bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles of nutrition in muscle health of community‐dwelling older adults: evidence‐based expert consensus from Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia
Authors: Chen Liang‐Kung , Arai Hidenori , Assantachai Prasert , Akishita Masahiro , Chew Samuel T.H. , Dumlao Lourdes Carolina , Duque Gustavo , Woo Jean
Published: March 2022

General muscle health declines with age, and in particular, sarcopenia—defined as progressive loss of muscle mass and strength/physical performance—is a growing issue in Asia with a rising population of community‐dwelling older adults. Several guidelines have addressed early identification of sarcopenia and management, and although nutrition is central to treatment of sarcopenia, there are currently few guidelines that have examined this specifically in the Asian population. Therefore, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia established a special interest group (SIG) comprising seven experts across Asia and one from Australia, to develop an evidence‐based expert consensus. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE on the topic of muscle health, from 2016 (inclusive) to July 2021, in Asia or with relevance to healthy, Asian community‐dwelling older adults (≥60 years old). Several key topics were identified: (1) nutritional status: malnutrition and screening; (2) diet and dietary factors; (3) nutritional supplementation; (4) lifestyle interventions plus nutrition; and (5) outcomes and assessment. Clinical questions were developed around these topics, leading to 14 consensus statements. Consensus was achieved using the modified Delphi method with two rounds of voting. Moreover, the consensus addressed the impacts of COVID‐19 on nutrition, muscle health, and sarcopenia in Asia. These statements encompass clinical expertise and knowledge across Asia and are aligned with findings in the current literature, to provide a practical framework for addressing muscle health in the community, with the overall aim to encourage and facilitate broader access to equitable care for this target population.
Virtual reality approach for orthodontic education at School of Stomatology, Jinan University
Authors: Huang Yue , Cheng Xin , Chan Unman , Zheng Liyang , Hu Yingwen , Sun Yueting , Lai Pengyu , Dai Jun , Yang Xuesong
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The development of virtual reality (VR) has exerted an enormous impact on higher education. However, the VR application in dental education is still at an early stage in China. This study explored the usability of a VR application in training the practical skills of dental students.

Methods

We first utilized the “system usability scale” (SUS) to verify the validity of the VR application in this study. Next, the VR training on orthodontic bracket bonding was experienced by the participants. The subsequent survey was delivered to collect the participants’ perception and evaluation of the VR system application in training the practical skills of prospective dentists.

Results

The SUS score was 76.17 ± 9.89, suggesting an above‐average evaluation of the system's usability and maturity. The response from the questionnaire supplied relatively positive responses to the VR system application on “user experiences,” “perceived usefulness of VR application on orthodontics,” and “perceived ease of manipulation.” The male students exhibited strong interest in manipulating the VR system and were more capable of manipulating the VR system than the female students. VR experience did not affect the participants’ responses to the questions.

Conclusions

Overall, the use of VR in dental education achieved the expected outcomes. Most students identified the VR training as an enjoyable learning process, and it could be repetitively experienced without further costs, which might have potential positive effects on long‐term learning outcomes, although there is room to further improve the effectiveness evaluation of VR.
Modulatory effect of IL‐1 inhibition following lipopolysaccharide‐induced neuroinflammation in neonatal microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Pierre Wyston C. , Londono Irène , Quiniou Christiane , Chemtob Sylvain , Lodygensky Gregory A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Inflammation‐induced white matter injury (WMI) in preterm infants is characterized by microglia activation, astrogliosis, oxidative stress and neurodevelopmental impairments. Microglia and astrocytes activation can be described under a broad spectrum of activation profile with extremes described as pro‐inflammatory/neurotoxic (M1 microglia or A1 astrocyte) or anti‐inflammatory/neuroprotective (M2 microglia or A2 astrocyte) in response to stimuli including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin 1 (IL‐1). As IL‐1 signalling pathway has been posited as a major driver of inflammation‐induced perinatal WMI, our aim was to evaluate the contribution of IL‐1 modulation in LPS‐induced microglia and astrocyte activation.

Methods

Primary neonatal cell co‐cultures of astrocytes and microglia were treated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 8 h or 24 h. Two distinct IL‐1 receptor antagonists, Rytvela or Kineret (1 μg/ml), were added simultaneously with LPS to respectively modulate or block IL‐1 receptor. Medium was collected to measure levels of IL‐1β. Expression of markers related to pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory microglia and astrocyte activation profiles and antioxidant genes were assessed.

Results

At 8 h, LPS exposure induced pro‐ (M1/A1) and anti‐inflammatory (M2/A2) marker expression and inhibited antioxidant gene expression in microglia and astrocytes. By 24 h, continuous LPS exposure increased pro‐inflammatory and neurotoxic microglial and astrocytic markers (M1/A1), as well as antioxidant genes. Administration of IL‐1 antagonists Rytvela and Kineret with continuous LPS exposure had no significant effect on modulation of specific microglia and astrocyte activation pathways.

Discussion/Conclusion

We show that LPS effects on in vitro neonatal microglia and astrocytes co‐cultures are time dependent eliciting a number of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses during the acute phase of inflammation (8 h), which shift towards pro‐inflammatory and neurotoxic factors by 24 h. Although LPS‐induced inflammation led to abundant IL‐1 expression, IL‐1 inhibition had no significant impact on in vitro modulation of microglia and astrocyte activation pathways towards M2 and A2 activation profile.
Interleukin‐18 mediated inflammatory brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in male mice
Authors: Li Hao , Tian Jingluan , Yin Yin , Diao Shanshan , Zhang Ximeng , Zuo Tao , Miao Zhigang , Yang Yi
Published: March 2022

Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, is thought to be associated with inflammation in many neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke and poststroke depression, but the role of IL‐18 in inflammatory injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. In this study, we established the ICH model in male mice and found that IL‐18 expression including protein and mRNA levels was significantly increased in brain tissues after ICH. Meanwhile, exogenous IL‐18 exacerbated cerebral hematoma and neurological deficits following ICH. In the IL‐18 knockout group, the size of hematoma and neurological functions after ICH was decreased compared with the wild‐type group, suggesting the critical role of IL‐18 on the modulation of brain injury after ICH. Importantly, exogenous IL‐18 increased microglial activation in brain tissues after ICH. Furthermore, IL‐18 knockout resulted in the reduction of activated microglia after ICH. These results indicated that IL‐18 may regulate the inflammatory response after ICH through the activation of microglia. Thus, IL‐18 is expected to be a promising therapeutic target for secondary brain injury after ICH.
Two spatial types of North China heatwaves and their possible links to Barents‐Kara Sea ice changes
Authors: Zhang Guwei , Zeng Gang , Yang Xiaoye , Iyakaremye Vedaste
Published: March 2022

Heatwaves of different spatial types can cause various impacts. Based on the spatial heatwave intensity, 47 North China heatwaves from 1961 to 2019 could be classified into two categories: the S‐type with a centre in the south and the N‐type in the north. There were more N‐type events (36) than the S‐type (11). Observational analysis indicated that under atmospheric circulations favourable to North China heatwaves (e.g. the enhanced continental high), there is a linkage between the sea ice concentration (SIC) changes in the Barents‐Kara Sea (BKS) and these two types of heatwaves. Relative to high BKS SIC, the reduction of SIC would strengthen the cyclonic circulation over the Siberian‐BKS, which could coordinate with the continental high to enhance the cyclonic over the Jianghuai region. A cyclonic‐anticyclonic‐cyclonic pattern is present over the BKS‐North China‐Jianghuai. The cyclonic circulation over the Jianghuai region would push the continental high northerly, resulting in the heatwave centre to the north. It would also cause favourable conditions for precipitation over southern North China, reducing temperatures and raising soil moisture, not conducive to the heatwave. Therefore, the heatwave intensity in southern North China would weaken and the heatwave centre would locate in the north, making the N‐type. Conversely, when the BKS SIC increases, the upper cyclonic over the Siberian‐BKS would not get strengthened, indicating entire North China would be controlled by continental high, and the heatwaves would be southerly relative to the N‐type, namely the S‐type. A series of numerical experiments using NCAR CAM5.3 confirm the above observational results, whereby if the BKS SIC reduces (increases), the North China heatwave is likely to be the N‐type (S‐type).
Orange‐fleshed sweetpotato production: Progress and perspectives for value chain development in West Africa
Authors: Sohindji Fernand S. , Adje O. A. Charlotte , Fassinou Hotegni V. Nicodème , Fanou Fogny Nadia , Akponikpe Tania , Quenum Florent , Achigan‐Dako Enoch G.
Published: March 2022

Africa and Asia bear the greatest cases of vitamin A deficiency whereas Orange‐Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) as a possible solution to vitamin A deficiency, brings income, food and nutritional security for smallholders involved in its production. Reports indicated low adoption of OFSP in West Africa due to poor value chains and wide adoption of White‐Fleshed Sweetpotato (WFSP). Here, we reviewed OFSP interventions and programmes undertaken in West Africa, identified constraints limiting OFSP production, and updated the required actions for OFSP value chains development in West Africa. We reported 10 significant interventions and 20 released OFSP varieties within 4 countries. The main bottlenecks to OFSP value chains development are the lack of improved cultivars exhibiting high and stable yield potential, predominance of WFSP, non‐exposition of whole population to OFSP varieties, limited number of improved OFSP varieties available, and inadequacy of improved OFSP varieties to smallholder preferences. The roles of donors, research institutions, local partners, and smallholder's contributions in increasing OFSP production and consumption are provided. This will fuel the development of strong OFSP value chains in West Africa.
Effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the composition of cecal and fecal microbiota and the quantitative detection of FOS‐metabolizing bacteria using species‐specific primers
Authors: Gu Jiayu , Cui Shumao , Tang Xin , Liu Zhenmin , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Mao Bingyong , Chen Wei
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a kind of prebiotic. Previous studies concerning the effect of FOS on intestinal microbiota have focused on Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. However, the presence of other FOS‐utilizing bacteria makes it necessary to investigate the quantitative changes in these bacterial species in the intestine after FOS intake. In this study, the composition of cecal and fecal microbiota was analyzed using MiSeq sequencing, and the abundance of FOS‐utilizing bacteria was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction after the oral administration of FOS.

RESULTS

Species‐specific primers for FOS‐utilizing bacteria were designed with superior amplification efficiency for quantification. After FOS intervention, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum in feces increased to 17.37% and the abundance reached 2.28 × 1010 CFU g−1. The abundance of Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve did not change significantly. Whereas the abundance of Ligilactobacillus murinus decreased, that of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus remained at approximately 104 CFU g−1.

CONCLUSION

Species‐specific primers for FOS‐utilizing bacteria were successfully developed, and we confirmed that FOS significantly increased the relative abundance and the abundance of B. pseudolongum in mice, while decreasing the proportion of Lactobacillus. The detection of these species using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed the same results. Further investigations are needed to reveal the response of the intestinal microbiota to different FOS compositions. These techniques will contribute to future studies about the composition and dynamics of the intestinal microflora. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Simultaneous determination of dimethoate and its metabolite omethoate in curry leaf using LC‐MS/MS and risk assessment
Authors: Pasar Ratnamma , MS Pallavi , R Harischandra Naik , M Devaraj , P Nandini , M Bheemanna , R Badariprasad P , M Paramasivam
Published: March 2022

This study presents the method development, validation, and simultaneous determination of dimethoate and its metabolite omethoate in curry leaf. Samples were extracted following modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction protocol and analyzed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification in the matrix was 0.005 μg g−1 for dimethoate and omethoate. Extraction using acetonitrile recorded the average recoveries in the range of 82.25 to 112.97% for dimethoate and 85.57 to 107.22% for omethoate at 0.005, 0.025 and 0.050 μg g−1 fortification levels and relative standard deviation less than 5%. Similarly, the relative standard deviation values for intraday (Repeatability) and interday (Reproducibility) tests were less than 15%. Dissipation kinetics of dimethoate 30% emulsifiable concentrate at 200 and 400 g a.i h−1 recorded initial deposits of 5.20 and 10.05 μg g−1 and 0.33 and 0.48 μg g−1 for dimethoate and omethoate, respectively, and half‐life of 3.07 and 3.34 days. The estimated hazard index value found more than one at a day after dimethoate application. It is not safe for consumer health to use curry leaves in the initial days after application.
Study on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of CoCrNi MEA annealed at different temperatures in Na2CO3/NaHCO3 solution
Authors: Zhang Chenglong , Zhu Min , Yuan Yongfeng , Guo Shaoyi , Wang Junru
Published: March 2022

The effect of different annealing temperatures on the corrosion behavior of CoCrNi medium entropy alloy (MEA) was investigated in an alkaline soil simulation solution. The results show the corrosion resistance of the MEA gradually increases with increasing annealing temperature. The corrosion behavior of the MEA is correlated with grain size, oxide inclusions, and surface passive film. With an increasing grain size, the proportion of grain boundaries decreases, which improves its corrosion resistance. The micro‐galvanic corrosion cell exists between the oxide and its surrounding matrix, which promotes the occurrence of pitting corrosion. As the annealing temperature increases, the film formed on the MEA surface becomes more complete and dense, greatly increasing the corrosion resistance of the MEA.
Moments of a non‐homogenous bi‐variate fragmentation process using integral equations tools
Authors: Aguech Rafik , Jedidi Wissem , Ilji Samia
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we are interested in two‐dimensional fragmentation process that describes the evolution of an object having a rectangular shape. We focus on a fragmentation process in which we break a rectangle according to a distribution that depends on its dimensions. Using the renewal theory, we provide the asymptotic of the mean and of the variance of the distribution of the total number of the sub‐rectangles.
Effects of Polyphenols on Glucose‐Induced Metabolic Changes in Healthy Human Subjects and on Glucose Transporters
Authors: Williamson Gary
Published: March 2022

Dietary polyphenols interact with glucose transporters in the small intestine and modulate glucose uptake after food or beverage consumption. This review assesses the transporter interaction in vitro and how this translates to an effect in healthy volunteers consuming glucose. As examples, the apple polyphenol phlorizin inhibits sodium‐glucose linked transporter‐1; in the intestinal lumen, it is converted to phloretin, a strong inhibitor of glucose transporter‐2 (GLUT2), by the brush border digestive enzyme lactase. Consequently, an apple extract rich in phlorizin attenuates blood glucose and insulin in healthy volunteers after a glucose challenge. On the other hand, the olive phenolic, oleuropein, inhibits GLUT2, but the strength of the inhibition is not enough to modulate blood glucose after a glucose challenge in healthy volunteers. Multiple metabolic effects and oxidative stresses after glucose consumption include insulin, incretin hormones, fatty acids, amino acids, and protein markers. However, apart from acute postprandial effects on glucose, insulin, and some incretin hormones, very little is known about the acute effects of polyphenols on these glucose‐induced secondary effects. In summary, attenuation of the effect of a glucose challenge in vivo is only observed when polyphenols are strong inhibitors of glucose transporters.
An authenticity method for determining hybrid rice varieties using fusion of LIBS and NIRS
Authors: Wang Haiping , Zhang Pengfei , Xu Zhuopin , Cheng Weimin , Li Xiaohong , Yang Yang , Wu Yuejin , Wang Qi
Published: March 2022

This study proposes a method to rapidly determine the authenticity of hybrid rice seeds using the fusion of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The male parent, F1 generation, and female parent of two hybrid rice vaieties (“Zhongheyou 1” and “Liangyou 688”) were identified by the proposed method. The LIBS and NIR spectra of rice seeds with different physical state (single rice kernels [SRK] and single brown‐rice kernels [SBRK]) were measured, and the primary fusion and intermediate fusion were used for the construction of the LIBS and NIRS data fusion models. The comparation results under different conditions show that the intermediate SRK and SBRK fusion models achieve the best test accuracy (96.88% and 98.52% for “Zhongheyou 1”, and 98.96% and 95.26% for “Liangyou 688”, respectively). The results indicate that the proposed method is effective for rapid and accurate identification of parents and progenies of hybrid rice.
A volume‐independent conformity index for stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Oh Seungjong , Awan Musaddiq J. , Monroe James I. , Liang Yun , Wegner Rodney E. , Karlovits Stephen , Machtay Mitchell , Lo Simon S. , Sloan Andrew , Sohn Jason W.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To develop a volume‐independent conformity metric called the Gaussian Weighted Conformity Index (GWCI) to evaluate stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) plans for small brain tumors.

Methods

A signed bi‐directional local distance (BLD) between the prescription isodose line and the target contour is determined for each point along the tumor contour (positive distance represents under‐coverage). A similarity score function (SF) is derived from Gaussian function, penalizing under‐ and over‐coverage at each point by assigning standard deviations of the Gaussian function. Each point along the dose line contour is scored with this SF. The average of the similarity scores determines the GWCI. A total of 40 targets from 18 patients who received Gamma‐Knife SRS/SRT treatments were analyzed to determine appropriate penalty criteria. The resulting GWCIs for test cases already deemed clinically acceptable are presented and compared to the same cases scored with the New Conformity Index to determine the influence of tumor volumes on the two conformity indices (CIs).

Results

A total of four penalty combinations were tested based on the signed BLDs from the 40 targets. A GWCI of 0.9 is proposed as a cutoff for plan acceptability. The GWCI exhibits no target volume dependency as designed.

Conclusion

A limitation of current CIs, volume dependency, becomes apparent when applied to SRS/SRT plans. The GWCI appears to be a more robust index, which penalizes over‐ and under‐coverage of tumors and is not skewed by the tumor volume.
Short TE downfield magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a mouse model of brain glioma
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia I. , Simões Rui V. , Shemesh Noam
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Enhanced cell proliferation in tumors can be associated with altered metabolic profiles and dramatic microenvironmental changes. Downfield magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has received increasing attention due to its ability to report on labile resonances of molecules not easily detected in upfield 1H MRS. Image‐selected‐in‐vivo‐spectroscopy‐relaxation enhanced MRS (iRE‐MRS) was recently introduced for acquiring short echo‐time (TE) spectra. Here, iRE‐MRS was used to investigate in‐vivo downfield spectra in glioma‐bearing mice.

Methods

Experiments were performed in vivo in an immunocompetent glioma mouse model at 9.4 T using a cryogenic coil. iRE‐MRS spectra were acquired in N = 6 glioma‐bearing mice (voxel size = 2.23 mm3) and N = 6 control mice. Spectra were modeled by a sum of Lorentzian peaks simulating known downfield resonances, and differences between controls and tumors were quantified using relative peak areas.

Results

Short TE tumor spectra exhibited large qualitative differences compared to control spectra. Most peaks appeared modulated, with strong attenuation of NAA (∼7.82, 7.86 ppm) and changes in relative peak areas between 6.75 and 8.49 ppm. Peak areas tended to be smaller for DF6.83, DF7.60, DF8.18 and NAA; and larger for DF7.95 and DF8.24. Differences were also detected in signals resonating above 8.5 ppm, assumed to arise from NAD+.

Conclusions

In‐vivo downfield 1H iRE‐MRS of mouse glioma revealed differences between controls and tumor bearing mice, including in metabolites which are not easily detectable in the more commonly investigated upfield spectrum. These findings motivate future downfield MRS investigations exploring pH and exchange contributions to these differences.
Different patterns of sensory nerve involvement in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy subtypes
Authors: Shibuya Kazumoto , Tsuneyama Atsuko , Misawa Sonoko , Suzuki Yo‐ichi , Suichi Tomoki , Kojima Yuta , Nakamura Keigo , Kano Hiroki , Ohtani Ryo , Aotsuka Yuya , Morooka Marie , Prado Mario , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: March 2022

Introduction/Aims

Among subtypes of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), different immune pathophysiologies have been proposed. In this study, sensory nerve conduction studies were compared among clinical subtypes to attempt to better understand the underlying pathophysiology.

Methods

A total of 138 patients with CIDP was classified into clinical subtypes: typical CIDP (N = 68), multifocal CIDP (N = 27), or other (N = 2). Patients with immunoglobulin M (IgM) neuropathy anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein neuropathy (MAG; N = 19) were also included as disease controls. Sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were recorded in the median, ulnar, and superficial radial and sural nerves.

Results

SNAP amplitudes (P < .05) and conduction velocities (P < .01) in the median nerve and conduction velocities (P < .05) in the ulnar nerve were lower in typical CIDP than in multifocal CIDP, whereas those in the radial and sural nerves were comparable in each group. Low median and normal sural SNAP amplitudes were more common in typical CIDP (P < .005) than in multifocal CIDP, suggesting predominant involvement at terminal portions of the nerves.

Discussion

Terminal portions of sensory nerves are preferentially affected in typical CIDP compared with multifocal CIDP. These findings might be partially explained by the hypothesis of antibody‐mediated demyelination in typical CIDP at the regions where the blood‐nerve barrier is anatomically deficient, whereas multifocal CIDP predominantly affects the nerve trunks, largely due to cell‐mediated demyelination, with disruption of the blood‐nerve barrier.
A prospective study of social competence in survivors of pediatric brain and solid tumors
Authors: Albee May , Allende Santiago , Cosgrove Victoria , Hocking Matthew C.
Published: March 2022

Background/objectives

Survivors of pediatric brain tumors are at increased risk for difficulties with social competence, including poor social information processing (SIP) and peer relationships. Improved survival rates heighten the need to better understand these challenges and if they are specific to survivors of pediatric brain tumors versus survivors of other childhood cancers.

Methods

Fifty‐one survivors of pediatric brain tumors and 34 survivors of pediatric solid tumors completed evaluations of SIP and peer relationship quality within six months of completing treatment and one year later. Caregivers completed a measure of social skills. Linear mixed models evaluated differences between survivors of pediatric brain and solid tumors on SIP and social skills and how indices of SIP were associated with peer relationships over time.

Results

The two groups did not differ on indices of SIP or social skills over time. A three‐way interaction between measures of SIP, group, and time predicted peer relationships. Survivors of pediatric solid tumors showed a positive association between baseline social skills and theory of mind and peer relationships over time, whereas survivors of pediatric brain tumors showed an inverse association between baseline social skills and theory of mind and peer relationships over time.

Conclusion

Findings revealed unanticipated associations between baseline SIP and social skills and peer relationships over time among survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Additional research is needed to elucidate the factors most influential on peer relationships in this group to inform interventions.
Anxiety and theory of mind: A moderated mediation model of mindfulness and gender
Authors: Balaban Gülşah , Bilici Mustafa
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to examine the relationship between gender, anxiety, mindfulness, and theory of mind (ToM). It was also aimed to investigate the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between anxiety and ToM. Additionally, the moderating role of gender in the relevant relationships was examined. The sample consisted of 323 people, including 260 (80.5%) females and 63 (19.5%) males, aged between 18‐62 years. Data were collected by the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory II, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. It was found that ToM and anxiety levels were statistically significantly higher in women than men. In the regression analysis, it was detected that mindfulness predicts the 7% variance in ToM. The second predictor of ToM was found as anxiety, and both predictors explained the 9% variance in ToM. In the mediating analysis, it was found that mindfulness has a mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and ToM. In the moderated mediation analysis, it was determined that the pathway between anxiety and ToM was moderated by gender; the moderating role of gender also was found between mindfulness and ToM. In light of these findings, experimental future studies can be suggested with clinical samples for a better understanding of the relationships between gender, anxiety, mindfulness, and ToM.
Modeling the causes of accidental gas explosions from the perspective of safety information loss
Authors: Cheng Lianhua , Jiang Bolin , Guo Huimin
Published: March 2022

To effectively prevent gas explosion accidents in coal mines, this study analyzes the flow of safety information in complex systems and subsequently reveals the influence of information loss on accident evolution. Safety information in the context of gas explosion accidents is defined and combined with related theories of informatics to analyze the process and the loss of safety information flow in 30 gas explosion incidents. Thereby, a chain of safety information loss is established. Further, based on the basic theories of cognitive science, organizational behavior, and the cause of safety information loss, an accident‐cause model for gas explosions is constructed. The model is applied to a gas explosion incident to determine the causes of the accident, thus verifying its applicability. In addition, the corresponding preventive measures are proposed. The results indicate that the loss of safety information affects gas explosion accidents in coal mines, and the proposed accident‐cause model can provide theoretical support for the prevention and further research of gas explosion accidents.
Process safety management lessons learned from a fire accident caused by the reverse flow of high‐pressure gas in a residual desulfurization process in Taiwan
Authors: Liaw Horng‐Jang , Liu Chi‐Chang , Wan Jung‐Fu , Tzou Tzu‐Lien
Published: March 2022

In 2020, a fire and explosion accident occurred in Taiwan because of the reverse flow of high‐pressure recycle gas. This accident resulted in three minor injuries and caused the Taiwanese government to instruct the top three chemical groups in Taiwan to conduct procedural hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies in addition to normal HAZOP studies. The cause analysis based on the accident timeline and cause factor chart indicated that improper control of the protection logic bypass and the lack of four process safety management (PSM) elements, namely mechanical integrity, process safety information (PSI), operating procedures, and process hazard analysis (PHA), were the root causes of the aforementioned accident. The deficiencies leading to accidents are related to planning problems in PSM promotion but unrelated to the implementation of PSM programs. Maintenance processes should be evaluated and developed according to PHA results or equipment structure to guarantee equipment integrity. The incompatibility of process chemicals with pipeline materials should be considered; then, the construction materials mentioned in PSI should be extended to those of pipelines, not just equipment. In addition to the hazards of normal operations, those of non‐routine operations should be identified to ensure the completeness of the PSM program. Protection logic bypass should be appropriately controlled, and a complete safety evaluation must be conducted before resetting the initiated protection logic. A majority of the deficiencies identified in this study exist in most Taiwanese chemical companies, including the leading ones performing PSM. The lessons learned from the aforementioned accident provide advance information that can be used to develop an improved PSM system.
The possible effects of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines 2017 on the practice of fertility preservation in female cancer patients in Japan
Authors: Kunitomi Chisato , Harada Miyuki , Sanada Yuko , Kusamoto Akari , Takai Yasushi , Furui Tatsuro , Kitagawa Yuko , Yamada Mitsutoshi , Watanabe Chie , Tsugawa Koichiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Hosoi Hajime , Miyachi Mitsuru , Sugiyama Kazuhiko , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kawai Akira , Hamatani Toshio , Fujio Keishi , Suzuki Nao , Osuga Yutaka
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In 2017, the first guidelines for fertility preservation in cancer patients were published in Japan. However, the impact of the guidelines remains unknown. Therefore, the authors conducted a nationwide survey on cryopreservation procedures in the period from shortly before to after publication of the guidelines (2016–2019) and compared the results with our previous survey (2011–2015). The authors also surveyed reproductive specialists’ awareness of the guidelines and implementation problems.

Methods

The authors sent a questionnaire to 618 assisted reproductive technology facilities certified by the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Results

The authors received responses from 395 institutions (63.8%). Among them, 144 institutions conducted cryopreservation for cancer patients (vs. 126 in 2011–2015) and performed 2537 embryo or oocyte and 178 ovarian tissue cryopreservation procedures (vs. 1085 and 122, respectively). Compared with the previous period, indications were more varied and protocols for controlled ovarian stimulation were more standardized. Reproductive specialists’ interest in oncofertility was high, but many reported three main difficulties: selecting a treatment method, storing samples in the long term, and securing the necessary human resources.

Conclusions

The practice of fertility preservation in cancer patients in Japan has been considerably affected by the first Japanese guidelines.
Improving Toluene Dioxygenase Activity for Ester‐Functionalized Substrates through Enzyme Engineering
Authors: Osifalujo Elizabeth A. , Preston‐Herrera Cristina , Betts Phillip C. , Satterwhite Louis R. , Froese Jordan T.
Published: March 2022

Rieske dioxygenases have a history of utility in organic synthesis, owing to their ability to catalyze the asymmetric dihydroxylation of aromatics to produce chiral diene‐diol metabolites. However, their utility as green‐chemical tools has been limited by steric and electronic constraints on their substrate scopes and their activity. Herein we report the rational engineering of a widely used Rieske dioxygenase, toluene dioxygenase (TDO), to improve the activity of this enzyme system for the dihydroxylation of a synthetically valuable substrate class for which the wild‐type enzyme possesses low activity, the ester‐functionalized aromatics. Through active site targeted mutagenesis and application of a recently reported high throughput screening platform, engineered TDO variants with significantly increased activity in the dihydroxylation of these valuable substrates were identified and characterized, revealing key active site residues that modulate the enzyme's activity and selectivity.
Large‐Scale Dried Reagent Reconstitution and Diffusion Control Using Microfluidic Self‐Coalescence Modules
Authors: Gervais Thomas , Temiz Yuksel , Aubé Lucas , Delamarche Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

The positioning and manipulation of large numbers of reagents in small aliquots are paramount to many fields in chemistry and the life sciences, such as combinatorial screening, enzyme activity assays, and point‐of‐care testing. Here, a capillary microfluidic architecture based on self‐coalescence modules capable of storing thousands of dried reagent spots per square centimeter is reported, which can all be reconstituted independently without dispersion using a single pipetting step and ≤5 μL of a solution. A simple diffusion‐based mathematical model is also provided to guide the spotting of reagents in this microfluidic architecture at the experimental design stage to enable either compartmentalization, mixing, or the generation of complex multi‐reagent chemical patterns. Results demonstrate the formation of chemical patterns with high accuracy and versatility, and simple methods for integrating reagents and imaging the resulting chemical patterns.
Island Effect in Stretchable Inorganic Electronics
Authors: Li Kan , Shuai Yumeng , Cheng Xu , Luan Haiwen , Liu Siyi , Yang Ce , Xue Zhaoguo , Huang Yonggang , Zhang Yihui
Published: March 2022

Island‐bridge architectures represent a widely used structural design in stretchable inorganic electronics, where deformable interconnects that form the bridge provide system stretchability, and functional components that reside on the islands undergo negligible deformations. These device systems usually experience a common strain concentration phenomenon, i.e., “island effect”, because of the modulus mismatch between the soft elastomer substrate and its on‐top rigid components. Such an island effect can significantly raise the surrounding local strain, therefore increasing the risk of material failure for the interconnects in the vicinity of the islands. In this work, a systematic study of such an island effect through combined theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and experimental measurements is presented. To relieve the island effect, a buffer layer strategy is proposed as a generic route to enhanced stretchabilities of deformable interconnects. Both experimental and numerical results illustrate the applicability of this strategy to 2D serpentine and 3D helical interconnects, as evidenced by the increased stretchabilities (e.g., by 1.5 times with a simple buffer layer, and 2 times with a ring buffer layer, both for serpentine interconnects). The application of the patterned buffer layer strategy in a stretchable light emitting diodes system suggests promising potentials for uses in other functional device systems.
Nanoporous Intermetallic SnTe Enables Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction into Formate via Promoting the Fracture of Metal–Oxygen Bonding
Authors: Yang Qingcheng , Zhao Yang , Meng Linghu , Liu Zhixiao , Lan Jiao , Zhang Yanlong , Duan Huigao , Tan Yongwen
Published: March 2022

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into formate product is considered the most practical significance link in the carbon cycle. Developing cheap and efficient electrocatalysts with high selectivity for formate on a wide operated potential window is desirable yet challenging. Herein, nanoporous ordered intermetallic tin–tellurium (SnTe) is synthesized with a greater reduction performance for electrochemical CO2 to formate reduction compared to bare Sn. This nanoporous SnTe achieves 93% Faradaic efficiency for formate production and maintains over 90% Faradaic efficiency at a wide voltage range from −1.0 to −1.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), together with 60 h stability. Combining operando Raman spectroscopy studies with density functional theory calculations reveals that strong orbital interaction between Sn and neighboring tellurium (Te) in the intermetallic SnTe can lower the barriers of the oxygen cutoff hydrogenation and desorption steps by promoting the fracture of bond between metal and oxygen, leading to the significant enhancement of formate production.
Steel, a material to reuse
Authors: Fivet Corentin
Published: March 2022

Stahl, ein wiederverwendbarer Werkstoff

Die zerstörerischen Auswirkungen der Bauindustrie auf den Planeten und seine Bewohner sind inzwischen unbestritten. Der Klimawandel, die Abfallwirtschaft, die Verknappung der Bodenschätze, die Luft‐ und Bodenverschmutzung – all dies sind Themen, die dringend angegangen werden müssen. Sie stellen zudem eine Herausforderung für die derzeitige Wirtschaft dar, deren Wachstum in direktem Zusammenhang mit der Gewinnung von Rohstoffen, der Herstellung neuer Produkte und letztlich mit deren steigendem Verbrauch steht. Eine kontinuierliche Umgestaltung der bebauten Flächen und der städtischen Infrastrukturen ist ein unerlässlicher Hebel für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung und für die Wahrung des Wohlergehens aller Menschen. Angesichts dieser Situation könnte eine sich derzeit entwickelnde Strategie der Kreislaufwirtschaft von Nutzen sein: die Wiederverwendung von Bauteilen, die es ermöglicht, neue Gebäude zu errichten, ohne neue Baustoffe herzustellen. Stahl ist ein besonders gut geeigneter Werkstoff für die Wiederverwendung, sofern Bauteile reversibel montiert werden. Doch sind die Akteure bereit, neue Geschäftsmodelle zu übernehmen?
Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities of novel starch derivatives against E. coli and S. aureus
Authors: Sosa‐Santillán Gerardo de Jesús , Zugasti‐Cruz Alejandro , Enríquez‐Medrano Francisco Javier , Avérous Luc , Pollet Eric , Valdés‐Ramos Karyme Guadalupe , Gomez Cesar Gerardo , Romero Marcelo Ricardo , Garcia‐Lobato Marco Antonio , Pérez‐Aguilar Nancy Verónica , Oyervides‐Muñoz Ernesto
Published: March 2022

Three novel starch derivatives with antibacterial properties are synthesized through a rather simple multistep synthesis route. In a first step, sodium periodate oxidation of the hydroxyl groups (C2–C3) of starch yields a di‐aldehyde structure, which is used to attach N,N‐dimethylbenzylamine by Schiff base formation. Then, the amino groups of aminated starch are quaternized with three different ammonium salts (4‐bromobutyl‐pyridinium bromide, 4‐bromobutyl‐benzalkonium bromide, and 4‐bromobutyl‐quinolinium bromide). The different resulting products are fully characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and SEC analysis. Their antibacterial properties are evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro to obtain minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. All the starch derivatives show strong antibacterial activities against Gram‐negative E. coli strain and Gram‐positive S. aureus. Finally, hemolysis assays show that two of the starch derivatives obtained have no significant hemolytic effect on isolated human red cells.
The Effect of Starch Isolation Method on Morphological and Physicochemical Properties of Zagros Oak (Quercus brantii var. Persica) Starch
Authors: Bayati Abolfazl , Javanmard Majid , Eikani Mohammad Hasan , Sharifi Akram
Published: March 2022

This study aimes to compare the physicochemical and functional properties of Zagros acorn (Quercus brantii) starches isolated by various methods: wet‐milling (acid‐concentration: 1800, 2000, and 2200 ppm; WME‐A, WME‐B, and WME‐C), enzyme‐assisted (2, 4, and 6 h; EAE‐A, EAE‐B, and EAE‐C), freeze‐thaw (UAE‐A), ultrasound‐assisted (15 and 30 min: UAE‐B and UAE‐C), and lactic acid‐assisted (24, 32, and 48 h: LAE‐A, LAE‐B, and LAE‐C). The extracted starch is tannins‐free and forms a paste with low turbidity (1.35% (WME‐A/B) to 1.92% (UAE‐C) and acceptable yield (39.1% (WME‐B) to 23.07% (UAE‐C)). The amylose content significantly varies between 17.7% (AAE‐C) and 18.13% (EAE‐A). Starches isolated by WME‐B follows, and EAE‐B methods exhibits the highest swelling power (SP) and solubility besides the lowest syneresis. The range of viscosity is between 892.33 (WME‐B) and 593.33 (UAE‐C) cP (p < 0.05). The morphology of the granules varies depending on the isolation method. FTIR‐spectra of various starches show almost similar profiles. The results provide valuable insights about the differences in physicochemical properties of Zagros acorn starch isolated by various methods to choose appropriate applications of these un‐conventional starch. Overall, WME‐B is suggested as a simple and economical method, while the EAE‐B is an environmentally friendly method.
Evaluation of the Effects of Magnetic Field Exposure on Body Sway
Authors: Yamaguchi‐Sekino Sachiko , Iwakiri Kazuyuki , Sekino Masaki , Nakai Toshiharu
Published: March 2022

This study examined the effects of static magnetic exposure on body sway during a static posture. The subjects were located 80 cm away from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, and their motions were captured by a motion‐capture system. The average exposure level was 65 ± 8 mT (n = 15) at the head position. The results were compared with those from control conditions acquired at the console room. Small increments in the total sway paths and the anterior/posterior sway paths were detected through magnetic field exposure condition. However, the overall effect was small because the actual changes in parameter values were very small. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Multicentric lymphoma and leukaemia in a juvenile king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Authors: Russell Jennifer P. , Mena Alexandria , Kiupel Matti , Osborn Steven , St Leger Judy
Published: March 2022

A 10‐month‐old male king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) presented with an acute episode of collapse. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry revealed a severe lymphocytic leukocytosis (white blood cell count 122.76 × 103/µl; lymphocytes 117.8 × 103/µl), elevated creatinine kinase (1414 IU/L) and mild anaemia (packed cell volume 33%). Marked hepatomegaly was noted on radiographs of the coelom. Blood smears contained an extremely high number of lymphocytes with frequent bizarre forms and a high mitotic count. Despite good initial response to treatment with steroids and prophylactic antimicrobials, the bird's lymphocytic leukocytosis increased, and the animal spontaneously died 2 weeks after initial presentation. Postmortem examination revealed infiltration of multiple organs, including bone marrow, with neoplastic lymphocytes consistent with T‐cell phenotype.
Modular flavor symmetry and vector-valued modular forms
Authors: Liu Xiang-Gan , Ding Gui-Jun
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We revisit the modular flavor symmetry from a more general perspective. The scalar modular forms of principal congruence subgroups are extended to the vector-valued modular forms, then we have more possible finite modular groups including ΓN and $$ {\Gamma}_N^{\prime } $$

Γ
N
′

as the flavor symmetry. The theory of vector-valued modular forms provides a method of differential equation to construct the modular multiplets, and it also reveals the simple structure of the modular invariant mass models. We review the theory of vector-valued modular forms and give general results for the lower dimensional vector-valued modular forms. The general finite modular groups are listed up to order 72. We apply the formalism to construct two new lepton mass models based on the finite modular groups A4× Z2 and GL(2, 3).
Dokumentations- und Behandlungsqualität im Rettungsdienst: eine retrospektive Analyse von Einsatzprotokollen in der Stadt Aachen
Authors: Klein Maximilian , Schröder Hanna , Beckers Stefan K. , Borgs Christina , Rossaint Rolf , Felzen Marc
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Der deutsche Rettungsdienst wird jährlich zu ca. 7,3 Mio. Einsätzen alarmiert, welche zu einem Großteil (ca. 59 %) ohne Arzt ablaufen. Da kaum Daten zur Qualität der medizinischen Versorgung und Dokumentation von Rettungsdiensteinsätzen ohne Arzt vorliegen, sollen diese anhand der Einsatzprotokolle im Rahmen dieser Studie überprüft werden.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine retrospektive Analyse von Protokollen der Rettungsdiensteinsätze ohne Arzt aus den Monaten Juni und Juli 2018. Unter Einbezug von Verfahrensanweisungen wurden die Dokumentations- und Behandlungsqualität der Einsätze analysiert. Primäre Endpunkte waren Dokumentationshäufigkeit, Vollständigkeit, die korrekte Notarzt- oder Telenotarztindikationsstellung, die Entwicklung von kritischen Vitalparametern im Einsatzverlauf sowie die mediane Behandlungszeit.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 1935 Protokolle ausgewertet. Die Verdachtsdiagnose wurde in 1323 (68,4 %), die Anamnese in 456 (23,6 %), der Erstbefund in 350 (18,1 %) und der Letztbefund in 52 (2,7 %) der Fälle vollständig dokumentiert. Anhand der Dokumentation bestand bei 531 (27 %) Patienten eine Telenotarzt- bzw. Notarztindikation, jedoch kein Arztkontakt. Bei diesen Patienten wurden 410 kritische Vitalparameter im Erstbefund dokumentiert. Von diesen Vitalwerten verbesserten sich 69 (16,8 %); bei 217 (52,9 %) wurde kein Übergabebefund dokumentiert. Die mediane Behandlungsdauer vor Ort war bei Patienten mit eigentlicher Notarztindikation (15:02 min) signifikant länger als bei Patienten ohne Indikation (13:05 min).

Schlussfolgerung

Die Dokumentation der Einsätze ist defizitär. Zudem könnte ein Viertel der Patienten von einem prähospitalen Arztkontakt profitieren. Eine juristisch bedenkliche Übergabedokumentation besteht bei ca. der Hälfte aller Protokolle.