bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of heart rate variability from heart rate measured with wristwatch‐type heart rate monitor
Authors: Yokoyama Kiyoko , Hayashi Emi , Ito Hisatoshi , Kawahara Yuko
Published: March 2022

HF and LF/HF, which are parameters of the frequency domain of the electrocardiogram R‐R interval time series, are general index of the autonomic nervous activity balance. Most wristwatch‐type heart‐rate monitors measure heart rate from sphygmograph and interpolate missing data. These are the causes of reducing the calculation accuracy of LF and HF. The purpose of this study is to propose a method for estimating LF and HF calculated from the ECG R‐R interval time series from the heart‐rate time series at 1‐s intervals measured by a wristwatch‐type heart‐rate monitor. Six hundred and seventy data‐set with a length of 120 s measured simultaneously with an electrocardiogram and a wristwatch‐type heart‐rate monitor during standing cooking operation, up‐right standing, watching slide show in standing posture, and resting supine position were used. Seventy percent dataset were used for modeling, and remaining 30% were used for evaluating model. As a result, the coefficient of determination of LF and HF were 0.441 and 0.467, respectively in the one‐variable polynomial regression model. The coefficient of determination of LF and HF were 0.557 and 0.644, respectively in the multivariable regression model, based on Random Forest and time domain indices.
Cytokine‐induced transient monocyte IL‐7Ra expression and the serum milieu in tuberculosis
Authors: Harelimana Jean De Dieu , Ahor Hubert Senanu , Benner Bastian , Hellmuth Sabine , Adankwah Ernest , Minadzi Difery , Aniagyei Wilfred , Lamptey Millicent Naa Koshie , Arthur Joseph , Yeboah Augustine , Abass Mohammed K. , Debrah Linda Batsa , Owusu Dorcas O. , Mayatepek Ertan , Seyfarth Julia , Phillips Richard O. , Jacobsen Marc
Published: March 2022

Bacterial components and cytokines induce IL‐7 receptor (IL‐7Rα) expression in monocytes. Aberrant low IL‐7Rα expression of monocytes has been identified as a feature of tuberculosis immunopathology. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying IL‐7Rα regulation of monocytes and tuberculosis serum effects on IL‐7Rα expression.

Serum samples from tuberculosis patients and healthy controls, cytokine candidates, and mycobacterial components were analyzed for in vitro effects on IL‐7Rα expression of primary monocytes, monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM), and monocyte cell lines. IL‐7Rα regulation during culture and the role of FoxO1 were characterized.

In vitro activation‐induced IL‐7Rα expression in human monocytes and serum samples from tuberculosis patients boosted IL‐7Rα expression. Although pathognomonic tuberculosis cytokines were not associated with serum effects, we identified cytokines (i.e., GM‐CSF, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ) that induced IL‐7Rα expression in monocytes and/or MDM comparable to mycobacterial components. Blocking of cytokine subsets (i.e., IL‐1β/TNF‐α in monocytes, GM‐CSF in MDM) largely diminished IL‐7Rα expression induced by mycobacterial components. Finally, we showed that in vitro‐induced IL‐7Rα expression was transient and dependent on constitutive FoxO1 expression in primary monocytes and monocyte cell lines.

This study demonstrated the crucial roles of cytokines and constitutive FoxO1 expression for transient IL‐7Rα expression in monocytes.
Unpleasant olfactory and gustatory stimuli increase pain unpleasantness in patients with chronic oral burning pain: An exploratory study
Authors: Sandri Angela , Cecchini Maria Paola , Zanini Alice , Nocini Riccardo , Boschi Federico , Zanette Giovanni , Marcon Alessandro , Fiorio Mirta , Tinazzi Michele
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite mounting evidence for the powerful influence of smell and taste substances in experimental pain, our knowledge of their effects in the clinical context is scarce, especially for patients with chronic oral burning pain. To fill this gap, we investigated the effect of olfactory and gustatory stimuli on pain perception in patients with chronic oral burning pain, a disabling condition that is difficult to manage and treat.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with chronic oral burning pain underwent testing with a variety of olfactory and gustatory substances (pleasant, neutral, unpleasant) in multisensory interaction. The order of testing was randomized. Perception of pain intensity and unpleasantness was evaluated on a numerical rating scale at baseline and immediately after each test trial.

Results

Pain unpleasantness but not pain intensity was found to be modulated by chemosensory stimuli. Unpleasant olfactory and gustatory stimuli increased the perception of pain unpleasantness compared to pleasant and neutral stimuli. Pain unpleasantness after unpleasant olfactory and gustatory stimuli correlated with psychological questionnaire subscale scores for distress (CORE‐OM) and emotional awareness (TAS‐20).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a role of unpleasant chemosensory stimuli in increasing the perception of pain unpleasantness in patients with chronic oral burning. The lack of an effect on pain intensity indicates a dissociation between sensory and affective pain components. Future research is needed to further study the association between chemosensory stimuli and emotional and subjective aspects in modulating chronic oral burning pain.

Significance

This exploratory work suggests that unpleasant smell and taste stimuli may have an adverse effect on the affective component of chronic oral burning pain. Future comprehensive large‐scale research, also applying brain imaging investigations as well as full psychological analysis, is required to better understand the role of smell and taste stimuli on this chronic and disabling pain condition.
Life cycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions of China's power generation on spatial and temporal scale
Authors: Zhu Xiaonan , Wang Shurong , Wang Lei
Published: March 2022

In this study, the “cradle‐to‐gate” greenhouse gas (GHG) intensities of six types of power generation in China are analyzed using a life cycle assessment approach, including wind power, solar photovoltaic power, nuclear power, hydropower, biomass power, and thermal power. According to the mix of regional power grids in China and GHG intensities of various types of power generation, the GHG intensities of hybrid power on regional power grid scale are calculated. The results show that they are closely corresponding to the grid mix of each region. Besides, the value of northeast China is the highest and the largest variation between regions is about twice. Furthermore, the efforts made by the Chinese government promoting energy shift are expected to accelerate the decrease of the electricity system GHG intensity to 376.9 gCO2‐eq/kW h by 2035, about 51.0% lower than that in 2017. And the total GHG emissions are predicted to reach 4.5 × 109 tCO2‐eq in 2035, while in “below 2°C” scenario this value will decrease to 3.6 × 109 tCO2‐eq. This study compiles the life cycle inventory of China's electricity generation on spatial and temporal scale, and can provide suggestions on the development of regional and national electricity systems.
Energy characteristics of sandstones with different crack angles under true triaxial cyclic loading and unloading
Authors: Hu Huarui , Xia Binwei , Luo Yafei , Peng Jiajun
Published: March 2022

The effect of crack angle on energy evolution during sandstone failure subjected to true triaxial cyclic loading and unloading is of great concern. However, the energy consumed in the crack initiation and compaction process is generally referred to the dissipated energy, which is inaccurate. To reveal the energy law in the breaking process of sandstone, a complex cyclic loading and unloading test is carried out on precast angled sandstone samples by employing the triaxial test system. The area integral methodology is exploited to evaluate the evolution of total energy density, elastic energy density, dissipated energy density, and plastic energy density of the rock samples of different crack angles. The variations of these four energy density levels in terms of the number of loading and unloading cycles and the upper limit of stress are explained and discussed. The obtained results reveal that during the entire cycle of loading and unloading, the variations of the above‐mentioned factors of the rock sample fairly do not rely on the crack angle. The energy density increases with the number of cycles, and the total energy density and elastic energy density significantly increase faster than the consumption mode. The growth rate of the dissipative energy density is greater than that of the plastic energy density. Additionally, the aforementioned four energy quantities grow in a quadratic manner as a function of the upper limit of the loading stress. The releasable elastic energy gradually magnifies by increasing the upper limit of the loading stress. The plasticity density first decreases and then increases, reflecting the change law of the irreversible plastic deformation caused by newly developed cracks in the rock sample. The elastic energy density, the fitting coefficient of the dissipated energy density, and the total energy density are employed to define the characteristic coefficients of the rock energy storage and energy dissipation. The results indicate that the larger the rock crack angle, the stronger the energy storage energy and the weaker the energy dissipation capacity. It also explains that how the strength of the rock sample becomes higher as the crack angle increases.
A universal anisotropic model for a lithium‐ion cylindrical cell validated under axial, lateral, and bending loads
Authors: Song Yihan , Gilaki Mehdi , Keshavarzi Mohammad Mehdi , Sahraei Elham
Published: March 2022

Li‐ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) propulsion. Therefore, ensuring their safety under mechanical abuse and accidental loads is a major challenge for the industry. To get a better understanding of the battery behavior in such cases, material calibration and computational modeling of the battery cells are essential. This paper aims to develop a universal homogenized model for an 18,650 cell that can predict cell behavior under both axial and lateral loading cases as well as three‐point bending. Previous homogenized models presented in the literature have covered one or two of these cases, but none have been validated in all these three major loading scenarios. To achieve this, precise shell casing and jellyroll material calibrations were performed. The features included in this universal model are (I) uncoupled calibration of axial and lateral properties for the cylindrical jellyroll from experiments performed in these two loading directions and employment of an anisotropic crushable foam model to simulate these features, (II) using Hill's anisotropic yield criteria and modified Mohr–Coulomb fracture criteria for the shell casing. The universal model developed here was able to predict the response of the cell in all lateral, axial, and bending loading scenarios. A comparison of this model with the previously developed isotropic models shows the special advantage of the new model in cases of axial loading and bending. However, for lateral compression cases, even the isotropic model provides a very close prediction. The experiments used for this study were all performed on fresh discharged cells under quasi‐static loading.
Experimental study and safety analysis on the heating surfaces in the 660 MW supercritical CFB boiler under sudden electricity failure
Authors: Li Yinlong , Xie Beibei , Bi Lingfeng , Yang Haoyu , Nie Chao , Qing Hao , Yang Dong
Published: March 2022

The necessity of equipping with an emergency water supply system in a supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler has long been a controversial topic in the industry. In this study, the heating surface of a 660 MW supercritical CFB boiler at the Pingshuo Power Station of China Coal Group is taken as the research object. And a boiler electricity failure experiment was accomplished at the power plant, and the variations of thermal parameters during electricity failure were obtained from power plant distributed control system. By analyzing the physical process of the heating surfaces during electricity failure, a mathematical model of heat transfer to the heating surface was established and a calculation program in Fortran language was developed. In this study, the effect of different flow rates and operating times of the supply pumps on the safety of the heating surfaces were then investigated. The numerical simulation results show that an emergency supply pump with a flow rate of 250 t/h, activated within 120 s, ensures the safety of the heating surface. The results of this study have important implications for the selection of emergency supply pumps and the determination of flow rates and pressures for supercritical CFB boilers with external beds.
Crust occurrence on a Galatian rock‐cut dwelling in central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Kazancı Nizamettin , Özgüneylioğlu Aysen , Öncel Salim M. , Erturaç Mehmet Korhan , Şahiner Eren
Published: March 2022

Mahkemağcin Underground City (MUC) is a four‐floored rock‐cut dwelling complex carved into ignimbrite tuffs of the Early‐Middle Miocene age in central Anatolia. The whole interior of the complex is covered by a 1–5 cm thick alteration crust that is not detected in any cave or outcrop in the region. This crust is investigated using microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence analyses, and the results are discussed from the geomechanical point of view. The colour of the outer surface of the crust is black, which turns red inside and grades into pale yellow above the white parent rock. The compaction and solidity of the crust are relatively high, as much as double that of the parent rock. The crust seems to have prevented and/or significantly decreased the erosion of the surfaces of the room walls. Mineralogical and chemical analyses together with experimental studies on selected samples suggest that such a crust could have formed because of thermal alteration at high temperatures ca. 600–950°C. On examination of the heated samples, the main geochemical changes within heated rocks were (i) an increase in silica concentration by ca. 2%–3% and (ii) the disappearance of zeolites and sericites. Thermoluminescence dating of the crust revealed thermal resetting of quartz crystals within the ignimbrite tuff at 243 ± 260 CE. All the analytical methods applied to the site indicate that the crust was obtained intentionally, possibly by burning woods indoors, aiming to harden the wall surfaces, mainly by Galatian people of the early Medieval time.
A comprehensive intercomparison study between a lumped and a fully distributed hydrological model across a set of 50 catchments in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sinha Sumit , Hammond Anthony , Smith Helen
Published: March 2022

The choice of hydrological model, especially on the catchment scale, is never an easy one. This of course is dependent on the problem under consideration and the end user requirement. The continued development in data acquisition and its availability has taken us in the direction of more complex model development and application. Yet, it remains critical to identify a model that is not only parsimonious in parametric space but also provides good results. With the above motivation the purpose of this study is to compare the performance of a widely used lumped conceptual hydrological model (GR4J) and a well‐established fully distributed mesoscale hydrological model (mHM). Model performance is measured by four goodness of fit indicators (GOFIs) as well as five hydrological signatures that examine the capability of the models applied to reproduce different components of the flow. To undertake this comparison, the two models are applied to a set of fifty catchments that are part of the UK benchmark network (UKBN2), supplemented by additional catchments, not so pristine in nature, to incorporate a wider range of catchments. The results, quantified by the GOFIs and hydrological signatures, show that the lumped model performs as well as the fully distributed model and in multiple cases better than the more complex model. However, model results across the set of fifty catchments, examined here, are highly correlated. Model performance is also examined on seasonal basis and a slight deterioration in the model performance whilst simulating the summer flows is observed. Based on the comprehensive comparison undertaken here, we conclude that the applied lumped model might be the model of choice if the problem at hand is an investigation of rainfall‐runoff at the catchment outlet, without the need to consider the spatiotemporal variation of various hydrological states and fluxes.
Testing alternative conceptual models of river‐aquifer connectivity and their impacts on baseflow and river recharge processes
Authors: Mehmood Tayyab , Miller Gretchen R. , Knappett Peter S. K.
Published: March 2022

This study simulates the dynamics of exchange fluxes between Brazos River Alluvium Aquifer and the Brazos River, TX. Seven conceptual models for the connection between the river and the aquifer were simulated in HYDRUS 2D using small‐scale, high‐resolution transects across the river. These models assumed varying aquifer lithology and river incision depths and considered processes such as riverbed clogging and seepage face flows. Observed river stage values were used to specify a time‐variable head boundary, and the simulations were tested against observed hydraulic heads in two nearby monitoring wells. The nearly 1.5 years of sub‐hourly measurements spanned both flood and drought periods. The best‐fit conceptual model supported a hypothesized hydraulic disconnection between the subsurface near the river and the wider alluvial aquifer. In contrast to the assumptions of previous studies, these data were more consistent with the presence of a thin, low‐K structure (such as an abandoned paleochannel) rather than riverbed clogging. Across the range of models evaluated, the average net exchange between the river and the aquifer ranged from 0.016 to 12.4 m3/d/m. Most of the variability was attributed to baseflow across the riverbed, which ranged from 0.18 to 13.1 m3/d/m depending on the model. The ranges of exchange fluxes across the seepage face (0.004 to 2.37 m3/d/m) and recharge from the river to the aquifer (0.1 to 5.63 m3/d/m) were significant, but not as influential. Based on these values, the choice of conceptual model could have a profound impact on the accuracy of numerical models used for river management. Extrapolated across the entire reach, this uncertainty would amount to ±83 m3/s of discharge, equivalent to 34% of the river's discharge near its outlet.
Influences of overlapped riparian groundwater mounds on interaction between surface water and groundwater
Authors: Yuan Ruiqiang , Li Zhibin , Wang Meng
Published: March 2022

A losing river usually produces riparian groundwater mounds. Knowledge of influences of the mound on riparian hydrological processes is still limited. To fill the gap, we measured the annual regime of riparian groundwater at a cross‐section of a river channel in a semi‐arid valley where the water transfer is running. Results show that the hydrologic processes were totally controlled by the water transfer. The river runoff was dominated by the transferred water. Regulation of the water transfer caused river stage fluctuations that were companied by hydrochemical variations of the river water. The water transfer enhanced infiltration into the riparian zone. Consequently, the river water and the riparian groundwater kept connection during the one‐year observation. The annual recharge and the input of total dissolved solids (TDS) from the river to the riparian zone reached 195.8 m3 and 125.0 kg, respectively. Furthermore, the Pearson's r between the river stage and riparian groundwater level was 0.98 at 2 m, 0.94 at 20 m, and 0.93 at 40 m (α = 0.01) from the riverside, respectively. The curved river produces the convergence of hydraulic gradients, which drives the overlap of groundwater mounds. The overlap is evidenced by anomalies in water level, hydrochemistry, and temperature of the riparian groundwater at the cross‐section. When the river stage and adjacent groundwater level went down, the overlap locally reversed the hydraulic gradient to point to the river hindering the recharge from the river. Hence, the average daily recharge from the river decreased from 1.10 to 0.59 m3. The riparian groundwater discharged into the river after quick declines of the river stage. In total, 39.2 m3 of riparian groundwater discharged into the river accounting for 20% of the annual recharge from the river. The impact of the hydrochemical variation of the river water on the riparian groundwater was also blocked due to the overlap. Also 20% of the TDS input was returned to the river. The overlap reduced the impact of the water transfer on the local environment.
A signature‐based approach to quantify soil moisture dynamics under contrasting land‐uses
Authors: Araki Ryoko , Branger Flora , Wiekenkamp Inge , McMillan Hilary
Published: March 2022

Soil moisture signatures provide a promising solution to overcome the difficulty of evaluating soil moisture dynamics in hydrologic models. Soil moisture signatures are metrics that quantify the dynamic aspects of soil moisture timeseries and enable process‐based model evaluations. To date, soil moisture signatures have been tested only under limited land‐use types. In this study, we explore soil moisture signatures' ability to discriminate different dynamics among contrasting land‐uses. We applied a set of nine soil moisture signatures to datasets from six in‐situ soil moisture networks worldwide. The dataset covered a range of land‐use types, including forested and deforested areas, shallow groundwater areas, wetlands, urban areas, grazed areas, and cropland areas. Our set of signatures characterized soil moisture dynamics at three temporal scales: event, season, and a complete timeseries. Statistical assessment of extracted signatures showed that (1) event‐based signatures can distinguish different dynamics for all the land‐uses, (2) season‐based signatures can distinguish different dynamics for some types of land‐uses (deforested vs. forested, urban vs. greenspace, and cropped vs. grazed vs. grassland contrasts), (3) timeseries‐based signatures can distinguish different dynamics for some types of land‐uses (deforested vs. forested, urban vs. greenspace, shallow vs. deep groundwater, wetland vs. non‐wetland, and cropped vs. grazed vs. grassland contrasts). Further, we compared signature‐based process interpretations against literature knowledge; event‐based and timeseries‐based signatures generally matched well with previous process understandings from literature, but season‐based signatures did not. This study will be a useful guideline for understanding how catchment‐scale soil moisture dynamics in various land‐uses can be described using a standardized set of hydrologically relevant metrics.
Genetic Deletion of Menin in Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An Experimental and Computational Analysis
Authors: Abi‐Rafeh Jad , Asgari Meisam , Troka Ildi , Canaff Lucie , Moussa Ahmed , Pasini Damiano , Goltzman David
Published: March 2022

Loss‐of‐function mutations in the MEN1 tumor‐suppressor gene cause the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. Menin, the MEN1 gene product, is expressed in many tissues, including bone, where its function remains elusive. We conditionally inactivated menin in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using paired‐related homeobox 1 (Prx1)‐Cre and compared resultant skeletal phenotypes of Prx1‐Cre;Men1f/f menin‐knockout mice (KO) and wild‐type controls using in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches and mechanics simulation. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry demonstrated significantly reduced bone mineral density, and 3‐dimensional micro‐CT imaging revealed a decrease in trabecular bone volume, altered trabecular structure, and an increase in trabecular separation in KO mice at 6 and 9 months of age. Numbers of osteoblasts were unaltered, and dynamic histomorphometry demonstrated unaltered bone formation; however, osteoclast number and activity and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) mRNA profiles were increased, supporting increased osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. In vitro, proliferative capabilities of bone marrow stem cells and differentiation of osteoblasts and mineralization were unaltered; however, osteoclast generation was increased. Gross femur geometrical alterations observed included significant reductions in length and in mid‐metaphyseal cross‐sectional area. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated significant decreases in elasticity of both cortical and trabecular bone at the nanoscale, whereas three‐point bending tests demonstrated a 30% reduction in bone stiffness; finite element analysis showed morphological changes of the femur microgeometry and a significantly diminished femur flexural rigidity. The biomechanical results demonstrated the detrimental outcome of the accelerated osteoclastic bone resorption. Our studies have a twofold implication; first, MEN1 deletion from MSCs can negatively regulate bone mass and bone biomechanics, and second, the experimental and computational biomechanical analyses employed in the present study should be applicable for improved phenotypic characterization of murine bone. Furthermore, our findings of critical menin function in bone may underpin the more severe skeletal phenotype found in hyperparathyroidism associated with loss‐of‐function of the MEN1 gene. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Modest Changes in Sex Hormones During Early and Middle Adulthood Affect Bone Mass and Size in Healthy Men: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Banica Thiberiu , Verroken Charlotte , T'Sjoen Guy , Goemaere Stefan , Zmierczak Hans-Georg , Fiers Tom , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Lapauw Bruno
Published: March 2022

Bone metabolism in men is in part determined by sex steroid exposure. This is especially clear during puberty and senescence but it remains to be established whether declines in sex steroid levels during young and middle adulthood are associated with changes in bone mass and size. This study investigated changes in bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), volumetric BMD (vBMD), and bone size in relation to sex steroid levels in 999 young adult men (age 24-46 years) of whom 676 were re-evaluated after a mean period of 12 years. Sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured using immunoassay, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and free fractions were calculated (cFT and cFE2, respectively). Areal bone parameters and BMC were measured at the hip and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Radial and tibial vBMD and bone size were determined using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. With aging, we observed decreases in almost all bone mass and density indices, whereas changes in bone geometry resulted in larger bones with thinner cortices. These changes in bone mass and size appeared related to sex steroid levels. Specifically, decreases in cFT (but not total T) levels were associated with larger decreases in lumbar spine BMC and especially with geometric changes in cortical bone at the tibia. Similarly, decreases in total E2 and cFE2 were associated with larger decreases in bone mass (all sites) and also with some geometric changes. Also increases in SHBG were independently associated with aging-related changes in bone mass and size in these men. In summary, even small changes in T, E2, and SHBG levels during young and middle adulthood in healthy men are associated with changes in bone mass and size. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Harmonization of Osteoporosis Guidelines: Paving the Way for Disrupting the Status Quo in Osteoporosis Management in the Asia Pacific
Authors: Chandran Manju , Ebeling Peter R. , Mitchell Paul J , Nguyen Tuan V. ,   On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO)
Published: March 2022

In the Asia Pacific (AP) region, osteoporosis and its consequence of fragility fractures are not widely recognized as a major public health problem. Several challenges including underdiagnosis and undertreatment exist. The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) is a nonpartisan and apolitical organization comprising musculoskeletal experts and stakeholders from both private and public sectors who have united to develop tangible solutions for these substantive challenges. APCO's vision is to reduce the burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the AP region. Heterogeneity in both scope and recommendations among the available clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) contribute to the large osteoporosis treatment gap in the Asia Pacific. APCO has therefore developed a pan Asia-Oceania harmonized set of standards of care (The Framework), for the screening, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis. First, a structured analysis of the 18 extant AP CPGs was completed. Subsequently, a prioritization of themes and agreement on fundamental principles in osteoporosis management were made through a Delphi process of consensus building. This approach, ensuring the opinions of all participating members were equally considered, was especially useful for a geographically diverse group such as APCO. It is hoped that the Framework will serve as a platform upon which new AP national CPGs can be developed and existing ones be revised. APCO is currently embarking on country-specific engagement plans to embed the Framework in clinical practice in the AP region. This is through partnering with regulatory bodies and national guidelines development authorities, through peer-to-peer health care professional education and by conducting path finder audits to benchmark current osteoporosis services against the Framework standards. The principles underpinning the harmonization of guidelines in the AP region can also be utilized in other parts of the world that have similar socioeconomic diversity and heterogeneity of healthcare resources. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
FAT1 and MSH2 Are Predictive Prognostic Markers for Chinese Osteosarcoma Patients Following Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Authors: Zhou Chenliang , Sun Yong , Gong Ziying , Li Jieyi , Zhao Xiaokai , Yang Quanjun , Yu Hongjie , Ye Jianwei , Liang Jinrong , Jiang Linlan , Zhang Daoyun , Shen Zan , Zheng Shuier
Published: March 2022

Osteosarcoma is characterized by diverse genetic mutations, including single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), which can complicate clinical outcomes of the treatment. This study identified key mutations or polymorphisms in genes that correlate with osteosarcoma prognoses. A total of 110 patients with osteosarcoma were assigned to “good” or “poor” cohorts depending on their 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) after surgery and chemotherapeutic treatment. We performed next-generation sequencing analysis of tumor tissues for prognosis-associated SNVs in 315 tumorigenesis-related genes, followed by modeling of clinical outcomes for these patients using random forest classification via a support vector machine (SVM). Data from the Chinese Millionome Database were used to compare SNV frequency in osteosarcoma patients and healthy people. SVM screening identified 17 nonsynonymous SNVs located in 15 genes, of which rs17224367 and rs3733406 (located in MSH2 and FAT1, respectively) were strongly correlated with osteosarcoma prognosis. These results were verified in a 26-patient validation cohort, confirming that these SNVs could be used to predict prognosis. These results demonstrated that two SNVs located in MSH2 and FAT1 are associated with prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Ameliorative role of naringenin against lead‐induced genetic damage and oxidative stress in cultured human lymphocytes
Authors: Yadav Bharti , Vishwakarma Veena , Kumar Sunil , Aggarwal Neeraj K. , Gupta Ranjan , Yadav Anita
Published: March 2022

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal that is known to induce damage to major macromolecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) by enhancing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Naringenin, a predominant flavonoid primarily found in citrus fruits has attained increasing attention due to its various pharmacological properties. Thus, the present investigation aimed to explore the ameliorative role of naringenin against Pb‐induced toxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) under in vitro conditions. For this purpose, PBLs were exposed to Pb (350 µg/ml) alone as well in combination with naringenin (10 and 30 µg/ml). Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and alkaline comet assay were used as genotoxic indices to evaluate the genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity of Pb and naringenin, respectively. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) assays were used as oxidative damage markers. The results revealed that Pb induced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in genetic and oxidative damage as compared with the untreated sample whereas the treatment of cells along with naringenin (10 and 30 µg/ml) and Pb (350 µg/ml) caused a significant reduction in genetic damage and elevation in SOD, GPx, and CAT activities and GSH level, accompanied by a significant reduction in LPO level as compared with Pb alone treated sample. So, the present investigation revealed that naringenin might be used as a protective agent against Pb‐induced toxicity due to its antigenotoxic and antioxidative properties.
Inclisiran: A Novel Small Interfering RNA Drug for Low‐Density Lipoprotein Reduction
Authors: Smith Kimberly W. , White C. Michael
Published: March 2022

Inclisiran increases the number of low‐density lipoprotein surface receptors expressed on hepatocytes using small interfering RNA directed against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mRNA. This novel mechanism can reduce low‐density lipoprotein by ≈50%, like reductions achieved with high‐intensity statins or PCSK9‐inhibiting monoclonal antibodies. Inclisiran is indicated in the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, unable to achieve target LDL concentrations with diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. It is more expensive than PCSK9‐inhibiting monoclonal antibodies and still lacks clinical evidence for the expected reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events when added to statin therapy. Although some patients experience injection‐site reactions of mild or moderate severity, current evidence suggests a strong safety profile with total and serious adverse events approximating that of placebo. The dosing protocol of inclisiran offers its biggest clinical advantage over PCSK9‐inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, being administered only every 6 months after initial baseline and 3‐month doses rather than every second or fourth week. Unlike PCSK9‐inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, inclisiran has not as yet been noted to induce neutralizing antidrug antibodies that can impact drug efficacy. Thus, inclisirin is a novel small interfering RNA molecule that provides further options in the management of hypercholesterolemia refractory to statins alone. However, cost and evidence considerations suggest it should not supplant adjunctive therapy with the PCSK9‐inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, despite having an efficacy, safety, tolerability, and drug interaction profile superior to other antihypercholesterolemic options such as lomitapide, niacin, bile acid sequestrants, and bempedoic acid.
Stereoselective synthesis of dispiroindano pyrrolidines by the [3 + 2] cycloaddition of thiazolo[3,2‐a]indole tethered dipolarophile with azomethine ylides
Authors: Thomas Noble V. , Sathi Vidya , Deepthi Ani
Published: March 2022

Azomethine ylides generated by the reaction of cyclic ketones, namely ninhydrin, acenaphthene quinone and 11H‐indeno[1,2‐b]‐quinoxalin‐11‐one, with (i) α‐amino acids (ii) primary/secondary amines, have been successfully utilized for one‐pot three‐component [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions with a thiazolo[3,2‐a]indole containing dipolarophile (in‐turn generated by the reaction of thieno[2,3‐b]indole‐2,3‐dione and dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate). Dispiro heterocycles were synthesized in excellent yields and with high stereo‐ and regioselectivity.
A 247‐year tree‐ring reconstruction of spring temperature and relation to spring flooding in eastern boreal Canada
Authors: Nolin Alexandre Florent , Girardin Martin Philippe , Tardif Jacques Clément , Guo Xiao Jing , Conciatori France , Bergeron Yves
Published: March 2022

Few records of spring paleoclimate are available for boreal Canada, as biological proxies recording the beginning of the warm season are uncommon. Given the spring warming observed during the last decades, and its impact on snowmelt and hydrological processes, searching for spring climate proxies is receiving increasing attention. Tree‐ring anatomical features and intra‐annual widths were used to reconstruct the regional March to May mean air temperature from 1770 to 2016 in eastern boreal Canada. Nested principal component regressions calibrated on 116 years of gridded temperature data were developed from one Fraxinus nigra and 10 Pinus banksiana sites. The reconstruction indicated three distinct phases in spring temperature variability since 1770. Ample phases of multi‐decadal warm and cold springs persisted until the end of the Little Ice Age (1850–1870 CE) and were gradually replaced since the 1940s by decadal to interannual variability associated with an increase in the frequency and magnitude of warm springs. Significant correlations with other paleotemperature records, gridded snow cover extent and runoff support that historical high flooding were associated with late, cold springs with heavy snow cover. Most of the high magnitude spring floods reconstructed for the nearby Harricana River also coincided with the lowest reconstructed spring temperature per decade. However, the last 40 years of observed and reconstructed mean spring temperature showed a reduction in the number of extreme cold springs contrasting with the last few decades of extreme flooding in the eastern Canadian boreal region. This result indicates that warmer late spring mean temperatures on average may contribute, among other factors, to advance the spring break‐up and to likely shift the contribution of snow to rain in spring flooding processes.
Effects of periodontitis and periodontal treatment on systemic inflammatory markers and metabolic profile in obese and non‐obese rats
Authors: Pereira Karina Kimiko Yamashina , Jara Cynthia Mireya , Antunes Géssica Luana , Gomes Maximiliano Schünke , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Cavagni Juliano , Haas Alex Nogueira
Published: March 2022

Background

Little is known about a synergistic effect of periodontitis and obesity on systemic biomarkers and a possible effect periodontal treatment may exert. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of periodontitis and periodontal treatment on systemic inflammation and metabolic profile in obese and non‐obese rats.

Methods

Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided in six groups differentiated by diet and periodontal status: no periodontitis (G1 and G4), untreated ligature‐induced periodontitis (G2 and G5), and treated ligature‐induced periodontitis (G3 and G6). Groups G4, G5, and G6 were exposed to cafeteria diet to induce obesity. Periodontitis was induced by silk ligatures over 4 weeks (G2, G3, G5, and G6). Rats in G3 and G6 received scaling and root planing and were followed for additional 4 weeks. After sacrifice, serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17a, tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF‐α), glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (TC) were compared between groups.

Results

CRP was significantly higher in obese rats with than without periodontitis (G5 = 10.15 versus G4 = 4.47 μg/L, P = 0.01). No beneficial effects of periodontal treatment were observed for CRP levels, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐17a, and TNF‐α, glucose and triglycerides. Treated periodontitis (G6) exhibited significantly lower TC than the periodontitis group (G5) in obese rats.

Conclusion

Periodontitis increased serum CRP in obese rats, indicating a synergistic role of periodontitis in the systemic inflammatory burden triggered by obesity. The treatment of induced periodontitis reduced TC levels in obese rats.
Innovative processes in smart packaging. A systematic review
Authors: Fernandez Carlos M , Alves Joel , Gaspar Pedro Dinis , Lima Tânia M , Silva Pedro D
Published: March 2022

Smart packaging provides one possible solution that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison with traditional packaging, which aims to extend the product's useful life and to facilitate transport and marketing, smart packaging allows increased efficiency, for example by ensuring authenticity and traceability from the product's origin, preventing fraud and theft, and improving security. Consequently, it may help to reduce pollution, food losses, and waste associated with the food supply chain. However, some questions must be answered to fully understand the advantages and limitations of its use. What are the most suitable smart packaging technologies for use in agro‐industrial subsectors such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, bakery, and pastry? What are the opportunities from a perspective of life extension, process optimization, traceability, product quality, and safety? What are the future challenges? An up‐to‐date, systematic review was conducted of literature relevant to the application of indicator technologies, sensors, and data carriers in smart packaging, to answer these questions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prosopis juliflora piperidine alkaloid extract levels in diet for sheep change energy and nitrogen metabolism and affect enteric methane yield
Authors: Sousa Larisse Borges , Albuquerque Pereira Mara Lúcia , de Oliveira Silva Herymá Giovane , Sousa Leandro Borges , e Silva Leandro Santos , Machado Fernanda Samarini , Tomich Thierry Ribeiro , Oss Daniela Batista , Ferreira Alexandre Lima , Campos Mariana Magalhães , Costa Isabela Carvalho , Ribeiro Pereira Luiz Gustavo
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Ionophore antibiotics improve the efficiency of energy metabolism, which has driven their use as a feed additive in ruminants for decades. Currently, they have not been approved in many countries, generating a challenge for the immediate search for plant extracts with a similar mode of action on rumen metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of enriched Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) piperidine alkaloid extract (MPA) levels as an alternative phytoadditive to sodium monensin (MON) in sheep.

RESULTS

The MPA diet did not differ from MON with regard to nutrient intake. A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) was observed for organic matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility, with respective maximum point at 25.40 and minimum point at 0.95 mg kg−1 MPA. The MPA levels linearly decreased (P < 0.05) faecal nitrogen loss. MPA did not differ from MON with regard to nutrient digestibility, and MPA levels increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of digestible energy and metabolizability from dietary gross energy. The MPA levels linearly decreased (P < 0.05) enteric CH4 production, the yield showing lower (P < 0.05) energy loss as CH4 than MON.

CONCLUSION

The results show that MPA levels of 17.3 and 27.8 mg kg−1 are enteric CH4 inhibitors and enhance energy and protein utilization, indicating a promising alternative to MON for ruminants. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Re‐conceptualising the empowerment of local people in tourism
Authors: Abdullah Taufik , Carr Neil , Lee Craig
Published: March 2022

The empowerment of local communities has been a popular buzzword to assess the success of tourism development. However, there is concern regarding the implementation of empowerment in this industry, resulting in some problematic issues in developing tourist destinations. In response, this paper provides a critical analysis of empowerment programs initiated by external organisations in the tourism industry to develop a better understanding of how to achieve empowerment of marginalised individuals and groups. This conceptual paper argues that the most crucial component of empowerment is the agency of the empowered people so they can be self‐directed.
Laser‐Assisted Sialolithotripsy: A Correlation of Objective and Subjective Outcomes
Authors: Rai Varun , Walvekar Rohan R , Verma Jatin , Monga Uday , Rai Devinder , Munjal Manish
Published: March 2022

Objective

To analyze the long‐term symptomatic results of laser‐assisted sialolithotripsy (LAS) in cases of obstructive sialolithiasis and correlate with objective criteria using diagnostic sialendoscopy (DS) as a method of examination.

Methods

This is a retrospective study comprising 50 consecutive patients who underwent holmium‐YAG LAS and completed follow‐up of at least 6 months. Symptom scoring and endoscopic scoring were done at 6 weeks and 6 months intervals for further study purposes.

Results

At the end of 6 weeks post‐LAS, 70% patients were asymptomatic (A‐sym) and only 30% had residual symptoms (Sym). However, obstructed duct (OB‐duct) was observed on endoscopic scoring in 88% due to stenosis, residual stones, or both stenosis and residual stones. The obstructed ducts were treated in outpatient clinic and followed up over time, leading to 98% of patients being in A‐sym group at the end of study period of 6 months. At the end of study, 82% of patients had clear duct (CL‐duct).

Conclusion

Holmium LAS is a viable option for the management of intermediate‐sized stones. LAS if used judiciously, and in properly selected cases, has high rate of stone fragmentation and symptom resolution. A vigilant postoperative protocol taking into account residual mealtime symptoms and altered salivary characteristics combined with early DS can help identify and treat patients with residual stone fragments and ductal stenosis.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:2344–2349, 2022
Land‐use change impacts on soil and vegetation attributes in the Kanshi River basin, Potohar Plateau, Pakistan
Authors: Abbas Sohail , Dastgeer Ghulam , Yaseen Muhammad , Latif Yasir
Published: March 2022

Soil erosion and land degradation have intensified recently, resulting from large‐scale land‐use and land cover (LULC) change, deforestation and farm mechanization. This phenomenon motivates the rationale for the assessment of such land‐use changes and their impacts on soil and vegetation in the Kanshi River basin using various remote sensing techniques between 1987–2019. The image classification enabled the identification of dry and highland zones. It was observed that around 17% of natural vegetation cover disappeared and was converted into agricultural land. Significant increase in extensive agricultural practices, population growth, settlement, and the brick industry have increased soil erosion and changed the landscape of the Kanshi region during 1987–2019. Further, we classify gully erosion, rill erosion, sprinkle erosion, and sheet erosion have all been found at rates of 43%, 27%, 9%, and 21%, respectively. Similarly, soil classes in 2019 were doubled, with Sambrial association (1%), Rajar complex (36%), Dhulian association (15%), Gullied (15%), Missa complex, Rough mountainous (2%) and Rough broken (17%), compared to four classes in 1987: Gullied, Missa complex, rough broken land, and Torrent bed land. Whereas in 1987, four types of soils were observed. The recorded soil series had a limited water holding capacity and were well drained. Soil erosion is a natural and inevitable phenomenon; however, its intensity can be reduced by appropriate water resource management in this basin.