bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergic sensitization to foods in India and other Low–Middle‐income countries
Authors: Mahesh Padukudru Anand , Kaleem Ullah Mohammed , Parthasarathi Ashwaghosha
Published: February 2023

Food allergy is an important cause of morbidity, significantly affecting the quality of life of the sufferer. Most food allergy research has been undertaken in high‐income countries. Here, we summarize literature regarding food allergy in India and other low–middle‐income countries (LMIC). We provide summaries of self‐reported adverse food reactions and food sensitization in these regions by reviewing published community‐based studies of prevalence, burden, and risk factors. We identified 2 community‐based studies of food allergy prevalence in Karnataka, India, which estimate that food allergy affects just 0.14% of children and 1.2% of adults. The overall prevalence of allergic sensitization to ‘any’ food was 26.5% in adults and 19.1% in children by serum‐specific IgE; but only 4.48% in children by skin prick test. We identified a further 28 studies in other LMICs, mainly from China but also Turkey, South Africa, Ghana, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Philippines, and Korea. The overall prevalence of allergic sensitization to ‘any’ food ranged from 0.11% to 16.8% in children using serum‐specific IgE and 0.14% to 9.6% in children by skin prick test. The questionnaires and skin prick testing materials used and number of allergens tested varied significantly between studies. Other than Karnataka, there is no information on prevalence of food sensitization and probable food allergy in the community in India. Similar lack of information is noted among the majority of the 136 LMICs. Where community‐based studies have been undertaken, there is wide variation in the prevalence and patterns of food sensitization across different LMICs, at least partly due to variations in study methodology. International collaboration is required in order to formally assess food allergy prevalence and burden across representative samples from multiple LMICs.
Single‐cell profiling reveals various types of interstitial cells in the bladder
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Yang Chengfei , Liang Bo , Gao Ye , Luo Jing , Zheng Ji , Song Bo , Shen Wenhao , Dong Xingyou , Dai ShuangShuang , Yang Zhenxing
Published: February 2023

Clarifying the locations, molecular markers, functions and roles of bladder interstitial cells is crucial for comprehending the pathophysiology of the bladder. This research utilized human, rat and mouse bladder single‐cell sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. The main cell types found in human, rat and mouse bladder tissues include epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, neurons and various immune cells. Our study identified two significant types of interstitial cells (PTN+IGFBP6+PI16 (CD364)+ CD34+) and myofibroblasts (STC1+PLAT+TNC+). These two types of interstitial cells are mainly located in the subepithelial lamina propria, between muscles and between muscle bundles. In the CYP (cyclophosphamide)‐induced bladder injury mouse model, the interaction types and signals (MK, MIF, GDF and CXCL) of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts significantly increased compared with the normal group. However, in the aging mouse model, the signals CD34, LAMININ, GALECTIN, MK, SELPLG, ncWNT, HSPG, ICAM and ITGAL‐ITGB2 of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts disappeared, but the signals PTN and SEMA3 significantly increased. Our findings identified two crucial types of interstitial cells in bladder tissue, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which play a significant role in normal bladder physiology, CYP‐induced bladder injury and aging bladder development.
A challenging diagnosis of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) on fine needle aspiration cytology and cell block: A cytopathologist's perspective
Authors: Saraf Pallavi , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Malik Abhishek
Published: February 2023

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently described salivary gland carcinoma that resembles the secretory carcinoma of the breast and is characterised by t(12;15) (q13;q25) translocation, which results in an ETV6‐NTRK3 gene fusion product. On cytomorphology, it is characterised by papillary fragments, clusters, and singly dispersed tumour cells. These tumour cells are large and have abundant vacuolated cytoplasm. Acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary gland is the most common differential diagnosis of MASC. Other differentials include mucoepidermoid carcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and oncocytic salivary gland neoplasms. Immunohistochemistry and morphology are critical in establishing the correct diagnosis. We present a case of a 46‐year‐old male patient diagnosed as MASC of the parotid gland on fine needle aspiration cytology and cell block.
Feeding and swallowing in children: Need for consensus in non‐instrumental assessment
Authors: Nogueira Dália
Published: February 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Hanks et al. on pages 1199–1205 of this issue.
Up‐front autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after first complete remission improved prognosis of advanced extra‐nodal NKT cell lymphoma: A multicenter real‐world study in China
Authors: Gao Honghao , Lin Ningjing , Gu Zhenyang , Zhao Shihua , Wang Xiaopei , Yuan Shunzong , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun , Huang Wenrong , Liu Weiping , Gao Chunji
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The advanced extra‐nodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is highly aggressive and lacks effective treatment with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in CR1.

Methods

Forty of 121 patients with advanced ENKTL from four Chinese hospitals between January 2006 to December 2021 who achieved first complete remission (CR1) and received at least 4 cycles chemotherapy, were enrolled for analysis. Twenty patients received ASCT as up‐front consolidation therapy (Group A), and 20 patients only received chemotherapy (Group B). Clinical features, treatment and follow‐up information were collected.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 27 months (range, 4–188 months), the 2‐year overall survival (OS) in Group A, 61% (95% CI 37%–85%), was better than that in Group B, 26% (95% CI 2%–50%), p = .018. The 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 56% (95% CI 32%–80%) in Group A, 26% (95% CI 2%–50%) in Group B, p = .026. III–IV grade hematological toxicity was the most common adverse event. No treatment‐related deaths were observed in both groups.

Conclusion

Up‐front ASCT could improve survival of advanced ENKTL patients in first complete remission, but need be confirmed by a prospective clinical trial.
Clinical utility of targeted next‐generation sequencing panel in routine diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemia: A national reference laboratory experience
Authors: Agarwal Archana M. , McMurty Valarie , Clayton Adam L. , Bolia Ashini , Reading N. Scott , Mani Coumarane , Patel Jay L. , Rets Anton
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Hereditary hemolytic anemias (HHA) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from defective red blood cell (RBC) cytoskeleton, RBC enzyme deficiencies, and hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis disorders such as thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia.

Materials and Methods

Our hemolytic anemia diagnostic next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel includes 28 genes encoding RBC cytoskeletal proteins, membrane transporter, RBC enzymes, and certain bilirubin metabolism genes. The panel covers the complete coding region of these genes, splice junctions, and, wherever appropriate, deep intronic or regulatory regions are also included. Four hundred fifty‐six patients with unexplained hemolytic anemia were evaluated using our NGS panel between 2015 and 2019.

Results

We identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 111/456 (24%) patients that were responsible for the disease phenotype (e.g., moderate to severe hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia). Approximately 40% of the mutations were novel. As expected, 45/456 (10%) patients were homozygous for the promoter polymorphism in the UGT1A1 gene, A(TA)7TAA (UGT1A1*28). 8/45 homozygous UGT1A1*28 cases were associated with additional pathogenic mutations causing hemolytic anemia, likely exacerbating hyperbilirubinemia. The most common mutated genes were membrane cytoskeleton genes SPTA1, and SPTB, followed by PKLR. Complex interactions between SPTA1 low expression alleles, alpha‐LELY and alpha‐LEPRA alleles, and intragenic SPTA1 variants were associated with hereditary pyropoikilocytosis and autosomal recessive hereditary spherocytosis in 23/111 patients.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that hemolytic anemia is underscored by complex molecular interactions of previously known and novel mutations in RBC cytoskeleton/enzyme genes, and therefore, NGS should be considered in all patients with clinically unexplained hemolytic anemia and in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Moreover, low expression alleles alpha‐LELY and alpha‐LEPRA should be included in all targeted HHA panels.
RETRACTED: The design of intelligent fuzzy cognitive system of music emotion by product supply chain management
Authors: Li Fanfan , Jiang Rong , Li Jiabao
Published: February 2023

The classification of musical emotion is a challenging problem due to the subjectivity of human perception. In order to analyse the emotion contained in music from the perspective of product supply chain management, the psychological model and characteristics of music emotion are introduced. Additionally, the current product supply chain and the composition of the two contracts are analysed based on the characteristics of online music products. Finally, a speech emotion recognition model based on a Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) is proposed. Two corpora containing five emotions (sadness, anger, happiness, surprise, and boredom) are selected to test the performance and characteristics of the network. In order to evaluate the system performance, different acoustic features are extracted, including prosodic features, formant features, marginal spectral features, and Mel‐Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC). The results show that the average recognition rate of MFCC features on the Berlin emotional speech database is 70.36%, which is 0.75% higher than the second‐highest edge spectrum features and achieves better results. Meanwhile, on this database, the Musical Emotion Recognition System based on FCM (MERS‐FCM) is improved by 20.36%, 7.34%, and 4.12% compared with Back Propagation, K‐nearest neighbour, and support vector machine, respectively, which shows that MERS‐FCM has better performance. The research of the music emotion recognition system based on FCM can provide more reference paths for the use and development of music emotion information.
A functional trait framework for integrating nitrogen‐fixing cover crops into short‐rotation woody crop systems
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel W. D. , Aubrey Doug P.
Published: February 2023

Developing approaches to simultaneously maximize short‐rotation woody crop (SRWC) productivity while minimizing footprints associated with intensive management is imperative to profitable and sustainable bioenergy production systems. Intercropping nitrogen (N)‐fixing cover crops in SRWC systems is an overlooked approach to sustainably intensify SRWC production by increasing N availability using less environmentally costly inputs. Here, we discuss how functional traits (e.g., seasonal activity, lifespan, leaf habit, soil exploration) of cover crops and SRWCs may interact through space and time influencing access to light, water, and nutrients to provide a framework for successful integration of cover crops into SRWCs. Next, we summarize the literature on intercropping forest plantations with N‐fixing cover crops to identity research gaps and outline future research needs and opportunities. And then, using empirical N demand and productivity data from SRWCs and cover crop N inputs from the literature, we illustrate how SRWC leaf habit (conifer evergreens and deciduous hardwoods) would influence successful integration of cover crops and potential N fixation. We estimate that integrating cover crops into SRWCs could supply 27% and 72% of the N demand across a 10‐year rotation for an evergreen and a deciduous hardwood, respectively. These figures suggest theseintegratedSRWC systems may approach a virtual minimal external N input when other biogeochemical cycles are considered. The guiding principles presented here are grounded in ecological theory and provide a framework for sustainable intensification of forest production.
Efficacy of a novel remotely‐generated ultrasonic root canal irrigation system for removing biofilm‐mimicking hydrogel from a simulated isthmus model
Authors: Park Eun Hyun , Park Ryeol , Seo Jaedeok , Kim Wonjung , Kim Ho‐Young , Shon Won‐Jun
Published: February 2023

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel ultrasonic irrigation device, remotely‐generated irrigation with a non‐invasive sound field enhancement (RINSE) system, in removing biofilm‐mimicking hydrogel from a simulated isthmus model and compare it with sonically‐ and ultrasonically‐activated irrigation systems.

Methodology

A polycarbonate root canal model containing two standardized root canals (apical diameter of 0.20 mm, 4% taper, 18 mm long with a coronal reservoir) connected by three isthmuses (0.40 mm deep, 2 mm high, 4 mm long) was used as the test model. The isthmuses were filled with a hydroxyapatite powder‐containing hydrogel. The canals were filled with irrigant, and the models were randomly assigned to the following activation groups (n = 15): EndoActivator (EA), ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI), and RINSE system (RS). Syringe irrigation (SI) with a 30G needle served as the control. Standardized images of the isthmuses were taken before and after irrigation, and the amount of hydrogel removed was determined using image analysis software and compared across groups using anova (p < .05).

Results

Hydrogel removal was significantly higher with the RS (83.7%) than with UAI, EA, or SI (p ≤ .01). UAI (69.2%) removed significantly more hydrogel than SI and EA (p < .05), while there was no significant difference between SI (24.3%) and EA (25.7%) (p = .978).

Conclusions

RINSE system resulted in the most hydrogel removal, performing better than UAI or EA. The effect of RS was also not reliant on the insert or tip entering the pulp chamber or root canal, making it particularly useful in conservative endodontics.
Is oxidative stress involved in the hepatic inflammatory response to apical periodontitis? A comparative study in normal and hyperlipidaemic rat
Authors: Xiao Suli , Lei Huaxiang , Li Pingping , Ma Dianfu , Chen Shuai , Huang Xiaojing
Published: February 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the involvement of oxidative stress (OS) in the hepatic inflammation induced by apical periodontitis (AP). Periapical, systemic and hepatic reaction to AP under hyperlipidaemia was also investigated.

Methodology

A total of 16 male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with a hyperlipidaemic diet (HD) whereas another 16 rats with a normal diet (ND). After 9 weeks, the first molars of the right maxilla and mandible of 8 HD and 8 ND rats were exposed to induce AP (ND, ND + AP, HD and HD + AP group). After 5 weeks, rats were euthanized, the haematological tissue was collected directly from the heart, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Liver tissue was analysed by haematoxylin–eosin and Masson staining, and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to detect mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines. Serum, periapical, and hepatic OS parameters including total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The area of AP lesion in the right maxilla or mandible was radiographically assessed. Student's t‐test was performed on the periapical data. A one‐way analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test were analysed for others.

Results

The HD + AP group had a larger AP lesion in the maxilla, compared with the ND + AP group (p < .05). The ND + AP group presented higher serum interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐1β, TOS, OSI levels, lower serum TOAC levels, higher hepatic tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α mRNA expression and higher hepatic TOS, and OSI levels, compared with the ND group (p < .05). The HD + AP group had lower serum IL‐4 level, higher serum IL‐1β level, and higher hepatic IL‐6 and transforming growth factor (TGF) ‐β1 mRNA expression, compared with the HD group (p < .05).

Conclusions

Apical periodontitis could activate systemic and liver inflammation by promoting serum IL‐18, 1L‐1β, TOS and OSI expression, enhancing hepatic TOS and OSI expression and inhibiting serum TOAC expression. AP under hyperlipidaemia led to more profound periapical bone destruction in the maxilla and elicit systemic and liver inflammatory responses through elevating serum levels of IL‐1β, descending serum IL‐4 level and improving hepatic IL‐6 and TGF‐β1 expression.
Curcumin‐containing microencapsulated antioxidant composite paper for cake preservation
Authors: Bian Jiayi , Cai Hong , Hu Wenqing , Liu Zhuolin , Zhang Zhikun , Sun Huangxin , Li Dan , Zhu Weizhong , Li Li
Published: February 2023

The cost‐effective strategy of using paper‐based materials as alternatives to plastics can aid in reducing environmental stress. Herein, a novel green low‐carbon paper‐based food‐packaging composite was synthesised: curcumin microcapsule‐polyvinyl alcohol/beeswax/chitosan (CURM‐PVA/BW/CS) composite papers. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction results confirmed that curcumin was successfully encased and adhered to the paper. The water vapour permeability and oxygen transmission rate of the composite papers were 42.28 g (m2·d)−1 and 3.41 cm3 (m2·d·atm)−1, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of paper was 93.53%, and the mechanical properties were effectively improved by adding natural antioxidants to the coating. Finally, cakes were packaged in the biodegradable 1%CURM‐PVA/BW/CS papers exhibited optimal preservation during the storage period, based on the characterisation of the cake peroxide value, acid value and microbiological count. Overall, the CURM‐PVA/BW/CS paper showed great potential for food packaging.
Effect of exogenous GABA combined with ultrasound treatment on the physicochemical and functional properties of sprouted mung bean starch
Authors: Lang Shuangjing , Gao Fei , Li Xiaoqiang , Sui Chunguang , Wang Feifei , Wang Lidong , Zhang Hongwei
Published: February 2023

Starch is the major nutrient fraction in mung beans, wherein any physicochemical change in them while in germination as pre‐processing tactics influences their properties and hence application broadness. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic synergistic exogenous GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) treatment on to the physicochemical and functional properties of mung bean starch during germination. At 96 h of germination, the total starch content was decreased to 21.18% and the amylose and resistant starch contents were 48.29% and 64.39% respectively. The particle size, colour, and water‐holding capacity of germinated mung bean starch were reduced significantly. As the increase in germination time continued, solubility, swelling and transparency increased and then decreased. The estimation of glycaemic index shows a minimum value of 22.52 at 12 h of germination. Combined treatment germination decreased the total starch content and increased the amylose and resistant starch content. The physicochemical properties of mung bean starch were significantly altered. Germination by ultrasound and exogenous GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) treatment modifies the functional properties of mung bean starch and provides a theoretical basis for its application in food.
Effect of two starters (Jiu Yao) on Chinese rice wine microbial community and flavour
Authors: Tian Shufang , Li Yanbin , Li Yudong , Du Guocheng
Published: February 2023

The starters (Jiu Yao) play key roles in the fermentation of rice wine. However, the microbial composition in the starters and their impact on the dynamic changes in the microbial community during the fermentation of Chinese rice wine (CRW) remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the microbial community structure in different stages of CRW fermentation with two starters (Q1 and Q2) using high‐throughput sequencing approaches. The β‐diversity analysis showed significant differences in fungal components during fermentation, but no significant differences in bacterial composition. Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Wickerhamomyces and Hyphopichia were the dominant fungal genera. Pediococcus and Weissella were the main bacterial genera. In addition, the ethanol content of wine fermented with Q1 starter (13.33%) is not as high as that of wine made with Q2 starter (14.57%). The total sugar concentration of Q1 and Q2 starters fermentation broth (HJ‐1 and HJ‐2) is 22.74 and 30.20 g L−1, respectively. The correlation analysis showed 11 dominant microbial genera are strongly related to 27 volatile compounds in HJ‐1, and seven dominant microbial genera are strongly related to 18 volatile compounds in HJ‐2. In conclusion, this study indicated that CRW brewed with different starters have different flavour profiles.
Mediators of the association between childhood body mass index and educational attainment: Analysis of a UK prospective cohort study
Authors: Bowman Kirsty , Cadman Tim , Goncalves Soares Ana , Robinson Oliver , Hughes Amanda , Heron Jon , Segal Alexa Blair , Huerta Maria Carmen , Howe Laura D.
Published: February 2023

Background

Higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood is associated with lower academic achievement.

Objective

To explore potential pathways linking childhood BMI with educational attainment.

Methods

Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children prospective cohort study (N = 6949), we assessed the association between BMI z‐scores at 11.7 years and educational attainment at 16 (General Certificate of Secondary Education [GCSE] results). Depressive symptoms, externalizing behaviours, bullying and school enjoyment were considered as potential mediators. Mediators were examined individually and jointly using sequential causal mediation.

Results

Higher BMI z‐scores were associated with lower GCSE scores (females β = −3.47 95% CI −5.54, −1.41 males β = −4.33 95% CI −6.73, −1.94). Together, bullying, externalizing symptoms, depressive symptoms and school enjoyment mediated 41.9% of this association in females, and 23.3% in males. In males, evidence for mediation was weak (confidence intervals for all indirect effects spanned the null). In both females and males, most of the mediation was driven by externalizing symptoms.

Conclusions

The detrimental effect of higher BMI on educational attainment appears to be partly explained by externalizing behaviours, particularly in females. Interventions to support behavioural problems may help the academic achievement of children with a higher body weight.
Grupos de interés locales como factores de transformación de la mejora económica en mejora social en las empresas textiles y de confección de Etiopía
Authors: MULUBIRAN Telaye Fikadu , KARLSEN Asbjørn
Published: February 2023

Los autores examinan los vínculos entre mejora económica y social en un país en desarrollo con una estricta legislación laboral y una política industrial ambiciosa, atendiendo a las estrategias de las empresas locales que participan en las redes mundiales de producción. A partir del análisis casuístico de cinco empresas textiles y de la confección de Etiopía realizado en 2015, observan que la seguridad del empleo y el bienestar físico no son resultado de las políticas de los compradores mundiales, sino de la legislación laboral negociada por empleadores, trabajadores y sindicatos, y concluyen que la mejora y el empeoramiento social pueden producirse simultáneamente en una misma empresa.
Schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes: Perceptions and understandings of illness management in everyday life
Authors: Rønne Sabrina Trappaud , Joensen Lene Eide , Zabell Vicki , Arnfred Sidse Marie , Brown Jennifer Valeska Elli , Jørgensen Rikke
Published: February 2023

People with schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes face complex challenges in daily life and the management of both illnesses is burdensome. This qualitative interview study aimed to explore perceptions and understandings of the day‐to‐day management of schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes. Fourteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted between January 2020 and October 2021 in the participants' respective mental health clinics, in their homes or by phone. Thematic analysis led to four themes representing participants' self‐management strategies and perceived challenges. The first theme showed that participants use self‐learned strategies for managing schizophrenia. In contrast, they perceived type 2 diabetes self‐management as governed by a set of rules and guidelines given by health professionals. The second theme showed that both psychotic and negative symptoms present challenges to diabetes management. Theme 3 illustrated that participants consider their type 2 diabetes to be a very serious illness. They worried about potential long‐term consequences and expressed wishes and motivation to improve their lifestyle. The final theme showed that participants discuss challenges related to their schizophrenia with family and friends but not type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering individual challenges and everyday routines when supporting this population. It underlines the need for future research to further explore the complexity of managing the illnesses and to understand the needs for treatment and support.
Second‐harmonic generation and structural rearrangements in multicomponent antimonite glasses by electrothermal poling
Authors: Topper Brian , Tagiara Nagia S. , Palles Dimitrios , Lind Felix , Baazouzi Mourad , Soltani Mohamed Toufik , Wondraczek Lothar , Möncke Doris , Kamitsos Efstratios I.
Published: February 2023

Electrothermal poling is shown here to effectively induce second‐order nonlinear effects in heavy‐metal oxide antimonite glasses. In M2O–PbO–WO3–Sb2O3 (M = Li, Na, K) glasses, the poling‐induced second‐harmonic generation intensity is five times larger than in silica (Infrasil) for M = Na, twice as large as in silica for M = Li, and smaller than in silica for M = K. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests that antimony ions exist predominantly in the trivalent oxidation state in the studied glass samples. Raman and infrared spectroscopy confirm that the glass network is comprised of SbO3, WO4, WO6, and PbO4 units—with some SiO4 moieties due to leaching from the silica crucible. The WO4 units appear to exist in two distinct sites, as evidenced by comparison of the vibrational spectra of alkali–tungsten–antimonite glasses with those of previously reported crystalline tungstate phases. The alkali type influences the equilibrium between tetrahedral tungstate anions, [WO4]2−, and the isomeric partially polymerized octahedral tungstate units, [WØ4O2]2− (Ø denotes a bridging oxygen). Raman spectroscopy line scans were used to track near‐surface structural changes on the anode side of poled glasses. They reveal that the tungstate equilibrium is also affected by poling. At the anode side, the population of partially polymerized [WØ4O2]2− species increases at the expense of anionic [WO4]2− species. This yields a net increase in the average bond length of the network forming constituents, which is commensurate with poling‐induced structural changes observed in other systems experimentally and computationally.
Pyrolysis process for boron nitride fiber derived from tris(methylamino)borane: Evolution of the molecular structure
Authors: Wang Zhiguang , Ge Min , Qi Xueli , Yu Shouquan , Zhang Hao , Li Ru , Lan Hao , Zhang Weigang
Published: February 2023

To provide molecular‐scale insight into the structural evolution from tris(methylamino)borane to boron nitride (BN) fiber during the chemical thermal‐treating process, polymeric green fiber is cured in hot synthetic air at 300°C and then treats to 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C in ammonia. The chemical composition and structure of the volatile compounds and residual products are analyzed during the pyrolysis process for the polymeric green fiber. It is demonstrated that oxygen can be used to cure polymeric green fiber rapidly under the premise of ensuring a final fiber content of less than 1 wt% carbon and 2 wt% oxygen while maintaining the fiber tensile strength at 1000°C. The molecular structure evolution during the pyrolysis process for polymeric green fiber after oxygen curing is determined. Specifically, in hot synthetic air, introducing oxygen and releasing methylamine generates a B–O six‐membered ring structure in the polymer in the first stage. Then, the removal of methyl results in the formation of a B–N–O network in hot ammonia. Afterward, nitridation of the B–O six‐membered ring promotes the evolution of the B–N six‐membered ring structure with the release of water and carbon dioxide. Finally, the growth and rearrangement of the BN structure are achieved.
One‐year follow‐up of hospital nurses' work experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Ménard A. Dana , Soucie Kendall , Ralph Jody , Chang Yiu‐Yin , Morassutti Olivia , Foulon Alanna , Jones Madison , Desjardins Lauren , Freeman Laurie
Published: February 2023

Aim

To follow up on the experiences of Registered Nurses (RNs) working after 1 year of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Canadian and American hospitals.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis (RTA).

Methods

RNs (n = 19) first interviewed in the spring of 2020 were re‐interviewed 1 year after their original interviews (May 25, 2021–June 25, 2021). Participants consisted of nurses residing in Canada and working in Ontario (n = 12) or American hospitals (n = 7), i.e., both local and cross‐border nurses.

Results

Five themes were identified: (1) “You call us heroes, but you forgot us”: Nurses described experiences of disrespect and stigma from their communities, their government, and their workplaces. (2) “A whole new level of busy”: Nurses reported stressors both at home and at work that had increased exponentially throughout the pandemic. (3) “Running on empty”: Nurses described burnout and mental health struggles including depression, irritation, and suicidal ideation; they coped using both adaptive and maladaptive strategies. (4) “The job of nursing is painful”: Ongoing pandemic issues led nurses to re‐evaluate their commitments to their units, their hospitals and the profession itself. (5) “Surviving an un‐survivable day”: Nurses shared positive moments at work and home that helped give them the strength to carry on.

Conclusion

Significant investments will be required from hospital organizations and governments to ensure that healthcare systems continue to function safely for patients, their families and nurses.

Impact

The purpose of this study was to understand and describe nurses' experiences after 1 year of working during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Nurses reported feeling disrespected, overwhelmed, and burned out; many were looking to leave the profession. These findings will be of interest to nurses working on the frontline of the pandemic as well as hospital managers and policy makers.

No patient or public contribution

In this investigation, nurses were the participants.
Progesterone levels associated with proteinuria in male diabetes mellitus patients: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Liu Chuanfeng , Huang Yajing , Liu Yuzhao , Xin Yu , Xu Lili , Zhou Ruizhi , Mu Zepeng , Junling Yi , Wang Xiwen , Wang Yangang
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The relationship between progesterone (P) and diabetic nephropathy (DKD) is unclear. Herein, we investigated the relationship between progesterone and DKD in men and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 3,556 male and postmenopausal female patients and obtained the dominance ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with progesterone by logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potentially confounding variants.

Results

We found that progesterone levels were significantly lower in the massive proteinuria and microproteinuria groups compared with the non‐DKD group for male patients. Also, microproteinuria and massive proteinuria prevalence were higher in the first (lowest) progesterone quartile than in the second to fourth quartiles. After adjusting for confounders, compared with the first (lowest) progesterone quartile group, the OR for the second to fourth quartiles in the male microproteinuria subgroup, were: Q2: 0.846 (95% CI: 0.581–1.233, P = 0.385); Q3: 0.667 (95% CI: 0.45–0988, P = 0.044); Q4: 0.597 (95% CI: 0.393–0.907, P = 0.016). In the male massive proteinuria subgroup, the OR for the third quartile group was 0.418 (95% CI: 0.201–0.867, P = 0.019). In contrast, no significant association was detected between progesterone and DKD prevalence in the female group.

Conclusions

Progesterone levels were negatively associated with DKD incidence in hospitalized male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Functional ecology of planktonic ciliates: Measuring mortality rates in response to starvation
Authors: Weisse Thomas , Scheffel Ulrike , Stadler Peter
Published: February 2023

Population dynamics of aquatic ciliates are controlled “bottom‐up” via food supply and “top‐down” by grazing and parasitism. While intrinsic growth rates of ciliates under saturating food conditions have been studied in some detail, mortality rates induced by starvation have received little attention thus far. To this end, we examined the response of three algivorous freshwater ciliate species to starvation using three different optical methods. Two of these methods, i.e. ciliate mortality rates (δ) estimated from (i) numerical response experiments and (ii) the rate of decline (ROD) in cell numbers, investigated the response of the ciliate population using conventional light microscopy. The third method, imaging cytometry using a FlowCAM instrument, monitored single cells during the starvation experiment. Like light microscopy, the FlowCAM approach estimated δ based on ROD in the experimental containers. However, imaging cytometry also measured the relative cellular chlorophyll a content in the ciliates' food vacuoles as a proxy for the nutritional status of the cells. The linear decline of the cellular chl. a yielded an independent estimate of δ that was similar to δ calculated from ROD. Additionally, the FlowCAM measurements revealed a high degree of phenotypic plasticity of the ciliates when exposed to starvation.
Phylogenetic placement of the protosteloid amoeba Microglomus paxillus identifies another case of sporocarpic fruiting in Discosea (Amoebozoa)
Authors: Tice Alexander K. , Spiegel Frederick W. , Brown Matthew W.
Published: February 2023

Protosteloid amoebae are a paraphyletic assemblage of amoeboid protists found exclusively in the eukaryotic assemblage Amoebozoa. These amoebae can facultatively form a dispersal structure known as a fruiting body, or more specifically, a sporocarp, from a single amoeboid cell. Sporocarps consist of one to a few spores atop a noncellular stalk. Protosteloid amoebae are known in two out of three well‐established major assemblages of Amoebozoa. Amoebae with a protosteloid life cycle are known in the major Amoebozoa lineages Discosea and Evosea but not in Tubulinea. To date, only one genus, which is monotypic, lacks sequence data and, therefore, remains phylogenetically homeless. To further clarify the evolutionary milieu of sporocarpic fruiting we used single‐cell transcriptomics to obtain data from individual sporocarps of isolates of the protosteloid amoeba Microglomus paxillus. Our phylogenomic analyses using 229 protein coding markers suggest that M. paxillus is a member of the Discosea lineage of Amoebozoa most closely related to Mycamoeba gemmipara. Due to the hypervariable nature of the SSU rRNA sequence we were unable to further resolve the phylogenetic position of M. paxillus in taxon rich datasets using only this marker. Regardless, our results widen the known distribution of sporocarpy in Discosea and stimulate the debate between a single or multiple origins of sporocarpic fruiting in Amoebozoa.
Detection of starch in minced chicken meat based on hyperspectral imaging technique and transfer learning
Authors: Yang Fengyi , Sun Jun , Cheng Jiehong , Fu Lvhui , Wang Simin , Xu Min
Published: February 2023

In order to the quickly and nondestructively detect whether starch is adulterated in minced chicken meat, a novel method combining hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique with transfer learning was proposed in this study. First of all, hyperspectral images of minced chicken meat with different mass fractions of starch were collected and spectral information of the samples in the range of 400.89–1000.19 nm was extracted. Then, the hyperspectral data was preprocessed via continuous wavelet transform (CWT), which transformed the pixel‐level hyperspectral data into two‐dimensional spectrograms. Furthermore, classification model for identifying starch in minced chicken meat was constructed based on the GoogLeNet network pretrained on ImageNet data set. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) model and the convolutional neural network (CNN) model without transfer learning were established for comparison. The results indicated that the model based on GoogLeNet network had a higher classification accuracy, up to 98.6%. Therefore, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the detection of starch in minced chicken meat based on HSI technique and transfer learning.

Practical applications

The identification of starch in the minced chicken meat is of particular significance for maintaining the market order and safeguarding the human health. An innovative method based on hyperspectral imaging technique and transfer learning to identify whether the minced chicken meat mixed with starch was proposed in this study. The method achieved quickly, nondestructively and accurately detection of starch in minced chicken meat.
Critical care nursing workforce in crisis: A discussion paper examining contributing factors, the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and potential solutions
Authors: Vogt Katharina Sophie , Simms‐Ellis Ruth , Grange Angela , Griffiths Megan Elizabeth , Coleman Rebecca , Harrison Reema , Shearman Nathan , Horsfield Claire , Budworth Luke , Marran Jayne , Johnson Judith
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objectives

The critical care nursing workforce is in crisis, with one‐third of critical care nurses worldwide intending to leave their roles. This paper aimed to examine the problem from a wellbeing perspective, offering implications for research, and potential solutions for organisations.

Design

Discursive/Position paper.

Method

The discussion is based on the nursing and wellbeing literature. It is guided by the authors' collaborative expertise as both clinicians and researchers. Data were drawn from nursing and wellbeing peer‐reviewed literature, such as reviews and empirical studies, national surveys and government and thinktank publications/reports.

Results

Critical care nurses have been disproportionately affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic with studies consistently showing critical care nurses to have the worst psychological outcomes on wellbeing measures, including depression, burnout and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These findings are not only concerning for the mental wellbeing of critical care nurses, they also raise significant issues for healthcare systems/organisations: poor wellbeing, increased burnout and PTSD are directly linked with critical care nurses intending to leave the profession. Thus, the wellbeing of critical care nurses must urgently be supported. Resilience has been identified as a protective mechanism against the development of PTSD and burnout, thus offering evidence‐based interventions that address resilience and turnover have much to offer in tackling the workforce crisis. However, turnover data must be collected by studies evaluating resilience interventions, to further support their evidence base. Organisations cannot solely rely on the efficacy of these interventions to address their workforce crisis but must concomitantly engage in organisational change.

Conclusions

We conclude that critical care nurses are in urgent need of preventative, evidence‐based wellbeing interventions, and make suggestions for research and practice.
One‐year trajectories of self‐care behaviours and unplanned hospital readmissions among patients with heart failure: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Jang Insil
Published: February 2023

Aim and Objectives

This study aimed to identify the associations between longitudinal trajectories of self‐care behaviours and unplanned hospital readmissions in patients with heart failure.

Background

Adherence to self‐care behaviours is crucial to prevent hospital readmissions; however, self‐care behaviours remain unsatisfactory among patients with heart failure. Studies of long‐term trajectories of self‐care behaviours and their influence on hospital readmissions are limited in this population.

Design

A prospective, longitudinal observational study.

Methods

Among 137 participants with heart failure (mean age 67.36 years, 62% men), we analysed the 1‐year follow‐up data to determine the association between 1‐year trajectories of self‐care behaviours and hospital readmissions using Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression, adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

Self‐care behaviour trajectories of heart failure patients were classified as ‘high‐stable’ (58.4%) or ‘low‐sustained’ (41.6%). The cumulative rate of readmissions for the low‐sustained class was higher than that of the high‐stable class for all periods. Factors influencing readmissions included anaemia, cognitive function, frailty and self‐care behaviours trajectories. The low‐sustained class had a 2.77 times higher risk of readmissions within 1 year than that in the high‐stable class.

Conclusions

Longitudinal self‐care behaviours pattern trajectories of heart failure patients were stratified as high‐stable and low‐sustained. Routine follow‐up assessment of patients' self‐care behavioural patterns, including anaemia and frailty, and cognitive function can minimise unplanned hospital readmissions.

Relevance to clinical practice

Identification of trajectory patterns of self‐care behaviours over time and provision of timely and individualised care can reduce readmissions for heart failure patients. Healthcare professionals should recognise the significance of developing tailored strategies incorporating longitudinal self‐care behavioural patterns in heart failure patients.

Reporting Method

The study has been reported in accordance with the STROBE checklist (Appendix S1).

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients have completed a self‐reported questionnaire after providing informed consent.
Effect of massage therapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fang Chiu‐Shu , Chang Shih‐Lun , fang Ching‐Ju , Chou Fan‐Hao
Published: February 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of massage interventions on sleep quality among patients in the adult critical care unit.

Background

Massage interventions have positive effects when applied to manage sleep quality in critical care units. However, research identifying the effect of massage intervention is limited.

Design

This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Methods

Five databases were searched from their inception to 15 April 2022 (the last search was conducted on 15 November 2022, but it yielded no additional eligible studies). The literature search was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO and additional sources such as Google Scholar. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessed the certainty of evidence and recommendations.

Results

In total, ten randomised controlled trials comprising 569 participants were used in the systematic review, and eight trials were included in the meta‐analysis. Subgroup analysis revealed significant effects of foot reflexology massage on subjective sleep quality. Massage therapy for a two‐night duration in cardiac care unit patients exhibited a significant effect on subjective sleep quality. The overall GRADE certainty of evidence was low.

Conclusion

Massage intervention, particularly foot reflexology massage, with a two‐night duration showed improvement in subjective sleep quality among critically ill patients. Although evidence quality was low, the results suggest that massage interventions provide a non‐invasive, low‐cost and effective way to promote sleep quality in critically ill adult patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Massage interventions can enable nurses to recommend and implement strategies promoting and improving sleep quality among critically ill patients.

Study registration

The review protocol was registered a priori and published online in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (www.crd.York.ac.uk/Prospero with the registration number # CRD42022332371).

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution if such details are not necessary or do not apply to your work and state why.
Is “sadistic pleasure” a contrived process of signaling one's antagonism?
Authors: Cease Charlotte K. , Hart William , Lambert Joshua T. , Witt Danielle E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Sadistic pleasure presumably incorporates processes that support an authentic enjoyment of others' pain. However, antagonism confirmation theory, grounded in social‐psychological theorizing on identity maintenance and the notion of ego‐syntonicity, suggests that individuals higher in sadism report greater pleasure in response to others' pain because such reports are immoral responses that confirm their self‐views. This alternative conception has yet to be tested.

Method

In two preregistered experiments (total N = 968), participants completed measures of sadism, read about situations involving others' pain, and rated their pleasure. We manipulated the extent to which pleasure from others' pain could be used to signal morality or antagonism.

Results

We found that relatively sadistic people indicated greater pleasure across the studies but, like relatively non‐sadistic people, they altered their pleasure ratings to signal greater morality or less antagonism.

Conclusions

The findings fail to support antagonism confirmation theory, but they support recent perspectives on sadism that suggest that sadistic people may occasionally care about seeming moral (or not seeming antagonistic) and that sadism may be somewhat ego‐dystonic in this respect.