bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transparent Thermotherapeutic Skin Patch Based on Highly Conductive and Stretchable Copper Mesh Heater
Authors: Chen Xiaolian , Yin Yafei , Yuan Wei , Nie Shuhong , Lin Yong , Guo Wenrui , Su Wenming , Li Yuhang , Yang Kai , Cui Zheng
Published: August 2021

In the present work, a stretchable transparent heater (STH) is developed consisting of a free‐standing serpentine copper (Cu) mesh attached to a semipermeable polyurethane (PU) film. The as‐prepared Cu mesh STH is of extremely low sheet resistance of 0.15 Ω sq−1 at an optical transmittance of 82.5%. The electrothermal and mechanical properties of the fabricated STHs are systematically studied by both experimental measurements and theoretical simulations. The Cu mesh STH proves to be highly effective. For a size of 1 cm × 2 cm skin patch, it can generate temperature up to 120 °C in less than 30 s at only 0.7 V supplied voltage. The average temperature drop of the Cu mesh STH is only about 10% under 50% strain at a constant voltage. In addition to the efficient heating, the Cu mesh STH demonstrates high stability during long‐term repetitive heating and cooling cycles. Moreover, the STH is air permeable and highly conformable to skin. Its high transparency allows constant monitoring of skin condition during a healing process. As a proof‐of‐concept, a skin patch consisted of the Cu mesh STH is successfully applied to cure the epidermal tumor of lab mice, demonstrating its great potential for skin‐patched thermotherapy.
Recent Progress on Structurally Ordered Materials for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Sun Hainan , Song Sanzhao , Xu Xiaomin , Dai Jie , Yu Jie , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping , Jung WooChul
Published: August 2021

Tuning material properties by modulation of the arrangement of atoms is a fundamental and effective strategy in materials science. Structurally long‐range ordered materials are increasingly finding utility for electrocatalytic applications. Such ordered structures can achieve unique functions that increase the electrocatalytic activity compared to corresponding electrocatalysts with a disordered structure. Effective strategies for designing high‐performance electrocatalysts based on structurally ordered materials are presented. This review also summarizes the recent progress on structurally ordered materials as efficient electrocatalysts and highlights the applications in several representative electrochemical reactions, such as, the oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, and hydrogen evolution reaction. The structural features of the atomic long‐range ordered framework and superior electrochemical performance are demonstrated by advanced characterization techniques (structural identification) and electrochemical measurements (performance evaluations), respectively. Special attention is paid to the establishment of a structure‐activity relationship to highlight the advantages of the ordered structure. Finally, the remaining challenges and emerging opportunities in these related materials are proposed.
Development of reduced saturated fat cookie fillings using multicomponent oleogels
Authors: da Silva Thais Lomonaco Teodoro , Fernandes Gabriel Deschamps , Arellano Daniel Barrera
Published: August 2021

Cookie fillings are typically composed of sugar (60%–80%) and fat (20%–40%). The fat in these fillings is known as shortening, which currently has high levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and, in some cases, trans fatty acids (TFA). This makes the nutritional profile of this product a reason for concern, especially considering that the target audience for cookies is children. This study thus aimed to replace the commercial shortening in these fillings with oleogels made of soybean oil (SB) and high oleic sunflower oil (SF) structured with candelilla wax (CLX), monoglycerides (MG), and hard fat (HF), in different concentrations ranging from 5%–10% of the total structuring content. The complete replacement of shortening with oleogel reduced the amount of TFA by 100% and the amount of SFA by 50%–80%. The quantities of MG and HF greatly influenced the structuring of the product because the higher the concentrations (≥3%), the better the formation of the structured network, with good aeration, greater hardness, and less oil loss, compared with the standard with shortening. The samples that achieved physical properties similar to those of the control sample were samples 3:3:3 and 1:4:5 (CLX:MG:HF). These showed similar oil loss at T0 (~4.5%), and microstructure before and after temperature oscillations and closer consistency (~400 gF/cm2) and adhesiveness (50 gF. s) to the RP (800 gF/cm2 and 75 gF. s). Although MG and HF are not good structuring elements alone as the CLX, they formed a network that is connected by hydrogen bonds with the sugar molecules that were resistant to stirring and thermal changes, which makes this system a potential replacement for shortenings in cookie fillings application.
Smart controlled release of acarbose from glucose‐sensitive hydrogels comprising covalently modified carboxylated pullulan and concanavalin A
Authors: Yi Ju‐Zhen , Lin Kunhua , Wu Hao , Mao Xuhong , Zhang Li‐Ming , Yang Liqun
Published: August 2021

A hydrogel comprising covalently modified carboxylated pullulan and concanavalin A (CPUL‐ConA) was prepared with glucose‐sensitivity in a simulated small intestinal fluid containing glucose. The acarbose‐encapsulated CPUL‐ConA (Acar/CPUL‐ConA) hydrogel, with an acarbose encapsulation ratio of 0.63, was prepared by immersing the dried CPUL‐ConA hydrogel in an acarbose/PBS (pH 7.2) solution. In the simulated gastric fluid, less than 20% acarbose was released from the Acar/CPUL‐ConA hydrogel, which could be beneficial to protecting the stomach. In contrast, more than 80% acarbose was smartly controlled released from the Acar/CPUL‐ConA hydrogel in the simulated small intestine fluid containing glucose. Scanning electron microscopy provided further evidence of the smart release of acarbose from the Acar/CPUL‐ConA hydrogel in simulated gastrointestinal fluids, which is advantageous to inhibiting α‐glucosidase activity and subsequently reducing the postprandial blood glucose levels, as well as helpful for reducing the gastrointestinal dysfunction of acarbose. Rheological analysis indicated that the Acar/CPUL‐ConA hydrogel showed characteristics of chemical crosslinked hydrogels. There was no obvious shear thinning behavior, suggesting that the Acar/CPUL‐ConA hydrogel could be stable under gastric and intestinal peristalsis. Therefore, the Acar/CPUL‐ConA hydrogel is anticipated to improve the therapeutic efficacy of postprandial hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes.
Free association as an epistemic method
Authors: Monteleone John M.
Published: August 2021

What sort of clinical evidence can free association provide? Can it be characterized without presupposing Freud's controversial metaphysics? This essay claims that free association aims for entirely open and spontaneous expression. The emphasis on expression contrasts with Freud's own emphasis on dispassionate self‐observation. So conceived, the method of free association is here argued to be epistemically valuable in two interestingly different ways. Firstly, it can enable recognition of certain long‐standing patterns in the analysand's emotional and desiderative life, which are called concerns. Secondly, and more distinctively, since such an extreme degree of open, spontaneous expression will often be difficult to begin or will break down unexpectedly, the method enables recognition of ways in which an analysand's moral education has suppressed and re‐shaped those concerns.
Challenging endings: How telomeres prevent fragility
Authors: Glousker Galina , Lingner Joachim
Published: August 2021

It has become apparent that difficulties to replicate telomeres concern not only the very ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. The challenges already start when the replication fork enters the telomeric repeats. The obstacles encountered consist mainly of noncanonical nucleic acid structures that interfere with replication if not resolved. Replication stress at telomeres promotes the formation of so‐called fragile telomeres displaying an abnormal appearance in metaphase chromosomes though their exact molecular nature remains to be elucidated. A substantial number of factors is required to counteract fragility. In this review we promote the hypothesis that telomere fragility is not caused directly by an initial insult during replication but it results as a secondary consequence of DNA repair of damaged replication forks by the homologous DNA recombination machinery. Incomplete DNA synthesis at repair sites or partial chromatin condensation may become apparent as telomere fragility. Fragility and DNA repair during telomere replication emerges as a common phenomenon which exacerbates in multiple disease conditions.
Custom allogeneic block graft for ridge augmentation: Case series
Authors: Ambrosio Filip , Azimi Khashayar , López‐Torres Andrea , Notice Tinisha , Khoshneviszadeh Arash , Neely Anthony , Kinaia Bassam
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Alveolar bone deficiency is a common postextraction sequela that adversely affects implant placement. Therefore, ridge augmentation is often required to obtain proper bone quantity and quality for restoratively driven implant placement. This case series describes the successful horizontal and vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using custom‐fabricated allogeneic block bone grafts.

Case Series

Two healthy partially edentulous patients presented to private practice seeking dental implant treatment. Initial clinical examination and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographic analysis showed moderate to large horizontal ridge defects. Treatment options were discussed for alveolar ridge augmentation and the patients elected to undergo the custom allogeneic block graft procedure to regenerate the atrophied alveolar ridges. The CBCT scan in conjunction with computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology was used to fabricate customized allogeneic block grafts based on alveolar ridge topography. The custom allogeneic block graft allowed less surgical time and decreased postoperative morbidity. The grafted area was allowed 6 months of healing time. Follow‐up radiographs showed the stability of the graft followed by dental implant placement. The dental implants were functionally loaded, and successful implant esthetics and function achieved.

Conclusion

Custom allogeneic block grafts could provide a promising innovative method for optimal ridge augmentation.

Why are these cases new information?

Less invasive procedure as an alternative conventional two‐stage block augmentation.

More predictable outcome due to customized block graft.

What are the keys to successful management of these cases?

It is important determining the type of bone defect.

Vertical and horizontal bone loss.

Primary closure.

What are the primary limitations to success in these cases?

Limited data from prospective clinical trials documenting the effectiveness of custom allogeneic block grafts.

Limited data are available to confirm accuracy of the CAD/CAM process.

Passive flap closure is needed.
The teacher education curriculum and its competency‐based education attributes
Authors: Tarmo Albert , Kimaro Aurelia
Published: August 2021

Background

This paper reports on a study that analyzed the Diploma in Secondary Education (DSE) curriculum in Tanzania to establish its competency‐based education (CBE) attributes. The attributes of the curriculum and whether these reflect the basic principles of CBE are critical to successful implementation at the classroom level.

Methods

A Qualitative Content Analysis method was used to analyze purposively sampled DSE curriculum documents such as the curriculum of the diploma in teacher education program, Biology and Geography academic and pedagogy syllabi for the DSE etc. to establish the program's CBE attributes.

Findings

The analysis established that the DSE program is characterized by a mixture of diametrically contradictory attributes, some of which reflect traditional content‐based education and others that are more aligned with the CBE model.

Conclusion

We concluded that, by maintaining attributes of both traditional and competency‐based education models, the DSE program could self‐constrain its implementation at the classroom level.
Conferred with a new life: A case report of management of a severe midface trauma and subsequent oral rehabilitation
Authors: Pournabi Alireza , Moslemi Hamidreza , Shafiei Shervin , Dastgir Ramtin , Abbasi Kamyar , Alam Mostafa
Published: August 2021

Maxillofacial traumas have been associated with 14%‐17% of all facial injuries. The most common etiology of mid‐facial traumas is motor vehicle accidents followed by interpersonal assaults. The devastating nature of maxillofacial defects makes reconstruction of the midface challenging, due to multiple required surgeries and extensive rehabilitation phase. The midface has been defined as the area between the zygomaticofrontal sutures and the maxillary occlusal plane. Midface traumas are significantly more challenging to manage compared to isolated facial since there is limited intact and unharmed framework to guide with anatomic reductions. Therefore, the appropriate surgical approach to a maxillofacial trauma must follow a systematic scheme. Besides, one of the main consequences of maxillofacial traumas is destruction of the teeth and teeth bearing alveolar bone. Oral rehabilitation utilizing dental implants of these patients must be considered to provide the higher quality of life. Here, we report the management and further oral rehabilitation of a case suffering severe midface trauma following a motor vehicle accident where the patient was hit by a lorry.
Azathioprine‐induced severe myelosuppression accompanied by massive hair loss and painful oral ulcer in an autoimmune hepatitis patient with NUDT15 minor variant: A case report
Authors: Takeuchi Yu , Noritake Hidenao , Matsumoto Moe , Umemura Masahiro , Yamashita Maho , Kitsugi Kensuke , Takatori Shingo , Ohta Kazuyoshi , Ito Jun , Shimoyama Shin , Kaysuya Akira , Maruyama Chiaki , Fukuchi Kensuke , Dohtan Satoshi , Sakata Hiroe , Kawata Kazuhito
Published: August 2021

This report highlights azathioprine‐induced severe myelosuppression in the patient with NUDT15 minor variant. This case report is particularly instructive because several typical symptoms are the clues to this critical adverse drug reaction.
Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor as rescue therapy in a patient with the cystic fibrosis genotype F508DEL/G1244E
Authors: Salvatore Donatello , Colangelo Carmela , D’Andria Michele , Marsicovetere Giovanni , Passarella Domenica
Published: August 2021

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) is a cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulator. It is known to be efficacious in stable patients with severe pneumopathy, but there are few data concerning its effectiveness during acute exacerbations. We here describe its use in a woman with CF and respiratory failure.
Non‐recurrent laryngeal nerve and arteria lusoria: Rare and little known association
Authors: Mediouni Azza , Sayedi Hela , Chahed Houda , Besbes Ghazi
Published: August 2021

Non‐recurrent Laryngeal nerve is constantly associated with Arteria Lusoria. Knowing this association is the basis of predicting this condition preoperatively. Ultrasonography assessment before thyroid and parathyroid surgery should include identification of brachiocephalic trunk division. Absence of its visualization indicates Arteria Lusoria and then non‐recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Determining the Overpotential of Electrochemical Fuel Synthesis Mediated by Molecular Catalysts: Recommended Practices, Standard Reduction Potentials, and Challenges
Authors: Stratakes Bethany M. , Dempsey Jillian L. , Miller Alexander J. M.
Published: August 2021

Molecular catalysts capable of performing electrochemical transformations are frequently utilized in the synthesis of fuels. A common benchmark for evaluating catalysts for electrochemical reactions is overpotential (η) and minimizing η remains an active goal in catalysis. This Review details approaches for the determination of thermodynamic potentials for common fuel‐forming reactions and for the determination of electrochemical overpotential, and underscores the need to employ methods that enable meaningful comparisons between molecular catalysts. Strategies for minimizing overpotential while maintaining high activity are highlighted.
[(C C)Au(N N)]+ Complexes as a New Family of Anticancer Candidates: Synthesis, Characterization and Exploration of the Antiproliferative Properties
Authors: Khodjoyan Silva , Remadna Edwyn , Dossmann Héloïse , Lesage Denis , Gontard Geoffrey , Forté Jérémy , Hoffmeister Henrik , Basu Uttara , Ott Ingo , Spence Philip , Waller Zoë A. E. , Salmain Michèle , Bertrand Benoît
Published: August 2021

A library of eleven cationic gold(III) complexes of the general formula [(C C)Au(N N)]+ when C C is either biphenyl or 4,4’‐ditertbutyldiphenyl and N N is a bipyridine, phenanthroline or dipyridylamine derivative have been synthesized and characterized. Contrasting effects on the viability of the triple negative breast cancer cells MDA‐MB‐231 was observed from a preliminary screening. The antiproliferative activity of the seven most active complexes were further assayed on a larger panel of human cancer cells as well as on non‐cancerous cells for comparison. Two complexes stood out for being either highly active or highly selective. Eventually, reactivity studies with biologically meaningful amino acids, glutathione, higher order DNA structures and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) revealed a markedly different behavior from that of the well‐known coordinatively isomeric [(C N C)Au(NHC)]+ structure. This makes the [(C C)Au(N N)]+ complexes a new class of organogold compounds with an original mode of action.
Metal‐Stabilized [B8H8]2− Derivatives with Dodecahedral Structure in the Solid and Solution States: [(Cp2MBH3)2B8H6] (Cp=η5‐C5H5; M=Zr (1‐Zr) and Hf (1‐Hf)).
Authors: Kar Sourav , Bairagi Subhash , Joshi Gaurav , Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: August 2021

Despite the synthesis and structural characterization of closo‐hydroborate dianions, [BnHn]2− (n=6–12) more than 50 years ago, some ambiguity remains about the structure of [B8H8]2−. Although the solid‐state structure of [B8H8]2− was established by single‐crystal X‐ray studies in 1969, fast rearrangements in solution at accessible temperatures prevented its detailed characterization. We therefore stabilized a derivative of [B8H8]2− by using Cp2MBH3 and structurally characterized two new octaborane analogues, [(Cp2MBH3)2B8H6] (Cp=η5‐C5H5; M=Zr (1‐Zr) and Hf (1‐Hf)), so that the dynamics of the B8 skeleton were arrested. The solid‐state structures of both 1‐Zr and 1‐Hf comprise a dodecahedron core protected by {Cp2MBH3} moieties on both sides of the cluster. Spectroscopic characterization (11B NMR) validates the intactness of the B8 dodecahedron core in solution as well. Theoretical calculations establish that the two exo‐{Cp2MBH3} fragments provide structural and electronic structural stability to the B8 core and its intact dodecahedral dianionic nature. Furthermore, we propose isodesmic equations for the formation of higher analogues of the Bn core (n>8) guarded by different group 4 transition metals. Our analysis suggests that, as we move to higher polyhedra (n>10), the formation becomes unfavourable irrespective of metal.
Alexithymia, dissociation and emotional regulation in eating disorders: Evidence of improvement through specialized inpatient treatment
Authors: Meneguzzo Paolo , Garolla Alice , Bonello Elisa , Todisco Patrizia
Published: August 2021

The research into emotional regulation in eating disorders (EDs) has shown specific impairments and maladaptive coping strategies in patients, and there is an increasing interest in the role of the emotional domain in the treatment outcome. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a specialized inpatient treatment characterized by both an intensive and comprehensive standardized multidisciplinary programme based on cognitive–behavioural therapy and a flexible and personalized component implemented by third‐wave interventions. A cohort of 67 female ED patients (anorexia nervosa = 28, bulimia nervosa = 28 and binge eating disorder = 11) underwent an evaluation of emotional regulation difficulties, alexithymia and dissociative symptomatology at admission to a specialized ED ward. The psychological modifications were subsequently re‐evaluated upon discharge, after an inpatients treatment of 60 days, examining specific changes in the specific psychopathology. A significant improvement after specialized ED treatment was shown in alexithymia, emotional regulation difficulties and dissociation symptoms, with higher effect sizes in patients with higher alexithymia scores. As regards the specific effect of the psychological improvement, changes into alexithymia scores have shown specific correlations with ED psychopathology (p < 0.010) and with difficulties in emotional regulation (p < 0.010) in patients with higher alexithymia levels at admission. Emotional regulation and dissociation should therefore be evaluated in ED patients and may be improved with specific therapeutic approaches, while alexithymia remains a clinical trait, even with a significant reduction.
Application of a new scan body for face‐driven fixed prosthetics
Authors: Otawa Naruto , Aoki Tsukasa , Sumida Tomoki , Yanagi Tsukasa , Kido Hirofumi
Published: August 2021

Objective

The current method of digitally designing dental prostheses mainly focuses on intra‐oral soft and hard tissues, although the harmony of the facial soft tissue and the prosthesis is crucial, especially for esthetics. Here, we introduce a new method of digitally designing dental prostheses using a new device that generates a virtual patient and incorporates facial features into the prosthetic design.

Materials and methods

A new extra‐oral scan body for facial scanning was designed and developed. A definitive edentulous maxilla implant cast with four extra‐oral scan bodies (regions: maxillary left and right lateral incisors, maxillary left and right premolars) was placed in the mouth of a dental mannequin. The dental mannequin was scanned with and without the extra‐oral scan bodies. For reference data, an impression of the maxilla was taken and scanned with a laboratory scanner. By superimposing each acquired data, a virtual patient was generated, and the spatial location of the abutments relative to the face was clarified. Identifying the accurate location of the abutments enabled to design face‐driven dental prosthesis.

Results

Based on the color‐coded deviation map created by the data acquired from conventional and extra‐oral scan bodies, the divergence of the two data was mostly within 0.1 mm, which proves that the extra‐oral scan bodies were as accurate as conventional scan bodies. Therefore, the facial scan data and the scan data of the oral cavity were successfully superimposed, which allowed to generate a virtual patient to design face‐driven prosthesis.

Conclusion

The new method is effective for designing high‐quality face‐driven prostheses, especially when treating a patient with a full‐arch implant‐fixed prosthesis.
Risk factors of re‐bleeding within a year in colonic diverticular bleeding patients
Authors: Gonai Takahiro , Toya Yosuke , Kawasaki Keisuke , Yanai Shunichi , Akasaka Risaburo , Nakamura Shotaro , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

Although colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) is common, few reports have described the effects of antithrombotic agents (ATs) on CDB. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors of re‐bleeding within a year in CDB patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the risk of re‐bleeding in CDB patients. Among 324 patients who were hospitalized for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding at our institution during the period from 2015 to 2019, we used 76 patients who were diagnosed as CDB. Risk factors for re‐bleeding were determined by Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 76 patients analyzed, 32 were taking ATs, nine of whom were taking multiple agents. Twenty‐six patients re‐bled within a year. Compared with the patients without re‐bleeding, patients with re‐bleeding within a year had been treated by antithrombotic therapy more frequently (62% vs. 32%, p = 0.013). Cox proportional hazard model revealed that treatment with ATs (hazard ratio 3.89, 95% confidence interval 1.53–10.74, p = 0.004) was an independent risk factor for re‐bleeding within a year.

Conclusion

ATs were found to be an independent risk factor related to re‐bleeding within a year in patients with CDB.
Endoscopic full‐thickness resection of an esophageal leiomyoma located in close proximity to the azygos vein
Authors: Shiwaku Hironari , Okada Hiroki , Shiwaku Akio , Tanaka Keita , Shimaoka Hideki , Maki Kenji , Yoshimura Fumihiro , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: August 2021

Third‐space endoscopic techniques, such as peroral endoscopic tumor resection (POET) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER), enable access to deep organs and tissues that have been previously inaccessible with an endoscope. We present a 29‐year‐old man with a submucosal tumor (40 × 25 mm) located at 5 o'clock in the upper thoracic esophagus. Histological diagnosis by endoscopic ultrasound–fine needle aspiration was leiomyoma. Computed tomography showed the azygos vein posterior to the tumor. However, because endoscopic ultrasound revealed space between them, POET was performed. Because the tumor originated from the deep layer of the muscularis propria, full‐thickness resection was performed to achieve R0 resection. The azygos vein arch was seen through the mediastinal space after tumor enucleation. The final histopathological diagnosis was leiomyoma. POET is a potentially revolutionary endoscopic technique that enables full‐thickness resection of nonepithelial lesions. Preoperative computed tomography or endoscopic ultrasound to determine peritumoral anatomy is important to ensure safety. During the procedure, it is important to operate under direct vision, accurately identify the tumor boundary, and dissect along the boundary to avoid damaging the tumor and surrounding structures.
Inferring species interactions from ecological survey data: A mechanistic approach to predict quantitative food webs of seed feeding by carabid beetles
Authors: Pocock Michael J. O. , Schmucki Reto , Bohan David A.
Published: August 2021

Ecological networks are valuable for ecosystem analysis but their use is often limited by a lack of data because many types of ecological interaction, for example, predation, are short‐lived and difficult to observe or detect. While there are different methods for inferring the presence of interactions, they have rarely been used to predict the interaction strengths that are required to construct weighted, or quantitative, ecological networks.

Here, we develop a trait‐based approach suitable for inferring weighted networks, that is, with varying interaction strengths. We developed the method for seed‐feeding carabid ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) although the principles can be applied to other species and types of interaction.

Using existing literature data from experimental seed‐feeding trials, we predicted a per‐individual interaction cost index based on carabid and seed size. This was scaled up to the population level to create inferred weighted networks using the abundance of carabids and seeds from empirical samples and energetic intake rates of carabids from the literature. From these weighted networks, we also derived a novel measure of expected predation pressure per seed type per network.

This method was applied to existing ecological survey data from 255 arable fields with carabid data from pitfall traps and plant seeds from seed rain traps. Analysis of these inferred networks led to testable hypotheses about how network structure and predation pressure varied among fields.

Inferred networks are valuable because (a) they provide null models for the structuring of food webs to test against empirical species interaction data, for example, DNA analysis of carabid gut regurgitates and (b) they allow weighted networks to be constructed whenever we can estimate interactions between species and have ecological census data available. This permits ecological network analysis even at times and in places when interactions were not directly assessed.
Cl–/ClO–process on SnO2‐based electrodes in low‐concentrated NaCl solutions
Authors: Shmychkova Olesia , Girenko Dmitry , Velichenko Alexander
Published: August 2021

Anode processes on SnO2‐based electrodes in low‐concentrated NaCl solutions have been investigated. The current‐voltage curves for 25 tin oxide anodes doped with various amounts of platinum group metals in 0.5 M NaClO4and 0.5 M NaClO4+ 0.5 M NaCl have been analyzed. The correlation criterion between the catalytic activity of the coating in relation to the reaction of synthesis of NaClO, NaClO3from low‐concentrated NaCl solutions, and the oxygen evolution overpotential was found. The formulated criterion is fully met by SnO2‐coatings doped with both palladium (5‐15 at.%) and platinum (5‐10 at.%), which are the optimal electrocatalysts for the synthesis of sodium hypochlorite. In this case, their catalytic activity does not depend on the concentrations of dopant in the range, which allows to obtain anodes with reproducible properties by pyrolysis. The current efficiency of NaClO is 90‐95% and current efficiency of chlorate is less than 1% during the electrolysis of 0.15 M NaCl on Ti/SnO2‐Pt‐Pd anodes at 40‐60 mA/cm2. Palladium exists in the form of PdO phase in the electrocatalytic coating Ti/SnO2‐Pt‐Pd. The surface oxygen concentration in H2Oadsand OHadsis comparable to the oxygen content of the phase oxides of tin and palladium in the coating containing 19.5 at.% Pd, indicating a high surface content of adsorbed water. Palladium oxides are the main centers of water adsorption, and their presence on the surface of the anodes contributes to the hydroxylation of the surface. Most likely, this property of palladium compounds provides its high electrocatalytic activity in the reaction of formation of hypochlorite, which involves labile oxygen‐containing particles low bonded to the surface.
Quality of life among undergraduate university students during COVID‐19 movement control order in Sarawak
Authors: Cheah Whye Lian , Law Leh Shii , Teh Keng Hoong , Kam Su Ling , Voon Grace Ern Hui , Lim Han Yong , Shashi Kumar Nuhes Seelan
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

This study aimed to examine the quality of life (QoL) and health satisfaction of undergraduate university students in Sarawak during MCO and its association with socio‐demographic profiles.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, QoL and satisfaction of health of 503 undergraduate university students (63.4% females) from a public university was assessed online using the World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL)‐BREF instrument.

Results

The overall QoL and satisfaction with health were 3.7 ± 0.87 and 3.9 ± 0.82, respectively. Male students showed significantly lower mean scores for the environmental domains than female students (63.37 ± 16.21 vs 68.10 ± 14.00, P < .01). Students who lived inside the campus (vs outside campus) showed significantly lower mean score for the physical health (61.49 ± 13.94 vs 67.23 ± 13.93, P < .01), environmental health (58.35 ± 15.07 vs 70.49 ± 13.21, P < .01), overall QoL (3.39 ± 0.90 vs 3.84 ± 0.83, P < .01), and satisfaction with health (3.71 ± 0.90 vs 3.97 ± 0.77, P < .01). Students with parent's income below RM5000 (vs parent's income more than RM5000) had significantly lower mean score for the environmental domain (65.06 ± 14.35 vs 68.20 ± 15.74, P < .05). Others ethnicity scored significantly lower than Bumiputera Sarawak and Malay while Bumiputera Sarawak scored significantly lower than Chinese in physical health domain (Malay = 65.73 ± 13.40, Chinese = 63.24 ± 15.35, Bumiputra Sarawak = 67.35 ± 13.30, Others = 60.84 ± 15.88, P < .05). Malay (69.99 ± 15.20) scored significantly higher than other ethnicities (Chinese = 63.58 ± 15.80; Bumiputera Malaysia = 65.23 ± 13.66; others = 63.98 ± 15.59) in environmental domain (P < .01). When comparing between religions, the results also showed there were significant differences between different religion groups in overall QoL (Islam = 3.75 ± 0.93, Christianity = 3.77 ± 0.79, Others = 3.34 ± 1.14, P < .05), physical health (Islam = 65.00 ± 13.86, Buddhism = 68.40 ± 11.99, Christianity = 64.77 ± 14.94, Others = 61.00 ± 16.03, P < .05), and environmental health (Islam = 69.66 ± 15.48, Buddhism = 64.99 ± 11.36, Christianity = 64.87 ± 15.61, Others = 62.13 ± 16.28, P < .05).

Conclusion

By understanding university students' QoL in this global disaster, relevant authorities would provide a better rehabilitation and assistance to those affected ones.
Mortality risk among 5‐year survivors of childhood cancer in Germany—Results from the CVSS study (Cardiac and Vascular late Sequelae in long‐term Survivors of childhood cancer study)
Authors: Merzenich Hiltrud , Baaken Dan , Schneider Astrid , Neu Marie A. , Wingerter Arthur , Faber Jörg , Wild Philipp S. , Spix Claudia
Published: August 2021

The growing population of long‐term childhood cancer survivors is at increased risk for severe, therapy‐related late effects and premature mortality. The cardiac and vascular late sequelae in long‐term survivors of childhood cancer (CVSS) study is a cohort of patients from Germany diagnosed with a neoplasia prior to 15 years of age in the time period 1980 to 1990. Late mortality was evaluated in a total of 4505 individuals who survived 5 years or more after the initial diagnosis (5‐year survivors). Survivors with a second primary tumor were excluded. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. By December 2014, 400 patients had died. Available cause of death information from 188 individuals was used to estimate cause‐specific mortality for all deceased persons. Compared to the population of (former) West Germany, we observed an excess overall mortality risk (SMR = 9.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.62‐10.51). After correcting for missing cause of death information, an increased cancer mortality (SMR = 43.50, 95% CI = 25.79‐73.50) in the 5‐year survivors was detected. Cardiac death was ascertained in 14 individuals, resulting in an SMR of 10.85 (95% CI = 2.80‐32.02) after correcting for missing values. In conclusion, childhood cancer survivors diagnosed in Germany in 1980 to 1990 have a higher mortality risk overall and an elevated risk of dying from cancer and cardiac causes in particular. The results are consistent with those of international cohort studies. However, the reported results are based on few cases and individuals with secondary cancers were excluded.
Early weight loss is an independent risk factor for shorter survival and increased side effects in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing first‐line treatment within the randomized Phase III trial FIRE‐3 (AIO KRK‐0306)
Authors: Liu Lian , Erickson Nicole Tonya , Ricard Ingrid , von Weikersthal Ludwig Fischer , Lerch Markus M. , Decker Thomas , Kiani Alexander , Kaiser Florian , Heintges Tobias , Kahl Christoph , Kullmann Frank , Scheithauer Werner , Link Hartmut , Höffkes Heinz‐Gert , Moehler Markus , Gesenhues Alena Britta , Theurich Sebastian , Michl Marlies , Modest Dominik P. , Algül Hana , Stintzing Sebastian , Heinemann Volker , Holch Julian W.
Published: August 2021

Body weight loss is frequently regarded as negatively related to outcomes in patients with malignancies. This retrospective analysis of the FIRE‐3 study evaluated the evolution of body weight in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). FIRE‐3 evaluated first‐line FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan) plus cetuximab or bevacizumab in mCRC patients with RAS‐WT tumors (ie, wild‐type in KRAS and NRAS exons 2‐4). The prognostic and predictive relevance of early weight loss (EWL) regarding patient outcomes and treatment side effects were evaluated. Retrospective data on body weight during first 6 months of treatment were evaluated (N = 326). To correlate with efficacy endpoints and treatment side effects, patients were grouped according to clinically significant EWL ≥5% and <5% at Month 3. Age constituted the only significant predictor of EWL following a linear relationship with the corresponding log odds ratio (P = .016). EWL was significantly associated with the incident frequencies of diarrhea, edema, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Further, a multivariate analysis revealed EWL to be an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival (32.4 vs 21.1 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13‐2.38; P = .0098) and progression‐free survival (11.8 vs 9.0 months; HR: 1.72; 95% CI = 1.18‐2.5; P = .0048). In conclusion, EWL during systemic treatment against mCRC is significantly associated with patient age. Patients exhibiting EWL had worse survival and higher frequencies of adverse events. Early preventative measures targeted at weight maintenance should be evaluated, especially in elderly patients being at highest risk of EWL.
Effect of irrigation regimes using saline water on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield and water productivity in an arid environment*
Authors: El Mokh Fathia , Nagaz Kamel , Alva Ashok Kumar , Masmoudi Mohamed Moncef , Ben Mechlia Netij
Published: August 2021

A 2‐year study was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation regimes using saline water on soil salinization, yield, water productivity, and net income of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under actual farming conditions in arid regions of Tunisia. Faba bean (cvs. Luz de Otono and local) was grown on a sandy soil and drip‐irrigated with water having an electrical conductivity of 6 dS m−1. Two deficit irrigation (DI70 and DI40) and one full irrigation (FI) strategy consisting of applications of 40%, 70%, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), respectively, were compared to the traditional farmers' irrigation method (FM) in which 16 mm irrigation were applied every 5 days from planting till harvest. Results showed that the lowest soil salinity values at harvest were observed under FI treatment, while the highest were obtained with DI40 and the FM. The maximum values of faba bean yields were obtained under FI and the lowest with the FM. No significant reduction in yields was observed with the DI70 treatment compared to FI, while DI40 and the FM significantly decreased the fresh pod yields. Using 12%–20% more irrigation water than FI treatment, the FM did not improve soil salinity but resulted in a significant yield reduction compared to FI. Total water productivity values varied between 4.9 (FM) and 14 kg m−3 (DI40) across different years and treatments. Compared to the FM, which applies fixed amounts with the same frequency, the FI strategy, which adapts the irrigation amounts to the actual crop water requirements, was more productive and provided a significant advantage in terms of yield and net income. Under limited availability of irrigation water, adoption of the DI70 treatment was found to be a good alternative as it allowed 30% water saving and was subject to limited negative effects on soil salinity, yield, and net income.
Emerging bioremediation technologies for the treatment of textile wastewater containing synthetic dyes: a comprehensive review
Authors: Srivastava Ankita , Rani Radha M , Patle Dipesh S , Kumar Sushil
Published: August 2021

The tremendous increase in human population and industrialization has exacerbated the existing problem of water pollution to a great extent. The textile industry is the major cause of this problem due to its significant use of organic synthetic dyes as coloring materials during the dyeing process. The presence of color in wastewater is a major environmental concern, as these dyes are resistant to degradation by physio‐chemical treatments. Bioremediation is an attractive method that can completely degrade these dyes while also being cost‐effective. This comprehensive review aims to provide a brief insight into bioremediation based on some of the latest emerging wastewater treatment technologies for the removal of synthetic dyes. Starting with the importance of decolorization of synthetic dyes and their environmental impacts, different physio‐chemical treatment technologies are analyzed with a special emphasis on their limitations. The bioremediation of textile wastewater with detailed biodegradation mechanisms using different bacterial species (bacteria, fungal, algae, enzyme, and mixed culture) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions is thoroughly discussed. In this article, the major factors affecting the implementation of biological treatment are explained. In addition, the latest emerging treatment technologies, such as nano‐bio materials, genetic engineering, phytoremediation, electro‐bioremediation (microbial electrochemistry technology, MET), and integrated/hybrid technologies (such as biological processes with physio‐chemical processes, electro‐coagulation, adsorption, ultra‐filtration, membrane, and advanced oxidation) are critically reviewed; their challenges and the future perspectives in textile wastewater treatment are also highlighted. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparing dental student preclinical self‐assessment in the United States and Japan
Authors: Tabassian Lilia J. , Nagasawa Masako , Ba Aisha K. , Akiba Nami , Akiba Yosuke , Uoshima Katsumi , Ohyama Hiroe
Published: August 2021

Purpose/objectives

Self‐assessment is an essential skill for dental professionals. Understanding global trends in self‐assessment can highlight the learning needs of students across a diversity of cultural backgrounds. The aim of this study is to compare the self‐assessment ability of dental students in the United States and Japan, where cultural backgrounds may differ.

Methods

Students in the United States (n = 176) completed a typodont premolar and anterior Class II and Class III preparation and restoration. Students in Japan (n = 175) completed a typodont premolar crown preparation. Students and faculty then evaluated the student performance using rubrics for each respective procedure. The difference between the student's self‐assessment score and the average faculty score (S–F gap) was calculated and the data were analyzed.

Results

The mean S–F gap was 2.8% in Japan and 7.6% in the United States. This indicates that Japanese students tended to assess themselves closer to their faculty graders than students in the United States. On average, students in both countries scored themselves higher than their faculty graders. Students in the United States more frequently overestimated their performance and students in Japan more frequently underestimated their performance. For students in the lower quartile, the mean S–F gap was 5.1% in Japan and 14.6% in the United States, indicating a large cultural discrepancy in the lower quartile groups.

Conclusions

Although different preclinical procedures were compared, our findings demonstrated that Japanese students may score themselves more closely to their faculty assessors than students in the United States. Further investigation with more students completing the same preclinical activity will be needed.
Microscopic segmentation and classification of COVID‐19 infection with ensemble convolutional neural network
Authors: Amin Javeria , Anjum Muhammad Almas , Sharif Muhammad , Rehman Amjad , Saba Tanzila , Zahra Rida
Published: August 2021

The detection of biological RNA from sputum has a comparatively poor positive rate in the initial/early stages of discovering COVID‐19, as per the World Health Organization. It has a different morphological structure as compared to healthy images, manifested by computer tomography (CT). COVID‐19 diagnosis at an early stage can aid in the timely cure of patients, lowering the mortality rate. In this reported research, three‐phase model is proposed for COVID‐19 detection. In Phase I, noise is removed from CT images using a denoise convolutional neural network (DnCNN). In the Phase II, the actual lesion region is segmented from the enhanced CT images by using deeplabv3 and ResNet‐18. In Phase III, segmented images are passed to the stack sparse autoencoder (SSAE) deep learning model having two stack auto‐encoders (SAE) with the selected hidden layers. The designed SSAE model is based on both SAE and softmax layers for COVID19 classification. The proposed method is evaluated on actual patient data of Pakistan Ordinance Factories and other public benchmark data sets with different scanners/mediums. The proposed method achieved global segmentation accuracy of 0.96 and 0.97 for classification.
Pulmonary and blood dendritic cells from sarcoidosis patients more potently induce IFNγ-producing Th1 cells compared with monocytes
Authors: Lepzien Rico , Nie Mu , Czarnewski Paulo , Liu Sang , Yu Meng , Ravindran Avinash , Kullberg Susanna , Eklund Anders , Grunewald Johan , Smed-Sörensen Anna
Published: August 2021

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the lungs. The hallmark of sarcoidosis are granulomas that are surrounded by activated T cells, likely targeting the disease-inducing antigen. IFNγ-producing Th1 and Th17.1 T cells are elevated in sarcoidosis and associate with disease progression. Monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and required for T cell activation. Several subsets of monocytes and DCs with different functions were identified in sarcoidosis. However, to what extent different monocyte and DC subsets can support activation and skewing of T cells in sarcoidosis is still unclear. In this study, we performed a transcriptional and functional side-by-side comparison of sorted monocytes and DCs from matched blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of sarcoidosis patients. Transcriptomic analysis of all subsets showed upregulation of genes related to T cell activation and antigen presentation in DCs compared with monocytes. Allogeneic T cell proliferation was higher after coculture with monocytes and DCs from blood compared with BAL and DCs induced more T cell proliferation compared with monocytes. After coculture, proliferating T cells showed high expression of the transcription factor Tbet and IFNγ production. We also identified Tbet and RORγt coexpressing T cells that mainly produced IFNγ. Our data show that DCs rather than monocytes from sarcoidosis patients have the ability to activate and polarize T cells towards Th1 and Th17.1 cells. This study provides a useful in vitro tool to better understand the contribution of monocytes and DCs to T cell activation and immunopathology in sarcoidosis.