bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Safety Measures in Endoscopic Procedures in Health Care Professionals during Corona Virus Pandemic
Authors: Kumur Harish , Malik Jibran Saeed
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: During the Corona Virus Disease-19 outbreak, it is believed that ten percent of all health care professionals (HCPs) were affected. HCPs' safety measures have changed because of aerosol-generating techniques. As a result, we looked at the effectiveness of endoscopic safety measures and prevalence among HCPs who operate in an endoscopy unit.

Methods: Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum-assay were used to assess the COVID-19 status of 117 healthcare workers (HCWs). It has been shown that the existence of the COVID-19 is related to demographic variables, work profile, location of employment, & medical history in research.

Results: 38 HCWs tested positive for COVID-19 using either a PCR assay (23.93%) or simply an IgG testing (32.48 percent) (8.55%). COVID-19 incidence was significantly greater (P = 0.003) among endoscopy technicians when compared to doctors (68.75% (20.69%). Those who worked in critical care units were shown to be more susceptible to COVID-19 (42.86%). One hundred and sixty-six healthcare workers who received enough hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis were tested for COVID-19, and none were positive. Everyone who had been exposed to COVID-19 recovered. There was also a substantial decrease in the number of "man-days" worked.

Conclusion: We discovered a statistically significant COVID-19 risk among healthcare workers in the Gastroenterology department, with endoscopy technologists having the highest risk. More stringent triaging & pre-testing of patients and healthcare workers may help to decrease the risk of COVID-19 infection. Additional multicenter studies are needed to further understand the risk and its related variables.
Implementing Sustainable Development Goals in India: Progress So Far
Authors: Chatterjee Sumana
Published: November 2021

As the world inches towards 2030, there is barely a precious decade left towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Given the socio-economic fragility of the economies proven during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes imperative to strive maximum in order to achieve a harmony between economic, environmental and social progress in these economies. With 17.7% of share in the total world population, India has a very high degree of responsibility towards achievement of world SDGs. The spill over score for India is 98.8 which implies that India is in a strong position to create very positive spillover effects to other countries. With a federal structure comprising of 28 states and 8 UTs, the progress made by the Indian economy will depend on the progress made by these states and UTs.

In this context the current article is an attempt to understand the extent of progress made in India towards achieving the various sustainable development goals. The analysis of the progress made on the various SDG goals is done at two levels: Global Level and State level.  At a global level, a comparison is done on the progress of SDGs made in India with other developed and developing economies respectively. To do the comparison the economies have been ranked on the basis of their progress in SDG goal achievement based on UN reports and their per capita incomes. This comparison is done to understand whether wealthier nations are faring better in the achievement of SDGs.  An important finding from this table is that the countries with highest per capita income do not necessarily have the highest rankings. This finding could have very meaningful implications on policy making and resource mobilization for the various goals in under developed and developing economies, including India. Further the analysis progress on various SDGs is done at a state level for India. This analysis is done to understand which states are doing good in terms of goal achievement and which states are lagging behind. The state level analysis can also point out to the best practices that are in practice and which can be adapted by other lagging states.  The analysis is done based on the Global Sustainable Development Report as well as the Sustainable Development Report prepared by NITI Ayog, Government of India. As the Central government as well as the State governments along with various stakeholders make efforts towards achieving these goals, a macro level analysis of the progress made on these goals can help in course correction at the correct time and thus optimize precious time and resources.
Diffusionnaya traktovka kvantovoy mekhaniki i eyo sledstviya
Authors:   Centre for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Zakir Zahid
Published: November 2021

Локализованный ансамбль свободных микрочастиц распространяется как при диффузии без трения, удовлетворяющей принципу относительности. Ансамбль классических частиц в флуктуирующем классическом скалярном поле диффундирует аналогично, и эта аналогия используется для формулировки диффузионной квантовой механики (ДКМ). ДКМ воспроизводит квантовую механику для однородного и гравитацию для неоднородного скалярного поля. Поток диффузии и плотность вероятности связаны законом Фика, коэффициент диффузии постоянен и инвариантен. Гамильтониан включает в себя «тепловую» энергию, кинетические энергии дрейфа и диффузионного потока. Плотность вероятности и функция действия дрейфа образуют каноническую пару и канонические уравнения для них приводят к уравнениям Гамильтона-Якоби-Маделунга и непрерывности. При каноническом преобразовании в комплексную амплитуду вероятности они образуют линейное уравнение Шредингера. ДКМ объясняет появление квантовой статистики, энергии покоя («тепловая» энергия) и гравитации («термодиффузия») и ведёт к механизму малой массы для составных частиц.
A Study on the Building of Tuna Farming in Floating Offshore Wind Power Generation Field at East Sea
Authors: Choi Gun Hwan , Kim Mi Jeong , Jang Ki Ho , Kim Hyo Seon
Published: November 2021

We need measures that can come up with alternative about fishery living zone and enhance local acceptance for responding to the increase in the proportion of renewable energy production and construction of 12GW Offshore wind power according to Korea’s Renewable Energy 3020 initiative and Korean-version New Deal. In this study, We suggest that differentiation plans of co-location model in connection with offshore wind power generation suitable for the East Sea. The East Sea is an optimal site for building of a floating offshore wind power generation(FOWPG) field. It is expected that economic effects like energy production, aquatic resource development and tourism industrialization by farming bluefin tuna which is high valued fish and suitable for offshore aquaculture on public waters in FOWPG field. And we can confirm that budget reduction, smart management by sharing operation management technology and increase in fishermen income.
Identification and U‐control of a state‐space system with time‐delay
Authors: Gu Ya , Zhu Quanmin , Nouri Hassan
Published: November 2021

This article presents a state‐space model with time‐delay to map the relationship between known input‐output data for discrete systems. For the given input‐output data, a model identification algorithm combining parameter estimation and state estimation is proposed in line with the causality constraints. Consequently, this article proposes a least squares parameter estimation algorithm, and analyzes its convergence for the studied systems to prove that the parameter estimation errors converge to zero under the persistent excitation conditions. In control system design, the U‐model based control is introduced to provide a unilateral platform to improve the design efficiency and generality. A simulation portfolio from modeling to control is provided with computational experiments to validate the derived results.
High Strain‐Rate Compression Experiments on Ni/Polyurethane Hybrid Metal Foams Using the Split‐Hopkinson Pressure Bar Technique
Authors: Felten Markus , Fries Michael , Fíla Tomáš , Zlámal Petr , Falta Jan , Jiroušek Ondřej , Jung Anne
Published: November 2021

Open‐cell metal foams are a versatile class of porous lightweight materials, which are predominantly used as kinetic energy absorbers in a wide scope of applications. Based on their bio‐inspired inhomogeneous 3D porous structure, they are capable to significantly reduce the mass of structural designs. Starting with a polyurethane (PU) template foam, the specimens in the present contribution are manufactured by an electrochemical nickel (Ni) deposition. This manufacturing process is beneficial regarding both the specimen design and the adjustment of mechanical properties correlated with the Ni‐coating thickness. Herein, the strain‐rate sensitivity of open‐cell Ni/PU hybrid metal foams is investigated by quasistatic compression tests and high‐velocity impact tests conducted with a conventional split‐Hopkinson pressure bar device.
Do post‐harvest crop residues in no‐till systems provide for nitrogen needs of following crops?
Authors: Alghamdi Rashad S. , Cihacek Larry
Published: November 2021

Increased adoption of no‐till systems in the Northern Plains has led to an increased volume of post‐harvest crop residue. A cool climate coupled with short growing seasons benefits from a conservation tillage approach by increasing water storage in semi‐arid areas where weather conditions are variable each year. The short frost‐free period presents challenges for residue decomposition and the subsequent nutrient uptake period is reduced in heavy accumulated crop fields. A combination of soil management practices can be used to optimize nutrient utilization, particularly for nitrogen (N), including the use of cover crops, crop rotation and diversification, and variances in fertilizer form, method, and timing. Despite many management practices being effective in conserving N in the soil, they still may not meet nutrient demands for succeeding crops in short season and water‐ and N‐limited environments. Decomposition of crop residue is dependent on soil moisture, soil temperature, and the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of crop residue. Generally, post‐harvest crop residues have a wider C/N ratio than aged residue that accumulates on the soil surface over time. Adding fertilizer N may reduce the immobilization of nutrients near the soil surface of a post‐harvest residue in heavily accumulated crop fields, making it more available for utilization by plants. Recommendations for fertilizer N rates are inconsistent throughout the northern US for long‐term no‐till systems. This review highlights several decades of known research yet points to the continued gaps needed for producers to fully support fertilizer N recommendations for no‐till systems in temperate climates.
Workers' compensation prescription medication patterns and associated outcomes
Authors: Freeman Andrew , Davis Kermit G. , Ying Jun , Lang David A. , Huth Jeffery R. , Liu Peihua
Published: November 2021

Background

Opioid use in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries is a complex decision where benefits must be balanced with risk. Previous research has shown an association between higher opioid doses and adverse health effects. The study's objective was to investigate whether opioid prescriptions are associated with increased costs and deaths through an injury mechanism or as a direct result of the opioid prescription.

Methods

Data for 144,553 deidentified Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation claims from 2010 to 2014 with shoulder, knee, and low back injuries were obtained and followed until 2016. Each claim had associated prescription information. Injury claims were further classified using the allowed diagnoses by single or multiple body areas affected and injury severity (“simple” or “complex”). The outcome variables were medical and indemnity costs, lost days, MaxMED (maximum claim‐prescribed daily morphine equivalent dose), and death status. Association between maximum opioid dose with deaths was determined by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Several outcome variables, including claim medical and indemnity costs, and the likelihood of claimant death, showed significant associations with the MaxMED. In the analysis of claim deaths, these associations held for all claim types (except complex), even after adjusting for age, gender, surgery, and lost time.

Conclusion

The association between increasing opioid doses and deaths for low‐severity diagnoses was disturbing given the lack of demonstrated efficacy of opioids for treatment of minor injuries. A focus on provider education, increased utilization of non‐opioids, and early intervention for minor soft‐tissue injuries could reduce claims costs, disability, and future deaths.
A Defective Nanotube Molecule of C552H496N24 with Pyridinic and Pyrrolic Nitrogen Atoms
Authors: Ikemoto Koki , Harada Shotaro , Yang Seungmin , Matsuno Taisuke , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

A 3‐nm molecule comprising a cylindrical core and cross‐shaped rims was designed and synthesized by developing a modular synthetic route. By using a cyclic precursor from previous studies as a starting material, multiple carbazole units were installed at the rims of the defective cylinder. The defective cylinder was synthetically doped with two types of nitrogen atoms, that is, pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen atoms, which resulted in solvatochromic shifts in fluorescence by charge‐transfer interactions. The structure of the large, C552H496N24 molecule was fully disclosed by crystallographic analyses, and the unique helical arrangement of nitrogen‐doped cylinders in the crystal was revealed.
Influence of overfire air rate of the two‐channel overfire air on flow and combustion characteristics in a 600‐MWe boiler
Authors: Wang Haopeng , Ti Shuguang , Jin Haoze , Wang Hong , Gao Ke , Liu Yang , Li Jinfeng
Published: November 2021

To solve the problem of high NOx emission of 600‐MWe boilers in power plants, we established a cold gas–solid modeling testbed scaled by 1:5 for two‐channel overfire air (OFA). A phase‐Doppler anemometer was used to measure the characteristics of the outlet flow field of the two‐channel OFA under different OFA rates. We also verified the industrial feasibility of this testbed under loads of 300 and 600 MWe. The influence of the OFA rate on the divergence angle of the outlet jet was small: When the OFA rate was increased from 15% to 35%, the divergence angle only increased by 2.2°. The attenuation of the axial velocity of the outlet jet increases with increasing OFA rate. For OFA rates of 15% and 25%, the jet penetration depth was between 1.5d and 2.5d (where d is the cone diameter of the OFA model in the cold‐flow experiments). When the OFA rate was 35%, the jet penetration depth was between 2.5d and 3.5d. The jet maintained about 17% O2 concentration at 1.4 m (about 11d) in the furnace under different boiler loads, and the concentration of emitted NOx increased with decreasing load. Based on these findings, we propose the use of two‐stage OFA: The jet at the outlet of the first‐stage OFA ports should have a larger jet‐divergence angle, and the other stage should have a larger jet‐penetration depth to realize full mixing with the flue gas and to ensure high burnout and low NOx emission.
Maleated soybean oil derivatives as versatile reactive diluents: Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation
Authors: Pellegrene Brittany , Hammer Theodore J. , Pugh Coleen , Soucek Mark D.
Published: November 2021

Four maleated soybean oil (SBO) derivatives were synthesized and used as bio‐based reactive diluents (RDs) for alkyd coating systems. The RDs were prepared in a two‐step fashion: (a) Maleation of SBO with maleic anhydride (MA) via an ene reaction followed by (b) a nucleophilic acyl substitution of the grafted succinic anhydride with allyl‐ or methacrylate‐functional molecules. The structures were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C‐1H heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR, 13C‐1H heteronuclear multiple bond correlation NMR spectroscopy, FT‐IR (ATR) spectroscopy, and MALDI‐ToF‐MS. The 2D NMR spectroscopy techniques helped confirm that MA was successfully grafted onto SBO. FT‐IR spectroscopy identified new absorption bands at 1780 and 1850 cm−1, following the maleation reaction, corresponding to the anhydride functionality. Alkyd coating formulations were prepared with either 0, 10, 20, or 30 wt% of the different RDs. Brookfield viscosity measurements were conducted on the formulations to measure the efficiency of the SBO‐based RDs. At 20 wt% loading level, the RDs typically reduced the viscosity of the base alkyd resin by 50%–60%. Coatings tests and gel content measurements were also conducted in order to understand the effects that these RDs had on the performance of the alkyd coatings.
Proton conducting membrane based on multifunctional interconnected copolymer containing 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane‐aminoethyl piperazine with sulfonated polyethersulfone membrane for fuel cell application
Authors: Karunanithi Deepa , Pegu Purabi , Balaguru Sasikumar , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran , Singaram Vengatesan
Published: November 2021

The facile fabrication of proton exchange membrane (PEM) by intermixing of aminoethylpiperazine monomer (AEP), diamino diphenylmethane (DDM) monomer, and AEP combine with varying compositions of DDM (2, 4, and 6 wt%) copolymer with sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) and polyamide‐imide (PAI) polymer matrix for fuel cell applications. The intermixing of AEP@DDM copolymer in the SPES/PAI matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) techniques. The physicochemical performance of fabricated PEM was analyzed by water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), swelling ratio, thermal degradation, hydrolytic degradation, chemical and mechanical properties. The intermixing copolymer (AEP@DDM) has significantly suppressed the thermal and hydrolytic deterioration of the PEM. Furthermore, the PAI had noteworthy to improve the thermal and chemical stability of the membranes significantly. The proton conductivity of the SPES/PAI/AEP@DDM (6%) membrane was found to be 5.68 × 10−4 S cm−1 which is 104% higher than the pristine SPES membrane. Besides, the selectivity of SPES/PAI/DDM (6%) was also enhanced up to 80.34% compared to pristine SPES membrane. The inclusion of AEP@DDM in SPES/PAI enhanced the proton conductivity and contributed to the membrane structure's uniformity, as revealed from morphological studies. The AEP@DDM copolymer modification of SPES/PAI membrane has shown good stability, physicochemical property and can be considered as a promising membrane material for fuel cell application.
Effect of PEO crystallization on dielectric response of PVDF/PEO@IL coaxial electrospinning nanofiber films
Authors: Zhang Yong‐sheng , Yang Cheng , Feng Wen , He Shan , Yang Jing‐hui , Wang Yong
Published: November 2021

In this study, core‐shell structured nanofibers (P/E/@IL), in which the blend of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and ionic liquid (IL) acted as core and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) acted as shell layer, were prepared by coaxial electrospinning in order to explore the effect of PEO crystallization on the ionic conductivity and dielectric property. For comparison, the blended spinning fibers of PVDF, PEO, and IL (abbreviated as P/E/IL) were also fabricated. It can be observed that the incorporation of IL dramatically improves the dielectric constant () of P/E/@IL composites. However, the tan δ also exhibits a sharp increase with increasing content of IL due to the ion conduction, whereas compared with blended films, the PEO and IL in the core layer exhibit a more positive effect on suppressing the tan δ of film via PEO crystallization. Through melting the PEO lamellae in core, it can be found that the ion conduction as well as tan δ were enhanced. Based on these results, it is confirmed that the ion transport stemmed from IL was suppressed by the PEO lamellae. As the content of IL reached up to 20 wt%, tan δ of the composites with PEO lamellae was reduced to half of P/E/IL spinning fibers.
Host Genetics But Not Commensal Microbiota Determines the Initial Development of Systemic Autoimmune Disease in BXD2 Mice
Authors: Hong Huixian , Alduraibi Fatima , Ponder David , Duck Wayne L. , Morrow Casey D. , Foote Jeremy B. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Fatima Huma , Elson Charles O. , Hsu Hui‐Chen , Mountz John D.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine the extent to which the gut microbiome influences systemic autoimmunity in a mouse model of lupus.

Methods

We generated germ‐free (GF) lupus‐prone BXD2 mice, which under normal conditions develop spontaneous germinal centers (GCs) and high titers of serum autoantibodies. GF status was confirmed by gut bacterial culture. The autoimmune phenotypes of 6‐ and 12‐month‐old gnotobiotic GF BXD2 mice and specific pathogen–free (SPF) BXD2 mice were compared. Serum levels of autoantibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Histologic sections of the mouse kidney and joints were evaluated. Flow cytometry was used to analyze GCs and age‐associated B cells. CD4+ T cells were analyzed for PD‐1+ICOS+ activated T cells, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells (Foxp3+CD25+ PD‐1+CXCR5+), and PD‐1+ICOS+ T cells expressing interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) or interferon‐γ (IFNγ) after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin.

Results

In 6‐month‐old mice, GF status did not affect splenomegaly, GC B cells, age‐associated B cells, or serum autoantibody levels, except for IgG antihistone. GF BXD2 mice exhibited a significantly higher percentage of Tfr cells compared to their SPF counterparts (P < 0.05). At 12 months of age, however, GF BXD2 mice had significantly diminished IgG autoantibody levels and a lower percentage of GC B cells and age‐associated B cells (P < 0.05). Following stimulation with PMA/ionomycin, PD‐1+ICOS+ CD4+ T cells expressed significantly lower IL‐17A, but not IFNγ, levels in GF BXD2 mice compared to SPF BXD2 mice (P < 0.01). SPF BXD2 mice and GF BXD2 mice developed equivalent renal and joint disease with no significant differences in severity.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a model in which genetics plays a dominant role in determining the initial development of autoimmunity. In contrast, gut microbiomes may regulate the persistence of certain aspects of systemic autoimmunity.
Defibrotide Inhibits Antiphospholipid Antibody–Mediated Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Ali Ramadan A. , Estes Shanea K. , Gandhi Alex A. , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Hoy Claire K. , Shi Hui , Zuo Yu , Erkan Doruk , Knight Jason S.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Defibrotide is a heterogenous mixture of polyanionic oligonucleotides currently approved for treatment of transplant‐associated venoocclusive disease. While defibrotide has a known role in limiting endothelial cell activation, some studies have also demonstrated anti‐leukocyte properties. In a recent study, we found that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a role in the thrombotic complications of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that defibrotide might act to mitigate APS‐relevant NET formation in vitro and in mouse models.

Methods

We used in vitro assays and a mouse model to determine the mechanisms by which defibrotide inhibits NET formation and venous thrombosis in APS.

Results

At doses ranging from 1 to 10 μg/ml, defibrotide significantly suppressed NET formation from control neutrophils stimulated with IgG isolated from patients with APS. Defibrotide increased levels of intracellular cyclic AMP in neutrophils, and its suppressive effects on NET formation were mitigated by blocking adenosine A2A receptor or by inhibiting the cyclic AMP–dependent kinase protein kinase A. Defibrotide at doses ranging from 15 to 150 mg/kg/day inhibited NET formation and venous thrombosis in a model of antiphospholipid antibody–accelerated thrombosis—an effect that was reduced in adenosine A2A receptor–knockout mice.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate mechanisms by which defibrotide counteracts neutrophil‐mediated thrombotic inflammation inherent to APS.
Nth‐plant supply: corn stover supplies and costs in a fleet of biorefineries
Authors: Langholtz Matthew , Davis Maggie , Eaton Laurence , Hilliard Michael , Brandt Craig , Webb Erin , Hellwinckel Chad , Samu Nicole , Hartley Damon , Jones Daniela
Published: November 2021

Feedstock cost and cost variability is expected to increase with the number of biorefineries. To quantify this effect, this spatial‐economic analysis simulates feedstock cost and cost variability of an industry based on corn stover as a function of the number of biorefineries. Results are reported for nine scenarios (a base case and sensitivity analysis of four variables – harvest efficiency, sustainability constraints, opportunity cost, and corn grain yield) under deterministic and stochastic simulations, assuming biorefineries using 658 000 Mg (725 000 tons) year−1 of corn stover in 2019. The resulting supply curves are highly elastic (i.e. little change in cost) for the first 50 of the 121 biorefineries, with price increases in subsequent biorefineries depending on scenario. In the base‐case deterministic scenario, weighted‐average stover costs are $66 Mg−1 ($60 ton−1), $69 Mg−1 ($62 ton−1), and $156 Mg−1 ($142 ton−1), at the first, 60th, and 121st biorefineries, respectively. The stochastic simulations, subject to observed 30‐year corn yield variability, follow a similar pattern, with price distributions that vary by scenario. The base‐case stochastic simulations illustrate minimal cost variability for the first 60 biorefineries, but rapid increases in cost variability in the second half of potential biorefineries, with similar patterns observed in the other scenarios. Of the four variables explored, price was most sensitive to harvest efficiency, followed by sustainability constraints, corn yield, and opportunity cost. Results suggest that, under conventional logistics, about half of the US corn stover resource is reliably available with minimum cost increase and variability. Interactive visualization is available at https://doi.org/10.11578/1828779. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Fatty acids may influence insulin dynamics through modulation of albumin‐Zn2+ interactions
Authors: Arya Swati , Gourley Adam J. , Penedo J. Carlos , Blindauer Claudia A. , Stewart Alan J.
Published: November 2021

Insulin is stored within the pancreas in an inactive Zn2+‐bound hexameric form prior to release. Similarly, clinical insulins contain Zn2+ and form multimeric complexes. Upon release from the pancreas or upon injection, insulin only becomes active once Zn2+ disengages from the complex. In plasma and other extracellular fluids, the majority of Zn2+ is bound to human serum albumin (HSA), which plays a vital role in controlling insulin pharmacodynamics by enabling removal of Zn2+. The Zn2+‐binding properties of HSA are attenuated by non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) also transported by HSA. Elevated NEFA concentrations are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Here we present the hypothesis that higher NEFA levels in obese and/or diabetic individuals may contribute to insulin resistance and affect therapeutic insulin dose‐response profiles, through modulation of HSA/Zn2+ dynamics. We envisage this novel concept to have important implications for personalized treatments and management of diabetes‐related conditions in the future.
Lipidomic‐based investigation into the therapeutic effects of polyene phosphatidylcholine and Babao Dan on rats with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Yicong , Lv Jinxiao , Zhang Jiayuan , Lv Zhihua , Yu Mingming
Published: November 2021

In recent years, with the improvement of people’s living standards, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in the world. In this paper, the metabolic disorders in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were induced by a choline‐deficient, l‐amino acid–defined (CDAA) diet. The therapeutic effects of polyene phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and Babao Dan (BBD) on NAFLD were observed. Lipidomic analysis was performed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐Orbitrap MS, and data analysis and lipid identification were performed using the software LipidSearch. Both PPC and BBD can reduce lipid accumulation in the liver and improve abnormal biochemical indicators in rats, including reduction of triglycerides, total cholesterol, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in serum. In addition, lipids in rat serum were systematically analyzed by lipidomics. The lipidomic results showed that the most obvious lipids with abnormal metabolism in CDAA diet–induced rats were glycerides (triglycerides and diacylglycerols), phospholipids and cholesterol esters. Both BBD and PPC partly reversed the disturbance to lipids induced by the CDAA diet. PPC may be more effective than BBD in alleviating NAFLD because it has a better effect on inhibiting the abnormal accumulation of lipids and reducing the inflammatory reaction in the body.
Noninvasive evaluation of intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury by transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Chang Tao , Yan Xigang , Zhao Chao , Zhang Yufu , Wang Bao , Gao Li
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pulsatility index (PI) or optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the ability of ONSD and ICP to predict intracranial hypertension.

Methods

A total of 68 patients with TBI were included in this retrospective study. After receiving surgery treatment, they underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). The statistical correlation between PI or ONSD and ICP 1 week after surgery was analyzed. Furthermore, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of ONSD or PI or a combination of them were calculated to predict intracranial hypertension.

Results

There was a correlation between ONSD and ICP. This correlation still remained at ONSD ≥ 5 mm. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between PI and ICP. There was a moderate correlation between ICP and PI on days 3, 4, and 5 after surgery (r = 0.508, p < .001), and a strong correlation on days 6 and 7 after surgery (r = 0.645, p < .001). Moreover, for predicting intracranial hypertension with PI ≥ 1.2 mm or ONSD ≥ 5 mm or a combination of them, the AUC was 0.729, 0.900, and 0.943, respectively (p < .001).

Conclusions

The correlation between ONSD or PI and invasive ICP was different with different levels of ICP in different periods in patients with TBI after surgery. When ONSD ≥ 5 mm and PI ≥ 1.2, it could predict elevated ICP more accurately.
The role of food systems in achieving the sustainable development goals: Environmental perspective
Authors: Rajic Sara , Đorđević Vesna , Tomasevic Igor , Djekic Ilija
Published: November 2021

We investigate the availability and extent of environmental performance and objectives data reported in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by the world largest food companies. Methods for content analysis that recognize two types of environmental information were implemented for reviewing 75 sustainability reports. Plant‐ and animal‐origin food companies responded to requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to communicate about their sustainable development. It was found that plant‐origin food companies' reporting was more compliant with GRI requirements. Information gaps within greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data have been identified as a common characteristic for both food sectors. The most frequent performance indicators reported by companies were about water withdrawal. Average annual reductions in four major environmental dimensions such as energy consumption, GHG emissions, water withdrawal, and total waste were calculated. These results reveal patterns of food companies' behavior in CSR reporting.
Minimum Fluidization Velocities of Binary Solid Mixtures: Empirical Correlation and Genetic Algorithm‐Artificial Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Let Sudipta , Bar Nirjhar , Basu Ranjan Kumar , Das Sudip Kumar
Published: November 2021

Experimental investigation of the fluidization behavior in single and binary solid‐liquid fluidized beds of nonspherical particles as solid phase and water as liquid phase was performed in a Perspex column. Different particle sizes were used to prepare single and binary mixtures with different weight ratios for fluidization. Minimum fluidization velocity increased with increasing average particle size and decreasing sphericity for the binary mixture. An empirical correlation was developed to predict the minimum fluidization velocity. Genetic algorithm‐artificial neural network (GA‐ANN) modeling was applied to predict the minimum fluidization velocity for single and binary solid‐liquid fluidized beds. The application of GA‐ANN analysis leads to designing binary solid‐liquid fluidization systems without experimentation.
Carrier Protein‐Free Enzymatic Biaryl Coupling in Arylomycin A2 Assembly and Structure of the Cytochrome P450 AryC**
Authors: Aldemir Hülya , Shu Shuangjie , Schaefers Francoise , Hong Hanna , Richarz René , Harteis Sabrina , Einsiedler Manuel , Milzarek Tobias M. , Schneider Sabine , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: November 2021

The arylomycin antibiotics are potent inhibitors of bacterial type I signal peptidase. These lipohexapeptides contain a biaryl structural motif reminiscent of glycopeptide antibiotics. We herein describe the functional and structural evaluation of AryC, the cytochrome P450 performing biaryl coupling in biosynthetic arylomycin assembly. Unlike its enzymatic counterparts in glycopeptide biosynthesis, AryC converts free substrates without the requirement of any protein interaction partner, likely enabled by a strongly hydrophobic cavity at the surface of AryC pointing to the substrate tunnel. This activity enables chemo‐enzymatic assembly of arylomycin A2 that combines the advantages of liquid‐ and solid‐phase peptide synthesis with late‐stage enzymatic cross‐coupling. The reactivity of AryC is unprecedented in cytochrome P450‐mediated biaryl construction in non‐ribosomal peptides, in which peptidyl carrier protein (PCP)‐tethering so far was shown crucial both in vivo and in vitro.
A patient navigation initiative to improve access to breast cancer care in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Perez‐Bustos Andres H. , Orozco‐Urdaneta Mavalynne , Erazo Raúl , Cordoba‐Astudillo Patricia , Gallo David , Muñoz‐Zuluaga Carlos , Sittig Michelle , Sardi Armando
Published: November 2021

Background

Patient navigation is the logistical and emotional support necessary to achieve diagnostic and treatment compliance. It can improve time to diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and patient satisfaction, as well as reduce the cost of treatment. Colombia has a well‐defined Cancer Control Plan, but its implementation is lacking.

Aim

To implement the first patient navigation initiative in Colombia, as part of a pilot program for the early detection of breast cancer.

Methods

The process involved assessing and addressing the barriers faced by women to access breast health care by providing training for health personnel, strengthening primary health care providers, and coordinating diverse level institutions for the provision of services. This led to the design and implementation of a navigation strategy focused on the needs of patients in Cali, Colombia and the involvement of the local health system to provide such services.

Results

Time to diagnosis was significantly reduced; research advanced by the Colombian National Institute of Cancerology shows that the average time between the first medical consultation and diagnosis was 91 days (CI 95%: 82–97 days), while this study carried out the same process in an average of 30 days, but patients still had issues with continuity of treatment due to financial strain between healthcare providers and insurers. Navigation, however, manages to overcome many of these problems by assisting women in the clinical and administrative care processes and seeking well‐being for the beneficiaries. In addition, patient navigation helped identify critical failures in care, such as fragmentation of care and excessive bureaucracy. The navigation process improved data collection and established agreements to simplify and make the delivery of care more efficient. In addition, it generated partnerships between service providers and insurers.

Conclusion

While several barriers and poor understanding of the navigation process still exist, a navigation program can help implement a Cancer Control Plan.
Expression profile of SARS‐CoV‐2 cellular entry proteins in normal oral mucosa and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sapkota Dipak , Sharma Sunita , Søland Tine M. , Braz‐Silva Paulo H. , Teh Muy‐Teck
Published: November 2021

Objective

Besides angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an active involvement of proteases (FURIN and/or TMPRSS2) is important for cellular entry of SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, a simultaneous expression profiling of entry proteins in a tissue might provide a better risk assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as compared to individual proteins. In an attempt to understand the relative susceptibility of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) lesions as compared to the normal oral mucosa (NOM) for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment/entry, this study examined the mRNA and protein expression profiles of ACE2, FURIN, and TMPRSS2 in the corresponding tissues using public transcriptomic and proteomics datasets.

Methods and methods

Public transcriptomic and proteomics datasets (the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)/the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx), the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and two independent microarray datasets) were used to examine the expression profiles of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and FURIN in NOM and OSCC.

Results

ACE2, TMPRSS2, and FURIN mRNAs were detected in NOM, however, at lower levels as compared to other body tissues. Except for moderate up‐regulation of FURIN, expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA were unchanged/down‐regulated in OSCC as compared to the NOM.

Conclusions

These results indicate that NOM may serve as a possible site for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment, however, to a lesser extent as compared to organs with higher expression levels of the SARS‐CoV‐2 entry proteins. However, the evidence is lacking to suggest that expression status of entry proteins predisposes OSCC lesions to additional risk for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment/entry as compared to NOM.
Readability of integrated reports: Evidence from worldwide adopters
Authors: Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo , Minutiello Valentina , Marrone Arcangelo , Tettamanzi Patrizia
Published: November 2021

Integrated reporting (IR) represents the last frontier of corporate disclosure and aims to include material financial and nonfinancial information in a single document. One of the main objectives of IR, in the idea conceived by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), is to provide recipients with written information in a clear, understandable, and accessible way. In light of this goal, this study, using stakeholder theory, aims to examine the readability of integrated reports and the factors capable of affecting this level of readability. The analysis, conducted on a sample of 221 international companies that published an integrated report in 2020, shows a low level of readability of the integrated reports examined. Furthermore, it demonstrates a positive effect of firm size and financial leverage on the level of readability of the integrated reports, also highlighting a nonsignificant impact of firm profitability. Our results offer important contributions to theory and practice.
New focuses on roles of communications between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in identification of biomarkers and targets
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Yan Furong , Li Liyang , Fu Huirong , Song Dongli , Wu Duojiao , Wang Xiangdong
Published: November 2021

The communication between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria (Mt) plays important roles in maintenance of intra‐ and extra‐cellular microenvironment, metabolisms, signaling activities and cell‐cell communication. The present review aims to overview the advanced understanding about roles of ER‐Mt structural contacts, molecular interactions and chemical exchanges, signal transmissions and inter‐organelle regulations in ER‐Mt communication. We address how the ER‐Mt communication contributes to the regulation of lipid, amino acid and glucose metabolisms by enzymes, transporters and regulators in the process of biosynthesis. We specially emphasize the importance of deep understanding about molecular mechanisms of ER‐Mt communication for identification and development of biology‐specific, disease‐specific and metabolism‐specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets for human diseases. The inhibitors and modulators of the ER‐Mt communication are categorized according to therapeutic targets. Rapid development of biotechnologies will provide new insights for spatiotemporally understanding the molecular mechanisms of ER‐Mt communication.
Sequence variation and regulatory variation in acetylcholinesterase genes contribute to insecticide resistance in different populations of Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Margus Aigi , Piiroinen Saija , Lehmann Philipp , Grapputo Alessandro , Gilbert Leona , Chen Yolanda H. , Lindström Leena
Published: November 2021

Although insect herbivores are known to evolve resistance to insecticides through multiple genetic mechanisms, resistance in individual species has been assumed to follow the same mechanism. While both mutations in the target site insensitivity and increased amplification are known to contribute to insecticide resistance, little is known about the degree to which geographic populations of the same species differ at the target site in a response to insecticides. We tested structural (e.g., mutation profiles) and regulatory (e.g., the gene expression of Ldace1 and Ldace2, AChE activity) differences between two populations (Vermont, USA and Belchow, Poland) of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata in their resistance to two commonly used groups of insecticides, organophosphates, and carbamates. We established that Vermont beetles were more resistant to azinphos‐methyl and carbaryl insecticides than Belchow beetles, despite a similar frequency of resistance‐associated alleles (i.e., S291G) in the Ldace2 gene. However, the Vermont population had two additional amino acid replacements (G192S and F402Y) in the Ldace1 gene, which were absent in the Belchow population. Moreover, the Vermont population showed higher expression of Ldace1 and was less sensitive to AChE inhibition by azinphos‐methyl oxon than the Belchow population. Therefore, the two populations have evolved different genetic mechanisms to adapt to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides.
Electrochemical Behavior and Voltammetric Determination of Chloramphenicol and Doxycycline Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Single‐walled Carbon Nanohorns
Authors: Han Shuang , Zhang Xuan , Sun Hongda , Wei Jinping , Wang Hui , Wang Shuangyu , Jin Jing , Zhang Zhichao
Published: November 2021

We report a method for the direct and quantitative determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) and doxycycline (DOX) using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with carboxylic‐group‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanohorns. The modified electrode exhibits high electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of CAP and the oxidation of DOX. It shows a linear response to CAP between 0.1 μM and 100 μM and to DOX between 0.5 μM and 100 μM. The detection limits for CAP and DOX are 0.1 μM and 0.5 μM, respectively. The modified GCE displays good sensitivity, making it suitable for the determination of CAP and DOX in real samples.
Transcriptome and Exome Analyses of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Reveal Patterns to Predict Cancer Recurrence in Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Liu Silvia , Nalesnik Michael A. , Singhi Aatur , Wood‐Trageser Michelle A. , Randhawa Parmjeet , Ren Bao‐Guo , Humar Abhinav , Liu Peng , Yu Yan‐Ping , Tseng George C. , Michalopoulos George , Luo Jian‐Hua
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human cancers. Liver transplantation has been an effective approach to treat liver cancer. However, significant numbers of patients with HCC experience cancer recurrence, and the selection of suitable candidates for liver transplant remains a challenge. We developed a model to predict the likelihood of HCC recurrence after liver transplantation based on transcriptome and whole‐exome sequencing analyses. We used a training cohort and a subsequent testing cohort based on liver transplantation performed before or after the first half of 2012. We found that the combination of transcriptome and mutation pathway analyses using a random forest machine learning correctly predicted HCC recurrence in 86.8% of the training set. The same algorithm yielded a correct prediction of HCC recurrence of 76.9% in the testing set. When the cohorts were combined, the prediction rate reached 84.4% in the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation analysis. When the transcriptome analysis was combined with Milan criteria using the k‐top scoring pairs (k‐TSP) method, the testing cohort prediction rate improved to 80.8%, whereas the training cohort and the combined cohort prediction rates were 79% and 84.4%, respectively. Application of the transcriptome/mutation pathways RF model on eight tumor nodules from 3 patients with HCC yielded 8/8 consistency, suggesting a robust prediction despite the heterogeneity of HCC. Conclusion: The genome prediction model may hold promise as an alternative in selecting patients with HCC for liver transplant.
Barriers and enablers in implementing an electronic incident reporting system in a teaching hospital: A case study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abu Alrub Alaa M. , Amer Yasser Sami , Titi Maher Abdelraheim , May Aisha Charmaine A. , Shaikh Farheen , Baksh Maram M. , El‐Jardali Fadi
Published: November 2021

Background

Widespread recognition of the impact of healthcare adverse events has triggered incident reporting system implementation to promote patient safety. The aim was to assess the effectiveness, usability, enablers, and barriers of the Electronic Occurrence Variance Reporting System (eOVR) in addition to end user satisfaction.

Methods

This study comprised a cross‐sectional survey two years after implementation of the eOVR. Secondary data analysis evaluated the volume of incident reporting before and after implementing the eOVR.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome measures: satisfaction and system usability, system security, workplace safety culture, training, and reporting trends. An overall satisfaction was collected. Secondary outcome: rate of reported OVRs per 1000 admissions. Furthermore, barriers and enablers to the reporting process were explored.

Results

Study findings indicate that the eOVR has been successful in terms of high satisfaction according to respondents. Most of the respondents found the system easy to access, maintained patient confidentiality and reporting anonymity. Around half the respondents indicated having a non‐punitive culture of reporting in their hospital. Physicians had significantly lower scores in all primary outcomes Incident reporting increased by 33.6% (p < 0.0001) after implementing the eOVR.

Conclusion

Successful incident reporting systems should be easy and simple to use, accessible and include features that guarantee anonymity and confidentiality. End‐users should be trained prior to launching such a system. The implementation of such systems needs to be combined with promoting a just culture in the organization, timely feedback, more involvement and focus on physicians and junior staff which will improve user satisfaction and reporting rates.