bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Localization of Copper—Zinc Superoxide Dismutase Gene Expression in Rat Testicular Development
Authors: JOW WILLIAM W. , SCHLEGEL PETER N. , CICHON ZBIGNIEW , PHILLIPS DAVID , GOLDSTEIN MARC , BARDIN C. WAYNE
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT Reactive oxygen species are highly toxic agents that appear to have an important role in male infertility. In order to understand the potential for the testis to be protected from reactive oxygen, the mRNA levels of the natural reactive oxygen scavenger, copper—zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in testes and other organs in rats using northern analysis and in situ hybridization. Northern analysis of total RNA from organs of 60‐day‐old rats demonstrated an SOD mRNA with a transcript length of 0.77 kb; its concentration was highest in the kidney, liver, testis, and epididymis. In testis, northern analysis of total RNA demonstrated two mRNA transcripts of 0.77 kb and 0.94 kb. The concentrations of the 0.77‐kb transcript varied only slightly between 10 and 100 days of age. In contrast, the 0.94‐kb transcript became detectable by northern analysis between 30 and 40 days of age, then its concentration rose progressively to peak at 60 days. In situ hybridization studies demonstrated a uniform distribution of SOD mRNA within seminiferous tubules of prepubertal rats at 10 days of age and a heterogeneous, stage‐specific pattern in older animals. In mature rats, the highest level of SOD mRNA was detected in tubules just prior to spermiation (stages VI–VIII). In conclusion, two SOD mRNA transcripts were identified in the rat testes that followed significantly different patterns of expression during development. In situ hybridization studies revealed that accumulation of the SOD mRNA in the seminiferous tubule was stage specific. These data suggest that SOD may play an important role during testicular development and spermatogenesis in rats.
Comparison of Effects of 0.5 and 3.0 Gy X‐Irradiation on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzyme Function in Rat Testis and Liver
Authors: PELTOLA VILLE , PARVINEN MARTTI , HUHTANIEMI ILPO , KULMALA JARMO , AHOTUPA MARKKU
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The prooxidant effect of X‐irradiation on rat testis and liver tissue was studied with doses of 0.5 and 3.0 Gy; the latter dose kills the proliferating spermatogonia and causes a maturation‐depletion process in the germ cells. The level of lipid peroxidation, measured by the formation of diene conjugates and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes were determined 0.5 hours, 1 day, 7 days, and 31 days after the exposure. In the liver, increased levels of diene conjugation (+36%, P < 0.05) in the group of 3.0 Gy at 0.5 hours indicated increased lipid peroxidation. At the same time, TBARS were increased (+25%, P < 0.05) in the group of 0.5 Gy, but not in the 3.0‐Gy group. In the testis, diene conjugation was not determined at 0.5 hours postirradiation, and at day 1 it was at the control level. The level of TBARS in the testis was below control (‐11%, P < 0.01) in the 3.0‐Gy group at day 1. At day 31 after 3.0 Gy in the testis, an increase in the amount of conjugated dienes (+24%, P < 0.01) was observed in parallel with a decreased level of TBARS (‐15%, P < 0.01). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased in the testis at 0.5 hours postirradiation (−28%, P < 0.05, and −29%, P < 0.05, in the groups of 0.5 and 3.0 Gy), whereafter it returned to normal by day 7. In the liver, such inactivation of SOD was not observed. At day 1 postirradiation, a decreased level of catalase activity was detected in the liver (‐18%, not significant, and −26%, P < 0.05) but not in the testis. Inductions of glutathione transferase (GSH‐Tr) in the testis (+31%, P < 0.05, and +38%, P < 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in the liver (+26%, P < 0.05, and +33%, P < 0.01) were seen at day 7. By day 31, increased levels of GSH‐Px (+32%, P < 0.05) and GSH‐Tr (+41%, P < 0.01) were observed in the testis after 3.0 Gy but not after 0.5 Gy. In this study, the changes in diene conjugates are suggested to reflect changes in lipid peroxidation, whereas those in TBARS are not. SOD activity of rat testis was found to be sensitive to inactivation by 0.5 and 3.0 Gy X‐irradiation, which makes testis vulnerable to oxidative stress. In addition, germ cell depletion 31 days after 3.0 Gy increased the level of lipid peroxidation and the activities of lipid peroxide detoxifying enzymes GSH‐Px and GSH‐Tr in the rat testis. In the rat liver, 3.0‐Gy X‐irradiation leads to a transient increase in lipid peroxidation, but SOD is not inactivated.
Alpay Kelâmi (1936–1992): His Contributions to Andrology
Authors: Belker Arnold M. , Pryor John P.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Operative andrologists and urologists lost an irreplaceable friend and noted scholar with the death of Professor Alpay Kelâmi in March 1992. Born in 1936 in Nicosia, Cyprus, Professor Kelâmi became a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1968. After Completing his secondary education in Istanbul, Turkey, he studied medicine at the Universities of Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Hamburg. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Free University of Berlin. His internship and urologic residency were completed at the Patterson General Hospital in New Jersey.
A Review of Testicular Intratubular Germ Cell Neoplasia in Infertile Men
Authors: Bettocchi Carlo , Coker Charles B. , Deacon Judy , Parkinson Constance , Pryor John P.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A group of 2,739 infertile men whose testes were biopsied during the investigation of infertility in the period from January 1955 to December 1992 have been reviewed. Unilateral intratubular germ cell neoplasia was seen in the testicular biopsies of 16 patients and was always associated with testicular atrophy (Johnsen score lower than 4). Germ cell tumors of the testis occurred in 50% of untreated patients within 6 years and the longest period of tumorfree follow‐up was 10 years. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the incidence of tumors in a subset of 1,639 infertile men biopsied between 1955 and 1982. Three of the patients, without intratubular germ cell neoplasia on the biopsy, were found to have developed a germ cell tumor.

The incidence and management of intratubular germ cell neoplasia in infertile men is discussed.
Function of Human Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: HAIDL GERHARD , BADURA BEATE , SCHILL WOLF‐BERNHARD
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Human epididymal spermatozoa taken from caput, corpus, and cauda were investigated to determine their fertilizing capacity (22 epididymides from 11 patients who had undergone orchidectomy because of prostatic cancer). The following functions, which have been reported to correlate positively with the fertilization rate, were determined: motility and progressive motility, chromatin condensation (assessed by aniline blue staining), acrosin activity, and induction of acrosome reaction by low temperature. In addition, stimulation of motility by pentoxifylline and phosphatidylcholine was examined. The results showed that motility, progressive motility, normal chromatin condensation, and inducible acrosome reaction increased from the caput to the cauda epididymidis, whereas acrosin activity was normal in all sections. Stimulation of progressive motility, especially that of caput spermatozoa, could be achieved by both pentoxifylline and phosphatidylcholine, the latter being definitely superior. In conclusion, our study confirmed that human spermatozoa in physiological status undergo several steps of maturation during the epididymal transit. Stimulation of sperm motility by phosphatidylcholine may be helpful for patients in whom epididymal spermatozoa are used for assisted reproduction.
Is It Useful to Operate on Adolescent Patients Affected by Left Varicocele?
Authors: POZZA DIEGO , GREGORI ANDREA , OSSANNA PAOLO , AMODEO STEFANO , MALIZIA SEVERINO , MARCHIONNI LEONARDO
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: In order to consider the possibility of avoiding seminal disorders induced by varicocele at puberty, we evaluated 200 patients who were operated on for left varicocele at adolescence. Seventy‐five of our 200 adolescent patients had evaluations of seminal fluid prior to their varicocelectomy. Of these patients, 75 were reevaluated at the age of 21. In this latter group of patients, we observed 24 cases of hydrocele (32%) and 9 cases of varicocele recurrence (12%). These data were compared to 75 patients first presenting with a varicocele at 21–25 years of age. If we exclude the cases with azoospermia, we observed the presence of altered seminal fluid in 35 (46.7%) of the operated at adolescence patients and in 42 (56%) of the adult patients with varicocele. These data support the hypothesis that operating on patients in adolescence may result in maintenance of fertility potential.
Nesbit's Procedure for Penile Curvature
Authors: SULAIMAN M. NASIR , GINGELL J. CLIVE
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Between January 1982 and June 1992 83 patients with penile curvature due to Peyronie's disease or congenital curvature underwent a modified Nesbit's procedure for coital difficulties. This represented approximately 23% of the total number of patients referred to the male sexual dysfunction clinic with penile deformity. A confidential postal questionnaire was sent to all of the operated patients in order to determine the longterm results of surgery. Seventy‐eight of the 83 patients were contacted, aged 16–71 years (mean = 48 years). Sixty‐two of the 78 (79%) were satisfied with the result of surgery and would be prepared to have the operation again. Twenty‐two of the 78 were not having intercourse. As a result of this survey we have identified a group of people with initial satisfactory results who have since developed erectile failure. These have been offered either self injection therapy with a vasoactive agent or penile prostheses if they do not respond or do not wish to self inject.
Learning organo‐transition metal catalyzed reactions by graph neural networks
Authors: Sakai Motoji , Kaneshige Mitsunori , Yasuda Koji
Published: October 2023

Chemical reaction outcome prediction presents a fundamental challenge in synthetic chemistry. Most existing machine learning (ML) approaches focus on chemical reactions of typical elements. We developed a simple ML model focused on organo‐transition metal‐catalyzed reactions (OMCRs). Instead of overall reactions observed in experiments, we let the ML model learn the sequence of simplified elementary reactions. This drastically reduced the complexity of the model and helped it find common patterns from distinct reactions. We let a graph neural network learn the reactivity index of a pair of atoms. The model was able to learn a wide variety of OMCRs, and the accuracy of reaction prediction reached 97%, even though the model has extremely fewer learnable parameters than other standards. The learned reactivity indices of bonds nicely summarize the knowledge of reactions in the dataset.
Detection of homogentisic acid by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Tokuhara Yasunori , Ohara Kazuaki , Morinishi Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Tada Satoshi
Published: October 2023

Objective

Homogentisic acid (HGA) is excreted in excessive amounts in the urine of patients with alkaptonuria, which is a hereditary metabolic disorder of phenylalanine and tyrosine. Therefore, the detection of HGA in urine is useful for the diagnosis of alkaptonuria. To evaluate the detection of HGA, we confirmed the color shift of HGA solutions and analyzed them by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS).

Methods

We observed the color change of the HGA solutions under different pH conditions (pH 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0) and examined the influences of adding potassium hydroxide (KOH) and ascorbic acid (AA) to the HGA solutions. Then, we analyzed the chemical reaction in HGA solutions using ESI‐MS.

Results

The HGA solution at pH 8.0 became brown after incubation at room temperature for 24 h and became darker brown with the addition of KOH; however, HGA solutions at pH 6.0 and 7.0 showed no color changes. The brown color change of the HGA solution at pH 8.0 was also inhibited by AA. Moreover, all HGA sample solutions showed the deprotonated molecular ion peak at m/z 167.035 in the negative ion mode after incubation at room temperature for 24 h and with the addition of KOH and AA.

Conclusion

We identified the molecular ion of HGA in all sample solutions by ESI‐MS, regardless of different pH conditions, color changes, or the presence of AA. These results suggest that spectral analysis by ESI‐MS is suitable for the detection of HGA and the diagnosis of alkaptonuria.
Differential effects of Western diet and traumatic muscle injury on skeletal muscle metabolic regulation in male and female mice
Authors: Heo Junwon , Schifino Albino G. , McFaline‐Figueroa Jennifer , Miller David L. , Hoffman Jessica R. , Noble Emily E. , Greising Sarah M. , Call Jarrod A.
Published: October 2023

Background

This study was designed to develop an understanding of the pathophysiology of traumatic muscle injury in the context of Western diet (WD; high fat and high sugar) and obesity. The objective was to interrogate the combination of WD and injury on skeletal muscle mass and contractile and metabolic function.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were randomized into four groups based on a two‐factor study design: (1) injury (uninjured vs. volumetric muscle loss [VML]) and (2) diet (WD vs. normal chow [NC]). Electrophysiology was used to test muscle strength and metabolic function in cohorts of uninjured + NC, uninjured + WD, VML + NC and VML + WD at 8 weeks of intervention.

Results

VML‐injured male and female mice both exhibited decrements in muscle mass (−17%, P < 0.001) and muscle strength (−28%, P < 0.001); however, VML + WD females had a 28% greater muscle mass compared to VML + NC females (P = 0.034), a compensatory response not detected in males. VML‐injured male and female mice both had lower carbohydrate‐ and fat‐supported muscle mitochondrial respiration (JO2) and less electron conductance through the electron transport system (ETS); however, male VML–WD had 48% lower carbohydrate‐supported JO2 (P = 0.014) and 47% less carbohydrate‐supported electron conductance (P = 0.026) compared to male VML + NC, and this diet–injury phenotype was not present in females. ETS electron conductance starts with complex I and complex II dehydrogenase enzymes at the inner mitochondrial membrane, and male VML + WD had 31% less complex I activity (P = 0.004) and 43% less complex II activity (P = 0.005) compared to male VML + NC. This was a diet–injury phenotype not present in females. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), β‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase metabolic enzyme activities were evaluated as potential drivers of impaired JO2 in the context of diet and injury. There were notable male and female differential effects in the enzyme activity and post‐translational regulation of PDH. PDH enzyme activity was 24% less in VML‐injured males, independent of diet (P < 0.001), but PDH enzyme activity was not influenced by injury in females. PDH enzyme activity is inhibited by phosphorylation at serine‐293 by PDH kinase 4 (PDK4). In males, there was greater total PDH, phospho‐PDHser293 and phospho‐PDH‐to‐total PDH ratio in WD mice compared to NC, independent of injury (P ≤ 0.041). In females, PDK4 was 51% greater in WD compared to NC, independent of injury (P = 0.025), and was complemented by greater phospho‐PDHser293 (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Males are more susceptible to muscle metabolic dysfunction in the context of combined WD and traumatic injury compared to females, and this may be due to impaired metabolic enzyme functions.
Microfluidic‐based nanoemulsion of Ocimum basilicum extract: Constituents, stability, characterization, and potential biomedical applications for improved antimicrobial and anticancer properties
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Al‐dolaimy F. , Kzar Mazin Hadi , Kareem Ashwaq Talib , Mizal Thair L. , Omran Aisha A. , Alazbjee Adeeb Abdulally Abdulhussien , Obaidur Rab Safia , Eskandar Mamdoh , Alawadi Ahmed Hussien , Alsalamy Ali
Published: October 2023

This paper reports on the findings from a study that aimed to identify and characterize the constituents of Ocimum basilicum extract using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, as well as assess the physicochemical properties and stability of nanoemulsions formulated with O. basilicum extract. The GC–MS analysis revealed that the O. basilicum extract contained 22 components, with Caryophyllene and Naringenin identified as the primary active constituents. The nanoemulsion formulation demonstrated excellent potential for use in the biomedical field, with a small and uniform particle size distribution, a negative zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency for the O. basilicum extract. The nanoemulsions exhibited spherical morphology and remained physically stable for up to 6 months. In vitro release studies indicated sustained release of the extract from the nanoemulsion formulation compared to the free extract solution. Furthermore, the developed nanoformulation exhibited enhanced anticancer properties against K562 cells while demonstrating low toxicity in normal cells (HEK293). The O. basilicum extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with a potential synergistic effect observed when combined with the nanoemulsion. These findings contribute to the understanding of the constituents and potential applications of O. basilicum extract and its nanoemulsion formulation in various fields, including healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Further optimization and research are necessary to maximize the efficacy and antimicrobial activity of the extract and its nanoformulation.

Research Highlights

This study characterized the constituents of O. basilicum extract and assessed the physicochemical properties and stability of its nanoemulsion formulation.

The O. basilicum extract contained 22 components, with Caryophyllene and Naringenin identified as the primary active constituents.

The nanoemulsion formulation demonstrated excellent potential for biomedical applications, with sustained release of the extract, low toxicity, and enhanced anticancer and antimicrobial properties.

The findings contribute to the understanding of the potential applications of O. basilicum extract and its nanoemulsion formulation in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, highlighting the need for further optimization and research.
Psychosocial issues of individuals undergoing surveillance for increased risk of melanoma and pancreatic cancer due to a germline CDKN2A variant: A focus group study
Authors: Klatte Derk C. F. , Onnekink Anke M. , Hinnen Chris , van Doorn Remco , Potjer Thomas P. , van Leerdam Monique E. , Bleiker Eveline M. A.
Published: October 2023

Individuals with a germline CDKN2A pathogenic variant (PV) are at high risk of developing melanoma and pancreatic cancer and are therefore offered surveillance. The potential advantages and disadvantages associated with genetic testing and surveillance are discussed during medical counseling, although little is known about the associated psychosocial factors that are relevant to this population. This study sought to provide a qualitative exploration of psychosocial factors related to genetic testing and participation in skin and pancreatic surveillance in (potential) carriers of a CDKN2A PV. Fifteen individuals—both at‐risk individuals and confirmed variant carriers—participated in one of the three online focus groups. Pre‐defined discussion topics, including genetic testing, cancer surveillance, influence on lifestyle and family planning, were discussed. Patients reported that important reasons to engage in genetic testing included the possibility to participate in surveillance to gain control over their cancer risk and to get clarification on the potential carrier status of their children. We observed considerable differences in risk perception and experienced burden of surveillance. Knowledge of the PV has had a positive influence on lifestyle factors and altered attitudes toward life in some. Most participants were not aware of preimplantation genetic testing. This focus group study provided insight into a variety of psychosocial themes related to (potential) carriership of a CDKN2A PV. Future efforts should focus on identifying those who may benefit from additional psychosocial support, development of a centralized source of information, and assessing the knowledge, needs, and timing of counseling for family planning.
Dietary restriction after cold snare polypectomy of colorectal polyp for prevention of delayed bleeding
Authors: Mochida Kentaro , Ishibashi Fumiaki , Suzuki Sho , Saito Daisuke , Kawakami Tomohiro , Kobayashi Konomi , Nagai Mizuki , Morishita Tetsuo
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) for small colorectal polyps is a safe technique; however, there is little evidence on whether dietary restriction after CSP is essential. This study aimed to determine whether dietary restriction after CSP is necessary to prevent delayed bleeding.

Methods

This is a randomized, controlled, non‐inferiority trial conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Patients with non‐pedunculated small colorectal polyps (<10 mm) and who did not take anticoagulants were randomly allocated to two groups: (i) the normal diet (ND) group, and (ii) the low‐residue diet (LRD) group. The ND group was instructed to eat anything after CSP, whereas the LRD group was advised to take LRD for 3 days after CSP. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of delayed major bleeding that needed endoscopic hemostasis.

Results

A total of 193 patients (average 57.5 years old, 51.9% male) were enrolled in the study. Subsequently, 97 and 96 patients were allocated to the ND and LRD group, respectively. The occurrence of delayed major bleeding was 1.0% in the ND group and 2.1% in the LRD group (95% confidence interval [CI]: −4.4% to 2.4%; difference: −1.1%), which showed the non‐inferiority of the ND group. In addition, there was no difference between the two groups with respect to the occurrence of minor delayed bleeding (3.1% and 4.2%, respectively; difference: −1.1% [95% CI: −6.4% to 4.2%]).

Conclusion

Dietary restriction after CSP for low‐bleeding‐risk colorectal polyps is not necessary for the prevention of delayed bleeding (Registration number: UMIN000045669).
Characterization of B‐cell receptor clonality and immunoglobulin gene usage at multiple time points during active SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Arons Evgeny , Henry Kiersten , Haas Christopher , Gould Mory , Tsintolas Jack , Mauter Jack , Zhou Hong , Burbelo Peter D. , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Kreitman Robert J.
Published: October 2023

Although monoclonal antibodies to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are known, B‐cell receptor repertoire and its change in patients during coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) progression is underreported. We aimed to study this molecularly. We used immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) variable region (IGHV) spectratyping and next‐generation sequencing of peripheral blood B‐cell genomic DNA collected at multiple time points during disease evolution to study B‐cell response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 14 individuals with acute COVID‐19. We found a broad distribution of responding B‐cell clones. The IGH gene usage was not significantly skewed but frequencies of individual IGH genes changed repeatedly. We found predominant usage of unmutated and low mutation‐loaded IGHV rearrangements characterizing naïve and extrafollicular B cells among the majority of expanded peripheral B‐cell clonal lineages at most tested time points in most patients. IGH rearrangement usage showed no apparent relation to anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers. Some patients demonstrated mono/oligoclonal populations carrying highly mutated IGHV rearrangements indicating antigen experience at some of the time points tested, including even before anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were detected. We present evidence demonstrating that the B‐cell response to SARS‐CoV‐2 is individual and includes different lineages of B cells at various time points during COVID‐19 progression.
Influence of geomagnetic activity on the southern atmosphere and its cross‐seasonal association with SAM
Authors: Luo Guining , Qin Jun , Huang Sijing , Wang Yajuan , Mbululo Yassin
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the interannual cross‐seasonal association between the winter energetic particle precipitation, which is related to the geomagnetic activity (GA), and the southern annular mode (SAM) in the following summer by employing the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The results reveal a marked negative correlation between these variables on an interannual timescale. Therefore, we analyse the GA signatures in the southern atmosphere and find that the evolution of SAM to the negative phase driven by GA may be caused by the following two mechanisms: First, for high GA levels, the middle and lower stratospheric polar vortex becomes weaker from October to November, with considerable changes in the stratospheric thermal structure and more anomalous planetary wave upwelling, accompanied by weakening of the circumpolar westerly. Over time, the anomalous signal from the upper layer can be transmitted downward and is conducive to inducing and strengthening the negative SAM in the following summer, which may serve as the stratospheric pathway for the geomagnetic impact on the SAM and Southern Hemisphere (SH) climate. Second, another possible way is that the preceding GA also appreciably regulates negative anomalies in the Ferrel circulation in SH, implying poleward anomalies in the direction of the pressure gradient, which promotes the development and enhancement of the negative phase of the SAM. In addition, easterly quasi‐biennial oscillation conditioning plays a positive role in the response of the southern atmosphere to geomagnetic forcing, thereby strengthening the connection between them.
Novel hybrid ravine vulnerability index‐based identification of potential reclamation zones for Western India
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Dinesh D. , Moharana P. C. , Singh R. S. , Kar Saswat Kumar , Kakade Vijay , Jinger Dinesh , Singh A. K. , Kumar Raj , Bhatnagar P. R. , Kumar Gopal , Madhu M. , Tailor B. L.
Published: October 2023

The ravine is often regarded as the worst instance of how water erosion is causing land deterioration. The farmers' livelihoods are often threatened by the ravine's expansion into the surrounding 50 m buffer zone, leaving them with no choice except to work as landless workers. Due to the high expense of ravine restoration, it is not economically possible to begin the process of reclamation in all of the ravine lands at once. As a result, it is necessary to recognize the prospective regions to bring in reclamation activities. In this work, the ravine vulnerability index for the Mahi ravine in Western India was developed using a cutting‐edge hybrid methodology. For the development of the ravine vulnerability index, it was determined that the sand, silt, clay, organic carbon, soil erodibility factor, slope, stream power index, topographic wetness index, sediment transport index, and cover factor were crucial components. Weights were applied to various parameters based on the perceived significance of each parameter in relation to another in the decision matrix of the analytical hierarchical process. The number of iterations made to reach a consistency ratio of under 10% to determine the final priority weights for each parameter. The sediment transport index had the lowest priority weight (1.4), whereas the sand had the highest priority weight (28.5). For reclamation purposes, the prospective active zones inside the designated ravine's 50‐m buffer zone, which covered an area of 63,031 acres, were determined. According to the ground truth‐validated ravine vulnerability index, possible reclamation zones were found in the 16,703 ha (26.50%) region of Mahi ravine, which was given extremely high priority. As per the Mahi ravine's land capacity classification, 20,275 ha (32.16%) of it is arable land, and 18,687 ha (29.65%) of it is non‐arable land that is ideal for soil and water conservation treatments.
Green Synthesis of UV‐Reactive Polycarbonates from Levoglucosenone and 5‐Hydroxymethyl Furfural
Authors: Kayishaer Aihemaiti , Annatelli Mattia , Hansom Chloe M , Mouterde Louis M. M. , Peru Aurélien A. M. , Aricò Fabio , Allais Florent , Fadlallah Sami
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the synthesis of fully renewable polycarbonates (PCs) starting from cellulose‐based platform molecules levoglucosenone (LGO) and 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF). These unique bio‐based PCs are obtained through the reaction of a citronellol‐containing triol (Triol‐citro) derived from LGO, with a dimethyl carbonate derivative of BHMF (BHMF‐DC). Solvent‐free polymerizations are targeted to minimize waste generation and promote an eco‐friendly approach with a favorable environmental factor (E‐factor). The choice of metal catalyst during polymerization significantly influences the polymer properties, resulting in high molecular weight (up to 755 kDa) when Na2CO3 is employed as an inexpensive catalyst. Characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance confirms the successful incorporation of the furan ring and the retention of the terminal double bond of the citronellol pendant chain. Furthermore, under UV irradiation, the presence of both citronellol and furanic moieties induces singular structural changes, triggering the formation of three distinct structures within the polymer network, a phenomenon herein occurs for the first time in this type of polymer. These findings pave the way to new functional materials prepared from renewable monomers with tunable properties.
The evolution of pediatric soft‐tissue free flap reconstruction of the lower extremity after oncologic resection: A 30 year experience
Authors: Cohen Zack , Plotsker Ethan , Graziano Francis , Cordeiro Peter , Disa Joseph , Mehrara Babak , Fabbri Nicola , Azoury Saïd C. , Shahzad Farooq
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Limb salvage has become the standard of care for lower extremity tumors because of improvements in adjuvant treatments and reconstructive techniques. While there is literature assessing pediatric lower extremity free flap reconstruction in the setting of trauma, there is a paucity of literature that analyzes oncologic free flap reconstruction in this patient population. We report our long‐term experience and evolution of care for lower extremity oncologic free flap reconstruction in pediatric patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of all patients ≤18 years of age who underwent oncologic soft‐tissue microvascular reconstruction of the lower extremity, from 1992 to 2021. Data were collected for patient demographics, oncologic treatment, operative details, and post‐operative outcomes. Functional outcomes were assessed by weight bearing status, ambulation, and participation in activities‐of‐daily‐living (ADLs), and musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) scores.

Results

Over the 30‐year study period, inclusion criteria were met by 19 patients (11 males, 8 females) with a mean age of 13.8 years and a mean follow‐up of 5.3 years. At last follow‐up, 13 patients (68.5%) were alive. The most common pathology was osteogenic sarcoma (13 patients, 68.5%). Sites of reconstruction were the hip (n = 1), thigh (n = 5), knee (n = 4), leg (n = 7), and the foot (n = 2). The most commonly used flaps were latissimus dorsi (n = 8), gracilis (n = 4), and anterolateral thigh ± vastus (n = 4). Postoperative complications occurred in nine patients (43%). Overall flap success rate was 95%. At latest follow‐up, ambulation without assistive device was obtained in 11 patients (58%), full weight bearing was achieved by 13 patients (68.5%), and ADLs could be performed independently by 13 patients (68.5%). Mean MSTS score was 23.1/30.

Conclusion

Microvascular reconstruction for oncological lower extremity defects in the pediatric population has high limb salvage rates and good functional outcomes.
Atmospheric transmission calculation of diode‐pumped alkali laser energy transfer
Authors: Zhang Le , Xi Fengjie , Liu Qiang , Xu Xiaojun
Published: October 2023

Wireless power transfer has become a research hotspot in the field of energy transmission, among which laser energy transfer is one of the best approaches for long‐distance wireless transmission. Based on good atmospheric transmittance, especially the wavelengths consistent with the response range of mainstream Si and GaAs photovoltaic cells with relatively high photoelectric efficiency, diode‐pumped alkali laser (DPAL) energy transfer will have huge prospects. To solve the problem of long‐distance laser energy transfer of DPALs, laser atmospheric molecular absorption was calculated by analyzing the atmospheric transmission absorption effects of laser beams with specific wavelengths. The atmospheric transmission of three typical alkalis at different atmospheric modes and altitudes was calculated and compared, and practical suggestions were given.
Availability‐aware virtual network function placement based on multidimensional universal generating functions
Authors: Arakawa Kengo , Oki Eiji
Published: October 2023

Network function virtualization (NFV) implements network functions as software, which enables flexible, resource‐efficient, and rapid provision of network services. In NFV, network services are realized by the service function chain (SFC), which is a chain of virtual network functions (VNFs) linked in the proper order. Both availability and deployment cost are key concerns for network operators providing network services as SFC. This paper proposes a flexible VNF placement model on a per‐VNF instance basis that minimizes deployment costs while satisfying availability requirements that may be placed on SFC. This paper uses a multidimensional universal generating function (MUGF) method, which is a multistate system analysis method, to compute the availability of a multistate SFC system with multiple VNFs coexisting on a server. The MUGF method calculates the performance of the entire SFC by combining the performance of servers as determined by applying a continuous‐time Markov chain. To reduce the time to compute the SFC availability, we introduce operators to be applied to MUGF and develop an availability computing method. In addition, a heuristic algorithm for determining VNF placement targeting the lowest deployment cost possible while meeting availability requirements is presented. Numerical results show that the proposed model obtains VNF placement with lower cost than the conventional model in all examined cases. The proposed model achieves VNF placement at 58.5%–75.0% of the deployment cost of the conventional model for the same SFC availability requirements.
Find ways to take chances that can change perceptions
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2023

Beth Paretta has a challenge for higher education administrators: What can you change in six seconds? If you think six seconds isn’t enough time to do much of anything, Paretta has proven that's just not true, and so she wants to see others follow suit and make a difference.
IncidencePrevalence: An R package to calculate population‐level incidence rates and prevalence using theOMOPcommon data model
Authors: Raventós Berta , Català Martí , Du Mike , Guo Yuchen , Black Adam , Inberg Ger , Li Xintong , López‐Güell Kim , Newby Danielle , de Ridder Maria , Barboza Cesar , Duarte‐Salles Talita , Verhamme Katia , Rijnbeek Peter , Prieto Alhambra Daniel , Burn Edward
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Real‐world data (RWD) offers a valuable resource for generating population‐level disease epidemiology metrics. We aimed to develop a well‐tested and user‐friendly R package to compute incidence rates and prevalence in data mapped to the observational medical outcomes partnership (OMOP) common data model (CDM).

Materials and Methods

We created IncidencePrevalence, an R package to support the analysis of population‐level incidence rates and point‐ and period‐prevalence in OMOP‐formatted data. On top of unit testing, we assessed the face validity of the package. To do so, we calculated incidence rates of COVID‐19 using RWD from Spain (SIDIAP) and the United Kingdom (CPRD Aurum), and replicated two previously published studies using data from the Netherlands (IPCI) and the United Kingdom (CPRD Gold). We compared the obtained results to those previously published, and measured execution times by running a benchmark analysis across databases.

Results

IncidencePrevalence achieved high agreement to previously published data in CPRD Gold and IPCI, and showed good performance across databases. For COVID‐19, incidence calculated by the package was similar to public data after the first‐wave of the pandemic.

Conclusion

For data mapped to the OMOP CDM, the IncidencePrevalence R package can support descriptive epidemiological research. It enables reliable estimation of incidence and prevalence from large real‐world data sets. It represents a simple, but extendable, analytical framework to generate estimates in a reproducible and timely manner.
Staphylococcus aureus selective antimicrobial polymers based on an arginine‐derived monomer
Authors: Braksch Cevin P. , Lehnen Anne‐Catherine , Bapolisi Alain M. , Gurke Johannes , De Breuck Jonas , Leiske Meike N. , Hartlieb Matthias
Published: October 2023

The continuous spread of resistance genes among bacterial populations, in particular in hospital setting, threatens the advances of our medical systems and already costs more than 1 million lives per year. Antimicrobial polymers (APs) are a promising type of materials to counteract these developments, as they are non‐susceptible toward resistance development, and even target resistant bacteria. We herein show the synthesis of an arginine‐containing monomer and its polymerization via photo‐induced reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. The synthesis is straightforward, and the macromolecules possess two charged functions (i.e., guanidinium and ammonium) per repeating unit after deprotection. Assessment of the biological activity reveals that polymers inhibit the growth of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) while being relatively inactive against tested Gram‐negative strains. Surprisingly, among the tested polymers, the homopolymer of the arginine‐derived monomer is the best‐performing material, even though it possesses no notable hydrophobic units. Toxicity tests against red blood cells and other mammalian cells show a good biocompatibility of polymers, leading to an overall excellent selectivity. Using membrane models, the mechanism of action was found to be membrane disruption. The good selectivity of the herein presented polymer for MRSA makes them promising materials for the development of therapeutic agents against such infections.
Polyurethanes with open‐ and closed‐cage silsesquioxanes: Effects of organic substituents on materials properties
Authors: Yonezawa Honoka , Hirosawa Yuta , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: October 2023

The physical properties of silsesquioxane materials are commonly controlled by varying the proportion of silane coupling agents with different substituents. In contrast, with cage silsesquioxanes (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, POSS) that allow for precise molecular design, the material properties can be controlled by isomers, similar to organic materials. In this study, we synthesized polyurethanes with corner‐opened POSS (CO‐POSS) and completely condensed POSS (CC‐POSS) in the main and side chains, respectively. For the substituents on POSS, we used a combination of phenyl and isobutyl groups and investigated their effects on the physical properties by changing this combination. Notably, the thermal and mechanical properties changed in polymers where the substituents of CO‐POSS (main chain) and CC‐POSS (side chain) were interchanged. This demonstrates that the isomeric structure significantly affects the properties of silsesquioxane‐based materials and provides important design guidelines for these materials.
Investigation of γ‐irradiation dependent structural properties of LLM‐105 by ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Xiao Qian , Sui Heliang , Wang Jingkai , Ju Xin
Published: October 2023

In this work, different doses of γ‐irradiation were applied to 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide (LLM‐105) to examine the way in which their optical properties and electronic structure can be affected. The UV absorption spectrum of LLM‐105 was calculated based on the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). The analyses of hole‐electron distribution and charge‐transfer spectra (CTS) revealed the type of electronic transitions and elucidated the nature of each excited state in the LLM‐105 molecule. For the pristine LLM‐105, the band gap (Eg) value of 2.76 eV was obtained using the Kubelka‐Munk model. Moreover, the band gap of LLM‐105 increased with the irradiation dose. The increase in relevant UV‐Vis absorption peak intensity, implying the increase in band gap is due to the formation of a larger conjugated structure in LLM‐105 under γ‐irradiation.
Characterization of thermal decomposition mechanism and combustion performance of 4,4’‐azobis(1,2,4‐triazole)**
Authors: Pan Qi , Guo Xueyong , Nie Jianxin , Zhu Yanli , Li Shenghua
Published: October 2023

4,4’‐azobis(1,2,4‐triazole) (ATRZ), as a representative of high‐nitrogen compound, has attracted extensive interests. This work explores the thermal decomposition mechanism and combustion performance of ATRZ. The thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry‐fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG‐DSC‐FTIR) of ATRZ was carried out at heating rate of 10 °C/min in an argon atmosphere. ATRZ has two peak exothermic temperatures, 110.24 °C and 306.85 °C respectively. The exothermic peak at 110.24 °C is the decomposition of ATRZ tiny debris, and the exothermic peak at 306.85 °C is the decomposition of the main part of ATRZ. The pyrolysis‐gas chromatography mass spectrometry (PY‐GC/MS) of ATRZ was carried out at 350 °C in an argon atmosphere. By combining TG‐DSC‐FTIR and PY‐GC/MS, the thermal decomposition mechanism of ATRZ was speculated. The main reaction in the ATRZ pyrolysis process is the cleavage of two N−N single bonds in the nitrogen bridge, forming a nitrogen molecule and two triazole rings, which is the majority of the first step decomposition reaction. At the same time, a small number of triazole rings break off to form other intermediates. A small amount of nitrogen gas is generated and a large number of CN clusters are formed. Under the same testing conditions, ATRZ has a higher combustion heat (19318 J/g) than other traditional CHNO energetic materials. By comparing the laser ignition combustion of ATRZ and ATRZ+RDX, the combustion temperature of ATRZ+RDX is higher and the combustion duration is longer. The introduction of CHNO type ammonium nitrate explosives promotes the energy release of ATRZ.
Comparison of two‐stage and joint TGI‐OS modeling using data from six atezolizumab clinical studies in patients with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gonçalves Antonio , Marchand Mathilde , Chan Phyllis , Jin Jin Y. , Guedj Jérémie , Bruno René
Published: October 2023

Two‐stage and joint modeling approaches are the two main approaches to investigate the link between longitudinal tumor size data and overall survival (OS) and anticipate clinical trial outcome. We here used a large database composed of one phase II and five phase III clinical trials evaluating atezolizumab (an immunotherapy) in monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapies in 3699 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer to evaluate the differences between both approaches in terms of parameter estimates, magnitude of covariate effects, and ability to predict OS. Although the two‐stage approach may underestimate the magnitude of the impact of tumor growth rate (KG) on OS compared to joint modeling approach (hazard ratios [HRs] of 0.42–2.52 vs. 0.25–2.85, respectively, for individual KG varying from the 5th and 95th percentiles), this difference did not lead into poorer performance of the two‐stage approach to describe the OS distribution in the six clinical studies. Overall, two‐stage and joint modeling approaches accurately predicted OS HR with a median (range) difference with the observed OS HR of 0.02 (0.01–0.18) and 0.03 (0.00–0.19), in all cases considered, respectively (e.g., for IMpower150: 0.80 [0.66–0.95] vs. 0.82 [0.70–0.95], respectively, whereas the observed OS HR was 0.80). In our setting, the two‐stage approach accurately predicted the benefit of atezolizumab on OS. Further work is needed to verify if similar results are achieved using phase Ib or phase II clinical trials where the number of patients and measurements is limited as well as in other cancer indications.
Adaptive fixed‐time neural control of nonlinear time‐varying state‐constrained systems
Authors: Ding Kexin , Chen Qiang , Nan Yurong , Luo Xiaoye
Published: October 2023

In this paper, an adaptive fixed‐time neural control scheme is proposed for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems with full‐state constraints. A novel asymmetric hyperbolic barrier Lyapunov function (AHBLF) is first constructed to handle time‐varying constraints of all the system states. EspecialLy, the AHBLF can not only be applied to unconstrained, symmetric‐constrained and asymmetric‐constrained systems simultaneously, but also the fixed time control can be realized by incorporating the AHBLF into each step of the backstepping method to design controller. The adaptive controller is presented to guarantee that the tracking errors converge into the neighborhood around the equilibrium point in a fixed time and all the system states can be restricted within the predefined time‐varying boundaries. With the proposed control scheme, the singularity problem is avoided without constructing multiple piecewise functions, and no prior knowledge on the bound of gain functions is required in the controller design. Comparative simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Electrochemically‐Assisted in situ Generation of Hydrazonoyl Halides for the Synthesis of 3H‐1,2,4‐Triazol‐3‐ones
Authors: Yavari Issa , Shaabanzadeh Sina , Golmoradi Fateh
Published: October 2023

The electrochemical C(sp2)‐H abstraction of hydrazones to produce 1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones as an appealing pathway has considerable value. By the patronage of electricity current, instead of unconventional methods, we reveal an electrochemical detour for furnishing 1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones by electrochemical activation of hydrazones for further reaction with potassium isocyanate. This method also powers by a new chemical synthetic alternative pathway. This strategy provides a suitable condition for the synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones with various functional groups in moderate to good efficiency and amenable to gram‐scale synthesis. The electrochemical and chemical oxidation condition also proves a superb level of selectivity and compatibility with preparing 1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones in these highly reactive conditions.