bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoencapsulation of saffron crocin into chitosan/alginate interpolyelectrolyte complexes for oral delivery: A Taguchi approach to design optimization
Authors: Nasrpour Samira , Yousefi Gholamhossein , Niakosari Mehrdad , Aminlari Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Crocin, as a nutraceutical component of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), possesses numerous therapeutic effects. In the current study, a crocin‐loaded chitosan/alginate (CS/ALG) nanocarrier was developed for oral delivery. The influence of preparation variables including pH and the concentrations of CS, ALG, and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%) of CS/ALG nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated by L9 Taguchi orthogonal array (OA). The results showed that at 0.25% w/v CS, 0.1% w/v ALG, pH 4.5, and absence of CaCl2, crocin was loaded into CS/ALG NPs with EE% and LE% of 91.5% and 27.4%, respectively. Ultrasonication reduced the particle sizes (PSs) up to 100 nm, and freeze‐dried NPs reproduced the particles with average size of 90 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was successfully used to characterize the structure and morphology of freeze‐dried NPs, confirming very fine NPs having sizes less than 100 nm. Crocin loaded into NPs showed higher stability in simulated gastric pH 2 compared to free crocin (2.1% and 7.5% degradation at 60 min, respectively). Furthermore, a pH‐dependent sustained crocin release was observed with faster release at pH 2. Overall, the very small PS along with high encapsulation efficiency and stability can enhance crocin oral bioavailability making CS/ALG nanovehicles promising as an effective delivery system.

Practical Application

Crocin as a functional component of Saffron is not sufficiently stable in gastrointestinal tract and its absorption is not complete. Chitosan/Alginate nanoparticles can encapsulate it efficiently, protect it and enhance its absorption orally. The availability and simplicity of the materials and equipments employed in current research provide the possibility to industrial scale up of the Crocin nanoparticles.
Identification of anthocyanic profile and determination of antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals: A potential source of anthocyanins
Authors: Granados‐Balbuena Sulem Yali , Santacruz‐Juárez Ericka , Canseco‐González Daniel , Aztatzi‐Rugerio Lucía , Sánchez‐Minutti Lilia , Ramírez‐López Carolina , Ocaranza‐Sánchez Erik
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, the food industry has focused on the search for potential sources of anthocyanins that are able to provide color to replace synthetic dyes and at the same time provide health benefits through food products. Thus, in the present work, we propose the Dahlia pinnata flower as a potential source of anthocyanins. The dahlia is a native, annual flower from Mexico with a wide diversity of shapes and colors. The ancestral use of the flower in several dishes, its abundance, and the intense color of the flowers known as black make the D. pinnata flower a suitable candidate to be considered as a potential source of anthocyanins. Thus, the aim of this research is the determination of its nutritional composition, anthocyanin profile, and antioxidant activity. For this purpose, proximate composition of petals was determined by the AOAC standard methods. Anthocyanins were extracted from the dried petals of the flower with 0.1% HCl in methanol and 70% aqueous acetone solution and purified through Amberlite‐XAD7‐HP resin. Then, the purified extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and the anthocyanin profile was characterized by HPLC and UPLC‐MS/MS. Results showed that D. pinnata flowers have a proximate composition similar to other important edible flowers with a high level of moisture (87%–92%) and fiber (6%–7%). The antioxidant activity of both purified extracts was considerable (2.6–12 g/ml) compared to other sources of anthocyanins. The anthocyanin profile of the purified extracts contains four main anthocyanins: delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, delphinidin‐3‐rutinoside, pelargonidin‐3‐sambubioside‐5‐glucoside, and peonidin‐3‐sambubioside‐5‐glucoside, the last two being uncommon as major anthocyanin components in other plant sources.

Practical Application

We present a potential and novel source of anthocyanins based on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals. On the basis of UPLC‐MS/MS studies, we identified four main anthocyanins, so this information provides the opportunity to study the source in many areas such as natural pigment stabilization, food additives, and antioxidants.
Disease burden of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancers associated with body mass index in 195 countries and territories, 1990‐2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Wu Shan , Zhao Ran , Zhuang Qian , Li Meng Ting , Qian Yue Qin , Ye Xin , Jiang Yu , Zhu Hui Yao , Dong Zhi Xia , Wan Xin Jian
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the incidence of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, mortality and disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) of the global burden from 1990 to 2017.

Methods

Data of 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017 were extracted from the Global Health Data Exchange. The age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were employed to quantify trends in the incidence of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer. The age‐standardized death rate (ASDR), age‐standardized DALY and their corresponding EAPC were used to evaluate mortality trends.

Results

The global incidence of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer rose by 75.9% from 119 900 cases in 1990 to 210 900 cases in 2017. The highest ASIR was observed in Chile (10.8 per 100 000 in 2017), followed by Japan and South Korea. Regions with the highest social development index (SDI) quintile also had the highest death cases associated with primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in 2017 (60 100, 95% UI 55 800‐62 700). A high body mass index (BMI) was found to be closely related to age‐standardized deaths and age‐standardized DALY in most of the regions analyzed.

Conclusions

Primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer remains a serious threat to global public health, especially in high‐SDI countries. The ASDR and age‐standardized DALY decreased from 1990 to 2017. A high BMI may be associated with this cancer burden.
Climate effect on Avena fatua field emergence dynamics: A 38‐year experiment in the semiarid Pampean region of Argentina
Authors: Renzi Juan P. , Traversa Guadalupe , Vigna Mario R. , Chantre Guillermo R.
Published: February 2022

Climate events modulate weed population dynamics mainly by influencing field seedling emergence patterns. Field experiments aiming to study the influence of climate on the early‐stage establishment of weeds are of utmost importance from a practical and strategic decision‐making management point of view. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of climate variations on the field emergence dynamics of Avena fatua in the southwest area of the semiarid Pampean region of Argentina. Field emergence patterns of A. fatua were monitored from 1977 to 2015. Seedling counts were destructively sampled at weekly intervals. Three quadrats (1 m2 each) were randomly distributed on a 5 ha experimental field with a high natural population density of A. fatua in the absence of a crop. Results show that the emergence strategy of this species is highly plastic with a striking variation in response to year‐to‐year climate signals. Avena fatua field emergence strategies were classified as staggered, early, medium and late based on both chronological and hydrothermal‐time parameters. In the short‐term, precipitation regimes during both the after‐ripening and emergence phases largely explained the resulting emergence strategy. In the long‐term, the combined effect of a reduction in both the precipitation frequency and the mean minimum temperature correlated with an increase in the staggered emergence pattern. Results also point out the adaptability of A. fatua in the area under study, further suggesting a bet‐hedging fitness strategy that could diminish the risk of population decline under changing climate scenarios. From an agronomic perspective, the occurrence of staggered emergence patterns with an extended emergence window would complicate the definition of the optimal time for weed control. Thus, tailoring decisions based on the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) episodes (neutral, negative or positive) forecast plus the implementation of weed emergence models could lead to more accurate and sustainable weed management decisions.
Translating proactive and responsive creativity to innovation implementation: The roles of internal and external team behaviours for implementation
Authors: Kim Hyunjee Hannah , Choi Jin Nam , Sy Thomas
Published: February 2022

Given that unrealized ideas are useless, this study focuses on how and when creative ideas are implemented in work teams. Specifically, we propose that teams' creative ideas based on proactive and responsive motivation activate different internal and external team behaviours to affect their innovation implementation. A sample of 68 teams from US organizations reveals that teams can easily mobilize internal team cooperation during implementation when they proactively generate creative ideas. However, such teams have difficulty securing external resources. Teams that generate ideas responsively have advantages in acquiring external resources but experience difficulty in developing internal team cooperation needed for implementation. Thus, teams with proactive and responsive creativity show positive and negative effects on innovation implementation via internal team cooperation and external resource acquisition. The negative effects mitigate when support for implementation and innovation incentive exists. The present analysis explores an important but largely neglected phenomenon of the connection between idea generation and implementation in teams and offers new theoretical and practical insights into the underlying mechanisms of realizing the benefit of team creativity.
Paradoxical eczema in patients with psoriasis receiving biologics: a case series
Authors: Al-Janabi Ali , Foulkes Amy Charlotte , Griffiths Christopher Ernest Maitland , Warren Richard Bruce
Published: February 2022

Atopic eczema and psoriasis are chronic, inflammatory dermatoses that can significantly affect the quality of life of those affected. Although both diseases are common, they rarely occur together. Severe psoriasis can be treated with biologic therapies targeting specific cytokine pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. There are reports of paradoxical eczema developing in biologic-treated patients with psoriasis, sometimes necessitating treatment discontinuation and thus leading to poor disease control. This retrospective case series identified 36 such events occurring in 23 patients. All currently available biologic classes were implicated. Eosinophilia (n = 19) and elevated serum IgE (n = 3) were identified in some cases. Treatment strategies included no treatment, topical corticosteroids, broad-acting systemic agents, and discontinuation or switch of biologic therapy. Two patients had persistent eczema and psoriasis despite discontinuation of all biologic therapies.
Diurnal salivary androstenedione and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone levels in healthy volunteers for monitoring treatment efficacy of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Adriaansen Bas P. H. , Kamphuis Johannes S. , Schröder Mariska A. M. , Olthaar André J. , Bock Carina , Brandt André , Stikkelbroeck Nike M. M. L. , Lentjes Eef G. W. M. , Span Paul N. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Claahsen‐van der Grinten Hedi L. , van Herwaarden Antonius E.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients with glucocorticoids is often challenging since there is a delicate balance between over‐ and undertreatment. Treatment can be monitored noninvasively by measuring salivary androstenedione (A4) and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP). Optimal treatment monitoring requires the establishment of reference values in saliva.

Design

A descriptive study.

Patients

For this study saliva of 255 healthy paediatric and adult volunteers with an age range of 4–75 years old was used.

Measurements

We developed a sensitive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method, assessed salivary A4 and 17‐OHP stability, and measured A4 and 17‐OHP concentrations in saliva collected in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Results

We quantified A4 and 17‐OHP concentrations in the morning, afternoon, and evening and demonstrated that there is a significant rhythm with the highest levels in the morning and decreasing levels over the day. A4 and 17‐OHP concentrations display an age‐dependent pattern. These steroids remain stable in saliva at ambient temperature for up to 5 days.

Conclusions

Good stability of the steroids in saliva enables saliva collection by the patient at home. Since salivary A4 and 17‐OHP display a diurnal rhythm and age‐dependent pattern, we established reference values for both children and adults at three time points during the day. These reference values support treatment monitoring of children and adults with CAH.
Airflow for initial nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Atieh Momen A. , Almatrooshi Aisha , Shah Maanas , Hannawi Haifa , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Alsabeeha Nabeel H. M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis may help in reducing microbial load and inflammatory parameters. The potential clinical benefits of using different treatment approaches, in the initial nonsurgical treatment phase, particularly the airflow, are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analyses was to evaluate the outcomes of nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using airflow method in terms of changes in periodontal parameters, peri‐implant marginal bone level, postoperative pain/discomfort, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared airflow with mechanical debridement using ultrasonic/curettes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Data were analyzed using a statistical software program.

Results

A total of 316 studies were identified, of which, five RCTs with 288 dental implants in 174 participants were included. Overall meta‐analysis showed more reduction in probing pocket depths at 1–3 months (mean difference [MD] −0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.50–0.05; p = 0.10) and 6 months (MD −0.04; 95% CI −0.34 to 0.27; p = 0.80) in favor of airflow, but the difference was not statistically significant. The use of airflow was associated with significant reduction in bleeding on probing and increase in peri‐implant mucosal recession. The differences in plaque score, peri‐implant marginal bone level changes, and patient reported outcomes between airflow and mechanical debridement were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The short‐term clinical and radiographic outcomes following nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using airflow or mechanical debridement were comparable. The airflow has short‐term positive effects on reducing bleeding on probing. Further evidence from RCTs are still required to substantiate the current findings.
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase‐4 in the spinal dorsal horn ameliorates neuropathic pain via cAMP‐cytokine‐Cx43 signaling in mice
Authors: Zhang Fang‐fang , Wang Hao , Zhou Yan‐meng , Yu Hai‐yang , Zhang Melanie , Du Xian , Wang Dong , Zhang Feng , Xu Ying , Zhang Ji‐guo , Zhang Han‐Ting
Published: February 2022

Background

The spinal phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) plays an important role in chronic pain. Inhibition of PDE4, an enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate AMP (cAMP), produces potent antinociceptive activity. However, the antinociceptive mechanism remains largely unknown. Connexin43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, has been shown to be involved in controlling pain transduction at the spinal level; restoration of Cx43 expression in spinal astrocytes to the normal levels reduces nerve injury‐induced pain. Here, we evaluate the novel mechanisms involving spinal cAMP‐Cx43 signaling by which PDE4 inhibitors produce antinociceptive activity.

Methods

First, we determined the effect of PDE4 inhibitors rolipram and roflumilast on partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL)‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Next, we observed the role of cAMP‐Cx43 signaling in the effect of PDE4 inhibitors on PSNL‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity.

Results

Single or repeated, intraperitoneal or intrathecal administration of rolipram or roflumilast significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in mice following PSNL. In addition, repeated intrathecal treatment with either of PDE4 inhibitors reduced PSNL‐induced downregulation of cAMP and Cx43, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β. Furthermore, the antinociceptive effects of PDE4 inhibitors were attenuated by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89, TNF‐α, or Cx43 antagonist carbenoxolone. Finally, PSNL‐induced upregulation of PDE4B and PDE4D, especially the PDE4B subtype, was reduced by treatment with either of the PDE4 inhibitors.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the antinociceptive effect of PDE4 inhibitors is contributed by increasing Cx43 expression via cAMP‐PKA‐cytokine signaling in the spinal dorsal horn.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Associations between metabolic syndrome and colorectal neoplasia outcomes
Authors: Lu Liya , Koo Sara , McPherson Stuart , Hull Mark A. , Rees Colin J. , Sharp Linda
Published: February 2022

Aim

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of factors including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidaemia. It has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the association between MetS and (i) recurrence of adenomas or occurrence of CRC in patients with prior adenomas, and (ii) survival in patients with CRC.

Method

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to 22 November 2019. Two authors independently conducted title and abstract screening; full text of eligible studies was evaluated. Where ≥3 studies reported effect measures for a specific outcome, meta‐analysis using random effects model was conducted. I2 was used to assess between‐study heterogeneity. Quality appraisal was undertaken with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Score.

Results

The search identified 1,764 articles, 55 underwent full text screening, resulting in a total of 15 eligible studies. Five studies reported on metachronous neoplasia, with differing outcomes precluded a meta‐analysis. No consistent relationship between MetS and metachronous neoplasia was found. Ten studies reported on survival outcomes. MetS was associated with poorer CRC‐specific survival (HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.04–3.12, I2 = 92.7%, n = 3). Progression‐free survival was also worse but this did not reach statistical significance (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.89–1.42, I2 = 85.6%, n = 3). There was no association with overall survival (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.94–1.15, I2 = 43.7%, n = 7). Significant heterogeneity was present but subgroup analysis did not account for this.

Conclusion

MetS is associated with poorer CRC‐specific survival, but evidence is inconsistent on metachronous neoplasia. Further research is warranted to better understand the impact of MetS on the adenoma‐carcinoma pathway.
Whole‐room ultraviolet sanitization as a method for the site‐level treatment ofPseudogymnoascus destructans
Authors: Kwait Robert , Kerwin Kathleen , Herzog Carl , Bennett Joan , Padhi Sally , Zoccolo Isabelle , Maslo Brooke
Published: February 2022

White‐nose syndrome (WNS), a catastrophic fungal disease of hibernating bats, is perpetuated by environmental reservoirs of the fungal pathogen,Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Surviving bats clear infection each summer but are re‐infected upon return to the hibernaculum. Therefore, addressing environmental reservoirs is critical for managing WNS. Ultraviolet (UV) light is known to killP. destructansin the lab, and whole‐room UV sanitization is a common practice in many commercial settings. However, effective UV treatment at the hibernaculum scale has yet to be confirmed. Importantly, existing standard practices likely require modification for implementation in hibernation sites. Prior to field testing, confirming the ability of UV sanitizers to treat the complex topography of hibernacula, as well as quantifying the effects of such topography on effective treatment times is necessary. Here we use a laboratory setting to investigate the feasibility of whole‐room UV‐C sanitization in treating environmental reservoirs ofP. destructans. All trials resulted in mean fungal reductions of 97.3% (range: 91.9‐99.7%) relative to controls. To prepare for future implementation within a hibernaculum, we quantified the effect of distance, emission angle, and incidence angle on UV‐C irradiance delivered to target locations. From these data, we calculated treatment times required for killingP. destructansat the scale of a natural setting. Measurable UV‐C irradiance extended to a maximum distance of 21.3 m. Angles of emission and incidence both reduced irradiance; however, we conclude that ~325 m3of surface volume could be treated in <2 h. Taken together, UV‐C sanitization may provide a feasible, scalable, and relatively ecologically benign method of reducingP. destructanspopulations.
Bobath no Brasil: Qual o melhor desenho de estudo de intervenção para crianças com paralisia cerebral?
Authors: Alcântara de Torre Cláudia R. M.
Published: February 2022

Este comentário é do artigo original de Furtado et al. Para ver este artigo visitar a página https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15067.
Revisiting Phyllactinia species on Broussonetia spp. in China
Authors: Tang Shu‐Rong , Liu Shu‐Yan , Feng Jing , Guan Guan‐Xiu , Liu Xin‐Qiang , Jiang Ren‐Jing , Liu Li , Jin Dan‐Ni , Zhang Zhao‐Yang , Wang Xi‐Yu
Published: February 2022

Broussonetia comprises four species in China, of which three species are known to be infected by Phyllactinia spp. Between 2018 and 2021, five new Phyllactinia samples on B. papyrifera were collected, and two already existing specimens on B. kaempferi and B. kazinoki were re‐examined. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses showed that two species, Ph. broussonetiae‐kaempferi and Ph. broussonetiae‐papyriferae, are involved on Broussonetia spp. in China. The asexual stage of Ph. broussonetiae‐kaempferi and the sexual stage of Ph. broussonetiae‐papyriferae have been found on B. papyrifera. They are described in detail and illustrated. As far as we are aware, this is the first description of the characteristics of the sexual morph (chasmothecia) of Ph. broussonetiae‐papyriferae.
Sakuranetin exerts anticonvulsant effect in bicuculline‐induced seizures
Authors: Vicente‐Silva Wilson , Silva‐Freitas Francisca Rayanne , Beserra‐Filho José Ivo Araújo , Cardoso Gabriela Nascimento , Silva‐Martins Suellen , Sarno Tamires Alves , Silva Sara Pereira , Soares‐Silva Beatriz , dos Santos José Ronaldo , da Silva Regina Helena , Prado Carla Máximo , Ueno Anderson Keity , Lago João Henrique Ghilardi , Ribeiro Alessandra Mussi
Published: February 2022

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by an abnormal, spontaneous, and synchronized neuronal hyperactivity. Therapeutic approaches for controlling epileptic seizures are associated with pharmacoresistance and side effects burden. Previous studies reported that different natural products may have neuroprotector effects. Sakuranetin (SAK) is a flavanone with antiparasitic, anti‐inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiallergic, and antioxidant activity. In the present work, the effect of SAK on seizures in a model of status epilepticus induced by bicuculline (BIC) in mice was evaluated. Male Swiss mice received an intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of SAK (1, 10, or 20 mg/kg—SAK1, SAK10, or SAK20). Firstly, animals were evaluated in the open field (OF; 20 min), afterwards in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test (5 min). Next, 30 min prior the administration of BIC (1 mg/kg), mice received an injection of SAK (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.c.v.) and were observed in the OF (20 min) for seizures assessment. After behavioral procedures, immunohistochemical analysis of c‐Fos was performed. Our main results showed that the lowest doses of SAK (1 and 10 mg/kg) increased the total distance traveled in the OF, moreover protected against seizures and death on the BIC‐induced seizures model. Furthermore, SAK treatment reduced neuronal activity on the dentate gyrus of the BIC‐treated animals. Taken together, our results suggest an anticonvulsant effect of SAK, which could be used for the development of anticonvulsants based on natural products from herbal source.
Effect of the upper limit stress on the fatigue properties and crack propagation processes of sandstones containing pre‐existing crack under fatigue‐creep interaction
Authors: Shi Zhanming , Li Jiangteng , Wang Ju
Published: February 2022

To study the effect of the upper limit stress on the fatigue characteristics and crack propagation process of jointed rock masses under the interaction of fatigue‐creep, a series of fatigue‐creep tests with different cyclic stress levels were carried out on jointed sandstone samples. Acoustic emission, scanning electron microscopy, and digital image correlation technologies were used to analyze the fatigue characteristics and crack growth process of the specimen. The results show that as the stress level increases, the deformation of the sample increases, the strength decreases, the elasticity attenuates, and the damage increases. The splitting failure of grains is weakened, the area of fatigue folds increases, and the fracture roughness increases. Besides, the crack propagation process of the sample can be divided into three stages: crack initiation, stable crack growth, and unsteady crack growth. As the stress level increases, the failure mode of the sample gradually changes from brittle to ductile.
Single‐Well Injection‐Drift Test to Estimate Groundwater Velocity
Authors: Paradis Charles , Van Ee Nathan , Hoss Kendyl , Meurer Cullen , Tigar Aaron , Reimus Paul , Johnson Raymond
Published: February 2022

A simple algebraic equation is presented here to estimate the magnitude of groundwater velocity based on data from a single‐well injection‐drift test thereby eliminating the time‐consuming and costly extraction phase. A volume of tracer‐amended water was injected by forced‐gradient into a single well followed by monitoring of the conservative solute tracers under natural‐gradient conditions as their upgradient portions drifted back through the well. The breakthrough curve data from the single well during the drift phase was analyzed to determine the mean travel times of the tracers. The estimated mean upgradient travel distance back through the single well and the mean travel times of the tracers were used in a simple algebraic equation to estimate groundwater velocity. The groundwater velocity based on the single‐well injection‐drift test was estimated to be approximately 0.64 ft per day. Two transects of observation wells were used to monitor the natural‐gradient tracer transport downgradient of the injection well. The one‐dimensional, or dual‐well, transport of the tracer from the injection well to the nearest downgradient observation well indicated that the groundwater velocity was 0.55 ft per day. The two‐dimensional, or multi‐well, transport of the center of mass of the tracers indicated that the groundwater velocity was 0.60 ft per day; the dual‐ and multi‐well results were in excellent agreement with those from the single‐well and validated the simple algebraic equation. The new single‐well method presented here is relatively simple, rapid, and does not require an extraction phase.
Rabeprazole plus amoxicillin dual therapy is equally effective to bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in central China: A single‐center, prospective, open‐label, randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Shao Qiao‐Qiao , Yu Xue‐Chun , Yu Miao , Ma Jing , Zhao Jun‐Bo , Yuan Lin , Qi Ya‐Bin , Hu Ruo‐Bing , Wei Pei‐Ru , Xiao Wei , Lan Ling , Jia Bai‐Ling , Zhang Lian‐Zhong , Ding Song‐Ze
Published: February 2022

Background

Antibiotic resistance emerges as a major issue for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment. High‐dose dual therapy has recently shown encouraging results in H. pylori eradication, but it has yet to be validated in this H. pylori highly infected area; it is also not known if this concept can be extended to antibiotics other than amoxicillin, and factors that affect the eradication. We investigate if rabeprazole plus amoxicillin or furazolidone regimens could be a first‐line therapy for H. pylori eradication, and factors that affect the curing rate.

Methods

This is a single‐center, prospective, open‐label, randomized‐controlled trial. Naive patients (n=292) were randomly treated with bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (BQT), rabeprazole plus amoxicillin (RADT), or furazolidone (RFDT) groups. RADT and FADT use three times daily regimens. H. pylori diagnosis and eradication were determined and confirmed by 13C‐urea breath test.

Results

In per‐protocol (PP) analysis, H. pylori eradication rate was 91.2% in BQT group, 89.6% in RADT, and 51.0% in RFDT group. In intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, infection was eradicated in 86.7% of patients in BQT group, 85.8% in RADT, and 48.1% in RFDT groups, respectively. Noninferiority was confirmed between BQT and RADT groups. The incidence of side effects in BQT group was significantly higher than that in RADT group. Successful eradication was associated with lower body surface area (BSA) and low body mass index (BMI) in BQT group. Smoking and high BSA index reduced H. pylori eradication rate in RADT group.

Conclusions

Rabeprazole‐amoxicillin dual therapy is equally effective to the bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication with fewer side effects and saves use of one antibiotic per each treatment. Successful eradication is also associated with low BSA and non‐smoking condition, which deserves future stratified analysis for refinement and optimization.
Defining mission statements in higher education: Towards a genre perspective
Authors: Aib Iman , Shehzad Wasima
Published: February 2022

Mission statements provide educational institutions with the legitimacy to market and promote services through positive statements. This study applied genre analysis to examine the function of promotional rhetoric in top 100 international universities' mission statements. Bhatia's rhetorical moves of promotional genre was triangulated with Pearce and David's components for mission‐writing. It was seen that international universities rely on promotional rhetorical moves to articulate their self‐concept and services. Moreover, universities actively compete against each other to secure a high position in the international ranking lists. This ensures that they obtain additional incentives that help them gain economic stability and build a reputation. Promotional genre has become a practiced culture in the professional discourse community of higher education. Hence, there is a need to allow mission statements genre membership. We suggested a genre model that can be taught and used for writing mission statements. The most recurrent moves employed suggest that the communicative purpose for mission‐writing used by international universities is to target the international market and build a public image to reel in more students, thereby improving their financial status while ensuring a good reputation. Based on this study, institutions can get guidance on designing and drafting effective mission statements.
Cord and peripheral blood erythrocyte analysis by scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry
Authors: Manna Sayak , Biswas Payel , Haldar Rajen , Naskar Tapan Kumar , Law Sujata
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Human umbilical cord blood is rich in hematopoietic cells. We aimed to focus on the morphological, biochemical, membrane protein profile and surface protein expression differences of erythrocytes, isolated from cord and adult peripheral blood using techniques such as high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and flow cytometry.

Methods

Adult peripheral blood was collected from consenting adults, and umbilical cord blood was procured from consenting mothers, post‐delivery at Medical College, Kolkata. We emphasized on cord and adult peripheral blood erythrocytes' morphological variations using SEM images and protein expression by flow cytometric analysis. Some conventional biochemical analyses such as osmotic fragility of the cell membrane, haemoglobin co‐oxidation study and lipid peroxidation assay were done for supporting evidence along with membrane protein content using gel electrophoresis.

Results

Our SEM images indicated clear morphological variations in cord erythrocyte with a higher degree of cellular deformities and difference in membrane texture. Flow cytometric analysis of cord erythrocyte showed a significant difference in CD235a expression than adults. We observed an overexpression of GLUT1 and decreased expression of Band 3 in cord erythrocyte membrane. Our results also showed cord erythrocytes have low osmotic fragility, a slower rate of co‐oxidation of cord haemoglobin and a lesser lipid peroxidation level than that of adults.

Conclusion

Cord blood erythrocytes have deeper indentations leading to higher flexibility, more oxygen‐carrying capacity and less osmotic fragility in comparison with adult erythrocytes. The expression of CD235a and Band 4.5 (GLUT 1) was significantly higher in cord erythrocytes than peripheral adult erythrocytes.
Knockdown of sphingomyelinase (NlSMase) causes ovarian malformation of brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens(Stål)
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Xiao , Zhang He , Quais Md. Khairul , Chen Ming , Wang Ni , Zhang Chao , Mao Cungui , Zhu Zeng‐Rong
Published: February 2022

Sphingomyelinases (SMases) are a group of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of sphingomyelins into ceramides and phosphorylcholine. They have been intensively investigated for their pathophysiological roles in mammals whereas much remains unclear about their counterparts in insects. Herein we report the cloning and functional characterization of four SMase homologue genes, designatedNlSMase1‐4, from brown planthopper (BPH). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that NlSMase1 and NlSMase2 were clustered into acid SMase family, and NlSMase3 and NlSMase4 with neutral SMase family.NlSMase1,NlSMase3andNlSMase4were highly expressed in BPH females, andNlSMaes2in the 5th instar nymph. All fourNlSMaseshad the lowest transcription in BPH males.NlSMase1andNlSMase4were highly expressed in BPH ovaries, whileNlSMase2andNlSMase3in midgut and wings, respectively. Knocking‐down of eachNlSMaseindividual by RNA interference (RNAi) caused the ovarian malformation in BPH. The transcriptomic analysis revealed thatNlSMase4knockdown could strongly affect diacylglycerol (DAG)‐related metabolisms and their downstream pathways. Further, qRT‐PCR analysis ofvitellogenin(Vg) genes indicates that the DAG metabolism disorder could interrupt the essential Vg accumulation for BPH oogenesis. Our study demonstrates the vital role of NlSMases in BPH reproductive development and provides new insights into the mediated mechanism of how SMases function.
Oncolytic virus treatment differentially affects the CD56dim and CD56bright NK cell subsets in vivo and regulates a spectrum of human NK cell activity
Authors: Wantoch Michelle , Wilson Erica B. , Droop Alastair P. , Phillips Sarah L. , Coffey Matt , El‐Sherbiny Yasser M. , Holmes Tim D. , Melcher Alan A. , Wetherill Laura F. , Cook Graham P.
Published: February 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells protect against intracellular infection and cancer. These properties are exploited in oncolytic virus (OV) therapy, where antiviral responses enhance anti‐tumour immunity. We have analysed the mechanism by which reovirus, an oncolytic dsRNA virus, modulates human NK cell activity. Reovirus activates NK cells in a type I interferon (IFN‐I) dependent manner, inducing STAT1 and STAT4 signalling in both CD56dim and CD56bright NK cell subsets. Gene expression profiling revealed the dominance of IFN‐I responses and identified induction of genes associated with NK cell cytotoxicity and cell cycle progression, with distinct responses in the CD56dim and CD56bright subsets. However, reovirus treatment inhibited IL‐15 induced NK cell proliferation in an IFN‐I dependent manner and was associated with reduced AKT signalling. In vivo, human CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells responded with similar kinetics to reovirus treatment, but CD56bright NK cells were transiently lost from the peripheral circulation at the peak of the IFN‐I response, suggestive of their redistribution to secondary lymphoid tissue. Coupled with the direct, OV‐mediated killing of tumour cells, the activation of both CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells by antiviral pathways induces a spectrum of activity that includes the NK cell‐mediated killing of tumour cells and modulation of adaptive responses via the trafficking of IFN‐γ expressing CD56bright NK cells to lymph nodes.
Utilizing the mental health nursing workforce: A scoping review of mental health nursing clinical roles and identities
Authors: Hurley John , Lakeman Richard , Linsley Paul , Ramsay Mike , Mckenna‐Lawson Stephen
Published: February 2022

Despite rising international needs for mental health practitioners, the mental health nursing workforce is underutilized. This is in part due to limited understandings of their roles, identities, and capabilities. This paper aimed to collate and synthesize published research on the clinical roles of mental health nurses in order to systematically clarify their professional identity and potential. We searched for eligible studies, published between 2001 and 2021, in five electronic databases. Abstracts of retrieved studies were independently screened against exclusion and inclusion criteria (primarily that studies reported on the outcomes associated with mental health nursing roles). Decisions of whether to include studies were through researcher consensus guided by the criteria. The search yielded 324 records, of which 47 were included. Retained papers primarily focused on three themes related to mental health nursing clinical roles and capabilities. Technical roles included those associated with psychotherapy, consumer safety, and diagnosis. Non‐technical roles and capabilities were also described. These included emotional intelligence, advanced communication, and reduction of power differentials. Thirdly, the retained papers reported the generative contexts that influenced clinical roles. These included prolonged proximity with consumers with tensions between therapeutic and custodial roles. The results of this scoping review suggest the mental health nurses (MHNs) have a wide scope of technical skills which they employ in clinical practice. These roles are informed by a distinctive cluster of non‐technical capabilities to promote the well‐being of service users. They are an adaptable and underutilized component of the mental health workforce in a context of escalating unmet needs for expert mental health care.
Digital attrition: The negative implications of the sharing economy for the digital options of incumbent firms
Authors: Meng Tian , Ng Evelyn , Tan Barney
Published: February 2022

One of the key competitive advantages of sharing economy platforms stems from their superior IT capabilities, which enable operations that are more efficient and/or effective than the incumbent firms. However, given that many of the incumbents tend to be established market leaders or resource‐rich multi‐nationals, their general inability to acquire the appropriate digital options (ie, the IT capabilities that enable the launch of, and response to, competitive actions) to meet the challenge of the sharing economy platforms is puzzling. This study explores this phenomenon by posing the research question: How do the “forces at work” associated with the sharing economy paradigm impact the digital options of incumbent firms? Based on the case of Qiangsheng Taxi and how its IT capabilities have been affected by the emergence of ridesharing platforms, the evidence uncovered suggests that the sharing economy can influence the digital options of incumbent firms through a process of digital attrition, which may be induced by a blend of unfavorable contextual influences (ie, an unbalanced regulatory regime, evolving market preferences and the resourcing advantages of sharing economy platforms). A framework is inductively derived from the data collected that depicts digital attrition as a process of three phases: (a) deinstitutionalization, (b) technological incapacitation, and (c) competitive erosion. In doing so, our study suggests that digital attrition may culminate in IT‐induced competitive disadvantages for incumbent firms, which in turn, could exacerbate the unfavorable contextual influences to complete a vicious cycle that reinforces the negative influence of the sharing economy even further.
Diffusion of social science research in Nigeria
Authors: Olofinyehun Adedayo , Egbetokun Abiodun , Ayo‐Lawal Aderonke , Sanni Maruf , Oluwatope Omolayo , Yusuff Utieyineshola
Published: February 2022

Understanding the research–policy nexus in developing economies requires knowing who disseminates and how social science research (SSR) is diffused. Based on survey and secondary data on a diverse set of critical stakeholders, this paper characterises the SSR diffusion landscape in Nigeria. We find that university researchers are the most active disseminators of SSR though other actors also engage in dissemination activities. Collaboration among different categories of actors, both locally and internationally, is pervasive in the system. However, online visibility of research is poor in the Nigerian SSR system. Most of the local scientific journals do not operate online, and a large share of the published SSR output is missing from widely used bibliographic databases. For a better research–policy nexus, research producers need to become skilled research advocates and policymakers need to be accessible to other actors.
Biofertilization containing Paenibacillus triticisoli BJ-18 alters the composition and interaction of the protistan community in the wheat rhizosphere under field conditions
Authors: Li Yongbin , Wang Caixia , Chen Sanfeng
Published: February 2022

Aims

Most studies focus on the effects of biofertilizer on the bacterial and fungal communities, and we still lack an understanding of biofertilizer on the protistan community. Here, the effects of biofertilizer containing Paenibacillus triticisoli BJ-18 on composition and interaction of the protistan community in the wheat rhizosphere were investigated.

Methods and Results

Biofertilizer application altered soil physicochemical properties and the protistan community composition, and significantly induced an alpha diversity decline. Random forecast and redundancy analysis demonstrated that nitrogenase activity and available phosphorus were the main drivers. Trichomonas classified to the phylum Metamonada was enriched by biofertilizer, and was significantly positive connected with soil nitrogenase activity and some function genes involved in nitrogen-fixation and nitrogen-dissimilation. Biofertilization loosely connected biotic interactions, while it did not affect the stability of the protistan community. Besides, biofertilizer promoted the connections of protists with fungi, bacteria, and archaea. Combined with biotic networks (protists, fungi, bacteria, and archaea) and interactions between protists and soil physicochemical properties/function genes, protists may act as keystone taxa potentially driving soil microbiome composition and function.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Overall, these results suggest that the biofertilizer is a driver of the soil protistan community, contributing to ecosystem functioning.
Taxonomic and functional diversity of Dendrobium officinale microbiome in Danxia habitat
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Jinyan , Liang Xiaoxia , Tao Shengchang , Wu Zhanghua , Wei Gang
Published: February 2022

Aims

Microbial communities that inhabit plants are crucial for plant survival and well-being including growth in stressful environments. The medicinal plant, Dendrobium officinale grows in the barren soils of the Danxia Habitat. However, the microbiome composition and functional potential for growth of this plant in this environment are still unexplored.

Methods and Results

In this study, we analysed the taxonomic and functional diversity of the D. officinale Microbiome by metagenomic sequencing of both rhizosphere and endosphere samples. A total of 155 phyla, 122 classes, 271 orders, 620 families and 2194 genera were identified from all samples. The rhizospheric microbes (DXRh) were mainly composed of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria, while Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the most dominant phyla in root endosphere (DXRo) and stem endosphere (DXS), respectively. Most of the dominant microbial communities had been reported to have diverse functional potentials that can help plant growth and development in stressful and nutrient-deprived ecological environmental. These include plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) such as Massilia, Pseudomonas, Bradyrhizobium, Klebsiella, Streptomyces, Leclercia, Paenibacillus, Frankia and Enterobacter in the DXRh, Tulasnella and Serendipita in the DXRo, Colletotrichum and Burkholderia in the DXS and Paraburkholderia, Rhizophagus and Acetobacter in endosphere. Analysis using the KEGG, eggNOG and CAZy databases showed that metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, genetic information processing and environmental information processing are significantly abundant, which may be related to the survival, growth and development of D. officinale in a stressful environment.

Conclusions

We speculated that the microbial community with diverse taxonomic structures and metabolic functions inhabiting in different niches of plants supports the survival and growth of D. officinale in the stressful environment of Danxia Habitat.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study provided an important data resource for microbes associated with D. officinale and theoretical foundation for further studies.
The endophytic Aspergillus strains: A bountiful source of natural products
Authors: Hagag Ahmed , Abdelwahab Miada F. , Abd El-kader Adel M. , Fouad Mostafa A.
Published: February 2022

Fungi that invade plant inner tissues without inducing disease symptoms are known as fungal endophytes. They represent a promising and tremendous reservoir of natural products with valuable biological potentials for application in medicine, agriculture and industry. Among the numerous existing endophytic fungi, Aspergillus strains constitute one of the most prolific sources of secondary metabolites with diverse chemical classes and interesting biological activities. This review covers the literature of the year 2020, reporting the isolation of 202 compounds obtained from more than 10 different endophytic Aspergillus species associated with different host plants. Analysis and interpretation of the collected data revealed that chemical investigation of endophytes belonging to the genus Aspergillus may greatly contribute to the discovery of potential drug leads. The isolated metabolites were chemically various and exhibited diverse biological activities such as antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-plasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunosuppressive and antifungal activities. Moreover, adoption of advanced technology in molecular biology together with modern chemical tools is anticipated to improve the discovery of new biopharmaceuticals from this valuable microbial world in the future.