bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibration of the Becton Dickinson FocalPoint GS slide profiler is essential for optimal performance: Avoiding the algorithm supersaturation cascade effect pitfall
Authors: Nuttall David S. , Anderson Wilma J. , Savage Amanda J. , Denton Karin , Martin Cara M. , O’Leary John J.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The MAVARIC study supported the use of the FocalPoint GS (FPGS) imaging system “No Further Review” (NFR) technology for cervical screening and recommended further investigation. A validation study (Nuttall et al.) was performed by Cervical Screening Wales before implementing the NFR slide reporting technology within the cervical screening program in Wales, United Kingdom.

METHOD

A total of 45,317 SurePath liquid‐based cytology cervical screening samples were submitted for FPGS scanning within four Welsh cytology laboratories between 2006 and 2011. The study, Computer Assisted Evaluation, Screening and Reporting, involved scanning the slides using the FPGS and comparing the results with manual screening performed under established Cervical Screening Wales protocols.

RESULTS

An increased number of abnormal cases presented in the NFR reporting category, significantly greater than that previously encountered. This anomaly resulted in higher false‐negative rates with potentially life‐changing consequences for the screening participant. Subsequent investigation determined that this increase in cases created an algorithm cascade or “sump” effect, which resulted in an unprecedented increased number of samples categorized as NFR. This exceeded the calibration parameters set for the FPGS and was thought to be caused by an increase in the number of younger women attending for screening following the death of a young reality television celebrity from cervical cancer.

CONCLUSION

Adequate and timely calibration of FPGS technology is vital for quality assurance of the results produced, particularly following events that may impact on cervical precancer incidence rates. Failure to do so can result in potentially catastrophic screening incidents that are avoidable.
A new computational approach, based on images trajectories, to identify the subjacent heterogeneity of sperm to the effects of ketanserin
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Eder Alejandro , Rivas Cindy U. , Ayala María E. , Blanco‐Rodríguez Rodolfo , Juarez Nancy , Hernandez‐Vargas Esteban A. , Aragón Andrés
Published: March 2023

The identification of kinematic subpopulations is of paramount importance to understanding the biological nature of the sperm heterogeneity. Nowadays, the data of motility parameters obtained by a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system has been used as input to distinct algorithms to identify kinematic subpopulations. In contrast, the images of the trajectories were depicted only as examples of the patterns of motility in each subpopulation. Here, python code was written to reconstruct the images of trajectories, from their coordinates, then the images of trajectories were used as input to a machine learning clustering algorithm of classification, and the subpopulations were described statistically by the motility parameters. Finally, the images of trajectories in each subpopulation were displayed in a way we called Pollock plots. Semen samples of boar sperm were treated with distinct concentrations of ketanserin (an antagonist of the 5‐HT2 receptor of serotonin) and untreated samples were used as a control. The motility of sperm in each sample was analyzed at 0 and 30 min of incubation. Six subpopulations were found. The subpopulation 2 presented the highest values of velocities at 0 or 30 min. After 30 min of incubation, the ketanserin increased the values of the curvilinear velocity at high concentrations, whereas the linearity and the straight velocity decreased. Our computational model permits better identification of the kinematic subpopulations than the traditional approach and provides insights onto the heterogeneity of the response to ketanserin; thus, it could significantly impact the research on the relationship between sperm heterogeneity‐fertility.
Direct peroral cholangioscopy with red dichromatic imaging 3 detected the perihilar margin of superficial papillary extension in a patient with intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct
Authors: Koiwai Akinobu , Hirota Morihisa , Murakami Keigo , Katayama Tomofumi , Kin Ryo , Endo Katsuya , Kogure Takayuki , Takasu Atsuko , Sakurai Hiroto , Kondo Noriko , Takami Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kuniharu , Katayose Yu , Satoh Kennichi
Published: March 2023

Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB) are a tumor derived from bile duct epithelium that tends to spread laterally and non‐invasively. Surgery is the first‐choice treatment for IPNB. It is extremely important to accurately diagnose the extent of lateral tumor extension. Although peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) is a potentially useful modality for detecting tumor range with direct observation, poor image quality is a limitation of POCS. Recently, a new‐generation endoscopy system (EVIS X1) was equipped with functions such as red dichromatic imaging to improve image quality. A 75‐year‐old man with cholangitis was referred to our department. Various imaging studies showed a mass in the middle to lower bile duct and dilatation of the common bile duct and the intrahepatic bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed. A biopsy of the main tumor in the lower common bile duct revealed IPNB. It was difficult to determine the extent of superficial tumor extension with modalities such as contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasonography but the detailed evaluation was possible using POCS with red dichromatic imaging 3. The patient underwent hepatopancreatoduodenectomy. This case suggests the usefulness of direct observation using POCS with red dichromatic imaging 3 to determine the range of IPNB.
Endoscopic treatment of Bouveret syndrome with a combination of electrohydraulic lithotripsy and balloon expansion: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Kotaro , Kawai Hirokazu , Sato Toshifumi , Natsui Masaaki , Inoue Ryosuke , Kimura Mayuki , Yoko Kazumi , Sasaki Syun‐ya , Watanabe Masashi , Tsukada Yoshihisa , Terai Shuji
Published: March 2023

Bouveret syndrome is a rare type of ileus caused by the impaction of gallstones passing through a cholecystoenteric fistula in the duodenum. Endoscopic treatment with minimally invasive procedures is preferable for patients with this syndrome, typically for elderly individuals with a high surgical risk. Conventional endoscopic techniques often fail to remove impacted stones that are generally large and occasionally solid. We report the case of an 88‐year‐old bedridden woman with severe dementia who presented with difficulty in breathing. The patient was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. In addition, computed tomography showed a cholecystoduodenal fistula and a gallstone 37 mm in diameter that impacted the duodenal bulb. Bouveret syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of the computed tomography findings. The impacted stone was too large and hard to split with standard endoscopic lithotripsy using grasping forceps, mechanical lithotripter, polypectomy snare, basket catheter, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL). However, EHL with a dual‐channel therapeutic endoscope was achieved to drill a narrow hole approximately 20 mm deep into the stone, in four sessions. The stone was subsequently split by inflating the balloon, which was inserted into the hole, to 10 mm in diameter at 3 atm. All the split stones were spontaneously excreted during defecation after a few days. If the gallstone is too hard to fragment by endoscopic EHL alone, a combination of EHL and balloon expansion might be a useful alternative.
Legally Effective but Ethically Inadequate: Institutional Review Board Policies for Consent from Legally Authorized Representatives
Authors: Harrison Robert R.
Published: March 2023

The prevailing approach to enrolling decisionally impaired adults in clinical research is to rely on permission from a default surrogate, one identified by law rather than by the prospective research participant. Reliance on a surrogate transfers the focus of ethical protection from a researcher‐participant relationship to a researcher‐surrogate relationship; the selection and role of the surrogate are therefore important. The Common Rule defers to state law governing default surrogate consent to research, but most states have no such law; for those states, the Common Rule defers to institutional policy. I reviewed twenty‐five of the study sites with the highest National Institutes of Health funding levels to elaborate the content of institutional review board (IRB) policies and compare those to a suggested paradigm for ethically defensible policies. My findings suggest that IRB policies provide inadequate protection because they recognize surrogates who lack knowledge of the subject's current values and preferences without imposing adequate additional safeguards.
An Uncommonly Good Foundation for Research Ethics
Authors: King Nancy M. P.
Published: March 2023

Should research ethics scholars, clinical investigators, and human research professionals read a thick book by a moral philosopher on the foundations of research ethics? Absolutely. Why? Because everyone who has tried to figure out how research ethics and regulatory compliance fit together, or tried to keep up with the vast array of regulations, guidance documents, educational materials, and scholarly literature, already knows that the human research protections system is mined with contradictions, gaps, and confusions. It holds together well enough, but many dedicated folks have long struggled to MacGyver rickety spots of theory and practice known to be problematic. For the Common Good: Philosophical Foundations of Research Ethics, by Alex John London, comes to the rescue, offering an eloquently structured, amply justified, and ultimately persuasive theoretical foundation on which many necessary repairs can now be built.
Components of local adaptation and divergence in pollination efficacy in a coevolving species interaction
Authors: Gross Karin , Undin Malin , Thompson John N. , Friberg Magne
Published: March 2023

Selection leading to adaptation to interactions may generate rapid evolutionary feedbacks and drive diversification of species interactions. The challenge is to understand how the many traits of interacting species combine to shape local adaptation in ways directly or indirectly resulting in diversification. We used the well‐studied interactions between Lithophragma plants (Saxifragaceae) and Greya moths (Prodoxidae) to evaluate how plants and moths together contributed to local divergence in pollination efficacy. Specifically, we studied L. bolanderi and its two specialized Greya moth pollinators in two contrasting environments in the Sierra Nevada in California. Both moths pollinate L. bolanderi during nectaring, one of them–G. politella–also while ovipositing through the floral corolla into the ovary. First, field surveys of floral visitors and the presence of G. politella eggs and larvae in developing capsules showed that one population was visited only by G. politella and few other pollinators, whereas the other was visited by both Greya species and other pollinators. Second, L. bolanderi in these two natural populations differed in several floral traits putatively important for pollination efficacy. Third, laboratory experiments with greenhouse‐grown plants and field‐collected moths showed that L. bolanderi was more efficiently pollinated by local compared to nonlocal nectaring moths of both species. Pollination efficacy of ovipositing G. politella was also higher for local moths for the L. bolanderi population, which relies more heavily on this species in nature. Finally, time‐lapse photography in the laboratory showed that G. politella from different populations differed in oviposition behavior, suggesting the potential for local adaptation also among Greya populations. Collectively, our results are a rare example of components of local adaptation contributing to divergence in pollination efficacy in a coevolving interaction and, thus, provide insights into how geographic mosaics of coevolution may lead to coevolutionary diversification in species interactions.
Adjunctive nano‐curcumin therapy improves inflammatory and clinical indices in children with cystic fibrosis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Talebi Saeedeh , Day Andrew S. , Safarian Mahammad , Sayedi Seyed Javad , Jaafari Mahmood Reza , Abbasi Zahra , Barghchi Hanieh , Kianifar Hamid Reza
Published: March 2023

Inflammation may develop due to internal dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein or external factors in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This prospective randomized clinical trial aimed to ascertain the effects of nano‐curcumin as an anti‐inflammatory agent and a CFTR modulator on clinical and inflammatory markers in children with CF. Children with CF were randomly assigned to receive daily curcumin or a placebo for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate inflammatory indices, nasopharyngeal swab analysis, and clinical assessments via spirometry, anthropometric measurements, and quality of life (QOL) analysis. Sixty children were included. Intra‐group changes comparison showed that curcumin decreased the level of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (median: −0.31 mg/L, IQR: −1.53 to 0.81; p = .01) and fecal calprotectin level (−29 μg/g, −57.5 to 11.5; p = .03), also increased the level of interleukin (IL)‐10 (6.1 pg/mL, 4.5–9; p = .01). Moreover, curcumin improved the overall QOL and the subscales of the questionnaire. Inter‐group changes comparison depicted the number of Pseudomonas colonies reduced by about 52% in the curcumin group and gained weight by about 16% (p > .05). Nano‐curcumin seems to be considered as an effective nutritional supplement on hs‐CRP, IL‐10, fecal calprotectin levels, and improving QOL in patients with CF.
Isolation and antioxidant characterization of theaflavin for neuroprotective effect in mice model
Authors: Ahmad Arslan , Nosheen Farhana , Arshad Muhammad Umair , Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Islam Fakhar , Imran Ali , Noreen Rabia , Amer Ali Yuosra , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: March 2023

The mandate of the current investigation was to elucidate the therapeutic and antioxidant perspective of black tea. Purposely, black tea compositional analysis followed by polyphenol extraction and antioxidant characterization was done. Moreover, the theaflavin from black tea extract was also isolated through the solvent partition method. Lastly, the neuroprotective effect of isolated theaflavin was assessed through a bio‐efficacy trial. The outcomes delineated that black tea showed promising nutritional composition with special reference to protein and fiber. Among the extraction solvent, ethanol performed better as compared to methanol and water likewise, higher extraction was noticed at 60 min followed by 90 and 30 min. All the extracts indicated antioxidant activity reflected through significant DPPH, TPC, FRAP, and beta carotene as‐69.13 ± 3.00, 1148.92 ± 14.01, 752.44 ± 10.30, and 65.74 ± 3.28, respectively. However, isolated theaflavin exhibited higher antioxidant capacity as‐737.74 ± 12.55, 82.60 ± 2.33, and 853.77 ± 9.55, for TPC, DPPH, and FRAP, respectively, as compared to extracts. In 15 days' efficacy was physically induced with sciatic nerve injury h sciatic nerve injury physically and treated with isolated theaflavin. A total of 12 healthy albino mice were randomly assigned to either the control (n = 6) or theaflavin (5.0 mg/kg (n = 6)) groups. In these groups, behavioral tests were used to assess and compare enhanced functional recovery as well as skeletal muscle mass measurement. Serum samples included oxidative stress markers. In theaflavin leaves, behavioral tests revealed a statistically significant (p < .001) improvement in sensorimotor function restoration, muscle mass restoration, a substantial decrease in TOS, a significant increase in TAC, and enhanced antioxidative enzyme activity. Considering the above‐mentioned therapeutic perspectives of theaflavin, the current research was planned to optimize the isolation of theaflavin from black tea and probed for their neuroprotective effect in mice models.
Environmental exposure assessment of lead and cadmium in street vended foods sold in selected locations in Kenya
Authors: Mwove Johnson , Imathiu Samuel , Orina Irene , Karanja Paul
Published: March 2023

The preparation and handling practices, as well as raw materials for street food vending businesses, could be sources of toxic heavy metals in street vended foods (SVFs). The objective of this study was to assess the levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in ready‐to‐eat SVFs sold in selected locations within Thika town, Kenya. A total of 199 samples consisting of cereal‐based foods, sliced fruits, salads, groundnuts, tubers, fresh fruit juices, eggs, smokies, and sausages were randomly collected for analysis. The concentration of Pb and Cd in street vended foods (SVFs) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results indicated that at least one of the food sample types was contaminated with Pb. The level of Pb contamination in SVFs ranged between 0.271 ± 0.070 and 1.891 ± 0.130 mg/kg with groundnuts recording significantly (p < .0001) higher levels (1.891 mg/kg) than all other food samples. Cadmium contamination levels in the SVF samples ranged between 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.010 ± 0.003 mg/kg. Significantly (p < .0001) high levels of Cd were observed in cereal‐based foods (0.010 mg/kg) and fresh fruit juices (0.008 mg/kg). The Pb concentrations reported in this study are a food safety concern since they exceed the maximum recommended limits set by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) food standards program. There is therefore a need for the establishment and enforcement of policies to govern the street food vending businesses to reduce heavy metal contamination in the SVFs.
Experimental study on synchrotron radiation photoionization of secondary organic aerosol derived from styrene ozonolysis
Authors: Huang Ming‐Qiang , Wang Huan‐Huan , Shan Xiao‐Bin , Sheng Liu‐Si , Hu Chang‐Jin , Gu Xue‐Jun , Zhang Wei‐Jun
Published: March 2023

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) produced by ozonolysis of styrene and other alkene compounds is a major part of fine particles in urban atmospheres. The atmospheric ozonolysis process of styrene is simulated in a smog chamber, and the formed SOA particles are detected on‐line by a synchronous radiation vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometer (VUV‐PIMS) in this study. Through molecular ion peaks in the photonionization mass spectra of SOA and the corresponding photoionization efficiency curve, combined with off‐line measurement verification of ultraviolet visible and infrared absorption spectra, it is determined that formaldehyde, formic acid, benzene, phenol, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid are the main constituents of styrene SOA. These provide new information for studying the atmospheric ozonolysis oxidation mechanism of styrene. VUV‐PIMS can get over complicated sample preparation procedures, secondary pollution, and other shortcomings of the off‐line method and is a useful instrument to measure constituents and unveil the formation process of SOA particles.
Owner‐implemented paired‐stimulus food preference assessments for companion dogs
Authors: Waite Mindy R. , Kodak Tiffany M.
Published: March 2023

Behavioral interventions for animals typically require the inclusion of programmed reinforcers. Although pet owners and human caregivers can often identify items that the animal will consume, preference assessments can more accurately determine relative preference rankings between various stimuli, which is important given that higher preferred items tend to function as more effective reinforcers than lower preferred items. Preference assessments have been developed to identify rankings for a variety of stimuli across species, including the domesticated dog (Canis lupus familiaris). However, previous preference assessments for dogs were developed for laboratory use and could be challenging for dog owners to perform alone. The purpose of this study was to modify existing dog preference assessment methods to produce a valid and feasible preference assessment for dog owners. Results suggest that the preference assessment identified preference rankings for individual dogs. Owners were able to implement the protocol with high integrity and found the protocol acceptable.
Farmers' awareness of digital credit: Does financial literacy matter?
Authors: Sarfo Yaw , Musshoff Oliver , Weber Ron
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy and farmers' awareness of digital credit in rural Madagascar. We apply questions that demonstrate individuals' understanding of the four fundamental concepts for financial decision making: numeracy, interest compounding, inflation and risk diversification to measure farmers' financial literacy. We find that financial literacy has a positive and statistically significant effect on farmers' awareness of digital credit. Our study highlights the importance of financial literacy for increasing farmers' awareness of digital credit in rural areas of Madagascar and supports the widely held view that financial literacy is crucial for individuals' awareness of financial products.
Social pensions and children's nutrition: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Santosh
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the impact of social pensions on child nutrition and health outcomes in Nepal. Empirical estimates suggest that the outcomes are heterogeneous with gender playing a key role, both of the social pension recipients as well as that of the children. The social pension received by females is found to have a positive influence on the weight‐for‐height of girls but no such impact is existent on that of boys. In contrast, social pensions received by male had no implications for children's nutrition irrespective of their gender.
The impact of digital inequities on gastrointestinal cancer disparities in the United States
Authors: Fei‐Zhang David J. , Moazzam Zorays , Ejaz Aslam , Cloyd Jordan , Dillhoff Mary , Beane Joal , Bentrem David J. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Modern‐day internet access and technology usage substantially impacts aspects of surgical care but remain ill‐defined for their associations with gastrointestinal‐cancer (GIC) outcomes. We sought to develop the Digital Inequity Index (DII), a novel, a self‐adapted tool to quantify access to digital resources, to assess the impact of “digital inequity” on GIC care and prognosis.

Methods

Adult (20+) patients with gastrointestinal malignancies between 2013 and 2017 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. DII was calculated based on 17 census‐tract level variables derived from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as infrastructure‐access (i.e., electronic device ownership, broadband type, internet provider availability, income‐broadband subscription ratio) or sociodemographic (i.e., education, income, disability status), ranked relative across all US counties, and then averaged into a composite score. The association between DII and surgery receipt, staging, surveillance period, and survival time were assessed with multiple logistic and linear regressions.

Results

Among 287 228 patients, increasing DII was associated with increased odds of late‐stage disease (highest odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.10 for hepatic) and decreased odds of receiving surgery (lowest OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.93–0.96 for hepatic). Higher DII was associated with shorter postoperative surveillance length (largest decrease −20.4% for hepatic) and overall survival length (largest decrease −16.0% for pancreatic). Sociodemographic and infrastructure‐access factors contributed equivalently to surveillance time disparities, while infrastructure‐access factors contributed more to survival disparities across GIC types.

Conclusions

As technology dependence has increased, inequities in digital access should be targeted as a contributor to surgical oncologic disparities.
Development, stability‐indicating assessment, and evaluation of influential method conditions using a full factorial design for the determination of Nintedanib esylate‐related impurities
Authors: Yenda Parvateesam , Katari Naresh Kumar , Satheesh Balasubramanian , Gundla Rambabu , Muchakayala Siva Krishna , Rekulapally Vijay Kumar
Published: March 2023

The design of an appropriate analytical method for assessing the quality of pharmaceuticals requires a deep understanding of science, and risk evaluation approaches are appreciated. The current study discusses how a related substance method was developed for Nintedanib esylate. The best possible separation between the critical peak pairs was achieved using an X‐Select charged surface hybrid Phenyl Hexyl (150 × 4.6) mm, 3.5 μm column. A mixture of water, acetonitrile, and methanol in mobile phase‐A (70:20:10) and mobile phase‐B (20:70:10), with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and 0.05% formic acid in both eluents. The set flow rate, wavelength, and injection volumes were 1.0 ml/min, 285 nm, and 5 μl, respectively, with gradient elution. The method conditions were validated as per regulatory requirements and United States Pharmacopeia general chapter < 1225 >. The correlation coefficient for all impurities from the linearity experiment was found to be > 0.999. The % relative standard deviation from the precision experiments ranged from 0.4 to 3.6. The mean %recovery from the accuracy study ranged from 92.5 to 106.5. Demonstrated the power of the stability‐indicating method through degradation studies; the active drug component is more vulnerable to oxidation than other conditions. Final method conditions were further evaluated using a full‐factorial design. The robust method conditions were identified using the graphical optimization from the design space.
Comparing lethal and non‐lethal methods of active population control for harbor seals in British Columbia
Authors: Nelson Benjamin W. , Walters Carl J. , Trites Andrew W. , McAllister Murdoch K.
Published: March 2023

Pinniped populations around the world increased rapidly after hunting and culling during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries ended. Some believe that pinnipeds are now preventing the recovery of certain fish populations, and that controlling pinniped population abundance using lethal measures such as harvesting or by non‐lethal means like contraception could recover fish populations. It is unclear, however, how effective and how long it would take for such methods of population control to bring numbers of pinnipeds down to target levels. We used sex‐ and age‐structured population models to estimate how quickly harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) abundance in British Columbia, Canada, could be reduced by 50%, through combinations of lethal removals and sterilization of adult females. Models were fit to seal abundance, demographic, and harvest data collected between 1879 and 2014. Simulation modeling suggests reliance on contraception exclusively is unlikely to reduce the current harbor seal population (numbering ~100,000) by 50% within 25 years, and would result in more variable outcomes, compared to lethal removals. Contraception could be combined with harvesting to maintain a target abundance of harbor seals (although captive studies with harbor seals are needed to confirm the efficacy of contraception). Our simulation modeling approach provides a useful framework to assess how non‐lethal measures could be integrated into policies that promote active population control of harbor seal numbers.
Effect of a Hydrophobic Branching Agent in Physically Cross‐Linked Hydrogels with Shape‐Memory and Self‐healing Abilities
Authors: Podda Edoardo , Antonioli Diego , Croce Gianluca , Gianotti Valentina , Sparnacci Katia , Chiarcos Riccardo , Laus Michele
Published: March 2023

Physically crosslinked hydrogels consisting of polyacrylamide (Aam) and polyoctadecylacrylate (C18A) blocks, leading to hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains respectively, are prepared by micellar polymerization. A multifunctional monomer (divinylbenzene, DVB), is also employed to create branched chains. The effect of the polymer composition and the amount of the branching agent on the material characteristics are evaluated. The melting enthalpies of the hydrophobic domains increase as the n‐octadecyl acrylate unit amount increases and, in a parallel fashion, an increase in the mechanical modulus G' of the hydrogel is observed. Furthermore, G′ increases as the DVB concentration increases. Self‐healing behavior is also demonstrated both visually and by rheological measurements. Finally, once heated above the melting temperature (Tm), these hydrogels can be deformed into different shapes that can be fixed on cooling. Then, heating again above Tm, the original shape is recovered thus indicating shape memory characteristics.
Estimates for the entropy numbers of the Nikol'skii–Besov classes of functions with mixed smoothness in the space of quasi‐continuous functions
Authors: Romanyuk Anatolii S. , Yanchenko Serhii Ya.
Published: March 2023

We obtained order estimates for the entropy numbers of the Nikol'skii–Besov classes of functions with mixed smoothness in the metric of the space of quasi‐continuous functions . We also showed that for , , , , the estimate of the corresponding asymptotic characteristic is exact in order.
Magnetic field induced dose effects in radiation therapy using MR‐linacs
Authors: Huang Chen‐Yu , Yang Bin , Lam Wai Wang , Geng Hui , Cheung Kin Yin , Yu Siu Ki
Published: March 2023

MR‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) is one of the most significant advances in radiotherapy in recent years. The hybrid systems were designed to visualize patient anatomical and physiological changes during the course of radiotherapy, enabling more precise treatment. However, before MR‐linacs reach their full potential in delivering safe and accurate treatments to patients, the radiotherapy team must understand how a magnetic field alters the dosimetric properties of the radiation beam and its potential impact on treatment quality and clinical outcomes.

This review aims to provide an in‐depth description of the magnetic field induced dose effects for the two widely available systems, the 0.35 T and the 1.5 T MR‐linacs. In MR‐linac treatments, the primary photon beam passes through MR components that never exist in conventional linacs, which alter both in‐field and out‐of‐field doses. More importantly, the interplay between the always‐on magnetic field and the secondary electrons is not negligible. This interplay affects dose deposition in the patient, resulting in reduced in‐field skin dose due to purged‐out contaminant electrons, shortened build‐up distance and a shifted crossline profile owing to asymmetric dose kernel. Especially two effects, namely, electron return effect (ERE) and electron stream effect (ESE), are not seen in conventional radiotherapy.

This review also summarizes the clinical observations on the site‐specific treatments influenced mostly by the magnetic field. In MR‐linac treatment, the head and neck region is one of the most challenging sites as ERE occurs at low and high density tissue interfaces and around air cavities, generating hot and cold spots. In breast cancer treatment, consideration should be given to the increased in‐field skin dose induced by ERE and the increased out‐of‐field dose caused by ESE for regions such as the ears, chin, and neck. In lung cancer treatments, tissue inhomogeneity combined with ERE will exacerbate target dose heterogeneity and increase or decrease interface dose. Lastly, treatment in the abdomen and pelvic region will be affected by the presence of gas pockets near the target. The review provides practical recommendations to mitigate these effects.
Synthesis of a temperature sensitive graft carbon dioxide‐based copolymer and its evaluation as a nano drug carrier
Authors: Xu Jie , Li Hongchun , Niu Yongsheng
Published: March 2023

In this study, a temperature sensitive graft carbon dioxide‐based copolymer, poly (propylene oxide‐co‐carbon dioxide‐co‐allyl glycidyl ether)‐poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG) was synthesized by “Click Chemistry”. The hydrophobic main chain, PPAG, was prepared by the copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE). The branch chains include hydrophilic mPEG and temperature sensitive poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide). The structure of the polymer was characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Avermectin (AVE) was loaded into the nanoparticles to form PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE nanoparticles. PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG could self‐assemble into nano‐sized micelles in aqueous solution. And the size, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration (CMC) of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG nanoparticles can be altered by changing the lengths of the PNIPAm segments. The loading rate and encapsulation rate of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE were 36.98% and 89.98% respectively. The temperature sensitiveness of the nanomaterials was confirmed by DLS. The results show that temperature has a certain effect on the AVE release rate of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE in vitro. With the decrease of PNIPAm chain length, the AVE release rate decreases, and the contact angle of PPAG‐PNIPAm‐mPEG@AVE decreases compared with that of water.
Hypertension medication from guidelines to practice: A cohort study in western Iran
Authors: Shahbazi Foroud , Najafi Farid , Shojaei Lida , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Shokoohinia Yalda , Pasdar Yahya , Hamzeh Behrooz , Tahvilian Reza , Rahimi Werya , Shakiba Ebrahim , Karim Hossein , Dobson Annette , Bhatt Neha , Moradinazar Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common risk factors for non‐communicable chronic diseases. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive medications in Kermanshah Province, west of Iran.

Methods

The Ravansar Non‐Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study is the first Kurdish community‐based study; subjects' age ranged from 35 to 65 years. In order to examine the use of medications to control blood pressure, participants were asked to bring all prescribed medications to the study center. Treatments were compared with 2013 European Society of Hypertension (ESH)/European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the management of arterial HTN.

Results

From a total of 10 040 participants in RaNCD cohort, 1575 (15.7%) individuals were hypertensive, of whom, 1271 (80.7%) people were aware of their condition. From 1153 (73.20%) people under treatment, 840 (72.8%) had their HTN properly controlled. The most common medications used to treat HTN were losartan (27.5%), metoprolol (14.3%), and captopril (11.9%). Regardless of type of treatment, 49.3% of all patients have received the medication for l 6 ≥ years. The most commonly used drugs were β‐blockers and angiotension receptor blockers as 620 (31.0%) and 612 (30.6%), respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that female gender, those receive ≥3 antihypertensive agents, and using preferred combinations were associated with a better blood pressure control. In addition, the probability of hypertension control was less likely with increasing duration of treatment (i.e >6 years) and in obese patients with ≥35 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Even though adherence to the international guidelines was acceptable, improvements can be made for better control of HTN. Therefore, it is imperative to educate healthcare professionals on improving their selection of antihypertensive medications and combination therapy for hypertensive patients.
Mosquito repellent microcapsules of nepeta essential oil were prepared by electro‐atomization complex coacervation
Authors: Zhang Zhongkai , Hu Xueqing , Pei Yifeng , Han Xiao , Yan Bin , Qian Yinjie , Dong Hao , Yu Xiaobin , Cheng Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

Microcapsules containing nepeta essential oil (NEO) are prepared by electro‐atomization complex coacervation with sodium alginate and gelatin as wall materials. The effects of conditions such as sodium alginate solution concentration, core‐to‐wall ratio and emulsifier content on the release of essential oil and mosquito repellent properties of the microcapsules are studied. The microcapsules prepared under optimal preparation conditions have good performance and morphology, the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity being 86.65% and 13.93%, respectively. The prepared microcapsules have adequate morphological characteristics observed using scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis show that NEO is successfully loaded in the microcapsules, and the thermal stability of NEO is improved. In addition, the results of release and repellent tests show that the NEO in the microcapsules could achieve stable release within 15 days and maintain an avoidance rate above 80% within 48 h, indicating the potential application of the microcapsules in the field of mosquito repellents. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
SUMO1 hinders α‐Synuclein fibrillation by inducing structural compaction
Authors: Panigrahi Rajlaxmi , Krishnan Rakesh , Singh Jai Shankar , Padinhateeri Ranjith , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: March 2023

Small Ubiquitin‐like Modifier 1 (SUMO1) is an essential protein for many cellular functions, including regulation, signaling, etc., achieved by a process known as SUMOylation, which involves covalent attachment of SUMO1 to target proteins. SUMO1 also regulates the function of several proteins via non‐covalent interactions involving the hydrophobic patch in the target protein identified as SUMO Binding or Interacting Motif (SBM/SIM). Here, we demonstrate a crucial functional potential of SUMO1 mediated by its non‐covalent interactions with α‐Synuclein, a protein responsible for many neurodegenerative diseases called α‐Synucleinopathies. SUMO1 hinders the fibrillation of α‐Synuclein, an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) that undergoes a transition to β‐structures during the fibrillation process. Using a plethora of biophysical techniques, we show that SUMO1 transiently binds to the N‐terminus region of α‐Synuclein non‐covalently and causes structural compaction, which hinders the self‐association process and thereby delays the fibrillation process. On the one hand, this study demonstrates an essential functional role of SUMO1 protein concerning neurodegeneration; it also illustrates the commonly stated mechanism that IDPs carry out multiple functions by structural adaptation to suit specific target proteins, on the other. Residue‐level details about the SUMO1‐α‐Synuclein interaction obtained here also serve as a reliable approach for investigating the detailed mechanisms of IDP functions.
FRETing about the details: Case studies in the use of a genetically encoded fluorescent amino acid for distance‐dependent energy transfer
Authors: Cory Michael B. , Jones Chloe M. , Shaffer Kyle D. , Venkatesh Yarra , Giannakoulias Sam , Perez Ryann M. , Lougee Marshall G. , Hummingbird Eshe , Pagar Vinayak V. , Hurley Christina M. , Li Allen , Mach Robert H. , Kohli Rahul M. , Petersson E. James
Published: March 2023

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a valuable method for monitoring protein conformation and biomolecular interactions. Intrinsically fluorescent amino acids that can be genetically encoded, such as acridonylalanine (Acd), are particularly useful for FRET studies. However, quantitative interpretation of FRET data to derive distance information requires careful use of controls and consideration of photophysical effects. Here we present two case studies illustrating how Acd can be used in FRET experiments to study small molecule induced conformational changes and multicomponent biomolecular complexes.
Adaptive containment control of nonlinear multi‐agent systems about privacy preservation with multiple attacks
Authors: Gong Yuting , Cao Liang , Pan Yingnan , Lu Qing
Published: March 2023

This paper focuses on the problem of adaptive containment control about privacy preservation in nonlinear multi‐agent systems, where followers suffer from multiple cyber‐attacks and leaders have non‐zero control inputs. A multiple attacks mold consisting of denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks and false data‐injection attacks is constructed for nonlinear systems. The containment control protocol is updated by applying an event‐triggered scheme. This scheme is proposed to dispatch the updating information in the presence of multiple attacks. Meanwhile, to deal with the information insecurity that may exist in the control process, the protocol for privacy preservation about initial information is developed by introducing time‐varying functions as masks. Tracking errors of agents are described by taking the inputs of leaders as the external disturbances. This method does not depend on the widths of boundary layers and reduce the computational complexity. The stability of multi‐agent systems is analyzed by applying the Cauchy inequality, the Young's inequality and the Lyapunov function theory. Finally, two simulation examples are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Adjusting for informative cluster size in pseudo‐value‐based regression approaches with clustered time to event data
Authors: Anyaso‐Samuel Samuel , Datta Somnath
Published: March 2023

Informative cluster size (ICS) arises in situations with clustered data where a latent relationship exists between the number of participants in a cluster and the outcome measures. Although this phenomenon has been sporadically reported in the statistical literature for nearly two decades now, further exploration is needed in certain statistical methodologies to avoid potentially misleading inferences. For inference about population quantities without covariates, inverse cluster size reweightings are often employed to adjust for ICS. Further, to study the effect of covariates on disease progression described by a multistate model, the pseudo‐value regression technique has gained popularity in time‐to‐event data analysis. We seek to answer the question: “How to apply pseudo‐value regression to clustered time‐to‐event data when cluster size is informative?” ICS adjustment by the reweighting method can be performed in two steps; estimation of marginal functions of the multistate model and fitting the estimating equations based on pseudo‐value responses, leading to four possible strategies. We present theoretical arguments and thorough simulation experiments to ascertain the correct strategy for adjusting for ICS. A further extension of our methodology is implemented to include informativeness induced by the intracluster group size. We demonstrate the methods in two real‐world applications: (i) to determine predictors of tooth survival in a periodontal study and (ii) to identify indicators of ambulatory recovery in spinal cord injury patients who participated in locomotor‐training rehabilitation.
Nanowatt‐Level Photoactivated Gas Sensor Based on Fully‐Integrated Visible MicroLED and Plasmonic Nanomaterials
Authors: Cho Incheol , Sim Young Chul , Lee Kichul , Cho Minkyu , Park Jaeho , Kang Mingu , Chang Ki Soo , Jeong Chan Bae , Cho Yong‐Hoon , Park Inkyu
Published: March 2023

Photoactivated gas sensors that are fully integrated with micro light‐emitting diodes (µLED) have shown great potential to substitute conventional micro/nano‐electromechanical (M/NEMS) gas sensors owing to their low power consumption, high mechanical stability, and mass‐producibility. Previous photoactivated gas sensors mostly have utilized ultra‐violet (UV) light (250–400 nm) for activating high‐bandgap metal oxides, although energy conversion efficiencies of gallium nitride (GaN) LEDs are maximized in the blue range (430–470 nm). This study presents a more advanced monolithic photoactivated gas sensor based on a nanowatt‐level, ultra‐low‐power blue (λpeak = 435 nm) µLED platform (µLP). To promote the blue light absorbance of the sensing material, plasmonic silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly coated on porous indium oxide (In2O3) thin films. By the plasmonic effect, Ag NPs absorb the blue light and spontaneously transfer excited hot electrons to the surface of In2O3. Consequently, high external quantum efficiency (EQE, ≈17.3%) and sensor response (ΔR/R0 (%) = 1319%) to 1 ppm NO2 gas can be achieved with a small power consumption of 63 nW. Therefore, it is highly expected to realize various practical applications of mobile gas sensors such as personal environmental monitoring devices, smart factories, farms, and home appliances.
Synergistic Ionic Liquid in Hole Transport Layers for Highly Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Fengxian , Zhu Ziyao , Zhang Chunhong , Chen Pengxu , Wang Shibo , Tong Anling , He Ruowei , Wang Ying , Sun Weihai , Li Yunlong , Wu Jihuai
Published: March 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with n‐i‐p structures often utilize an organic 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis (N, N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl‐amine) 9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) along with additives of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt (LiTFSI) and tert‐butylpyridine as the hole transporting layer (HTL). However, the HTL lacks stability in ambient air, and numerous defects are often present on the perovskite surface, which is not conducive to a stable and efficient PSC. Therefore, constructive strategies that simultaneously stabilize spiro‐OMeTAD and passivate the perovskite surface are required. In this work, it is demonstrated that a novel ionic liquid of dimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (DMATFSI) could act as a bifunctional HTL modulator in n‐i‐p PSCs. The addition of DMATFSI into spiro‐OMeTAD can effectively stabilize the oxidized spiro‐OMeTAD+ cation radicals through the formation of spiro‐OMeTAD+TFSI− because of the excellent charge delocalization of the conjugated CF3SO2− moiety within TFSI−. In addition, DMA+ cations could move toward the perovskite from the HTL, resulting in the passivation of defects at the perovskite surface. Accordingly, a power conversion efficiency of 23.22% is achieved for PSCs with DMATFSI and LiTFSI co‐doped spiro‐OMeTAD. Moreover, benefiting from the improved ion migration barrier and hydrophobicity of the HTL, still retained nearly 80% of their initial power conversion efficiency after 36 days of exposure to ambient air.
Confined Assembly of Hydrated Vanadium Oxide into Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres for Fast and Stable K+ Storage Capability
Authors: Zhang Bingchen , Liu Shuo , Li Haochen , Wang Dong , Kang Wenpei , Sun Daofeng
Published: March 2023

The rational structural design of the electrode materials is significant to enhance the electrochemical performance for potassium ion storage, benefiting from the shortened ion diffusion distance, increased conductivity, and pseudo‐capacitance promotion. Herein, hydrated vanadium oxide (HVO) nanosheets with enriched oxygen defects are well confined into hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (HMCS), producing Od‐VOH@C nanospheres through one‐step hydrothermal reaction. Attributed to the restricted growth in the HMCS, the HVO nanosheets are loosely packed, generating abundant interfacial boundaries and large specific areas. As a result, Od‐VOH@C nanospheres show increased reaction kinetics and well buffer the volume effects for the K+ storage. Od‐VOH@C delivers stable capacities of 138 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 over 10 000 cycles in half‐cells attributed to the high pseudo‐capacitance contribution. The K+ storage mechanism of insertion and conversion reaction is confirmed by ex situ X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Moreover, the symmetric potassium‐ion capacitors of Od‐VOH@C//Od‐VOH@C deliver a high energy density of 139.6 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 948.3 W kg−1.