bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Road‐map of pre‐clinical treatment for Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Mazire Priyanka , Agarwal Vartika , Roy Amit
Published: December 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala‐azar, is the most lethal form of leishmaniasis, is still prevalent in many countries where it is endemic. It is a threat to human life caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani. The severity of the disease is further increased as the treated individuals might have a chance of developing Post Kala‐azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) in the long run. Moreover, several countries have reported high number of HIV‐VL co‐infected patients. Therefore, there is a dire need for the development of efficient diagnostic methods and drugs in order to combat the disease and to control the spread of disease. At present, the treatment for VL entirely relies on therapeutic drugs as no vaccine is available yet. Ever since 1900s a series of drugs have been invented and used for treatment of VL; but the need for one such cost‐effective treatment that would completely cure the disease with minimal side‐effects, low relapse rate with high efficacy and less toxicity remains yet to be fulfilled. Therefore, identifying novel compounds is very crucial to develop potent antileishmanial agents. Thus, this review enlists several instances of drug development, including the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of antileishmanial drugs, different experimental animal models used to investigate the disease progression and to analyze treatment dosage and pharmacological aspect of drugs. Furthermore, the existing gap in drug development and future measures to improve the process are also discussed in this review.
“So hard not to feel blamed!”: Assessment of implementation of Benin’s Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response strategy from 2016–2018
Authors: Boyi Hounsou Christelle , Agossou Mahugnon C.U. , Bello Kéfilath , Delvaux Thérèse , Benova Lenka , Vigan Guézodjè Armelle , Hounkpatin Hashim , Dossou Jean‐Paul
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess the implementation of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) strategy institutionalized in Benin in 2013 to address the alarmingly high maternal and neonatal death rates.

Methods

A retrospective, mixed‐methods study was performed. We used all maternal and neonatal death notifications and reviews from 2016 to 2018, reviewed the reports of 63 MPDSR working groups, and held two online group discussions. Descriptive quantitative analysis was performed, and content analysis was applied to qualitative data.

Results

Deaths were under‐notified, with estimated notification rates at 46%–48% for maternal and 16%–21% for neonatal deaths over the 3 years. Review completion rates were low, corresponding to 50%–56% of maternal and 8%–17% of neonatal deaths. Causes of undernotification included very low notification of community‐based and private health facility deaths, and fear of blame. Low review completion rates were due to heavy workload, staffing shortages, fear of blame, and weak leadership. Moreover, reviews were of poor quality and the response was weak.

Conclusion

Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response is operational in Benin. However, this assessment highlights the need to strengthen the notification strategy, continuously build MPDSR committee members’ capacities, engage decision‐makers for an effective response, and create a better blame‐free, accountable, and learning culture.
A method for detecting and classifying the tumor regions in brain MRI images using vector index filtering and ANFIS classification process
Authors: Shanmugam Sasikanth , Surampudi Srinivasa Rao
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the tumor affected images are detected and classified from non‐tumor affected brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) classification process. The proposed work for brain tumor detection consists of a noise reduction module, decomposition module, feature extraction module, classification module, and segmentation module. The noisy brain images are filtered by the proposed Vector Index Filtering algorithm and the filtered images are further decomposed using Fast Wavelet Transform. Later, the index features are computed from each decomposed sub‐band image and these computed index features are classified either as normal or abnormal brain images using the ANFIS classification process. Further, the tumor regions are segmented in classified abnormal brain images using morphological functions. This paper uses the Brain Tumor Image Segmentation Challenge—BRATS 2016 dataset for analyzing the performance of the proposed brain tumor detection and segmentation system in terms of sensitivity (97.9%), specificity (98.6%), accuracy (99.1%), error rate (0.09%), F1‐score (96.8%), and Geometrics mean (98.5%). Comparisons are made between the proposed method's experimental results and other state of the art methods. The proposed methods using machine learning approach, stated in this paper are well suited for detecting tumor regions in brain images.
The beneficial effect of synbiotics consumption on Alzheimer's disease mouse model via reducing local and systemic inflammation
Authors: Deng Shin‐Meng , Chen Chia‐Jung , Lin Hung‐Lung , Cheng Irene H.
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that impairs multiple memory domains without an effective prevention or treatment approach. Amyloid plaque‐induced neuroinflammation exacerbates neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in AD. To reduce neuroinflammation, we applied prebiotics or synbiotics to modulate the gut–brain axis in the AD mouse model. AD‐like deficits were reduced in mice treated with synbiotics, suggesting that dietary modulation of the gut–brain axis is a potential approach to delay AD progression.
Frequency and characteristics of medical emergencies in an Australian dental school: A retrospective study
Authors: Zachar Jessica Joanna , Reher Peter
Published: December 2021

Purpose/Objectives

The frequency of medical emergencies in a dental setting is relatively low. However, most dental treatment occurs outside of a hospital setting; thus the time to respond to a life‐threatening situation is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of medical emergencies that occurred at the Griffith University Dental Clinic over a 6‐year period.

Methods

Data involving medical emergencies was collected at a dental school between January 2014 and December 2019. Data was obtained from the risk incident reporting system (GSafe), and descriptive statistics were analyzed using IBM SPSS.

Results

The frequency of medical emergencies in a dental setting over the 6‐year retrospective period based on the number of dental services provided was 0.037% (n = 108). The three most common medical emergencies were syncope (25.0%), hypoglycemia (16.7%), and foreign body ingestion (13.9%). These happened more often during dental extractions (26.9%), followed by local anesthesia (16.7%) and restorative procedures (13.0%). A larger portion of these incidents occurred during dental treatment (62.0%) as opposed to before (12.0%) or after (26.0%). Most medical emergencies happened within the dental student clinic (72.2%) followed by the dental waiting room (19.5%) and dental private clinic (8.3%).

Conclusion

Overall, the number of medical emergencies at the Griffith University Dental Clinic was low. The most common medical emergencies were syncope, hypoglycemia, and foreign body ingestion. Dental education in preventative strategies and training in basic life support is necessary to ensure dental practitioners can manage the acute deterioration of a patient promptly.
Substantial increase of compound droughts and heatwaves in wheat growing seasons worldwide
Authors: He Yan , Fang Jiayi , Xu Wei , Shi Peijun
Published: December 2021

Droughts and heatwaves are the most detrimental climatic threats to global wheat production, their spatiotemporal coexistence (compound drought and heatwave events [CDHEs]) can cause synergistic and amplified impacts on wheat yield, which call for an improved understating of their characteristics and variations that related to wheat growth. Past decade has witnessed a surge in the study of CDHEs in terms of their causative mechanisms, variabilities and impacts; however, changes in CDHEs occurring within crops' growing seasons are barely discussed, especially on global scale. In this study, we proposed a novel approach to identify and summarize CDHEs by taking “crop growing season” as accumulated period, and investigated the spatiotemporal changes of CDHEs occurring within wheat growing seasons over global wheat‐producing areas during 1981–2020, including their spatial extent, frequency and duration. Results show that the spatial extent of CDHEs experienced rapid expansion during wheat growing seasons of 1981–2020, meanwhile, droughts and heatwaves increasingly tended to occur simultaneously. More than 92% of wheat‐producing areas experienced at least one CDHE in each wheat growing season, the frequency of CDHEs increased significantly in 28.2% of wheat‐producing areas, and the total duration of CDHEs increased significantly in 33.2% of wheat‐producing areas. Europe, eastern China, western US and northern Argentina are the hotspot regions with the biggest contradiction between fast‐increasing CDHEs and wheat production, pointing to the urgency of marking spatially targeted adaptation measures for disaster reduction and risk management.
Value of the Controlling Nutritional Status score in predicting the prognosis of patients with lung cancer: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yue , Zhang Xi , Zhang Qi , Xie Hai‐Lun , Ruan Guo‐Tian , Liu Tong , Song Meng‐Meng , Ge Yi‐Zhong , Xu Hong‐Xia , Song Chun‐Hua , Shi Han‐Ping
Published: December 2021

Background

The body's immune‐nutrition status affects prognosis in patients with lung cancer. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is an immune‐nutrition‒related index associated with prognosis in other tumors. We aimed to assess the value of CONUT scores in predicting prognosis in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective, multicenter study, 1339 patients with lung cancer were divided into low and high CONUT score groups. The relationship between CONUT scores and overall survival (OS) was assessed by survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. A nomogram, including CONUT scores and other clinical variables, was established.

Results

There were 659 (49.2%; mean age, 59.91 years) low and 680 (50.8%; mean age, 62.23 years) high CONUT score patients. OS was significantly worse in patients with high than in those with low CONUT scores (P < 0.001), even after stratification by pathological types (non–small‐cell lung cancer and small‐cell lung cancer) and Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stages. A high CONUT score independently predicted risk in patients with lung cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.26‒1.73; P < 0.001). The CONUT‐based nomogram could predict prognosis well (C‐index, 0.701), with better resolution and accuracy than TNM staging for predicting OS at 1, 2, and 3 years (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.735 vs 0.678, 0.742 vs 0.696, and 0.768 vs 0.743, respectively).

Conclusion

The CONUT score can predict prognosis in patients with lung cancer. A CONUT‐based nomogram can improve the accuracy of survival prediction in such patients.
Evaluation of GCF IL‐17, IL‐10, TWEAK, and sclerostin levels after scaling and root planing and adjunctive use of diode laser application in patients with periodontitis
Authors: Gur Ali Tugrul , Guncu Guliz N. , Akman Abdullah C. , Pinar Asli , Karabulut Erdem , Nohutcu Rahime M.
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the diode laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) and also determine the biochemical profile by evaluating the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and sclerostin.

Methods

A total of 40 systemically healthy, patients with Stage III periodontitis were included in this randomized controlled study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as SRP + diode laser (L) (0.80W power, 940 nm wavelength and 0.80J/s energy level) and only SRP group. Recording of periodontal parameters and collecting GCF samples were performed at baseline, first and 3rd months. Biomarker levels in GCF were measured with ELISA

Results

At baseline, no significant difference was detected between groups in terms of both clinical and biochemical parameters. All biochemical parameters (except for IL‐10 in control group), presented a statistically significant difference for 3 months study period in both groups. When laser and control groups were compared, significant differences were not observed, except the lower GCF IL‐17 levels (P = 0.025), bleeding on probing (P = 0.028), and clinical attachment level (CAL) (P = 0.0002) values in laser group at third, first, and third months, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were also noted between biochemical parameters and clinical parameters.

Conclusions

The GCF IL‐17, TWEAK, and sclerostin levels may be useful for monitoring response to SRP+L therapy. However, long‐term studies on higher populations are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive use of diode laser application to SRP.
Habitat associations at multiple scales identify areas of management priority for American woodcock in Nova Scotia
Authors: Gutowsky Sarah E. , Gutowsky Lee F. G. , Milton G. Randy , Mallory Mark. L.
Published: December 2021

Identifying optimal habitat and predicting species distributions are essential components in developing management priorities for species of concern. In Nova Scotia, Canada, the breeding population of American woodcock (Scolopax minor) has been in decline over the past 50 years, likely in part because of reduced availability of habitat. We aimed to identify regions in Nova Scotia expected to support high numbers of woodcock, and whether monitoring efforts sufficiently capture the distribution of habitat. We generated a species distribution model to identify areas of highest relative predicted abundance and optimal habitat based on 15 years of standardized singing ground survey monitoring conducted along 50 routes and a candidate set of 56 habitat variables representative of composition and configuration at each of 2 ecologically relevant spatial scales (i.e., describing habitat immediately available to displaying males and the broader landscape used by the local breeding population). The species distribution model indicated extensive areas of optimal habitat in the central mainland characterized by moist organic soils, large, irregularly shaped patches of early successional forest, and large patches of open space created by developed, urban areas. We identified additional smaller pockets of habitat throughout the province likely to support relatively high local abundances. Much of the area identified as optimal habitat is not currently surveyed by singing ground survey routes. Expanding survey route coverage into regions identified as potentially optimal habitat could help clarify drivers of population declines. Overall, partnerships with provincial forest managers will be key to ensuring the maintenance of woodcock habitat while balancing the needs of a suite of avian species toward the goal of biodiversity conservation in Nova Scotia.
Astragalus polysaccharide alleviated hepatocyte senescence via autophagy pathway
Authors: Yao Ting , Chen Jin‐Mei , Shen Le‐Er , Yu Yong‐Sheng , Tang Zheng‐Hao , Zang Guo‐Qing , Zhang Yi , Chen Xiao‐Hua
Published: December 2021

Aging is characterized by inevitable organ function decline over time, with consequent body deterioration and increased susceptibility to death. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has been reported to have anti‐oxidative, anti‐apoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. We investigated the potential protective effects of APS on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced hepatocyte senescence and identified related mechanisms in L02, Huh7, and LM3 cell lines. Aged female C57BL/6 mice were given APS for 1 week by intraperitoneal injection, and APS provided the strongest protective effect against H2O2‐induced damage at 100 μM. APS reduced the expression of cell senescence markers and alleviated pathological damage in aged mouse liver. APS treatment decreased oxidative stress, apoptosis, NOD‐like receptor protein‐3‐mediated pyroptosis, and maintained mitochondrial homeostasis. Notably, the protective effect of APS was weakened in the presence of chloroquine. APS might enrich autophagy by activating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In conclusion, APS reduced reactive oxygen species levels, inhibited apoptosis and pyroptosis, and promoted mitophagy via AMPK/mTOR pathway to alleviate hepatocyte senescence in vitro and in vivo.
Novel Bio‐Based Catechol‐Containing Copolymers by Precision Polymerization of Caffeic Acid‐Derived Styrenes Using Ester Protection
Authors: Tanizaki Shiho , Kubo Tomohiro , Satoh Kotaro
Published: December 2021

In this study, ester‐protected vinyl catechols (VCs) derived from caffeic acid are synthesized to design novel functional copolymers. The protected VCs are polymerized or copolymerized with a series of common vinyl monomers via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using cumyl dithiobenzoate as the RAFT agent. The RAFT polymerizations of these protected VCs have been successfully proceeded to afford well‐defined polymers with relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. The deprotection of catechol ester proceeded quantitatively and selectively by primary amine with the formation of amide under a mild condition. In particular, the random/statistical and block copolymerization led to catechol‐containing copolymers with well‐defined structures.
Processing of Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) Microfibers via Melt Electrowriting
Authors: Böhm Christoph , Tandon Biranche , Hrynevich Andrei , Teßmar Jörg , Dalton Paul D.
Published: December 2021

Polymers sensitive to thermal degradation include poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), which is not yet processed via melt electrowriting (MEW). After an initial period of instability where mean fiber diameters increase from 20.56 to 27.37 µm in 3.5 h, processing stabilizes through to 24 h. The jet speed, determined using critical translation speed measurements, also reduces slightly in this 3.5 h period from 500 to 433 mm min−1 but generally remains constant. Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) as an additive decreases the glass transition temperature of PLGA from 49 to 4 °C, and the printed ATEC/PLGA fibers exhibits elastomeric behavior upon handling. Fiber bundles tested in cyclic mechanical testing display increased elasticity with increasing ATEC concentration. The processing temperature of PLGA also reduces from 165 to 143 °C with increase in ATEC concentration. This initial window of unstable direct writing seen with neat PLGA can also be impacted through the addition of 10‐wt% ATEC, producing fiber diameters of 14.13 ± 1.69 µm for the first 3.5 h of heating. The investigation shows that the initial changes to the PLGA direct‐writing outcomes seen in the first 3.5 h are temporary and that longer times result in a more stable MEW process.
Zwitterionic Ammonium Sulfonate Polymers: Synthesis and Properties in Fluids
Authors: Brown Marcel U. , Seong Hong‐Gyu , Margossian Khatcher O. , Bishop Lauren , Russell Thomas P. , Muthukumar Murugappan , Emrick Todd
Published: December 2021

Polymer zwitterions continue to emerge as useful materials for numerous applications, ranging from hydrophilic and antifouling coatings to electronic materials interfaces. While several polymer zwitterion compositions are now well established, interest in this field of soft materials science has grown rapidly in recent years due to the introduction of new structures that diversify their chemistry and architecture. Nonetheless, at present, the variation of the chemical composition of the anionic and cationic components of zwitterionic structures remains relatively limited to a few primary examples. In this article, the versatility of 4‐vinylbenzyl sultone as a precursor to ammonium sulfonate zwitterionic monomers, which are then used in controlled free radical polymerization chemistry to afford “inverted sulfobetaine” polymer zwitterions, is highlighted. An evaluation of the solubility, interfacial activity, and solution configuration of the resultant polymers reveals the dependence of properties on the selection of tertiary amines used for nucleophilic ring‐opening of the sultone precursor, as well as useful properties comparisons across different zwitterionic compositions.
Pharmacophore‐guided Virtual Screening to Identify New β3‐adrenergic Receptor Agonists
Authors: Ujiantari Navista Sri Octa , Ham Seungmin , Nagiri Chisae , Shihoya Wataru , Nureki Osamu , Hutchinson Dana Sabine , Schuster Daniela
Published: December 2021

The β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3‐AR) is found in several tissues such as adipose tissue and urinary bladder. It is a therapeutic target because it plays a role in thermogenesis, lipolysis, and bladder relaxation. Two β3‐AR agonists are used clinically: mirabegron1and vibegron2, which are indicated for overactive bladder syndrome. However, these drugs show adverse effects, including increased blood pressure in mirabegron patients. Hence, new β3‐AR agonists are needed as starting points for drug development. Previous pharmacophore modeling studies of the β3‐AR did not involve experimental in vitro validation. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct prospective virtual screening and confirm the biological activity of virtual hits. Ligand‐based pharmacophore modeling was performed since no 3D structure of human β3‐AR is yet available. A dataset consisting of β3‐AR agonists was prepared to build and validate the pharmacophore models. The best model was employed for prospective virtual screening, followed by physicochemical property filtering and a docking evaluation. To confirm the activity of the virtual hits, an in vitro assay was conducted, measuring cAMP levels at the cloned β3‐AR. Out of 35 tested compounds, 4 compounds were active in CHO−K1 cells expressing the human β3‐AR, and 8 compounds were active in CHO−K1 cells expressing the mouse β3‐AR.
Modeling the cost of anti‐predator strategy in a predator‐prey system: The roles of indirect effect
Authors: Tripathi Jai Prakash , Bugalia Sarita , Jana Debaldev , Gupta Nisha , Tiwari Vandana , Li Jing , Sun Gui‐Quan
Published: December 2021

The anti‐predator decision making may lower down/change the food/energy intake of prey which naturally translate into a decrease in their reproductive output. More importantly, experimental studies also ensure that the predator‐induced fear (indirect effect) may alter much behavior of the prey even more strongly than the effect of direct killing via habitat changes, vigilance, foraging, and different physiological changes. Considering this fact, we analyze a delayed predator‐prey system incorporating anti‐predator defense. The interaction term has been modeled using Beddington‐DeAngelis functional response (BDFR). We discuss the local and global stability, permanence, and non‐permanence to comprehend the dynamics of the system. By constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, globally asymptotic stability has been established. We also demonstrate that a certain value of delay may cause Hopf‐bifurcation and period‐doubling route to chaos. It is shown that under certain parametric conditions, the gestation delay‐induced oscillations could be prevented. Using Nyquist criterion, the length of delay has been estimated for which the stability continues to hold. Moreover, we find that spatial diffusion affects the critical value of the bifurcation parameter and demonstrate the existence of spatially homogeneous periodic solutions with the change of time delay. In addition, the level of fear also affects the dynamical behaviors of the delayed system with/without diffusion. These results indicate that the gestation delay induces oscillatory coexistence mode of the interaction between predator and its prey, which reveals the driving factors for the co‐existence of predator and prey in the form of periodic oscillations in actual ecosystems.
Dual‐mode wideband slotted patch antenna using characteristic mode analysis and low‐cost SISL technology
Authors: Newton Moro Eric , Ma Kaixue , Luo Yu , Yan Ningning , Tang Bin
Published: December 2021

A dual‐mode wideband slotted patch antenna using characteristic mode analysis (CMA) on substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) platform is presented. The proposed antenna combines the fundamental mode (TM01) and a higher‐order mode (TM21) of a rectangular patch to enhance antenna bandwidth. First, detailed studies into the modal significance, far‐field pattern, and current distribution on the potential radiating patch with the assistance of the CMA. The split radiation pattern of the TM21 mode is reshaped into a single directive pattern through slot‐loading techniques on the rectangular patch. The TM21 shifts close to the fundamental mode with similar polarization currents at the short‐edge length of the patch. Full‐wave simulations are performed to verify the CMA report by exciting the TM01 and TM21 modes. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested. The experimental results agree well with the simulations and show a −10 dB bandwidth of 3.30–3.65 GHz. An average gain and efficiency of more than 7.0 dBi and 86% are accomplished in measurement over the operation band of the ongoing 5G communication. Besides, the antenna exhibits a compact size, low cost, and self‐package characteristics.
Evaluation of the effect of levator ani muscle contraction on post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence using cine MRI
Authors: Kumagai Shin , Muraki Osamu , Yoshimura Yasukuni
Published: December 2021

Aim

Post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) is the greatest concern for urologists after radical prostatectomy (RP). It is thought that PPI is composed of multiple factors including static and dynamic components. The purpose of this study is to show visually levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction during pelvic floor muscle contraction and to evaluate the dynamic differences in its contraction between men with and without PPI.

Methods

This study was a case‐control study of the urinary continent or incontinent men. It investigated whether LAM contraction was involved in urinary leakage based on examination of LAM contraction by cine magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The LAM contracted from the coccyx to the pubis in the same manner before and after surgery. The degree of contraction of the LAM in post‐prostatectomy groups was smaller than that in the healthy adult group. The contraction distances of each part of the pelvic floor were decreased by 50%–70% in the incontinence group compared to those in the continence group. The bladder neck moved 2.5‐fold further in the continence group and the direction of movement was more vertical than in the incontinence group. Urethral compression was attenuated by about 40% in the incontinence group compared to that in the continence group.

Conclusions

RP can cause damage to the LAM. LAM contraction is reduced after RP compared with that in healthy adult men. In men with PPI, the reduced muscle contraction might not compress the urethra sufficiently when abdominal pressure is raised. Pelvic floor muscle training might provide a meaningful method for the recovery of LAM contraction in patients with PPI.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy thermometry: Impact of separately acquired full water or partially suppressed water data on quantification and measurement error
Authors: Dong Zhengchao , Milak Matthew S. , Mann J. John
Published: December 2021

In proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) thermometry, separately acquired full water and partially suppressed water are commonly used for measuring temperature. This paper compares these two approaches. Single‐voxel 1H MRS data were collected on a 3‐T GE scanner from 26 human subjects. Every subject underwent five continuous MRS sessions, each separated by a 2‐min phase. Each MRS session lasted 13 min and consisted of two free induction decays (FIDs) without water suppression (with full water [FW or w]) and 64 FIDs with partial water suppression (with partially suppressed water [PW or w’]). Frequency differences between the two FWs, the first two PWs, the second FW and the first PW (FW2, PW1), or between averaged water (
) and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), were measured. Intrasubject and intersubject variations of the frequency differences were used as a metric for the error in temperature measurement. The intrasubject variations of frequency differences between FW2 and PW1
, calculated from the five MRS sessions for each subject, were larger than those between the two FWs or between the first two PWs (p = 1.54 x 10−4 and p = 1.72 x 10−4, respectively). The mean values of intrasubject variations of
for all subjects were 4.7 and 4.5 times those of
and
, respectively. The intrasubject variations of the temperatures based on frequency differences,
or (
), were about 2.5 times greater than those based on averaged water and NAA frequencies
). The mean temperature measured from
) (n = 26) was 0.29°C lower than that measured from
and was 0.83°C higher than that from (
). It was concluded that the use of separately acquired unsuppressed or partially suppressed water signals may result in large errors in frequency and, consequently, temperature measurement.
Examining weekly facilitated group sessions and counselor‐crafted self‐monitoring feedback on treatment outcome in digital weight control: A pilot factorial study
Authors: West Delia S. , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Stansbury Melissa L. , Ogden Doris , Borden Janna , Harvey Jean R.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Weight control programs that incorporate group sessions produce greater weight losses, but this has not been explored in the context of online programs. Further, counselor‐crafted self‐monitoring feedback is a core element of lifestyle interventions, although pre‐scripted, modular feedback which does not require detailed counselor review may adequately promote weight loss. The current study explored the weight losses achieved in an online program that included facilitated group sessions, as well as outcomes when counselor‐crafted self‐monitoring feedback was provided.

Methods

A 2 × 2 pilot factorial randomized participants (90% women) with overweight/obesity (N = 73) to facilitated group sessions (yes/no) and type of feedback (counselor‐crafted/pre‐scripted, modular) within a 16‐week online behavioral weight control program. Weight change outcomes were collected digitally. Treatment engagement and intervention delivery time were also tracked.

Results

Individuals offered weekly facilitated online group sessions lost more weight (−5.3% ± 4.9%) than those receiving the same digital program without group sessions (−3.1% ± 4.0%; p = 0.04). Those receiving group sessions also demonstrated significantly greater treatment engagement. Individuals receiving pre‐scripted, modular feedback lost significantly more weight (−5.3% ± 4.8%) than those receiving the more traditional counselor‐crafted feedback (−3.1% ± 4.1%; p = 0.04), but treatment engagement did not differ between conditions. However, interventionist time required to provide feedback was markedly lower for pre‐scripted than counselor‐crafted feedback (1.4 vs. 3.5 h per participant over 16 weeks, respectively, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Incorporating weekly facilitated online group sessions significantly increased weight losses achieved in a digital lifestyle program. Further, pre‐scripted, modular feedback required significantly less staff time than counselor‐crafted feedback without diminishing weight losses. Thus, group sessions and pre‐scripted feedback warrant consideration when designing digital lifestyle programs.
Effects of COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions on parents' attitudes towards green space and time spent outside by children in Cambridgeshire and North London, United Kingdom
Authors: Howlett Kate , Turner Edgar C.
Published: December 2021

In the United Kingdom, children are spending less time outdoors and are more disconnected from nature than previous generations. However, interaction with nature at a young age can benefit wellbeing and long‐term support for conservation. Green space accessibility in the United Kingdom varies between rural and urban areas and is lower for children than for adults. It is possible that COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions may have influenced these differences.

In this study, we assessed parents' attitudes towards green space, as well as whether the COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions had affected their attitudes or the amount of time spent outside by their children, via an online survey for parents of primary school‐aged children in Cambridgeshire and North London, UK (n = 171). We assessed whether responses were affected by local environment (rural, suburban or urban), school type (state‐funded or fee‐paying) or garden access (with or without private garden access).

Parents' attitudes towards green space were significantly different between local environments: 76.9% of rural parents reported being happy with the amount of green space to which their children had access, in contrast with only 40.5% of urban parents.

COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions also affected parents' attitudes to the importance of green space, and this differed between local environments: 75.7% of urban parents said their views had changed during lockdown, in contrast with 35.9% of rural parents. The change in amount of time spent outside by children during lockdown was also significantly different between local environments: most urban children spent more time inside during lockdown, while most rural children spent more time outside.

Neither parents' attitudes towards green space nor the amount of time spent outside by their children varied with school type or garden access.

Our results suggest that lockdown restrictions exacerbated pre‐existing differences in access to nature between urban and rural children in our sampled population. We suggest that the current increased public and political awareness of the value of green space should be capitalised on to increase provision and access to green space and to reduce inequalities in accessibility and awareness of nature between children from different backgrounds.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Improved mechanical properties of poly(l‐lactic acid) stent coated by poly(d, l‐lactic acid) and poly(l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) biopolymer blend
Authors: Cheng Jie , Li Junjie , Deng Dongwen , Wu Gensheng , Zhou Min , Zhao Gutian , Ni Zhonghua
Published: December 2021

Biopolymer coating is widely used in stent for drug delivery while few researches relate to its effect on mechanical properties. The strategy of blending poly(d, l‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) and poly(l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) (100/0, 80/20, 50/50, wt/wt) was adopted in this study to explore solutions. Experiments on radial force, bending stiffness and surface morphology of poly(L‐lactic acid) stents were carried out to study the comprehensive influence of coatings with different formulations on the mechanical properties of stents. Results suggested that stents coated with PDLLA/PLGA (80/20) have shown the most superior radial supporting performance and axial flexibility. Moreover, scanning electron microscopic image of surface morphology of stents showed reliable adhesion between the coatings and stents. This study can provide a feasible method for improving the mechanical properties of bioresorbable vascular stents.
The structure, properties, and foaming of long chain branched polypropylene/clay‐supported calcium pimelate composites
Authors: Cao Jing , Wen Na , Zheng Yuying , Chen Que
Published: December 2021

Long chain branched polypropylene/clay‐supported calcium pimelate (LCBPP/CaHA‐OMMT) composites and their foams were prepared using self‐made CaHA‐OMMTs. The CaHA‐OMMT showed high β‐nucleation efficiency, especially that with larger initial interlayer distance could induce 89% of β crystal in LCBPP with a dosage of 0.5%. Clay layers were mostly exfoliated in the composites with low CaHA‐OMMT content, while intercalated structure was dominant and agglomeration occurred when the content of CaHA‐OMMT was higher than 2%. The composite foams were prepared with improved compression molding. The cell structure of the composite foams is improved, that is, the density, cell size, and cell size distribution decreased, and the cell density increased compared with that of LCBPP foam. The minimum average cell size of LCBPP/CaHA‐OMMT foams was 77 μm and the maximum cell density was 2.8 × 106 cells/cm3 with the CaHA‐OMMT content of 2%. It is concluded that there are two requirements for high nucleation efficiency: the CaHA was supported on OMMT layers, and the OMMT platelets were dispersed well and exfoliated. The compression properties of the composite foams, including compression modulus, energy absorption density and failure strength increased first and then decreased with the increase of CaHA‐OMMT content.
Influence of spin casting solvent on the self‐assembly of silicon‐containing block copolymer thin films via high temperature thermal treatment
Authors: Giammaria Tommaso J , Laus Michele , Chiarcos Riccardo , Ober Christopher K , Seguini Gabriele , Perego Michele
Published: December 2021

The present paper focuses on the influence of different solvents (toluene, mesitylene, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) and ethyl acetate) on the self‐assembly behaviour of cylinder‐forming polystyrene‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane‐random‐vinylmethylsiloxane) diblock copolymer films deposited on thin brush layers of polystyrene (PS) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymers grafted to a silicon substrate. The morphology and the key metrics for all samples were determined from the analysis of the SEM images and their evolution was investigated, as a function of the annealing time at 310 °C, for each solvent and for both PS and PMMA brushes. In general, shorter correlation lengths ξ are observed on PS brushes than on PMMA brushes. In addition, SEM data analysis reveals that tetrahydrofuran, PGMEA and ethyl acetate solvents promote a morphological change from fingerprint‐like parallel cylinders to a hexagonally packed dot pattern for annealing time tA > 30 s. Finally, the line edge roughness and linewidth roughness values are weakly dependent on both the casting solvent and the nature of the grafted brush. The reported data reveal that the choice of the polymer brush nature and of the solvent employed during the spin coating of the diblock copolymer film could substantially affect the self‐assembly process and requires accurate optimization due to their subtle interplay. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
The effects of ADHD symptomatology and academic enabling behaviours on undergraduate academic achievement
Authors: Dou Angela , Oram Rylee , Rogers Maria , DuPaul George
Published: December 2021

University students demonstrating higher levels of Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptom severity largely experience lower academic achievement. Educational research has found that a group of behaviours (i.e., study skills, interpersonal skills, engagement, and motivation) known as academic enablers (AE) facilitate positive outcomes within a classroom‐based learning environment. The current study recruited 617 undergraduate students to explore whether ADHD symptomatology and AE emerge as significant predictors of academic achievement at the university level, and whether demonstration of AE contribute to predicting achievement above and beyond that of ADHD effects. Results from simple linear regression analysis indicated that higher ADHD symptom severity predicted poorer academic achievement. Greater application of AE—excluding interpersonal skills—predicted greater academic achievement among university students. Exploratory results from hierarchical linear regression analysis suggested that demonstration of engagement, motivation, and especially study skills contribute towards predicting greater academic achievement while controlling for negative effects from ADHD symptom presentation. These findings imply that undergraduate academic outcomes can potentially be improved for students struggling with more severe ADHD symptom presentation if more emphasis is placed by universities to promote academic enabling behaviours within the educational framework and environment.
An uncommon side effect of linezolid: Black hairy tongue
Authors: Sivaraman Shanmugapriyan , Gomathi Radhakrishnan Gokul , Manogaran Rajesh , Cheriyan Binoy Varghese
Published: December 2021

Linezolid therapy is known to cause black hairy tongue, which is benign and reversible. A 65‐year‐old diabetic male was on treatment for diabetic nonhealing ulcer involving right foot and sole for the past 6 months. Linezolid was started based on the culture and sensitivity of the pus. Patient developed thrombocytopenia and black hairy tongue after 7 days of the drug regimen. Drug was stopped and patient was advised to maintain good oral hygiene, soft tooth brush for brushing and regular mouth wash with lukewarm water. The black hairy tongue completely resolved within a week after stopping the drug. The taste and foreign body sensation on the tongue while swallowing were also improved. The diabetic wound was treated by starting vancomycin after giving a surgical wound debridement by a general surgeon.
Metarhizium anisopliae is a valuable grist for biocontrol in beta‐cypermethrin‐resistant Blattella germanica (L.)
Authors: Zhang Xian Cui , Jiang Meng , Zang Ya Nan , Zhao Hai Zheng , Liu Cai Xia , Liu Bao Rui , Xue Hua , Schal Coby , Lu Xing Meng , Zhao Dong Qin , Zhang Xue Xia , Zhang Fan
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of chemical insecticides has resulted in the development of resistance in German cockroaches worldwide, and biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi as active ingredients have become a promising alternative strategy. Resistance can change many of the physiological and biochemical characteristics of insect pests, such as cuticle thickness, detoxification enzyme activity, and even intestinal flora composition. Thus, potential interactions between pathogenic fungi and insecticide resistance may lead to unpredictable changes in pest susceptibility to fungi.

RESULTS

Beta‐cypermethrin‐resistant German cockroaches were more susceptible to infection with the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae regardless of age and sex. Histopathological results showed that the infection of resistant strains (R) by M. anisopliae was visibly faster than that of susceptible strains (S). The gut microbiota of the S strain indicated a stronger ability to inhibit fungi in vitro. The abundance of Parabacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, and Tyzzerella_3 decreased significantly in the R strain, and most demonstrated the ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, and antifungal infections. The expression levels of Akirin, BgTPS, and BgPo genes in the R strain were significantly lower than those in the S strain, while BgChi and CYP4G19 gene expression were significantly higher. The mortality of cockroaches infected with M. anisopliae decreased to varying degrees after RNA interference, reflecting the role of these genes in antifungal infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Results confirmed that insecticide resistance may enhance cockroach susceptibility to fungi by altering intestinal flora and gene expression. Fungal biopesticides have high utilization value in pest control and insecticide resistance management strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of electroacupuncture in the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore (E‐AcuSpA)
Authors: Fong Warren , Kwan Yu Heng , Quek Su‐An , Lim Ader , Wong Chiah Yuen , Chua Shin Yoong , Tan Hui Chin , Eng Clara , Tan Choy Tip , Dong Bao Qiang , Huang Youyi , Tan Chuen Seng , Tai Bee Choo , Woon Ting Hui , Phang Jie Kie , Koh Hwee Ling , Leung Ying Ying , Thumboo Julian , Østbye Truls
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite therapeutic advances, treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) continue to pose as a challenge as many do not respond well to conventional Western medications, such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Hence, acupuncture is a possible alternative. Some studies found electroacupuncture to be better than manual acupuncture, though no trials have been conducted in patients with axSpA. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of electroacupuncture compared to manual acupuncture for patients with axSpA.

Methods/Design

This randomized controlled trial will recruit 100 patients diagnosed with axSpA, who have active disease despite NSAIDs and bDMARDs. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either electroacupuncture or manual acupuncture in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will receive standard rheumatologic care in addition to 20 acupuncture sessions. The mean difference in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score between the 2 groups over 12 weeks will serve as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include improvements in other clinical, quality of life, and economic outcomes over 24 weeks. All adverse events will be recorded.

Discussion

Results from this trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of electroacupuncture compared to manual acupuncture for patients with axSpA, and guide implementation into clinical practice. Limitations of this trial include the lack of patient blinding, use of a repeated measures design, and possible variation in acupuncture technique amongst the various Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Modeling depth‐averaged streamwise velocity in a channel with one‐line emergent vegetation patches
Authors: Li Dian , Huai Wenxin , Liu Mengyang
Published: December 2021

A single line of vegetation is common in natural rivers and ecological restoration projects and can serve many purposes. However, the strong momentum transfer between the vegetated and non‐vegetated areas and the discontinuously distributed patches usually makes it difficult to predict the lateral distributions of velocity. This study experimentally investigated channel flow with an array of emergent porous vegetation patches planted along the sidewall. The lateral distribution of depth‐averaged streamwise velocity was modeled using a modified Shiono and Knight method. The influences of lateral turbulence, bed friction, drag force, and secondary flows indicated by , f, Cd, and were all considered in the model. The input parameters and the boundary conditions were analyzed thoroughly and determined accordingly. The results showed that the modeled data agree reasonably well with the experimental data for different vegetation densities. The effects of the boundary conditions and the secondary flows were discussed in detail.