bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hybrid engineering of crystalline NiSex nanorod arrays with amorphous Ni–P film towards promoted overall water electrocatalysis
Authors: Xu Xiaohu , Su Le , Zhang Yujie , Dong Lijuan , Miao Xiangyang
Published: March 2022

A superhydrophilic hetero-nanostructured material composed of amorphous Ni–P film and crystalline NiSex nanorod arrays on Ni foam (denoted as Ni–P/NiSex/NF) was synthesized through a facile hydrothermal reaction combined with an electrodeposition process, and it possessed outstanding electrocatalytic performance toward OWS and outstanding durability.
Moderate stability of a scissor double fluorescent triple helix molecular switch for the ultrasensitive biosensing of crop transgene
Authors: Chu Xiuling , Zhu Desong , Liu Min , Kong Lingrang , Ai Shiyun
Published: March 2022

Schematic of the ultrasensitive biosensing of special genes. (I: traditional molecular beacon detection method; II: scissor DFTHMS; III: three cases of BHQ-1-TFO).
Energy-resolved mass spectrometry to investigate nucleobase triplexes – a study applied to triplex-forming artificial nucleobases
Authors: Filho Mauro Safir , Massi Lionel , Millet Antoine , Michel Dylan , Moussa Wafa , Ronco Cyril , Benhida Rachid
Published: March 2022

This paper discloses the use of an energy-resolved mass spectrometric-based approach to assess the stabilities of base triplexes encompassing artificial nucleobases by using variable energy collision-induced dissociation.
A cyanometallate- and carbonate-bridged dysprosium chain complex with a pentadentate macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, structure, and magnetism
Authors: Tan Pengfei , Yang Yimou , Lv Wei , Jing Rong , Cui Huihui , Zheng Shao-Jun , Chen Lei , Yuan Aihua , Chen Xue-Tai , Zhao Yuyuan
Published: March 2022

A novel one-dimensional polymeric cyanometallate- and carbonate-bridged dysprosium(iii) chain with a pentadentate macrocyclic ligand exhibits field-induced multiple-relaxation processes.
Exploring the reactivity of L-tellurocystine, Te-protected tellurocysteine conjugates and diorganodiselenides towards hydrogen peroxide: synthesis and molecular structure analysis
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek , Deka Rajesh , Butcher Ray J. , Turner David R. , Deacon Glen B. , Singh Harkesh B.
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of a series of novel organotellurium species and diorganoselenones is reported.
Pressure-driven water flow through a carbon nanotube controlled by a lateral electric field
Authors: Chen Xiaofei , Zhang Xinke , Li Shuang , Su Jiaye
Published: March 2022

Tuning the water flow through nanochannels provides a key to many physicochemical phenomena, such as energy harvesting, desalination, biosensors and so on.
Construction of pyrazolodiazepines using AuI, a dual functional gold catalyst
Authors: Konishi Keiji , Yasui Motohiro , Miki Kanae , Takeda Norihiko , Ueda Masafumi
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of N,N′-5,7-fused pyrazolone from simple hydrazide utilising a π-acidic and nucleophilic dual functional catalyst.
Biomass upgrading coupled with H2 production via a nonprecious and versatile Cu-doped nickel nanotube electrocatalyst
Authors: Zheng Lingxia , Zhao Yijian , Xu Penghui , Lv Zhuoqing , Shi Xiaowei , Zheng Huajun
Published: March 2022

An earth-abundant alloy catalyst, NiCu NTs, is facilely prepared and can be used as a bifunctional catalyst toward biomass upgrading coupled with energy-saving H2 production.
Light-emitting Ti2N (MXene) quantum dots: synthesis, characterization and theoretical calculations
Authors: Sharbirin Anir S. , Roy Shrawan , Tran Trang Thu , Akhtar Sophia , Singh Jaspal , Duong Dinh Loc , Kim Jeongyong
Published: March 2022

Titanium nitride (Ti2N) MXene QDs display efficient deep-UV absorption and light emission.
Recent progress in polymer-based infrared photodetectors
Authors: Zhu Dongyang , Ji Deyang , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping
Published: March 2022

This review summarizes the development and applications of polymer-based organic photodiodes and organic phototransistors, and provides an outlook on their development prospects and obstacles, aiming to propose new design strategies.
Combining intrinsic (blue) and exciplex (green and orange-red) emissions of the same material (OCT) in white organic light-emitting diodes to realize high color quality with a CRI of 97
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Yin Mengna , Miao Yanqin , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhou Haitao , Lu Qiqing , Huang Jinhai , Wang Hua
Published: March 2022

By simultaneously combining blue intrinsic emission and green, orange-red exciplex emissions of the same material (OCT), three color white OLEDs were demonstrated with the maximum color rendering index reaching 97.
“If You Just Stay With Me and Wait…You'll Get an Idea of What I'm Saying”: The Communicative Benefits of Time for Conversational Self-Repair for People With Aphasia
Authors: Leaman Marion C. , Archer Brent
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

This study investigated the communicative benefits of self-repair during conversation for persons with aphasia (PWAs). Self-repair of trouble sources is an interactional priority that emphasizes autonomy and competence. Of equal importance, conversationalists desire to minimize silences and work together to ensure forward movement (progressivity) of conversation. Simultaneously achieving progressivity and self-repair is challenging in aphasia, and PWAs and their partners often make trade-off decisions between these two activities. Conversation-level aphasia interventions usually focus on supportive techniques that promote participation while maintaining progressivity, effectively favoring progressivity over self-repair. This study evaluates the benefits of an alternative approach that shifts the emphasis to self-repair, thereby highlighting potential trade-off costs of routinely forgoing self-repair to achieve progressivity.

Method:

Ten people with mild-to-moderate aphasia each held two conversations with two different partners. When trouble sources characterized by silent and/or filled pauses occurred, partners maintained a supportive and engaged stance, allowing PWAs time to self-repair. We analyzed language produced during these “edited turns” using three paradigms considering form, content, and use.

Results:

The data yielded 311 edited turns. For form, on average, each edited turn resulted in 3.72 words; for content, most edited turns contained autobiographical information; for use, approximately 40% of edited turns introduced new information, and 40% added to the ongoing topic. The remainder were either ambiguous or comments such as, “I can't think of it.”

Conclusions:

When given engaged support and time to self-repair, PWAs contributed meaningful personal information to conversations for approximately 80% of edited turns. Importantly, self-repair often resulted in self-expression that directed the conversation, which is a communicative role critical for empowering agency and identity. This research opens a dialogue about benefits and limitations of approaches that prioritize either progressivity or self-repair and how to balance the two to optimize therapeutic benefits for each individual.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19379738
Voice Onset Time Imitation in Teens Versus Adults
Authors: Schertz Jessamyn , Johnson Elizabeth K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

We compare teens' and adults' imitation of sentences with shortened and lengthened voice onset time (VOT), in order to test whether purported age-based advantages in phonetic acquisition may be due to differences in imitative ability.

Method:

Teens (
M
age
= 13,
n
= 39) and adults (
n
= 31) completed an explicit imitation and discrimination task on pairs of sentences characterized by canonical and manipulated (shortened or lengthened) VOT. We assessed extent of imitation using two acoustic metrics (ΔVOT and Proximity), accuracy on the discrimination task, and correlations between imitation and perception.

Results:

Both age groups modified VOT when imitating stimuli with both lengthened and shortened VOT. Adults, however, showed significantly more lengthening than teens (i.e., higher ΔVOT), as well as VOT values that were slightly but significantly closer to the target stimulus values (i.e., lower proximity). Both age groups showed above-chance discrimination accuracy, and a significant relationship between individual perception and production performance was found for lengthened-VOT sentences.

Conclusions:

We found no evidence that teens have a greater imitative ability than adults; in fact, adults showed significantly
more
imitation based on both acoustic metrics. Both age groups showed robust imitation of VOT manipulations in both directions, in contrast to previous work showing lack of imitation for shortened VOT. Extent of imitation was predicted by individual perceptual performance, but only to a limited degree, underscoring the importance of other factors in explaining individual variation in imitative ability.
Local ±[001]c off-centering nanoregions in silver niobate
Authors: Li Gen , Liu Hai , Zhao Lei , Gao Jing , Li Jing-Feng , Zhu Jing
Published: March 2022

As a typical lead-free antiferroelectric material, silver niobate has attracted much attention in recent years due to its excellent performance in energy storage. In this work, based on a spherical aberration–corrected STEM-high angle annular dark field technique, the sites of each cation column of pure silver niobate and Ta-doped silver niobate were quantitatively obtained. Besides conventional antiferroelectric displacements along the ±[1−10]c directions, B-site ions were found to also deviate along ±[001]c directions and form many local off-centering nanoregions, which may induce weak ferroelectricity, just like polar nanoregions in relaxed ferroelectrics. Such results will further increase our understanding of silver niobate in the microscopic view and may help explain some unsolved questions.
Varying degrees of spatio-temporal partitioning among large carnivores in a fenced reserve, South Africa
Authors: Evers Emma E. M. , Pretorius Mariëtte E. , Venter Jan A. , Honiball Terry-Lee , Keith Mark , Mgqatsa Nokubonga , Somers Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Context The spatio-temporal partitioning of large carnivores is influenced by interspecific competition and coexistence within small, enclosed reserves. Lions (Panthera leo), spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and leopards (Panthera pardus) are the three largest African carnivores and have the greatest potential for intra-guild competition, particularly where space is limited. Aim To investigate the spatio-temporal partitioning between lions, spotted hyaenas and leopards in a small (~75 000 ha), enclosed nature reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe), South Africa. Methods We deployed 110 camera traps (baited n = 55 and unbaited n = 55) across Madikwe from 26 August 2019 until 6 May 2020. Von Mises kernel density plots were used to investigate daily temporal partitioning among the three species. A multiple-species, single-season occupancy model was used to investigate daily space use patterns. Key results We found both temporal and spatial exclusion between lions and spotted hyaenas on Madikwe. However, no evidence was found of spatio-temporal partitioning between lions and leopards, and spotted hyaenas and leopards. Conclusions Exploitative and interference competition on Madikwe might be high enough to warrant spatio-temporal partitioning between lions and spotted hyaenas to avoid the negative effects of intra-guild competition. Contrastingly, patterns observed between leopards and both lions and spotted hyaenas preclude the possibility of top-down control by superior carnivores. Implication These findings call for an adaptive management approach, where both carnivore and prey species compositions are constantly monitored. Management strategies such as these will allow for the conservation of valuable resources (i.e. prey species) to ensure the persistence of large carnivore populations across African ecosystems.
SARS-CoV-2 infection of airway cells causes intense viral and cell shedding, two spreading mechanisms affected by IL-13
Authors: Morrison Cameron B. , Edwards Caitlin E. , Shaffer Kendall M. , Araba Kenza C. , Wykoff Jason A. , Williams Danielle R. , Asakura Takanori , Dang Hong , Morton Lisa C. , Gilmore Rodney C. , O’Neal Wanda K. , Boucher Richard C. , Baric Ralph S. , Ehre Camille
Published: March 2022

Significance

Gaining insights into severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) high transmissibility and the role played by inflammatory mediators in viral proliferation are critical to investigating new therapeutic targets against COVID-19. Electron microscopy reveals important SARS-CoV-2 features, including the combination of large, rapidly released viral clusters and the massive shedding of epithelial cells packed with virions. Interleukin-13 (IL-13), a Th2 cytokine up-regulated in allergic asthma and associated with less severe COVID-19, protects against SARS-CoV-2 viral and cell shedding. Using gene expression analyses and biochemical assays, IL-13 is shown to affect viral entry, replication, and cell-to-cell transmission. Given the broad spectrum of COVID-19 clinical symptoms, it is important to elucidate intrinsic factors that modulate viral load and spreading mechanisms.
First-principles study of the (001) and (110) surfaces of CrCoIrGa Heusler alloy
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad , Al-Qaisi Samah , Faizan Muhammad , Abdelmohsen Shaimaa A M , M M Abdelbacki Ashraf , Muhammad Iltaf
Published: March 2022

Exploring highly spin-polarized thin films of magnetic materials is of great importance for spin-based device applications. Herein, the structure, spin-polarization and magnetic properties of the (001) and (110) surfaces of CrCoIrGa Heusler alloy have been investigated using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and DFT + U calculations. The results demonstrate that while bulk CrCoIrGa is highly spin-polarized (89%), the surface counterparts exhibit much lower spin-polarization (SP), being due to the emergence of surface states at Fermi level (EF). It is observed that the (001) surface geometries are kept well, whereas, the (110) surface exhibit an obvious surface reconstruction after relaxation, resulting in large surface formation energy. The electronic properties investigated at DFT level revealed that CrGa-terminated (001) surface carries 100% SP, CoIr-terminated has 63% SP, and the (110) surface retains the bulk SP. Interestingly, the SP is found to be suppressed on introducing U parameter in the calculations. All the considered surfaces display ferrimagnetic coupling, with a significant total magnetic moment. In addition, the surface layer atoms carry large SP and moments than the inner layer atoms, and thus promise a dominant role in spin-based device applications of the thin film surfaces.
Study on Co-firing Characteristics and NOx emission of Ammonia/Propane
Authors: Cheng B , Zhu Y H , Zhang F , Wang P P , Chen P
Published: March 2022

Reducing the use of carbon fuel is one of the important measures to achieve zero carbon emission. As a carbon-free and high-hydrogen fuel, ammonia has promising application prospects because of its high energy density and low transportation and storage cost. Due to the characteristics of high ignition temperature, low flame propagation combustion speed and high NOx concentration in the combustion process, its wide application needs further research. In this paper, the co-combustion and the NOx emission characteristics of ammonia mixed with propane are experimental investigated for pure ammonia, 5% propane and 10% propane mixtures. The effects of ammonia/propane ratio, air excess coefficient and inlet gas oxygen concentration on combustion and NOx emission characteristics are explored. The results obtained show that the highest NOx emission is formed by 10% propane ratio case, and the lowest NOx is for pure ammonia. With the increase of propane, the concentrations of NOx, NO and NO2 increase and the concentration of oxygen decreases. With the increase of air excess coefficient from 15% to 21%, NOx, NO and NO2 also increase, and the concentration of oxygen goes up. With the increase of inlet oxygen concentration from 15% to 21%, the concentrations of NOx and NO at the exit of furnace changes less for pure ammonia, and 75% increase for 5% propane; while for 10% propane, the concentration of NO first decreases rapidly from 1498ppm to 1071ppm with O2 decreasing from 15% to 18%, then increases to about 1700ppm again when the inlet O2 concentration increases from 18% to 21%.
Experiment study and numerical simulation of hydrogen-air mixture combustion
Authors: Zhai S , Hu P
Published: March 2022

In this paper, hydrogen-air mixture combustion test was carried out with a cylindrical tank which has a diameter of 2 m and a height of 4 m. The ignitor was located at the lower part of the tank and the volume fraction of hydrogen in the mixed gas was 4.33 %, 5.17 %, 7.38 % and 10.02 % respectively. The computational fluid dynamics software Gasflow is used to simulate the experiment. The changes of pressure, gas temperature and hydrogen concentration in the tank after gas ignition were explored. The results show that when the volume fraction of hydrogen is less than 4 % cannot be ignited. When the volume fraction is above 8 %, hydrogen is consumed completely and the temperature and pressure increase significantly. In the process of combustion, the flame propagates upwards and sideways at the same time, but the upward propagation speed is obviously faster. The upward propagation speed of flame is 0.81 m/s when hydrogen concentration is 5.17 %, 7.38 % is 1.31 m/s, and 10.02 % is 2.63 m/s. The horizontal speed of flame is 0.08 m/s, 0.39 m/s and 0.62 m/s respectively.
Quantifying the impacts of clean cooking transitions on future health-age trajectories in South Africa
Authors: Aktas Arda , Poblete-Cazenave Miguel , Pachauri Shonali
Published: March 2022

Reliance on highly polluting cooking technologies poses a significant risk for human health. This study quantifies and compares the impact of different clean cooking access scenarios on future health-age trajectories among population subgroups in South Africa. Using microdata from five waves of the South African National Income Dynamics Study, we develop a dynamic microsimulation model and a composite metric of individual health status that is used to explore how health status changes under alternative access scenarios for the period 2010–2030. We find that there are clear gains of using clean cooking technologies for population health, and that electrification alone does not improve health status, if it is not accompanied by an increase in the use of clean cooking technologies in homes. Our results imply that achieving universal access to clean cooking in South Africa can by itself improve average population health by almost 4% by 2030 compared to a scenario without clean cooking technologies, with the health of individuals of genders and races with the poorest health and well-being endowments improving the most. Thus, clean cooking can contribute to narrowing existing inequalities by improving health for the most vulnerable population groups that disproportionately depend on polluting cooking technologies.
Effect of cement paste distribution on pervious concrete with varying water-to-cement ratios and aggregate sizes
Authors: Canseco-Tuñacao H A R , Oraya A F A , Chia J A , Fruto N G , Mendoza S C
Published: March 2022

To date, there is no defined criterion for measuring the compressive strength of PC due to the variation of voids present. This study introduced an alternative approach which investigates the cement paste distribution expecting to produce a mix that forms a uniform paste distribution. The experiments were carried out through two different aggregate sizes and five different water-to-cement (W/C) ratio design mixes while maintaining a constant aggregate-tobinder ratio. The control specimen with a W/C ratio of 0.33 was used for both aggregate size mix designs. A wax coating method to determine specific surface area of aggregate developed by L. Xiao et al. was utilized in cement paste distribution computations. The data from the cement paste distribution tests indicated that varying W/C ratios had no significance on cement distribution. However, results showed that the 3/8” mix series with higher specific aggregate surface area resulted to a more well distributed and thinner cement paste thickness. The results from the compression and permeability tests showed that these two functional properties are inversely proportional. The W/C ratio that provided balance between strength and permeability while having uniform cement paste distribution is between 0.33 to 0.36 for both aggregate sizes.
Safe Construction And Visual Pollution Of Billboards Along Main Street
Authors: Andjarsari Sophia , Tutut Subadyo A. , Bonifacius Nurhamdoko
Published: March 2022

The installation of billboard building construction, especially along main urban roads, is not the same as building construction such as residential buildings, warehouses and others. There are several things that need to be considered both from the aspect of construction safety and environmental appearance, so it is necessary to assess the condition of the billboard installed. The failure to build billboards can cause collapse. This happens because planning activities are not carried out according to technical standards, supervision during installation and continuous maintenance. Billboards installed along the road can also affect the aesthetics of the environment. Many billboards are attached which causes visual pollution. Visual pollution assessment can be done through the AHP-based SBE method. In addition to the SBE method, a combination of SWOT, AHP and QSPM methods can also be carried out. The findings from the assessment obtained can be immediately evaluated and follow-up steps in an effort to build cities and settlements that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable according to the 11th goal of the SDG’s.
One-Way Flow System Water Quality Modelling of Terantang Reclamation Channel
Authors: Riduan Rony , Miftahul Khair Riza , Gianina Lovina , Istiqlal Hasibuan M.
Published: March 2022

The implementation of reclamation process in wetland has encountered some obstacles, such as the occurrence of pyrite oxidation, sedimentation, and accumulation of toxic materials, especially the concentration of Fe (iron) in the channel. The condition of the reclamation channel which is influenced by tidal events and environmental factors causes the dynamics of Fe concentration to be strongly influenced by hydrodynamic aspects and its interaction with dissolved and suspended particulates. An accurate model will be useful as a tool to evaluate alternative management of water systems to overcome the problem of Fe concentration accumulation in the tidal wetland reclamation channel. Fe fate and transport were modeled using a numerical model of hydrodynamics and water quality EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamic Code). The partition process separates the metal fraction into two phases (dissolved and solid), which is related to the value of the partition coefficient (Kp). The application of the partition process is considered to have a significant influence on the accuracy of the estimated Fe concentration. The simulation results of the model with the partition coefficient approach have better accuracy than the conventional model which tends to be over-predicted compared to the observation data. Simulation of one-way flow system shows a decrease of Fe concentration in the channel by an average of 52.9% compared to two-ways flow system. The application of one-way flow system is possible through the placement of flap gates that will direct the flow to the drainage channels.
Analysis of Potential Utilization of Landfill Materials (Case Study: Sumur Batu Landfill, Bekasi)
Authors: Made Wahyu Widyarsana I , Ameliya Tambunan Suci
Published: March 2022

One of the efforts to overcome the critical problem of land usage for landfill and regenerate waste is to reuse the expired landfill after managing them. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential utilization of waste from landfill mining activities. At 15 sample depth points in zone 1 of Sumur Batu Landfill from 2004-2007 waste, the composition of mining landfill waste consists of 29% soil/organic fraction; 25% other waste; 23% plastic; 11% overburden; 5% diaper waste; 2% cloth; 2% wood; 1% glass; 1% rubber; and 1% metal. The particle size of the landfill waste has a diameter distribution of >38.1 mm to <2mm which is almost evenly distributed with values ranging from 9-20%. The calorific value of combustible waste is 3, 569.47 kcal/kg. The chemical characteristics of the landfill soil mining fraction consisted of C-Organic 29.55%, NTK 0.65%, C/N 29.59, and Total-P 22.84%. Dosage variation of landfill mining soil fraction as a planting medium with soil used for research, respectively 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6, and soil with Bokham compost as control. The use of landfill soil fraction as a planting medium with 3 types of soil, namely clay, laterite, and acid clay causes a decrease in the growth of mung beans (Vignaradiata L.). However, the 1:4 landfill soil fraction dose gave a positive response to the physiological observations of plants compared to the other two doses of variation. The potential for landfill waste is 100, 000 tons, the total cost of landfill mining activities is Rp. 25, 829, 996, 775, and the total benefits of landfill mining activities are Rp.26, 347, 223, 544, with the use of combustible waste to produce electricity and/or heat using an incinerator, the benefit ratio value is 1.02 which is means that the activities of the Zone 1 of Sumur Batu Landfill is feasible to carry out. Based on these data, with organic waste as the dominant waste in the Sumur Batu Landfill, the best possibility in utilizing waste is to use the waste as soil fertilizer.
Direct and indirect engagement of dendritic cell function by antibodies developed for cancer therapy
Authors: Corogeanu Diana , Diebold Sandra S
Published: March 2022

Dendritic cells (DC) are crucial for the priming of T cells and thereby influence adaptive immune responses. Hence, they also represent important players in shaping anti-tumour immune responses. Cancer immunotherapy has been driven over many years by the aim to harness the T-cell stimulatory activity of these crucial antigen-presenting cells (APC). Efficient antigen delivery alone is not sufficient for full engagement of the T-cell stimulatory activity of DC and the inclusion of adjuvants triggering appropriate DC activation is essential to ensure effective anti-tumour immunity induction. While the direct engagement of DC function is a powerful tool for tumour immunotherapy, many therapeutic antibodies, such as antibodies directed against tumour-associated antigens (TAA) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been shown to engage DC function indirectly. The induction of anti-tumour immune responses by TAA-targeting and immune checkpoint inhibitory antibodies is thought to be integral to their therapeutic efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of the immunotherapeutic antibodies in the context of cancer immunotherapy, that has been demonstrated to directly or indirectly engage DC and discuss the current understanding of the functional mechanisms underlying anti-tumour immunity induction by these antibody therapies. In the future, the combination of therapeutic strategies that engage DC function directly and/or indirectly with strategies that allow tumour infiltrating immune effector cells to exert their anti-tumour activity in the tumour microenvironment (TME) may be key for the successful treatment of cancer patients currently not responding to immunotherapeutic antibody treatment.
Pain Characteristics in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Monocentric Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hardy Pierre-Yves , Fikri Jalal , Libbrecht Dominique , Louis Edouard , Joris Jean
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The abdominal pain common in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients is traditionally associated with inflammation but may persist during clinical remission. Central sensitization [CS] has not previously been explored in these patients. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of pain in IBD patients and to specify pain characteristics with particular attention to CS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 200 patients; 67% had Crohn’s disease [CD]. Pain was assessed using the McGill questionnaire, using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 [DN4] questionnaire and by clinical examination. Its impacts on quality of life, depression and anxiety were also assessed.

Results

Three-quarters of IBD patients complained of pain, including intermittent pain attacks, 62% reported abdominal pain and 17.5% had CS. The prevalence of pain [83.6% vs 59.1%; p < 0.001] and abdominal pain [68.7% vs 48.5%; p = 0.006] was higher in CD patients than in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age [p = 0.02], sex [female] [p = 0.004] and CD [p = 0.005] were independent risk factors for pain. Pain intensity was greater in the case of CS (6 [5–3] vs 3 [1.5–5], p < 0.003) which significantly impaired quality of life [p < 0.003] compared with pain without CS.

Conclusions

The prevalence of pain was high in IBD patients [≈75%] and higher in CD patients. Significant impacts on quality of life were confirmed. More than 25% of patients with abdominal pain described CS as responsible for more severe pain and worsened quality of life.

Trial registration ref

NCT04488146
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of the false clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris
Authors: Ryu Taewoo , Herrera Marcela , Moore Billy , Izumiyama Michael , Kawai Erina , Laudet Vincent , Ravasi Timothy
Published: March 2022

The false clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris is a popular fish species and an emerging model organism for studying the ecology, evolution, adaptation, and developmental biology of reef fishes. Despite this, high-quality genomic resources for this species are scarce, hindering advanced genomic analyses. Leveraging the power of PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C chromosome conformation capture techniques, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly for the clownfish A. ocellaris. The initial genome assembly comprised of 1,551 contigs of 861.42 Mb, with an N50 of 863.85 kb. Hi-C scaffolding of the genome resulted in 24 chromosomes containing 856.61 Mb. The genome was annotated with 26,797 protein-coding genes and had 96.62% completeness of conserved actinopterygian genes, making this genome the most complete and high quality among published anemonefish genomes. Transcriptomic analysis identified tissue-specific gene expression patterns, with the brain and optic lobe having the largest number of expressed genes. Further, comparative genomic analysis revealed 91 genome elements conserved only in A. ocellaris and its sister species Amphiprion percula, and not in other anemonefish species. These elements are close to genes that are involved in various nervous system functions and exhibited distinct expression patterns in brain tissue, potentially highlighting the genetic toolkits involved in lineage-specific divergence and behaviors of the clownfish branch. Overall, our study provides the highest quality A. ocellaris genome assembly and annotation to date, whilst also providing a valuable resource for understanding the ecology and evolution of reef fishes.
Integrated Pest Management Data for Regulation, Research, and Education: Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans
Authors: Boudwin Robin , Magarey Roger , Jess Lynnae
Published: March 2022

Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans are two sources of data that describe current and historical pest management practices for settings (e.g., agricultural commodities, schools, specialty crops, etc.) in the United States and territories. The development of documents began in 1998 as a response to the Food Quality Protection Act to ensure the collection of required data for the registration of pesticides. These documents are primary sources for government agencies, growers, crop consultants, and scientific researchers to understand and communicate production practices and issues. The documents include crop settings, priorities, worker activities, production practices, locations, pollinator protection, pests, beneficials, controls (biological, cultural, physical, and chemical), efficacy, resistance management, ecotoxicity, and timelines. Stakeholders can access these documents through the National IPM Database. The database includes functionality to develop and edit documents as well as Application Programming Interfaces to add data to the Crop Profile and Pest Management Strategic Plan documents. Current Application Programming Interface partnerships are with Bugwood and the National Pesticide Information Center. The document creation and Pest Management Strategic Plan workshop process with federal and state regulators, IR-4, state Extension professionals, industry, and grower participants is described. Potential future development of the National IPM Database is to serve as a repository for grower production guides. In conclusion, the accurate and up-to-date Integrated Pest Management data are a vital input in the regulatory process for the review of existing critical pesticides and the registration of safer alternatives.
Metabolomics: A New Tool to Reveal the Nature of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Huang Guoqing , Li Mingcai , Li Yan , Mao Yushan
Published: March 2022

Metabolomics is a field of systems biology that draws on the scientific methods of other groups to qualitatively or quantitatively characterize small molecule metabolites in organisms, revealing their interconnections with the state of the organism at an overall relative macroscopic level. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is well known as a chronic metabolic disease, and metabolomics provides an excellent platform for its clinical study. A growing number of metabolomic analyses have revealed that individuals with DKD have metabolic disturbances of multiple substances in their bodies. With the continuous development and improvement of metabolomic analysis technology, the application of metabolomics in the clinical research of DKD is also expanding. This review discusses the recent progress of metabolomics in the early diagnosis, disease prognosis, and pathogenesis of DKD at the level of small molecule metabolites in vivo.
Follow the Solo: The Formal Evolution of the Concerto in the Eighteenth-Century
Authors: Maliniak Omer , Greenberg Yoel
Published: March 2022

We examine the evolution of the form of the first movement in the eighteenth-century concerto from the Baroque ritornello plan to the eighteenth-century Classical concerto by means of a statistical corpus study. Our data yields a more nuanced understanding of several key characteristics of this evolution, characteristics that have been observed by both contemporary and present-day theorists. We demonstrate how the rise in both quantity and thematic quality of the soloist’s part enabled the convergence of ritornello practices with sonata-form features. We conclude with analytical case studies of works by C. P. E. Bach and Josef Mysliveček, showing how their formal solutions fit within this evolutionary process.
PGI score: prospective validation and correlation with SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores for predicting outcomes in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning
Authors: Pannu A K , Jhuria L , Bhalla A , Sharma N
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We recently derived a simplified 3-point PGI score (representing blood pH < 7.25, Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score < 13, and impaired systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90 mm Hg), which accurately predicted in-hospital case fatality ratio (CFR) in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning. The present study aimed to validate the PGI score and compare it with Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II scores.

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study in adult patients with aluminum phosphide ingestion admitted in PGIMER, Chandigarh (India), from April 2013 to August 2014. A univariant analysis detected the association of various baseline variables with CFR. Correlation of the PGI score with SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores was performed using Spearman’s correlation (rs, range −1 to +1) and scatter plots.

Results

Seventy-six patients were enrolled (mean age, 28.3 years; 41 males). CFR was 60.5%. PGI score variables—pH, GCS, and impaired SBP predicted CFR (P-value <0.001). Among patients with a total PGI score of 3 or 2, 100% died, compared with 50% in score 1 and 10.7% in score 0. Baseline PGI, SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores predicted CFR (P-value <0.001). There was a positive correlation between the PGI score and SOFA score (rs, 0.855), SAPS-II score (rs, 0.861), and APACHE-II score (rs, 0.883). The P-value for all rs values was <0.001.

Conclusion

The PGI score is a validated toxidrome-specific and simplified risk-stratification tool. Validation in other populations is warranted to confirm its routine use.
Close-Range Thermography and Reflectance Spectroscopy Support In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Colletotrichum spp. Isolates from Mango Fruits
Authors: Gómez-Caro Sandra , Mendoza-Vargas Luis Alberto , Ramírez-Gil Joaquín Guillermo , Burbano-David Diana , Soto-Suárez Mauricio , Melgarejo Luz Marina
Published: March 2022

Colletotrichum causing anthracnose in mango is known for its variable virulence that may have an effect on disease development and efficacy of management strategies. In this study, we characterized Colletotrichum spp. isolated from mango fruits under in vitro and in vivo conditions using close-range thermography and reflectance spectroscopy. Twenty-six isolates were phylogenetically characterized to ascertain species using the internal transcribed spacer sequence. Virulence, spectral (in vivo and in vitro), and thermographic responses (in vivo) of these isolates were analyzed. Isolates were grouped into the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex and classified into eight morphotypes. Mycelial growth, conidia production, sporulation abundance, and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) varied largely among isolates. Disease symptoms were observed 4 days after inoculation (dai), and, for most morphotypes, changes in tissue temperature were registered at 11 dai, with the greatest decrease at 14 dai with pathogen sporulation. In vitro and in vivo morphotypes shared changes in the spectrum range, and main variations were found in the number of informative spectral bands. In vivo average gross reflectance was higher in disease-inoculated tissue than in healthy uninoculated tissue. Morphotype responses varied depending on AUDPC values and postinoculation time. Discriminant analysis of the spectral response using principal component analysis and partial least squares regression explained 94 to 96.3 and 98 to 99.9% of the variance from in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively. Spectral markers were obtained for four distinct morphotype groups. We found three (550 to 650, 650.1 to 790, and 1,300 to 1,400 nm) and two (520 to 830 and 1,100 to 1,450 nm) regions with highly (P < 0.05) discriminant spectral bands for diseased fruits and morphotype characterization.
Impacts of ezetimibe on risks of various types of cancers: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Huang Jing , Li Huijing , Wang Xueqi , Liang Xi , Zhao Tianhe , Hu Jingnan , Bai Haiyan , Ge Jianli , Sun Shijiang , He Jianming
Published: March 2022

Background

Ezetimibe is a widely used medication to reduce the plasma cholesterol level, particularly low-density lipoprotein level. However, its impact on cancer remains controversial. Here, its impacts on risks of various types of cancers were meta-analyzed.

Methods

PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched and randomized controlled trials with followed up for at least 24 weeks were selected and included. The experimental group was defined as those patients treated with ezetimibe alone or with other medications, and the control group was defined as those who received a placebo or the matched medication. The number of new cancer cases or cancer-related deaths was extracted. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (version 5.3).

Results

Nine trials enrolling 35 222 patients were included in the analyses. Compared with the control group, ezetimibe increased the number of new intestine cancer patients [relative risk (RR), 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.67; P = 0.03] and had a trend to increase the number of new breast cancer patients (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.98–1.98; P = 0.07). There was no significant difference in new hepatobiliary cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer or cancer of other sites. Ezetimibe did not significantly increase the risk of new cancer in total (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.96–1.11; P = 0.38), cancer-related death (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.98–1.26; P = 0.10) or cancer events (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.97–1.12; P = 0.30). In terms of lipid-lowering effect, ezetimibe significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion

Ezetimibe may increase the risk of intestine cancer and has a trend of increasing the risk of breast cancer. There is no evidence to support that it increases or decreases the risk of other types.
Immunogenicity and safety of a bivalent, adjuvant system 04–adjuvanted human papillomavirus vaccine in healthy female volunteers aged 15–25: a randomized, double-blind, phase III, noninferiority clinical trial
Authors: Afshani Seyyedeh Maryam , Mirhassani Reihaneh , Hosseini Hamed , Hosseini Reihaneh , Tehranian Afsaneh , Malekzadeh Reza , Ostovar Afshin , Abdolghaffari Amir Hossein , Ghobadi Mohammad Amin , Hedayatjoo Behnaz , Hazegh Fetratjoo Delara , Rezagholi Zahra , Anari AmirHossein , Moini Ashraf
Published: March 2022

Objective

Vaccination is proven to significantly reduce the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)–related complications, especially cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the immunogenicity and safety of the investigational bivalent HPV vaccine (16/18), named Papilloguard (Noyan Pajouhan Biopharma, Tehran, Iran), in comparison with the reference product (Cervarix, bivalent HPV vaccine (16/18) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Rixensart, Belgium) in a three-dose regimen.

Methods

This trial was a randomized, controlled, double-blind, phase III study of two HPV vaccines in healthy female volunteers aged 15–25. The primary endpoint was to test the noninferiority of Papilloguard (Noyan Pajouhan Biopharma) to Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline) as measured by the geometric mean titer (GMT) ratios of HPV-16 and HPV-18 7 months after the first vaccination. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of local and systemic solicited and unsolicited events, and the number of females with seroconversion against HPV-16 and HPV-18 7 months after the first vaccination.

Results

Out of 504 screened women, 218 were enrolled. Seven months after the first vaccination, GMT ratios of HPV-16 and HPV-18 were 0.59 and 0.93, respectively. The seroconversion rates of both Papilloguard (Noyan Pajouhan Biopharma) and Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline) were more than 96%. Both vaccinated groups had a generally good profile of solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs). The most common AE was discomfort at the injection site, which was well tolerated.

Conclusion

The result analysis of this study supports the noninferiority of Papilloguard (Noyan Pajouhan Biopharma) to Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline) in terms of safety and immunogenicity based on the GMT ratio. However, long-term comparative studies to evaluate the sustainability of GMT response and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2–3 are needed.
Perspectives of Rural Primary Care Clinicians on Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Care
Authors: O'Dell Sean M. , Gormley Matthew J. , Schlieder Victoria , Klinger Tracey , DeHart Kathy , Kettlewell Paul W. , Kulchak Rahm Alanna
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Despite efficacious treatments, evidence-based guidelines, and increased availability of integrated behavioral health care, youth coping with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receive suboptimal care. More research is needed to understand and address care gaps, particularly within rural health systems that face unique challenges. We conducted a qualitative study within a predominantly rural health system with a pediatric-integrated behavioral health care program to address research gaps and prepare for quality improvement initiatives, including primary care clinician (PCC) trainings and clinical decision support tools in the electronic health record (EHR).

Method:

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 PCCs representing clinics within the health system. Interview guides were based on the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to elicit PCC views regarding determinants of current practices and suggestions to guide quality improvement efforts. We used thematic analysis to identify patterns of responding that were common across participants.

Results:

PCCs identified several internal and external contextual factors as determinants of current practices. Of note, PCCs recommended increased access to continuing education trainings held in clinic over lunch and delivered in less than 30 minutes. Suggested improvements to the EHR included incorporating parent and teacher versions of the Vanderbilt Rating Scale into the EHR, documentation templates aligned with evidence-based guidelines, and alerts and suggestions to aid medication management during appointments.

Conclusion:

Future research to identify implementation strategies to help rural PCCs adopt innovations are needed given the increased responsibility for managing ADHD care and intractable gaps in access to behavioral health care in rural regions.
Inequities in Receipt of the North Carolina Medicaid Waiver Among Individuals with Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Franklin Michelle S. , Bush Christopher , Jones Kelley A. , Davis Naomi Ornstein , French Alexis , Howard Jill , Greiner Melissa A. , Maslow Gary R.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

We examined characteristics associated with receiving the North Carolina Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) and its association with emergency department (ED) utilization.

Method:

Through analysis of the North Carolina 2017 to 2018 Medicaid claims and enrollment data, we examined characteristics (age, sex, race and ethnicity, geography, diagnosis (intellectual disability [ID] with or without autism spectrum disorders or autism spectrum disorder without ID) associated with receiving the NC I/DD Waiver and the association of this Wavier with ED utilization. We identified patients with at least 1 International Classification of Diseases-10-CM diagnosis code for an ID or autism spectrum disorder. We excluded patients with missing county information and whose enrollment in the NC I/DD Waiver program began after October 1, 2017.

Results:

Only 22% of 53,531 individuals with I/DD in North Carolina received the Waiver. Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic individuals were less likely to receive the Waiver than non-Hispanic White individuals. Adults (>21 years old), men, and urban residents were more likely to receive the Waiver. Individuals who received the Waiver were 31% less likely to use the ED.

Conclusion:

Innovative strategies are needed to provide equitable access to the NC I/DD Waiver and provide services to the 14,000 people with I/DD currently waiting to receive the Waiver. Through the Waiver, those with I/DD can access preventative and therapeutic outpatient services and decrease their need for ED care. These findings highlight the need for policy reform to address inequities in access to the Waiver for individuals with I/DD.