h), short sleep was associated with higher intakes of non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) (0·9 % energy, 95 % CI: 0·4, 1·4), total carbohydrate (0·8 % energy, 95 % CI: 0·2, 1·4) and a lower non-starch polysaccharides fibre intake (–0·5 g/d, 95 % CI –0·8, –0·2). There was a significant interaction between short sleep and social jetlag for fibre intakes, where adequate sleepers with social jetlag as well as all short sleepers (regardless of social jetlag) had lower fibre intakes than adequate sleepers with no social jetlag. Short sleep, but not social jetlag, was associated with greater adiposity, but there were no differences in other markers of cardiometabolic disease risk.

Conclusions:

The present study reports that both short sleep and social jetlag are associated with higher intakes of NMES, but only sleep duration is associated with markers of adiposity. Social jetlag was associated with lower fibre intakes even in individuals with adequate weekly sleep duration, suggesting catch-up sleep does not prevent the adverse impact of irregular sleep habits on food choices.
Female Prostate Development: Morphological Analysis of the Budding Dynamic
Authors: dos Santos Fernanda C. A. , Negre Ana F. P. , Rodríguez Daniel A. O. , de Sousa Géssica C. , Rodrigues Giovanna A. , Sanches Bruno D. A. , Carvalho Hernandes F. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Biancardi Manoel F.
Published: January 2022

The presence of the prostate in female mammals has long been known. However, pieces of information related to its development are still lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the budding dynamic during the initial prostate development in female gerbils. Pregnant females were timed, the fetuses were euthanized, and the urogenital sinus was dissected out between the embryonic days 20 and 24 (E20–E24 groups). Newborn pups (1-day-old; P1 group) underwent the same procedures. The female prostate development was based on epithelial buds which arose far from the paraurethral mesenchyme (PAM). The epithelial buds reached the PAM at prenatal day 24, crossing a small gap in the smooth muscle layer between the periurethral mesenchyme (PEM) and the PAM. Steroid nuclear receptors such as the androgen receptor and estrogen receptor alpha were localized in the PEM through the urethral wall, although some epithelial labeling was also present in the urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE). P63-positive cells were found only in the UGE, becoming restricted to the basal compartment after the 23rd prenatal day. The results showed that the gerbil female prostate exhibits a distinct budding pattern as compared to the male prostate development.
Historical and Comparative Research on Social Diffusion: Mechanisms, Methods, and Data
Authors: Everton Sean F. , Pfaff Steven
Published: January 2022

Historical and comparative social scientists are increasingly interested in explaining the spread of innovations—which social scientists commonly refer to as diffusion and, broadly conceived, can include the spread of new ideas, behaviors, technologies, and institutions. However, in spite of the profusion of studies, researchers do not always specify a diffusion model or its underlying causal mechanisms. Whereas many studies document spatial diffusion, not all specify a vector, model flows of influence and information, or show how people and places are connected (tied) to one another. In reviewing some of the most important work on the spread of religion, violent conflict, and social movements over the last few decades, it is clear to us that social network analysis has revolutionized the historical study of diffusion. Even so, many studies have yet to embrace concepts, methods, and measures from social network analysis. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the combination of historical perspectives on change and innovation, new methods of historical data collection and analysis, and growing sophistication in the application of network concepts and models is shedding light on a host of historical questions and contributing to our general understanding of diffusion.
Chili pepper intake and all-cause and disease-specific mortality
Authors: Yang Lili , Sun Jiahong , Zhao Min , Xi Bo
Published: January 2022

Abstract: Background: Chili pepper has been used for the treatment and prevention of multiple diseases. This may be due to its abundance of bioactive components, such as carotenoids, which are well known for their antioxidant properties. To date, several prospective cohort studies have examined the association between chili pepper intake and mortality, but the results have not been consistent. This study aimed to clarify the association between chili pepper intake and all-cause and disease-specific mortality using a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched up to December 20, 2020, and reference lists of included studies were manually reviewed. All prospective cohort studies on the association between chili pepper intake and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific, and cancer-specific mortality were included in this study. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in the meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and Q test. Results: A total of 4 cohort studies (N=564,748; all four studies had adjusted for important potential confounders such as demographic variables, dietary intake, and physical activity) were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. Among them, 31,527 died due to all causes, 10,184 died due to CVD, and 9,868 died due to cancer. Compared to none or rare consumption of chili pepper, consumption of chili pepper (ever or more than once a week) could significantly reduce the risk of all-cause mortality (summary adjusted HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.90), CVD-specific mortality (summary adjusted HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.93), and cancer-specific mortality (summary adjusted HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.97). There was no significant between-study heterogeneity in the analyses (all-cause mortality: I2=0.7%, P=0.389; CVD-specific mortality: I2=21.8%, P=0.280; cancer-specific mortality: I2=0.0%, P=0.918). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis confirmed that chili pepper intake could reduce the risk of all-cause, CVD-specific, and cancer-specific mortality, suggesting that chili pepper may be a beneficial ingredient in the diets in prolonging life.
Dissolved Fe in the East China Sea Under the Influences of Land Sources and the Boundary Current With Implications for Global Marginal Seas
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhu Xunchi , Zhang Ruifeng , Ren Jingling , Wu Ying , Liu Sumei , Huang Daji
Published: January 2022

The East China Sea (ECS) lies on a wide shelf and embraces one of the world's largest rivers, Changjiang (Yangtze River), on the west and strong boundary current, Kuroshio, on the east, which can act as potentially huge sources of dissolved iron (dFe) to the overlying water. However, their magnitude, distribution, and transformation in the ECS are not yet well characterized. Here, we reported the results from the first large scale investigation of dFe concentrations in the water column from the ECS collected with an X‐Vane assemblage in August 2013. Samples from the Changjiang and other coastal rivers were also measured to constrain terrestrial fluxes. In surface waters, dFe concentrations show a strong gradient with patchy nature from the coast adjacent to the river mouth to the mainstream of the Kuroshio Current. The behavior of dFe in the ECS is closely linked to nutrient cycling and development of the sub‐surface chlorophyll maximum. Our dFe budget reveals that mass transport over the East China Sea Shelf (ECSS) is dominated by the input from the Taiwan Strait Warm Water, atmospheric deposition, and exchange with the open boundary current further offshore. The incursion of the Kuroshio Current across shelf break is a source of natural fertilization. The export of dFe from the ECSS nourishes other marginal seas (e.g., Japan Sea/East Sea) and the Kuroshio further downstream. Comparison with the literature data provides evidence that marginal seas play a critical role in bridging terrestrial and oceanic spheres in terms of Fe biogeochemistry.
Biomagnetic Characterization of Air Pollution Particulates in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Sheikh H. A. , Maher B. A. , Karloukovski V. , Lampronti G. I. , Harrison R. J.
Published: January 2022

We report the characterization of anthropogenic magnetic particulate matter (MPM) collected on leaves from roadside Callistemon (bottlebrush) trees from Lahore, Pakistan, and on known sources of traffic‐related particulates to assess the potential of first‐order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams to discriminate between different sources of anthropogenic magnetic particles. Magnetic measurements on leaves indicate the presence of surface‐oxidized magnetite spanning the superparamagnetic (<30 nm) to single domain (∼30–70 nm) to vortex size range (∼70–700 nm). Fe‐bearing particles are present both as discrete particles on the surface of larger mineral dust or carbonaceous particles and embedded within them, such that their aerodynamic sizes may be decoupled from their magnetic grain sizes. FORC diagrams of brake‐pad residue specimens show a distinct combination of narrow central ridge, extending from 0 to 200 mT, and a low‐coercivity, vertically spread signal, attributed to vortex and multi‐vortex behavior of metallic Fe. This is in agreement with scanning electron microscopy results that show the presence of metallic as well as oxidized Fe. Exhaust‐pipe residue samples display a more conventional “magnetite‐like” signal comprising a lower coercivity central ridge (0–80 mT) and a tri‐lobate signal attributed to vortex state and/or magnetostatic interactions. The FORC signatures of leaf samples combine aspects of both exhaust residue and brake‐pad endmembers, suggesting that FORC fingerprints have the potential to identify and quantify the relative contributions from exhaust and non‐exhaust (brake‐wear) emissions. Such measurements may provide a cost‐effective way to monitor the changing contribution; of future particulate emissions as the vehicle fleet is electrified over the coming years.
Sedimentary Record of Glacial Impacts and Melt Water Discharge off the East Siberian Continental Margin, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Zhao Song , Liu Yanguang , Dong Linsen , Shi Xuefa , Polyak Leonid , Zou Xinqing , Wang Weiguo , Wu Dong
Published: January 2022

The East Siberian Continental Margin is a major constituent of the western Arctic Ocean, ideal for studying the evolutionary history of the Siberian Ice Sheet (SIS) based on its unique geographical location and medium‐depth bathymetry. For this study, the sedimentary core CHINARE‐ARC07‐E25 (E25) was analyzed, revealing nearly continuous stable oxygen isotope and mineralogy records that preserved scenarios of the SIS development. Lithostratigraphic evidence suggests that the stratigraphic range of E25 extends to marine isotope stage (MIS) 7. Stable oxygen isotope analysis reveals multiple strong, light‐oxygen isotopic excursions since the penultimate glacial, accompanied by multiple patterns of ice rafted debris content and mineralogy. Based on these isotopic events, the potential factors causing the excursions and the provenance of drainage were evaluated. It was found that the excursion events recorded in pink‐white carbonate detritus layers could be related to the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The most typical events, occurring during the deglaciation periods of MIS6/5e and MIS4/3 to early MIS3, were characterized by involving a mixture of two or more sources, and could be used to trace the activity of the SIS, which has been ignored in previous studies. Findings of this study are expected to advance the understanding of SIS contribution to the western Arctic Ocean basin development, which is important for interpreting global climate change behavior of similar ice sheets in the Arctic region.
Influence of Nonseasonal River Discharge on Sea Surface Salinity and Height
Authors: Chandanpurkar Hrishikesh A. , Lee Tong , Wang Xiaochun , Zhang Hong , Fournier Severine , Fenty Ian , Fukumori Ichiro , Menemenlis Dimitris , Piecuch Christopher G. , Reager John T. , Wang Ou , Worden John
Published: January 2022

River discharge influences ocean dynamics and biogeochemistry. Due to the lack of a systematic, up‐to‐date global measurement network for river discharge, global ocean models typically use seasonal discharge climatology as forcing. This compromises the simulated nonseasonal variation (the deviation from seasonal climatology) of the ocean near river plumes and undermines their usefulness for interdisciplinary research. Recently, a reanalysis‐based daily varying global discharge data set was developed, providing the first opportunity to quantify nonseasonal discharge effects on global ocean models. Here we use this data set to force a global ocean model for the 1992–2017 period. We contrast this experiment with another experiment (with identical atmospheric forcings) forced by seasonal climatology from the same discharge data set to isolate nonseasonal discharge effects, focusing on sea surface salinity (SSS) and sea surface height (SSH). Near major river mouths, nonseasonal discharge causes standard deviations in SSS (SSH) of 1.3–3 practical salinity unit (1–2.7 cm). The inclusion of nonseasonal discharge results in notable improvement of model SSS against satellite SSS near most of the tropical‐to‐midlatitude river mouths and minor improvement of model SSH against satellite or in‐situ SSH near some of the river mouths. SSH changes associated with nonseasonal discharge can be explained by salinity effects on halosteric height and estimated accurately through the associated SSS changes. A recent theory predicting river discharge impact on SSH is found to perform reasonably well overall but underestimates the impact on SSH around the global ocean and has limited skill when applied to rivers near the equator and in the Arctic Ocean.
Metabolic biomarkers related to cardiac dysfunction in metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Spinu Mihail , Socaciu Carmen , Budisan Livia , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Popa Stefan-Lucian , Chis Bogdan Augustin , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Olinic Dan Mircea , Dumitrascu Dan L.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Hepatic steatosis is associated with cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Therefore, we evaluated metabolites and their potential cardiovascular effects in metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 75 participants (38 MAFLD and 37 controls). Hepatic steatosis was confirmed by hepatic ultrasonography and SteatoTestTM. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography. Metabolomic analysis was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

The median age for participants’ age was 45 (IQR 30–56.5), with gender distribution of 35 males and 40 females. MAFLD patients had lower levels of glycyl tyrosine (p-value < 0.001), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (18:2/0:0) (p-value < 0.001), LPC (22:6) (p-value < 0.001), and ceramide (Cer) (d18:0/23:0) (p-value 0.003) compared to controls. MAFLD patients presented lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), E/A ratio, E/e′ ratio, and average global longitudinal strain (GLS) values, with a p-value of 0.047, <0.001, 0.008, and <0.001, respectively. Decreased glycyl tyrosine levels were significantly correlated with reduced LVEF, even after performing multiple linear regression with 95% CI (1.34–3.394, p-value < 0.001). Moreover, decreased LPC (18:2/0:0) levels remained significantly associated with E/A ratio, even after adjusting for confounding factors with 95% CI (0.008–0.258, p-value = 0.042).

Conclusion

MAFLD patients are at risk for developing cardiac systolic and subclinical systolic dysfunctions, as well as diastolic dysfunction. Decreased glycyl tyrosine levels correlate with reduced LVEF and LPC (18:2/0:0) levels with diastolic dysfunction, even after adjusting for confounding factors, suggesting their potential to be used as metabolic biomarkers in detecting cardiovascular risk.
The self on its axis: a framework for understanding depression
Authors: Davey Christopher G. , Harrison Ben J.
Published: January 2022

The self is experienced differently in depression. It is infused with pervasive low mood, and structured by negative self-related thoughts. The concept of the self has been difficult to define—one of the reasons it is now infrequently an object of enquiry for psychiatry—but findings from functional brain imaging and other neuroscience studies have provided new insights. They have elucidated how the self is supported by complex, hierarchical brain processes. Bodily sensations rise through the spinal cord, brainstem, and subcortical regions through to cortical networks, with the default mode network sitting at the apex, integrating interoceptive signals with information about the extended social environment. We discuss how this forms a “self axis”, and demonstrate how this axis is set awry by depression. Our self-axis model of depression establishes a new perspective on the disorder. It emphasises the multi-level nature of depression, and how impacts made at different explanatory levels influence others along the axis. It suggests that diverse treatments might be effective for depression, from lifestyle interventions to psychotherapies to medications: they target different aspects of the self, but changes at one level of the self axis can affect others along it. Our framework for depression establishes a central role for the self, which might again become a useful focus of investigation.