bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Perception of Herbal Medicine Use among Patients with Chronic Diseases in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Okenwa Samuel Chukwuemeka , Ofili Samuel Chijioke , Ekweozor Chika Augusta , Onyishi Ebere , Eze Ifeanyi , Odor Chiamaka Rita , Iyi Chidera , Samuel Boniface Ebuka , Nwajiobi Somtochukwu Maria-Regina , Chijiekwu Nwachukwu Emmanuel , Igbokwe Wisdom J. , Asogwa Ezinne , Emmanuel Stephanie , Njoku Precious
Published: June 2023

Background: Man's quest to manage illness over many years has led to the development of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are many types of CAM, and the most utilized is herbal medicine. The relevance of herbal medicine has increased over the years due to the surge in health demands and other factors that influence the management of diseases. Hence, this study was conducted to ascertain the frequency and pattern of herbal medicine use among patients diagnosed with chronic diseases in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, its predictors, magnitude, and perception.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among adult patients (n = 319) diagnosed with various chronic diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Glaucoma, cancer, etc., from October 2022 to November 2022, at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews with patients.

Results: A total of 319 patients were included in this study. The gender distribution is 139 males and 180 females. The rate of herbal medicine use was 65.2%. Herbal medicine use among the female gender was higher, but there was no relationship between gender and herbal medicine use (P = 0.842). Of participants using herbal medicine, 46.1% used it for treating their health condition, 30.4% used herbal medicine to improve well-being, and 10.3% for preventing diseases. Their perception of herbal medicine uses as compared to conventional synthetic medicine based on modifications of some issues found from literature reviews that militate against the use of herbal medicine such as dose (15% strongly agreed, 20.1% agreed, 23.2% neutral, 18.8% disagreed and 22.9% strongly disagreed) etc.

Short Conclusion: The study discovered that patients in Nigeria with chronic conditions frequently use herbal medicines. Age, gender, marital status, occupation, education, monthly income, religion, health insurance, the timing of sickness diagnosis, the number of medications prescribed, and multiple chronic conditions were all linked to the usage of herbal medicines.
Integration of TOPSIS and Geostatistical Technique for Soil Quality Assessment under Different Land Uses: A Case Study
Authors: Mustafa Abdel-Rahman Abdel-Wahed
Published: June 2023

This study aims to assess the soil quality under different land uses by utilizing technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution method (TOPSIS) and geostatistical Technique in the Northern part of Sohag Governorate, Egypt. Various soil parameters such as sand, silt, clay content, CEC, ESP OC, ECe, pH, and CaCO3 were determined. Afterward, the geostatistics approach using ordinary kriging interpolation and semivariogram was applied to produce a spatialized and detailed map for each soil parameter. Spherical, Exponential, Gaussian, and J-Bessel geostatistical models were used to define the spatial variability of soil properties based on RMS, MSE, and RMSSE. Based on the TOPSIS method, the soil quality index (SQI) and its ranking under land use types in the study area were calculated. The results of SQI ranged from 38.75% to 55.82% and 27.53% to 52.72%, and 5.75% to 26.73% for old cultivated, new cultivated, and desert soil, respectively. The SQI was classified into three regions. The first has a fair quality index and covers 56.48% (403.91 km2) of the total geographical area (TGA). The soils of this region are located mainly in old cultivated soils and some new ones. The second region was observed in some newly reclaimed soils and desert soils and extended over an area of about 27.75% (198.45 km2). These soils have low values of favorable studied indicators, leading to negative effects on the SQI that are defined as poor. The third region is very poor quality, covers about 15.77% (112.78 km2) of TGA, and is located mainly in desert soils with low beneficial and high non-beneficial studied indicators. Finally, the results indicate that the integration of TOPSIS and geostatistical technique allow for an accurate and practical assessment of the SQI.
Evaluation of Biofortified Wheat Varieties in District Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh) with the Special Reference to the Yield Performance, Yield Gap and their Adoption in District
Authors: Singh K. K. , Singh P. K. , Shivangi  , Kumar Pintoo , Singh Omkar
Published: June 2023

Four biofortified wheat varieties—WB-02, HPBW-01, DBW-187, DBW-303, and one Non Biofortified (DBW-17)—were evaluated for their yield performance, yield gap, and acceptance in the rice-wheat cropping system from 2019–20 to 2022-23. The analysis of the data indicated that there was considerable yield increase ranging from 18.00 to 47.19 percent between biofortified wheat varieties over farmers practice. Biofortified Variety DBW-187 yielded 65.50 qt / ha with the net return of Rs. 175825.00 and benefit cost ratio of 3.60.
An Experimental Study of Genetic Divergence in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
Authors: Maurya Hareesh Kumar , Mishra D. P. , Singh Himanshu , Singh Aditya Vikram , Maurya Brijesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

A research work on genetic divergence, analysis was estimated in 75 genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) grown in an Augmented Block Design during Rabi season of 2019-20 at Main Experiment Station of Department of Vegetable Science Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya. The objective of this study was to characterize morphological differences and yield related traits among 75 fenugreek accessions. Genetic diversity among 75 fenugreek genotypes (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) was assessed. The estimation of genetic diversity among tested genotypes was highly significant, which got grouped into 8 clusters with cluster VI comprising maximum genotypes. Maximum intra-cluster distance (31.23) was observed in cluster V followed by cluster IV (15.51). Similarly maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between the cluster V and VIII (111.88) followed by cluster III and VIII (111.81) respectively. Although maximum cluster means for seed yield traits was recorded for cluster V and III respectively, suggesting a wide range of diversity for most of the economic traits that would enable breeder to identify the genotypes with suitable traits to be used in direct selection and also in improvement programme for broadening the genetic base. 75 accession showed distinguished variation in the dendrogram for all the studied parameters.
Estimation of Cost and Returns per Hectare, and Input-Output Ratio of Mustard on Different Size Group of Farms in Jhansi District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Sai K. Neha , Maurya Mukesh K.
Published: June 2023

The present study was conducted in Jhansi District of Uttar Pradesh .. Acknowledging the limited time, money, resources and employment stability of Mustard .Totally 100 respondents were selected and interviewed. Primary data were collected through interview method, a number of different schedules were prepared for that purpose.For the collections of primary data, a number of different schedules were prepared for that purpose. The information was obtained from discussion with traders and farmers and actual spot observations. The information pertaining to production, purchases and disposal pattern of mustard was collected and secondary data were collected from government offices. Tabular and functional analyses were used to draw the conclusion, Respondents were categorized as marginal, small and medium size of farm. The cost and return have been summarized in this part of the result. On an overall average the major component of the cost were human labor (23.27 per cent), rental value of owned land 21.11 per cent),Accurate and region- specific data is important for obtaining respective and reliable estimates of the total costs of cultivation. It was observed that hired labour, machinery labour, seed, manure & fertilizer, irrigation showed constructive relationship with the increase in farm size, while family labour showed the inverse correlation (relationship) with increase the farm size. The objective is to estimate the cost and returns per ha of mustard cultivation.
Comparison of LCOE of the Southwest Offshore Wind Farm According to Types and Construction Methods of Supporting Structures
Authors: Yoon SeoHo , Kim Sun Bin , Yoon Gil Lim , Yi Jin-Hak
Published: June 2023

In order to understand the economic feasibility of an offshore wind farm, this paper analyzed the differences in LCOE (levelized cost of energy) according to the support type and construction method of the substructure in terms of LCOE and sensitivity analysis was conducted according to the main components of LCOE. As for the site to be studied, the Southwest Offshore Wind Farm was selected, and the capital expenditures were calculated according to the size of the offshore wind farm and the installation unit. As a result of the sensitivity analysis, major components showed high sensitivity to availability, turbine related cost, weighted average cost of capital and balance of system related cost. Moreover, the post-piling jacket method, which was representatively applied to the substructure of the offshore wind farm in Korea, was selected as a basic plan to calculate the capital expenditures, and then the capital expenditures of the pre-piling jacket method and the tripod method were calculated and compared. As a result of analyzing the LCOE, it was confirmed that the pre-piling jacket method of the supporting structure lowers the LCOE and improves economic feasibility as the installation number of turbines increases.
DIGNIDADE DA PESSOA HUMANA PARA QUEM?
Authors: Santos Neves Bruno , Silva Alex Fiori da
Published: June 2023

O presente trabalho abordou, a partir da revisão bibliográfica, os empecilhos e desafios na doação de sangue por pessoas LGBTQIAP+ à luz da decisão do Supremo Tribunal Federal, relacionados à garantia do princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana. Historicamente, essa população tem enfrentado restrições e discriminações no contexto da doação de sangue, baseadas em estereótipos discriminatórios. No entanto, a decisão do STF na Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade 5543/DF reconheceu a inconstitucionalidade das restrições impostas pelo Ministério da Saúde, representando um avanço na busca pela igualdade e inclusão. Neste contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar os fundamentos jurídicos que sustentam a garantia da dignidade da pessoa humana e seu vínculo com o direito à doação de sangue, bem como examinar criticamente as limitações e estigmas históricos que perpetuaram a exclusão desse segmento social. Para isso, foram discutidas as implicações da decisão do STF, identificando avanços e lacunas existentes. Por meio de uma abordagem teórico-conceitual embasada em referencial bibliográfico especializado, o estudo debateu os desafios enfrentados pelas pessoas LGBTQIAP+ no acesso igualitário à doação de sangue. Além disso, demonstrou as implicações dessa decisão no contexto dos direitos fundamentais e da dignidade da pessoa humana. Ao trazer à tona essa discussão, contribuiu-se para o fortalecimento dos direitos humanos e a promoção da igualdade, incentivando reflexões e ações que visem superar os obstáculos e desafios enfrentados pelas pessoas LGBTQIAP+ no contexto da doação de sangue.
Type 2 Diabetes and Its Association With Psychiatric Disorders in Young Adults in South Korea
Authors: Lee Min-Kyung , Lee Su-Young , Sohn Seo-Young , Ahn Jiyeon , Han Kyungdo , Lee Jae-Hyuk
Published: June 2023

Importance

Because type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become increasingly prevalent among young adults, the study of the association of T2D with psychiatric disorders in young adults is important for early detection and timely intervention.

Objective

To determine whether a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder is associated with increased risk of developing T2D in young adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This large-scale prospective cohort study used data collected by the South Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2009 and 2012, representing 97% of the South Korean population. Young adults aged 20 to 39 years with and without diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were included in the study. Young adults with missing data and those with a history of T2D were excluded from the study. The cohort was followed up to monitor development of T2D until December 2018. Data were analyzed from March 2021 to February 2022.

Exposure

Diagnosis of 1 of 5 psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was newly diagnosed T2D during a follow-up period of 7.59 years. The incidence rate of T2D was calculated as the number of new cases per 1000 person-years during the follow-up period. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for T2D incidence. Exploratory analyses were performed for subgroups stratified by age and sex.

Results

In total, 6 457 991 young adults (mean [SD] age, 30.74 [4.98] years; 3 821 858 men [59.18%]) were followed up, including 658 430 individuals with psychiatric disorders. The cumulative incidence of T2D differed significantly between individuals with and without psychiatric disorders (log-rank test, P < .001). Incidence rates of T2D for individuals with and without psychiatric disorders were 2.89 and 2.56 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Individuals with a diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder showed a higher risk of developing T2D than those without a diagnosis (adjusted HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.17-1.22). The adjusted HRs for T2D were 2.04 (95% CI, 1.83-2.28) for individuals with schizophrenia, 1.91 (95% CI, 1.73-2.12) for individuals with bipolar disorder, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.20-1.28) for individuals with depressive disorder, 1.13 (95% CI, 1.11-1.16) for individuals with anxiety disorder, and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.27-1.35) for individuals with sleep disorder.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large-scale prospective cohort study of young adults, 5 psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing T2D. Young adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in particular were at a higher risk of T2D. These results have important implications for early detection of and timely intervention in T2D for young adults with psychiatric disorders.
Association of Preoperative High-Intensity Interval Training With Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Postoperative Outcomes Among Adults Undergoing Major Surgery
Authors: Clifford Kari , Woodfield John C. , Tait William , Campbell Holly A. , Baldi James Chris
Published: June 2023

Importance

Preoperative high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and may improve surgical outcomes.

Objective

To summarize data from studies comparing the association of preoperative HIIT vs standard hospital care with preoperative CRF and postoperative outcomes.

Data Sources

Data sources included Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Library, and Scopus databases with no language constraints, including abstracts and articles published before May 2023.

Study Selection

The databases were searched for randomized clinical trials and prospective cohort studies with HIIT protocols in adult patients undergoing major surgery. Thirty-four of 589 screened studies met initial selection criteria.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

A meta-analysis was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted by multiple independent observers and pooled in a random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in CRF, as measured by either peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2 peak) or 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications; hospital length of stay (LOS); and changes in quality of life, anaerobic threshold, and peak power output.

Results

Twelve eligible studies including 832 patients were identified. Pooled results indicated several positive associations for HIIT when compared with standard care either on CRF (V̇o2 peak, 6MWT, anaerobic threshold, or peak power output) or postoperative outcomes (complications, LOS, quality of life), although there was significant heterogeneity in study results. In 8 studies including 627 patients, there was moderate-quality evidence of significant improvement in V̇o2 peak (cumulative mean difference, 2.59 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, 1.52-3.65 mL/kg/min; P < .001). In 8 studies including 770 patients, there was moderate-quality evidence of a significant reduction in complications (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.32-0.60; P < .001). There was no evidence that HIIT differed from standard care in hospital LOS (cumulative mean difference, −3.06 days; 95% CI, −6.41 to 0.29 days; P = .07). The analysis showed a high degree of heterogeneity in study outcomes and an overall low risk of bias.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that preoperative HIIT may be beneficial for surgical populations through the improvement of exercise capacity and reduced postoperative complications. These findings support including HIIT in prehabilitation programs before major surgery. The high degree of heterogeneity in both exercise protocols and study results supports the need for further prospective, well-designed studies.
The Warmth of Death: Alexander Brodsky and the Necropolis in the Womb of the Metropolis
Authors: Pisciella Susanna
Published: June 2023

Moscow‐born artist and architect Alexander Brodsky's work is very much infused with its Russian context; its geography, landscape, climate and political regimes. For him, ‘penumbra is a permanent state of gaze’. Architect and researcher Susanna Pisciella looks at his continuous migration between architecture and art installation, and suggests that he also finds inspiration in the shadow of language.
A Path to the Light: Variations and Multiple Dimensions
Authors: Kettani Driss
Published: June 2023

Architect Driss Kettani offers us a poetic exposition of the emotional and religious sensations that light, darkness and penumbra can instigate and perpetuate within human consciousness. The play of light, position of the observer, shift of colour, and the delicate, complex geometries of the mashrabiyas of the southern Mediterranean all have a role in this dance of light and shade.
Seeking the Almost: Designing Shade
Authors: Bricolo Filippo
Published: June 2023

Co‐founding partner of Bricolo Falsarella Associati, Filippo Bricolo describes himself as a designer of penumbra, and spends much of his studio time choreographing the practice's designs and buildings. He believes the fast pace of contemporary living, communication and technology, with its techno‐positivist agenda, has made consideration of the penumbra almost extinct. Here he describes some of the architectural shadowy set‐pieces of his office and others.
As If Without Time: The Nuclear Twilight Zone
Authors: Bärmann Matthias
Published: June 2023

In the post‐nuclear explosion test zone of Opytnoe Pole in eastern Kazakhstan, light seems to have beaten darkness. Yet it is an eerie light, bland and cast over a ubiquitously barren landscape devoid of animals and humanity. Contemporary art curator Matthias Bärmann describes the extraordinary and disturbing history of the site that has created the stark vistas and bleached structures in the work of photographer Ursula Schulz‐Dornburg.
Subliminal Blueprints for Other Dimensions: The Time‐warped Sanatorium of the Quay Brothers
Authors: Carels Edwin
Published: June 2023

Over recent decades, the Quay Brothers (identical twins Stephen and Timothy) have developed an aesthetic language that is immediately recognisable and has gained them many admirers – no matter what media they express themselves in. They combine filmmaking, drawing, calligraphy, puppetry and moody chiaroscuro décor and installations. Edwin Carels, former curator of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, guides us through one of their recent installations.
SAMHSA issues TIP on incorporating peers into treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2023

Last week the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued TIP (Treatment Improvement Protocol) number 64. This TIP is devoted to integrated peer support services into clinical treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Coming on the heels of its model standards for peers (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33806), the TIP will provide useful information for treatment programs seeking to use peers, especially during a time of workforce inadequacy. The 237‐page document includes many useful resources, as well, but ultimately, states will have to rely on their own systems for reimbursement.
Telehealth reimbursement by Medicaid continues
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2023

Medicaid benefits for New Yorkers continuing post‐pandemic were outlined at the Coalition of Medication‐Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates (COMPA) symposium in Albany, New York last month. Medicaid payments to treatment providers for telehealth which were instituted as part of pandemic emergency rules continued after the emergency was lifted in May. Trisha Schell‐Guy, director of the division of program development and management at the New York State Department of Health, explained how the flexibilities, many of which apply to buprenorphine, will continue.
Crack‐Induced Superelastic, Strength‐Tunable Carbon Nanotube Sponges
Authors: Ye Ziming , Zhao Bo , Wang Qi , Chen Kun , Su Man , Xia Zhiyuan , Han Lei , Li Meng , Kong Xiaobing , Shang Yuanyuan , Liang Jiyong , Cao Anyuan
Published: June 2023

Lightweight strong aerogels have many applications, but they suffer from the trade‐off between key mechanical properties, and it remains challenging to realize superelastic aerogels simultaneously possessing high strength and excellent structural recovery. Herein, a strategy to overcome such a problem by designing a carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based aerogel consisting of flexible‐rigid core‐shell structure, which achieve a combination of excellent properties including superelasticity (complete recovery at 90%), high strength (over 12 MPa at 90%) and wide tunability (from 101 kPa to 4.5 MPa at 50% strain), is presented. It is found that the outer rigid but brittle amorphous carbon shells crosslink the CNT cores and crack into orderly distributed segments during the first compression cycle, while the flexible CNT cores ensure the integrity of the overall skeleton and tolerance to large deformation. This designed CNT composite sponges exhibit overall superior mechanical properties than previously reported foams/aerogels, and due to such unique crack‐induced superelasticity mechanism, potential applications such as pressure sensors with wide‐range tailored sensitivity and high‐performance energy absorbers have been developed. This flexible‐rigid core‐shell synergia may provide further insight for tunable high‐strength aerogel design and innovative applications.
Photocatalyzed Direct α‐Alkylation of Esters Using Styrenes
Authors: Wang Pengzhi , Bay Anna V. , Farnam Emelia J. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: June 2023

A mild photocatalyzed approach to achieve the α‐alkylation of esters via formation of an α ‐radical is disclosed here. Cesium enolates of esters were generated in situ using Cs2CO3 as a base. A subsequent photocatalyzed oxidation at the α‐carbon of these enolates produced an α‐radical that was added into activated alkenes. This is the first example accessing the α‐carbon radical of esters in photoredox catalyed transformations.
Benzodithiazoles‐Sulfoximines: Preparation, Properties and Reactivities as Radical Perfluoroalkylating Agents
Authors: Duhail Thibaut , Messaoudi Samir , Dagousset Guillaume , Marrot Jérôme , André‐Barrès Christiane , Magnier Emmanuel , Anselmi Elsa
Published: June 2023

We describe the preparation of S‐perfluoroalkyl benzodithiazole trioxides as radical perfluoroalkylating reagents. Their syntheses were performed on a multi‐gram scale by an oxidative cyclization connecting the nitrogen of a sulfoximine and a sulfur atom previously introduced in theorthoposition of this group. The structures and properties of these new molecules were carefully examined by X‐Ray diffraction, DFT calculations and cyclic voltammetry. These data clearly highlight the enhanced reactivity of these cyclic sulfoximines compared to their open analogues. This was confirmed by photoredox catalysis experiments that revealed interesting reactivity, most especially for the introduction of di‐ and monofluoroalkyl chains.
Coupling Borophene to Graphene in Air‐Stable Heterostructures
Authors: Jugovac Matteo , Cojocariu Iulia , Brondin Carlo Alberto , Crotti Alessandro , Petrović Marin , Bonetti Stefano , Locatelli Andrea , Menteş Tevfik Onur
Published: June 2023

Artificial 2D van der Waals heterostructures with controllable vertical stacking and rotational orientation exhibit multifaceted electronic properties that are appealing for applications in fields ranging from optoelectronics to energy storage. Along with transition metal dichalcogenides and graphene, borophene has recently emerged as a promising building block for 2D devices due to its conductive nature as well as its exceptional mechanical and electronic properties. Here, it is demonstrated that the combination of the dissolution‐segregation process and chemical vapor deposition allows for the synthesis of graphene/borophene heterostructures of the highest crystalline and chemical quality, in which graphene sits on top of the borophene layer with metallic character. The formation of laterally distinct micron‐sized areas allows a comparative study of borophene, graphene, and the graphene–borophene heterostack in terms of their electronic properties and stability in a reactive environment. Whereas pristine borophene is particularly prone to oxidation, the graphene–borophene heterostack is chemically inert and enables the conservation of borophene's character even after exposure to air. This study opens up new perspectives for the scalable synthesis of graphene–borophene heterostacks with enhanced ability to preserve the metallic character and electronic properties of borophene.
Aggregation Volume Estimator–Based Offline Programming Guidance of Magnetic Nanoparticles in the Realistic Rat‐Brain Vasculature Model
Authors: Park Myungjin , Oh Seungjun , Anh Le Tuan , Yoon Jungwon
Published: June 2023

Targeted delivery of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to an area of a blood vessel with fluidic flow is hampered by the lack of a suitable real‐time imaging modality for MNPs, the control system complexity, and low targeting performance. Herein, an offline programming guidance (OLPG) scheme for aggregated MNPs is proposed based on a real‐time aggregation volume estimator. The proposed aggregation volume estimator based on a magnetic drug‐targeting simulator reflects volume changes of aggregated MNPs; hence, it can model a magnetic force acting on aggregated MNPs in real time while enhancing targeting performance. The proposed guidance system is evaluated using a simulation testbed and in vitro model of the rat brain, which yields comparable results at different fluid viscosities, flow velocities, target areas, and flow types. The OLPG with the aggregation volume estimator improves targeting performance by 116%–409% compared with the default mode, and by 111%–180% compared to the performance without the aggregation volume estimator. Furthermore, a guidance margin predicts enhanced targeting performance (root‐mean‐square error < 5%) irrespective of the flow environment. The proposed guidance strategy has the potential to overcome the problems caused by the lack of an imaging modality, control‐system complexity, and low targeting performance.
CPR's Howard Law‐Ray Corollary Initiative Event Seeks to Expand the ADR Profession's Diversity Efforts
Authors: Simpson Katherine
Published: June 2023

On May 16, selectors (i.e., actors that appoint neutrals for their conflict resolution matters) and neutrals gathered in Washington, D.C., for a historic evening at Howard University School of Law.
Arbitration Can Be Efficient, Speedy, and Less Costly— But Why Is it Often Not So?
Authors: Maurer Anton G.
Published: June 2023

For many years, international commercial arbitration users complained that international commercial arbitration is often slow and very expensive.
Coupling Benzylamine Oxidation with CO2 Photoconversion to Ethanol over a Black Phosphorus and Bismuth Tungstate S‐Scheme Heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Mao Yuyin , Bao Xiaolei , Zhai Guangyao , Xiao Difei , Liu Dong , Wang Peng , Cheng Hefeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Zheng Zhaoke , Dai Ying , Fan Yuchen , Wang Zeyan , Huang Baibiao
Published: June 2023

Photoconversion of CO2 and H2O into ethanol is an ideal strategy to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the production of ethanol with high activity and selectivity is challenging owing to the less efficient reduction half‐reaction involving multi‐step proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET), a slow C−C coupling process, and sluggish water oxidation half‐reaction. Herein, a two‐dimensional/two‐dimensional (2D/2D) S‐scheme heterojunction consisting of black phosphorus and Bi2WO6 (BP/BWO) was constructed for photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupling with benzylamine (BA) oxidation. The as‐prepared BP/BWO catalyst exhibits a superior photocatalytic performance toward CO2 reduction, with a yield of 61.3 μmol g−1 h−1 for ethanol (selectivity of 91 %).In situ spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations reveal that S‐scheme heterojunction can effectively promote photogenerated carrier separation via the Bi−O−P bridge to accelerate the PCET process. Meanwhile, electron‐rich BP acts as the active site and plays a vital role in the process of C−C coupling. In addition, the substitution of BA oxidation for H2O oxidation can further enhance the photocatalytic performance of CO2 reduction to C2H5OH. This work opens a new horizon for exploring novel heterogeneous photocatalysts in CO2 photoconversion to C2H5OH based on cooperative photoredox systems.
Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Propagation of Lung Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Mouawad Joe E. , Sanderson Matthew , Sharma Shailza , Helke Kristi L. , Pilewski Joseph M. , Nadig Satish N. , Feghali‐Bostwick Carol
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the highest mortality rate among the rheumatic diseases, with lung fibrosis leading as the cause of death. A characteristic of severe SSc‐related lung fibrosis is its progressive nature. Although most research has focused on the pathology of the fibrosis, the mechanism mediating the fibrotic spread remains unclear. We hypothesized that extracellular vesicle (EV) communication drives the propagation of SSc lung fibrosis.

Methods

EVs were isolated from normal (NL) or SSc‐derived human lungs and primary lung fibroblasts (pLFs). EVs were also isolated from human fibrotic lungs and pLFs induced experimentally with transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ). Fibrotic potency of EVs was assessed using functional assays in vitro and in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence were used to analyze EVs, their cargo, extracellular matrix (ECM) fractions, and conditioned media.

Results

SSc lungs and pLFs released significantly more EVs than NL lungs, and their EVs showed increased fibrotic content and activity. TGFβ‐stimulated NL lung cores and pLFs increased packaging of fibrotic proteins, including fibronectin, collagens, and TGFβ, into released EVs. The EVs induced a fibrotic phenotype in recipient pLFs and in vivo in mouse lungs. Furthermore, EVs interacted with and contributed to the ECM. Finally, suppressing EV release in vivo reduced severity of murine lung fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight EV communication as a novel mechanism for propagation of SSc lung fibrosis. Identifying therapies that reduce EV release, activity, and/or fibrotic cargo in SSc patient lungs may be a viable therapeutic strategy to improve fibrosis.
Distributed event‐triggered optimal bipartite consensus control for multiagent systems with input delay via reinforcement learning method
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ma Hui , Zhang Yun , Chen Yang
Published: June 2023

In this article, an optimal bipartite consensus control (OBCC) scheme is proposed for heterogeneous multiagent systems (MASs) with input delay by reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm. A directed signed graph is established to construct MASs with competitive and cooperative relationships, and model reduction method is developed to tackle input delay problem. Then, based on the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation, policy iteration method is utilized to design the bipartite consensus controller, which consists of value function and optimal controller. Further, a distributed event‐triggered function is proposed to increase control efficiency, which only requires information from its own agent and neighboring agents. Based on the input‐to‐state stability (ISS) function and Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions for the stability of MASs can be derived. Apart from that, RL algorithm is employed to solve the event‐triggered OBCC problem in MASs, where critic neural networks (NNs) and actor NNs estimate value function and control policy, respectively. Finally, simulation results are given to validate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Survival benefit of anlotinib in T790M‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients with acquired osimertinib resistance: A multicenter retrospective study and exploratory in vitro study
Authors: Chen Ya , Liu Hongyu , Hu Nana , Wang Yanan , Yang Zhengyu , Zhang Junqiang , Han Baohui
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Acquired resistance represents a bottleneck to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in lung cancer. Our study aimed to explore the efficacy of antiangiogenic‐based therapy in osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC patients and assess the efficacy of anlotinib in vitro study.

Methods

Our multicenter study retrospectively collected 268 osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC patients with EGFR T790M mutation and explored the efficacy of anlotinib in patients and in vitro.

Results

PFS was significantly longer in the antiangiogenic‐based therapy group than in the immunotherapy group (HR: 0.71, p = 0.050) and the chemotherapy group (HR: 0.28, p = 0.001). Both the ORR and DCR of the antiangiogenic‐based group were higher than the immunotherapy group and the chemotherapy group. Subgroup analysis showed a trend of more benefits from the anlotinib‐based therapy than the bevacizumab‐based therapy in terms of PFS (HR: 0.63, p = 0.087) and OS (HR: 0.52, p = 0.063). In vitro assays verified that anlotinib alone or combined with osimertinib exerted potent cytotoxicity to T790M‐mutant H1975 cell line with acquired osimertinib resistance.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that antiangiogenic‐based therapy might improve PFS and OS in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to osimertinib. Moreover, anlotinib‐based therapy could be a promising effective treatment for this group of patients.
Anti‐Migratory and Cytotoxic Activities of [Ga(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)3]: Roles of Endogenous Cu(II) and Drug‐Induced Phenotypic Changes
Authors: Kuramarohit Serene , Yaourtis Andria M. , Nguyen Annie , Wood Michelle L. , Levina Aviva , Lay Peter A.
Published: June 2023

As shown by IncuCyte Zoom imaging proliferation assays, invasive triple‐negative human breast MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells treated with sub‐toxic doses (5.0–20 μM, 72 h) of [GaQ3] (Q=8‐hydroxyquinolinato) caused profound morphological changes and inhibition of cell migration, which were likely due to terminal cell differentiation or similar phenotypical change. This is the first demonstration of potential use of a metal complex in differentiation anti‐cancer therapy. Additionally, a trace amount of Cu(II) (0.20 μM) added to the medium dramatically increased [GaQ3] cytotoxicity (IC50~2 μM, 72 h) due to its partial dissociation and the action of the HQ ligand as a Cu(II) ionophore, as shown with electrospray mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy assays in the medium. Hence, cytotoxicity of [GaQ3] is strongly linked to ligand binding of essential metal ions in the medium, for example, Cu(II). Appropriate delivery mechanisms of such complexes and their ligands could enable a powerful new triple therapeutic approach for cancer chemotherapy, including cytotoxicity against primary tumour, arrest of metastases, and activation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Crystal‐Assisted Etching of Nickel Foam for the Collectively Exhaustive Electrochemical Performance of Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Thangasamy Pitchai , He Rong , Chen Xinqi , Yu Kunpeng , Randriamahazaka Hyacinthe , Chen Zheng , Luo Hongmei , Zhou Xiao‐Dong , Zhou Meng
Published: June 2023

In this work, an organic‐inorganic hybrid crystal, violet‐crystal (VC), was used to etch the nickel foam (NF) to fabricate a self‐standing electrode for the water oxidation reaction. The efficacy of VC‐assisted etching manifests the promising electrochemical performance towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), requiring only ~356 and ~376 mV overpotentials to reach 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The OER activity improvement is attributed to the collectively exhaustive effects arising from the incorporation of various elements in the NF, and the enhancement of active site density. Furthermore, the self‐standing electrode is robust, exhibiting a stable OER activity after 4,000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, and ~50 h. The anodic transfer coefficients (αa) show that the first electron transfer step is the rate‐determining step on the surface of NF‐VCs‐1.0 (NF etched by 1 g of VCs) electrode, while the chemical step involving dissociation following the first electron transfer step is identified as the rate‐limiting step in other electrodes. The lowest Tafel slope value observed in the NF‐VCs‐1.0 electrode indicates the high surface coverage of oxygen intermediates and more favorable OER reaction kinetics, as confirmed by high interfacial chemical capacitance and low charge transport/interfacial resistance. This work demonstrates the importance of VCs‐assisted etching of NF to activate the OER, and the ability to predict reaction kinetics and rate‐limiting step based on αa values, which will open new avenues to identify advanced electrocatalysts for the water oxidation reaction.
Recent Advances in Aerobic Oxidative of C−H Bond by Molecular Oxygen Focus on Heterocycles
Authors: Zhang Lei‐Yang , Wang Nai‐Xing , Lucan Dumitra , Cheung William , Xing Yalan
Published: June 2023

Aerobic oxidative cross‐coupling represents one of the most straightforward and atom‐economic methods for construction of C−C and C−X (X=N, O, S, or P) bonds using air as a sustainable external oxidant. The oxidative coupling of C−H bonds in heterocyclic compounds can effectively increase their molecular complexity by introducing new functional groups through C−H bond activation, or by formation of new heterocyclic structures through cascade construction of two or more sequential chemical bonds. This is very useful as it can increase the potential applications of these structures in natural products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and functional materials. This is a representative overview of recent progress since 2010 on green oxidative coupling reactions of C−H bond using O2 or air as internal oxidant focus on Heterocycles. It aims to provide a platform for expanding the scope and utility of air as green oxidant, together with a brief discussion on research into the mechanisms behind it.
Magnetically Stimulated Bio‐ and Electrochemical Systems: State‐of‐the‐Art, Applications, and Future Directions
Authors: Melo Antonio F. A. A. , Singh Salam J. , Chinnamuthu Paulsamy , Crespilho Frank N. , Rydzek Gaulthier
Published: June 2023

Magnetically stimulated bio‐and electrochemical systems have gained increasing importance in recent years due to their enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, improved spatial control, and ability to operate in complex environments, offering significant advantages over conventional systems. Essentially, this review provides a comprehensive and informative survey about the state‐of‐art as well as the recent efforts and applications made in the past decade, with a focus on new functional magnetic materials and nano‐architectonic interfaces that have led to promising advances in biosensors, biofuel cells, and their integration into devices. Future directions and perspectives are also discussed.
Cost‐effectiveness of root canal treatment compared with tooth extraction in a Swedish Public Dental Service: A prospective controlled cohort study
Authors: Wigsten Emma , Kvist Thomas , Husberg Magnus ,   EndoReCo, Davidson Thomas
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of root canal treatment (RCT) compared with a tooth extraction in a general dental practice setting, with reference to cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained over 1 year.

Material and Methods

This is a prospective controlled cohort study based on patients either starting RCT or undergoing extraction at one of six Public Dental Service clinics in the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden. From a total of 65 patients, 2 comparable groups were formed: 37 started RCT and 28 underwent extraction. A societal perspective was used for the cost calculations. QALYs were estimated, based on the EQ‐5D‐5L given to the patients at their first treatment appointment and then after 1, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The total mean cost of RCT ($689.1) was higher than for extraction ($280.1). For those patients whose extracted tooth was replaced, the costs were even higher ($1245.5). There were no significant intergroup differences in QALYs, but a significant improvement in health state values in the tooth‐preserving group.

Conclusions

In the short term, extraction was cost‐effective compared with preserving a tooth with RCT. However, the potential need for future replacement of the extracted tooth, by an implant, fixed prosthesis, or removable partial dentures, may change the calculation in favor of RCT.
Terpyridine Based Heteroleptic Ruthenium Complexes: Influence of Donor and Acceptor Ligands in Photosensitization
Authors: Jain Nimisha , Mary Angelina , Singh Tanu , Gadiyaram Srushti , Joshi Jyoti , Jose D. Amilan , Naziruddin Abbas Raja
Published: June 2023

We report heteroleptic ruthenium complexes of terpyridine (tpy) ligands with directly linked carboxylic acid anchors. These complexes feature methyl or methoxy‐substituted 4′−Phtpy as donor ligands. We prepared these heteroleptic complexes from the ruthenium (II) precursor via a milder route to preclude the homoleptic complex formation. The donor−acceptor arrangement of tpy ligands in these ruthenium complexes renders visible light absorption giving metal and ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer excitations at c.a. 490 nm. We evaluate the effect of the tpy donor substituents on the light‐harvesting ability in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and compare their photosensitizing ability with heteroleptic complexes bearing phenyl spacer at the acceptor end. Further, scrutinizing their photovoltaic performance, we studied their electron transfer kinetics in DSSCs using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This paper presents the structure‐photosensitization relationship of these heteroleptic ruthenium complexes through a combined experimental and computational approach.
Clathrochelate Complexes Containing Axial Cymantrene and Tromancenium Moieties
Authors: Thaler Reinhard , Kopacka Holger , Wurst Klaus , Müller Thomas , Neururer Florian R. , Hohloch Stephan , Lippmann Petra , Ott Ingo , Bildstein Benno
Published: June 2023

New clathrochelate complexes of manganese, iron and cobalt containing peripheral organometallic manganese moieties cymantrene or tromancenium were synthesized via self‐assembly from di/tri‐topic dioximes, metal templates and cymantrene/tromancenium boronic acid pinacol esters. These air‐stable, highly colored, oligometallic complexes are composed of various combinations of MnIFeIIMnI, MnICoIIMnI, MnIMnIIMnIIMnI and MnICoIICoIIMnI metal assemblies with corresponding complicated magnetic and electrochemical properties. Full spectroscopic and structural characterization by 1H/11B/13C NMR, HRMS, IR, UV‐vis, single crystal XRD and CV (cyclic voltammetry) is provided. Tetrametallic complexes containing tromanceniumyl substituents with two CoII or MnII central metals exhibit promising anticancer properties against different tumor cell lines.
Vitamin C supplementation lowers advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rabizadeh Soghra , Heidari Firouzeh , Karimi Reza , Rajab Armin , Rahimi‐Dehgolan Shahram , Yadegar Amirhossein , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Mirmiranpour Hossein , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated how daily vitamin C administration impacts systemic oxidative stress and inflammation and its safety in T2D patients. This randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm clinical trial included 70 patients with T2D. They were allocated to receive either 500 mg/day of vitamin C or a matching placebo for 8 weeks. Of the 70 subjects assigned to the trial, 57 were included in the statistical analysis (vitamin C: n = 32, placebo: n = 25). Inflammatory and oxidative markers, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were measured at baseline and the end of the trial. In addition, vitamin C tolerance was evaluated. A nutritionist visited all participants for a standard diabetic regimen. Following vitamin C supplementation, the serum levels of MDA (p‐value < .001) and AGEs (p‐value = .002) demonstrated a significant decrease after controlling for multiple confounders, including age, blood pressure, waist circumference, HbA1C, TG, and LDL‐C, while no significant changes were observed for AOPP (p‐value = .234) and ox‐LDL (p‐value = .480). The FRAP showed an increasing trend as an antioxidant marker but was not statistically significant (p‐value = .312). The hs‐CRP and TNF‐α had no significant changes (p‐value: .899 and .454, respectively). Also, no major adverse events were observed. Vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial in reducing AGEs and MDA in patients with T2D.
The effectiveness of crude oil futures hedging during infectious disease outbreaks in the 21st century
Authors: Go You‐How , Teo Jia‐Jun , Chan Kam Fong
Published: June 2023

This study analyzes the hedging effectiveness of crude oil futures during infectious disease outbreaks in the 21st century. The conditional volatility of crude oil markets experienced a greater shock during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic than during the severe acute respiratory syndrome and swine‐origin influenza A outbreaks. The sharp decline in the conditional correlation of crude oil markets following the onset of COVID‐19 increases the persistence of shocks to correlations, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of futures contracts as a hedging instrument.