bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cold‐active esterase enhances mesophilic properties through Mn2+ binding
Authors: Marchetti Alessandro , Orlando Marco , Mangiagalli Marco , Lotti Marina
Published: October 2022

A key aspect of adaptation to cold environments is the production of cold‐active enzymes by psychrophilic organisms. These enzymes not only have high activity at low temperatures, but also exhibit remarkable structural flexibility and thermolability. In this context, the role of metal ions has been little explored, and the few available studies seem to suggest that metal binding counteracts structural flexibility. This article reports an investigation into the role of the binding of manganese ion (Mn2+) in the thermal adaptation of an esterase (M‐Est) of the GDSx family, identified in the genome of the Antarctic bacterium Marinomonas sp. ef1. M‐Est is specific for esters containing acetate groups and turned out to be a highly thermolabile cold‐active enzyme, with a catalysis optimum temperature of 5 °C and a melting temperature of 31.7 °C. A combination of biochemical and computational analyses, including molecular dynamics simulations, revealed that M‐Est binds Mn2+ ions via a single binding site located on the surface of the enzyme, close to the active site. Although the interaction between M‐Est and Mn2+ induces only local conformational changes involving the active site, quite surprisingly they trigger an improvement in both thermal stability and catalytic efficiency under mild temperature conditions. These results, together with the conservation of the Mn2+ binding site among psychrophilic and psychrotolerant homologues, suggest that Mn2+ binding may be a useful, albeit atypical, strategy to mitigate the detrimental effects of temperature on true cold‐active enzymes.
A guide to COVID‐19 antiviral therapeutics: a summary and perspective of the antiviral weapons against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Brady Drugan K. , Gurijala Aashi R. , Huang Liyu , Hussain Ali A. , Lingan Audrey L. , Pembridge Olivia G. , Ratangee Brina A. , Sealy Tristan T. , Vallone Kyle T. , Clements Thomas P.
Published: October 2022

Antiviral therapies are integral in the fight against SARS‐CoV‐2 (i.e. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causative agent of COVID‐19. Antiviral therapeutics can be divided into categories based on how they combat the virus, including viral entry into the host cell, viral replication, protein trafficking, post‐translational processing, and immune response regulation. Drugs that target how the virus enters the cell include: Evusheld, REGEN‐COV, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, bebtelovimab, sotrovimab, Arbidol, nitazoxanide, and chloroquine. Drugs that prevent the virus from replicating include: Paxlovid, remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and Kaletra. Drugs that interfere with protein trafficking and post‐translational processing include nitazoxanide and ivermectin. Lastly, drugs that target immune response regulation include interferons and the use of anti‐inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone. Antiviral therapies offer an alternative solution for those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated and are a vital weapon in the battle against the global pandemic. Learning more about these therapies helps raise awareness in the general population about the options available to them with respect to aiding in the reduction of the severity of COVID‐19 infection. In this ‘A Guide To’ article, we provide an in‐depth insight into the development of antiviral therapeutics against SARS‐CoV‐2 and their ability to help fight COVID‐19.
Limited recovery following a massive seagrass decline in subarctic eastern Canada
Authors: Leblanc Mélanie‐Louise , O'Connor Mary I. , Kuzyk Zou Zou A. , Noisette Fanny , Davis Kaleigh E. , Rabbitskin Ernie , Sam Laura‐Lee , Neumeier Urs , Costanzo Rémi , Ehn Jens K. , Babb David , Idrobo C. Julián , Gilbert Jean‐Philippe , Leblon Brigitte , Humphries Murray M.
Published: October 2022

Over the last few decades, there has been an increasing recognition for seagrasses' contribution to the functioning of nearshore ecosystems and climate change mitigation. Nevertheless, seagrass ecosystems have been deteriorating globally at an accelerating rate during recent decades. In 2017, research into the condition of eelgrass (Zostera marina) along the eastern coast of James Bay, Canada, was initiated in response to reports of eelgrass decline by the Cree First Nations of Eeyou Istchee. As part of this research, we compiled and analyzed two decades of eelgrass cover data and three decades of eelgrass monitoring data (biomass and density) to detect changes and assess possible environmental drivers. We detected a major decline in eelgrass condition between 1995 and 1999, which encompassed the entire east coast of James Bay. Surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020 indicated limited changes post‐decline, for example, low eelgrass cover (<25%), low aboveground biomass, smaller shoots than before 1995, and marginally low densities persisted at most sites. Overall, the synthesized datasets show a 40% loss of eelgrass meadows with >50% cover in eastern James Bay since 1995, representing the largest scale eelgrass decline documented in eastern Canada since the massive die‐off event that occurred in the 1930s along the North Atlantic coast. Using biomass data collected since 1982, but geographically limited to the sector of the coast near the regulated La Grande River, generalized additive modeling revealed eelgrass meadows are affected by local sea surface temperature, early ice breakup, and higher summer freshwater discharge. Our results caution against assuming subarctic seagrass ecosystems have avoided recent global declines or will benefit from ongoing climate warming.
Estimation of the Water Table Position in Unconfined Aquifers with MODFLOW 6
Authors: Herrera Paulo A. , Langevin Christian , Hammond Glenn
Published: October 2022

The numerical estimation of the position of the water table in unconfined aquifers is important for many practical applications. Its determination through observations or analytical methods is restricted to a few cases. Therefore, it is often estimated through numerical simulations, which may be affected by numerical artifacts and/or poor stability. We use MODFLOW to estimate the position of the water table for a seemingly simple example problem and demonstrate difficulties that can be faced when performing this kind of numerical simulation. We explain the causes for the numerical challenges that originate from the properties of the mathematical equations that must be solved. Based on the results of more than 600 steady‐state simulations, we show how the stability of the numerical solution can be affected by the values of physical parameters that define the problem (e.g., recharge rate, anisotropy ratio, and other parameters that control the numerical algorithm such as settings of the linear and nonlinear solution methods). Finally, we comment on some best practices to apply numerical simulations to estimate the water table position.
Lipopolysaccharides and hydrogen peroxide induce contrasting pathological conditions in dental pulpal cells
Authors: Vaseenon Savitri , Srisuwan Tanida , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C
Published: October 2022

Aim

To determine the effects of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and both combined on cell proliferation/differentiation, inflammation, mitochondrial dynamics as indicated by mitochondrial fission/fusion, antioxidants as indicated by superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and apoptosis of human dental pulpal cells (HDPCs).

Methodology

Pulpal tissues from eight healthy subjects (n = 8) were collected from Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University. Isolated HDPCs from healthy donors were divided into four experimental groups: vehicle, 20 μg/ml LPS, 400 μM H2O2, and the two combined. All experimental groups were investigated to assess cell proliferation, mineralization, differentiation, inflammation, mitochondrial dynamics, antioxidants, and apoptosis.

Results

H2O2and combined agents decreased cell proliferation of HDPCs equally. LPS, H2O2,and both combined decreased mineralization and differentiation with an increase in tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels. Surprisingly, LPS and combined agents increased SOD2 expression and caused an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics. A significant increase in apoptosis was observed in the case of H2O2and combined agents.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that LPS induced inflammation, imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics, and reduced cell differentiation without altering apoptosis and cell proliferation. However, H2O2decreased cell proliferation, and differentiation, and increased inflammation, and apoptosis without interfering with mitochondrial dynamics. Based on our findings, combining LPS and H2O2could be potentially used as the inducers inin vitrostudy to mimic the clinical pulpitis.
Lycopene extraction from industrial tomato processing waste using emerging technologies, and its application in enriched beverage development
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Rawson Ashish , Kumar Anand , CK Sunil , Vignesh Sivanandham , Venkatachalapathy Natarajan
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to extract lycopene from the industrial tomato processing waste (peel) using emerging technologies such as power ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), low‐temperature microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed electric field (PEF)‐assisted extraction (PAE), combined low‐temperature microwave‐power ultrasound‐assisted extraction (MUAE) and combined ultrasound‐pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction (UPAE). A green solvent (ethanol: ethyl acetate, 2:3, v/v) was used for the recovery of lycopene and a mass transfer kinetic approach was used to understand the extraction kinetics of various extraction methods. The highest extraction yield was observed for UPAE treatment with the lycopene yield of 3.56% followed by MUAE with 3.49%. UPAE had the highest antioxidant capacity (87.09% DPPH) compared to other methods. Thus, the green solvent and combination UPAE technology are environmentally sustainable techniques and present a good scope for lycopene recovery. Further, the extracted lycopene was entrapped in oil in water emulsion to develop an enriched lemon juice beverage.
NiMn2O4 revisited: Temperature‐dependent cation distribution from in situ neutron diffraction and thermopower studies
Authors: Dinger Jan , Friedrich Thomas , Reimann Timmy , Töpfer Jörg
Published: October 2022

The cation distribution of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor spinel NiMn2O4 was studied in the temperature range from 55 to 900°C, using a combined in situ neutron diffraction and thermopower study. Rietveld refinements of in situ neutron diffraction data reveal a temperature dependence of the degree of inversion with an inversion parameter of 0.70(1) at 900°C and 0.87(1) at 55°C. Thermopower measurements were evaluated using a modified Heikes formula, and the [Mn4+]/[Mn3+] ratio on octahedral sites of the spinel structure was calculated considering spin and orbital degeneracy. The inversion degree and disproportionation parameter, determined independently as function of temperature, were used to calculate the cation distribution of NiMn2O4 in the whole temperature range. At high temperature, within the stability range of the spinel, the cation distribution is characterized by a moderate degree of inversion with a concentration of  = 0.71(2) and small tendency toward disproportionation with a high concentration of  = 0.98(2). At 55°C, cation inversion is enhanced as illustrated by a large concentration of  = 0.87(2), and a small  = 0.24(2) content indicates extensive Mn‐disproportionation. Finally, conclusions regarding possible ageing mechanisms of this important NTC thermistor material are drawn.
Editorial: Accelerated epigenetic ageing as a consequence of early environmental adversity
Authors: Franke Barbara
Published: October 2022

In this editorial, I discuss findings and implications of a hypothesis‐generating study by Copeland and colleagues showing that early adverse events related to unpredictability as well as a cumulative score summarising environmental adversity in childhood and adolescence are linked to accelerated epigenetic ageing. The setting of this study is the longitudinal Great Smoky Mountains Study, a richly phenotyped longitudinal cohort with biological information. In my discussion, I focus on potential mechanisms behind the reported findings and opportunities for next steps, for example provided by the richness of data in the cohort used in this study.
Changes in prescription patterns and doses of oral antidiabetic drugs in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (JDDM70)
Authors: Shirabe Shinichiro , Yamazaki Katsuya , Oishi Mariko , Arai Keiko , Yagi Noriharu , Sato Manaka , Takeuchi Masakazu , Kai Takahito , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

We assessed the prescription patterns of oral antidiabetic drugs in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes between 2002 and 2020 using data from the Computerized Diabetes Care database. Among 172,960 patients treated with oral antidiabetic drugs, both the sulfonylurea prescription rate and dose decreased from 2002 to 2020. Prescriptions of biguanides, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors increased; their dose and dose frequency remained relatively stable. Trends in oral antidiabetic drug prescriptions changed over time, reflecting guideline recommendations and existing evidence.
Do data breach notification laws reduce medical identity theft? Evidence from consumer complaints data
Authors: Kesari Aniket
Published: October 2022

As the number of data breaches in the United States grows each year, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important policy area. The primary mechanism for regulating and deterring data breaches is the “data breach notification law.” Every US state now has such a law that mandates that certain organizations disclose data breaches to their data subjects. Despite the popularity of these laws, there is relatively little evidence about their effectiveness at deterring breaches, and therefore reducing identity theft. Using medical identity theft panel data collected from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, this study implements an augmented synthetic control approach to analyze the effect of California's 2016 data breach notification standards on medical identity theft. This approach suggests that medical identity theft reports in California were reduced by 3.5 reports/100,000 people.
Field spray abdominal gland secretions of rove beetles: Effects on the pest abundance and arthropod community
Authors: Wen Jian , Gong Jingyao , Cao Fengqin
Published: October 2022

Alternative environmentally friendly methods for pest control are in high demand because of the environmental impacts of pesticides. Notably, predator‐released kairomone is a natural compound released by natural enemies, which mediates non‐consumptive effects between natural enemies and prey. However, this novel pest control agent is underutilized relative to pesticides and natural enemies. Additionally, the effects of spraying predator kairomone on the number and diversity of arthropods in fields and whether this method is environmental‐friendly are poorly understood. In the present study, a predator kairomone, rove beetle (Paederus fuscipes Curtis) abdominal gland secretion (AGS), was sprayed in rice fields to investigate whether AGS can suppress pest populations or will affect the fields’ arthropod communities. After AGS spraying, the abundance of arthropods decreased throughout the first 12‐d period, including arthropod pests such as hemipterans (small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén), brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), white‐backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), and leafhoppers), and lepidopterans (rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée). The abundance of arthropod predators was not affected, except for predatory spiders, which decreased, and rove beetles (P. fuscipes), which increased. In the terms of arthropod diversity, neither pests nor their natural enemies were changed by AGS application. This work highlights that predator kairomone can temporarily suppress pest populations in fields but has no adverse effects on arthropod diversity; thus, this approach is environmentally friendly and can be used in real‐world applications. Broadly, present studies suggest that the application of predator kairomone may have synergistic or cumulative effects on pest suppression.
Magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging for diagnosis of subtype of gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Kanemitsu Takao , Uedo Noriya , Ono Takahiro , Nimura Satoshi , Hasegawa Rino , Imamura Kentaro , Ohtsu Kensei , Ono Yoichiro , Miyaoka Masaki , Ueki Toshiharu , Tanabe Hiroshi , Ohta Atsuko , Iwashita Akinori , Yao Kenshi
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

Patients with incomplete gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) have a higher risk of gastric cancer (GC) than those with complete GIM. We aimed to clarify whether micromucosal patterns of GIM in magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (M‐NBI) were useful for diagnosis of incomplete GIM.

Methods

We enrolled patients with a history of endoscopic resection of GC or detailed inspection for suspicious or definite GC. The antrum greater curvature and corpus lesser curvature were regions of interest. Areas with endoscopic findings of light blue crest and/or white opaque substance (WOS) were defined as endoscopic GIM, and subsequent M‐NBI was applied. Micromucosal patterns were classified into Foveola and Groove types, and targeted biopsies were performed on GIM with each pattern. GIM was classified into complete and incomplete types using mucin (MUC)2, MUC5AC, MUC6, and CD10 immunohistochemical staining. The primary endpoint was the association between micromucosal pattern and histological subtype. The secondary endpoint was endoscopic findings associated with incomplete GIM.

Results

We analyzed 98 patients with 156 GIMs. Univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, P = 0.004), but not multivariate analysis (OR 0.87, P = 0.822), demonstrated a significant association between micromucosal pattern and subtype. The antrum (OR 3.7, P = 0.006) and WOS (OR 43, P = 0.002) were independent predictors for incomplete GIM. The WOS had 69% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

Conclusions

The M‐NBI micromucosal pattern is not useful for diagnosis of GIM subtype. WOS is a promising endoscopic indicator for diagnosis of incomplete GIM. (UMIN‐CTR000041119).
Home‐based intensive nutrition therapy improves frailty and sarcopenia in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Meena Babu Lal , Taneja Sunil , Tandon Puneeta , Sahni Nancy , Soundararajan Raghuraman , Gorsi Ujjwal , De Arka , Verma Nipun , Premkumar Madhumita , Duseja Ajay , Dhiman Radha K , Singh Virendra
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

The majority of patients with decompensated cirrhosis suffer from malnutrition, a potentially modifiable contributor to frailty and sarcopenia. The present study investigated the impact of a 6‐month dietician‐supported home‐based intensive nutrition therapy (HINT) intervention on objective frailty and sarcopenia metrics in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

One hundred adult patients with decompensated cirrhosis, frailty, and sarcopenia at baseline were randomized 1:1 to receive standard medical therapy (SMT) plus HINT (intervention) versus SMT (control) alone. The primary outcome was an improvement in frailty as measured by the liver frailty index (LFI). Secondary outcome measures included sarcopenia metrics, liver disease severity scores, hospitalization, and death.

Results

The LFI improved more in the intervention arm as compared with controls (0.8 vs 0.4; P < 0.001). Baseline and end‐of‐study skeletal muscle index (SMI) was available in a subset of 32 male patients, with greater improvements seen in the intervention arm compared with controls (6.36 vs 0.80; P = 0.02). Patients in the intervention arm had less hospitalizations over the 6‐month follow‐up (19 [38%] vs 29 [58%]; P = 0.04). On subgroup analysis, in the 64% of patients who were adherent to calorie and protein intake targets at 6 months, significant improvement was seen in liver disease severity scores and survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, frailty, and sarcopenia, a 6‐month dietitian‐supported home‐based intensive outpatient nutrition therapy was associated with statistically and clinically relevant improvement in frailty. The subgroup of adherent patients showed improvement in their liver disease scores and reduction in mortality. These findings support the key role of food as medicine in the management of cirrhosis.
Effectiveness of telenursing for people with lung cancer at home: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Harada Tomoyo , Shibuya Yuriko , Kamei Tomoko
Published: October 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of telenursing involving nurses on the health outcomes of adults with lung cancer at home.

Methods

We conducted literature searches on PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society up to December 2021. Articles eligible for inclusion were (i) reporting on randomized controlled trials involving telenursing, (ii) focusing on health consultations provided by healthcare providers involving nurses, and (iii) targeting adults with lung cancer at home. Two researchers independently screened eligible studies and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool 2. We performed meta‐analyses of symptom distress and quality of life. This study was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The quality of evidence was assessed applying the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Four studies with 508 participants were included, of which three were finally evaluated by meta‐analysis. Telemonitoring and education by nursing professionals in collaboration with other healthcare professionals were confirmed. Symptom distress was significantly lower in the intervention group (mean difference = −0.54, 95% confidence interval: −1.06, −0.02). There was no significant effect on other outcomes. The GRADE assessment revealed serious risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that telenursing brought about low symptom distress in adults with lung cancer compared with the absence of telenursing. However, the certainty of the evidence was low owing to the high risk of bias. Further accumulation of high‐quality studies is needed to establish definitive evidence.
Grounded in Community: Development of a Birth Justice‐Focused Volunteer Birth Companion Program
Authors: Kivlighan Katie T. , Gardner Tamara , Murphy Carrie , Reiss Paula , Griffin Carrie , Migliaccio Laura
Published: October 2022

Continuous labor support is an evidence‐based practice demonstrated to improve birth outcomes, particularly when provided by a trained doula or birth companion. Access to doula services designed to meet the needs of historically underserved and diverse communities can mitigate the negative effects of structural racism and health disparities in perinatal care. Unfortunately, continuous labor support by a companion of choice is not universally supported. This leaves individuals with limited resources unable to access services from a trained doula. Volunteer birth companion programs are one model for increasing access to continuous labor support by bringing the community into the hospital. This article describes a birth justice‐focused volunteer birth companion program that evolved out of a multistakeholder collaboration between community birth workers, local reproductive justice organizations, and hospital‐based providers, staff, and administrators in direct response to community needs. This program is unique in its collaborative development, grounding in core values, and design of a reproductive justice‐focused curriculum that includes training in diversity, inclusion, and care for clients with a history of trauma or perinatal substance use. Key takeaways include recommendations to center client needs, consider sustainability, and embrace flexibility and change. Discussion includes recognition of the strengths and limitations of a volunteer‐based model, including acknowledgment that volunteer birth work, while filling an important gap, necessitates the privilege of having sufficient time, economic freedom, and social support. Ensuring universal insurance coverage for doula services has the potential to increase access to continuous labor support, improve birth outcomes, and diversify the birth workforce.
How the reliability and validity of the patient classification system can be ensured in daily nursing work? A follow‐up study
Authors: Junttila Jaana K. , Haatainen Kaisa , Koivu Aija , Nykänen Pirkko
Published: October 2022

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the RAFAELA patient classification system (PCS) for qualified and efficient nurses.

Background

The number of patients per nurse or diagnosis‐based determination of nursing workload are imprecise measures that do not consider the variation in patients' care needs. Ensuring the reliability and validity of the RAFAELA is important for the efficient allocation of nursing resources.

Methods

In this study, we investigated how the maintenance (parallel classification measurement and professional assessment of optimal nursing care intensity level measurement) of the RAFAELA was done with 9 years of follow‐up data. The results were analysed using quantitative methods supplemented with qualitative audit descriptions. The STROBE checklist was used.

Results

The RAFAELA was used continuously in 44 units (40%). The length of use of the RAFAELA influenced the success of parallel classification measurements. Six per cent of units passed parallel classification measurement over 75% after 1–3 years' use, 42% after 4–6 years and 83% after 7–9 years. Among the units that used the RAFAELA PCS continuously, only four (9%) passed the professional assessment of optimal nursing care intensity level measurement.

Conclusions

This study shows that ensuring the reliability and validity of the use of the RAFAELA is laborious, requires several years of use and continuous investments in nurses' skills and motivation.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Qualified use of PCS is challenging, and organisations should invest to maintenance, training, support and user motivation. Each patient should be classified comprehensively, and nursing resources should be calculated correctly. In addition, utilisation of the nursing intensity level should be maximised.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

Kuopio University Hospital organisation permit number 73/2014.

Patient or Public Contribution

Information regarding individual patients or nurses was not available to the researchers. All materials are in the form of summary tables.
Converging trends in developmental child care time by fathers' education? Comment on Cha and Park (2021)
Authors: Gao Melody Ge
Published: October 2022

Objective

This comment uses more recently available data to examine the robustness of the converging trends in developmental child care time by parental education argued by Cha & Park (2021, Journal of Marriage and Family, 83, 769–785).

Background

Drawing on the 2003–2017 American Time Use Survey, Cha and Park concluded that the educational gaps in developmental child care time have converged and called for future research on its implications for social egalitarianism. This conclusion must be supported by sufficient evidence showing persistent converging trends in the subsequent years. Otherwise, Cha and Park's (2021) conclusion of greater equality in parents' developmental child care time does not provide a basis for future studies.

Method

Using the same data, sampling, measures, and analytic strategy, the comment first replicates the results from the original study between 2003 and 2017 and then extends to 2020, which is the most recent available time‐use data upon submission.

Results

Descriptive analysis shows that the least‐educated fathers' time spent on developmental child care was highly volatile after 2015. In multivariate analysis, the interaction terms between fathers' education and year in OLS models are minimal and not statistically significant when extends to 2020, indicating no sufficient evidence to support Cha and Park's (2021) conclusion for fathers.

Conclusion

While the educational gaps in developmental child care time among mothers continue to converge, the same trend does not show for fathers. The inconsistent conclusions suggest it is premature to announce greater equality in parental child care time by parental education.
Effect of Thermal Cycling on the Flexural Strength and Hardness of New‐Generation Denture Base Materials
Authors: Çakmak Gülce , Donmez Mustafa Borga , Akay Canan , Abou‐Ayash Samir , Schimmel Martin , Yilmaz Burak
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the flexural strength and Vickers microhardness of different CAD‐CAM denture base materials.

Materials and methods

Sixty rectangular specimens (64 × 10 × 3.3 ± 0.2 mm) were fabricated from 3 different denture base materials (G‐CAM, Graphene‐reinforced polymethylmethacrylate, GC), Ivotion Base (Prepolymerized polymethylmethacrylate, IV), and Denturetec (3D‐printed resin, DT) either by using additive (DT) or subtractive manufacturing (IV and GC). Specimens of each group were divided into 2 subgroups (thermal cycled or nonthermal cycled, n = 10/group). Nonthermal cycled specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and subjected to 3‐point flexural strength test with a universal testing machine. Thermal cycled specimens were initially evaluated for Vickers microhardness and subjected to thermal cycling (10,000 cycles at 5–55°C). Vickers microhardness values were remeasured, and the specimens were subjected to 3‐point flexural strength test. Data were analyzed by using 2‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni‐corrected Tukey honestly significant difference tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Material type and condition significantly affected flexural strength (p ≤ 0.004), whereas their interaction was nonsignificant (p = 0.778). Overall flexural strength of the materials in decreasing order was GC, IV, and DT (p < 0.001), regardless of the condition. Material had a higher effect on flexural strength (ηp2 = 0.731) than thermal cycling (ηp2 = 0.142). The effect of the interaction between the material type and thermal cycling on Vickers microhardness was significant (p < 0.001). GC had the highest microhardness before and after thermal cycling (p < 0.001). IV had higher microhardness than DT before thermal cycling (p < 0.001). However, DT and IV showed similar microhardness after thermal cycling (p = 0.665). Thermal cycling decreased the microhardness of GC and IV (p ≤ 0.022), whereas its effect on DT's microhardness was nonsignificant (p = 0.538). Material type had the highest effect on microhardness (ηp2 = 0.864) followed by the interaction between the main factors (ηp2 = 0.258).

Conclusions

Graphene‐reinforced polymethylmethacrylate had the highest flexural strength and Vickers microhardness values, regardless of thermal cycling. Thermal cycling reduced the flexural strength of all resins. Thermal cycling reduced the microhardness of milled polymethylmethacrylate, but not that of 3D‐printed resin.
Empirical relationship between nifH gene abundance and diazotroph cell concentration in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Gradoville Mary R. , Dugenne Mathilde , Hynes Annette M. , Zehr Jonathan P. , White Angelicque E.
Published: October 2022

Cyanobacterial N2‐fixing microorganisms (diazotrophs) play a critical role in nitrogen and carbon cycling in the oceans; hence, accurate measurements of diazotroph abundance are imperative for understanding ocean biogeochemistry. Marine diazotroph abundances are often assessed using qPCR of the nifH gene, a sensitive, taxa‐specific, and time/cost‐efficient method. However, the validity of nifH abundance as a proxy for cell concentration has recently been questioned. Here, we compare nifH gene abundances to cell counts for four diazotroph taxa (Trichodesmium, Crocosphaera, Richelia, and Calothrix) on two cruises to the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, one of the largest habitats for marine diazotrophs. nifH:cell relationships were strong and significant for Crocosphaera, Richelia, and Calothrix (nifH:cell 1.51–2.58; R2 = 0.89–0.96) but were not significant for Trichodesmium, despite previous studies reporting significant nifH:cell relationships for this organism. Limited available data suggest that empirical nifH:cell can vary among studies but that relationships are usually significantly linear and >1:1. Our study indicates that nifH gene abundance, while not a direct measure of cells, is a useful quantitative proxy for diazotroph abundance.
Starch‐based noodles: Current technologies, properties, and challenges
Authors: Bangar Sneh Punia , Ali N. Afzal , Olagunju Aderonke Ibidunni , Pastor Kristian , Ashogbon Adeleke Omodunbi , Dash Kshirod K. , Lorenzo Jose M. , Ozogul Fatih
Published: October 2022

Starch noodles are gaining interest due to the massive popularity of gluten‐free foods. Modified starch is generally used for noodle production due to the functional limitations of native starches. Raw materials, methods, key processing steps, additives, cooking, and textural properties determine the quality of starch noodles. The introduction of traditional, novel, and natural chemical additives used in starch noodles and their potential effects also impacts noodle quality. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the native and modified starch as raw materials and key processing steps for the production of starch noodles. Further, this article aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on the thermal, pasting, cooking, and textural properties of starch noodles. Technological, nutritional, and sensory challenges during the development of starch noodles are well discussed. Due to the increasing demands of consumers for safe food items with a long shelf life, the development of starch noodles and other convenience food products has increased. Also, the incorporation of modified starches overcomes the shortcomings of native starches, such as lack of viscosity and thickening power, retrogradation characteristics, or hydrophobicity. Starch can improve the stability of the dough structure but reduces the strength and resistance to deformation of the dough. Some technological, sensory, and nutritional challenges also impact the production process.
Goat kid recognition of their mothers' calls is not impacted by changes in fundamental frequency or formants
Authors: Perroux T. A. , McElligott A. G. , Briefer E. F.
Published: October 2022

Features varying more between than within individuals are considered as potential cues for individual recognition. According to the source‐filter theory of vocal production, the fundamental frequency of mammals' vocalizations depends on the characteristics of vocal folds, while Formants are determined by the characteristics of the vocal tract. Goat mothers and their kids (Capra hircus) display mutual recognition, and both source‐related parameters (f0) and filter‐related ones (Formants) have been shown to be individualized. Here, we aimed to identify if f0 and Formants are used by goat kids to recognize their mother's vocalizations. To do this, we independently modified these parameters in calls of goat mothers to different degrees (within or exceeding the range of natural intra‐individual variability), and we played back these modified calls to their kids. We found no effect of f0 or Formants modification on the kids' reactions. Further analyses revealed that goat kids emitted fewer calls when modifications to f0 resulted in higher values of the first energy quartile, suggesting a role of the distribution of energy in the spectrum in maternal recognition. We propose that either: (i) f0 and Formants are not involved in goats' maternal recognition; (ii) goat kids have a tolerance for variation when recognizing their mother's calls that exceeds the performed shifts in these parameters; or (iii) goat kid maternal recognition is based on a combination of features and might be more flexible than previously thought, such that when one feature is modified, kids focus on other features. The effect of the spectral energy distribution modification on the kid responses, which depends both on f0 and Formant heights, suggests that (iii) is a likely explanation. Our findings support the hypothesis of complex individual acoustic recognition from the early stages of development in ungulates.
Phosphoregulation of the transcription factor Mxr1 plays a crucial role in the concentration‐regulated methanol induction in Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Ohsawa Shin , Ito Shinji , Yurimoto Hiroya , Sakai Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2022

Methylotrophic yeasts can utilize methanol as the sole carbon and energy source, and the expression of their methanol‐induced genes is regulated based on the environmental methanol concentration. Our understanding of the function of transcription factors and Wsc family of proteins in methanol‐induced gene expression and methanol sensing is expanding, but the methanol signal transduction mechanism remains undetermined. Our study has revealed that the transcription factor KpMxr1 is involved in the concentration‐regulated methanol induction (CRMI) in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) and that the phosphorylation state of KpMxr1 changes based on methanol concentration. We identified the functional regions of KpMxr1 and determined its multiple phosphorylation sites. Non‐phosphorylatable substitution mutations of these newly identified phosphorylated threonine and serine residues resulted in significant defects in CRMI. We revealed that KpMxr1 receives the methanol signal from Wsc family proteins via KpPkc1 independent of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade and speculate that the activity of KpPkc1 influences KpMxr1 phosphorylation state. We propose that the CRMI pathway from Wsc to KpMxr1 diverges from KpPkc1 and that phosphoregulation of KpMxr1 plays a crucial role in CRMI.
Association between distinct body mass index trajectories according to the group‐based trajectory modeling and the risk of incident diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Kan Yinshi , Liu Lin , Li Xiangning , Pang Juan , Bi Yaxin , Zhang Lu , Zhang Ning , Yuan Yuan , Gong Weijuan , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2022

We aimed to determine the association between distinct body mass index (BMI) trajectories, using group‐based trajectory modeling, and the subsequent risk of incident diabetes. Five databases were systematically searched. Fourteen population‐based cohort studies that summarized the association between different BMI trajectories and subsequent diabetes, with the four most common BMI trajectories including the “stable,” “increasing,” “decreasing,” and “turning” groups, were included. The rapid increase and stable high‐level BMI groups showed the strongest association with the subsequent risk of diabetes compared with the stable normal BMI group. Increased baseline BMI levels resulted in a steeper slope and greater risk of subsequent diabetes. In the decreasing BMI group, one study reported that those aged >50 years showed the highest incidence of subsequent diabetes, whereas the other two studies reported no association between these two variables. In the turning group, an increase followed by a decrease in BMI levels from adolescence to late adulthood could reduce the risk of developing diabetes, although the residual risk remained. By contrast, the incidence of subsequent diabetes remained high in the middle‐aged BMI‐turning group. This study can provide further insights for identifying populations at high risk of diabetes and for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Newspaper media framing of obesity during pregnancy in the UK: A review and framework synthesis
Authors: Heslehurst Nicola , Evans Elizabeth H. , Incollingo Rodriguez Angela C. , Nagpal Taniya S. , Visram Shelina
Published: October 2022

Two thirds of women report experiencing weight stigma during pregnancy. Newspaper media is powerful in framing health issues. This review synthesized UK newspaper media portrayal of maternal obesity. NexisUni was searched to identify newspaper articles, published January 2010 to May 2021, reporting content on obesity during pregnancy. Framework synthesis integrated quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content of articles. There were 442 articles included (59% tabloids and 41% broadsheets). Three overarching themes with interacting sub‐themes were as follows: (1) Women were blamed for their weight, risks, and NHS impact. (2) Women were solely responsible for solving obesity, gendered from school age. (3) Women with obesity were a burden on individuals (e.g., themselves, their children, and health professionals), to society, and the NHS. Catastrophizing language framed the “problem,” “scale,” and “public health concern” of maternal obesity, emphasizing risk, and danger and was alarmist, aggressive, and violent as to elicit fear or devalue women. Articles platformed ‘expert’ voices rather than women's lived experiences. This review identified that UK newspaper media negatively frames and oversimplifies the topic of maternal obesity. Exposure to blaming and alarmist messaging could increase women's guilt, stigma, and internalized weight bias. The newspaper media should be harnessed to de‐stigmatize maternal obesity and promote maternal well‐being.
The effectiveness of intra‐alveolar Aloe vera extract powder on reducing the incidence of dry socket after tooth extraction: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alhalabi Nour Rafiq , Jaafo Mohammad Hassan , Mourad Rashad , Alkhouli Muaaz , Al‐Nerabieah Zuhair
Published: October 2022

Objective

The purpose of the study was to determine if the intra‐alveolar Aloe vera extract powder could reduce the incidence of alveolar osteitis (Dry socket) following extraction in the premolar site.

Materials and methods

This trial was a double‐blinded randomized controlled clinical study with a split‐mouth design which included 40 premolars sockets in 20 adult patients, aged 25–49 years. Each patient had two symmetrical extraction sites. The study sample was randomly allocated into two groups (A) the Aloe vera group, and group (B) the control group, extractions were performed for both sides in the same appointment. The occurrence of dry sockets was recorded on the third and seventh days after the extraction. Also, post‐extraction pain scores and the healing of the extraction socket were assessed.

Results

The Aloe vera group showed a lower post‐extraction alveolar osteitis (dry socket) occurrence compared with the control group with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The results also showed a decrease in pain scores in the experimental group compared to the control group with statistically significant differences on the first, third and seventh day after extraction (p < 0.05). Also, there were statistically significant differences in the degrees of healing of the extraction socket between the two groups on the seventh day after extraction (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was concluded that the topical application of Aloe vera extract powder intra‐alveolar after extraction may decrease the incidence of alveolar osteitis (dry socket), improve socket healing and reduce post‐extraction pain.
Management of a patient with multiple device replacements and extractions: When the leadless pacemaker is a viable solution
Authors: Coppola Giuseppe , Ciaramitaro Gianfranco , Madaudo Cristina , Di Caccamo Leandro , Testa Gabriella , Castelluccio Emanuele , Rizzuti Guglielmo , Torre Salvatore , Novo Giuseppina , Galassi Alfredo Ruggero , Corrado Egle
Published: October 2022

Leadless pacemaker (LPs) is a safe device and the implantation rates of this device is increasing. The device extraction and replacement are today a challenging procedures especially in case of infections, fragile and older patients or in unfavorable venous anatomy; LPs can be a valid alternative strategy in these cases. We report a case of management of a patient with multiple previous device replacements and extractions, with malfunction of transvenous pacemaker and with a fibrous membrane between the walls of the ventricular lead and the superior vena cava (SVC), who underwent a successful LP implantation.
Benefit of epidural analgesia for postoperative pain control after a Kasai Portoenterostomy: A ten‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bae Evelyn , Ganesh Arjunan , Flake Alan W. , Gurnaney Harshad G.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Biliary atresia is a rare obstructive cholangiopathy that presents in infants. The Kasai portoenterostomy procedure, which reestablishes biliary drainage into the intestine, is a surgical procedure that has been found to improve survival with the native liver. The options for postoperative analgesia include systemic opioids and epidural analgesia. The primary objective of this study was to compare the postoperative systemic opioids used in morphine equivalents (mg/kg) on postoperative days 0 through 3 between patients who underwent a Kasai portoenterostomy and received a thoracic epidural infusion to those without thoracic epidural analgesia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 91 infants with biliary atresia undergoing a Kasai portoenterostomy between January 1, 2009, and September 1, 2019, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Results

Sixty‐three of the 91 patients (69%) had a continuous epidural catheter placed intraoperatively for postoperative analgesia. The total opioid requirement (morphine equivalents) for the first 72 h in the epidural group of (Mean (95% confidence interval): 0.52 mg/kg (0.38, 0.67 mg/kg) was lower than the non‐epidural group (Mean (95% confidence interval): 1.15 mg/kg (0.8, 1.48 mg//kg) for a difference in mean opioid requirement (95% confidence interval) of 0.63 mg/kg (0.32, 0.94 mg/kg). Patients in the non‐epidural group had higher rates of unplanned ICU admissions (36% non‐epidural group vs. 3.3% epidural group, difference in proportion (95% confidence interval) 32.7% (13, 52%),p < .01). A higher percentage of patients in the non‐epidural group had a postoperative oxygen requirement (32.1% vs. 11.3%, difference in proportion (95% confidence interval) 21% (2, 40%),p = .02).

Conclusion

In our cohort study, continuous thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing a Kasai portoenterostomy was associated with lower postoperative opioid use. We also observed that the epidural group had a lower ICU admission rate and a lower rate of postoperative supplemental oxygen requirement over the first three postoperative days.