bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of hemorrhagic pleural effusion with intrapleural streptokinase in a patient on peritoneal dialysis and dual antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Thapaliya Abhisek , Bhattarai Urza , Gautam Arun , Dhakal Deepak , Shah Bhupendra , Sharma Sanjib K.
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Intrapleural streptokinase can be an option for loculated hemorrhagic pleural effusion among patients receiving CAPD and under DAPT. Its use can be individualized based on risk benefit analysis by the treating clinician.

Pleural effusion is seen in up to 10 percent of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). A hemorrhagic pleural effusion is a diagnostic dilemma and a therapeutic challenge. We report a complicated case of 67 years old man with end stage renal disease, with coronary artery disease and stent in situ under dual antiplatelet therapy and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The patient presented with left‐sided loculated hemorrhagic pleural effusion. He was managed with intrapleural streptokinase therapy. His loculated effusion resolved without any local and systemic bleeding manifestations. Therefore, in poor resource settings, Intrapleural streptokinase can be an option for loculated hemorrhagic pleural effusion among patients receiving CAPD and under DAPT. Its use can be individualized based on risk benefit analysis by the treating clinician.
Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema following pacemaker insertion
Authors: Mohammed Ibtehal Othman Hussain , Swed Sarya , Ezzdean Weaam , Almoshantaf Mohammad Badr , Shebli Baraa , Sawaf Bisher , Hamoda Abutalib Mohamed Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema (SCAPE) complicating pacemaker implantation is a very uncommon and dangerous occurrence. Following pacemaker implantation, patients need stringent monitoring, and compelling evidence about SCAPE treatment is required.

Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema complicating a pacemaker insertion as the case in our patient is extremely rare. We report a case of 75‐year‐old man with a complete AV block, which requires urgent pacemaker implantation. Half an hour following the insertion of the pacemaker, an abrupt SCAPE emerged and the patient was incubated immediately.
Adrenal insufficiency as a rare manifestation of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome: A pediatric case report and review of articles
Authors: Ilkhanipoor Homa , Hajiani Ghotbabadi Shabnam , Barzegar Hamide , Sedaghat Atefeh
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Adrenal insufficiency is a rare, important manifestation of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in pediatrics. In the presence of hematologic disorders such as thrombosis, we should consider APS.

Adrenal insufficiency can rarely occur in the context of vascular disorders and thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. There are few case reports in pediatrics. Here, we present a pediatric case—the first pediatric case report in Iran—and review articles in this age group.
Crepitus following a dog bite
Authors: Seyoum Kenbon , Mesfin Telila , Debele Gosaye , Bekele Kebebe , Chimdesa Bekele , Kebe Debela
Published: June 2023

Crepitus following an animal bite is a rare case. We report a case of a 20‐year‐old man who presented to the surgical emergency department 1 h after being bitten by a medium‐sized pet dog.
Psoriasis‐like skin rash triggered by a local infection in a patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis that was well controlled by mepolizumab treatment
Authors: Yokota Naho , Kondo Makoto , Hayashi Akinobu , Ichishi Masako , Matsushima Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Takehisa , Habe Koji , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical message

A patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, who was well‐controlled by pharmacotherapy, developed a psoriasis‐like rash due to a local infection. It represents the consequence of an immunologic imbalance.

A 48‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and treated with mepolizumab. While on treatment, she developed a psoriasis‐like rash on her lower legs following a local ear infection. The rash promptly disappeared after the ear infection cleared and did not recur. The psoriasis‐like rash that appeared was pathologically similar to psoriasis. Excessive production of inflammatory cytokines by the immune system is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. These cytokines are known to induce inflammatory responses and promote epidermal cell proliferation. It is possible that mepolizumab treatment suppressed Th2‐type cytokines, while the local ear infection temporarily induced a strong Th1‐type immunity. This immunologic imbalance may have led to the development of a psoriasis‐like rash.
Light‐Promoted Basic Nitrogen Unmasking in Arene Ruthenium Complexes Derived from Z‐Configured 2,2′‐Azobispyridine
Authors: Long Jonathan , Rocard Lou , Van Elslande Elsa , Retailleau Pascal , Xie Juan , Bogliotti Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Two novel 2,2′‐azobispyridine derivatives bearing N‐dialkylamino substituents at position 4,4′ were synthesized and their E–Z photoswitching behavior was characterized by combination of 1H‐ and 13C NMR spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption and DFT calculations. Both isomers act as ligands towards arene‐RuII centers, leading either to E‐configured 5‐membered chelates (involving coordination of nitrogen atoms from N=N bond and pyridine) or to the uncommon Z‐configured 7‐membered chelates (involving coordination of nitrogen atoms from both pyridines). The latter show good stability in the dark, allowing single crystal X‐ray diffraction study to be reported here for the first time. All synthesized Z‐configured arene‐RuII complexes undergo irreversible photo‐isomerization to their corresponding E isomers with rearrangement of their coordination pattern. This property was advantageously exploited for the light‐promoted unmasking of a basic nitrogen atom of the ligand.
External Flash Generation of Carbenoids Enables Monodeuteration of Dihalomethanes
Authors: Okamoto Kazuhiro , Higuma Ryosuke , Muta Kensuke , Fukumoto Keita , Tsuchihashi Yuta , Ashikari Yosuke , Nagaki Aiichiro
Published: June 2023

In this study, incorporation of one deuterium atom was achieved by H−D exchange of one of the two identical methylene protons in various dihalomethanes (halogen=Cl, Br, and I) through a rapid‐mixing microflow reaction of lithium diisopropylamide as a strong base and deuterated methanol as a deuteration reagent. Generation of highly unstable carbenoid intermediate and suppression of its decomposition were successfully controlled under high flow‐rate conditions. Monofunctionalization of diiodomethane afforded various building blocks composed of boryl, stannyl, and silyl groups. The monodeuterated diiodomethane, which served as a deuterated C1 source, was subsequently subjected to diverted functionalization methods to afford various products including biologically important molecules bearing isotope labelling at specific positions and homologation products with monodeuteration.
Artemiprincepsolides A—F, Novel Germacrane‐guaiane and Eudesmane‐guaiane Sesquiterpenoid Dimers from Artemisia princeps and Their Antihepatoma Activity
Authors: Su Li‐Hua , Ma Wen‐Jing , Ma Yun‐Bao , Li Tian‐Ze , Geng Chang‐An , Dong Wei , He Xiao‐Feng , Zhang Xue‐Mei , Chen Ji‐Jun
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Artemiprincepsolides A—F (1—6) were isolated from Artemisia princeps guided by bioactivity and elucidated by comprehensive spectral data and ECD calculation. Compounds 1—3 represented the first connecting model of germacrane‐guaiane hetero‐dimeric adducts, and compounds 4—6 were eudesmane‐guaiane hetero‐coupled sesquiterpenoid dimers, meanwhile, all these were presumably formed by Diels‐Alder cycloaddition. Compounds 1—6 were evaluated for their hepatomatic cytotoxicity on three hepatoma cell lines, and demonstrated cytotoxicity with IC50 values in the range of 5.0—67.3 μmol/L. Interestingly, compound 1 manifested significant cytotoxicity against HepG2, Huh7, and SK‐Hep‐1 cells with IC50 values of 9.9, 9.2, and 5.0 μmol/L, which were almost equivalent to the positive control, sorafenib. Flow cytometry data and Western blot assays revealed the most active compound 1 dose‐dependently inhibited cell migration and invasion, and significantly induced HepG2 cells arrest in G2/M phase by downregulating proteins pcdc2 and upregulating the level of protein CyclinB1; and induced apoptosis by downregulating of Bcl‐2 expression and upregulating Bax level.
Liquid biopsy test could revolutionize cancer care for pediatric patients with solid tumors
Authors: Fink Jennifer
Published: June 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, we present new information on how using liquid biopsy tests for solid tumors in pediatric patients with cancer promises better monitoring and treatment. In addition, new research provides some insight as to why some patients experience tumor shrinkage and disease regression after immunotherapy treatment while others do not, and neoadjuvant immunotherapy can improve the outcomes for patients with stage III–IV melanoma.
Traditional and modern pigments in Gino Severini's Swiss murals
Authors: Moretti Patrizia , Zumbühl Stefan , Scherrer Nadim , Piqué Francesca
Published: June 2023

Between 1924 and 1947, Gino Severini decorated five churches in the Romand region of Switzerland with monumental religious wall paintings. This mural art played an important role in the Italian artist's career despite being mostly unknown and not easily found. The painting methods and materials of these modern Swiss murals were characterized by combining historical and archival research with onsite visual and scientific examination. Most pigments were identified with noninvasive methods integrating mapping techniques (i.e., technical photography and digital microscopy) with point analysis (x‐ray fluorescence and reflection FT‐IR spectroscopy). The results of these portable techniques were completed with SEM‐EDS, μFT‐IR FPA imaging, and μRaman analyses on micro‐samples which provided stratigraphic and compositional information to complement the noninvasive results. Overall, the data obtained show that Severini used both traditional pigments (e.g., Sangiovanni white and ochres/earths of various color) and modern ones, such as cadmium‐based pigments, with different painting techniques (e.g., zinc white was applied exclusively a secco). Apart from cerulean blue (cobalt stannate) and Naples yellow (lead antimonate) found only in two locations, the same set of pigments was documented in all of Severini's Swiss murals. The characterization of the artist's palette is important to understand the technical painting process followed by Severini, his interest on new painting materials available on the market and, at the same time, loyalty towards traditional painting methods, such as painting a fresco.
Phenotypic and genotypic resources for the USDA quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) genebank accessions
Authors: Nepal Nirman , Condori‐Apfata Jorge Alberto , Gaire Rupesh , Anco Mayela Elizabeth Mayta , Scofield Steven , Zhang Cankui , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: June 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a nutritious grain, with balanced composition of amino acids, and a facultative halophyte. Under greenhouse conditions, we assessed 148 quinoa accessions from the USDA genebank for grain weight, phenological, and morphological characteristics. For all traits, the analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among accessions. The accessions matured as late as 146 days after planting and produced grain weight up to 19.6 g/plant. Days to maturity showed negative correlation with grain weight per plant, whereas the number of branches was positively correlated with grain weight per plant. By adopting the NsiI/BfaI combination to enhance the genotyping‐by‐sequencing technique, we were able to generate 59,248 filtered single nucleotide polymorphism markers by mapping to the reference genome. Molecular markers showed an average heterozygosity of 11.76% across the accessions with a range of 4.9%–21.9%. The first two principal component analyses (PCAs) explained nearly 50% of molecular markers. The genetic diversity analysis using PCA revealed the presence of four main groups. Groups A and B consisted of mainly Bolivian and Peruvian accessions with relatively slower maturity and taller plant stature. In contrast, groups C and D were mainly accessions registered from USA and Chile with relatively faster maturity and shorter plant stature. Groups C and D together have shown far more private single nucleotide polymorphisms than accessions in A and B groups, indicating the higher levels of diversity within these groups and more levels of similarities among individuals of A and B groups. Marker‐trait association revealed significant markers for grain weight per plant and days to flowering. We only analyzed linkage disequilibrium on the scaffolds that harbor these marker‐trait associations. LD expressed in r2 persisted as high as 0.2 in ranges greater than 600 kb for scaffold 1992 but dropped more quickly for scaffold 1843. These phenotypic and genotypic resources will serve as a reference for the cataloging and conservation of germplasm and, for the selection of a core collection for the improvement of quinoa to address food security.
Utility of a partially covered metal stent for salvage sealing therapy for bleeding caused by duodenal invasion of pancreatobiliary cancers: Case series
Authors: Yamashita Yasunobu , Yamazaki Hirofumi , Kawaji Yuki , Tamura Takashi , Hatamaru Keiichi , Itonaga Masahiro , Ashida Reiko , Kitano Masayuki
Published: June 2023

Pancreatobiliary cancer‐related gastrointestinal bleeding caused by duodenal invasion can be a life‐threatening condition that is hard to control. It is unclear whether a covered self‐expandable metal stent (CSEMS) is useful for hemostasis of bleeding related to advanced pancreatobiliary cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a CSEMS for hemostasis of bleeding caused by duodenal invasion of pancreatobiliary cancer. Between January 2020 and January 2022, seven patients in whom a duodenal CSEMS was inserted to control pancreatobiliary cancer‐related bleeding were enrolled. The technical and clinical success rates with respect to hemostasis, procedure time, and adverse events were assessed. All patients were inoperable cases (six with pancreatic cancer [five, stage IV; one, stage III]; and one with gallbladder cancer [stage IV]) in whom CSEMs were inserted to treat refractory bleeding caused by cancer invasion. Hemostasis was achieved in all cases (100% [7/7]). The mean procedure time was 17 ± 7.9 min. There were no adverse events, including migration and rebleeding. No rebleeding occurred up until the time of death in any of the cases (mean follow‐up period, 73 ± 27 days). Deployment of duodenal CSEMS is a useful salvage therapy for bleeding caused by advanced pancreatobiliary cancer invasion.
Phylogeographic analysis of Siraitia grosvenorii in subtropical China provides insights into the origin of cultivated monk fruit and conservation of genetic resources
Authors: Xie Bingbin , Lai Bowen , Chen Liping , Wei Sujuan , Tang Shaoqing
Published: June 2023

Siraitia grosvenorii, an economically important plant species with high medicinal value, is endemic to subtropical China. To determine the population structure and origin of cultivated S. grosvenorii, we examined the variation in three chloroplast DNA regions (trnR‐atpA, trnH‐psbA, trnL‐trnF) and two orthologous nuclear genes (CHS and EDL2) of S. grosvenorii in 130 wild individuals (selected from 13 wild populations across its natural distribution range) and 21 cultivated individuals using a phylogeographic approach. The results showed three distinct chloroplast lineages, which were restricted to different mountain ranges, and strong plastid phylogeographic structure. Our findings suggest that S. grosvenorii likely experienced ancient range expansion and survived in multiple refuges in subtropical China during glacial periods, resulting in population fragmentation in different mountainous areas. Our results also demonstrated that wild populations in Guilin (Guangxi, China) share the same gene pool as cultivated S. grosvenorii, suggesting that current cultivars were collected directly from local wild resources, consistent with the principles of “nearby domestication.” The results of this study provide insights into improving the efficiency of S. grosvenorii breeding using a genetic approach and outline measures for the conservation of its genetic resources.
What theF‐POD? Comparing theF‐PODandC‐PODfor monitoring of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Todd Nicole Rose Eileen , Kavanagh Ailbhe Sarah , Rogan Emer , Jessopp Mark John
Published: June 2023

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a cost‐effective method for monitoring cetacean populations compared with techniques such as aerial and ship‐based surveys. The Cetacean POrpoise Detector (C‐POD) has become an integral tool in monitoring programs globally for over a decade, providing standardized metrics of occurrence that can be compared across time and space. However, the phasing out of C‐PODs following the development of the new Full waveform capture POD (F‐POD) with increased sensitivity, improved train detection, and reduced false‐positive rates represents an important methodological change in data collection, particularly when being introduced into existing monitoring programs. Here, we compare the performance of the C‐POD with that of its successor, the F‐POD, co‐deployed in a field setting for 15 months, to monitor harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). While similar temporal trends in detections were found for both devices, the C‐POD detected only 58% of the detection‐positive minutes (DPM), recorded by the F‐POD. Differences in detection rates were not consistent through time making it difficult to apply a correction factor or directly compare results obtained from the two PODs. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to test whether these differences in detection rates would have an effect on analyses of temporal patterns and environmental drivers of occurrence. No differences were found in seasonal patterns or the environmental correlates of porpoise occurrence (month, diel period, temperature, environmental noise, and tide). However, the C‐POD failed to detect sufficient foraging rates to identify temporal patterns in foraging behavior, which were shown by the F‐POD. Our results suggest that the switch to F‐PODs will have little effect on determining broad‐scale seasonal patterns of occurrence but may improve our understanding of fine‐scale behaviors such as foraging. We highlight how care must be taken interpreting F‐POD results as indicative of increased occurrence when used in time‐series analysis.
Complete mitochondrial genomes of two moths in the tribe Trichaeini (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and their phylogenetic implications
Authors: Tang Ci , Du Xicui
Published: June 2023

The complete mitochondrial genomes of two Prophantis species in the tribe Trichaeini (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were sequenced using high‐throughput sequencing technology. They were assembled and annotated: The complete mitogenomes of P. octoguttalis and P. adusta were 15,197 and 15,714 bp, respectively, and contain 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and an A + T‐rich region. Their arrangement was consistent with the first sequenced mitogenome of Bombyx mori (Bombycidae) in Lepidoptera, which had the trnM–trnI–trnQ rearrangement. The nucleotide composition was obviously AT‐biased, and all PCGs, except for the cox1 gene (CGA), used ATN as the start codon. Except for trnS1, which lacked the DHU stem, all tRNA genes could fold into the clover‐leaf structure. The features of these two mitogenomes were highly consistent with those of other species of Spilomelinae in previous studies. Phylogenetic trees of Crambidae were reconstructed based on mitogenomic data using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analysis methods. Results showed that Trichaeini in this study robustly constitute a monophyletic group in Spilomelinae, with the relationships (Trichaeini + Nomophilini) + ((Spilomelini + (Hymeniini + Agroterini)) + Margaroniini). However, the affinities of the six subfamilies Acentropinae, Crambinae, Glaphyriinae, Odontiinae, Schoenobiinae, and Scopariinae within the “non‐PS Clade” in Crambidae remained doubtful with unstable topologies or low supports.
Contingent partitioning and adaptation in hydrological systems
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D.
Published: June 2023

The question of whether the concept of adaptation can be applied to Earth surface systems (independently of biological adaptation) is addressed by examining hydrological flow systems. Hydrological systems are represented in terms of a partitioning of water inputs among various flux and storage components and outflows or outputs of the system. Partitioning is contingent on the flow system in question and the synoptic situation (i.e., drier, low‐input vs. wetter, high‐input conditions). The general allocation among inputs, flows through or within the system, storage and outputs is examined via analysis of 20 scenarios for soil hydrology, a fluvial channel‐wetland complex and a fluviokarst landscape representing different combinations of positive, negative and zero (neutral) relationships among these elements, and positive self‐reinforcing and negative self‐limiting effects. Conditions for stability were determined using the Routh–Hurwitz criteria and linked to the two fundamental roles or ‘jobs’ of hydrological flow systems. The ecological job is to support biota and biogeochemical fluxes and transformations necessary for ecosystem functions. The geophysical job is to remove excess water. Results show that low‐input scenarios for the soil, fluvial wetland and fluviokarst scenarios are marked by dynamical instability. During drier periods the geophysical job is irrelevant and the ecological functions are suboptimal. Instability allows for rapid state changes when moisture inputs increase, to system states that support ecosystem functions. High‐input, excess moisture and flood scenarios, by contrast, are generally dynamically stable. In wetter conditions, the ecological functions are not moisture‐stressed, and the geophysical job becomes paramount. The high‐input stability is associated with activation of ‘spillway’ mechanisms that allow the systems to maintain themselves by efficient export and augmented storage of excess water. Contingent partitioning indeed appears to be an adaptation mechanism in hydrological systems and suggests the possibility of adaptation in other Earth surface systems with important abiotic components.
A novel method applicable to large‐scale active magnetic shielding system which effectively compensates gradient magnetic fields originated from the surrounding buildings
Authors: Ogata Takuto , Murata Naofumi , Shimizu Takafumi
Published: June 2023

We propose the novel magnetic compensation method which is suitable to compensate gradient magnetic fields. The method is to be applied to a conventional large‐scale, tri‐axial active magnetic shielding system such as a spacecraft magnetic testing facility. The essences of this method are the adoption of compensation coils which have degrees of freedom in their coil orientations, and their installation position, which is chosen to have certain distances from the center of the shielding area. The method works with at least four compensation coils. In this research, we actually demonstrated the method with a scaled‐down experiment. Disturbance magnetic field (B) at the target zone was suppressed from 21.33 nT to −1.54 nT and magnetic field uniformity (ΔB) within the test zone was improved from 2.3 nT to 0.015 nT. In terms of magnetic field gradient, improvement from over 4 nT/m to below 0.5 nT/m was achieved.
Development of capacitive‐coupled hall‐type MHD generator
Authors: Kato Gaigo , Takahashi Kazumasa , Kikuchi Takashi , Sasaki Toru
Published: June 2023

We have demonstrated a capacitively coupled Hall‐type MHD generator using ECR plasma. To clarify the characteristics of the fabricated MHD generator, we measured the power generation characteristics as a function of magnetic field strength using a DC Hall‐type MHD power generation experiment. The results showed that the output power decreased due to magnetic pressure at the higher magnetic field. However, the output power corresponded to the theoretical value at the lower magnetic field. An AC Hall‐type MHD power generation experiment was conducted using an AC magnetic field. As a result, full‐wave rectification voltage was observed as per theory. Finally, capacitively coupled Hall‐type MHD power generation experiments were conducted, and full‐wave rectified waveforms were observed as in AC Hall‐type MHD power generation. These waveforms were similar to the output waveforms predicted from theory. These results show that the capacitively coupled Hall‐type MHD generator is feasible.
Thick Electrodes of a Self‐Assembled MXene Hydrogel Composite for High‐Rate Energy Storage
Authors: Qin Leiqiang , Jiang Jianxia , Hou Lintao , Zhang Fengling , Rosen Johanna
Published: June 2023

Supercapacitors based on two‐dimensional MXene (Ti3C2Tz) have shown extraordinary performance in ultrathin electrodes with low mass loading, but usually there is a significant reduction in high‐rate performance as the thickness increases, caused by increasing ion diffusion limitation. Further limitations include restacking of the nanosheets, which makes it challenging to realize the full potential of these electrode materials. Herein, we demonstrate the design of a vertically aligned MXene hydrogel composite, achieved by thermal‐assisted self‐assembled gelation, for high‐rate energy storage. The highly interconnected MXene network in the hydrogel architecture provides very good electron transport properties, and its vertical ion channel structure facilitates rapid ion transport. The resulting hydrogel electrode show excellent performance in both aqueous and organic electrolytes with respect to high capacitance, stability, and high‐rate capability for up to 300 μm thick electrodes, which represents a significant step toward practical applications.
Impact of sleep apnoea on 30 day hospital readmission rate and cost in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Mathew Don , Kosuru Bhanu , Agarwal Siddharth , Shrestha Utsav , Sherif Akil
Published: June 2023

Aims

In this study, we estimated the 30 day all‐cause and heart failure‐specific readmission rates, predictors, mortality, and hospitalization costs in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea admitted with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods and results

This is a retrospective cohort study using the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality's National Readmission Database for the year 2019. The primary outcome was the 30 day all‐cause hospital readmission rate. The secondary outcomes were (i) in‐hospital mortality rate for index admissions; (ii) 30 day mortality rate for index hospitalizations; (iii) the five most common principal diagnosis for readmission; (iv) readmission in‐hospital mortality rate; (v) length of hospital stay; (vi) independent risk factors for readmission; and (vii) hospitalization costs. We identified 6908 hospitalizations that met our study definition. The mean patient age was 62.8 years, and women comprised only 27.6% of patients. The 30 day all‐cause readmission rate was 23.4%. 48.9% of readmissions were due to decompensated heart failure. The in‐hospital mortality rate during readmissions was significantly higher than that of the index admission (5.6% vs. 2.4%; P < 0.05). The mean length of stay for patients during index admissions was 6.5 days (6.06–7.02), while during readmissions, it was 8.5 days (7.4–9.6; P < 0.05). The mean total hospitalization charges at index admissions were $78 438 (68 053–88 824), while during readmissions, they were higher at $124 282 (90 906–157 659; P < 0.05). The mean total cost of hospitalization during index admissions was $20 535 (18 311–22 758), while at readmissions, it was higher at $29 954 (24 041–35 867; P < 0.05). The total hospital charges for all 30 day readmissions were $195 million, and total hospital costs was $46.9 million. The variables found to be associated with increased rate of readmissions were patients with Medicaid insurance, higher Charlson co‐morbidity Index, and longer length of stay. The variables associated with lower rate of readmissions were prior percutaneous coronary intervention and patients with private insurance.

Conclusions

In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea admitted with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, we found a substantial all‐cause readmission rate of 23.4% with heart failure readmission constituting about 48.9% of readmissions. Readmissions were associated with higher mortality and resource use.
Sustainable Synthesis of N−N Bond Bearing Organic Frameworks by Advanced Heterogeneous Metal Catalysis
Authors: Panjacharam Paranimuthu , Rajasekhara Reddy Sabbasani
Published: June 2023

The most significant task in synthetic organic chemistry is developing organic reactions from a green and sustainable perspective. In these ways, heterogeneous catalysts are essential in many organic reactions. Thus, this study focuses on the synthesis of N−N bond bearing organic frameworks, particularly aromatic azo compounds and indazoles, using a heterogeneous metal catalyst. Organic molecules containing nitrogen‐nitrogen bonds are greatly sought after in the synthesis of dyes, photochemical switches, food additives, and bioactive chemicals due to industry and human requirements. Finally, this review provides an overview of synthetic routes for the formation of N−N bonds by using various heterogeneous metal catalytic systems.
Effect of Beta vulgaris L. as feed ingredient on muscle growth, nutritional factors, and quality of common carp, Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Amiri Nahid , Aberoumand Ali , Ziaei‐nejad Saeed
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of Beta vulgaris powder as feed ingredient in the diet of Cyprinus carpio for a period of 56 days. Common carp fry with an average weight of 20 ± 0.2 g were fed using the diet containing B. vulgaris leaves with different concentrations. Fry of Cyprinus carpio were equally distributed in four feeding groups having three replicates each. The study was conducted indoors, in FRP tanks, and aeration was provided to individual rearing units, and it was a flow‐through system. The basal diet was replaced at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% with B. vulgaris powder. The basal diet without B. vulgaris powder (0%) served as control (T1). Significantly higher feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and fat and protein indices were recorded in fish fed with B. vulgaris powder in treatments. Different feeding groups showed greater acceptability of B. vulgaris powder mixed diet without any adverse behavioral response. The protein and fat average percentages were 43.32 and 10.79 g, when fish reached commercial weight (48.02, 11.85 g) after 56 days for treatment 2%. After fish feeding with the B. vulgaris, for treatment 2% lower moisture than the control was recorded. The carp fish diet containing 1% B. vulgaris leaf powder caused a significant decrease in the fish fat content. It can be concluded that the diet containing 2% B. vulgaris leaf powder in the common carp led to better growth performance. The presence of B. vulgaris leaves in the fish diet increased the fillet protein and ash content.
Potential greenhouse gas emissions and reduction from municipal solid waste management in Phnom Penh municipality
Authors: Pheakdey Dek Vimean , Van Quan Nguyen , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: June 2023

This study evaluates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduction potential from municipal solid waste management (MSWM) following the IPCC 2006 guidelines. Under different MSWM scenarios of Phnom Penh municipality, this study quantifies GHG emissions from transportation, open burning, composting, recycling, anaerobic digestion (AD), incineration, and landfilling municipal solid waste. The study also considers the GHG emissions avoided as a benefit of recycling and electricity generation from incineration and AD. Various waste separation rates are used to evaluate the effectiveness of source segregation in GHG mitigation. The results show that the most significant net GHG emission saving is under scenario 5, avoiding about 1.15 M kg CO2‐eq/day with treatment affords 389 t/day of organic waste, 714 t/day of mixed recyclables, 777 t/day of digestible food waste, and 1,280 t/day of commingled waste via composting, recycling, AD, and incineration, respectively. The worst‐case scenario represents the current MSWM method, which generates the highest GHG emissions of 3.13 M kg CO2‐eq/day. This is due to the open burning of uncollected waste (211 t/day) and landfilling (2,835 t/day). Based on the analysis, an integrated MSWM system along with source separation for recycling and resource recovery purposes is highly recommended as it leads to the most significant reduction in environmental impacts. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the practical implications of policy frameworks for MSWM, specifically in terms of GHG emissions reduction. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined treatment with crizotinib and temsirolimus is an effective strategy in mantle cell lymphoma and can overcome acquired resistance to temsirolimus
Authors: Moosburner Marie , Alibegovic Lamija , Hasselmann Korbinian , Gaiderov Anton , Hildebrand Johannes , Philippou‐Massier Julia , Blum Helmut , Fischer Luca , Dreyling Martin , Silkenstedt Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR‐pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), leading to approval of the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus for relapsed or refractory MCL. Yet, despite favorable initial response rates, early relapses under treatment have been observed. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of temsirolimus resistance and developing strategies to overcome it is highly warranted. Here, we established a new temsirolimus‐resistant MCL cell line to evaluate the molecular background of resistance to this drug. Transcriptome profiling and gene set enrichment analysis comparing temsirolimus‐sensitive and ‐resistant cell lines showed significant upregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTor‐, RAS signaling‐ and the RTK‐dependent PDGFR‐, FGFR‐, Met‐ and ALK‐signaling‐pathways in the resistant cells. Furthermore, MET, known as important proto‐oncogene and mediator of drug resistance, was among the most upregulated genes in the resistant cells. Importantly, Met protein was overexpressed in both, MCL cells with acquired as well as intrinsic temsirolimus resistance, but could not be detected in any of the temsirolimus sensitive ones. Combined pharmacological inhibition of mTOR and Met signaling with temsirolimus and the RTK inhibitor crizotinib significantly restored sensitivity to temsirolimus. Furthermore, this combined treatment proved to be synergistic in all MCL cell lines investigated and was also active in primary MCL cells. In summary, we showed for the first time that overexpression of MET plays an important role for mediating temsirolimus resistance in MCL and combined treatment with temsirolimus and crizotinib is a very promising therapeutic approach for MCL and an effective strategy to overcome temsirolimus resistance.
Evaluation of clinical ethics in Iranian hospitals: Employing a 360° approach—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Malekzadeh Roya , Ziapour Arash , Assadi Touraj
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Clinical ethics is defined as recognizing and resolving value conflicts that arise from providing care in medical centers. This study aimed to evaluate the practice of clinical ethics in Iranian hospitals with a 360° approach.

Methods

The study was conducted by employing a descriptive‐analytical method in 2019. The statistical population included staff, patients, and managers of public, private, and insurance hospitals in Mazandaran province. The sample size for each group was 317, 729, and 36, respectively. The data collection tool was a researcher‐made questionnaire. The appearance and content validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by expert opinion and construct validity was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post‐hoc test. We used SPSS software version 21 to analyse the data.

Results

The obtained mean score of clinical ethics from the perspective of service providers (0.56 ± 4.45) was higher than the perspective of service presenters (4.35 ± 0.65) and service recipients (0.79 ± 4.22), which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Among the eight dimensions of clinical ethics, respect for the patient's right (0.68 ± 4.09) illustrated the highest score and medical error management (0.63 ± 4.33) presented the lowest score.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the level of clinical ethics in the hospitals of Mazandaran province is favorable, and among the dimensions of clinical ethics, respect for patient rights gained the lowest score and communication with other colleagues gained the highest score. Therefore, informing and teaching medical professionals in the field of clinical ethics, formulating binding laws, and paying serious attention to this issue in ranking and accrediting hospitals are recommended.
Hydration effects on the vibrational properties of carboxylates: From continuum models to QM/MM simulations
Authors: Porwal Vishal Kumar , Carof Antoine , Ingrosso Francesca
Published: June 2023

The presence of carboxyl groups in a molecule delivers an affinity to metal cations and a sensitivity to the chemical environment, especially for an environment that can give rise to intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Carboxylate groups can also induce intramolecular interactions, such as the formation of hydrogen bonds with donor groups, leading to an impact on the conformational space of biomolecules. In the latter case, the protonation state of the amino groups plays an important role. In order to provide an accurate description of the modifications induced in a carboxylated molecule by the formation of hydrogen bonds, one needs a compromise between a quantum chemical description of the system and the necessity to take into account explicit solvent molecules. In this work, we propose a bottom‐up approach to study the conformational space and the carboxylate stretching band of (bio)organic anions. Starting from the anions in a continuum solvent, we then move to calculations using a microsolvation approach including one explicit water molecule per polar group, immersed in a continuum. Finally, we run QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the solvation properties and to explore the anions conformational space. The results thus obtained are in good agreement with the description given by the microsolvation approach and they bring a more detailed description of the solvation shell and of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Association between sarcopenia and frailty in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Che , Guo Xinru , Xu Xieguanxuan , Liang Shuang , Wang Wenling , Zhu Fanglei , Wang Siyang , Wu Jie , Zhang Li , Sun Xuefeng , Chen Xiangmei , Cai Guangyan ,   The Chinese observational prospective study of ageing population with chronic kidney disease (C‐OPTION)
Published: June 2023

Background

Frailty and sarcopenia are prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations and could increase the risk for adverse health outcomes. Few studies assess the correlation between frailty, sarcopenia and CKD in non‐dialysis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine frailty‐associated factors in elderly CKD stage I–IV patients, expected to early identify and intervene in the frailty of elderly CKD patients.

Methods

A total of 774 elderly CKD I–IV patients (>60 years of age) recruited from 29 clinical centers in China between March 2017 and September 2019 were included in this study. We established a Frailty Index (FI) model to evaluate frailty risk and verified the distributional property of FI in the study population. Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associated factors for frailty.

Results

Seven hundred seventy‐four patients (median age 67 years, 66.0% males) were included in this analysis, with a median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 52.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 30.6%. The FI exhibited a right‐skewed distribution. The age‐related slope of FI was 1.4% per year on a logarithmic scale (r2 = 0.706, 95% CI 0.9, 1.8, P < 0.001). The upper limit of FI was around 0.43. The FI was related to mortality (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.00, 1.12, P = 0.041). Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia, advanced age, CKD stage II–IV, low level of serum albumin and increased waist–hip ratio were significantly associated with high FI status, while advanced age and CKD stage III–IV were significantly associated with for median FI status. Moreover, the results from the subgroup were consistent with the leading results.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia was independently associated with an increased risk for frailty in elderly CKD I‐IV patients. Patients with sarcopenia, advanced age, high CKD stage, high waist–hip ratio and low serum albumin level should be assessed for frailty.
How many microplastic particles are present in Canadian biosolids?
Authors: Sivarajah Branaavan , Lapen David R. , Gewurtz Sarah B. , Smyth Shirley Anne , Provencher Jennifer F. , Vermaire Jesse C.
Published: June 2023

Application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to farmlands is an important pathway through which microplastic particles (MPs) enter terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, microplastic concentrations in Canadian biosolids have only been estimated in samples from four WWTPs previously. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by quantifying microplastics in biosolids from 22 WWTPs located in nine provinces and two commercial fertilizer producers in Canada. All samples had substantial microplastic concentrations ranging from 228 to 1353 particles per gram dry weight (median = 636 particles), which are orders of magnitude greater than MPs reported from earlier investigations of biosolids from other countries. Fibers (median: 86%) were the most common type of MPs observed, followed by fragments (median: 13%). There were no statistically significant differences in the amount of microplastics observed in the biosolids from different geographical regions, WWTP types, and sludge treatment processes. This suggests that diverse combinations of local sewershed characteristics, site‐specific treatment approaches, and daily flow at WWTPs may be influencing concentrations of microplastics in biosolids. Our results indicate that microplastic concentrations in biosolids are substantially higher than they are in other environmental matrices, and this has important implications to managing microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
The influence of intervertebral disc overloading on nociceptor calcium flickering
Authors: Gewiess Jan , Eglauf Janick , Soubrier Astrid , Grad Sibylle , Alini Mauro , Peroglio Marianna , Ma Junxuan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Mechanical overloading can trigger a degenerative‐like cascade in an organ culture of intervertebral disc (IVD). Whether the overloaded IVD can influence the activation of nociceptors (i.e., the damage sensing neurons) remains unknown. The study aims to investigate the influence of overloaded IVD conditioned medium (CM) on the activation of nociceptors.

Methods

In the static loading regime, force‐controlled loading of 0.2 MPa for 20 h/day representing “long‐term sitting and standing” was compared with a displacement‐controlled loading maintaining original IVD height. In the dynamic loading regime, high‐frequency‐intensity loading representing degenerative “wear and tear” was compared with a lower‐frequency‐intensity loading. CM of differently loaded IVDs were collected to stimulate the primary bovine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures. Calcium imaging (Fluo‐4) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) immunofluorescent labeling were jointly used to record the calcium flickering in CGRP(+) nociceptors.

Results

Force‐controlled loading led to a higher IVD cell death compared to displacement‐controlled loading. Both static and dynamic overloading (force‐controlled and high‐frequency‐intensity loadings) elevated the frequency of calcium flickering in the subsurface space of CGRP(+) nociceptors compared to their mild loading counterparts.

Conclusion

In the organ culture system, IVD overloading mediated an altered IVD‐nociceptor communication suggesting a biological mechanism associated with discogenic pain.
Crystallizability of Free and Tethered Chains in Nanometer‐Sized Droplets
Authors: Or Wing Kit , Hassan Alaa Youssef Amin , Tress Martin
Published: June 2023

Confining polymers to nanometric sizes often interferes with the characteristic length scales of structure formation and thus significantly alters crystallization or nucleation behavior at the nanoscale. To investigate such effects in nanometric samples, past studies relied either on heavily constraining environments like block copolymer mesophases or on deposited droplets that exhibit significant variation in size, thus requiring extensive analysis to assign size classes. This studypresents a novel method to create nanometer‐sized polymer droplets of narrow volume distribution and to study their dynamic and thermodynamic behavior using the change in orientational polarization. A combination of gold‐nanoparticle deposition with a grafting‐to reaction and a nanostructured electrode setup enabled the measurement of poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) droplets consisting of ten chains on average for a relatively small molecular weight. Distinct crystallization and melting signatures in spin‐cast droplets demonstrate the sensitivity of this approach. In contrast, the grafted aggregates exhibit no signs of crystallization, which is attributed to considerable constraints in this configuration, like limited chain motion or too wide chain spacing. Nevertheless, the presented setup is capable of studying ensembles of individualized (macro‐) molecules.
Self‐Limited Hyperbranching Polymerization of Di‐N‐Phenoxycarbonyl N‐Substituted Diglycines
Authors: Wang Siqi , Shen Tianlun , Hao Kai , Tao Xinfeng , Sun Jihong , Ling Jun
Published: June 2023

Hyperbranched poly(α‐amino acid)s have caught great attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. However, hyperbranched polypeptoids are rarely reported because of the challenge of synthesis. Herein, unique polymerizations of N,N'‐diphenoxycarbonyl‐N,N'‐(1,4‐phenylenebismethylene)–diglycine (di‐NNPC, an A*B*‐A*B*‐type monomer) which uncommonly result in hyperbranched polypeptoids rather than gels after the complete consumption of di‐NNPC are reported. The molecular weights of the hyperbranched polypeptoids are controlled by the degree of branching via tuning the initial concentrations of monomer and basic catalyst. N‐Phenyloxycarbonyl glycine pendant groups plentifully remained on the polymer chains are used for Gd3+ complexation and post‐modification, which makes the hyperbranched polypeptoids multifunctional single molecular micelles applicable as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and photoluminescence probes.