bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of COVID-19 Isolation Practices on Neurosurgical Traumas
Authors: AKTAŞ Ramazan Sami , ÇETİN Eyüp
Published: March 2023

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. We aimed to investigate the frequency of head and spinal injuries caused by trauma before and after the pandemic. To identify the situations that should be taken into account in isolation measures due to the possibility of the emergence of such epidemics in the globalizing world.

Material and Method: Medical records of 2595 patients were accessed and 1309 patients with missing patient data were excluded from the study. Normal distribution of continuous variables was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Continuous variables were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Data of 1286 patients were analyzed. Some parameters differ before and after the pandemic, age, injury mechanism, type of lesion, spinal trauma. The average age is 33.9 and the male-female ratio is 3/2. The most frequent admission to the emergency room was in the summer. In our data, there were significant differences in age, gunshot wounds in the trauma mechanism, soft tissue injury and contusion in lesions, and spinal trauma.

Conclusion: The Covid pandemic has caused imperative changes in every aspect of life. This situation also caused a change in the reasons for applying to hospitals. It has been shown that the isolations performed because of Covid-19 did not affect the diagnosis, treatment, and mortality of the patients, although they changed the mechanisms of head and spine trauma. Even with compulsory isolation for public health, the approach to neurosurgical traumas that may occur should not change. It should not be forgotten that in the presence of the Covid 19 pandemic, it continues in other clinical situations.
Effect of Acetylation on the Physicochemical Properties of Starch Extract from Caladium bicolor
Authors: Onyekachi Omuluche, Collins , Ukachukwu Duru, Remy , Ozioma Achugasim, , Julius Abayeh, Ovi
Published: March 2023

The study reports on the effect of acetylation on the physicochemical parameters of Caladium bicolor starch. The starch was extracted and acetylated using various acetic acid volumes and reaction periods (30, 60, and 90 minutes). Both unmodified and acetylated starches were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and some models. The findings estimated a low amylose content of 16.95%, and amylopectin at 83.05% in unmodified starch. The swelling power was 72.45 (unmodified), and 64.9–68.5 (modified); paste clarity was 2.013 (unmodified), and 1.73–1.91 (modified); gelatinization temperature was 75oC (unmodified), and 76–78oC (modified); water binding capacity was 68.6% (unmodified), and 68–92.7% (modified); oil binding capacity was 53.8% (unmodified), and 53.2–92.63% (modified); % acetyl group and degree of substitution were 0.73-3.63 and 0.03-0.13. The FTIR reveals the vibration frequencies of 3283.62 cm-1, 1018 cm-1 and 1240 cm-1 affirm the presence of OH, C-O, and CH3 in the unmodified. Whereas, the prominent peak at 1647.28 cm-1 assigned to the carbonyl C=O and its increase in intensity and height affirmed the increase in the acetylation of starch molecules. Starch obtained from Caladium bicolor and the acetylated products could be used as glue, thickeners, gelling agents and adhesives for paper products and textile industry.
Burden of Rotavirus Diarrhoea in Children in Abuja
Authors: Balarabe-Musa Binta
Published: March 2023

Background: Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death in children. Nigeria has the continent’s highest mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases with little information on specific causes and the proportion affected by rotavirus infection. The main objectives of this study were to describe the features of young children with diarrhoea, with and without rotavirus, in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of local hospital activity data related to diarrhoea was retrieved from General Hospitals in Abuja. Then a one-year prospective descriptive study of children under 5 years of age with acute diarrhoea was conducted from September 2012 to August 2013. Children with acute diarrhoea attending three government hospitals and one private hospital were recruited. Children without diarrhoea were recruited as the control group. Faecal specimens were transported in cold chain boxes from Nigeria and stored at -80 °C at the Institute of Global Health, virology section of the University of Liverpool, where all laboratory work was performed.
Results: Hospital records were poorly preserved and did not provide meaningful data for trend analyses or disease surveillance. 1331 participants were enrolled in this prospective study. Stool samples were collected from 1242 (93.3%) participants, of whom 957 (77.0%) were ambulatory, 123 (9.9%) hospitalised and 160 (12.8%) controls without diarrhoea. 881 and 450 children with diarrhoea were recruited from government and the private hospitals, respectively. The median age of the children was 8 months in the ambulatory and 9.5 months in the hospitalized group (p<0.05). A total of 209 (16.8%) children were vaccinated, 858 (69.1%) were unvaccinated, and 174 (14.0%) had an unclear vaccination status. Rotavirus ELISA was positive in 123 (11.4%) children with diarrhoea and 2 (1.2%) controls. Among children with diarrhoea, 92 (10.4%) of 881 children attending government hospitals had rotavirus, compared to 33 (7.3%) of 450 children attending a private hospital (p<0.001) where a vaccination program had been in place. The peak months for rotavirus infection were November and February. The efficacy of Rotarix® RV1 vaccine in preventing rotavirus diarrhoea was indirectly assessed to be 64.5%.
Conclusion: Rotavirus is an important pathogen in children, especially in unvaccinated children in Abuja. The introduction of a rotavirus vaccine is highly desirable in Nigeria, but this is still awaited. Local and national infrastructure are inadequate for basic surveillance of diarrhoeal disease, and this will have to be improved, together with access to virological stool testing, to monitor the planned vaccine program. The retrospective studies reported here provide indirect evidence of vaccine efficacy in Abuja but need prospective confirmation.
Standardization of Sowing Time of Chinese Onion (Allium chinense) for Hill Zone of Assam
Authors: Terangpi Hunmili , Borthakur U. , Maibangsa M. , Bathari M.
Published: March 2023

A miniature type of onion known as Chinese onion is widely grown in Karbi Anglong hill district of Assam which is used by the local tribes mainly for its medicinal value as well as in culinary purposes. A field experiment was conducted at AAU-Zonal Research Station, Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam with the objective to standardize the planting time of this crop. Planting was done at two-month interval during July 2020 to May 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications and six treatments as planting time. Data regarding growth and yield was recorded and analysed statistically. The data on growth and yield characters like Plant height(cm), No. of leaf per plant, Leaf length (cm), leaf breadth (mm), No. of cloves per bulb, bulb length(cm), bulb breadth(cm) and yield/hectare were recorded. The result revealed that plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb length and bulb yield was significantly influenced by the planting time. The highest plant height of 19.62 cm was recorded in T2(Sept) planting, while it was lowest in T4(Jan) planting (17.65 cm). The highest number of leaves per plant was recorded in T2(Sep) planting with 8.25 followed by T1(July) planting with 8 numbers. The highest leaf length (18.37 cm) was recorded in T2 (Sept) planting followed by 17.82 cm T5(March)and 17.62 cm T3(Nov) planting respectively.

The bulb length was found to be highest in September planting (T2) with 1.6 cm and the lowest was recorded in T3 (Nov) with 1.4 cm. The highest bulb yield per hectare 30.16q was obtained from T3 (Nov) planting and the lowest 17q was found in T4 (Jan)planting. From the present investigation it can be concluded that for better vegetative growth and higher yield of Chinese onion, the optimum time of planting is the month of September.
Racial Disparities in Pathological Complete Response Among Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Fangyuan , Miyashita Minoru , Hattori Masaya , Yoshimatsu Toshio , Howard Frederick , Kaneva Kristiyana , Jones Ryan , Bell Joshua S. K. , Fleming Gini F. , Jaskowiak Nora , Nanda Rita , Zheng Yonglan , Huo Dezheng , Olopade Olufunmilayo I.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Among patients with breast cancer, inconsistent findings have been published on racial disparities in achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Objective

To investigate whether racial disparities exist in achieving pCR and what factors contribute to them.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Within the ongoing Chicago Multiethnic Epidemiologic Breast Cancer Cohort (ChiMEC), which consists of a prospectively ascertained cohort of patients with breast cancer, 690 patients with stage I to III breast cancer receiving NACT were identified for this single-institution study at the University of Chicago Medicine. Patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2020 (median follow-up: 5.4 years) were included; next-generation sequencing data on tumor-normal tissue pairs were available from 186 ChiMEC patients, including both primary and residual tumor samples. Statistical analysis was performed from September 2021 to September 2022.

Exposures

Demographic, biological, and treatment factors that could contribute to disparities in achieving pCR.

Main Outcomes and Measures

pCR was defined as the absence of invasive cancer in the breast and axillary nodes, irrespective of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Results

The study included 690 patients with breast cancer, with a mean (SD) age of 50.1 (12.8) years. Among the 355 White patients, 130 (36.6%) achieved pCR compared to 77 of the 269 Black patients (28.6%;P = .04). Not achieving pCR was associated with significantly worse overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.10; 95% CI, 2.80-13.32). Black patients had significantly lower odds of achieving pCR compared with White patients in the hormone receptor–negative/ERBB2+ subtype (adjusted odds ratio, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11-0.81). Compared with White patients withERBB2+ disease, Black patients were more likely to have MAPK pathway alterations (30.0% [6 of 20] vs 4.6% [1 of 22];P = .04), a potential mechanism of anti-ERBB2therapy resistance. Tumor mutational burden and somatic alterations in several genes (eg,FGF4,FGF3, CCND1, MCL1, FAT1, ERCC3, PTEN) were significantly different between the primary and residual tumors.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with breast cancer, racial disparities in response to NACT were associated with disparities in survival and varied across different breast cancer subtypes. This study highlights the potential benefits of better understanding the biology of primary and residual tumors.
From Textbook to Personal Treatment
Authors: Izmaylov Michelle
Published: March 2023

This essay describes helping patients as people, not just improving the numbers on a computer screen while taking from them what brings quality to their lives, even if a patient’s preference might not be consistent with what has been medically recommended.
A Bifunctional Carbazide Additive For Durable CsSnI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Chenghao , Zou Feilin , Wen Qiaoyun , Qin Minchao , Li Jiong , Chen Chang , Lu Xinhui , Ding Liming , Yan Keyou
Published: March 2023

Inorganic CsSnI3 with low toxicity and a narrow bandgap is a promising photovoltaic material. However, the performance of CsSnI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is much lower than that of Pb‐based and hybrid Sn‐based (e.g., CsPbX3 and CH(NH2)2SnX3) PSCs, which may be attributed to its poor film‐forming property and the deep traps induced by Sn4+. Here, a bifunctional additive carbazide (CBZ) is adapted to deposit a pinhole‐free film and remove the deep traps via two‐step annealing. The lone electrons of the NH2 and CO units in CBZ can coordinate with Sn2+ to form a dense film with large grains during the phase transition at 80 °C. The decomposition of CBZ can reduce Sn4+ to Sn2+ during annealing at 150 °C to remove the deep traps. Compared with the control device (4.12%), the maximum efficiency of the CsSnI3:CBZ PSC reaches 11.21%, which is the highest efficiency of CsSnI3 PSC reported to date. A certified efficiency of 10.90% is obtained by an independent photovoltaic testing laboratory. In addition, the unsealed CsSnI3:CBZ devices maintain initial efficiencies of ≈100%, 90%, and 80% under an inert atmosphere (60 days), standard maximum power point tracking (650 h at 65 °C), and ambient air (100 h), respectively.
Reshaping Strategy at Ultrahigh Strain Rates Enables Large‐Scale Fabrication of Sharp Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Jian , He Yali , Hu Yaowu
Published: March 2023

Metal nanostructures are the primary component of metamaterials and plasmonics, whereas the high‐throughput production of high‐resolution nanostructures has always been a challenge. Inspired by the special hardening behavior of nanometals at ultrahigh strain rates, a reshaping strategy of hardened structures for large‐scale fabrication of ultra‐sharp nanostructures is proposed in this study. At ultrahigh strain rates, the extreme shear deformation‐induced solid state amorphization and grain‐refining effects of nanometals are first revealed, which provide the required mechanical properties and structural stability for the reshaping of primary structures. The experimental results demonstrate that nanostructures with sub‐10 nm resolution are formed using the reshaping strategy. Additionally, the pressure dependence of deformation behavior of the hardened structures in the ultrahigh‐strain‐rate reshaping process is further explored to guide the nanofabrication process. The results demonstrate that the reshaping strategy at ultrahigh strain rates allows the ultrafine shaping of nanostructures with sub‐10 nm resolution on low‐pressure and submicron‐sized molds, compared with conventional imprinting processes. The generated nanostructures using reshaping process exhibit excellent surface Raman enhancement, enabling high‐sensitivity molecular detection. The reshaping strategy provides a novel strategy for the rapid, repeatable, and economical manufacturing of sharp nanostructures, which has broad application prospects in the fields of plasmonics and photonics.
Epitaxial Growth of Lattice‐Matched BaWO4/CH3NH3PbX3(X = Cl, Br, I) Hetero‐Micro/Nanostructure with Suppressed Halide Ion Migration
Authors: Liu Peng , Xu Yan , Zhang Yuchi , Han Le , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: March 2023

Intrinsic instability of lead halide perovskites has always been a key obstacle to manifest their excellent optoelectronic applications. Here, a solvent‐free thermally driven heteroepitaxial growth strategy is proposed to assemble BaWO4/MAPbX3(MA = CH3NH3+; X = Cl−, Br−, or I−) micro‐nanostructure. Tetragonal BaWO4matrix restrains the halogen ion migration in epitaxial MAPbX3thanks to their perfect lattice matching degrees, also imparting the integration of exceptional durability to light, heat, polarity solvents, and capabilities to fine‐tune the luminescent colors. Furthermore, MABr‐triggered surface nucleation of MAPbBr3and its removal by H2O appear with switchable and reversible color changes, demonstrating great potential in advanced anticounterfeiting. The general approach in engineering heteroepitaxy of MAPbX3heterostructure opens up a new idea toward improved stability by the lattice matching principle.
CoVSense: Ultrasensitive Nucleocapsid Antigen Immunosensor for Rapid Clinical Detection of Wildtype and Variant SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Salahandish Razieh , Hyun Jae Eun , Haghayegh Fatemeh , Tabrizi Hamed Osouli , Moossavi Shirin , Khetani Sultan , Ayala‐Charca Giancarlo , Berenger Byron M. , Niu Yan Dong , Ghafar‐Zadeh Ebrahim , Nezhad Amir Sanati
Published: March 2023

The widespread accessibility of commercial/clinically‐viable electrochemical diagnostic systems for rapid quantification of viral proteins demands translational/preclinical investigations. Here, Covid‐Sense (CoVSense) antigen testing platform; an all‐in‐one electrochemical nano‐immunosensor for sample‐to‐result, self‐validated, and accurate quantification of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleocapsid (N)‐proteins in clinical examinations is developed. The platform's sensing strips benefit from a highly‐sensitive, nanostructured surface, created through the incorporation of carboxyl‐functionalized graphene nanosheets, and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) conductive polymers, enhancing the overall conductivity of the system. The nanoengineered surface chemistry allows for compatible direct assembly of bioreceptor molecules. CoVSense offers an inexpensive (<$2 kit) and fast/digital response (<10 min), measured using a customized hand‐held reader (<$25), enabling data‐driven outbreak management. The sensor shows 95% clinical sensitivity and 100% specificity (Ct<25), and overall sensitivity of 91% for combined symptomatic/asymptomatic cohort with wildtype SARS‐CoV‐2 or B.1.1.7 variant (N = 105, nasal/throat samples). The sensor correlates the N‐protein levels to viral load, detecting high Ct values of ≈35, with no sample preparation steps, while outperforming the commercial rapid antigen tests. The current translational technology fills the gap in the workflow of rapid, point‐of‐care, and accurate diagnosis of COVID‐19.
Sex differences in associations between APOE ε2 and longitudinal cognitive decline
Authors: Wood Madeline E. , Xiong Lisa Y. , Wong Yuen Yan , Buckley Rachel F. , Swardfager Walter , Masellis Mario , Lim Andrew S. P. , Nichols Emma , Joie Renaud La , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Kumar Raj G. , Dams‐O'Connor Kristen , Palta Priya , George Kristen M. , Satizabal Claudia L. , Barnes Lisa L. , Schneider Julie A. , Binet Alexa Pichette , Villeneuve Sylvia , Pa Judy , Brickman Adam M. , Black Sandra E. , Rabin Jennifer S. ,   for the ADNI and Prevent‐AD Research Groups
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION

We examined whether sex modifies the association between APOE ε2 and cognitive decline in two independent samples.

METHODS

We used observational data from cognitively unimpaired non‐Hispanic White (NHW) and non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) adults. Linear mixed models examined interactive associations of APOE genotype (ε2 or ε4 carrier vs. ε3/ε3) and sex on cognitive decline in NHW and NHB participants separately.

RESULTS

In both Sample 1 (N = 9766) and Sample 2 (N = 915), sex modified the association between APOE ε2 and cognitive decline in NHW participants. Specifically, relative to APOE ε3/ε3, APOE ε2 protected against cognitive decline in men but not women. Among APOE ε2 carriers, men had slower decline than women. Among APOE ε3/ε3 carriers, cognitive trajectories did not differ between sexes. There were no sex‐specific associations of APOE ε2 with cognition in NHB participants (N = 2010).

DISCUSSION

In NHW adults, APOE ε2 may protect men but not women against cognitive decline.

Highlights

We studied sex‐specific apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 effects on cognitive decline.

In non‐Hispanic White (NHW) adults, APOE ε2 selectively protects men against decline.

Among men, APOE ε2 was more protective than APOE ε3/ε3.

In women, APOE ε2 was no more protective than APOE ε3/ε3.

Among APOE ε2 carriers, men had slower decline than women.

There were no sex‐specific APOE ε2 effects in non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) adults.
Anderson Localization in Dissipative Lattices
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: March 2023

Anderson localization predicts that wave spreading in disordered lattices can come to a complete halt, providing a universal mechanism for dynamical localization. In the one‐dimensional Hermitian Anderson model with uncorrelated diagonal disorder, there is a one‐to‐one correspondence between dynamical localization and spectral localization, that is, the exponential localization of all the Hamiltonian eigenfunctions. This correspondence can be broken when dealing with disordered dissipative lattices. When the system exchanges particles with the surrounding environment and random fluctuations of the dissipation are introduced, spectral localization is observed but without dynamical localization. Previous studies consider lattices with mixed conservative (Hamiltonian) and dissipative dynamics and are restricted to a semiclassical analysis. However, Anderson localization in purely dissipative lattices, displaying an entirely Lindbladian dynamics, remains largely unexplored. Here the purely‐dissipative Anderson model in the framework of a Lindblad master equation is considered, and it is shown that, akin to the semiclassical models with conservative hopping and random dissipation, one observes dynamical delocalization in spite of strong spectral localization of the Liouvillian superoperator. This result is very distinct from delocalization observed in the Anderson model with dephasing, where dynamical delocalization arises from the delocalization of the stationary state of the Liouvillian.
Synthesis and molecular docking of novel fluorescent alkoxy‐substituted iodobiphenyl analogues
Authors: Alahmdi Mohammed Issa
Published: March 2023

New fluorescent iodobiphenyl ethers bearing para‐alkyloxy functional groups of diverse alkyl tail lengths were synthesized. The synthesis process was simply accomplished via an alkali‐assisted reaction of aliphatic alcohols with hydroxyl‐substituted iodobiphenyls. The molecular structures of the prepared iodobiphenyl ethers were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Both absorption and fluorescence spectra proved solvatochromic activity. The synthesized alkyloxy‐substituted iodobiphenyl analogues were tested for antioxidant effectiveness using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methodology. The antioxidant outcomes demonstrated that the longest hydrocarbon chain‐containing substituted iodobiphenyl analogues had a high efficacy with over an IC50 = 21.26 ± 0.36 μg/ml. Alkyloxy‐substituted iodobiphenyl analogues also underwent docking operations over the 5IKQ protein.
On the Quantum Yield Determination of UV Emitting Up‐Converters
Authors: Schröder Franziska , Pues Patrick , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas
Published: March 2023

This work deals with the determination of the external quantum yield of some selected inorganic up‐conversion materials, which are able to convert blue light, as typically emitted using blue (In,Ga)N LEDs, into UV radiation. Recently, these materials have drawn tremendous attention due to their potential application in antimicrobial coatings of surfaces. To judge the viability of this approach to reduce the density of germs onto arbitrary surfaces upon indoor or outdoor illumination, the quantum efficiency for the conversion of blue light into UV is of large interest. We found that the quantum efficiency is between about 0.1% and 1%, which might be good enough if the illumination of the respective surface is performed for several hours. Then, a relevant reduction of the number of active microorganisms per area can be achieved.
Identification of 1‐phenoxy‐3‐(piperazin‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol derivatives as novel triple reuptake inhibitors
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Ji Su Hyun , Ahn Hyomin , Chung Hwan Won , Choi Daeun , Park Ju Jin , Go Minji , Pyo Jung In , Shafioul Azam Sharif Mohammed , Lee Duck‐Hyung , Chi Sung‐Gil , Song Chiman , Cheong Chan Seong , Han Seo‐Jung
Published: March 2023

Novel 1‐phenoxy‐3‐(piperazin‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential triple reuptake inhibitors, which simultaneously inhibit serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters (SERT, NET, and DAT, respectively). Through neurotransmitter transporter uptake assays, inhibitory activities of 1‐phenoxy‐3‐(piperazin‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol derivatives were evaluated. We discovered compound 19 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activities against all three monoamine neurotransmitter transporters and the IC50 values of 19 against SERT, NET, and DAT were determined. In addition, binding modes of 19 with SERT, NET, and DAT were predicted by docking studies.
Effect of febuxostat on the level of malondialdehyde‐modified low‐density lipoprotein, an oxidative stress marker: A subanalysis of the PRIZE study
Authors: Teragawa Hiroki , Tanaka Atsushi , Fujii Yuichi , Yoshida Hisako , Ueda Tomohiro , Nomura Shuichi , Kadokami Toshiaki , Koide Hisashi , Saito Makoto , Sano Hiroaki , Bando Yasuko K. , Murohara Toyoaki , Node Koichi ,   for the PRIZE Study Investigators
Published: March 2023

Background

Febuxostat is a selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reportedly exhibits antioxidant properties. We previously performed a multicentre, randomized controlled (PRIZE) study for vascular evaluation under uric acid (UA) control by febuxostat to investigate the progression of carotid lesions in asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients with carotid atherosclerosis for 2 years.

Hypothesis

The current subanalysis of the PRIZE study aimed to assess the effect of febuxostat on the level of malondialdehyde‐modified low‐density lipoprotein (MDA‐LDL), an oxidative stress marker.

Methods

We recruited 383 patients (febuxostat group, n = 200; control group, n = 183) from the PRIZE trial for whom MDA‐LDL measurements were available. The UA, MDA‐LDL, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels, and MDA‐LDL/LDL‐C ratio were identified, represented as the estimated difference from baseline to 24 months. We also evaluated the relationship between febuxostat dose (10, ≤20 to <40, and ≤40 to ≤60 mg) and changes in the MDA‐LDL level, LDL‐C level, or MDA‐LDL/LDL‐C ratios.

Results

The estimated change in MDA‐LDL/LDL‐C ratio from baseline to 24 months was significantly lower in the febuxostat group than in the control group (p = .025), whereas the estimated changes in MDA‐LDL (p = .235) and LDL‐C (p = .323) levels did not differ between the two groups. No significant correlation existed between the febuxostat doses and the estimated change in the MDA‐LDL level (p = .626), LDL‐C level (p = .896), or MDA‐LDL/LDL‐C ratio (p = .747).

Conclusions

Our findings may indicate a possibility that febuxostat can lower the MDA‐LDL/LDL‐C ratio, a potential marker of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress, in asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Further studies are required to validate our findings and elucidate the clinical antioxidant effect of febuxostat.
Impact of virtual adjunctive cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive flexibility and treatment outcomes in comorbid anorexia nervosa and exercise dependence as quantified using novel biomarkers: A stage 1 registered report
Authors: Miller McKenzie L. , Sanzari Christina M. , Timko C. Alix , Hormes Julia M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with significant individual mental and physical suffering and public health burden and fewer than half of patients recover fully with current treatments. Comorbid exercise dependence (ExD) is common in AN and associated with significantly worse symptom severity and treatment outcomes. Research points to cognitive inflexibility as a prominent executive function inefficiency and transdiagnostic etiologic and maintaining mechanism linking AN and ExD. This study will evaluate the initial efficacy of adjunctive Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT), which has been shown to produce cognitive improvements in adults with AN, in targeting cognitive inflexibility in individuals with comorbid AN and ExD. As an exploratory aim, this study also addresses the current lack of quick and cost‐effective assessments of cognitive flexibility by establishing the utility of two proposed biomarkers, heart rate variability and salivary oxytocin.

Method

We will conduct a single‐group, within‐subjects trial of an established CRT protocol delivered remotely as an adjunct to inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment as usual (TAU) to adult patients (n = 42) with comorbid AN and ExD. Assessments, including self‐report, neuropsychological, and biomarker measurements, will occur at three time points.

Results

We expect CRT to increase cognitive flexibility transdiagnostically and consequently, along with TAU, positively impact AN and ExD compulsivity and symptom severity, including weight gain.

Discussion

Findings will inform the development of more effective integrative interventions for AN and ExD targeting shared mechanisms and facilitate the routine assessment of cognitive flexibility as a transdiagnostic risk and maintaining factor across psychopathologies in clinical and research settings.

Public Significance

Patients with anorexia nervosa often engage in excessive exercise, leading to harmful outcomes, including increased suicidal behavior. This study examines the preliminary efficacy of an intervention that fosters flexible and holistic thinking in patients with problematic eating and exercise to, along with routine treatment, decrease harmful exercise symptoms. This study also examines new biological markers of the inflexible thinking style thought to be characteristic of anorexia nervosa and exercise dependence.
Deep phenotype characterization of hypertensive response to exercise: implications on functional capacity and prognosis across the heart failure spectrum
Authors: Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , De Biase Nicolò , Del Punta Lavinia , Balletti Alessio , Armenia Silvia , Buralli Simona , Mengozzi Alessandro , Taddei Stefano , Metra Marco , Pagnesi Matteo , Borlaug Barry A. , Williams Bryan , Masi Stefano
Published: March 2023

Aims

Limited evidence is available regarding the role of hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) in heart failure (HF). We evaluated the systolic blood pressure (SBP) to workload slope during exercise across the HF spectrum, investigating haemodynamic and prognostic correlates of HRE.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 369 patients with HF Stage C (143 had preserved [HFpEF], and 226 reduced [HFrEF] ejection fraction), 201 subjects at risk of developing HF (HF Stages A–B), and 58 healthy controls. We performed a combined cardiopulmonary exercise stress echocardiography testing. We defined HRE as the highest sex‐specific SBP/workload slope tertile in each HF stage. Median SBP/workload slope was 0.53 mmHg/W (interquartile range 0.36–0.72); the slope was 39% steeper in women than men (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age and sex, SBP/workload slope in HFrEF (0.47, 0.30–0.63) was similar to controls (0.43, 0.35–0.57) but significantly lower than Stages A–B (0.61, 0.47–0.75) and HFpEF (0.63, 0.42–0.86). Patients with HRE showed significantly lower peak oxygen consumption and peripheral oxygen extraction. After a median follow‐up of 16 months, HRE was independently associated with adverse outcomes (all‐cause mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons: hazard ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.81–5.18), while rest and peak SBP were not. Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed a worse survival probability in Stages A–B (p = 0.005) and HFpEF (p < 0.001), but not HFrEF.

Conclusion

A steeper SBP/workload slope is associated with impaired functional capacity across the HF spectrum and could be a more sensitive predictor of adverse events than absolute SBP values, mainly in patients in Stages A–B and HFpEF.
Scale modeling of thermo‐structural fire tests
Authors: Gangi Michael J. , Lattimer Brian Y. , Case Scott W.
Published: March 2023

Standard methods for fire resistance testing require large‐scale assemblies and are typically conducted on specialized furnaces at considerable cost. This research focused on developing a scaling methodology for a reduced‐scale fire resistance test that reduces the size of the test article while maintaining the same thermal and structural response exhibited in the large‐scale test. The developed scaling methodology incorporates uniform geometric scaling, Fourier number time scaling, and furnace boundary condition matching. The scaling laws were experimentally validated with fire exposure tests on gypsum wallboard samples at three scales (full‐scale, 1/2‐scale, and 1/6‐scale). In the tests, samples were exposed to a full‐scale equivalent of 60‐min of ASTM E119 fire curve exposure on a reduced‐scale horizontal furnace, and the temperature rise through the thickness profile was measured. Models were created to calculate the modified fire curves for the smaller‐scale tests. Experimental results show that on the exposed surface, the 1/2‐scale absolute temperature was within 1.7% of full‐scale, while the 1/6‐scale temperature was within 2.5%. While the time‐dependent properties of burning and cracking caused visual differences in these gypsum tests, modeling and temperature measurements demonstrated that the test results were thermally similar. The good similarity of temperatures is achievable in fire exposure tests of non‐combustible gypsum wallboard down to 1/6‐scale.
Glioblastoma with novel EGFR mutations (T790M and exon 20 insertion) yet unresponsive to osimertinib: A case report
Authors: Boongird Atthaporn , Lekcharoensombat Nopphon , Jinawath Artit , Theparee Talent , Jittapiromsak Nutchawan , Shuangshoti Shanop , Thorner Paul Scott , Teerapakpinyo Chinachote
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a high‐grade adult‐type IDH‐wildtype diffuse glioma, commonly harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification. Here, we describe a case of a 49‐year‐old man with a GBM harboring a TERT promoter mutation. Despite surgical and chemoradiation therapy, the tumor recurred. At that time, comprehensive genomic profiling by next‐generation sequencing identified two rare mutations in EGFR: T790M and an exon 20 insertion. Based on these findings, the patient elected to undergo off‐label therapy with osimertinib, a third‐generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has shown promising results in non‐small cell lung carcinoma, including metastatic to brain, with exactly the same EGFR mutations. Moreover, the drug has excellent central nervous system penetration. Even so, no clinical response was observed, and the patient succumbed to the disease. The lack of response may be related to the specific nature of the EGFR mutations, and/or other unfavorable tumor biology overriding any benefit from osimertinib.
How can entrepreneurs experience inform responsible health innovation policies? A longitudinal case study in Canada and Brazil
Authors: Lehoux Pascale , Silva Hudson Pacifico , Miller Fiona , Denis Jean‐Louis , Pozelli Renata Sabio
Published: March 2023

Aim

To foster equity and make health systems economically and environmentally more sustainable, Responsible Innovation in Health (RIH) calls for policy changes advocated by mission‐oriented innovation policies. These policies focus, however, on instruments to foster the supply of innovations and neglect health policies that affect their uptake. Our study's aim is to inform policies that can support RIH by gaining insights into RIH‐oriented entrepreneurs' experience with the policies that influence both the supply of, and the demand for their innovations.

Methods

We recruited 16 for‐profit and not‐for‐profit organisations engaged in the production of RIH in Brazil and Canada in a longitudinal multiple case study. Our dataset includes three rounds of interviews (n = 48), self‐reported data, and fieldnotes. We performed qualitative thematic analyses to identify across‐cases patterns.

Findings

RIH‐oriented entrepreneurs interact with supply side policies that support technology‐led solutions because of their economic potential but that are misaligned with societal challenge‐led solutions. They navigate demand side policies where market approval and physician incentives largely condition the uptake of technology‐led solutions and where emerging policies bring some support to societal challenge‐led solutions. Academic intermediaries that bridge supply and demand side policies may facilitate RIH, but our findings point to an overall lack of policy directionality that limits RIH.

Conclusion

As mission‐oriented innovation policies aim to steer innovation towards the tackling of societal challenges, they call for a major shift in the public sector's role. A comprehensive mission‐oriented policy approach to RIH requires policy instruments that can align, orchestrate, and reconcile health priorities with a renewed understanding of innovation‐led economic development.
Hepatitis C treatment program in Maputo, Mozambique, the challenge of genotypes and key populations: A 5‐year retrospective analysis of routine programmatic data
Authors: Loarec Anne , Gutierrez Ana Gabriela , Muvale Gil , Couto Aleny , Nguyen Aude , Yerly Sabine , Pinto Yolanda , Madeira Natercia , Gonzales Alan , Molfino Lucas , Ciglenecki Iza , Antabak Natalia Tamayo
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Hepatitis C (HCV) programs face challenges, especially linked to key populations to achieve World Health Organization (WHO) goals of eliminating hepatitis. Médecins Sans Frontières and Mozambique's Ministry of Health first implemented HCV treatment in Maputo, in 2016 and harm reduction activities in 2017.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed routine data of patients enrolled between December 2016 and July 2021. Genotyping was systematically requested up to 2018 and subsequently in cases of treatment failure. Sustainable virological response was assessed 12 weeks after the end of treatment by sofosbuvir‐daclatasvir or sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir.

Results

Two hundred and two patients were enrolled, with 159 (78.71%) males (median age: 41 years [interquartile range (IQR): 37.10, 47.00]). Risk factors included drug use (142/202; 70.29%). One hundred and eleven genotyping results indicated genotype 1 predominant (87/111; 78.37%). Sixteen patients presented genotype 4, with various subtypes. The people who used drugs and HIV coinfected patients were found more likely to present a genotype 1. Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed 68.99% (89/129) cure rate among the patients initiated and per‐protocol analysis, 88.12% (89/101) cure rate. Nineteen patients received treatment integrated with opioid substitution therapy, with a 100% cure rate versus 59.37% (38/64) for initiated ones without substitution therapy (p < 0.001). Among the resistance testing performed, NS5A resistance‐associated substitutions were found in seven patients among the nine tested patients and NS5B ones in one patient.

Conclusion

We found varied genotypes, including some identified as difficult‐to‐treat subtypes. People who used drugs were more likely to present genotype 1. In addition, opioid substitution therapy was key for these patients to achieve cure. Access to second‐generation direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and integration of HCV care with harm reduction are crucial to program effectiveness.
A High‐Valent Ru−PCP Pincer Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Organic Carbonates
Authors: Mujahed Shrouq , Richter Maria S. , Kirillov Evgueni , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Gelman Dmitri
Published: March 2023

In this communication, we report on the successful application of a high‐valent RuIV bifunctional catalyst (1) for mild hydrogenation of cyclic and acyclic carbonates. Our experimental and theoretical studies suggest that the hydrogenation mechanism is operated by an unusual formally zwitterionic RuIV complex. According to our hypothesis, the positively charged high‐valent metal center is responsible for stronger hydrogen coordination. On the other hand, the proximate negatively charged ligand site facilitates heterolytic H2 bond activation, which leads to efficient catalysis.
Facing inevitable PARPis resistance: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Liu Haixia , Chen Xiaohui , Jia Yimin , Chen Hengyi , Wang Xiaohui , Liu Guoxiang , Luo Yang
Published: March 2023

BRCA1/2 gene mutations, which result in a dysfunction of homologous recombination repair, have been discovered in at least 5% of breast cancer (BC) patients with the increase in BC incidence in recent years. PARP inhibitors (PARPis), the first drugs with clinical approval based on synthetic lethality, have been approved to treat BRCA1/2‐mutant BC. However, as with other targeted drugs, PARPis drug resistance has become a significant obstacle in the application of PARPis. In this paper, we discuss the mechanism of PARPis, the clinical application of PARPis as monotherapy and the possible induced resistance mechanism. By exploring the resistance mechanism, we aimed to identify appropriate effective therapeutic techniques to overcome PARPis resistance and improve the efficacy of PARPis as well as to provide theoretical and experimental evidence for the clinical use of PARPis in BRCA1/2‐mutant BC.
Single‐molecule tethered particle motion to study protein‐DNA interaction
Authors: Fan Hsiu‐Fang
Published: March 2023

Single‐molecule techniques have been demonstrated as powerful tools to investigate individual protein‐DNA interactions that are difficult to access by conventional biochemical techniques. These methods are popularly used to obtain valuable and detailed molecular mechanisms of enzyme functions. Currently, we have used single‐molecule tethered particle motion to investigate protein‐DNA interactions, including homologous recombination, site‐specific recombination, DNA package, and the nucleosome remodeling process, and useful information was obtained. Here, we will describe the experimental designs and present the information obtained.
Variability in sickle cell knowledge by sickle cell status
Authors: Gilpin‐Macfoy Fiona , Perilla Mindy J. , Koehly Laura M.
Published: March 2023

Disease‐specific knowledge allows individuals with sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and unaffected family members alike to make informed decisions and support those affected by the condition. The current study assesses how sickle cell knowledge varies by disease status within families affected by sickle cell disease. One hundred seventy‐nine participants from 84 families completed an online survey and telephone interview. Generalized linear models, with generalized estimating equations, were fitted to evaluate differences in both item‐level responses and total scores on the Sickle Cell Knowledge Scale by sickle cell status. Those with negative or unknown sickle cell status scored significantly lower than those with sickle cell disease or trait, despite being related to someone with sickle cell disease (χ2 (2) = 9.72, p = 0.008). Overall, participants performed poorly on items related to sickle cell trait, with limited understanding of autosomal recessive inheritance patterns. The study's findings suggest a need to move beyond patient‐centered approaches to family‐centered education efforts that reach those with sickle cell traits and negative or unknown status. Findings point to knowledge gaps related to sickle cell trait and patterns of inheritance, representing key enhancement areas for future sickle cell education efforts.
On deeply critical oriented cliques
Authors: Duffy Christopher , Pavan P. D. , Sandeep R. B. , Sen Sagnik
Published: March 2023

In this work we consider arc criticality in colourings of oriented graphs. We study deeply critical oriented graphs, those graphs for which the removal of any arc results in a decrease of the oriented chromatic number by 2. We prove the existence of deeply critical oriented cliques of every odd order , closing an open question posed by Borodin et al. Additionally, we prove the nonexistence of deeply critical oriented cliques among the family of circulant oriented cliques of even order.
Decline in annual survival of American oystercatchers wintering in Florida linked to extreme high tides
Authors: Griffin Cody P. , Brush Janell M. , Schwarzer Amy C.
Published: March 2023

The projected effects of climate change include an increase in the frequency and intensity of storm events and sea‐level rise, which can erode and degrade coastal habitats and affect coastal‐dependent species. The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a shorebird that is dependent on low‐lying coastal habitats for breeding and wintering and is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea‐level rise. We investigated the degree to which changes in duration of flooding of roosts affected annual survival of individuals in a large wintering population of oystercatchers on the Nature Coast of Florida, USA. We used 12 years (2007–2018) of mark‐resight data from a large‐scale monitoring effort that included winter resights on Florida's Nature Coast to model the annual survival and site fidelity of sub‐adult and adult birds. High‐tide roosts are limited in number and are a potential population‐limiting factor for wintering oystercatchers. We assessed the effect of roost inundation on survival and site fidelity by incorporating the number of hours roosts were at risk of inundation during extreme higher high tide events each winter. We documented a 7.3% decline in annual survival, from 0.96 to 0.89, over the study period, and survival rates did not differ between age stages. The decline was associated with an increase in the duration of extreme higher high tides, which had a negative effect (β = −0.003; 95% CI = −0.006 to −0.001) on survival. Site fidelity varied across the study period and among age stages, with lower rates in sub‐adults (0.85; 95% CI = 0.80–0.89) than in adults (0.94; 95% CI = 0.89–0.97). The duration of nest and roost inundation are among the greatest threats to oystercatcher populations, and high‐tide roosts are an important habitat component for wintering populations on the Nature Coast. Sea‐level rise is predicted to increase, which will contribute to the increasing inundation duration of coastal habitats. Our results underscore the importance of conservation and restoration of important wintering habitats to mitigate threats to the population viability of oystercatchers in Florida and throughout their range.
Feeling exhausted: How outpatient physical therapists perceive and manage job stressors
Authors: Ferguson Jeffrey J. , Fritsch Adam , Rentmeester Casey , Clewley Derek , Young Jodi L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Burnout is identified as a workplace problem rather than a worker problem. However, it remains unclear what job stressors are associated with burnout among outpatient physical therapists. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to understand the burnout experiences of outpatient physical therapists. The secondary aim was to identify the relationship between physical therapist burnout and the work setting.

Methods

One‐on‐one interviews based on hermeneutics were used for qualitative analysis.

Quantitative data was collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Health Services Survey (MBI‐HSS) and the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS).

Results

Qualitative analysis found participants interpreted an increased workload with no increase in wages, loss of control, and a mismatch between organizational culture and values as the main drivers of organizational stress. Professional issues such as high debt burden, low salaries, and declining reimbursement emerged as stressors. Participants showed moderate to high emotional exhaustion per the MBI‐HSS. There was a statistically significant association between emotional exhaustion and workload and control (p < 0.001). For every one‐point increase in workload, emotional exhaustion increased by 6.49 while for every one‐point increase in control, emotional exhaustion decreased by 4.17.

Conclusion

Outpatient physical therapists in this study felt that increased workload with a lack of incentives and inequity, coupled with a loss of control, and a mismatch between personal and organizational values were significant job stressors. Creating awareness of outpatient physical therapist's perceived stressors may play an important role in developing strategies to diminish or prevent burnout.