bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of seized peptide and protein‐based doping agents using four complimentary methods: Liquid chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography–ultraviolet, Bradford, and immunoassays
Authors: Høj Lars Jakobsen , Rasmussen Brian Schou , Dalsgaard Petur Weihe , Linnet Kristian
Published: March 2021

Analysis and identification of seized doping‐related products are important tasks for customs or forensic laboratories in order to prevent potentially dangerous and illegal compounds to go into circulation. At the Section of Forensic Chemistry in Copenhagen, we have a workflow consisting of four complimentary validated methods to identify common doping‐related substances: liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (LC‐UV), LC coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry (LC‐TOF‐MS), the colorimetric Bradford assay, and an immunoassay. The Bradford assay screens for peptide or proteins in the sample, and the immunoassay confirmed human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). LC‐UV was carried out with a C4 protein column for identification of peptides and proteins from a standard reference library, based on retention times and ratios between peak areas at 220, 254, and 280 nm. LC‐TOF‐MS was performed using a C18 column, and identification was based on comparison of the retention time and the accurate mass with those of reference standards. In 2019, we received 36 samples for peptide/protein analysis, all of which were tested using the LC‐UV, LC‐TOF‐MS, and colorimetric method, and samples suspected of containing hCG were confirmed with an immunoassay. We found a total of 15 samples containing an illegal doping substance, 12 samples containing substances not prohibited by the Danish Doping List, and nine samples containing no peptides or proteins. In conclusion, the four complimentary methods constitute a suitable approach for identifying common peptide/protein doping substances in the day‐to‐day routine of a forensic laboratory, with limited sample preparation and interpretation of data.
Population growth lags in introduced species
Authors: Kelly Catherine L. , Schwarzkopf Lin , Gordon Iain J. , Hirsch Ben
Published: March 2021

When introduced to new ecosystems, species' populations often grow immediately postrelease. Some introduced species, however, maintain a low population size for years or decades before sudden, rapid population growth is observed. Because exponential population growth always starts slowly, it can be difficult to distinguish species experiencing the early phases of slow exponential population growth (inherent lags) from those with actively delayed growth rates (prolonged lags). Introduced ungulates provide an excellent system in which to examine lags, because some introduced ungulate populations have demonstrated rapid population growth immediately postintroduction, while others have not. Using studies from the literature, we investigated which exotic ungulate species and populations (n = 36) showed prolonged population growth lags by comparing the doubling time of real ungulate populations to those predicted from exponential growth models for theoretical populations. Having identified the specific populations that displayed prolonged lags, we examined the impacts of several environmental and biological variables likely to influence the length of lag period. We found that seventeen populations (47%) showed significant prolonged population growth lags. We could not, however, determine the specific factors that contributed to the length of these lag phases, suggesting that these ungulate populations' growth is idiosyncratic and difficult to predict. Introduced species that exhibit delayed growth should be closely monitored by managers, who must be proactive in controlling their growth to minimize the impact such populations may have on their environment.
Polycentric urban climate governance: Creating synergies between integrative and interactive governance in Oslo
Authors: Vedeld Trond , Hofstad Hege , Solli Hilde , Hanssen Gro Sandkjær
Published: March 2021

Cities have emerged as important agents and sites in climate governance interventions, experimentations and networks. Drawing upon two strains of climate governance and collaborative governance literature, respectively, this article adopts a polycentric approach to the analysis of Oslo's urban climate governance. It unpacks the relationships between urban leadership, climate goal‐setting and institutional design, and reveals how these variables condition the employment of a combination of integrative and interactive governing instruments that foster both self‐governance and co‐creation in climate responses. The article argues that broad and long‐term political support facilitates the adoption of ambitious climate goals, utilization of regulatory powers, and the design and operations of innovative hybrid mixes of integrative and interactive governing instruments. The hybrid combination of instruments is what provides the basis for synergistic, predictable and dynamic forms of self‐governance and co‐created linkages among public and private ‘units’ within the wider urban climate governance ecosystem. Trans‐local and transnational networks play an important role in building such capacities for urban climate governance. Local processes of co‐creation and networked experimentations are ‘scaling up’ to change policies at city, national and international levels. The empirical observations from Oslo have implication for theories of polycentric urban climate governance and for the promise and limitations of co‐creation in the climate arena. The analysis draws upon qualitative interviews with close to 50 public and private stakeholders and policy document studies.
Determinants and consequences of heart rate and stroke volume response to exercise in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Wolsk Emil , Kaye David M. , Komtebedde Jan , Shah Sanjiv J. , Borlaug Barry A. , Burkhoff Daniel , Kitzman Dalane W. , Cleland John G. , Hasenfuß Gerd , Hassager Christian , Møller Jacob E. , Gustafsson Finn
Published: March 2021

Aims

A hallmark of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is impaired exercise capacity of varying severity. The main determinant of exercise capacity is cardiac output (CO), however little information is available about the relation between the constituents of CO – heart rate and stroke volume – and exercise capacity in HFpEF. We sought to determine if a heterogeneity in heart rate and stroke volume response to exercise exists in patients with HFpEF and describe possible clinical phenotypes associated with differences in these responses.

Methods and results

Data from two prospective trials of HFpEF (n = 108) and a study of healthy participants (n = 42) with invasive haemodynamic measurements during exercise were utilized. Differences in central haemodynamic responses were analysed with regression models. Chronotropic incompetence was present in 39–56% of patients with HFpEF and 3–56% of healthy participants depending on the definition used, but some (n = 47, 44%) had an increase in heart rate similar to that of healthy controls. Patients with HFpEF had a smaller increase in their stroke volume index (SVI) (HFpEF: +4 ± 10 mL/m2, healthy participants: +24 ± 12 mL/m2, P < 0.0001), indeed, SVI fell in 28% of patients at peak exercise. Higher body mass index and lower SVI at rest were associated with smaller increases in heart rate during exercise, whereas higher resting heart rate, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker use were associated with a greater increase in SVI in patients with HFpEF.

Conclusion

The haemodynamic response to exercise was very heterogeneous among patients with HFpEF, with chronotropic incompetence observed in up to 56%, and 28% had impaired increase in SVI. This suggests that haemodynamic exercise testing may be useful to identify which HFpEF patients may benefit from interventions targeting stroke volume and chronotropic response.
Enhanced Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous Catechol and Hydroquinone Detection by Using Ultrasmall Ternary Pt‐based Nanomaterial
Authors: Arsalan Muhammad , Qiao Xiujuan , Awais Azka , Wang Yahui , Yang Shuying , Sheng Qinglin , Yue Tianli
Published: March 2021

The simple and effective method for the novel synthesis of Pt‐based nanoparticle was presented with high efficiency. The sensitive catalyst for the simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone was prepared by depositing ternary metal complex on fluorine‐doped tin‐oxide (FTO). The composition and morphology of nanomaterials were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, and EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). The size of the Pt‐based nanomaterial was about 5±1 nm. The electrochemical performance of the modified catalyst was studied by CV, DPV, and EIS. The modified PtNiCu@FTO catalyst possessed good electro‐oxidation activity for hydroquinone and catechol and used for simultaneous detection of catechol and hydroquinone at scan rate of 20 mV s−1 (vs. Ag/AgCl). Detection responses were found in the ranges of 5–2900 μM for hydroquinone and 5–3000 μM for catechol. The detection limits (LOD) for HQ and CC were observed as 0.35 and 0.29 μM, respectively. The sensitivity of HQ and CC were 1515.55 and 1485 μA mM−1 cm−2, respectively. The prepared nanomaterial were effectively applied for the determination of CC and HQ in real samples.
Development and application of a multiplex PCR system for drowning diagnosis
Authors: Xiao Cheng , Xu Quyi , Li Huan , Zhu Xiaolin , Yu Zhonghao , Zhao Jian , Li Yue , Liu Hong , Shi He , Liu Chao
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the DNA detection of drowning‐related diatoms, cyanobacteria, and aeromonas has gradually attracted interest from forensic scientists. In this study, we described the validation and application of a novel multiplex PCR system. This system integrated 12 fluorescently labelled primers designed to amplify specific genes of diatoms, cyanobacteria, and aeromonas. The specificity studies demonstrated that this multiplex PCR system could detect nine species of diatom, seven species of cyanobacteria, and five species of aeromonas, all of which were drowning‐related and widely distributed in various water circumstance of southern China. The sensitivity studies indicated that the limit concentration of template DNA was 0.0125 ng. Besides, this multiplex PCR system had good performance in sizing precision and stability, but it is not suitable for degraded DNA samples. The application into forensic casework showed that all the tissue samples from ten nondrowning cases showed negative results, and the positive rates of lung, liver, kidney, and water samples from 30 drowning bodies were 100, 86.7, 90, and 100%, respectively. Combined with results of diatom tests of MD‐VF‐Auto SEM method, this multiplex PCR system could help rule out nondrowning bodies and provide extra evidences to support drowning diagnosis, especially for those cases with few diatoms observed. It is expected that this multiplex PCR system has great potential for forensic drowning diagnosis.
Evaluation of the mechanical properties and clinical application of nickel–titanium shape memory alloy scaphoid arc nail
Authors: Song Muguo , Su Yongyue , Li Chuan , Xu Yongqing
Published: March 2021

To investigate the mechanical and biomechanical properties of nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) shape memory alloy scaphoid arc nail (NT‐SAN) fixator as well as study the surgical method of treating carpal scaphoid fractures and evaluate its clinical efficacy. (1) Static and dynamic bending tests with embedded axial bending fixture were conducted to study the mechanical properties. (2) To evaluate biomechanical strength and fatigue, 32 scaphoid samples were classified into four groups to perform the fixation rigidity test: intramedullary Kirschner fixation (group A), Kirschner straddle nail fixation (group B), screw nail fixation (group C), and NT‐SAN fixation (group D). Next, 24 scaphoid waist fracture models were classified to conduct fatigue experiments as follows: Kirschner straddle nail fixation (group E), screw nail fixation (group F), and NT‐SAN fixation (group G). (3) The Krimmer score chart was used for clinical evaluations. (1) NT‐SAN showed excellent mechanical performance and a long lifespan. (2) NT‐SAN was fixated with a strong intensity and an anti‐fatigue outcome. (3) Ninety‐eight interviewed patients were satisfied with the therapeutic effects of the arc nail (satisfaction rate: 95.92%). The designed strength and hardness of NT‐SAN corresponded with the anatomical characteristics of the scaphoid, and the designed mechanical properties met the biomechanical requirements of a scaphoid fracture. The fatigue strength can meet the requirements of bone healing after the scaphoid fracture. Clinical trials on NT‐SAN scaphoid fracture treatment have shown that the surgery is simple and the clinical results are satisfactory. The therapeutic level of NT‐SAN is III; thus, it is worth promoting.
Nanoporous Gold‐Based Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Gonçalves Josué M. , Kumar Abhishek , da Silva Matheus I. , Toma Henrique E. , Martins Paulo R. , Araki Koiti , Bertotti Mauro , Angnes Lucio
Published: March 2021

Herein, the promising world of nanoporous gold (NPG) as an electrode material for energy storage and conversion is reviewed. NPG has excellent conductivity and a porous structure, providing a huge active surface area for deposition of transition metal atoms and electrochemically active materials. Moreover, NPG materials display high intrinsic activity because of their crystallographic structural defects to catalyze hosts of electrochemical reactions, considered pertinent in clean energy technologies. Therefore, taking into account their superior specific and mass activity, they provide a versatile platform for developing high‐performance catalysts for oxidation and reduction reactions, supercapacitors, and battery‐type electrode materials for the assembly of high density electric energy storage devices. Initially, a full overview of the strategies used to build NPG structures and incorporate other metallic elements in the pore walls is presented. Afterward, the water‐splitting parameters and performance of NPG catalysts for hydrogen generation are reviewed. Next, the possibility of using such porous materials as fuel cell electrodes is discussed. In short, the most recent advancements in the field paving the way for the preparation of advanced electrode materials meeting the most stringent requirements are reviewed, demonstrating the bright perspectives for innovation in the key area of energy conversion and storage.
Seismic response of a cross interchange metro station in soft soil: Physical and numerical modeling
Authors: Wu Weifeng , Ge Shiping , Yuan Yong , Ding Wenqi , Anastasopoulos Ioannis
Published: March 2021

The expansion of the Shanghai metro grid leads to a growing demand for underground stations. This paper studies the seismic performance of a typical cross interchange station in soft soil, combining shaking table testing and numerical modeling. The cross interchange station is composed of a three‐storey section, rigidly connected to a perpendicular two‐storey section, leading to an abrupt change of stiffness in the conjunction area. A series of 1 g shaking table tests are conducted, using synthetic model soil (a mixture of sand and sawdust) and granular concrete with galvanized steel wires to model the soil‐structure system. The experimental results are then used as a benchmark, allowing for validation of a 3D finite element (FE) model. The validated FE model is shown to compare adequately well with the shaking table tests and is subsequently used to indirectly extrapolate the results to prototype scale. The combined experimental and numerical study allows deriving insights on the dynamic response of cross interchange stations. A key conclusion is that the abrupt change of stiffness at the conjunction area leads to concentration of racking deformation at the bottom storey. This leads to significant stress concentrations on the station sidewall in the same area, revealing the increased seismic vulnerability due to the induced stiffness discontinuity. Seismic damage can be avoided by increasing the reinforcement ratio in such critical locations or by introducing deformable joints.
An improved Top‐K algorithm for edge servers deployment in smart city
Authors: Qin Zengshi , Xu Fei , Xie Yue , Zhang Zhuoya , Li Gaojie
Published: March 2021

In smart city IoT applications, the deployment of edge servers has problems such as unbalanced servers load and low servers utilization. Therefore, we study the edge servers deployment problem in mobile edge computing environments for smart cities through an improved Top‐K algorithm in this paper. This algorithm comprehensively considering the distance between base stations and edge servers, the weight ratio of base stations in the base station cluster, the coverage of edge servers, and the upper limit of computing tasks, which aims to reduce the access delay of tasks and deployment cost of edge servers, balance the load among edge servers, improve quality of user experience (QoE), and quality of service (QoS) of the smart city. Firstly, deploy an edge server at the base station with the most tasks and divide base station clusters according to the minimum distance strategy. Then, the location of edge servers adjusted according to the cumulative sum of the weight ratio of base station tasks and distance product in each base station cluster. Finally, the simulation results show that the deployment strategy in this paper is better than other methods in terms of server utilization, load balancing and cost, and is slightly better than other algorithms in terms of delay.
KRAS/GNAS‐testing by highly sensitive deep targeted next generation sequencing improves the endoscopic ultrasound‐guided workup of suspected mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Schmitz Daniel , Kazdal Daniel , Allgäuer Michael , Trunk Marcus , Vornhusen Sylke , Nahm Anna‐Maria , Doll Matthias , Weingärtner Simon , Endris Volker , Penzel Roland , Kirchner Martina , Brandt Regine , Neumann Olaf , Sültmann Holger , Budczies Jan , Kienle Peter , Magdeburg Richard , Hetjens Svetlana , Schirmacher Peter , Bergmann Frank , Rudi Jochen , Stenzinger Albrecht , Volckmar Anna‐Lena
Published: March 2021

Pancreatic cysts or dilated pancreatic ducts are often found by cross‐sectional imaging, but only mucinous lesions can become malignant. Therefore, distinction between mucinous and non‐mucinous lesions is crucial for adequate patient management. We performed a prospective study including targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of cell‐free DNA in the diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided workup. Pancreatic cyst(s) or main duct fluid obtained by EUS‐guided FNA was analysed by carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytology and deep targeted NGS of 14 known gastrointestinal cancer genes (AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, ERBB2, FBXW7, GNAS, KRAS, MAP2K1, NRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4, TP53, APC) with a limit of detection down to variant allele frequency of 0.01%. Results were correlated to histopathology and clinical follow‐up. One hundred and thirteen patients with pancreatic cyst(s) and/or a dilated pancreatic main duct (≥5 mm) were screened. Sixty‐six patients had to be excluded, mainly due to inoperability or small cyst size (≤10 mm). Forty‐seven patients were enrolled for further analysis. A final diagnosis was available in 27 cases including 8 negative controls. In 43/47 (91.5%) of patients a KRAS‐ and/or GNAS‐mutation was diagnosed by NGS. 27.0% of the KRAS‐mutated and 10.0% of the GNAS‐mutated lesions harbored multiple mutations. KRAS/GNAS‐testing by NGS, cytology, and CEA had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.7/100%, 38.1/100%, and 42.1/75.0%, respectively. KRAS/GNAS‐testing was significantly superior to CEA (P = .0209) and cytology (P = .0016). In conclusion, KRAS/GNAS‐testing by deep targeted NGS is a suitable method to distinguish mucinous from non‐mucinous pancreatic lesions, suggesting its usage as a single diagnostic test. Results must be confirmed in a larger cohort.
Financing needs, spending projection, and the future of health in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Rudi , Furtado Isabela , Spinola Paula
Published: March 2021

In this paper we adopt a growth accounting projection model to estimate and characterize health‐financing needs in Brazil as well as to assess the extent to which financing needs may diverge from spending capacity in the future. We estimate an annual increase of 0.71% in the share of projected financing needs relative to GDP, with excess growth rates being 0.74% and 0.69% for the public and private health sectors, respectively. Institutional reforms and public spending restrictions may leverage public–private segmentation in health financing throughout the next decades, thus potentially leading to losses of equity in the system. Our projections contribute to a scant empirical literature on health financing sustainability in low‐ and middle‐income countries and shed light on the role of spending capacity and institutional constraints over the path towards universal health coverage.
Use of gloves for the prevention of COVID‐19 in healthy population: A living systematic review protocol
Authors: Morales María Belén , Ortiz‐Muñoz Luis , Duarte Anselmi Giuliano , Rada Gabriel ,   COVID‐19 L·OVE Working Group
Published: March 2021

Background and aims

The efficacy of using gloves by the general population to prevent COVID‐19 is unknown. We aim to determine the efficacy of routine glove use by the general healthy population in preventing COVID‐19. This is the protocol of a living systematic review.

Methods

We adapted an already published common protocol for multiple parallel systematic reviews to the specificities of this question. We will conduct searches in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), grey literature, and in a centralized repository in L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L·OVE is a platform that maps PICO questions to evidence from Epistemonikos database. In response to the COVID‐19 emergency, L·OVE was adapted to expand the range of evidence it covers and customized to group all COVID‐19 evidence in one place. The search will cover the period until the day before submission to a journal. We will include randomized trials evaluating the effect of use of gloves in healthy population to prevent COVID‐19 disease. Randomized trials evaluating the effect of use of gloves during outbreaks caused by MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV, and nonrandomized studies in COVID‐19 will be searched in case no direct evidence from randomized trials is found.

Two reviewers will independently screen each study for eligibility, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. We will perform random‐effects meta‐analyses and use GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

A living, web‐based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We will resubmit it if the conclusions change or there are substantial updates.
The effects of age onDNAfragmentation, the condensation of chromatin and conventional semen parameters in healthy nonsmoking men exposed to traffic air pollution
Authors: Rubes Jiri , Sipek Jaroslav , Kopecka Vera , Musilova Petra , Vozdova Miluse , Prinosilova Petra , Topinka Jan , Pastorkova Anna , Svecova Vlasta , Sram Radim J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Numerous studies have investigated age‐based declines in semen traits, but the impact of paternal age on semen parameter values remains inconclusive.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to detect an impact of age on semen quality was studied in healthy nonsmoking men exposed to traffic air pollution.

Methods

Semen samples from 150 Prague City policemen aged 23 to 63 years were examined for standard semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and high DNA stainability.

Results

A significant positive correlation was found between age and %DFI (r= .359,P < .001), and negative correlations were found between age and sperm vitality (r= −.247,P < .001), the % acrosome‐intact sperm (r= −.202,P= .013) and the % normal sperm heads (r= −.204,P= .012). A weak but significant negative correlation was found for high DNA stainability (% HDS) vs age (r= −.161,P= .050). No significant correlation was detected between male age and the other investigated semen quality parameters. At ages of 23 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and 51 to 63 years, the mean %DFI values were 12.7 ± 7.18, 14.7 ± 7.42, 19.6 ± 11.25, and 34.2 ± 15.08, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study shows a strong relationship (P < .001) between the age of men and sperm DNA fragmentation in an occupational cohort at risk of exposure to heavy traffic‐related air pollution in a large city center.
Time‐series of δ26Mg values in a headwater catchment reveal decreasing magnesium isotope variability from precipitation to runoff
Authors: Novak Martin , Andronikov Alexandre , Kram Pavel , Curik Jan , Veselovsky Frantisek , Stepanova Marketa , Prechova Eva , Sebek Ondrej , Bohdalkova Leona
Published: March 2021

Data on temporal variability in Mg isotope ratios of atmospheric deposition and runoff are critical for decreasing the uncertainty associated with construction of isotope mass balances in headwater catchments, and statistical evaluation of isotope differences among Mg pools and fluxes. Such evaluations, in turn, are needed to distinguish between biotic and abiotic contributions to Mg2+ in catchment runoff. We report the first annual time‐series of δ26Mg values simultaneously determined for rainfall, canopy throughfall, soil water and runoff. The studied 55‐ha catchment, situated in western Czech Republic, is underlain by Mg‐rich amphibolite and covered by mature spruce stands. Between 1970 and 1996, the site received extremely high amounts of acid deposition and fly ash form nearby coal‐burning power plants. The δ26Mg values of open‐area precipitation (median of −0.79‰) at our study site were statistically indistinguishable from the δ26Mg values of throughfall (−0.73‰), but significantly different from the δ26Mg values of soil water (−0.55‰) and runoff (−0.55‰). The range of δ26Mg values during the observation period decreased in the order: open‐area precipitation (0.57‰) > throughfall (0.27‰) > runoff (0.21‰) > soil water (0.16‰). The decreasing variability in δ26Mg values of Mg2+ from precipitation to soil water and runoff reflected an increasing homogenization of atmospheric Mg in the catchment and its mixing with geogenic Mg. In addition to atmospheric Mg, runoff also contained Mg mobilized from the three major solid Mg pools, bedrock (δ26Mg of −0.32‰), soil (−0.28‰), and vegetation (−0.31‰). The drought of summer 2019 did not affect the nearly constant δ26Mg value of runoff. Collectively, our data show that within‐catchment processes buffer the Mg isotope variability of the atmospheric input.
Uptake and safety of community‐based “screen‐and‐treat” with thermal ablation preventive therapy for cervical cancer prevention in rural Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Chinula Lameck , Topazian Hillary M. , Mapanje Clement , Varela Amanda , Chapola John , Limarzi Laura , Stanley Christopher , Hosseinipour Mina , Gopal Satish , Tang Jennifer H.
Published: March 2021

Malawi has the highest invasive cervical cancer (ICC) mortality rate worldwide, and ICC is the leading cause of cancer death among women. In 2004, Malawi adopted visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and ablative treatment with cryotherapy. However, screening coverage has remained low (<30%) and few women (<50%) who require ablative treatment receive it. Additional barriers include long distances to health facilities and challenges with maintaining gas supplies. Thermal ablation is a safe and effective alternative to cryotherapy. We assessed the safety and uptake of community‐based ICC screening with VIA and same‐day treatment using a handheld thermocoagulator (HTU) in rural Malawi. We held educational talks alongside community leaders and conducted VIA screening in nonclinic community settings to nonpregnant women aged 25 to 49 years without history of hysterectomy or genital cancer/precancer. Eligible women received same‐day thermal ablation and HIV testing/counseling. We collected cervical biopsies before treatment and followed up women at Weeks 6 and 12, with repeat biopsy at Week 12. Between July and August 2017, 408 (88%) of 463 eligible women underwent VIA. Overall, 7% (n = 30) of women had a positive VIA, of whom 93% (n = 28) underwent same‐day thermal ablation. Among the 30 VIA‐positive women, 5 had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 4 had CIN 2/3 and 21 had benign histologic findings. Abnormal vaginal discharge (60%) and light vaginal bleeding (52%) were the most reported adverse events. There was high uptake of the community‐based ICC screening in the study population and treatment was safe in this setting. Similar strategies that minimize false‐positive results are urgently needed in Malawi.
Fabrication of nanocomposite/nanofibrous functionally graded biomimetic scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration
Authors: Hejazi Fatemeh , Bagheri‐Khoulenjani Shadab , Olov Nafiseh , Zeini Darya , Solouk Atefeh , Mirzadeh Hamid
Published: March 2021

One of the main challenges in treating osteochondral lesions via tissue engineering approach is providing scaffolds with unique characteristics to mimic the complexity. It has led to application of heterogeneous scaffolds as a potential candidate for engineering of osteochondral tissues, in which graded multilayered‐structure should promote bone and cartilage growth. By designing three‐dimensional (3D)‐nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking the native extracellular matrix's nanoscale structure, cells can grow in controlled conditions and regenerate the damaged tissue. In this study, novel 3D‐functionality graded nanofibrous scaffolds composed of five layers based on different compositions containing polycaprolactone(PCL)/gelatin(Gel)/nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) for osteoregeneration and chitosan(Cs)/polyvinylalcohol(PVA) for chondral regeneration are introduced. This scaffold is fabricated by electrospinning technique using spring as collector to create 3D‐nanofibrous scaffolds. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical compression test, porosimetry, and water uptake studies were applied to study each layer's physicochemical properties and whole functionally graded scaffold. Besides, biodegradation and biological studies were done to investigate biological performance of scaffold. Results showed that each layer has a fibrous structure with continuous nanofibers with improved pore size and porosity of novel 3D scaffold (6–13 μm and 90%) compared with two‐dimensional (2D) mat (2.2 μm and 19.3%) with higher water uptake capacity (about 100 times of 2D mat). Compression modulus of electrospun scaffold was increased to 78 MPa by adding nHA. The biological studies revealed that the layer designed for osteoregeneration could improve cell proliferation rate in comparison to the layer designed for chondral regeneration. These results showed such structure possesses a promising potential for the treatment of osteochondral defects.
Deletion of Rptor in Preosteoblasts Reveals a Role for the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) Complex in Dietary‐Induced Changes to Bone Mass and Glucose Homeostasis in Female Mice
Authors: Tangseefa Pawanrat , Martin Sally K. , Arthur Agnieszka , Panagopoulos Vasilios , Page Amanda J. , Wittert Gary A. , Proud Christopher G. , Fitter Stephen , Zannettino Andrew C.W.
Published: March 2021

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) complex is the major nutrient sensor in mammalian cells that responds to amino acids, energy levels, growth factors, and hormones, such as insulin, to control anabolic and catabolic processes. We have recently shown that suppression of the mTORC1 complex in bone‐forming osteoblasts (OBs) improved glucose handling in male mice fed a normal or obesogenic diet. Mechanistically, this occurs, at least in part, by increasing OB insulin sensitivity leading to upregulation of glucose uptake and glycolysis. Given previously reported sex‐dependent differences observed upon antagonism of mTORC1 signaling, we investigated the metabolic and skeletal effects of genetic inactivation of preosteoblastic‐mTORC1 in female mice. Eight‐week‐old control diet (CD)‐fed Rptorob−/− mice had a low bone mass with a significant reduction in trabecular bone volume and trabecular number, reduced cortical bone thickness, and increased marrow adiposity. Despite no changes in body composition, CD‐fed Rptorob−/− mice exhibited significant lower fasting insulin and glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity. Upon high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding, Rptorob−/− mice were resistant to a diet‐induced increase in whole‐body and total fat mass and protected from the development of diet‐induced insulin resistance. Notably, although 12 weeks of HFD increased marrow adiposity, with minimal changes in both trabecular and cortical bone in the female control mice, marrow adiposity was significantly reduced in HFD‐fed Rptorob−/− compared to both HFD‐fed control and CD‐fed Rptorob−/− mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that mTORC1 function in preosteoblasts is crucial for skeletal development and skeletal regulation of glucose homeostasis in both male and female mice. Importantly, loss of mTORC1 function in OBs results in metabolic and physiological adaptations that mirror a caloric restriction phenotype (under CD) and protects against HFD‐induced obesity, associated insulin resistance, and marrow adiposity expansion. These results highlight the critical contribution of the skeleton in the regulation of whole‐body energy homeostasis. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Crowdsourcing for Online Samples in Counseling Research
Authors: Mullen Patrick R. , Fox Jesse , Goshorn Jeremy R. , Warraich Leila Khalid
Published: March 2021

The use of panels and registration systems for sampling procedures in counseling research offers an innovative method of recruiting participants. Websites such as Amazon's Mechanical Turk, provide quick access to pools of participants for an assortment of research designs. Other sites such as Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey Audience offer tailored and targeted searches and recruitment of specific samples to create online panels. Although these methods of accessing a sample provide ease of access and flexibility of design, there are several cautions to consider when using them for counseling research. In this article, we accomplish several aims: (a) define and describe the concept of crowdsourcing research participation, (b) describe some benefits and cautions about their use, and (c) present different applications of this approach to sampling. We also note the implications of this sampling method for counseling research.
Cystatin C and interleukin‐6 for prognosticating patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis
Authors: Padia Gaurav , Mahajan Bhawana , Kumar Ajay , Sonika Ujjwal , Dahale Amol S , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Dalal Ashok , George Roshan
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction/failure can complicate acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis with progression to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), leading to increased mortality. There are few studies on serum biomarkers predicting renal dysfunction (RD) or ACLF in AD. Serum cystatin C (CysC) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were evaluated for predicting RD, ACLF, and mortality in AD patients.

Methods

Consecutive AD patients seen from January 2018 to June 2019 were included. IL‐6 and CysC were measured in serum at the time of index presentation. Patients were followed for 90 days or until primary (development of RD) or secondary outcomes (development of ACLF or mortality). Multivariate analysis was performed to find whether CysC and IL‐6 can independently predict primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

A total of 124 patients were screened; 88 patients were included. On follow up, 22 (27.3%) developed RD, 11 (11/57, 19.3%) developed ACLF, and 21 (24%) died. The CysC predicted RD (odds ratio [OR] 7.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–23.53, P = 0.001) and ACLF (OR 5.486, 95% CI 1.456–20.6, P = 0.012) development. IL‐6 was not an independent predictor of RD (P = 0.315), ACLF (P = 0.168), and mortality (P = 0.225).

Conclusion

Serum CysC can predict the development of RD and ACLF in patients of cirrhosis with AD.
A palaeoecological view of the last Neanderthals at the crossroads of south‐central Europe and the central Mediterranean: long‐term stability or pronounced environmental change with human responses
Authors: Karavanić Ivor , Banda Marko , Radović Siniša , Miko Slobodan , Vukosavljević Nikola , Razum Ivan , Smith Fred H.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents palaeoecological reconstructions and late Neanderthal responses to environmental conditions in two different palaeoecological zones (continental south‐central Europe and the eastern Adriatic) during MIS 3. Our interpretations are based on the available records of climatic conditions, characteristics of Mousterian industries and site characteristics. A variety of data obtained by different methods of analyses (sediments and biological remains) were used for palaeoecological reconstructions, while hominin behaviour was examined from various perspectives based on lithic remains (technology, typology, raw material use), subsistence strategies, land use and site structures. In both regions, Neanderthals practised a broad exploitation of different faunal and lithic resources available to them and successfully adapted to local environments. Based on a variety of evidence, we offer a new synthesis and examine whether continental south‐central Europe and the Adriatic really acted as refugia during the time of late Neanderthal occupations. We also consider the possible causes and/or timing of Neanderthal disappearance in these regions.
The last 750 ka in loess–palaeosol sequences from northern France: environmental background and dating of the western European Palaeolithic
Authors: Antoine Pierre , Coutard Sylvie , Bahain Jean‐Jacques , Locht Jean‐Luc , Hérisson David , Goval Emilie
Published: March 2021

This study presents an overview of Middle Pleistocene loess–palaeosol sequences (LPS) in northern France and discusses the palaeoclimatic significance of the pedosedimentary record in the context of western European LPS and of global climatic cycles for the last 750 ka. In this area, the oldest loess deposits (early Middle Pleistocene) are preserved in sedimentary traps (leeward scarps of fluvial terraces and dissolution sinkholes). They result from local deflation processes reworking Pleistocene sandy fluvial deposits or relicts of Tertiary sands. A large extension of typical calcareous loess over the landscape, the Loess Revolution, is then observed during MIS 6, with heavy mineral assemblages testifying to long‐distance transport from the polar desert area of the dried eastern Channel. A correlation scheme is proposed between the global records of northern France in continental environments and both global palaeoclimatic records and other main western European LPS. After 30 years of research, northern France LPS stand as a fundamental archive of the impact of interglacial–glacial climatic cycles as well as millennial events. Finally, these works provide a robust chronoclimatic framework for the study of the western European Late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic and for the relative dating of the various fluvial terraces that they fossilise.
Late Pleistocene hydroclimatic variabilities in arid north‐west China: geochemical evidence from Balikun Lake, eastern Tienshan, China
Authors: Zhao Yongtao , An Cheng‐Bang , Zhou Aifeng , Zhang Xiaonan , Zhao Jiaju , Dong Weimiao , Miao Yunfa
Published: March 2021

Reconstructing the environmental and hydrological response to millennial‐scale fluctuations of climate‐sensitive areas of mid‐latitudes is crucial to understanding the Late Pleistocene climate in terrestrial inland regions. We use sedimentological and geochemical proxies (e.g. lithology, gain size, loss‐on‐ignition, soluble salts, X‐ray fluorescence elements) from Balikun Lake in the eastern Tienshan Mountains, to elucidate variations in sedimentation, water chemistry and watershed weathering intensity of the Late Pleistocene interval (~20−60 ka). The record documents high‐frequency oscillations and alternating hydrological patterns on (multi‐) millennial timescales. Balikun Lake changes from nearly fresh to brackish and finally to hypersaline conditions during MIS3. The warm and wet climate during the early MIS3 facilitated regional vegetation and bioproductivity. Halite sedimentation took place from the middle to late MIS3, indicating a gradual drying trend. This reduced the lake area and vegetation cover, as well as weakened the chemical weathering rates of the watershed. These new interpretations challenge the idea of climate amelioration with the highest lake level and wettest conditions prevailing in the arid areas of north‐west China during the late MIS3, indicating a possible westerlies‐dominated Late Pleistocene climate in these areas. The evolution of the palaeohydrological regime and climate change in the Balikun Basin correlated well with the millennial‐scale high‐latitude Atlantic climate superimposed on the Northern Hemisphere summer insolation.
Human resource practices and performance in microfinance organizations: Do intellectual capital components matter?
Authors: Barpanda Saswat , Bontis Nick
Published: March 2021

This study examines the influence of human resource practices (HRPs) on both the financial and social performance of monetary financial institutions (MFIs), assessing the role of intellectual capital (IC). Data were collected from 252 MFIs in India, and structural equation modelling was used to analyse causal relationships. The proposed model finds a positive relationship between HRPs and human, structural, and relational capital, and all facets of IC were positively associated with financial and social performance. Intellectual capital fully mediated the relationship between HRPs and financial performance but only partially mediated the relationship with social performance. Accounting for IC components, the indirect relationship between HRPs and financial performance was stronger than the indirect relationship between HRPs and social performance. Results indicate that HRPs can better explain the performance of MFIs through human, relational, and structural capital accumulation. They were congruent with a resource‐based view of HRM and human capital theory.
Potential health benefits of garden pea seeds and pods: A review
Authors: Kumari Tapasya , Deka Sankar Chandra
Published: March 2021

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a nutritious pulse crop belonging to the leguminous family, and widely cultivated. In recent time, health and nutritional benefits of the pea and its by‐products enriched with biomolecules, which have gained significant attention to the researchers and consumers. Peas are known for its pivotal nutritional value with high‐quality proteins, dietary fibres, starch, carbohydrates and micronutrients including vitamins and minerals. It is also enriched with phytochemicals, antioxidants, flavonoids, tannins and other phenolic compounds under non‐nutritional category. Dietary fibre extracted from its cotyledon of the cell wall, seed coats and pods proved to accelerate the gastrointestinal activity by developing intestinal microflora. Intermediate amylose maintains blood glucose level by lowering the glycaemic index and reducing starch digestibility of peas. Pea proteins derived peptides have opportunities in nutraceuticals. Furthermore, pea‐derived non‐α‐galactooligosaccharides could mitigate the gas production by colonic bacteria during the fermentation. Anti‐acetylcholinesterase (anti‐AChE) was also traced in the pea pod with some antioxidant properties. The focus of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive profiling of chemical compositions and bioactives of fresh mature peas (specifically garden or field pea seeds) and by‐products of pea processing (pods and peels) that sets a foundation for assessment of their health benefits.
Quasi‐Bound States in the Continuum with Temperature‐Tunable Q Factors and Critical Coupling Point at Brewster's Angle
Authors: Wu Bing‐Ru , Yang Jhen‐Hong , Pankin Pavel S. , Huang Chih‐Hsiang , Lee Wei , Maksimov Dmitrii N. , Timofeev Ivan V. , Chen Kuo‐Ping
Published: March 2021

Quasibound state in the continuum (quasi‐BIC) is a long‐lived state with a high quality factor (Q factor). Here quasi‐BICs in nematic liquid crystal (LC) layer embedded between a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and a metal layer are studied. First, a special class of true BICs between the DBR and the metal film with field localization provided by the Brewster transverse electric (TE) reflection in the DBR is experimentally demonstrated. It is demonstrated that the Q factor of the quasi‐BIC can be tuned by the LC optical axis rotation in a wide range being only restricted by metal losses. The change of coupling with the radiation channel leads to a critical coupling condition, providing a total absorption of incident light. The acquired quasi‐BIC resonance is extremely sensitive to the temperature due to the narrow nematic temperature range of the LC. The quasi‐BIC transforms to BIC at the LC‐isotropic clearing point, due to closing of the radiation channel.
Design Principles for the Enhanced Transparency Range of Correlated Transparent Conductors
Authors: Ha Youngkyoung , Byun Jinho , Lee Jaekwang , Lee Shinbuhm
Published: March 2021

Correlated transparent conductors (TCs) have attracted great attention because they can overcome the limitations of conventional TCs owing to their high visible transmittance and low sheet resistance. However, the most widely studied TC 3d1 SrVO3 exhibits low ultraviolet transmittance, and the recently investigated TC 4d2 SrMoO3 has low infrared transmittance. Here, it is proposed that the wide transparency range of correlated TCs arises from both high correlation strength and high transition energy from the O‐2p to the transition metal d orbitals. Applying this comprehensive design principle to single‐crystalline correlated metals, it is confirmed that correlated 4d1 SrNbO3 exhibits enhanced ultraviolet–visible–infrared transmittance, with low sheet resistance at room temperature, compared to 3d1 SrVO3 and 4d2 SrMoO3. Spectroscopic ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations reveal that the advantageous properties of 4d1 SrNbO3 can be attributed to high p–d transition energy and moderate correlation effect. The design principle can aid the discovery of additional high‐performance TC materials and further development of correlated TCs.