bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and correlation of microbial community and flavor in Pixian Douban fermented with closed process of constant temperature
Authors: Ding Wenwu , Zhao Xiaoyan , Xie Si , Liu Yan , Zhang Manna , Che Zhenming , Liu Yi , Liu Ping , Lin Hongbin
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

As a Chinese traditional flavor condiment, Pixian Douban (PXDB) is produced using a traditional open fermentation process. In this study, an experimental fermentation of PXDB was conducted at 40 °C for 90 days in a closed system, which has not been applied to PXDB production. The flavor, microbial community and correlations of the samples in the closed system were compared with those in the traditional fermentation.

RESULTS

The content of organic acids and free amino acids in the closed fermentation of constant temperature (CFCT) achieved the standards of product quality, although they were lower than those in the traditional fermentation. Of the 140 detected aroma components, 98 were shared in the two fermentation processes. Enterobacter, Bacteroides and Megamonas were the core microbial genera related to 26 flavor components in the traditional fermentation, while Pantoea was the core microbial genus related to 18 flavor components in CFCT. The CFCT has its own unique advantages over traditional fermentation in forming aromas. It produced a greater impact on the succession of fungi than those of bacteria after changing traditional fermentation to CFCT. The influence of microorganisms on the formation of flavor components was relatively more balanced in CFCT, while the changed fermentation process impacted greatly on the functions of Zygosaccharomomyces and Pichia but little on those of Sphingomonas, Megamonas and Parabacteroides.

CONCLUSION

The study indicated that it was feasible to ferment PXDB in the closed system, and provides a basis to realize controllable PXDB production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancing the functional characteristics of soy protein isolate via cross‐linking catalyzed by Bacillus subtilis transglutaminase
Authors: Liu Yexue , Zhang Yuanfu , Guo Zehui , Wang Chen , Kang Hongwei , Li Jingwen , Wang Wenhang , Li Yu , Lu Fuping , Liu Yihan
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Although Streptomyces mobaraense transglutaminase (MTG) has been extensively applied to enhance the functional characteristics of soy protein isolate (SPI) through cross‐linking, various transglutaminases (TGs) in nature may provide more choice in the food industry. Previous research reported that TG derived from Bacillus subtilis (BTG) exhibited better pH stability and thermostability than MTG.

RESULTS

An attempt was made to study the influence of BTG induced cross‐linking on the properties of SPI. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) results indicated that almost all protein constituents (α', α, β, AS, and BS) in SPI could be cross‐linked with BTG treatment. The BTG treatment also resulted in a significant increase (*P < 0.05) in SPI mean particle size. Emulsifying activity and stability were improved from 0.11535 m2 g−1 and 48.3% for native SPI to 0.13252 m2 g−1 and 83.9% for SPI treated with BTG at 6 h. Similarly, the modified SPI showed better foam activity (1.32 mL) and stability (87.6%) than the original SPI (0.93 mL and 56.8%). The water‐holding capacity of SPI gel was found to increase with time, with a value of 95.43% at 6 h. Furthermore, SPI gel's texture profiles were greatly improved by adding BTG (*P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that BTG could be a promising cross‐linking agent for improving the functional characteristics of SPI. As a substitute for MTG, BTG could thus potentially be used for food structure engineering to enhance the functional characteristics of multiple proteins to advance the development of food chemistry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of organic chromium sources on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, breast amino acid and fatty acid profiles in broilers
Authors: Han Miaomiao , Chen Yiqiang , Li Juntao , Dong Yuanyang , Miao Zhiqiang , Li Jianhui , Zhang Liying
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Trivalent chromium (Cr) is involved in carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid metabolism in animals. This study evaluated the effects of different organic Cr forms with Cr methionine (CrMet), Cr picolinate (CrPic), Cr nicotinate (CrNic), and Cr yeast (Cr‐yeast) at the level of 400 μg kg−1 Cr, on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, breast amino acid and fatty acid profiles of broilers. In total, 540 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to five treatments with six replicates (18 broilers per replicate) until day 42.

RESULTS

The results showed growth performance was not affected by Cr sources. The Cr‐yeast group had lower serum cortisol levels than the CrNic group (P < 0.05). Besides, Cr‐yeast increased methionine and cysteine content in breast compared with the control group. Liver malondialdehyde content was lower in the CrMet group than the CrPic group on day 42 (P < 0.05). The n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) values were increased, but the n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio was decreased in both CrMet and CrNic groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects on broilers’ serum antioxidant status and breast total essential amino acid content among all treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Diets supplemented with organic Cr could regulate lipid metabolism, and improve amino acid and fatty acid profiles in broiler breast. Moreover, Cr‐yeast was the most effective source in improving methionine and cysteine content, whereas CrMet was more effective than CrNic in increasing n‐3 PUFA value and decreasing n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio in breast meat and effectively strengthened liver antioxidant ability than CrPic. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Experimental and theoretical studies on the reaction of H atom with C3H6
Authors: Chen Wei‐Yu , Nguyen Trong‐Nghia , Lin Ming‐Chang , Wang Niann‐Shiah , Matsui Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

A comprehensive study on the reaction of H + C3H6has been conducted in order to clarify the temperature and pressure dependence of product branching. Site‐specific rate of addition of a hydrogen atom to the center carbon is measured by a comparative method for the evolutions of H atoms behind reflected shock waves. The rate constant for the addition to the center carbon can be given by ln(k1‐2/cm3molecule–1s–1) = – (1.67 ± 0.65) × 103 T–1 – (24.18 ± 0.55) for H + C3H6 → n‐C3H7* → products (T = 1065‐1306 K) without pressure dependence forP = 1‐2 bar. Theoretical calculation was conducted to evaluate the pressure dependence of the product branching for the H + C3H6reaction by using transition‐state theory and RRKM theory based on quantum‐chemical calculations of potential‐energy surfaces. The result indicates that transition of the main reaction channel from addition to the terminal carbon in the low temperature range to the central carbon at moderate pressures (0.001‐10 bar) and elevated temperatures causes S‐shaped non‐Arrhenius temperature dependence of the total reaction rate againstT–1; at the transition temperature, a strong pressure dependence was predicted. Our experimental result ofk1‐2agrees very well with the predicted value and available experimental data. The predicted rate constant ratio for the terminal versus nonterminal additions at the high‐pressure limits agrees well with the temperature dependence reported by Manion and Awan for the analogous H + C4H8reaction. Furthermore, the importance of H‐abstraction reactions at elevated temperatures from three different sites of C3H6was predicted in this calculation. For kinetic modeling of combustion and pyrolysis of hydrocarbons, we have recommended the rate constants for the 3 abstraction reactions as well as for the production of i‐ and n‐C3H7radicals by addition reactions at the high‐ and low‐pressure limits over the temperature range of 300‐2000 K.
Numerical solution ofq‐dynamic equations
Authors: Abdel‐Gawad Hamdy I. , Aldailami Ali A. , Saad Khaled M. , Gómez‐Aguilar José F.
Published: December 2020

The variational iteration method (VIM) was used to find approximate numerical solutions of classical and fractional dynamical system equations. To the best of our knowledge, no work on the numerical treatment ofq‐nonlinear dynamic systems NLDSs is done in the literature. This motivated us to study the numerical solutions of this problem. In this paper, the VIM is extended to find the numerical solutions ofq‐NLDSs. The proof of the convergence theorem and the error bound analysis are presented. Exact and numerical solutions, by using the extended VIM, of theq‐logistic and Lotka–Volterra equations are found. And the comparison shows an excellent matching between the exact and numerical solutions. Approximate numerical solutions of the NLDS of predator–prey with and without self (or cross) difference between two patches are found. In the case of Lotka–Volterra equation, it cannot be solved exactly. Numerical solutions are obtained and a good accuracy is found via evaluating the residual error function. The results show an excellent error tolerance after few iteration steps.
Home‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for families of young children with cancer (FAMOS): A nationwide randomised controlled trial
Authors: Salem Hanin , Kazak Anne E. , Andersen Elisabeth Wreford , Belmonte Federica , Johansen Christoffer , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Winther Jeanette Falck , Wehner Peder Skov , Hasle Henrik , Rosthøj Steen , Bidstrup Pernille E.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Evidence‐based knowledge is needed to reduce psychological symptoms in families of young children with cancer after treatment ends.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a psychotherapeutic intervention, FAMily‐Oriented Support (FAMOS) on parents of young children after cancer treatment.

Methods

All families of children aged 0‐6 years who had been treated for cancer at one of the four paediatric oncology departments in Denmark were invited to participate after ending intensive medical treatment. The families were randomly assigned 1:1 to up to seven sessions of FAMOS, a cognitive‐behavioural manualised home intervention, for 6 months or to usual psychosocial care. The primary outcome was parents’ symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 6 and 12 months after enrolment. The secondary outcomes were parents’ symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Results

We enrolled 109 families (204 parents). Parents in the intervention group did not show a statistically significant decrease in symptoms of PTSD as compared with the control group at 6 months (predicted mean difference, −0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.19, 0.01), but a statistically significant decrease was seen at 12 months (predicted mean difference, −0.15; 95% CI −0.28, −0.02), and they had significantly lower symptoms of depression at both 6 and 12 months. Differences in reductions in symptoms of anxiety were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The FAMOS intervention reduced parents’ symptoms of PTSD and depression. Next step is to also report on psychological effects in the children and siblings (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02200731).
Menstrual disorders associated with sirolimus treatment
Authors: Triana Paloma , López‐Gutierrez Juan Carlos
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Sirolimus has become a pillar in the treatment of vascular anomalies due to its inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Adverse effects include metabolic and hematologic disorders among others, although menstrual disorders have not been well described.

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of patients with vascular anomalies on sirolimus treatment was performed. Patients presenting menstrual alterations were included.

Main results

One hundred and thirty‐six patients with vascular anomalies on treatment with sirolimus were reviewed, finding seven women out of 74 (9.4%) who presented menstrual alterations attributable to the treatment. These seven patients presented with different vascular malformations and three showed pathogenic variants in phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) in affected tissue. Partial response in six and stability in one patient was obtained after treatment, administered for an average of 27.5 months (6‐48). Five patients have completed treatment and two patients continue on after 12 and 15 months, respectively. All patients reported regular menstrual cycles prior to sirolimus treatment. One patient presented with amenorrhea for 4 months after treatment initiation that later spontaneously resolved. The other six patients presented with hypermenorrhea, four of them associating metrorrhagia. Most patients presented with mild menstrual alterations, without needing dose reduction or withdrawal, although one discontinued sirolimus due to hypermenorrhea, metrorrhagia, and hematuria. After sirolimus withdrawal, regular menstrual cycles were restored in five patients.

Conclusion

Sirolimus treatment can produce menstrual disorders as adverse effects. Although mild and reversible upon dose reduction or cessation of treatment, patients and physicians should be aware on this potential side effect.
Study of volumetric, viscometric, and aggregation properties of losartan potassium and its interaction with amino acids and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in aqueous solution
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid
Published: December 2020

This manuscript reports volumetric, viscometric, and aggregation properties of losartan potassium (LP) in aqueous medium and its interaction with a cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide [CTAB]). Densities of drug solutions were used to calculate apparent molar volumes while constants of Jones–Dole equation were calculated from viscosity measurements. By measuring surface tension, refractive index, and electrical conductivity of drug solutions, critical micelle concentration (CMC) of drug was determined, and calculation of surface excess concentration, free energy change of adsorption, free energy change, entropy change, and enthalpy change of micellization was carried out. UV/Visible spectroscopic data were used to get an understanding about the interaction of drug with cationic surfactant (CTAB). This interaction gives an idea about the interaction of drug with biomembrane as micelles of surfactant are similar to membranes in structure. The data were also used to calculate different important parameters for drug–surfactant interaction such as partition coefficient and binding constant. Moreover, two amino acids (glycine and l‐tryptophan) were used in solutions of drug separately to change its CMC. The results from volumetric and viscometric studies showed that the presence of drug in solution resulted in more organization of solvent molecules due to hydrophobic interaction. From the values of ∆G°ads and ∆G°m, it was concluded that the adsorption of drug molecules at solution–air interface and formation of micelles occurred spontaneously. A strong drug‐surfactant (LP–CTAB) interaction was observed by the attachment of drug molecules onto micellar surface of surfactant. The presence of amino acids in the solution of drug caused a decrease in the CMC of LP.
Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(α‐cinnamyl‐ε‐caprolactone‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) diblock copolymer nanocarriers for enhanced solubilization of caffeic acid phenethyl ester
Authors: Atanasova Mariya‐Desislava , Grancharov Georgy , Petrov Petar D.
Published: December 2020

We report novel micellar carriers, comprising pendant cinnamyl moieties in the core‐forming block, designed to increase the solubilization of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in aqueous media. Amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(α‐cinnamyl‐ε‐caprolactone‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PEO‐b‐P(CyCL‐co‐CL) diblock copolymers were synthesized by ring‐opening copolymerization of α‐propargyl‐ε‐caprolactone and ε‐caprolactone from a monofunctional PEO macroinitiator and subsequent attachment of cinnamyl groups via click reaction. In addition, a linear PEO‐b‐PCL diblock copolymer was synthesized and used in this study for comparison. Next, nanosized micelles from PEO‐b‐P(CyCL‐co‐CL) and PEO‐b‐PCL were formed via the solvent evaporation method and then loaded with CAPE. Dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize both blank and loaded carriers. The potential of the micelles comprising pendant cinnamyl group to solubilize CAPE in water was evaluated in a comparative fashion to that of nonmodified PEO‐b‐PCL diblock copolymer.
Why does EnKF suffer from analysis overconfidence? An insight into exploiting the ever‐increasing volume of observations
Authors: Hotta Daisuke , Ota Yoichiro
Published: December 2020

Ensemble Kalman filters (EnKF) are empirically known to suffer from insufficient posterior spread and this issue is aggravated when assimilating a large volume of observations. This problem, commonly called analysis underdispersion or analysis overconfidence, has been well recognized, but why it occurs seems to be rather poorly understood. Inspired by the theory of the degrees of freedom for signal, this article investigates this problem by analyzing the trace of the matrix HK, where H and K represent, respectively, the observation operator and the gain matrix. A simple mathematical argument shows that tr HK for EnKF is bounded from above by the ensemble size, which entails that assimilating many more observations than the ensemble size leads automatically to tr HK underestimation, as long as the observations are of accuracy comparable to the background. Since tr HK can be interpreted as the squared spread of the posterior ensemble measured in the normalized observation space, underestimated tr HK implies overconfidence in the analysis spread, which, in a cycled context, requires covariance inflation to be applied. The theory is then extended to cases where covariance localization schemes (either B‐localization or R‐localization) are applied to show how they alleviate the analysis underdispersion. These findings from the mathematical argument are demonstrated with a simple one‐dimensional covariance model. Finally, the findings described above are used to form speculative arguments about how to interpret several puzzling features of the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) previously reported in the literature, such as why using fewer observations can lead to better performance, when optimal localization scales tend to occur, and why covariance inflation methods based on the relaxation to prior information approach are particularly successful when observations are distributed inhomogeneously.
Environmental and anthropogenic correlates of migratory speeds among Atlantic salmon smolts
Authors: Harbicht Andrew B. , Nilsson P. Anders , Österling Martin , Calles Olle
Published: December 2020

Dams, weirs, and hydropower facilities are often cited as migratory barriers which impart significant reductions in fitness among migratory fish species. Even where upstream and downstream passage options are available, barrier passage can still often result in energetic or physical costs which compound delays or cause mortality. Past studies have identified variables associated with such fitness reductions, though few examine their effects in the context of the whole river scale. To this end, we assessed the migratory rates and downstream passage of radio‐tagged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts through nine river sections (including two reservoir sections and one dammed section) along a 20 km stretch of river. Migration stoppages were not found to be elevated in reservoir or dammed sections, while migration rates were best described by physical river properties (width), biological traits (smolt total length), and seasonal variables (diel period) rather than anthropogenic factors. These results suggest the negative effect of reservoirs may primarily be due to their influence on river width and may be negligible when width is largely unaffected by an impoundment. Similarly, spilling water during fish migrations as a mitigative measure appears to make delays negligible. These conditions and actions may not completely marginalize the effect of dams, however, as a negative trend was still observed resulting from passage effects at the dam.
Permutations avoiding a pattern of length three under Mallows distributions
Authors: Pinsky Ross G.
Published: December 2020

We consider permutations avoiding a pattern of length three under the family of Mallows distributions. In particular, for any pattern , we obtain rather precise results on the asymptotic probability as n → ∞ that a permutation under the Mallows distribution with parameter q ∈ (0, 1) avoids the pattern. By a duality between the parameters q and , we also obtain rather precise results on the above probability for q > 1 and any pattern .
The evolution of N‐helix of the regional innovation system: Implications for sustainability
Authors: Lew Yong Kyu , Park Jeong‐Yang
Published: December 2020

This research examines the evolution of the study on triple helix (TH) approaches to the investigation of regional innovation systems (RISs). Prior studies on TH‐based RISs have focused largely on complex interactions among innovation creating actors (i.e., university, industry, and government) and non‐market institutions in various regional contexts. Although there are a growing number of TH‐based RIS studies, they often ignore the evolutionary aspect of the RIS studies and implications for sustainability. Thus, herein we conduct a wide range of systematic literature review on the TH research in the RIS literature published from 1990 to 2017. The study identifies that the TH literature evolves into various N‐helix models in particular, gravitating toward stakeholders, internationalization, specialization and ecological conservation, which offers various implications for sustainability in the regional development context. In the ages of globalization, digitalization, and socio‐ecology, this study offers a comprehensive view on the TH research for sustainable development and suggests useful future research directions that academics and policymakers can benefit from.
Revisiting the empirical relationship among the main targets of sustainable development: Growth, education, health and carbon emissions
Authors: Sarwar Suleman , Streimikiene Dalia , Waheed Rida , Mighri Zouheir
Published: December 2020

The present study attempts to analyse the empirical relationship among economic growth, labour, capital, education, health and greenhouse gas emission. For empirical estimations, we have used the data of 179 countries which further divided in sub categories; income‐level, OECD‐level and regional‐level to obtain the comprehensive empirics. The coefficients of labour and capital are significant and positive, validating the Solow growth theory. For education and carbon emission, the coefficients are insignificant in short run, while significant and positive in long run, mentioning that the reforms related to education system and climate change mitigation policies need long time to have its influence on economy. In case of health issues, the coefficients are significant and negative, indicating that higher health issues have negative impact on economic growth. The empirics of education have confirmed significant and negative relationship with greenhouse gas emission which identifies that greenhouse gas emission can reduced by educating by rising education standards. In addition, we confirm the adverse impact of greenhouse gas emission on health. The study provides policy implications for overcoming problems in economic growth, health, education and climate change mitigation as they are linked with each other, directly or indirectly. The priority policy should be increase education having positive impact on health following greenhouse gas emission reduction and finally providing for sustainable economic growth.

Highlights

Economic, health, education and climate change issues are closely related;

Panel data analysis for analysis for 179 countries was applied;

GHG emissions have adverse impact on health;

Pour health has inverse impact on economic growth;

Education has positive impact on economic, health and climate in long‐term
Comparing methods for estimating patient‐specific treatment effects in individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Seo Michael , White Ian R. , Furukawa Toshi A. , Imai Hissei , Valgimigli Marco , Egger Matthias , Zwahlen Marcel , Efthimiou Orestis
Published: December 2020

Meta‐analysis of individual patient data (IPD) is increasingly used to synthesize data from multiple trials. IPD meta‐analysis offers several advantages over meta‐analyzing aggregate data, including the capacity to individualize treatment recommendations. Trials usually collect information on many patient characteristics. Some of these covariates may strongly interact with treatment (and thus be associated with treatment effect modification) while others may have little effect. It is currently unclear whether a systematic approach to the selection of treatment‐covariate interactions in an IPD meta‐analysis can lead to better estimates of patient‐specific treatment effects. We aimed to answer this question by comparing in simulations the standard approach to IPD meta‐analysis (no variable selection, all treatment‐covariate interactions included in the model) with six alternative methods: stepwise regression, and five regression methods that perform shrinkage on treatment‐covariate interactions, that is, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), ridge, adaptive LASSO, Bayesian LASSO, and stochastic search variable selection. Exploring a range of scenarios, we found that shrinkage methods performed well for both continuous and dichotomous outcomes, for a variety of settings. In most scenarios, these methods gave lower mean squared error of the patient‐specific treatment effect as compared with the standard approach and stepwise regression. We illustrate the application of these methods in two datasets from cardiology and psychiatry. We recommend that future IPD meta‐analysis that aim to estimate patient‐specific treatment effects using multiple effect modifiers should use shrinkage methods, whereas stepwise regression should be avoided.
Promise, trust, and betrayal: Costs of breaching an implicit contract
Authors: Levy Daniel , Young Andrew T.
Published: December 2020

We study the cost of breaching an implicit contract in a goods market. Young and Levy (2014) document an implicit contract between the Coca‐Cola Company and its consumers. This implicit contract included a promise of constant quality. We offer two types of evidence of the costs of breach. First, we document a case in 1930 when the Coca‐Cola Company chose to avoid quality adjustment by incurring a permanently higher marginal cost of production, instead of a one‐time increase in the fixed cost. Second, we explore the consequences of the company's 1985 introduction of “New Coke” to replace the original beverage. Using the Hirschman's (1970) model of Exit, Voice, and Loyalty, we argue that the public outcry that followed New Coke's introduction was a response to the implicit contract breach.
Two co‐inherited novel SNPs in the MC4R gene related to live body weight and hormonal assays in Awassi and Arabi sheep breeds of Iraq
Authors: Al‐Thuwaini Tahreer M. , Al‐Shuhaib Mohammed Baqur S. , Lepretre Frederic , Dawud Halla Hassan
Published: December 2020

Melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) gene plays a key role in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. This study aims to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MC4R gene with live body weight and hormonal assays in two breeds of sheep that differ in productive performance, Awassi and Arabi. All known coding sequences of the MC4R gene were covered in this study. DNA samples from 150 animals (Awassi and Arabi breed) were genotyped by PCR‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) to assess their pattern of genetic variation. Concerning exon 1, clear heterogeneity was detected with three different SSCP‐banding patterns. The sequencing reactions confirmed these variations by detecting the presence of the two novel SNPs, 107G/C and 138A/C, and three genotypes, GC, AC and AA. The 107G/C SNP was detected in GC genotype, while the 138A/C was detected on both GC and AC genotypes. The other SSCP‐banding pattern (AA genotype) did not show any detectable unique variation. Both SNPs were closely and strongly linked in both breeds (D' and r2 values were 1.00), which signifies that both loci were co‐inherited as one unit. Association analysis indicated that both breeds with GC/AC haplotype showed higher live body weight (37.250 ± 0.790) relative to the GG/AA (30.244 ± 0.968) and CC/CC (47.231 ± 1.230) haplotypes (p < .05). Concerning the genotyping of exon 2, only 362 bp showed heterogeneity with a missense mutation, with no significant association (p > .05) with the measured traits. In conclusion, the two novel SNPs (107G/C and 138 A/C) were highly associated with live body weight in both breeds. Haplotype analysis confirmed that these two novel SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and could be used as genetic markers for sheep phenotypic trait improvement.
Thermal comfort in winter incorporating solar radiation effects at high altitudes and performance of improved passive solar design—Case of Lhasa
Authors: Huang Lingjiang , Kang Jian
Published: December 2020

The solar incidence on an indoor environment and its occupants has significant impacts on indoor thermal comfort. It can bring favorable passive solar heating and can result in undesired overheating (even in winter). This problem becomes more critical for high altitudes with high intensity of solar irradiance, while received limited attention. In this study, we explored the specific overheating and rising thermal discomfort in winter in Lhasa as a typical location of a cold climate at high altitudes. First, we evaluated the thermal comfort incorporating solar radiation effect in winter by field measurements. Subsequently, we investigated local occupant adaptive responses (considering the impact of direct solar irradiance). This was followed by a simulation study of assessment of annual based thermal comfort and the effect on energy-saving potential by current solar adjustment. Finally, we discussed winter shading design for high altitudes for both solar shading and passive solar use at high altitudes, and evaluated thermal mass shading with solar louvers in terms of indoor environment control. The results reveal that considerable indoor overheating occurs during the whole winter season instead of summer in Lhasa, with over two-thirds of daytime beyond the comfort range. Further, various adaptive behaviors are adopted by occupants in response to overheating due to the solar radiation. Moreover, it is found that the energy-saving potential might be overestimated by 1.9 times with current window to wall ratio requirements in local design standards and building codes due to the thermal adaption by drawing curtains. The developed thermal mass shading is efficient in achieving an improved indoor thermal environment by reducing overheating time to an average of 62.2% during the winter and a corresponding increase of comfort time.
Preoperative Frailty Assessment, Operative Severity Score, and Early Postoperative Loss of Independence in Surgical Patients Age 65 Years or Older
Authors: Owodunni Oluwafemi P. , Mostales Joshua C. , Qin Caroline Xu , Gabre-Kidan Alodia , Magnuson Thomas , Gearhart Susan L.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:

Preoperative discussions around postoperative discharge planning have been amplified by the COVID pandemic. We wished to determine whether our preoperative frailty screen would predict postoperative loss of independence (LOI).

STUDY DESIGN:

This single-institutional study included demographic, procedural, and outcomes data from patients 65 years or older who underwent frailty screening before a surgical procedure. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale. The Operative Severity Score was used to categorize procedures. The Hierarchical Condition Category risk-adjustment score, as calculated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was included. LOI was defined as an increase in support outside of the home after discharge. Univariable, multivariable logistic regressions, and adjusted postestimation analyses for predictive probabilities of best fit were performed.

RESULTS:

Five hundred and thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria and LOI was seen in 38 patients (7%). Patients with LOI were older, had a lower BMI, a higher Edmonton Frail Scale score (7 vs 3.0; p < 0.001), and a higher Hierarchical Condition Category score than patients without LOI. Being frail and undergoing a procedure with an Operative Severity Score of 3 or higher was independently associated with an increased risk of LOI. In addition, social dependency, depression, and limited mobility were associated with an increased risk for LOI. On multivariable modeling, frailty status, undergoing an operation with an Operative Severity Score of 3 or higher, and having a Hierarchical Condition Category score ≥1 were the most predictive of LOI (odds ratio 12.72; 95% CI, 12.04 to 13.44; p < 0.001). In addition, self-reported depression, weight loss, and limited mobility were associated with a nearly 11-fold increased risk of postoperative LOI.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study was novel, as it identified clear, generalizable risk factors for LOI. In addition, our findings support the implementation of preoperative assessments to aid in care coordination and provide specific targets for intervention.
Toward an Africanized Bioethics Curriculum
Authors: BEHRENS KEVIN G. , WAREHAM C. S.
Published: December 2020

Although many bioethicists have given attention to the special health issues of Africa and to the ethics of research on the continent, only a handful have considered these issues through the lens of African moral thought. The question has been for the most part neglected as to what a distinctively African moral perspective would be for the analysis and teaching of bioethics issues. To address the oversight, the authors of this paper describe embarking on a project aimed at incorporating African moral perspective, values and philosophy into a teaching curriculum. The authors clarify the rationale for the project and discuss the strategies employed in Africanizing the bioethics curriculum.
An Examination into the Embryo Disposal Practices of Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority Licenced Fertility Centers in the United Kingdom
Authors: MAGUIRE ABIGAIL
Published: December 2020

When fertility centers dispose of embryos, how should this be done? Current regulatory guidelines by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority state that, when terminating the development of human embryos, a clinic should act with sensitivity, taking account of the embryo’s “special status” and respecting the interests of the gamete providers and recipients. As yet, it is unclear as to how and to what extent this achieved within fertility clinics in the UK. Resultantly, this paper examines the largely undocumented domain of embryo disposal practice. By undertaking an empirical study into policy and procedure and noting divergence in clinic practice, it then comments on the ethical implications of these protocols for patients and practitioners. Specifically, this paper argues for a more holistic approach to embryo disposal. An approach that effectively meets the requirements of the lab, is respectful of the “special status” of the human embryo, and, perhaps most importantly, reflects the multifaceted needs of the patient.
Effective Communication Following Pregnancy Loss: A Study in England
Authors: AUSTIN LOUISE , LITTLEMORE JEANNETTE , MCGUINNESS SHEELAGH , TURNER SARAH , FULLER DANIELLE , KUBERSKA KAROLINA
Published: December 2020

Each year in the UK there are approximately 250,000 miscarriages, 3,000 stillbirths and 3,000 terminations following a diagnosis of fetal-abnormality. This paper draws from original empirical research into the experience of pregnancy loss and the accompanying decisionmaking processes. A key finding is that there is considerable variation across England in the range of options that are offered for disposal of pregnancy remains and the ways in which information around disposal are communicated. This analysis seeks to outline the key features of what constitutes effective communication in this context, where effective communication is taken to mean that patients are provided with the key information necessary, in an appropriate manner, so that they are fully able to make a decision. A primary source of evidence includes interviews with the bereaved and pregnancy-loss support workers, in order to understand how the options available, and associated necessary procedures, are communicated. In addition, patient information leaflets are also analyzed as they offer an important tool for information delivery at a difficult and emotionally charged time. Following this, an overview is provided of the information that these leaflets should contain, along with guidance on effective presentation of this information.
Hourly Surface Observations Suggest Stronger Solar Dimming and Brightening at Sunrise and Sunset Over China
Authors: Wang Yawen , Zhang Jiahua , Sanchez‐Lorenzo Arturo , Tanaka Katsumasa , Trentmann Jörg , Yuan Wenping , Wild Martin
Published: December 2020

Exploration of the diurnal pattern of global dimming and brightening has been limited by the paucity of high‐temporal resolution observations. Based on 22 years’ continuous observations of hourly surface solar radiation (SSR) over 96 stations across China for 1993–2014, this study evidences higher relative changes in diurnal SSR in terms of both frequency and magnitude at sunrise and sunset, with a longer pathway for the sun passing through the atmosphere, than the hours in between. This, in general, leads to a further shortening of the days between sunrise and sunset in the cold seasons and the polluted region of north China with low radiation levels but a further extension in the other seasons and regions with sufficient sunlight. Pollution reduction by 39.4%–69.7% during the 2014 Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation summit at Beijing are accompanied with a 10.4–80.0% rebound of diurnal SSR in the forenoon and late afternoon.
Dibenzoarsacrowns: an experimental and computational study on the coordination behaviors
Authors: Sumida Akifumi , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Yumura Takashi , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: December 2020

A series of dibenzoarsacrowns were synthesized through a practical protocol. As and O preferentially coordinated to soft and hard cations, respectively. Positive allosteric effect was observed when coordinated to Au and Na cations.
A GeSe micro air brick crystal-based film for the sunlight photodegradation of dye-polluted waters
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Wang Kang , Huang Dingwang , Li Lintao , Feng Kuang , Abdel Ghany Nabil Ahmed , Zhao Lingzhi , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2020

Pinkish purple rhodamine B polluted water was efficiently photodegraded into colorless by the GeSe MAB crystal-based film under sunlight irradiation.
Solar-light-triggered regenerative adsorption removal of styrene by silver nanoparticles incorporated in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Hongli , Xu Mingjie , Li Guiying , Zhang Weiping , An Taicheng
Published: December 2020

A photodynamic Ag/UiO-66 adsorbent was proposed based on the outstanding VOC adsorption capacity of MOFs and the light-induced local heating of Ag nanostructures; it exhibited excellent adsorption regenerability under solar light irradiation.
Radiation Concerns for the Neuroanesthesiologists
Authors: Burman Sourav , Das Abanti , Mahajan Charu , Rath Girija P.
Published: December 2020

With the advent of minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques and rapid innovations in the field of neurointervention, there has been a sharp rise in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities requiring radiation exposure. Neuroanesthesiologists are currently involved in various procedures inside as well as outside the operating room (OR) like intensive care units, interventional suites, and gamma knife units. The ambit expands from short-lasting diagnostic scans to lengthy therapeutic procedures performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Hence, a modern-day neuroanesthesiologist has to bear the brunt of the radiation exposure in both inside and outside the OR. However, obliviousness and nonadherence to the relevant radiation safety measures are still prevalent. Radiation protection and safety are topics that need to be discussed with new vigor in the light of current practice.
Does Use of a Feeding Protocol Change Outcomes in Gastroschisis? A Report from the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium
Authors: Dekonenko Charlene , Fraser Jason D. , Deans Katherine , Fallat Mary E. , Helmrath Michael , Kabre Rashmi , Leys Charles M. , Burns R Cartland , Corkum Kristine , Dillon Patrick A. , Downard Cynthia , Wright Tiffany N. , Gadepalli Samir K. , Grabowski Julia , Hernandez Edward , Hirschl Ronald , Johnson Kevin N. , Kohler Jonathan , Landman Matthew P. , Landisch Rachel M. , Lawrence Amy E. , Mak Grace Z. , Minneci Peter , Rymeski Beth , Sato Thomas T. , Slater Bethany J. , Peter St. Shawn D.
Published: December 2020

Introduction Gastroschisis feeding practices vary. Standardized neonatal feeding protocols have been demonstrated to improve nutritional outcomes. We report outcomes of infants with gastroschisis that were fed with and without a protocol.

Materials and Methods A retrospective study of neonates with uncomplicated gastroschisis at 11 children's hospitals from 2013 to 2016 was performed.

Outcomes of infants fed via institutional-specific protocols were compared with those fed without a protocol. Subgroup analyses of protocol use with immediate versus delayed closure and with sutured versus sutureless closure were conducted.

Results Among 315 neonates, protocol-based feeding was utilized in 204 (65%) while no feeding protocol was used in 111 (35%). There were less surgical site infections (SSI) in those fed with a protocol (7 vs. 16%, p = 0.019). There were no differences in TPN duration, time to initial oral intake, time to goal feeds, ventilator use, peripherally inserted central catheter line deep venous thromboses, or length of stay. Of those fed via protocol, less SSIs occurred in those who underwent sutured closure (9 vs. 19%, p = 0.026). Further analyses based on closure timing or closure method did not demonstrate any significant differences.

Conclusion Across this multi-institutional cohort of infants with uncomplicated gastroschisis, there were more SSIs in those fed without an institutional-based feeding protocol but no differences in other outcomes.
Evaluation of a Feline Bone Surrogate and In Vitro Mechanical Comparison of Small Interlocking Nail Systems in Mediolateral Bending
Authors: Marturello Danielle M. , von Pfeil Dirsko J.F. , Déjardin Loïc M.
Published: December 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to (1) evaluate bending structural properties of a machined short fibre epoxy (SFE) feline bone surrogate (FBS), (2) compare the bending behaviour of small angle-stable interlocking nails (I-Loc; Targon) and locking compression plates (LCP) and (3) evaluate the effect of implant removal on FBS bending strength.

Methods Part 1: Feline cadaveric femurs (n = 10) and FBS (n = 4) underwent cyclic four-point bending and load to failure. Part 2: Fracture gap FBS constructs (n = 4/group) were stabilized in a bridging fashion with either I-Loc 3 and 4, Targon 2.5 and 3.0, LCP 2.0 and 2.4, then cyclically bent. Part 3: Intact FBS with pilot holes, simulating explantation, (n = 4/group) underwent destructive bending tests. Bending compliance, angular deformation and failure moment (FM) were statistically compared (p < 0.05).

Results Native bone and FBS were similar for all outcome measures (p > 0.05). The smallest and largest bending compliance and angular deformation were seen in the I-Loc 4 and LCP 2.0 respectively (p < 0.05). While explanted Targon FBS had the lowest FM (p < 0.05), I-Loc and LCP constructs FM were not different (p > 0.05).

Conclusion The similar bending properties of short fibre epoxy made FBS and native feline femurs suggest that this model could be used for mechanical testing of implants designed for feline long bone osteosynthesis. The I-Loc constructs smaller angular deformation which also suggests that these implants represent a valid alternative to size-matched Targon and LCP for feline fracture osteosynthesis. The significantly lower FM of explanted Targon may increase the risk of secondary fracture following implant removal.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets Improve Uterine Incision Repair in a Rodent Hysterotomy Model
Authors: Kuramoto Goro , Hammad Ibrahim A. , Einerson Brett D. , Allshouse Amanda A. , Debbink Michelle , Grainger David W. , Silver Robert M. , Okano Teruo
Published: December 2020

Objective The study aimed to assess the feasibility of creating and transplanting human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell sheets applied to a rat model of hysterotomy, and additionally to determine benefits of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell sheet transplantation in reducing uterine fibrosis and scarring.

Study Design Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell sheets are generated by culturing human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on thermo-responsive cell culture plates. The temperature-sensitive property of these culture dishes facilitates normal cell culture in a thin contiguous layer and allows for reliable recovery of intact stem cell sheets without use of destructive proteolytic enzymes.

We developed a rat hysterotomy model using nude rats. The rat uterus has two distinct horns: one horn provided a control/untreated scarring site, while the second horn was the cell sheet transplantation site.

On day 14 following surgery, complete uteri were harvested and subjected to histologic evaluations of all hysterotomy sites.

Results The stem cell sheet culture process yielded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell sheets with surface area of approximately 1 cm2.

Mean myometrial thickness in the cell sheet-transplanted group was 274 μm compared with 191 μm in the control group (p = 0.02). Mean fibrotic surface area in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell sheet-transplanted group was 95,861 μm2 compared with 129,185 μm2 in the control group. Compared with control horn sites, cell sheet-transplanted horns exhibited significantly smaller fibrotic-to-normal myometrium ratios (0.18 vs. 0.27, respectively, p = 0.029). Mean number of fibroblasts in cell sheet-transplanted horns was significantly smaller than the control horns (483 vs. 716/mm2, respectively, p = 0.001).

Conclusion Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell sheet transplantation is feasible in a rat model of hysterotomy. Furthermore, use of stem cell sheets reduces fibroblast infiltration and uterine scar fibrotic tissue formation during hysterotomy healing, potentially mitigating risks of uterine scar formation.

Key Points