bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using smooth metamers to estimate color appearance metrics for diverse color‐normal observers
Authors: Smet Kevin A. G. , Webster Michael A. , Whitehead Lorne A.
Published: November 2021

Color‐normal subjects sometimes disagree about metameric matches involving highly structured spectral power distributions (SPDs), because their cone fundamentals differ slightly, but non‐negligibly. This has significant implications for the design of light sources and displays, so it should be estimated. We propose a broadly applicable estimation method based on a simple adaptive “front‐end” interface that can be used with any selected standard color appearance model. The interface accepts, as input, any set of color‐matching functions for the individual subject (eg, these could be that person's cone response functions) and also the associated tristimulus values for the test stimulus and also for the reference stimulus (ie, reference white). The interface converts these data into tristimulus values of the form used by the selected color appearance model (which could, eg, be X, Y, Z), while also carrying out the needed transform, which is based on an estimate of the subject's likely previous long‐term adaptations to their unique cone fundamentals. The selected standard color appearance model then provides color appearance data that are an estimate of the color appearance of the test stimulus, for that individual subject. This information has the advantage of being interpretable within that model's well‐known color space. The adaptive front end is based on the fact that, for any selected input SPD and the subject's unique color matching functions, there can be many different SPDs that are metameric for that individual. Since observer‐to‐observer color perception differences are minimized for spectrally smooth SPDs, smooth metamers predict color appearances reasonably accurately.
Does sexual experience affect the strength of male mate choice for high‐quality females in Drosophila melanogaster?
Authors: Sinclair Chelsea S. , Lisa Suriya F. , Pischedda Alison
Published: November 2021

Although females are traditionally thought of as the choosy sex, there is increasing evidence in many species that males will preferentially court or mate with certain females over others when given a choice. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, males discriminate between potential mating partners based on a number of female traits, including species, mating history, age, and condition. Interestingly, many of these male preferences are affected by the male's previous sexual experiences, such that males increase courtship toward types of females that they have previously mated with and decrease courtship toward types of females that have previously rejected them. D. melanogaster males also show courtship and mating preferences for larger females over smaller females, likely because larger females have higher fecundity. It is unknown, however, whether this preference shows behavioral plasticity based on the male's sexual history as we see for other male preferences. Here, we manipulate the sexual experience of D. melanogaster males and test whether this manipulation has any effect on the strength of male mate choice for large females. We find that sexually inexperienced males have a robust courtship preference for large females that is unaffected by previous experience mating with, or being rejected by, females of differing sizes. Given that female body size is one of the most common targets of male mate choice across insect species, our experiments with D. melanogaster may provide insight into how these preferences develop and evolve.
Community phenology of insects on oak: local differentiation along a climatic gradient
Authors: Ekholm Adam , Faticov Maria , Tack Ayco J. M. , Berger Josef , Stone Graham N. , Vesterinen Eero , Roslin Tomas
Published: November 2021

Climate change is advancing the onset of phenological events, with the rate of advance varying among species and trophic levels. In addition, local populations of the same species may show genetic differences in their response to seasonal cues. If populations of interacting species differ in their response, then climate change may result in geographically varying shifts in the community‐level distribution of interaction strength. We explored the magnitude of trophic‐ and species‐level responses to temperature in a tritrophic system comprising pedunculate oak, insect herbivores, and their associated parasitoids. We sampled local realizations of this community at five sites along a transect spanning fifteen degrees of latitude. Samples from each trophic level at each site were exposed to the same set of five climatic regimes during overwintering in climate chambers. We then recorded the number of days and degree‐days required for oak acorns to develop and insects to emerge. In terms of dates of events, phenology differed among populations. In terms of degree‐days, we found that for two species pairs, the heat sum required to develop in spring differed by an additional ˜500 degree‐days between trophic levels when overwintering at the highest temperature. For three species, within‐population variation in the number of degree‐days required for emergence was higher at warmer temperatures. Our findings suggest that changing temperatures can modify interactions within a community by altering the relative phenology of interacting species and that some interactions are more vulnerable than others to a shift in temperature. The geographic variation in the phenological response of a species suggests that there is a genetic component in determining the phenology of local populations. Such local variation blended with interspecific differences in responses makes it complex to understand how communities will respond to warmer temperatures.
Long‐term accumulation of macro‐ and secondary elements in subtropical treatment wetlands
Authors: Reddy K. R. , Hu Jing , Villapando Odi , Bhomia Rupesh K. , Vardanyan Lilit , Osborne Todd
Published: November 2021

The Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are a complex of large constructed wetlands that are an integral component of the State and Federal efforts to restore the Everglades ecosystem. The overall objective of this study was to determine the accumulation rates of macro‐elements including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and associated secondary elements including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) in two Everglades STAs over their periods of operation. The study was conducted in STA‐2 with parallel flow‐ways consisting of emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV) and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and the Western flow‐way of STA‐3/4 with EAV and SAV cells operated in series. Elemental accumulation rates were determined in the unconsolidated surficial sediments (floc) and recently accreted soil (RAS) that have accumulated on top of the antecedent soil over the 14‐ and 10‐yr periods of operation for STA‐2 and STA‐3/4, respectively. Flow‐ways with SAV were more efficient than EAV in accreting mineral matter, resulting in increased bulk density and higher accumulation rates of elements. Average C accumulation in the floc and RAS of SAV flow‐ways was 320 g·m−2·yr−1 with approximately equal proportions of inorganic and organic C, while in the EAV flow‐ways accumulation rates of C ranged from 116 to 147 g·m−2·yr−1 with mostly organic C. Phosphorus accumulation rates were approximately 2–3 times higher in SAV than in EAV flow‐ways. Differences in accumulation of elements between SAV and EAV were largest for Ca with 17–42 times more Ca in SAV than EAV systems. This suggests that in the SAV systems, possible occlusion of macro‐elements and metals during CaCO3 precipitation facilitated accretion of material with high mineral content. In EAV, biomass turnover and associated biotic processes regulated organic matter accumulation rates. The spatial accumulation patterns of P, C, and N in the EAV areas of STA‐2 and STA‐3/4 were similar to those observed in the EAV areas of the natural wetlands in Water Conservation Areas, suggesting that constructed wetland systems function similarly to natural wetlands dominated by EAV areas in retaining and storing macro‐ and secondary elements.
Prognostic significance of unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy in patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery
Authors: Porcari Aldostefano , Pagura Linda , Longo Francesca , Sfriso Enrico , Barbati Giulia , Murena Luigi , Longo Emiliano , Ramella Vittorio , Arnež Zoran Marij , Rapezzi Claudio , Merlo Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: November 2021

Aims

Carpal tunnel (CT) syndrome is a recognized red‐flag of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity. We designed this study to characterize the CV profile of patients with CT syndrome at the time of first surgery and to identify high‐risk presentations.

Methods and results

We retrospectively reviewed 643 patients who underwent CT surgery between 2007 and 2019. Of them, 130 patients (77 years, 45% male patients, left ventricular ejection fraction 62%) with available CV characterization within ±12 months from CT surgery were included. Abnormal loading conditions causing cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were investigated to distinguish explained LVH (Ex‐LVH) from unexplained LVH (Un‐LVH). LVH was found in 66 (51%) patients, 33% of them presented Un‐LVH. Compared with the others, Un‐LVH patients were older (77 and 75 vs. 70 years in Un‐LVH, Ex‐LVH, and non‐LVH, respectively; P = 0.002), had higher rates of electrocardiogram‐echo discrepancy (70%, 14.3%, and 1.6%, respectively; P < 0.001) and of echocardiographic findings of CA (24%, 7%, and 0%, P < 0.001). Among Un‐LVH patients, 9 (43%) experienced death and 7 (33%) developed heart failure (HF) at 3.8 and 2.4 years from CT surgery, respectively. Compared with the others, death and HF development rates were higher in Un‐LVH patients both at unadjusted (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) and adjusted analysis for age, gender, and renal insufficiency (P = 0.00038 and P = 0.050, respectively).

Conclusions

At the time of CT surgery, Un‐LVH was found in more than 30% of patients with LVH, and 24% of them showed echocardiographic features suggesting an underdiagnosed CA. Un‐LVH was associated with higher all‐cause mortality and HF development.
Schizochytrium Oil and Its Mixture with Fish Oil and Sacha inchi Oil Ameliorate Gut Microbiota Composition and Lipid Metabolism via the Fatty Acid Synthetase/3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl Glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase/Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Yilin , Huang Ying , Tong Aijun , Liu Bin , Zeng Feng
Published: November 2021

Although fish oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is greatly affected by environmental pollutants. Schizochytrium oil and Sacha inchi oil are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, but there are few studies on their lipid‐lowering effects. The Schizochytrium oil, fish oil, and Sacha inchi oil are formulated into a 1:1:1 mixture emulsion (SFSO). Experimental results show that SFSO could significantly decrease blood lipid and liver total cholesterol (TC,30–40%), triglyceride (TG,35%), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C,78.38%), and enhance antioxidant capacity. In addition, SFSO significantly reduces the mRNA expression levels of A‐cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT,86.5%), fatty acid synthetase (FAS,96.16%), 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR,68.3%), sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c,75.1%), and peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptors gamma (PPAR‐γ,17.23%), has a strong inhibitory effect on the expression of fat synthesis‐related genes. On the contrary, it significantly promotes the mRNA expression of acyl‐CoA oxidase‐1 (ACOX1,85.54%), hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL,61.84%), and peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptors alpha (PPAR‐α,12.43%), accelerates the metabolism of fat and the oxidation of fatty acids. The analysis of gut microbiota shows that some pathogenic bacteria associated with obesity and inflammation in LSFSO group decreased significantly, and the increased Alloprevotella and Parabacteroides are positively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Practical Applications: The regulatory mechanism of SFSO on LMDS and gut microbiota was discussed, and the source of unsaturated fatty acids was optimized.
Spectroelectrochemistry of Proteins
Authors: Wilson George S.
Published: November 2021

This mini review addresses the evolution of spectroelectrochemistry from the laboratories of Professor Theodore Kuwana into the examination of proteins. Synchronizing electrochemical and spectral properties of proteins enables the identification of functions of redox centers, and their kinetics and thermodynamics. Changes in conformation and redox states are examined by a variety of spectroscopic techniques by directly observing protein reactions at electrodes with modified surfaces.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in head and neck cancer surgery: Systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Iocca Oreste , Copelli Chiara , Ramieri Guglielmo , Zocchi Jacopo , Savo Matteo , Di Maio Pasquale
Published: November 2021

Postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) are worrisome complications after head and neck cancer surgery. Due to the lack of direct comparisons, it is difficult to indicate the best antibiotic in the setting of SSI prophylaxis for patients with head and neck cancer. For this reason, we decided to conduct a Bayesian network meta‐analysis of clinical studies evaluating various antibiotic classes for SSI prophylaxis; thus, we directly and indirectly compared all the available antibiotics in the setting of head and neck oncological surgery. We performed a systematic review and a network meta‐analysis according to the PRISMA‐NMA checklist. Regarding inclusion criteria, we included articles with retrospective or prospective design recruiting adult participants with head and neck neoplasm of any subsite that compared different antibiotics or that compared different antibiotic treatment duration with sample sizes of more than 10 patients. Overall, 310 citations were identified by the search on all databases. Of these, 250 were excluded based on title and abstract, leaving 60 publications for full text examination. Finally, 20 papers were included for data extraction and analysis. In total, 8627 patients were evaluated across the included studies. Results of the Bayesian network meta‐analysis showed that when compared to clindamycin short course, the antibiotics effective in preventing SSI were ampicillin/sulbactam or other penicillin short course (OR: 0.37, 95%CrI: 0.19–0.72), cefazolin/metronidazole short course (OR: 0.26, 95%CrI: 0.06–0.93), cefazolin (OR: 0.36, 95%CrI: 0.17–0.79), ampicillin/sulbactam long course (OR: 0.20, 95%CrI: 0.04–0.91), cefazolin/metronidazole long course (OR: 0.27, 95%CrI: 0.09–0.64), cefoperazone (OR: 0.05, 95%CrI: 0.002–0.89), cefotaxime (OR: 0.04, 95%CrI: 0.002–0.85). There was no significant difference between clindamycin and no antibiotic (OR: 2.3, 95%CrI: 0.59–9.9). Clindamycin plus aminoglycoside seemed to give a slight protection from SSI compared to clindamycin alone (OR: 0.30, 95%CrI: 0.09–0.99) or no antibiotic (OR: 0.13, 95%CrI: 0.02–067). Antibiotic prophylaxis is important in preventing SSI in head and neck cancer setting. Current evidence suggests that penicillins and cephalosporins are the best choice. Moreover, long duration course does not give any advantage compared to short course prophylaxis. Finally, it is important to implement appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis in patients that are labeled as penicillin allergic, in this regard clindamycin seems to be ineffective and, for this reason, further research is needed to provide a better care for this subset of patients.
Mothers’ psychopathology symptoms and mindful parenting in the postpartum period: The role of parental reflective functioning
Authors: Nobre‐Trindade Cristiana , Caçador Maria Inês , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Moreira Helena
Published: November 2021

Postpartum psychopathology has an adverse impact on parenting behaviors and, consequently, on the mother–infant relationship. This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between maternal anxiety and depression symptomatology in the postpartum period and the ability of mothers to adopt a mindful parenting approach is indirect and can be explained by parental reflective functioning. Two hundred ninety five Portuguese mothers of infants aged up to 12 months completed self‐report measures assessing anxiety/depression symptoms, mindful parenting, and parental reflective functioning. Mothers who reported clinically significant anxious and/or depressive symptomatology levels (21%) showed lower levels of mindful parenting and of certainty about the mental states as well as higher levels of prementalizing modes of mental states than mothers with normal symptomatology levels. An indirect effect of depressive symptomatology on mindful parenting through the two dimensions of parental reflective functioning and a direct effect of anxious symptomatology on mindful parenting were found. The results suggest that parental reflective functioning is an important explanatory mechanism of the relationship between depressive symptomatology and mindful parenting, as well as that anxious symptomatology is directly associated with mindful parenting. This study suggests that reducing anxious and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period can promote reflective and mindful parenting skills.
BAG3 induces α‐SMA expression in human fibroblasts and its over‐expression correlates with poorer survival in fibrotic cancer patients
Authors: De Marco Margot , Del Papa Nicoletta , Reppucci Francesca , Iorio Vittoria , Basile Anna , Falco Antonia , Iaccarino Roberta , Brongo Sergio , De Caro Francesco , Capunzo Mario , Turco Maria Caterina , Rosati Alessandra , Marzullo Liberato
Published: November 2021

Hypoxia and angiogenesis in solid tumors are often strictly linked to the development of fibrotic tissues, a detrimental event that compromises the antitumor immunity. As a consequence, tumor aggressiveness and poor patient prognosis relate to higher incidence of tissue fibrosis and stromal stiffness. The molecular pathways through which normal fibroblasts are converted in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have a central role in the onset of fibrosis in tumor stroma, thus emerging as a strategic target of novel therapeutic approaches for cancer disease. Several studies addressed the role of BAG3 in sustaining growth and survival of cancer cell and also shed light on the different mechanisms in which the intracellular protein is involved. More recently, new pieces of evidence revealed a pivotal role of extracellular BAG3 in pro‐tumor cell signaling in the tumor microenvironment, as well as its involvement in the development of fibrosis in tumor tissues. Here we report further data showing the presence of the BAG3 receptor (Interferon‐induced transmembrane protein [IFITM]‐2) on the plasma membrane of normal dermal fibroblasts and the activity of BAG3 as a factor able to induce the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin and the phosphorylation of AKT and focal adhesion kinase, that sustain CAF functions in tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, in agreement with these findings, bag3 gene expression has been analyzed by high throughput RNA sequencing databases from patients‐derived xenografts. A strong correlation between bag3 gene expression and patients' survival was found in several types of fibrotic tumors. The results obtained provide encouraging data that identify BAG3 as a promising therapeutic target to counteract fibrosis in tumors.
A rapid lateral flow immunoassay strip for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen using latex microspheres
Authors: Shen Lin , Zhang Qihan , Luo Xiaolu , Xiao Haolin , Gu Miao , Cao Liangli , Zhao Feijun , Chen Zhencheng
Published: November 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a highly infectious and concealed virus that causes pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. Although the epidemic has been controlled since the development of vaccines and quarantine measures, many people are still infected, particularly in third‐world countries. Several methods have been developed for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, but owing to its price and efficiency, the immune strip could be a better method for the third‐world countries.

Methods

In this study, two antibodies were linked to latex microspheres, using 1‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐3‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N‐hydroxysuccinimide, as the bridge to decrease the cost further and improve the detection performance. The specificity of the lateral flow immunoassay strip (LFIA) was tested by several common viruses and respiratory bacterial infections. Besides, the reproducibility and stability of the LFIAs were tested on the same batch of test strips. Under optimal conditions, the sensitivity of LFIA was determined by testing different dilutions of the positive specimens.

Results

The proposed LFIAs were highly specific, and the limit of detection was as low as 25 ng/mL for SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens. The clinical applicability was evaluated with 659 samples (230 positive and 429 negative samples) by using both LFIA and rRT‐PCR. Youden’s index (J) was used to assess the performance of these diagnostic tests. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.22% and 97.93%, respectively, and J is 0.9615. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.22% and 97.93%, respectively, and J is 0.9615. In addition, the consistency of our proposed LFIA was analyzed using Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ = 0.9620).

Conclusion

We found disease stage, age, gender, and clinical manifestations have only a slight influence on the diagnosis. Therefore, the lateral flow immunoassay SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen test strip is suitable for point‐of‐care detection and provides a great application for SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemic control in the third‐world countries.
The role of ferroptosis‐related genes for overall survival prediction in breast cancer
Authors: Jin Li‐Yan , Gu Yan‐lin , Zhu Qi , Li Xiao‐hua , Jiang Guo‐Qin
Published: November 2021

Background

Ferroptosis is a novel iron‐dependent form of cell death, which is implicated in various diseases including cancers. However, the influence of ferroptosis‐related genes on the prognosis of breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods

RNA sequencing data of 1053 breast cancer tissue samples and 111 normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. Expression levels of 259 ferroptosis‐related genes were compared. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analyses were conducted on differentially expressed genes. Cox univariate analysis was conducted to explore the potential prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer. Infiltrating immune cell status was assessed.

Results

A total of 66 ferroptosis‐related genes were differentially expressed in breast cancer tissues. The enriched GO terms included Biological Process (mainly included response to oxidative stress, cellular response to chemical stress, multicellular organismal homeostasis, cofactor metabolic process, response to metal ion, response to steroid hormone, cellular response to oxidative stress, transition metal ion homeostasis, iron ion homeostasis, and cellular iron ion homeostasis), Cellular Component (mainly included apical plasma membrane, early endosome, apical part of cell, lipid droplet, basolateral plasma membrane, blood microparticle, clathrin‐coated pit, caveola, astrocyte projection, and pronucleus) and Molecular Function (mainly included iron ion binding, ubiquitin protein ligase binding, oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen, oxidoreductase activity, acting on the CH−OH group of donors, NAD or NADP as acceptor, ferric iron binding, aldo−keto reductase (NADP) activity, oxidoreductase activity, acting on single donors with incorporation of molecular oxygen, steroid dehydrogenase activity, alditol:NADP+1−oxidoreductase activity, and alcohol dehydrogenase (NADP+) activity). The enriched KEGG pathway mainly included the HIF‐1 signaling pathway, NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway, ferroptosis, IL‐17 signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer, PPAR signaling pathway, PD‐L1 expression, and PD‐1 checkpoint pathway in cancer. Among them, 38 ferroptosis‐related genes were significantly associated with the prognosis of breast cancer. The prognostic model was constructed, and breast cancer patients in low‐risk group had a better prognosis. In addition, risk score of ferroptosis prognostic model was negatively correlated with B cells (r = −0.063, p = 0.049), CD8+ T cells (r = −0.083, p = 0.010), CD4+ T cells (r = −0.097, p = 0.002), neutrophils (r = −0.068, p = 0.033), and dendritic cells (r = 0.088, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The ferroptosis pathway plays a key role in breast cancer. Some differentially expressed ferroptosis‐related genes can be used as prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer.
Scaling of computed tomography body composition to height: relevance of height‐normalized indices in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Caan Bette J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Body weight scales to height with a power of ≈2 (weight/height2), forming the basis of body mass index (BMI). The corresponding scaling of body composition measured by abdominal computed tomography (CT) to height has not been established. The objective of this analysis was to quantify the scaling of body composition measured by a single‐slice axial abdominal CT image (skeletal muscle, and visceral, subcutaneous, and total adipose tissue) to height in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included non‐Hispanic white males and females, aged 18–80 years, who were diagnosed with stage I–III CRC at an integrated health care system in North America between January 2006 and December 2011. Body composition was measured by a single‐slice axial CT image of the third lumbar vertebra and analysed with a semi‐automated threshold segmentation procedure. Allometric regression models were used to quantify height scaling powers (β ± standard error) for each body composition measure, adjusted for age, for males and females. An interaction test was used to determine if height scaling powers were statistically significantly different between males and females.

Results

Among 2036 subjects, the mean (standard deviation) age was 64 ± 11 years, 1008 (49.5%) were female, and the mean (standard deviation) BMI was 27.9 ± 5.4 kg/m2. Powers for skeletal muscle area were 1.06 ± 0.12 for males and 0.80 ± 0.12 for females (P = 0.049). Powers for visceral adipose tissue area were 1.81 ± 0.64 for males and 0.57 ± 0.79 for females (P = 0.16). Powers for subcutaneous adipose tissue area were 2.04 ± 0.42 for males and 0.81 ± 0.45 for females (P = 0.056). Powers for total abdominal adipose tissue area were 1.80 ± 0.46 for males and 0.76 ± 0.50 for females (P = 0.20).

Conclusions

Body composition measured by single‐slice axial abdominal CT, particularly muscle area, scales to height with age‐adjusted powers that are different than 2 and are distinct between males and females. These observations may have implications for the development of height‐adjusted body composition indices in patients with cancer.
Global research trends on anaerobic digestion and biogas production from cassava wastewater: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: dos Santos Amanda LM , Castro Ana Luiza S , Salomon Karina R , de Souza Theo SO , Vich Daniele V
Published: November 2021

The cassava processing chain is potentially sustainable and can actively contribute in the change towards the circular economy. The present article aimed at assessing global scientific research trends on anaerobic treatment of wastewater originating from cassava processing. In this regard, a bibliometric analysis of anaerobic digestion and biogas production of wastewater from cassava processing was carried out within the period between 1980 and 2020, using the Scopus database. The results showed that the interest of research on the subject grew exponentially from 2001, being mainly focused on the recovery of by‐products such as methane, biogas, hydrogen, bio‐oil, bioethanol, propionic acid and butyric acid. Full‐scale anaerobic wastewater treatment already is carried out in countries such as India, China and Thailand, and has been explored largely in developing countries. The studies demonstrated that wastewater bioconversion is an attractive solution, with widespread full‐scale applications. The authors of the present work expect that new publications on environmental and economic sustainability of the processing industry of cassava by‐products will contribute to the sector's development towards a green and low‐carbon economy. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Experiences of reproductive genetic counselors with abortion regulations in Ohio
Authors: Heuerman Anne C. , Bessett Danielle , Matheny Antommaria Armand H. , Tolusso Leandra K. , Smith Nicki , Norris Alison H. , McGowan Michelle L.
Published: November 2021

Since 2010, Ohio legislators have passed more than 15 legislative changes related to abortion and abortion providers, and nine procedural abortion clinics have closed. We investigated reproductive genetic counselors’ perceptions, attitudes and self‐reported practices regarding Ohio's current and proposed abortion regulations. We conducted five focus groups and two telephone interviews in 2019–2020, with a total of 19 reproductive genetic counselors. Participants discussed difficulties keeping current on abortion legislation and clinics’ and hospitals’ policies, resulting in anticipatory anxiety and leading to additional work to discuss the laws with patients. Participants articulated that practices of reproductive genetic counseling—and patient advocacy—are impeded by the legislation. Genetic counselors perceive negative impacts on patients’ autonomy, particularly reflective of healthcare disparities of marginalized groups, which may contribute to frustration and anger. Ultimately, the mental and emotional burden on genetic counselors created by abortion legislation contributes to compassion fatigue and burnout. Our findings show that Ohio's abortion regulations negatively impact reproductive genetic counselors and their relationships with their patients. Repealing existing abortion regulations and preventing future restrictive legislation may ameliorate the negative effects of regulations on reproductive genetic counselors and their patients. In the event that these laws remain, innovative communication tools and proactive professional society advocacy are potential means to mitigate the negative impact on reproductive genetic counselors.
Comprehensive investigation on metabolites of Panax quinquefolium L. in two main producing areas of China based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Si Yu , Jiao Yufeng , Li Le , Lin Hongqiang , Wang Cuizhu , Zhou Baisong , Liu Yunhe , Li Zhuo , Li Pingya
Published: November 2021

Jilin Province and Shandong Province are two main American ginseng (AG) producing areas in China. The geographical difference existed in these two provinces. Aiming at evaluating the similarities and differences of the secondary metabolites, the comprehensive metabolite profiling of AG from Jilin Province (AGJ) and Shandong Province (AGS) was performed based on UPLC‐QTOF‐MS for the first time. In screening analysis, a total of 111 shared compounds, with ginsenosides being major components, were identified or tentatively characterized, which indicated that AGJ and AGS were all rich in phytochemicals and contained similar structural types. Untargeted metabolomics analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of certain constituents in AGJ and AGS. Nineteen (12 for AGJ, 7 for AGS) potential producing area‐dependent chemical markers were discovered. Based on the contents and MS responses, ginsenoside Rg1, Re, and pseudoginsenoside F11 could be considered as the characteristical markers of AGJ, whereas ginsenoside Rg3 and Rh2 of AGS. This comprehensive phytochemical profile study could provide valuable chemical evidence for evaluating the characteristics qualities of AG from various producing areas.
Studies on chemical constituents of Flos Puerariae‐Semen Hoveniae medicine pair by HPLC and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Wei Ziyun , Yu Xiaomin , Zhang Yu , Wang Yanan , Zhang Haotian , Wang Sijie , Zhang Zan , Sui Wenwen , Zhang Xin , Han Fei
Published: November 2021

Alcoholic liver disease is currently the most clinically concerning liver disease, which occurs from chronic alcohol abuse. Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae have been used to treat alcohol drinking excessively for thousands of years in China. In this study, the ethanol extract of the medicine pair was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. First, the high‐performance liquid chromatography fingerprint was established to obtain the overall chromatographic data of its chemical constituents. Next, high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry was applied to identify its chemical constituents. Then, the characteristic constituents were simultaneously quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In addition, the chemical constituents that were absorbed into rat plasma were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. As a result, a total of 48 chemical constituents in the medicine pair were detected and identified in vitro. Meanwhile, the content of seven representative constituents, including dihydromyricetin, glycitin, genistin, tectoridin, glycitein, genistein, and tectorigenin were simultaneously determined. Furthermore, a total of 19 chemical constituents were detected in rat plasma after oral administration. In short, the chemical constituents of the medicine pair were initially investigated in this study, which will lay the foundation for the discovery of its pharmacodynamic substances in further works.
Endoscopic considerations for the management of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Geraghty Joe
Published: November 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy of the biliary tract. The goals of endoscopy in CCA are to (a) provide an accurate diagnosis (tissue acquisition) and staging of disease and (b) relieve biliary obstruction and associated symptoms such as pruritis (stent placement). This then facilitates optimal treatment to occur; be this surgical resection, uninterrupted chemotherapy or improvement in symptoms. Endoscopy can involve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without cholangioscopy, or endoscopic ultrasound with fine‐needle aspiration to support these goals of making surgery safer and chemotherapy possible while avoiding endoscopy compilations such as pancreatitis and sepsis.
Event‐based run‐off and sediment yield dynamics and controls in the subhumid headwaters of the Blue Nile, Ethiopia
Authors: Assaye Habtamu , Nyssen Jan , Poesen Jean , Lemma Hanibal , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Wassie Alemayehu , Adgo Enyew , Fentie Deribew , Frankl Amaury
Published: November 2021

Land degradation due to soil erosion presents a major challenge for sustainable development. We investigated run‐off and sediment yield (SY) dynamics in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. The study area included 14 zero‐order catchments with a surface area ranging from 324 to 1715 m2. V‐notch weirs produced from plastic jars were introduced as measuring alternatives that met local constraints. Run‐off (RO) depth at the weir was registered manually at 5‐min intervals during two rainy seasons in 2018 and 2019, and a total of 618 events were monitored. Rainfall was measured using tipping‐bucket rain gauges. RO samples were collected in 1‐L bottles, and suspended sediment concentration was determined. The mean event RO coefficient ranged from 3% for forests to 56% for badlands. Similarly, the mean annual SY was lowest for forests (0.8 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and highest for badlands (43.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1), with significant differences among land‐use types (14.8 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in cropland, 5.7 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in grazing land, and 2.9 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in plantations). Soil organic matter (SOM) reduced RO and SY, necessitating the consideration of agronomic and land management practices that enhance SOM. Annual SY decreased exponentially with the rock fragment cover (RFC). In fields where RFC was less than 20%, collecting rock fragments for installing stone bunds resulted in a net increase in SY. Rehabilitating badlands and enhancing SOM content in croplands can substantially reduce catchment SY and hence contribute to the sustainability of land uses in the subhumid highlands.
Polymerization of Styrene Derivatives Using Anilinonaphthoquinone‐Ligated Nickel Complexes and Thermal/Rheological Properties of the Produced Polymers
Authors: Chowdhury Samiul Islam , Kida Takumitsu , Tanaka Ryo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: November 2021

Polystyrenes (PStX, X = H, OMe, Me, or Cl at 4‐position) are synthesized by the use of anilinonaphthoquinone‐ligated nickel complexes [Ni(C10H5O2NAr)(Ph)(PPh3): 1a, Ar = C6H3‐2,6‐iPr; 1b, Ar = C6H2‐2,4,6‐Me; 1c, Ar = C6H5] activated with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) in toluene. The polymer yield is dependent on the substituent X and decreases in the following order: OMe > Me > H >> Cl. The highest weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) of 107 000 with polydispersity (Ð)of 1.4 is achieved for PStOMe by the 1a‐MMAO catalytic system.13C NMR analysis indicated that the polymers obtained at 70 °C are atactic but those obtained at 0 °C are isotactoid (isotactic triad ≈ 74 ̶ 82 %), which depended on X. The linear viscoelasticity measurement is also performed to investigate the influences of the substituent on the rheological properties. The critical molecular weight of the chain entanglement of PStOMe is higher than that of PStMe, which should be due to the suppression of the chain entanglement by the methoxy group.
An efficient wide flatness gain bandwidth with parallel hybrid fiber amplifier
Authors: Gurkaynak Irfan Alp , Al‐Mashhadani Thamer Fahad , Al‐Mashhadani Mohammed Kamil Salh , Ali Mudhafar Hussein , Gunduz Abdullah Erkam , Yucel Murat , Goktas Halim Haldun , Zidan Khamis A.
Published: November 2021

In this article, we experimentally propose an efficient wide flat gain bandwidth with a parallel hybrid fiber amplifier. The setup includes parallel amplifier branches. In the first branch, serial erbium‐doped and Raman fiber amplifiers are used. In the second branch, only a Raman fiber amplifier is used. Three Raman pump power units (i.e., 1410, 1480, and 1495 nm) are used to achieve Raman gain at different optical communication bands. At optimum pump powers and at a small‐signal power of −30 dBm, an average gain of 18.5 dB with a maximum gain variation of 3 dB and a gain flatness bandwidth of 83 nm, that is, from 1527 to 1610 nm, is achieved. This gain flatness is expanded to 92 nm (1525–1617 nm) at a large input signal power of −5 dBm with an average gain level of 13 dB. In our proposed amplifier, the Raman amplification peaks (1510 and 1595 nm) are chosen to be far from the erbium amplification peak (1530–1570 nm) in order to avoid the overlapping and the saturation in the first amplifier branch. Therefore, due to such wavelength optimization in addition to the recycling the residual Raman pump power, a wide flatness gain bandwidth is achieved for both of low and large input signal powers.
Revisiting the structure of Heliannuol L: A computational approach
Authors: Martorano Lucas H. , Brito Jordana T. , de Albuquerque Ana Carolina F. , Ribeiro Carlos Magno Rocha , Fiorot Rodolfo Goetze , Carneiro José Walkimar de Mesquita , Costa Fabio Luiz Paranhos , Valverde Alessandra L. , dos Santos Junior Fernando Martins
Published: November 2021

Recently, structural elucidation of natural products has undergone a revolution. The combined use of different modern spectroscopic methods has allowed obtaining a complete structural assignment of natural products using small amounts of sample. However, despite the extraordinary ongoing advances in spectroscopy, the mischaracterization of natural products has been and remains a recurrent problem, especially when the substance presents several stereogenic centers. The misinterpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data has resulted in frequent reports addressing structural reassignment. In this context, a great effort has been devoted to developing quantum chemical calculations that simulate NMR parameters accurately, allowing to achieve a more precise spectral interpretation. In this work, we employed a protocol for theoretical calculations of 1H NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants using density functional theory (DFT), followed by the application of the DP4+ method to revisit the structure of Heliannuol L, a member of the Heliannuol class, isolated from Helianthus annuus. Our results indicate that the originally proposed structure of Heliannuol L needs a stereochemical reassignment, placing the hydroxyl bonded to C10 in the opposite side of the methyl and hydroxyl groups bonded to C7 and C8, respectively.
The concept, importance and values of support during childbearing and breastfeeding – A discourse paper
Authors: Ekström‐Bergström Anette , Thorstensson Stina , Bäckström Caroline
Published: November 2021

Background

Professional support in childbearing has beneficial effects on childbirth experience, interactions within the family, breastfeeding and medical outcomes. However, more knowledge is needed about prerequisites for professional support to be valuable and satisfactory during childbearing.

Aim

The aim of this discourse paper is to describe and explore prerequisites for professional support that are of value for women and their families during childbearing as well as how healthcare organizations can be formed to facilitate these prerequisites.

Design

Discourse paper.

Methods

This discourse paper is based on our own experiences and is supported by literature and theory.

Results

Well‐functioning structures and processes facilitate professional support that leads to safe, secure, calm and prepared parents with the ability to handle the challenges of childbearing and parenting. When organizing care in childbearing, prerequisites for support needs must also be considered.
Effectiveness of a nurse‐led mindfulness stress‐reduction intervention on diabetes distress, diabetes self‐management, and HbA1c levels among people with type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guo Jia , Wang Hongjuan , Ge Lin , Valimaki Maritta , Wiley James , Whittemore Robin
Published: November 2021

People with diabetes frequently have elevated diabetes distress. Although mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy has been shown effective in reducing diabetes distress, it has only been delivered by psychologists or a multidisciplinary team with an attrition rate of up to 39%, which limits its dissemination to a broader audience. This study was aimed to pilot evaluate the feasibility of a nurse‐led MBSR therapy and explore its potential efficacy amongst people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 100 participants were randomly allocated either to the intervention group (nurse‐led MBSR therapy + regular diabetes education) or the control group (regular diabetes education). Data on diabetes distress, diabetes self‐efficacy, and diabetes self‐management were collected at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was collected at baseline and 12 weeks. A generalized estimating equation analysis for repeated measures was used to determine intervention and time effects. As predicted, the nurse‐led MBSR therapy had a significant time‐by‐group interaction effect on diabetes distress total score (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58–0.77, p < 0.001), diabetes self‐efficacy (95% CI: −0.93 to −0.74, p < 0.001), diabetes self‐management (95% CI: −10.80 to −7.83, p < 0.001), and HbA1c levels (95% CI: 0.04–1.14, p = 0.03) in the intervention group compared with the control group over 12 weeks. This is the first nurse‐led MBSR therapy in a hospital setting that is feasible and has the potential to improve health outcomes. This approach may offer an innovative model to deliver MBSR therapy. A randomized controlled trial comparing the nurse‐led MBSR plus usual diabetes education with usual diabetes education along with a mechanism to equalize intervention attention between the groups is indicated.
Nanostructured scaffolds containing graphene oxide for nanomedicine applications
Authors: Uehara Thiers M. , Migliorini Fernanda L. , Facure Murilo H. M. , Palma Filho Nicolau B. , Miranda Paulo B. , Zucolotto Valtencir , Correa Daniel S.
Published: November 2021

The use of graphene oxide (GO) has become widespread due to its advantageous properties for applications in medical devices, including cell scaffolds and sensors. Investigations on the spectroscopic and electrochemical features of nanostructured cell scaffolds may be of interest to design novel scaffolds architectures aimed at understanding their interactions with healthy and cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the interactions between liver cancer cells and two GO‐containing scaffold platforms, namely: cells membrane models containing GO in the form of Langmuir–Blodgett films, and GO‐modified biodegradable polycaprolactone nanofibers. Sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy revealed the presence and formation of an expanded phospholipid monolayer underneath GO, while scanning electron microscopy images revealed the morphology of the cells on the different surfaces. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the charge transfer resistance in different nanostructured scaffolds containing liver cancer cells. The nanosystems developed here can be applied to study the interactions between cells on polymer nanofibers and Langmuir–Blodgett films modified with GO for regenerative medicine.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of epoxy composites via bridged Al2O3 network with in situ formed silver nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Liyi , Zheng Minmin , Ge Fan , Ma Hui
Published: November 2021

It is of great significance to achieve excellent thermal conduction for polymer composites in electrical insulation application. However, traditional polymer composites exhibit limited thermal conduction due to the absence of efficient heat transfer pathways. Herein, Al2O3 microspheres absorbed with silver acetate (AgAc) and 2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole (2E4MI) complex were prepared as fillers for constructing heat transfer paths in epoxy composites. At a suitable temperature, 2E4MI was released from Ag(2E4MI)2Ac complex and initiated the curing reaction of epoxy. Simultaneously, nano silver ions were reduced, sintered in situ and then bridged separate Al2O3 microspheres to 3D filler network, which acted as thermal transport pathways in matrix. The thermal conductivity increased from 1.38 W/mK for Al2O3/epoxy composites to 2.62 W/mK for Al2O3@Ag(2E4MI)2Ac/epoxy composites at 60 vol% Al2O3 loading. Thanks to the 3D filler network, the tensile strength of Al2O3@Ag(2E4MI)2Ac/epoxy composites was obviously improved. Both the electrical resistivity and dielectric strength of the composites were basically preserved. Al2O3@Ag(2E4MI)2Ac/epoxy composites exhibit promising application in thermal management materials for advanced electric machinery and electronic devices.