bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption and Removal Kinetics of 2,4-Dinitroanisole and Nitrotriazolone in Contrasting Freshwater Sediments: Batch Study
Authors: Ariyarathna Thivanka , Twarz Sydney , Tobias Craig
Published: November 2022

Environmental release of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) is of great concern due to high migration potential in the environment. In the present study we evaluated the adsorption and microbially-mediated removal kinetics of dissolved DNAN and NTO in contrasting freshwater sediments with different total organic carbon (TOC) content. River sand (low TOC), pond silt (high TOC), clay-rich lake sediment (low TOC), wetland silt (high TOC), carbonate sand (low TOC), and iron-rich clay (low TOC) were evaluated. Separate abiotic and biotic bench-top sediment slurry incubations were carried out at 23, 15, and 4 °C for DNAN and NTO. Experiments were conducted over 3 weeks. Time series aqueous samples and sediment samples collected at the end of the experiment were analyzed for DNAN and NTO concentrations. The DNAN compound equilibrated with sediment within the first 2 h after addition whereas NTO showed no adsorption. 2,4-Dinitroanisole adsorbed more onto fine-grained organic-rich sediments (Kd = 2–40 L kg−1 sed−1) than coarse-grained organic-poor sediments (Kd = 0.2–0.6 L kg−1 sed−1), and the TOC content and cation exchange capacity of sediment were reliable predictors for abiotic DNAN adsorption. Adsorption rate constants and equilibrium partitioning constants for DNAN were inversely proportional to temperature in all sediment types. The biotic removal half-life of DNAN was faster (t1/2 = 0.1–58 h) than that of NTO (t1/2 = 5–347 h) in all sediment slurries. Biotic removal rates (t1/2 = 0.1–58 h) were higher than abiotic rates (t1/2 = 0.3–107 h) for DNAN at 23 °C. Smaller grain size coupled with higher TOC content enhanced biotic NTO and DNAN removal in freshwater environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:46–59. © 2022 SETAC
Impact assessment of Striga resistant maize varieties and fertilizer use in Ghana: A panel analysis
Authors: Martey Edward , Etwire Prince M. , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Menkir Abebe , Abdoulaye Tahirou
Published: November 2022

This study analyzes the impact of a component of climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) technology—Striga‐resistant maize (SRM) varieties and mineral fertilizer—on maize yield and food security using two rounds of panel data in Ghana. The study employs a multinomial endogenous switching regression model and finds that joint adoption of SRM varieties and mineral fertilizer increased maize yield by 872 kg/ha, food consumption scores by 17, and consumption per adult equivalent unit by 38 kg/ha. The positive impact of maize yield is high among adopters of multiple CSA technologies. The result is robust to an alternative endogeneity‐correcting model and the implications of the findings are discussed.
Atmospheric removal of methane by enhancing the natural hydroxyl radical sink
Authors: Wang Yuyin , Ming Tingzhen , Li Wei , Yuan Qingchun , de Richter Renaud , Davies Philip , Caillol Sylvain
Published: November 2022

According to the latest report from the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), currently, global warming due to methane (CH4) alone is about 0.5°C while due to carbon dioxide (CO2) alone is about 0.75°C. As CH4 emissions will continue growing, in order to limit warming to 1.5˚C, some of the most effective strategies are rapidly reducing CH4 emissions and developing large scale CH4 removal methods. The aim of this review article is to summarise and propose possible methods for atmospheric CH4 removal, based on the hydroxyl radical (°OH), which is the principal natural sink of many gases in the atmosphere and on many water surfaces. Inspired by mechanisms of °OH generation in the atmosphere and observed or predicted enhancement of °OH by climate change and human activities, we proposed several methods to enhance the °OH sink by some physical means using water vapour and artificial UV radiation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trajectories of social support are associated with health outcomes and depressive symptoms among older Taiwanese adults with diabetes following hip‐fracture surgery
Authors: Tseng Ming‐Yueh , Liang Jersey , Yang Ching‐Tzu , Wang Jong‐Shyan , Wu Chi‐Chuan , Cheng Huey‐Shinn , Chen Ching‐Yen , Lin Yueh‐E. , Shyu Yea‐Ing L.
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study examined trajectories of social support and their relationships with health outcomes over 2 years post hip‐fracture surgery for older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data derived from a clinical trial, which included 158 hip fractured older adults with DM who had completed the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey at 1‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐months following hospital discharge. Health outcomes for self‐care, physical and nutritional status, mental health, and depression were assessed at 3‐month intervals up to 24‐months after hospital discharge. Trajectories of social support were derived with latent class analysis while hierarchical linear models were employed to assess the associations of social‐support trajectory with health outcomes.

Results

Four social‐support trajectories were derived for persons with DM following hip‐fracture surgery: poor and declining (n = 18, 11.4%), moderate and stable (n = 29, 18.4%), high but declining (n = 34, 21.5%), and high and stable (n = 77, 48.7%). Relative to those in the poor and declining group, participants in the high and stable trajectory group performed better in Activities of Daily Living and quadriceps muscle power, had better mental Health‐Related Quality of Life and nutritional status, and had fewer depressive symptoms. These differences persisted over the 2 years following hospital discharge.

Conclusions

These results suggest social support for persons with DM should be continually assessed following hip‐fracture surgery.
Reclaimed water systems in office buildings: Perceptions of building facilities managers
Authors: Phiri Lucy , Etale Anita , Thatcher Andrew
Published: November 2022

By the year 2050, 67% of the global population will be living in cities where water demand is projected to outstrip supply. This shortage calls for identifying ways through which urban residents and commercial interests can adapt to water stress. As commercial buildings contribute significantly to water consumption in cities, building facilities managers (BFMs) have a significant role in formulation and implementation of the adaptation approaches. Their perceptions of alternative water sources, including reclaimed water, are, therefore, important. In this study, the perceptions of 40 BFMs on reclaimed water use in buildings were analyzed using Q‐methodology. Analysis correlated the responses of different people, factoring out the groups of people who hold similar viewpoints. Results showed that participants could be categorized under four factors. Participants in Factor 1 perceived reclaimed water as being healthy and a worthy investment. Those in Factor 2, however, had negative perceptions and did not trust local governments to appropriately manage the treatment process, thus presenting health concerns. They also found reclaimed water repulsive. Participants in Factor 3 were also less willing to adopt reclaimed water, but felt that its use for non‐potable purposes would be acceptable. The final group, those in Factor 4 focused more on the cost efficiency and sustainability of reclaimed water, finding it acceptable on those grounds. However, they thought that decisions on its use should be the building owners' prerogative rather than the BFMs. The implications of these findings with respect to encouraging reclaimed water use in commercial office buildings are discussed.
Human papillomavirus infections in low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in Peruvian pregnant woman: A cross‐sectional cytology‐based study
Authors: Moya‐Salazar Jeel , Rojas‐Zumaran Víctor , Bravo L. Omar , Moscoso Gonzalo , Contreras‐Pulache Hans
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Low‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are important in pregnant women because they are risk factors for Condyloma acuminatum and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in the newborn. On the other hand, HPV may contribute to the development of preneoplastic lesions such as LSIL in pregnant women. We aimed to assess the frequency of HPV infections in low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in Peruvian pregnant women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from 2011 to 2015 in 84 primiparous‐ and multiparous pregnant women (mean age: 27 ± 6.3 years). Pregnant women of 18–45 years attending gynecology outpatient department were included for the study. LSIL and HPV (nuclear irregularities, koilocytosis, and cytopathic effect) cellular alterations were reported using the Bethesda System guidelines.

Results

Sixty‐four percent had cytological HPV infection (koilocytes and/or pathognomonic signs of infection) and more than a half of pregnant women had a previous Pap test. LSIL was more frequent in multiparous (increased by 12%, p = 0.008), in the second and third trimester (60.7%, p = 0.002), and between the ages of 18 and 30 (42 cases (50%), p = 0.110). This proportion was significatively increased in women with ≥2 sexual partners (39.3%), with an early onset of first intercourse, and from the Rímac Municipality (14.3%) (p < 0.05). The rate of pregnant women with HPV infection increased by 39% between 2011 and 2015 (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Peruvian pregnant women with LSIL have a high frequency of HPV infections. These young pregnant women (≤30 years of age), with multiple pregnancy, ≥2 sexual partners, and early onset of sexual intercourse were mainly associated with the third trimester HPV infection and LSIL. To detect early lesions of the cervix, it is key to continue monitoring HPV infections with molecular techniques and screening in pregnant women.
Circ_0138960 contributes to lipopolysaccharide‐induced periodontal ligament cell dysfunction
Authors: Li Shuangshuang , Xu Huilin , Li Yuanyuan , Li Ruijing
Published: November 2022

Background

Periodontitis is a common oral inflammatory disease, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a key risk factor in periodontitis pathology. Here, we used LPS‐induced periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) to explore the molecular mechanism of periodontitis.

Methods

Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine (EDU), and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Apart from that, their targeting relationship was validated using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA‐pull down.

Results

Circular RNA_0138960 (circ_0138960) was notably upregulated in periodontitis sufferers (p < .001) and LPS‐disposed PDLCs (p < .05). LPS exposure dampened PDLC proliferation, and promoted apoptosis and inflammation (p < .05). Circ_0138960 acted as a microRNA sponge for miR‐518a‐5p to affect histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression. Circ_0138960 absence‐mediated protective effects in LPS‐induced PDLCs were largely abrogated via silencing miR‐518a‐5p or HDAC6 overexpression (p < .05).

Conclusion

Circ_0138960 promoted LPS‐induced dysfunction in PDLCs by targeting miR‐518a‐5p/HDAC6 axis, which provided novel potential therapeutic targets for periodontitis.
Whey protein hydrolysate mitigates both inflammation and endotoxin tolerance in THP‐1 human monocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Ishikawa Fuka , Matsubara Takeshi , Koyama Takahiro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Miyaji Kazuhiro
Published: November 2022

Introduction

It is important to control both inflammation and immunosuppression after severe insults, such as sepsis, trauma, and surgery. Endotoxin tolerance is one of the immunosuppressive conditions and it has been known that endotoxin tolerance relates to poorer clinical outcomes in patients with severe insults. This study investigated whether whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) mitigates inflammation and endotoxin tolerance in THP‐1 human monocytic leukemia cells.

Methods

Endotoxin tolerance can be experimentally reproduced by two consecutive stimulations with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). THP‐1 cells were incubated with LPS and WPH (first stimulation). After collecting the culture supernatant to evaluate the effect on inflammation, the cells were washed and restimulated by 100 ng/ml LPS (second stimulation). The culture supernatant was again collected to evaluate the effect on endotoxin tolerance. Concentrations of LPS and WPH in the first stimulation were adjusted to evaluate their dose dependency. Cytokine levels in the supernatant were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using the student's t‐test or Dunnett's test.

Results

Five mg/ml WPH significantly decreased interleukin (IL)‐6 (p = .006) and IL‐10 (p < .001) levels after the first LPS stimulation (1000 ng/ml). WPH significantly increased tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (p < .001) and IL‐10 (p = .014) levels after the second LPS stimulation. The suppressive effect of WPH on inflammation and endotoxin tolerance was dependent on the concentrations of LPS and WPH. The effective dose of WPH for endotoxin tolerance was lower than its effective dose for inflammation.

Conclusion

WPH mitigated both inflammation and endotoxin tolerance. Therefore, WPH might be a candidate for valuable food ingredients to control both inflammation and immunosuppression after severe insults.
Effectiveness of D.A.R.E/Keepin' it REAL bullying prevention program among Brazilian students
Authors: Ferreira‐Junior Valdemir , Valente Juliana Y. , Andreoni Solange , Sanchez Zila M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Given the growing scientific evidence on the detrimental effects of bullying, several prevention programs have been implemented internationally to prevent this behavior among students. Brazil's Educational Program for Drug and Violence Resistance (PROERD) is an adaptation of US' DARE/Keepin' it REAL program, being the most widespread school‐based prevention program in the country. However, it has been offered without any effectiveness evaluation. As such, this study evaluates the effectiveness of PROERD in reducing bullying perpetration and victimization among students.

Methods

Two cluster randomized controlled trials were carried out with 4030 students (1727 5th graders and 2303 7th graders) in 30 public schools in São Paulo, Brazil. The intervention group attended 10 PROERD classes taught by trained police officers whereas the control group underwent no intervention. Data were collected by self‐administered questionnaires using smartphones at two moments (baseline preintervention and 9‐month follow‐up). Multilevel analysis included two paradigms, complete cases (CC) and intention‐to‐treat (ITT), using Full Information Maximum Likelihood (FIML) and Multiple Imputation (MI).

Results and conclusion

Results show no statistical difference between groups, indicating lack of evidence on PROERD's effectiveness in preventing bullying behaviors. The insufficient number of classes on bullying prevention and the lack of cultural adaptation may explain these unexpected results. New in‐depth evaluation studies concerning the program's components and process are needed.
METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of lnc RNA RHPN1‐AS1 enhances cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by activating PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Cui Shoubin
Published: November 2022

Background

Cisplatin resistance is a big challenge for ovarian cancer (OC) therapy. The abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulated by N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification has been confirmed to play the crucial roles in OC. The aim of this study is to explore the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA RHPN1‐AS1 on OC with cisplatin resistance.

Methods

The real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was carried out to confirm the expression of RHPN1‐AS1 and methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) in OC. The effects of RHPN1‐AS1 on cisplatin‐resistant OC cells were identified by cell functional experiments and animal experiment. Western blotting was performed to detect the effect of RHPN1‐AS1 on PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA stability assays confirmed the interaction between RHPN1‐AS1 and METTL3.

Results

RHPN1‐AS1 and METTL3 were confirmed to be overexpressed in OC. After transfecting RHPN1‐AS1 overexpression or RHPN1‐AS1 knockdown vectors into cisplatin‐resistant OC cells, it was found that upregulating RHPN1‐AS1 contributed to cell viability, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in vivo. In addition, RHPN1‐AS1 could enhance the protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated AKT in cisplatin‐resistant OC cells, and METTL3 could enhance the stability of RHPN1‐AS1 by the m6A modification.

Conclusion

Overall, this study revealed that METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of RHPN1‐AS1 accelerates cisplatin resistance in OC by activating PI3K/AKT pathway.
Gentiopicroside alleviated epileptogenesis in immature rats through inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibiting P2X7R expression
Authors: Yang Weilong , Ma Lin , Xu Siying , Zheng Ping , Du Juan , Wu Jing , Yu Jianqiang , Sun Tao
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Gentiopicroside (Gent) on epileptogenesis and underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The status epilepticus (SE) model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lithium chloride (127 mg/kg) and pilocarpine (50 mg/kg) in immature rats. HAPI microglial cellular inflammation model was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/ml) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP, 5 mM). The differential concentrations of Gent were used to pretreat animal (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) and model cells (50, 100, and 200 μM). Epileptic discharges were assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) and Racine scale. Changes in spatial memory function were measured using the Morris water maze task test. Nissl and FJB staining were employed to assess the damage to hippocampus tissues. ELISA was used to detect the production of IL‐1β, IL‐18, and TNF‐α. The expressions of P2X7R and NLRP3 were detected by q‐PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot, and cell viability was determined by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8).

Results

Lithium chloride and pilocarpine (LICL‐PILO) induced abnormal EEG activities, behavioral alterations, brain damage, and inflammatory responses in immature rats. However, Gent pretreatment significantly reduced the neuronal damage and spatial memory dysfunction induced by LICL‐PILO. Additionally, Gent suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the expression of P2X7R, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 in LPS/ATP‐induced HAPI microglial cells.

Discussion

Gent intervention could improve epileptogenesis in immature rats partially due to suppressing P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome.
Real‐world clinical effectiveness and safety of CT‐P10 in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: An observational study in Europe
Authors: Bishton Mark J. , Salles Gilles , Golfier Camille , Knauf Wolfgang , Bocchia Monica , Turner Deborah , Slama Borhane , Harchowal Jatinder , Marshall Scott , Bosi Alberto , Lleonart Juan José Bargay , Welslau Manfred , Kim SooKyoung , Lee Young N. , Zinzani Pier L. , Laribi Kamel
Published: November 2022

The rituximab biosimilar CT‐P10 is approved for the treatment of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous studies have demonstrated clinical similarity between CT‐P10 and reference rituximab. However, real‐world data relating to treatment in patients with DLBCL with rituximab biosimilars are limited. This study collected real‐world data relating to the effectiveness and safety of CT‐P10 treatment from the medical records of 389 patients with DLBCL (24 centers, five European countries). For the primary outcome (clinical effectiveness), overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and best response (BR) were assessed. The percentage (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) of patients alive at 12‐, 18‐, and 30 months postindex (initiation of CT‐P10) was 86% (82.4%–89.4%), 81% (76.9%–84.9%), and 76% (71.2%–80.1%), respectively. The PFS rate (percent, [95% CI]) at 12‐, 18‐, and 30 months postindex was 78% (74.2%–82.5%), 72% (67.9%–76.9%), and 67% (61.9%–71.7%), respectively. Median OS/PFS was not reached. For 82% (n = 312) of patients, the BR to CT‐P10 was a complete response. Adverse events were consistent with known effects of chemotherapy. This international, multicenter study provides real‐world data on the safety and effectiveness profile of CT‐P10 for DLBCL treatment and supports the adoption of CT‐P10 for the treatment of DLBCL.
Real‐world use of carfilzomib combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma in Europe and Israel
Authors: Leleu Xavier , Katodritou Eirini , Kuehr Thomas , Terpos Evangelos , Caers Jo , Zambello Renato , Brescianini Alessandra , Liang Tony , Wetten Sally , Badelita Sorina N.
Published: November 2022

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of carfilzomib in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM); however, prospective real‐world data are limited. This real‐world, prospective, observational study evaluated carfilzomib use, effectiveness and safety in adults with RRMM. Data are presented for a subset of patients (n = 383) who received carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd). The overall response rate (ORR) was 83.6% among 360 evaluable patients. Treatment responses were better when KRd was administered at earlier therapy lines than at later lines of therapy (ORR: second line, 85.3%; third line or later, 81.0%). In patients with the anti‐CD38 antibody‐refractory disease, ORR was higher when KRd was administered earlier than at later therapy lines (second line/third line, 75.0%; fourth line or later, 60.0%). An ORR of 68.1% and 82.0% was achieved in the lenalidomide‐refractory and not lenalidomide‐refractory subgroups, respectively. KRd was consistently administered per the European label (twice weekly dose of 27 mg/m2) and the median time to discontinuation was 14.6 months. The safety profile of KRd was consistent with previous studies. These real‐world data highlight the effectiveness of KRd as a treatment for patients with RRMM, including those with disease refractory to lenalidomide or anti‐CD38 antibodies.
First‐line antibiotic treatment in patients with localized extragastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Yao Ming , Liao Shu‐Lang , Lin Chung‐Wu , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Ma Wei‐Li , Wei Yi‐Hsuan , Liou Jyh‐Ming , Wang I‐Jong , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Kuo Sung‐Hsin
Published: November 2022

Between January 2010 and December 2015, we enrolled 28 patients with stage IEI/IIE1 extragastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma who received first‐line antibiotic treatment, after informing them about the pros and cons of alternative therapies. In addition, during the same period, 64 patients with stage IE/IIE1 disease who received conventional treatment were selected as the control group. The most common primary sites were the ocular adnexal area (17 cases), followed by the salivary glands (four cases), pulmonary (three cases), and thyroid, trachea, larynx, and colon region (one case each). First‐line antibiotic treatment resulted in an overall response rate of 57.1%: 12 patients achieved complete remission (CR), while four achieved partial remission (antibiotic‐responsive tumors). Monoclonal gammopathy was significantly prevalent in antibiotic‐unresponsive tumors than in antibiotic‐responsive tumors (50.0% [6/12] vs. 12.5% [2/16], p = 0.044). After a median follow‐up of 7 years, all patients with CR remained lymphoma‐free, with 7‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of 62.7% and 96.4%, respectively. The 7‐year EFS and OS rates of patients who received conventional treatments were 73.1% and 91.1%, respectively. Compared with that noted in patients who received conventional treatment, antibiotic treatment was effective in some patients with localized extragastric MALT lymphoma.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using actinomycetes, phytotoxicity on rice seeds, and potential application in the biocontrol of phytopathogens
Authors: Zwar Ingrid P. , Trotta Caterina do Valle , Ziotti Ana B. S. , Lima Neto Milton , Araújo Welington L. , de Melo Itamar S. , Ottoni Cristiane A. , de Souza Ana O.
Published: November 2022

To find effective silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for control of phytopathogens, in this study, two strains of actinomycetes isolated from the soil of the Brazilian biome Caatinga (Caat5–35) and from mangrove sediment (Canv1–58) were utilized. The strains were identified by using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing asStreptomycessp., related toStreptomyces mimosusspecies. The obtained AgNPs were coded as AgNPs35and AgNPs58and characterized by size and morphology using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR). The antifungal activity of the AgNPs35and AgNPs58was evaluatedin vitroby the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay on the phytopathogens,Alternaria solani,Alternaria alternata, andColletotrichum gloeosporioides. The phytotoxic effect was evaluated by the germination rate and seedling growth of rice (Oryza sativa). AgNPs35and AgNPs58showed surface plasmon resonance and average sizes of 30 and 60 nm, respectively. Both AgNPs presented spherical shape and the FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups such as free amines and hydroxyls of biomolecules bounded to the external layer of the nanoparticles. Both AgNPs inhibited the growth of the three phytopathogens tested, andA. alternatewas the most sensible (MIC ≤ 4 µM). Moreover, the AgNPs35and AgNPs58did not induce phytotoxic effects on the germination and development of rice seedlings. In conclusion, these AgNPs are promising candidates to biocontrol of these phytopathogens without endangering rice plants.
Biocrusts: Overlooked hotspots of managed soils in mesic environments
Authors: Gall Corinna , Ohan Juliette , Glaser Karin , Karsten Ulf , Schloter Michael , Scholten Thomas , Schulz Stefanie , Seitz Steffen , Kurth Julia Katharina
Published: November 2022

Biological soil crusts, or “biocrusts”, are biogeochemical hotspots that can significantly influence ecosystem processes in arid environments. Although they can cover large areas, particularly in managed sites with frequent anthropogenic disturbance, their importance in mesic environments is not well understood. As in arid regions, biocrusts in mesic environments can significantly influence nutrient cycling, soil stabilization, and water balance; however, their persistence may differ. We call for interdisciplinary physical, biological, microbiological, chemical, and applied soil science research with a special focus on biocrusts of managed soils from mesic environments, to better understand their impact on overall ecosystem health and resilience, particularly with regard to climate change.
Raman detection system for in situ oxidation and ablation analysis in hypersonic wind tunnel
Authors: He Kang , Li Quanshui , Lu Yanzhen , Wang Yuhang
Published: November 2022

We have developed a system for remote Raman spectra detection in hypersonic wind tunnel, which can be used in extreme environments such as ultra‐high temperature, high pressure, and complex airflow to measure in situ Raman spectra of ceramic matrix composites during oxidation, phase transformation or ablation. The designed system avoids stray light generated by windows and airflow through oblique incidence of excitation light. The time‐resolved method combined with pulsed laser and intensified charge‐coupled device (ICCD) was used to reduce the thermal emission background. An optical structure design based on fiber bundle is adopted to suppress the influence of aero‐optical effects and mechanical vibration on Raman spectrum acquisition. We demonstrated the feasibility of in situ Raman spectra detection in a Mach 5 combustion wind tunnel system. The design of anti‐interference prevents Raman spectra intensity from the influence of wind tunnel testing conditions.
A novel deep learning approach for tourism volume forecasting with tourist search data
Authors: Li Mingchen , Zhang Chengyuan , Sun Shaolong , Wang Shouyang
Published: November 2022

Tourism volume forecasting is the hot topic in tourism management, and deep learning techniques as the promising tool are becoming popular for capturing the characteristics of tourism volume data, which is reflected in two aspects: data dimension reduction (i.e., stacked autoencoders [SAE]) and model forecasting (i.e., bi‐directional gated recurrent unit neural network [Bi‐GRU]). With Hong Kong inbound arrivals as a case, this study has empirically verified that deep learning techniques can improve forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed approach (i.e., SAE‐Bi‐GRU) is significantly superior to benchmark models (i.e., PCA‐Bi‐GRU with Baidu index and Google trends).
Assessment of Dimensional Changes in Submandibular Glands in Head–Neck Radiotherapy Patients by Ultrasonography
Authors: Açıkgöz Gözde , Akgül Hayati Murat , Kızıltunç Özmen Hilal , Sezen Orhan
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The present study investigated the dimensional changes in the submandibular glands following radiotherapy using ultrasonography.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients planned to receive head–neck radiotherapy were included in this study. The anteroposterior, superoinferior, mediolateral length, and volumes of 46 submandibular glands were measured by ultrasonography at 3 different time periods (before radiotherapy and in the second and sixth months after the radiotherapy onset) and evaluated in terms of dimensional changes and the effect of the radiation dose on these changes. The data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 2‐factor repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Before radiotherapy and in the second and sixth months after the radiotherapy onset, mean anteroposterior length of the submandibular glands was 32.39 ± 4.55, 30.38 ± 4.80, and 31.50 ± 3.68 mm, respectively; mean superoinferior length was 9.96 ± 1.54, 8.76 ± 1.26, and 9.08 ± 1.01 mm, respectively; mean mediolateral length was 24.66 ± 3.77, 22.03 ± 3.73, and 21.76 ± 4.01 mm, respectively; and mean volume was 4.21 ± 1.01, 3.08 ± 0.77, and 3.32 ± 0.63 cm3, respectively. Moreover, there were significant differences in the anteroposterior (P < .01), superoinferior (P < .001), and mediolateral lengths (P < .001), as well as the volumes (P < .001) of the submandibular glands measured at the 3 different time periods.

Conclusion

In the second and sixth months after the radiotherapy onset, the sizes of the submandibular glands were markedly reduced, but it partially recovered to normal as more time elapsed after radiotherapy.
Effects of livestock overgrazing on the relationships between plant and microbial diversity across the temperate steppes in northern China
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Song Yueqing , Cai Jinting , Chang Qing , Liu Jushan , Zhu Hui , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Ying , Song Xuxin , Zhu Yu , Wang Ling
Published: November 2022

Livestock overgrazing has led to worldwide grassland degradation, posing a significant threat to plant and soil microbial diversity. However, little is known about whether livestock overgrazing influences plant and soil microbial diversity linkages. We examined relationships between plant and soil microbial beta diversity in eight pairs of ungrazed and overgrazed sites across temperate steppes in northern China. Our results revealed a positive correlation between plant and microbial beta diversity across ungrazed grasslands, and overgrazing did not change this relationship. However, different mechanisms underlay the correlations between plant and microbial beta diversity in ungrazed and overgrazed grasslands. In ungrazed grasslands, plant and microbial diversity associations were maintained mainly due to their similar responses to the shared environmental factors. While in overgrazed grasslands, the maintenance of plant and microbial diversity associations was primarily due to their functional associations. Furthermore, the positive links between plant species and microbial taxa increased in overgrazed grasslands, indicating that more soil microbial taxa form close associations with plant species in overgrazed grasslands. Our work provides new insights regarding the mechanisms of plant and microbial communities that associate under different ecological contexts, ultimately suggesting that the functional associations of plant and microbial communities are tighter as grazing intensifies in grasslands.
Photothermal Hydrogels for Promoting Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Xie Ge , Wang Xiao , Mo Min , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: November 2022

Photothermal therapies (PTT), with spatiotemporally controllable antibacterial capabilities without inducing resistance, have shown encouraging prospects in the field of infected wound treatments. As an important platform for PTT, photothermal hydrogels exhibit attractive advantages in the field of infected wound treatment due to their excellent biochemical properties and have been intensively explored in recent years. This review summarizes the progress of the photothermal hydrogels for promoting infected wound healing. Three major elements of photothermal hydrogels, i.e., photothermal materials, hydrogel matrix, and construction methods, are introduced. Furthermore, different strategies of photothermal hydrogels in the treatment of infected wounds are summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects in the clinical treatment of photothermal hydrogels are discussed.
ZnO/Cassava Starch‐Based Hydrogel Composite for Effective Treatment of Dye‐Contaminated Wastewater
Authors: Kongseng Piyawan , Amornpitoksuk Pongsaton , Chantarak Sirinya
Published: November 2022

Industrial expansion has increased the discharge of contaminated wastewater. Wastewater can be treated by adsorption with petroleum‐based hydrogels but the materials are not biodegradable and therefore cause secondary toxic waste. In this work, hydrogel composites are prepared based on non‐biodegradable polyacrylamide and biodegradable materials of cassava starch (CS) and poly(vinyl alcohol). The effect of CS content on the porous structure is studied. The highest water absorption capacity of 74 g g−1 is obtained from a hydrogel 30 wt% of CS. Within 4 h, the hydrogel effectively adsorbs the cationic dyes methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet, and the anionic dyes congo red and reactive orange. The maximum adsorption capacity toward MB is 993 mg g−1. Experimental data indicate a monolayer adsorption via chemisorption. Silica‐coated ZnO photocatalyst particles are synthesized via a sol–gel method and coated on the outer surface of the hydrogel. Under sunlight, the hydrogel composite degrades almost 90% of adsorbed dye. The hydrogel composite is capable of effective photodegradation for at least three cycles under artificial UV irradiation and four cycles under sunlight, but adsorption capacity remains higher than 80% at the eighth cycle. The hydrogel composite also shows antibacterial activities, indicating an additional beneficial property for industrial wastewater treatment.
The emergence of the tetrathionate reductase operon in the Escherichia coli/Shigella pan‐genome
Authors: Adsit Floyd G. , Randall Thomas A. , Locklear Jacqueline , Kurtz David M.
Published: November 2022

Escherichia coli pathogenic variants (pathovars) are generally characterized by defined virulence traits and are susceptible to the evolution of hybridized identities due to the considerable plasticity of the E. coli genome. We have isolated a strain from a purified diet intended for research animals that further demonstrates the ability of E. coli to acquire novel genetic elements leading potentially to emergent new pathovars. Utilizing next generation sequencing to obtain a whole genome profile, we report an atypical strain of E. coli, EcoFA807‐17, possessing a tetrathionate reductase (ttr) operon, which enables the utilization of tetrathionate as an electron acceptor, thus facilitating respiration in anaerobic environments such as the mammalian gut. The ttr operon is a potent virulence factor for several enteric pathogens, most prominently Salmonella enterica. However, the presence of chromosomally integrated tetrathionate reductase genes does not appear to have been previously reported in wild‐type E. coli or Shigella. Accordingly, it is possible that the appearance of this virulence factor may signal the evolution of new mechanisms of pathogenicity in E. coli and Shigella and may potentially alter the effectiveness of existing assays using tetrathionate reductase as a unique marker for the detection of Salmonella enterica.
Continuous dependence of fixed points on parameters, remetrization theorems, and an application to the initial value problem
Authors: Jachymski Jacek
Published: November 2022

We show that the recent result of Bełdziński et al. on continuous dependence of fixed points on parameters, which extends a classical parametrized version of the Banach fixed point theorem, may be treated as a particular case of the contraction principle for a Nemytskiĭ operator on a space of continuous functions with values in a metric space. Next, we establish a generalization of the result of Bełdziński et al. involving an equicontinuous family of mappings having contractive
th iterates for some
. As an application, we obtain a theorem on continuous dependence of solutions of Cauchy's problem on both the initial values and the parameters. Finally, we establish two remetrization theorems and we discuss a possibility of deriving our main result from the Banach contraction principle by using a remetrization of the space.
Influence of different postballoon expansion procedures: A finite element analysis
Authors: Cao Hongshuai , Wu Heng , Li Jiasong , Li Meng , Lin Changyan
Published: November 2022

Background

Postballoon expansion is considered as an appropriate procedure for adequate stent expansion for coronary bifurcation lesions. Two postballoon expansion procedures are currently recommended: proximal optimization technique (POT)/side/POT and POT/kiss/POT. However, the effects of the two postballoon expansion treatments are different. There is a lack of biomechanical study to quantify the difference.

Purpose

It is recognized that biomechanical factors influence the occurrence of Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events (MACE), which includes recurrent angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease death. The current paper evaluated the two postexpansion strategies and quantified biomechanical parameters to provide a basis for clinical decisions.

Methods

Based on the CT angiography (CTA) data of a patient diagnosed with coronary bifurcation lesions, a personalized coronary bifurcation lesion model was constructed, and the surgical procedure after two expansions was simulated. The POT/side/POT and POT/kiss/POT expansion procedures were analyzed from the perspective of biomechanics through finite element analysis. The biomechanics factors, including the percentage of stent malapposition and stent occlusion at the side branch (SB) opening, the stent ellipse index of proximal main vessel (PMV) segment, the minimum lumen area of the stent vessel segment and the stress distribution of the vessel wall, were used to quantify clinician concerns about factors affecting patient outcomes. The factors include stent adhesion, SB open stent occlusion, poor stent deformation, patency effect of vessel stenosis, and vessel wall damage.

Results

Both postexpansion procedures were successfully simulated. The malapposition rate during POT/side/POT was larger (1.2% vs. 0.42%) and stent occlusion at the SB opening from the cross‐section perpendicular to the SB opening after the POT/side/POT procedure was 0.20%, compared with 0.00% after POT/kiss/POT. POT/kiss/POT produced a larger PMV segment stent ellipse index. Minimum lumen area after POT/side/POT was 5.6 mm2 and after POT/kiss/POT 5.9 mm2. POT/kiss/POT produces an effect of greater vascular stress than POT/side/POT.

Conclusion

Numerical simulations provide a quantitative analysis to inform clinicians of the differences between preoperative planning and surgical procedures. Biomechanical analysis of the differences between the two postexpansion strategies found that the POT/kiss/POT procedure resulted in better stent fit, less occlusion of the SB open stent and better vascular patency but also resulted in poor stent deformation and caused greater vessel wall stress. The current study informs rationales for clinical understanding of postexpansion strategies.
Patient‐specific quality assurance prediction models based on machine learning for novel dual‐layered MLC linac
Authors: Zhu Heling , Zhu Qizhen , Wang Zhiqun , Yang Bo , Zhang Wenjun , Qiu Jie
Published: November 2022

Background

Patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) is an indispensable and essential procedure in radiotherapy workflow, and several studies have been done to develop prediction models based on the conventional C‐arm linac of single‐layered multileaf collimator (MLC) with machine learning (ML) and deep learning techniques to predict PSQA results and improve efficiency. Recently, a newly designed O‐ring gantry linac “Halcyon” equipped with unique jawless stacked‐and‐staggered dual‐layered MLC was released. However, few studies have focused on developing PSQA prediction models for this novel dual‐layered MLC system.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of ML to predict PSQA results of fixed field intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (FF‐IMRT) plans for linac equipped with dual‐layered MLC.

Methods and materials

A total of 213 FF‐IMRT treatment plans, including 1383 beams from various treatment sites, were selected and delivered with portal dosimetry verification on Halcyon linac. Gamma analysis was performed using 1%/1, 2%/2, and 3%/2 mm criteria with a 10% threshold. The training set (TS) of ML models consisted of 1106 beams, and an independent evaluation set (ES) consisted of 277 beams. For each beam, 33 complexity metrics were extracted as input data for training models. Three ML algorithms (gradient boosting decision tree/GBDT, random forest/RF, and Poisson Lasso/PL) were utilized to build the models and predict gamma passing rates (GPRs). To improve the prediction accuracy in the rare region, a method of reweighting for TS has been performed and compared to the unweighted results. The importance of complexity metrics was studied by permuted interesting features.

Results

The GBDT model had the best performance in this study. In ES, the minimal mean prediction error for unweighted results was 1.93%, 1.16%, 0.78% under 1%/1, 2%/2, and 3%/2 mm criteria, respectively, from GBDT model. Comparing to the unweighted results, the models after reweighting gained up to 30% improvement in the rare region, whereas the overall prediction error was slightly worse depending on the kind of models. For feature importance, 2 tree‐based models (GBDT and RF) had in common the top 10 most important metrics as well as the same metric with the largest impact.

Conclusion

For linac equipped with novel dual‐layered MLC, the ML model based on GBDT algorithm shows a certain degree of accuracy for GPRs prediction. The specific ML model for dual‐layered MLC configuration could be a useful tool for physicists detecting PSQA measurement failures.
Robust dual‐module velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (dm‐VSASL) with velocity‐selective saturation and inversion
Authors: Guo Jia
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Compared to conventional arterial spin labeling (ASL) methods, velocity‐selective ASL (VSASL) is more sensitive to artifacts from eddy currents, diffusion attenuation, and motion. Background suppression is typically suboptimal in VSASL, especially of CSF. As a result, the temporal SNR and quantification accuracy of VSASL are compromised, hindering its application despite its advantage of being delay‐insensitive.

Methods

A novel dual‐module VSASL (dm‐VSASL) strategy is developed to improve the SNR efficiency and the temporal SNR with a more balanced gradient configuration in the label/control image acquisition. This strategy applies for both VS saturation (VSS) and VS inversion (VSI) labeling. The dm‐VSASL schemes were compared with single‐module labeling and a previously developed multi‐module schemes for the SNR performance, background suppression efficacy, and sensitivity to artifacts in simulation and in vivo experiments, using pulsed ASL as the reference.

Results

Dm‐VSASL enabled more robust labeling and efficient backgroud suppre across brain tissues, especially of CSF, resulting in significantly reduced artifacts and improved temporal SNR. Compared to single‐module labeling, dm‐VSASL significantly improved the temporal SNR in gray (by 90.8% and 94.9% for dm‐VSS and dm‐VSI, respectively; P < 0.001) and white (by 41.5% and 55.1% for dm‐VSS and dm‐VSI, respectively; P < 0.002) matter. Dm‐VSI also improved the SNR of VSI by 5.4% (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

Dm‐VSASL can significantly improve the robustness of VS labeling, reduce artifacts, and allow efficient background suppression. When implemented with VSI, it provides the highest SNR efficiency among VSASL methods. Dm‐VSASL is a powerful ASL method for robust, accurate, and delay‐insensitive perfusion mapping.
The simulation design in health and nursing: A scoping review
Authors: Oliveira Silva George , Fonseca Luciana Mara Monti , Siqueira Karina Machado , de Góes Fernanda dos Santos Nogueira , Ribeiro Laiane Medeiros , Aredes Natália Del’ Angelo
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aims of this study were to map the components of the simulation design in health and nursing and to propose a classification based on their definitions to support the planning of simulation‐based experiences.

Design

Scoping review.

Method

Searches were performed in the databases LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar and ProQuest Thesis and Dissertation were performed, without time limitation, to identify studies about simulation design.

Results

This study mapped 19 components of the simulation design found in 26 studies included, which can contribute to the development of simulation‐based experiences, classified into structural, methodological and theoretical–pedagogical components. The simulation design can be described according to its fundamental components: structural—define the basic formulation of a simulation in terms of infrastructure and conceptual framework; methodological—define the participants, roles and the instruction format; and theoretical–pedagogical—define the educational references used to support the simulation strategy.
Effects of temperature distribution caused by energy accumulation on the bonding properties of carbon fiber composite components
Authors: Wang Qian , Pu Lei , Jia Caixia , Li Zhixin , Li Jun
Published: November 2022

Influence of temperature changes generated by plasma energy accumulation on bonding properties of carbon fiber composites (CFRP) was studied. The temperature field distribution on the bonding surface was built and tensile shear strength of the CFRP bonded components was evaluated. Results showed that the bonding strength was increased by 60.97% after the 5 min‐treatment. Because the energy accumulation could increase the local temperature of the bonding area to 195°C, a large amount of matrix resin was removed from the CFRP specimen. Then the surface wettability of the treated composite was greatly improved and the adhesive layer between the two bonded CFRP specimens became more similar to an interlayer in composites. The cohesive and interlaminar failure types occurred in the bonded component with the increased joint strength. Analysis of water contact angle, infrared spectroscopy, surface roughness and surface morphology indicated that the high‐surface free energy of the treated CFRP specimen and the mechanical interlocking between CFRP and adhesive caused by the decomposition of epoxy resin played a major role. When the treatment time further increased, the bonding area was severely damaged by the temperature of more than 215°C and then brittle fracture of the composites occurred, which was consistent with the subsequent decrease in bonding strength.