bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thunder-fire moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jianye , Luo Zongxiu , Liu Mingda , Wang Fusheng , Zhou Rui , Wang Ying , Jia Yuyan , Wang Xukai , Leng Xiangyang
Published: January 2023

Background:

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common degenerative disease that severely impacts the quality of life of patients. Thunder-fire moxibustion is an ancient Chinese medicine-based external therapeutic procedure that has been employed for pain relief until this day. The focus of our study was to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of LDH.

Methods:

The literature databases searched included the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Wanfang digital periodicals database, China national knowledge infrastructure, VIP, and Chinese biomedical literature database, and the search period was from database creation to March 2022. These include randomized controlled trials of Thunder–Fire moxibustion alone or in combination with other therapies for LDH. Two evaluators independently extracted data. We accessed the quality of inclusive studies through a Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager (Version 5.5). Data was analyzed using fixed-effects or random-effects models, depending on the heterogeneity test results.

Results:

The meta-analysis included 17 studies involving 1344 patients with LDH. The analysis results were as follows: compared with other therapies, the efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion was statistically significant; the total effective rate (RR = 1.20; 95%CI [1.15, 1.26]; P < .00001), the Japanese orthopaedic association score (MD = 4.42; 95%CI [4.10, 4.73]; P < .00001), the pain score (SMD = -2.66; 95% CI [-3.39, -1.94]; P < .00001). Only 2 reported no adverse events in the included literature, and the remaining had no relevant records. The quality of the evidence in the 17 papers we examined was low or very low.

Conclusion:

Thunder–Fire moxibustion is effective in relieving discomfort in patients with LDH. It has significant clinical efficacy, but there is still a need for prospective, multicentre, large-sample randomized controlled trials to enhance the clinical evidence due to the quality of included studies and methodological limitations.
Condyloma acuminatum mimicking cervical cancer in a pregnant woman and treatment with cryotherapy: A case report
Authors: Chang Kai-Chieh , Chen Yen-Chang , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: January 2023

Rationale:

Condyloma acuminata and anogenital warts are protruding papillomatous lesions caused by human papillomavirus. In pregnant women, condyloma acuminata over the cervical region may grow rapidly, mimicking cervical cancer.

Patient concerns:

A pregnant woman at 14 weeks of gestation with condyloma acuminatum mimicking cervical cancer was referred to our hospital for further management.

Diagnosis:

Condyloma acuminata.

Interventions:

Tumor biopsy was performed twice, and the pathology confirmed condyloma acuminatum. Immunohistochemistry revealed focal positivity for p16 and Ki-67. Cryotherapy was performed and regular follow-up was performed at 2-week intervals. A small residual condyloma acuminata was found and treated with cryotherapy.

Outcome:

During the follow-up period, no recurrence of condyloma acuminata was noted. She delivered a baby at 37 weeks of gestation via cesarean section, without complications.

Lessons:

Condyloma acuminata of the cervix may grow faster during pregnancy, mimicking cervical cancer. Multiple factors must be considered when treating condyloma acuminata during pregnancy. Cryotherapy is proposed as a 1st-line treatment in all trimesters because of its safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Serial follow-up at 2-week intervals to observe post-cryotherapy conditions is recommended.
Assessing tobramycin levels and renal function following the implantation of CaSO4 beads impregnated with tobramycin: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Alowais Shuroug A. , Wali Haytham A. , Tabb Deanne , Alamer Ahmad , Ahmed Nehad , Baloch Saeed A. , Floyd John C. P.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of serum tobramycin concentrations exceeding therapeutic levels after administration of calcium sulfate (CaSO4) beads containing either 240 mg or 400 mg tobramycin and 1000 mg vancomycin. This single-center, prospective. This single-center, prospective study included included Piedmont Columbus, Regional orthopedic surgery patients. Following the implantation of tobramycin into CaSO4 beads, serially measured serum tobramycin concentrations were evaluated after 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. In addition to that, serum tobramycin concentration was evaluated after 5 days. None of the patients who received 240 mg tobramycin-impregnated beads had a tobramycin level >2 μg/mL. Six hours after implantation, the tobramycin level in 2 out of 2 (100%) patients who received 400 mg of tobramycin-impregnated beads was >2 μg/mL. One day following the surgery, the median serum creatinine was 0.85 mg/dL, with an interquartile range of 0.73 to 1.04 mg/dL. No cases of acute kidney injury were observed. This cohort demonstrated that non-nephrotoxic serum tobramycin levels could be achieved in CaSO4 beads mixed with 240 mg or 400 mg of tobramycin.
Effect and safety of traditional Chinese exercises (Qigong therapy) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiumei , Pang Rongzhen , Cai Zhanhao
Published: January 2023

Background:

Traditional Chinese Exercises (Qigong therapy) are more and more popular for chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) patients for the treatment and rehabilitation, however, the comparative effectiveness and safety remains unclear. Our study aims to compare the pros and cons of these exercise interventions for COPD by implementing a network meta-analysis.

Methods:

Publicly available scientific databases including ClinicalTrials.gov database, PubMed, Embase database, database in Web of Science, database in Cochrane Library, China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), Chinese Periodical Service Platform (VIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang) will be searched for the relevant clinical studies from 2000 to 2022. Randomized controlled trials related to Qigong therapy in COPD treatment will be included. Systematic review and meta-analysis in the current study will be investigated according to the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension statement for reporting of systematic reviews incorporating meta-analyses of health care interventions. The grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system will be used to evaluate the rank of evidence.

Results:

This systematic review will summarize the evidence for different kinds of Qigong therapies.

Conclusion:

The network meta-analysis was designed to update and expand on previous research results of clinical trials to better evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different interventions of traditional Chinese exercises for COPD.
Continuity of Care in Rehabilitation
Authors: Rosenthal Elisabeth L.
Published: January 2023

A patient-physician discovers the benefits of long and intensive rehabilitation after a head injury. Progress, slow but verifiable, has continued for more than 2 yrs. Many insurers and providers might have given up and said I could not benefit from further treatment after I could manage the activities of daily living. I was lucky in that my providers stayed with me, allowing a more complete and gratifying recovery.
Use of Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte and Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio to Predict Early Postoperative Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis After Primary Septorhinoplasty
Authors: Ozdemir Ozan , Kirgezen Tolga , Yigit Enes , Ulaş Beyza Nur , Yigit Ozgur
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the benefit of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting early postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis in patients undergoing primary septorhinoplasty.

Methods:

Sixty patients in ASA-I (American Society of Anesthesiologists) who were scheduled for elective primary septorhinoplasty were prospectively included in the study. Periorbital edema and ecchymosis levels of the patients were scored on the postoperative second day. The relationship between early postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis levels and preoperative neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, NLR, and PLR values were investigated.

Results:

The mean age of the 60 patients was 24.05 ± 6.83 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the total periorbital edema scores in both eyes on the second day after surgery. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of neutrophil, platelet, and NLR (P > 0.05). In addition, the lymphocyte count was found to be statistically significantly lower and PLR significantly higher in the group with high edema scores (P < 0.05). When the patients were divided into groups according to their periorbital ecchymosis scores, no significant correlation was found between any blood values and periorbital ecchymosis (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Preoperative PLR may be used to predict early postoperative periorbital edema in patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty. However, a blood value that can predict periorbital ecchymosis has not been determined yet.
Investigation of the Internal Conditions of 213 Reprocessed Endoscopic Channels
Authors: Zhou Meng-Jiao , Huang Xi , Liu Lin-Lin , He Rong-Pan , Hu Lu , Xun-Zhang  , Zhang Yan-Xia , Ma Jiu-Hong
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims:

Studies have indicated that endoscope reprocessing failure might be attributed to internal damage or residual liquid in endoscopes. However, large-sample survey data on the internal conditions of endoscopic channels after reprocessing are lacking. This study used a borescope to investigate the internal cleanliness and damage of 213 endoscopic biopsy channels after reprocessing at the endoscopy center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, provided in theoretical basis for the efficacy of endoscope reprocessing and maintenance.

Methods:

A borescope was used to observe and analyze the inside of the endoscopic biopsy channel of 213 reprocessed endoscopes (in accordance with the Chinese health industry standard “Regulation for cleaning and disinfection technique of flexible endoscope (WS 507-2016). Each endoscope was observed for at least 10 minutes, and the results were recorded and evaluated by 5 researchers independently.

Results:

In all, 2504 images and 109 videos were recorded, and abnormal findings were classified into 10 categories: scratches (91.5%, 195/213), scratches with adherent peel (46.0%, 98/213), discolored areas (49.3%, 105/213), transparent drops (28.2%, 60/213), milky drops (23.9%, 51/213), white particles (46.9%, 100/213), attached materials (37.6%, 80/213), wear on metal parts (41.3%, 88/213), rust (23.9%, 51/213), and black spots (35.7%, 76/213). Among scratches, those in Teflon from 0-10 cm at the apex of the biopsy channel outlet and in metal from 0-5 cm at the biopsy channel inlet accounted for 58.4% (114/195) and 96.4% (188/195), respectively.

Conclusions:

Scratches were the most common form of damage in the endoscopic biopsy channels investigated and were related to the use of endoscopic accessories and cleaning brush materials. The incidence of other abnormalities gradually increased with the duration of use and began to increase significantly after 18 months. All abnormalities have a certain impact on the quality of endoscope reprocessing. We recommend that a borescope be used to check the inside of endoscopic biopsy channels regularly to determine the damage and cleaning conditions and that these channels be reprocessed, repaired, or replaced in a timely manner.
Orthoester formation in fungal meroterpenoid austalide F biosynthesis
Authors: Awakawa Takayoshi , Liu Wei , Bai Tongxuan , Taniguchi Tomo , Abe Ikuro
Published: January 2023

Fungal meroterpenoids are important bioactive natural products. Their biosynthetic machineries are highly diverse, and reconstitutions lead to the production of unnatural meroterpenoids. In this study, heterologous gene expression in
Aspergillus oryzae
and
in vitro
assays elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of the orthoester-containing fungal meroterpenoid austalide F. Remarkably, the α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenase AstB produces the hemiacetal intermediate, and the methyltransferase AstL transfers a methyl group on it to construct the orthoester functionality. This study presents the extraordinary orthoester biosynthetic machinery and provides valuable insights into the creation of unnatural novel bioactive meroterpenoids through engineered biosynthesis.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology’.
Capturing the free energy of transition state stabilization: insights from the inhibition of mandelate racemase
Authors: Bearne Stephen L.
Published: January 2023

Mandelate racemase (MR) catalyses the Mg2+-dependent interconversion of (R)- and (S)-mandelate. To effect catalysis, MR stabilizes the altered substrate in the transition state (TS) by approximately 26 kcal mol–1(–ΔGtx), such that the upper limit of the virtual dissociation constant of the enzyme-TS complex is 2 × 10–19M. Designing TS analogue inhibitors that capture a significant amount of ΔGtxfor binding presents a challenge since there are a limited number of protein binding determinants that interact with the substrate and the structural simplicity of mandelate constrains the number of possible isostructural variations. Indeed, current intermediate/TS analogue inhibitors of MR capture less than or equal to 30% of ΔGtxbecause they fail to fully capitalize on electrostatic interactions with the metal ion, and the strength and number of all available electrostatic and H-bond interactions with binding determinants present at the TS. Surprisingly, phenylboronic acid (PBA), 2-formyl-PBA, andpara-chloro-PBA capture 31–38% of ΔGtx. The boronic acid group interacts with the Mg2+ion and multiple binding determinants that effect TS stabilization. Inhibitors capable of forming multiple interactions can exploit the cooperative interactions that contribute to optimum binding of the TS. Hence, maximizing interactions with multiple binding determinants is integral to effective TS analogue inhibitor design.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology’.
Blood-based epigenome-wide analyses on the prevalence and incidence of nineteen common disease states
Authors: Hillary Robert F. , McCartney Daniel L. , Bernabeu Elena , Gadd Danni A. , Cheng Yipeng , Chybowska Aleksandra D. , Smith Hannah M. , Murphy Lee , Wrobel Nicola , Campbell Archie , Walker Rosie M. , Hayward Caroline , Evans Kathryn L. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Marioni Riccardo E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Blood DNA methylation can inform us about the biological mechanisms that underlie common disease states. Previous epigenome-wide analyses of common diseases often focus solely on the prevalence or incidence of individual conditions and rely on small sample sizes, which may limit power to discover disease-associated loci.

Results

We conduct blood-based epigenome-wide association studies on the prevalence of 14 common disease states in Generation Scotland (nindividuals≤18,413, nCpGs=752,722). We also utilise health record linkage to perform epigenome-wide analyses on the incidence of 19 disease states. We present a structured literature review on existing epigenome-wide analyses for all 19 disease states to assess the degree of replication within the existing literature and the novelty of the present findings.

We identify 69 associations between CpGs and the prevalence of four disease states at baseline, of which 58 are novel. We also uncover 64 CpGs that associate with the incidence of two disease states (COPD and type 2 diabetes), of which 56 are novel. These associations were independent from common lifestyle risk factors. We highlight poor replication across the existing literature. Here, replication was defined by the reporting of at least one common gene in >2 studies examining the same disease state. Existing blood-based epigenome-wide analyses showed evidence of replication for only 4/19 disease states (with up-to-15% of unique genes replicated for lung cancer).

Conclusions

Our summary data and structured review of the literature provide an important platform to guide future studies that examine the role of blood DNA methylation in complex disease states.
DISPOSITION OF ADOLESCENTS TOWARD RECEIVING COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN VILLAVICENCIO: MYTHS AND BELIEFS
Authors: Balaguera César García , Alfonso Osorio María Fernanda , Pardo Garzón María Camila , Echavarría María Paula
Published: January 2023

Global efforts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic have been focused on preventive activities, such as vaccination, since the disease is expected to become endemic. Adolescents were among the last population groups to be included in the vaccination program in Colombia, and adequate coverage has not yet been achieved in this group and in infants. It is important to understand their motivations to improve the willingness of this population to be vaccinated. A cross-sectional study was designed via an online survey in adolescents aged 14–19 years in Villavicencio Meta after validation of the survey and informed consent. The following options were provided for the question on vaccine disposition: willing, undecided, and unwilling. We described the disposition toward receiving COVID-19 vaccine using graphs and absolute and relative frequencies based on age group. A multinomial regression model was used to assess the relationship between our predictor variables and vaccine disposition in adolescents. In this study, 288 adolescents were surveyed. The risk variables for unwillingness to be vaccinated were being male (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–5.7, p = 0.62), belonging to low social stratum (OR 2.29, 95% CI 0.9–5.88, p = 0.19), having a monthly family income of less than 1 million Colombian pesos (250 USD) (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.8–5.16, p = 0.19), and having basic education (OR 2.59, 95% CI 0.33– 20.14, p = 0.18). Unproven myths and beliefs exert a profound influence on adolescents, which results in an unwillingness to be vaccinated. Hence, innovative public health strategies should be designed to improve the disposition to be vaccinated in this population group.
Effect of human mobility in Dengue spreading: Study cases for Caldas (CO)
Authors: Ospina-Aguirre Carolina , Soriano David , Olivar-Tost Gerard , Galindo-González Cristian. C. , Gómez-Gardeñes Jesús , Osorio Gustavo
Published: January 2023

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is the most common acute arthropod-borne viral infection in the world. The spread of dengue and other infectious diseases is closely related to human activity and mobility. In this paper we analyze the effect on the total number of dengue cases within a population after introducing mobility restrictions as a public health policy. To perform the analysis, we use a complex metapopulation in which we implement a compartmental propagation model coupled with the mobility of individuals between the patches. This model is used to investigate the spread of dengue in the municipalities of Caldas (CO). Two scenarios corresponding to different types of mobility restrictions are applied. In the first scenario, the effect of restricting mobility is analyzed in three different ways: a) limiting the access to the endemic node but allowing the movement of its inhabitants, b) restricting the diaspora of the inhabitants of the endemic node but allowing the access of outsiders, and c) a total isolation of the inhabitants of the endemic node. In this scenario, the best simulation results are obtained when endemic nodes are isolated during a dengue outbreak, obtaining a reduction of up to 22.51% of dengue cases. Finally, the second scenario simulates a total isolation of the network,i.e., mobility between nodes is completely limited. We have found that this control measure reduces the number of total dengue cases in the network by up to 42.67%.

Author summary

For the World Health Organization, dengue is a disease of public health concern. In recent years there is an increasing trend in the number of dengue cases despite existing prevention and control campaigns. The mobility of the population is considered an important factor in dengue dispersion. In this paper, we are interested in addressing how restrictions to human mobility might affect the incidence of dengue in a region. Our research is relevant because the model can be adapted to other regions or scales, and the mobility control measures can be taken into account for the development of public health policies in endemic regions.
Branched multimeric peptides as affinity reagents for detection of α-Klotho protein
Authors: Ye Xiyun , Zhang Peiyuan , Wang John C. K. , Smith Corey L. , Sousa Silvino , Loas Andrei , Eaton Dan L. , López Magdalena Preciado , Pentelute Bradley L.
Published: January 2023

α-Klotho is a protein associated with aging that is expressed in the kidney, parathyroid gland, and choroid plexus. As a transmembrane protein, it acts as an essential co-receptor with the fibroblast growth factor 23 receptor complex to regulate serum phosphate and vitamin D levels. α-Klotho has an extracellular domain that can be cleaved, released and circulated in the blood stream as a soluble form. Decreased levels of α-Klotho are an indication of chronic kidney disease and other age-associated diseases. Detecting or labeling transmembrane and soluble α-Klotho is a longstanding challenge that has impeded the in-depth understanding of its role. Here we describe branched multimeric peptides that recognize α-Klotho with high affinity and selectivity in the biological milieu. The branched peptides are prepared in a single-shot synthesis by parallel automated fast-flow synthesis in under one hour. The branched α-Klotho-binding peptides show improvement in affinity relative to the monomeric versions and can be used to label Klotho for live imaging in kidney cells. Our results demonstrate the potential of automated flow technology to deliver peptide-based reagents with complex architecture and improved affinity for the selective binding of target proteins in physiological settings.
The impacts of COVID-19 and its policy response on access and utilization of maternal and child health services in Tanzania: a mixed methods study
Authors: Shayo Elizabeth H. , Nassor Nahya Kh. , Mboera Leonard E.G. , Ngadaya Esther , Mangesho Peter , Bakari Mtumwa , Urassa Mark , Seif Mohamed , Tarimo Clotilda , Masemo Ame , Mmbaga Blandina T. , O’Sullivan Natasha , McCoy David , Russo Giuliano
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The SARS-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19) has had a global social and economic impact. Despite the growing evidence, its effects on access and delivery of maternal and child health services in low-income countries are still unclear. This cross-sectional case study was conducted in Mjini Magharibi, Chake Chake, and Ilala districts in Tanzania to help fill this gap.

The study combined qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, providing an account of the evolution of the pandemic and the associated control measures in Tanzania. We drew from 34 in-depth interviews, 60 semi-structured interviews, and 14 focus group discussions with key informants, patients, and health providers, and complemented the findings with a review of pandemic reports and health facility records. We followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research to provide an account of the findings.

Our account of the pandemic shows that there was a non-linear policy response in Tanzania, with diverse control measures adopted at various stages of the epidemic. There was a perception that COVID-19 services were prioritized during the epidemic at the expense of regular ones. There were reports of reorganisation of health facilities, reallocation of staff, rescheduled antenatal and postnatal clinics, and reduced time for health education and child monitoring. Scarcity of essential commodities was reported, such as vaccines, equipment, and medical supplies. Such perceptions were in part supported by the routine utilization evidence in the three districts, showing a lower uptake of antenatal, postnatal, family planning, and immunization services, as well as fewer institutional deliveries.

Our findings suggest that, despite the erratic policy response in Tanzania, fear caused by the pandemic and the diversion of resources to control COVID-19 may have contributed most to lower the utilization of mother and child services. For future emergencies, it will be crucial to ensure the policy response does not weaken the population’s demand for services.
Subset-based method for cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association studies improves power and interpretability
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Dutta Diptavo
Published: January 2023

Integrating results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and studies of molecular phenotypes like gene expressions, can improve our understanding of the biological functions of trait-associated variants, and can help prioritize candidate genes for downstream analysis. Using reference expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies, several methods have been proposed to identify significant gene-trait associations, primarily based on gene expression imputation. Further, to increase the statistical power by leveraging substantial eQTL sharing across tissues, meta-analysis methods aggregating such gene-based test results across multiple tissues or contexts have been developed as well. However, most existing meta-analysis methods have limited power to identify associations when the gene has weaker associations in only a few tissues and cannot identify the subset of tissues in which the gene is “activated” in. For this, we developed a novel cross-tissue subset-based meta-analysis (CSTWAS) method which improves power under such scenarios and can extract the set of potentially “active” tissues. To improve applicability, CSTWAS uses only GWAS summary statistics and pre-computed correlation matrices to identify a subset of tissues that have the maximal evidence of gene-trait association. We further developed an adaptive monte-carlo procedure with the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) to accurately estimate highly significant p-values for the test statistics. Through numerical simulations, we found that CSTWAS can maintain a well-calibrated type-I error rate, improves power especially when there is a small number of “active” tissues for a gene-trait association and identifies an accurate “active” tissue-set. By analyzing several GWAS summary statistics of three complex traits and diseases, we demonstrated that CSTWAS could identify novel biological meaningful signals while providing an interpretation of disease etiology by extracting a set of potentially “active” tissues.
Pyrite contact twins
Authors: Moëlo Yves , Nespolo Massimo , Farges François
Published: January 2023

Two examples of contact twins in pyrite from Peru are described. The first one, from Pasto Bueno ore deposit, shows the pyritohedron {120} as principal form, accompanied by the {111} octahedron and {100} cube as secondary forms, giving a lenticular aspect. (111) is the composition plane, and the twin operation is any one of the three binary axes 〈110〉 within this plane. The second one (unknown ore deposit) presents two forms, the octahedron {111} and the pyritohedron {120}; the two crystals in the twin are elongated along [101] and [011], respectively, producing a V profile. It is a reflection twin where the twin plane (110) coincides with the composition plane. These twins are by merohedry. Another contact twin is known in the literature, reported by Gaubert [Bull. Soc. Fr. Minéral. Cristallogr. (1928), 51, 211–212] who described it as a spinel twin, i.e. a reflection twin with twin and composition plane (111); here it is shown that it is actually a rotation twin in which the twin operation is a 180° rotation about any of the three equivalent directions 〈211〉, contained in the (111) composition plane. The occurrence of these twins as well as the doubtfulness of the spinel twin in pyrite shows a direct relationship with the structural interpretation based on the pseudo-symmetry of the crystallographic orbits.
Conductivity, its anisotropy and changes as a manifestation of the features of the atomic and real structures of superprotonic [K1–x
(NH4)
x
]3H(SO4)2 crystals
Authors: Selezneva Elena , Makarova Irina , Gainutdinov Radmir , Tolstikhina Alla , Malyshkina Inna , Somov Nikolai , Chuprunov Evgeniy
Published: January 2023

Single crystals of [K1–x
(NH4)
x
]3H(SO4)2 (x ≥ 0.57) grown in the K3H(SO4)2–(NH4)3H(SO4)2–H2O water–salt system are studied. The atomic structure including H atoms was determined at room temperature using X-ray structural analysis. [K1–x
(NH4)
x
]3H(SO4)2 (x ≥ 0.57) crystals have trigonal symmetry and disordered hydrogen-bond networks at ambient conditions similar to the high-temperature phases of K3H(SO4)2, (NH4)3H(SO4)2 and other superprotonic compounds M
3H(AO4)2. Impedance measurements performed on single crystals show high values of conductivity characteristic for superprotonic phases. Using the methods of impedance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, a significant anisotropy of the conductivity of crystals has been detected. It was also shown that there is a qualitative correlation of bulk and local conductivity measured for samples of the same composition and orientation at room temperature, which is due to the peculiarities of their crystal structure.
Structural insight into the hydrolase and synthase activities of an alkaline α-galactosidase fromArabidopsisfrom complexes with substrate/product
Authors: Chuankhayan Phimonphan , Lee Ruey-Hua , Guan Hong-Hsiang , Lin Chein-Chih , Chen Nai-Chi , Huang Yen-Chieh , Yoshimura Masato , Nakagawa Atsushi , Chen Chun-Jung
Published: January 2023

The alkaline α-galactosidase AtAkαGal3 fromArabidopsis thalianacatalyzes the hydrolysis of α-D-galactose from galacto-oligosaccharides under alkaline conditions. A phylogenetic analysis based on sequence alignment classifies AtAkαGal3 as more closely related to the raffinose family of oligosaccharide (RFO) synthases than to the acidic α-galactosidases. Here, thin-layer chromatography is used to demonstrate that AtAkαGal3 exhibits a dual function and is capable of synthesizing stachyose using raffinose, instead of galactinol, as the galactose donor. Crystal structures of complexes of AtAkαGal3 and its D383A mutant with various substrates and products, including galactose, galactinol, raffinose, stachyose and sucrose, are reported as the first representative structures of an alkaline α-galactosidase. The structure of AtAkαGal3 comprises three domains: an N-terminal domain with 13 antiparallel β-strands, a catalytic domain with an (α/β)8-barrel fold and a C-terminal domain composed of β-sheets that form two Greek-key motifs. The WW box of the N-terminal domain, which comprises the conserved residues FRSK75XW77W78in the RFO synthases, contributes Trp77 and Trp78 to the +1 subsite to contribute to the substrate-binding ability together with the (α/β)8barrel of the catalytic domain. The C-terminal domain is presumably involved in structural stability. Structures of the D383A mutant in complex with various substrates and products, especially the natural substrate/product stachyose, reveal four complete subsites (–1 to +3) at the catalytic site. A functional loop (residues 329–352) that exists in the alkaline α-galactosidase AtAkαGal3 and possibly in RFO synthases, but not in acidic α-galactosidases, stabilizes the stachyose at the +2 and +3 subsites and extends the catalytic pocket for the transferase mechanism. Considering the similarities in amino-acid sequence, catalytic domain and activity between alkaline α-galactosidases and RFO synthases, the structure of AtAkαGal3 might also serve a model for the study of RFO synthases, structures of which are lacking.
Comparing desired spatial ratios among autistic and non-autistic children
Authors: Sheykhmaleki Pariya , Yazdanfar Seyed Abbas Agha , Litkouhi Sanaz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Although some architects have found spatial order and proportion strategy effective in designing the environment for autistic children, it is not clear what spatial ratios are preferred for autistic people. Therefore, this study aims to find the desired ratio among autistic and non-autistic children.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale model questionnaire was chosen to determine the difference in the ratio preferences for autistic and non-autistic children, whereas two access types between the space zones are also considered. The questionnaire was administered to 50 autistic children, with a half-and-half distribution of moderate and mild autism groups, while males are twofold. It was also administered to 50 non-autistic children, approximately equal in terms of gender division. The scale model was designed in the form of a dollhouse to be played with a doll in 6 varied rooms categorized by 3 different ratios (1:1, golden ratio, 1.6:1 and 5:2) and 2 access types (linear and radial access) to measure how many times each room was selected by each group to run numerical analysis.

Findings

It was shown that, although the golden ratio has been previously considered in space design for autistic children, they appealed to the ratio of 2:5 with high frequency. While there is a significant difference between the spatial ratios preferred by autistic and non-autistic children choosing the golden ratio, the same type of space access system is preferred by both groups in their results.

Originality/value

Despite the prevalent use of the golden ratio in design for autism design, this research shaped an empirical study for autistic users concluding a different perspective in design for autism.
Data-based drivers of big data analytics utilization: moderating role of IT proactive climate
Authors: Seifian Atiyeh , Bahrami Mohamad , Shokouhyar Sajjad , Shokoohyar Sina
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study uses the resource-based view (RBV) and isomorphism to investigate the influence of data-based resources (i.e. bigness of data, data accessibility (DA) and data completeness (DC)) on big data analytics (BDA) use under the moderation effect of organizational culture (i.e. IT proactive climate). It also analyzes the possible relationship between BDA implementation and value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical validation of the research model was performed through a cross-sectional procedure to gather survey-based responses. The data obtained from a sample of 190 IT executives having relevant educational backgrounds and experienced in the field of big data and business analytics were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

BDA usage can generate significant value if supported by proper levels of DA and DC, which are benefits obtained from the bigness of data (high volume, variety and velocity of data). In addition, data-driven benefits have stronger impacts on BDA usage in firms with higher levels of IT proactive climate.

Originality/value

The present paper has extended the existing literature as it demonstrates facilitating characteristic of data-based resources (i.e. DA and DC) on BDA implementation which can be intensified with an established IT proactive climate in the firm. Additionally, it provides further theoretical and practical insights which are illustrated ahead.
Exploring the metro construction accidents and causations for improving safety management based on data mining and network theory
Authors: Deng Yongliang , Liu Zedong , Song Liangliang , Ni Guodong , Xu Na
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the causative factors of metro construction safety accidents, analyze the correlation between accidents and causative factors and assist in developing safety management strategies for improving safety performance in the context of the Chinese construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these objectives, 13 types and 48 causations were determined based on 274 construction safety accidents in China. Then, 204 cause-and-effect relationships among accidents and causations were identified based on data mining. Next, network theory was employed to develop and analyze the metro construction accident causation network (MCACN).

Findings

The topological characteristics of MCACN were obtained, it is both a small-world network and a scale-free network. Controlling critical causative factors can effectively control the occurrence of metro construction accidents. Degree centrality strategy is better than closeness centrality strategy and betweenness centrality strategy.

Research limitations/implications

In practice, it is very difficult to quantitatively identify and determine the importance of different accidents and causative factors. The weights of nodes and edges are failed to be assigned when constructing MCACN.

Practical implications

This study provides a theoretical basis and feasible management reference for construction enterprises in China to control construction risks and reduce safety accidents. More safety resources should be allocated to control critical risks. It is recommended that safety managers implement degree centrality strategy when making safety-related decisions.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the MCACN model based on data mining and network theory, identifies the properties and clarifies the mechanism of metro construction accidents and causations.
The role of robots in environmental monitoring
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the growing role of robots in environmental monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this first considers aerial robots for monitoring atmospheric pollution. It then discusses the role of aerial, surface and underwater robots to monitor aquatic environments. Some examples are then provided of the robotic monitoring of the terrestrial environment, and finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Robots are playing an important role in numerous environmental monitoring applications and have overcome many of the limitations of traditional methodologies. They operate in all media and frequently provide data with enhanced spatial and temporal coverage. In addition to detecting pollution and characterising environmental conditions, they can assist in locating illicit activities. Drones have benefited from the availability of small and lightweight imaging devices and sensors that can detect airborne pollutants and also characterise certain features of aquatic and terrestrial environments. As with other robotic applications, environmental drone imagery is benefiting from the use of AI techniques. Ranging from short-term local deployments to extended-duration oceanic missions, aquatic robots are increasingly being used to monitor and characterise freshwater and marine environments.

Originality/value

This provides a detailed insight into the growing number of ways that robots are being used to monitor the environment.
Sustainability reporting practices: an explorative analysis of luxury fashion brands
Authors: Di Leo Alessio , Sfodera Fabiola , Cucari Nicola , Mattia Giovanni , Dezi Luca
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the sustainable practices of luxury fashion brands through their communications via official reporting documents to classify practices used for communicating sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses the qualitative content analysis of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-oriented sustainability reports to examine the sustainable practices of 31 companies within the top 100 global luxury brands.

Findings

The authors classify the sample into four clusters: sustainability driven, sustainability newcomers, sustainability potential and sustainability passive. Results indicate that companies in this sector are focused on the issue of sustainability even though there is a remarkable fragmentation in terms of practices.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a better understanding of sustainability reporting activities and approaches in the fashion luxury industry by describing best practices and the effect of sustainability in corporate communications.
The Aarhus Convention 1998 and the Environment Act 2021: Eroding Public Participation
Authors: Lee Maria
Published: January 2023

On the 25th anniversary of the signature of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision‐making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, this article explores the neglect and suspicion of its values in the new foundations of English environmental law, the otherwise sometimes admirable Environment Act 2021. Examining the journey into the Environment Act, its provisions on consultation, and processes around its implementation, the author concludes that the arrangements for participation are flawed along at least four parameters: general quality and orderliness; information and evidence; inclusion; and impact. An exploration of the Act highlights the importance and the limitations of legally protecting rights to participate in environmental decision‐making. The neglect of or hostility towards participation that is apparent from this analysis is, sometimes explicitly, part of a broader suspicion of legally constrained decision‐making processes, and presents concerns to scholars and practitioners beyond environmental law.
Informing online professional dietetics practice: The development and pilot testing of the Social Media Evaluation Checklist
Authors: Squires Kelly , Brighton Alisha , Urquhart Lisa , Kocanda Lucy , Heaney Susan
Published: January 2023

Aim

To develop and pilot a tool to evaluate Australian dietitians' and student dietitians' ethical and professional practice using social media.

Methods

A Social Media Evaluation Checklist was developed based on checklist development literature with a four‐staged process. Stage one included a literature review and input from an expert panel to ensure content validity. Stages two and three were to ensure face validity by categorising the checklist and pilot testing the tool. Instagram profiles and posts were audited by two authors using the checklist in the final stage to analyse ethical and professional use. An account purposely created for this study was used, and the first 25 dietitian and first 25 student dietitian profiles identified using the key words ‘dietitian’, ‘student dietitian’ and ‘dietitian student’ and the hashtag ‘#australiandietitian’ were reviewed.

Results

A total of 50 Instagram profiles and 250 posts were audited based on seven categories; (1) financial disclosure, (2) cultural awareness, (3) evidence‐based information, (4) transparency, (5) privacy/confidentiality, (6) professionalism and (7) justifiability. Areas for improvement included advertising transparency which was met in only 12% of dietitian posts, and the provision of evidence‐based information, which was met in 56% of dietitian posts and 72% of student dietitian posts.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the ethical and professional use of social media by Australian dietitians and dietetics students. With the evolving nature of social media, guidance is required. This will ensure dietitians remain, now and in the future, the credible source of nutrition information for the public.
High impacts of cultivar and home‐cooking practice on the content of free myo‐inositol, a bioavailable health‐promoting cyclitol, in sweet potato
Authors: Lim Su Min , Choi Dong Seong , Chung Mi‐Nam , Lee Jae‐Sun , Kang Young‐Sik , Choi Kyu‐Hwan , Moon Jin‐Young , Nam Sang‐Sik , Jung Mun Yhung
Published: January 2023

Free myo‐inositol is a bioavailable form of a cyclitol having various health‐promoting activities. The impact of cultivar and home‐cooking practice on the content of free myo‐inositol in sweet potatoes (12 cultivars grown in 2 different locations) was studied. A GC–MS/MS method following in situ trimethylsilylation was established and validated to determine free myo‐inositol. The established analytical method was sensitive, precise, and accurate. It was found that free myo‐inositol content in sweet potato varied greatly (sevenfolds) with cultivar, ranging from 377.1 to 2628.3 mg/kg dw. A cultivar Poongwon‐mi was found to be an exceptionally rich source of free myo‐inositol (2628.3 mg/kg dw). Home‐cooking practice markedly increased free myo‐inositol content (maximum 240%). Baking showed the highest impact on the increase in free myo‐inositol, followed by steaming, microwave cooking, and boiling, in decreasing order. This represents the first report of the remarkably high impact of cultivar and home‐cooking practice on the free myo‐inositol content in sweet potato.

Practical Application

The free myo‐inositol content in sweet potato varied greatly with the cultivars. Poongwon‐mi contained a surprisingly high content of free myo‐inositol. Home‐cooking dramatically increased the free myo‐inositol content.
Mechanisms of sex differentiation and sex reversal in hermaphrodite fish as revealed by the Epinephelus coioides genome
Authors: Li Shuisheng , Li Wanshun , Jiang Shoujia , Jing Yi , Xiao Ling , Yu Yangyang , Liu Yun , Li Yanhong , Wang Dengdong , Li Jiang , Peng Cheng , Chen Jiaxing , Lu Danqi , Wu Bin , Guang Xuanmin , Ma Junping , You Xinxin , Yang Yuqing , Liu Su , Fang Xiaodong , Gao Qiang , Shi Qiong , Lin Haoran , Schartl Manfred , Yue Zhen , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2023

Most grouper species are functional protogynous hermaphrodites, but the genetic basis and the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of this unique reproductive strategy remain enigmatic. In this study, we report a high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly of the representative orange‐spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). No duplication or deletion of sex differentiation‐related genes was found in the genome, suggesting that sex development in this grouper may be related to changes in regulatory sequences or environmental factors. Transcriptomic analyses showed that aromatase and retinoic acid are probably critical to promoting ovarian fate determination, and follicle‐stimulating hormone triggers the female‐to‐male sex change. Socially controlled sex‐change studies revealed that, in sex‐changing fish, the brain's response to the social environment may be mediated by activation of the phototransduction cascade and the melatonin synthesis pathway. In summary, our genomic and experimental results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of sex differentiation and sex change in the protogynous groupers.