bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome along with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Postnatal Eclamptic Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Patel Nainita , Chaudhari Kamlesh , Dave Apoorva
Published: September 2023

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) are rare neurological disorders. Although rare, the diagnosis of these conditions is now possible due to increased clinical awareness and the availability of newer generation diagnostic methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The rarity of their occurrence can sometimes lead to misleading diagnoses, as both illnesses rarely coexist and share certain clinical and radiological characteristics. RCVS progresses rapidly and can result in chronic impairment or even in-hospital mortality in 5-10% of cases. On the other hand, PRES is a monophasic and reversible illness, although there have been instances of recurrence. In this case report, the authors present the case of a 22-year-old female who presented with post-natal seizures and severe headaches, suspected to have RCVS along with PRES. Since RCVS and PRES share some overlapping pathophysiological conditions, the findings of MRI, including Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR), CR-Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), along with their correlation with clinical features, can help in differentiation. Vasoconstriction has been reported as the main cause; hence vasodilators are primarily suggested for controlling seizures. The patient survived and showed improvement. Initially, the patient was monitored every 15 days for one month, followed by monthly follow-ups up to 8 months after discharge. The purpose of presenting this case is to enhance understanding of RCVS with PRES, including associated risk factors, which can lead to better outcomes through timely diagnosis. Improved outcomes can be achieved through early recognition and improved clinical management.
Retention Index: A Measure to Quantify the Retention of Rural Youth in Agriculture
Authors: Gomase A. S. , Tekale V. S.
Published: September 2023

Retention of rural youth in agriculture in rural areas has become an inevitable phenomenon in our country. The rural youth population of India is slowly deserting their origin and swarming toward the urban areas. This has several implications for the future of Indian agriculture and India’s food security. Experts felt that there is a need to retain rural youths in agriculture because they can play a significant role in ensuring food security if they are encouraged to involve in agriculture farming. Having an insight into the rationale behind the retention of rural youth in agriculture is hence crucial. Bearing in mind this point of view, a study was conducted among 300 rural youths with an agricultural background. The retention of rural youth has been studied by developing a suitable measurement methodology that quantifies their retention in agriculture. The Retention Index was developed and the composite Retention Index worked out was 73.00. On the basis of the results of retention index these indicators are very important in the development of projects or programmes by policymakers, development agencies and extension functionaries should consider these indicators while preparing and planning programs or projects for the development of rural youth.
A Rare Case of Myocarditis Causing Interventricular Communication and Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Karim Mounaouir , Mohammed Nachid , Rochd Mehdi , Ismail Benhar , Haboub Meryem , Arous Salim , Bennouna Ghali Mohamed , Drighil Abdenasser , Rachida Habbal
Published: September 2023

Myocarditis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that involves inflammation of the heart muscle. It can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including acute heart failure, arrhythmias, and ventricular dysfunction. In rare cases, myocarditis can lead to the formation of interventricular communication, which is an abnormal communication between the left and right ventricles. We present a case report of a 31-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute heart failure and was subsequently diagnosed with myocarditis causing interventricular communication.
Evaluating the Bacteria Profile and Drug Susceptibility Patterns of Urinary Tract Infectious Pathogens in Pregnant Women in Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ekuma Perpertua Uzoamaka , Ibiam Francis Amadi , Ekuma Moses Ikenna , Iroha Chidinma Stacy , Peter Ikemesit Udeme , Iroha Ifeanyichukwu Romanus
Published: September 2023

Patient’s demographic data were obtained from a well-structured questionnaire administered before sample collection. A total of two hundred (200) early morning mid-stream urine samples were collected from pregnant women attending Mile 4 hospital to determine the prevalence of UTIs among pregnant women. The collected samples were analysis using Standard Microbiology protocol for isolation and identification of uropathogens. Antibiogram studies of uropathogens were determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and the results were analyzed and were compared with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) zone diameter breakpoints. Results of isolation and characterization revealed an overall occurrence rate of 68(34.0%) bacteria consisting of a high distribution of E. coli 27(13.5%) followed by S. aureus 22 (11.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 19 (9.5%). Socio-demographic data of patients revealed that those aged 42-49 years had a high frequency of bacteria 7(70.0%) followed by those aged 34-41 years 50.0%, 18-25 years 31.1% while those aged 26-33 year had the least isolation rate of 26.3%. The occurrence of UTI was highly predominant among patients with no formal level of Education 24(64.9%) than those with formal level of education 17(26.9%). The result of antibiogram studies shows that the isolates exhibited a high percentage of resistance to colistin 100%, azetronam 100% clindamycin 100%, and tetracycline 77.3% but were 92.6%-100% susceptible to cefoxitin, imipenem and amikacin. However, with substantial evidence in this study, cefoxitin, imipenem, and amikacin as drugs of choice could be used for the treatment of UTI, and further studies should be conducted by using highly sensitive and specific techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is the technique used to make numerous copies of a specific segment of the deoxyribonucleic acid quickly and accurately, including genotypic characterization of resistant determinant in bacteria causing UTI among pregnant patients in a larger sample size.
Factors Associated with Increased Cases of Brucelosis among Patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District, Uganda
Authors: Emannuel Gutaka , Martin Odoki , Isaac Edyedu , Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Rogers Muland
Published: September 2023

Background: The government has employed numerous strategies ranging from animal vaccination, quarantines, free tests and diagnosis.

The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with increased cases of brucellosis at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital.

Methodology: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study which employed simple random sampling to select 36 patients aged 18 years and above attending at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital who consented to take part.

Results: The majority of the respondents (n=14, 38.9%) belonged to the age group of 26-30years, followed by the respondents belonged to the age group of 31 years and above 12 (n=12, 33.3%) while the interrogated persons belonged to the age group of 18-25 years were weak (n= 10; 27.8%). Majority of the respondents (n= 15; 41.7%) revealed that they were Christian-catholic. Moreover, most of these respondents (n= 19; 52.8%) revealed that they studied only secondary education meanwhile only (n=10, 27.8%) were primary leavers. These respondents belonged in the majority to Banyankole/Bakiga tribe (n= 19; 52.8%) and were married (n= 28; 77.8%). The results of this study showed that 36.1% (n= 13) of respondents lived with the incomes included between 100,000 and 150,000 Uganda shillings. They were in majority 14 (n= 14; 38.9%) at 1 – 2 kilometers to the nearest health facility meanwhile 27.8% (n= 10) of respondents were at 5 and above kilometers. Approximately 58.4% (n= 21) of respondents were agreed that there is presence of diagnostic facilities of brucellosis and 63.9 % (n= 23) of these respondents adhered to treatment of brucellosis.

Conclusion: This study showed that age, level of education, tribe, household income, property ownership, cost of treatment, distance from the health facility and poor service utilization influence increase in brucellosis cases among patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. Brucellosis places significant burdens on human healthcare systems and limits the economic potential of individuals, communities, and nations where such development is especially important to diminish the prevalence of poverty.
Socio–economic Determinants of Local Tourism Industry Development in Tanzania: A Case of Tarangire National Park, Arusha Region
Authors: Henry George Mung’ong’o  , Mziray Laurent Filbert , Pallangyo Emanuel Daud
Published: September 2023

This study was undertaken in Tarangire national park northern Tanzania looking on local tourism development as literatures shows domestic visitors is growing slowly by 20.4% in 2022 from 14.1% on 2019 comparing to international visitors which rose by 81.9% in 2022 from 40.4% in 2019 visiting various tourist destinations in Tanzania. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the perception of local community on local tourism industry and investigating the socio-economic determinants of local tourism development in order to inform the best approaches to be used as a catalyst for local tourism development in Tanzania. The study adopted a mixed research design where quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. Simple random and purposive sampling was used to select respondents for the study through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation and document review as methods used to collect data. A total of 134 respondents were involved in the study. Logistic regression was used to make analytical statistics for quantitative findings while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The findings revealed that, local visitors had a positive perception on visiting the tourist destinations of the country during their holidays for refreshment and learning new experiences on local tourism activities. The study revealed that, three out of eight socio-economic determinants which are income of the local tourist, promotion of tourist destination and accessibility of the tourist destinations are statistically significant at P< 0.05 with 95% confidence levels. Based on the findings, this study concludes that the will of local community to visit national parks is hindered by low income, low promotion coverage and poor park accessibility. Therefore, for domestic tourism to grow, the study recommends the authority to improve accessibilities whereby local tourist can get in using their own means of transport as to reduce cost of transport (hiring a tour guide truck). Also, Tanzania Tourist Board and other government agencies should strengthen its marketing strategies and dissemination of appropriate information through social Medias. Finally, the tourism stakeholders should create a mechanism that brings affordable price on tourism services especially accommodation and transport in tourist destinations of the country.
Premorbid Sociodemographic Status and Multiple Sclerosis Outcomes in a Universal Health Care Context
Authors: He Anna , Manouchehrinia Ali , Glaser Anna , Ciccarelli Olga , Butzkueven Helmut , Hillert Jan , McKay Kyla A.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) severity may be informed by premorbid sociodemographic factors.

Objective

To determine whether premorbid education, income, and marital status are associated with future MS disability and symptom severity, independent of treatment, in a universal health care context.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide observational cohort study examined data from the Swedish MS Registry linked to national population registries from 2000 to 2020. Participants included people with MS onset from 2005 to 2015 and of working age (aged 23 to 59 years) 1 year and 5 years preceding disease onset.

Exposures

Income quartile, educational attainment, and marital status measured at 1 and 5 years preceding disease onset.

Main Outcome and Measures

Repeated measures of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and patient-reported Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) scores. Models were adjusted for age, sex, relapses, disease duration, and treatment exposure. Secondary analyses further adjusted for comorbidity. All analyses were stratified by disease course (relapse onset and progressive onset).

Results

There were 4557 patients (mean [SD] age, 37.5 [9.3] years; 3136 [68.8%] female, 4195 [92.1%] relapse-onset MS) with sociodemographic data from 1-year preonset of MS. In relapse-onset MS, higher premorbid income and education correlated with lower disability (EDSS, −0.16 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.20] points) per income quartile; EDSS, −0.47 [95% CI, −0.59 to −0.35] points if tertiary educated), physical symptoms (MSIS-29 physical subscore, −14% [95% CI, −11% to −18%] per income quartile; MSIS-29 physical subscore, −43% [95% CI, −35% to −50%] if tertiary educated), and psychological symptoms (MSIS-29 psychological subscore, −12% [95% CI, −9% to −16%] per income quartile; MSIS-29 psychological subscore, −25% [95% CI, −17% to −33%] if tertiary educated). Marital separation was associated with adverse outcomes (EDSS, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.51]; MSIS-29 physical subscore, 35% [95% CI, 12% to 62%]; MSIS-29 psychological subscore, 25% [95% CI, 8% to 46%]). In progressive-onset MS, higher income correlated with lower EDSS (−0.30 [95% CI, −0.48 to −0.11] points per income quartile) whereas education correlated with lower physical (−34% [95% CI, −53% to −7%]) and psychological symptoms (−33% [95% CI, −54% to −1%]). Estimates for 5-years preonset were comparable with 1-year preonset, as were the comorbidity-adjusted findings.

Conclusions and relevance

In this cohort study of working-age adults with MS, premorbid income, education, and marital status correlated with disability and symptom severity in relapse-onset and progressive-onset MS, independent of treatment. These findings suggest that socioeconomic status may reflect both structural and individual determinants of health in MS.
Bridging the Gap: Electrode Microstructure and Interphase Characterization by Combining ToF‐SIMS and Machine Learning
Authors: Lombardo Teo , Kern Christine , Sann Joachim , Rohnke Marcus , Janek Jürgen
Published: September 2023

This article presents a new analytical methodology to analyze large (hundreds of µm) battery electrode microstructures by mapping the spatial distribution of the main phases (e.g., active material and carbon‐binder domain) and degradation products (solid‐ or cathode‐electrolyte interphase) formed during cycling. The methodology can be used for a better understanding of the relationships between electrode architecture and degradation, paving the way toward the analysis of interphases spatial distribution and their correlations to the electrode formulation, microstructure, and cycling conditions. This work is based on time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), and focuses on analyzing large 2D electrode cross‐sections at both the microstructure and single particle/agglomerate level. It also shows that this analysis can be expanded to 3D electrode microstructures when combining ToF‐SIMS and devoted machine learning procedures, which can be of particular interest to the 3D electrochemical modeling community.
N=8 Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons: Solution Synthesis and High Charge Carrier Mobility**
Authors: Yao Xuelin , Zhang Heng , Kong Fanmiao , Hinaut Antoine , Pawlak Rémy , Okuno Masanari , Graf Robert , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J. , Meyer Ernst , Bogani Lapo , Bonn Mischa , Wang Hai I. , Müllen Klaus , Narita Akimitsu
Published: September 2023

Structurally defined graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have emerged as promising candidates for nanoelectronic devices. Low band gap (<1 eV) GNRs are particularly important when considering the Schottky barrier in device performance. Here, we demonstrate the first solution synthesis of 8‐AGNRs through a carefully designed arylated polynaphthalene precursor. The efficiency of the oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of the tailor‐made polymer precursor into 8‐AGNRs was validated by FT‐IR, Raman, and UV/Vis‐near‐infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy, and further supported by the synthesis of naphtho[1,2,3,4‐ghi]perylene derivatives (1 and 2) as subunits of 8‐AGNR, with a width of 0.86 nm as suggested by the X‐ray single crystal analysis. Low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and solid‐state NMR analyses provided further structural support for 8‐AGNR. The resulting 8‐AGNR exhibited a remarkable NIR absorption extending up to ∼2400 nm, corresponding to an optical band gap as low as ∼0.52 eV. Moreover, optical‐pump TeraHertz‐probe spectroscopy revealed charge‐carrier mobility in the dc limit of ∼270 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the 8‐AGNR.
Optimizing the Relationship Between Perioperative Personnel and Infection Preventionists to Reduce Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Reese Sara M.
Published: September 2023

Prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) is a critical aspect of ensuring positive patient outcomes. One of the challenges of SSI prevention is the communication barrier between perioperative staff members and infection preventionists (IPs), which may lead to frontline staff members who are primarily responsible for infection prevention being unaware of pertinent hospital SSI data. To overcome this challenge, IPs and perioperative staff members should develop a partnership that facilitates the sharing of feedback on SSI case review data and effective key performance indicators. A partnership also can help engage perioperative staff members in quality improvement efforts and increase collaboration with IPs. Perioperative leaders should identify effective methods to improve data transparency, SSI case reviews, audit and feedback programs, and education for perioperative team members. A strong perioperative–IP partnership and increased sharing of data in accessible formats may improve engagement and interest in SSI prevention.
Measurements of visual double stars with PISCO2 at the Nice 76‐cm refractor in 2013–2014 (new data) and in 2015
Authors: Prieur J.‐L. , Gili R. , Rivet J.‐P. , Vakili F. , Scardia M. , Pansecchi L. , Argyle R. W. , Ling J. F. , Piccotti L. , Aristidi E. , Koechlin L. , Bonneau D. , Maccarini L. , Serot J.
Published: September 2023

We present relative astrometric and photometric measurements of visual double stars made in 2013–2015, with PISCO2 installed at the 76‐cm refractor of Côte d'Azur Observatory in Nice (France). Our observing list contains orbital couples as well as double stars whose motion is still uncertain. Most of the observations were done in 2015, but some other observations of wide couples were done in 2013–2014 (0.3% of the total of the observations). Three different techniques were used for obtaining measurements: lucky imaging, speckle interferometry and the direct vector autocorrelation method. From our observations of 2837 multiple stars, we obtained 5182 new measurements with angular separations in the range of 0.1–32 and an average accuracy of . The mean error on the position angles is 0°.8. Most of the position angles were determined without the usual 180° ambiguity with the application of the direct vector autocorrelation technique and/or by inspection of the Lucky images or the long integration files. We managed to routinely monitor faint systems () with large magnitude difference (up to ). We have thus been able to measure 21 systems containing red dwarf stars that had been poorly monitored since their discovery, from which we estimated the stellar masses thanks to Gaia measurements. We also measured the magnitude difference of the two components of 1079 double stars with an estimated error of 0.2 mag. Except for a few objects that are discussed, our measurements are in good agreement with the ephemerides computed with published orbital elements, even for the double stars whose separation is smaller than the diffraction limit. Thanks to good seeing images and with the use of high‐contrast numerical filters, we have also been able to obtain 196 measurements with an angular separation smaller than the diffraction limit of our instrumentation, and consistent with those obtained with larger telescopes. We also report measurements of the 164 new double stars that we found in the files obtained during the observations. Finally, from a study of the DR3 Gaia release, it is shown that all the objects of the Tycho Double Star Catalog that we did not resolve in 2015 are probably false detections by Tycho.
Highly selective production of phenolic compounds from lignin pyrolysis with the strategy of hydrogen self‐supply
Authors: Liu Chao , Xie Zhanghong , Tong Lili , Fan Yuyang , Kong Xiangchen , Xiao Rui
Published: September 2023

In this study, a sealable fixed‐bed reactor was developed to investigate the influence of gaseous products on lignin pyrolysis with a strategy of hydrogen self‐supply, and lignin pyrolysis performances at various temperatures were monitored by the comprehensive characterization of the generated products, including gas, bio‐oil and char. The results showed that the release of volatiles (both gas and bio‐oil) from lignin was strengthened in this sealable system when the temperature rose, and therefore less char was left. Meanwhile no H2 was detected under any of the operating conditions, which is a common component in pyrolysis gas from conventional reactors, indicating its participation in lignin pyrolysis. Furthermore, the formation of CO and CO2 in the employed pyrolyzer benefited from not only the thermal evolution of feedstock, but also the interactions between char residues and generated gas components. Meanwhile, because of the hydrogen self‐supply, compounds in bio‐oil were enriched and only nine species were detected, which were all phenolic compounds. Vanillic acid was dominant, and its relative content was up to 38.86% for Alcell organosolv lignin and 34.41% for soda alkali lignin. This illustrates that highly selective production of phenolic compounds from lignin pyrolysis can be achieved by self‐supplying hydrogen from pyrolysis gas.
Infectious clone of a contemporary Tembusu virus and replicons expressing reporter genes or heterologous antigens from poultry viruses
Authors: Comes Jerome D. G. , Poniman Meliawati , van Oosten Linda , Doets Kristel , de Cloe Sjoerd , Geertsema Corinne , Pijlman Gorben P.
Published: September 2023

The novel mosquito‐borne Tembusu virus (TMUV, family Flaviviridae) was discovered as the cause of a severe outbreak of egg‐drop syndrome affecting ducks in Southeast Asia in 2010. TMUV infection can also lead to high mortality in various additional avian species such as geese, pigeons, and chickens. This study describes the construction of an infectious cDNA clone of a contemporary duck‐isolate (TMUV WU2016). The virus recovered after transfection of BHK‐21 cells shows enhanced virus replication compared to the mosquito‐derived MM1775 strain. Next, the WU2016 cDNA clone was modified to create a SP6 promoter‐driven, self‐amplifying mRNA (replicon) capable of expressing a range of different reporter genes (Renilla luciferase, mScarlet, mCherry, and GFP) and viral (glyco)proteins of avian influenza virus (AIV; family Orthomyxoviridae), infectious bursal disease virus (IDBV; family Bunyaviridae) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV; family Coronaviridae). The current study demonstrates the flexibility of the TMUV replicon system, to produce different heterologous proteins over an extended period of time and its potential use as a platform technology for novel poultry vaccines.
Mature teratoma of conus medullaris: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Eslami Masoud , Ilaghi Mehran , Shahabinejad Erfan , Khajepour Forouzande , Karamouzian Saeed , Reihani‐Kermani Hamed
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

In conus medullaris, mature teratomas are rare. We report a case of a 40‐year‐old man who presented with urinary incontinence, low back pain, and muscle weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in conus medullaris (T11–L1), further confirmed as a mature teratoma by pathological examination. We identified 63 cases of conus medullaris teratoma over the past two decades by systematically analyzing the case reports. Findings demonstrated that most cases were diagnosed in the fourth decade of life, with the majority of cases (57.6%) being male. Lower back pain, radiating pain in the extremities, hypoesthesia, and urinary dysfunction are the most common clinical presentations among patients with teratoma of conus medullaris. Mature teratoma is the dominant pathologic subtype of teratomas in this region, comprising more than 95% of cases. Our case highlights the importance of considering spinal teratoma as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with urinary incontinence and lumbar pain.
Angiomyofibroblastoma as a rare cause of vulvar mass: A case report and literature review
Authors: Einafshar Negar , Shari’at Moghani Mahta , Radboy Mahsa , Zandbaf Tooraj
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a benign soft tissue tumor and a form of genital stromal mesenchymal tumor that primarily affects the vulva. It could possibly affect the reproductive‐aged women's lower genital tract (vagina).

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a rare benign soft tissue tumor primarily affecting the vulva in reproductive‐aged women. We report a 67‐year‐old female complaining of a painless mass in her right vulva spreading to the right inguinal region over the past 2 years. The first clinical impression was a canal of Nuck hernia, diagnostic laparoscopy was planned to rule hernia out. The vulvar mass was excised, and a histopathology examination revealed Angiomyofibroblastoma.
Why DFT‐Based Tight Binding Gives a Better Representation of the Potential at Metal‐Solution Interfaces than DFT Does
Authors: Quaino Paola , Nuñez José Luis , Aradi Bálint , van der Heide Tammo , Santos Elizabeth , Schmickler Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

In modelling electrochemical interfaces it is important to treat electrode and electrolyte at the same level of theory. Density functional theory, which is usually the method of choice, suffers from a distinct disadvantage: The inner potential is calculated as the average of the total electrostatic potential. This includes the highly localized potential generated from the nuclei. The resulting inner potential is far too high, of the order of 3.5 V, and not relevant for electrochemistry. In the density functional based tight binding (DFTB) method the electrostatic potential is much smoother, as it stems from atomic charge fluctuations with respect to neutral reference atoms. The resulting values for the electrochemical inner potential are much lower and compare well with those obtained by other, elaborate methods. Thus DFTB recommends itself as a method for treating the electrochemical interface including the inner potential.
Fluorescence Enhancement of Adamantane‐Modified Dyes in Aqueous Solution via Supramolecular Interaction with Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and Their Application in Cell Imaging
Authors: Liu Hong‐Jiao , Zhang Gang , Xu Yu‐Jie , Sun Ru , Ge Jian‐Feng
Published: September 2023

The fluorescence of functional dyes was generally quenched in aqueous solution, which hindered their application in water‐bearing detections. In this work, a novel strategy based on host‐guest interaction was provided for the purpose of fluorescence enhancement in aqueous solution and cell imaging. Three adamantane‐modified fluorescent dyes (Coum‐Ad, NP‐Ad, NR‐Ad) with coumarin, 1,8‐naphthalimide and Nile Red as fluorophores were initially designed and prepared. The ((adamantan‐1‐yl)methyl)amino group, as the auxochrome of those dyes, complexed with methylated β‐cyclodextrin (M‐β‐CD) via supramolecular interaction, and then fluorescent supramolecular nanoparticles (FSNPs) were formed by self‐assembly in water. The inclusion equilibrium constant (K) could be as high as 3.94×104 M−1. With the addition of M‐β‐CD, fluorescence quantum yields of these dyes were separately improved to 69.8 %, 32.9 % and 41.3 %. Inspired by the above satisfactory results, six adamantane‐modified probes organelle‐NPAds with organelle‐targeting capability were further obtained. As the formation of hydrogen bonds between organelle‐NPAd2 and M‐β‐CD verified by theoretical calculation, K of organelle‐NPAd2 (5.13×104 M−1~4.53×105 M−1) with M‐β‐CD was higher than that of organelle‐NPAd1 (1.15×104 M−1~3.66×104 M−1) and their fluorescence quantum yields increased to 32.8 %~83.6 % in aqueous solution. In addition, fluorescence enhancement was realized in cell imaging with the addition of M‐β‐CD.
Construction and Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of a Supramolecular Metal–Carbene Complex with Multifunctional Units
Authors: Zhang Zi‐En , An Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Fang , Li Hui‐Ling , Jiang Wei‐Ling , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: September 2023

Hierarchical combinations involving metal–ligand interactions and host−guest interactions can consolidate building blocks with unique functions into material properties. This study reports the construction and hierarchical self‐assembly of multifunctional trinuclear AuI tricarbene complex containing three crown ether units and three ferrocene units. Host−guest interactions between the multifunctional trinuclear AuI tricarbene complex and organic ammonium salts were investigated, revealing that crown ether‐based host−guest interactions can effectively regulate the electrochemical properties of the complex. Utilizing bisammonium salt as the cross‐linker and multifunctional trinuclear AuI tricarbene complex as the core, a stimuli‐responsive and self‐healing supramolecular gel with different functional units was obtained.
Development and validation of a novel TNM staging N‐classification of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Almeida John R. , Su Jie Susie , Kolarski Mirko Manojlovic , Truong Tra , Weinreb Ilan , Perez‐Ordonez Bayardo , Smith Stephen M. , Hosni Ali , Patel Snehal , Valero Cristina , Xu Bin , Ghossein Ronald , Katabi Nora , Clark Jonathan , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , Gupta Ruta , Graboyes Evan M. , Davies Joel , Richardson Mary , Pasham Vishu , Jester Rachel , Goldstein David P. , Huang Shao Hui , Xu Wei , O’Sullivan Brian
Published: September 2023

Background

For oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), extent of extranodal extension (ENE) (minor, ≤2 mm; major, >2 mm) is differentially prognostic, whereas limitations exist with the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer TNM N‐classification (TNM‐8‐N).

Methods

Resected OSCC patients at four centers were included and extent of ENE was recorded. Thresholds for optimal overall survival (OS) discrimination of lymph node (LN) features were established. After dividing into training and validation sets, two new N‐classifications were created using 1) recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), and 2) adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and were ranked against TNM‐8‐N and two published proposals.

Results

A total of 1460 patients were included (pN0: 696; pN+: 764). Of the pN+ cases, 135 (18%) had bilateral/contralateral LNs; 126 (17%) and 244 (32%) had minor and major ENE, and two (0.3%) had LN(s) >6 cm without ENE (N3a). LN number (1 and >1 vs. 0: aHRs, 1.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.44–2.55] and 3.21 [95% CI, 2.44–4.22]), size (>3 vs. ≤3 cm: aHR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.44–2.45]), and ENE extent (major vs. minor: aHR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.05–1.87]) were associated with OS, whereas presence of contralateral LNs was not (aHR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.81–1.36]). The aHR proposal provided optimal performance with these changes to TNM‐8‐N: 1) stratification of ENE extent, 2) elimination of N2c and 6‐cm threshold, and 3) stratification of N2b by 3 cm threshold.

Conclusion

A new N‐classification improved staging performance compared to TNM‐8‐N, by stratifying by ENE extent, eliminating the old N2c category and the 6 cm threshold, and by stratifying multiple nodes by size.
Meta‐analysis of sex and racial subgroup participation rates and differential treatment effects for trials in solid tumor malignancies leading to US Food and Drug Administration registration between 2010 and 2021
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Nadler Michelle B. , Desnoyers Alexandra , Booth Christopher M. , Amir Eitan
Published: September 2023

Background

The lack of sociodemographic diversity in clinical trials limits the generalizability of results. The authors examined participation rates and effect modification by sex and race in oncology trials.

Methods

The authors extracted outcome data stratified by sex and race for registration trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval (2010–2021). Effect modification by race and sex was examined using quantitative and qualitative methods. A random‐effects meta‐analysis and pairwise comparison of progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes was conducted by sex and race.

Results

Ninety‐five trials with 123 end points and 54,365 patients provided information on sex. Trial patients were more often male (n = 35,482; 65% vs. 56% male patients in US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] data), although the proportion of male patients was similar after adjusting by tumor type (60% in FDA data vs. 58% in SEER data). There was no difference in pooled outcomes among male versus female patients (PFS: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.07; p = .89; OS: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–1.07; p = .90). In total, 111 trials including 74,217 patients provided information on race, and 68% of patients identified as White, compared with 72.3% in US SEER incidence data. Black patients were under‐represented compared with US SEER incidence data, although ethnicity was poorly reported throughout the data set. In the authors' network meta‐analysis by race, there were no statistically significant differences in PFS or OS outcomes.

Conclusions

No significant differences in PFS or OS outcomes were identified when the analyses were stratified by sex or race. Certain racial minorities remain under‐represented, and clearer reporting of race and ethnicity is needed. Representation of female patients in FDA trials is similar to that in SEER data after adjusting for tumor type.
Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte transfusion in a patient with treatment refractory triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Jacover Arielle , Zarbiv Yonaton , Tal Keidar Haran , Klein Shira , Breuer Shani , Durst Ronen , Avni Batia , Grisariu Sigal , Stepensky Polina , Lotem Michal , Maimon Ofra , Yablonski‐Peretz Tamar
Published: September 2023

Background

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that is treated with chemotherapy. Recently, programmed death 1 (PD1) inhibition, as well as antibody‐drug conjugates, have been added to the available treatment regimen, yet metastatic disease is fatal. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been well described in melanoma, but less data is available on other solid malignancies.

Case

Herein, we present a case of a 31‐year‐old patient diagnosed with Breast Cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) positive, TNBC. The patient's disease rapidly progressed while under standard treatment protocols. As a result, additional genetic testing of the tumor was carried out and revealed loss of BRCA1 heterozygosity, a double Tumor Protein 53 (TP53) mutation, and MYC amplification. Due to resistance to conventional therapy, an experimental approach was attempted using tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in November 2021 at Hadassah University Medical Center. While receiving this treatment, the patient exhibited a reported subjective clinical improvement including a month spent out of the hospital. However, the final result, presumably due to Interleukin 2 (IL‐2) toxicity, was the patient's passing.

Conclusion

This case is unique and peculiar regarding the treatment modality chosen, due to the extremely refractory disease the patient suffered from. After standard therapies rapidly failed, adoptive cell therapy was attempted with the infusion of TILs. This treatment has been shown effective in melanoma, however, there is an extreme paucity of data on other solid tumors, including TNBC. Although the patient ultimately demised presumably due to treatment side effects, brief clinical benefit was apparent. Further studies are warranted.
Quantum secret sharing protocol through noisy channel with application in visual cryptography
Authors: Rathi Deepa , Kumar Sanjeev , Musanna Farhan , Singh Deepak
Published: September 2023

This study presents a quantum secret sharing (QSS) protocol designed using Grover's search algorithm in a noisy environment. The proposed protocol utilizes Grover's three‐particle quantum state. The proposed scheme is divided into secret information sharing and eavesdropping checking. The dealer prepares an encoded state by encoding the classical information as a marked state and shares the states' qubits between three participants. Using the amplitude‐damping noise and the phase‐damping noise as conventional noisy channels, it can be demonstrated that secret information can be conveyed between participants with some information lost. The security analysis shows the scheme is stringent against malicious participants or eavesdroppers. The simulation analysis is done on the cloud platform IBM‐QE thereby showing the practical feasibility of the scheme. Finally, an application of the proposed scheme is demonstrated in visual cryptography using the GNEQR representation of images.
In Situ DRIFTS Analysis during Hydrogenation of 1‐Pentyne and Olefin Purification with Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Cordoba Misael , Garcia Lina , Badano Juan , Betti Carolina , Coloma‐Pascual Fernando , Quiroga Mónica , Lederhos Cecilia
Published: September 2023

The catalytic performance of nanoparticles (NPs) of Ag anchored on different supports was evaluated during the selective hydrogenation of 1‐pentyne and the purification of a mixture of 1‐pentene/1‐pentyne (70/30 vol %). The catalysts were identified: Ag/Al (Ag supported on ɣ‐Al2O3), Ag/Al−Mg (Ag supported on ɣ‐Al2O3 modified with Mg), Ag/Ca (Ag supported on CaCO3) and Ag/RX3 (Ag supported on activated carbon‐type: RX3). In addition, in situ DRIFTS analysis of 1‐pentyne adsorption on each support, catalyst, and 1‐pentyne hydrogenation were investigated. The results showed that the synthesized catalysts were active and very selective (≥85 %) for obtaining the desired product (1‐pentene). Different adsorbed species (−C≡C− and −C=C−) were observed on the supports and catalysts surface using in situ DRIFT analysis, which can be correlated to the activity and high selectivity reached. The role of the supports and electronic properties over Ag improve the H2 dissociative chemisorption during the hydrogenation reactions; promoting the selectivity and the high catalytic performance. Ag/Al and Ag/Al−Mg were the most active catalysts. This was due to the synergism between the active Ag/Ag+ species and the supports (electronic effects). The results show that Ag/Al and Ag/Al−Mg catalysts have favorable properties and are promising for the alkyne hydrogenation and olefin purification reactions.
Return on investment of the International Potato Center–led seed system interventions in Malawi
Authors: Feukeng Florette Tsuanyo , Otieno David Jakinda , Rajendran Srinivasulu , Demo Paul , Parker Monica
Published: September 2023

With declining funding in agricultural research and development coupled with tremendous pressure from different stakeholders, it is now essential for research institutes to demonstrate the return on investments (RoIs) in projects that they implement. In response to the above need, this study evaluated the RoI of seed sector interventions implemented by the International Potato Center in Malawi with the financial support of 3.425 million euros from Irish Aid, from 2007 to 2017. The project interventions evaluated in this study were seed selection, seed multiplication technologies, and potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties. The study used the economic surplus model to measure monetary benefits realized by the project, while a cost–benefit analysis was employed to estimate the RoI. Results revealed positive returns on donors’ investments over the project's lifespan. The net project worth was estimated at $66.6 million when net benefits are discounted by 6% and $71.8 million when net benefits are discounted by 12% over 23 years project benefit lifespan (2007–2030). The basic RoI found a $6 to $8 return considering a 6% and 12% discount rate, respectively, for every dollar invested. Despite these positive results, further investments are needed in the seed production system for the early seed generations. Effective regulatory interventions on seed quality assurance and continuous awareness creation efforts are required to encourage farmers to use the best seed production methods.
Reactivity Studies of Cyclic Alkyl(Amino) Carbene (cAAC)‐Supported Phosphinidenide with AuCl
Authors: Nag Ekta , Francis Maria , Roy Sudipta
Published: September 2023

A neutral octa‐nuclear AuI‐cluster (2) with molecular formula [(Cy‐cAACPAu)4(AuCl)4] [Cy‐cAAC=:C(N‐2,6‐iPr2C6H3)(C6H10)(CMe2)(CH2)] has been isolated, and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. 2 has been further studied by NMR and ESI‐MS. The μ3‐P bridged AuI‐cluster 2 possesses a C2 axis that passes through the two Au atoms positioned oppositely of the central AuI4P4 core, and two carbene‐P chromophores. The emission spectrum of 2 exhibited a broad band with λem at 720 nm, and an average lifetime of 3.36 ns when excited at 388 nm in solid state at room temperature. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies revealed that 2 can undergo reversible one‐electron oxidation at 0.76 V. The electronic transition in 2 has been further studied by computational methods.
Using a Bayesian Network Model to Predict Risk of Pesticides on Aquatic Community Endpoints in a Rice Field—A Southern European Case Study
Authors: Mentzel Sophie , Martínez-Megías Claudia , Grung Merete , Rico Andreu , Tollefsen Knut Erik , Van den Brink Paul J. , Moe S. Jannicke
Published: September 2023

Bayesian network (BN) models are increasingly used as tools to support probabilistic environmental risk assessments (ERAs), because they can better account for uncertainty compared with the simpler approaches commonly used in traditional ERA. We used BNs as metamodels to link various sources of information in a probabilistic framework, to predict the risk of pesticides to aquatic communities under given scenarios. The research focused on rice fields surrounding the Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain), and considered three selected pesticides: acetamiprid (an insecticide), 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA; a herbicide), and azoxystrobin (a fungicide). The developed BN linked the inputs and outputs of two pesticide models: a process-based exposure model (Rice Water Quality [RICEWQ]), and a probabilistic effects model (Predicts the Ecological Risk of Pesticides [PERPEST]) using case-based reasoning with data from microcosm and mesocosm experiments. The model characterized risk at three levels in a hierarchy: biological endpoints (e.g., molluscs, zooplankton, insects, etc.), endpoint groups (plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and community processes), and community. The pesticide risk to a biological endpoint was characterized as the probability of an effect for a given pesticide concentration interval. The risk to an endpoint group was calculated as the joint probability of effect on any of the endpoints in the group. Likewise, community-level risk was calculated as the joint probability of any of the endpoint groups being affected. This approach enabled comparison of risk to endpoint groups across different pesticide types. For example, in a scenario for the year 2050, the predicted risk of the insecticide to the community (40% probability of effect) was dominated by the risk to invertebrates (36% risk). In contrast, herbicide-related risk to the community (63%) resulted from risk to both plants (35%) and invertebrates (38%); the latter might represent (in the present study) indirect effects of toxicity through the food chain. This novel approach combines the quantification of spatial variability of exposure with probabilistic risk prediction for different components of aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:182–196. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
UASN‐3D: An energy efficient localization based on LEACH‐BR algorithm (EELBL‐BR)
Authors: Yadav Nishi , Khilar Pabitra Mohan
Published: September 2023

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASN) research is gaining popularity as it has various applications such as military communication, oil rig maintenance, animal survival, linking submarines to land, gathering data for water monitoring, and other commercial fields. The two most critical requirements for the application's proper operation are the accurate knowledge of sensor node locations and the efficient transmission of accurate underwater sensor node information to the base station with efficient energy consumption. The proposed energy efficient localization based on the LEACH‐beacon and reinforced node (EELBL‐BR) algorithm satisfies both the requirements in 3D‐UASN. The proposed algorithm considers the deployment and computation of accurate location of sensor nodes in the underwater environment by applying I‐LASP (improvement of localization algorithm for compensating stratification effect based on extended improved particle swarm optimization technique) (Yadav N, Khilar PM. Trans Emerg Telecommun Technol. 2023;34:e4772.) for 3D environment. It performs clustering of sensor nodes for enhancing network lifetime using three different types of nodes such as beacon, reinforced, and member nodes. The proposed clustering LEACH‐BR (low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy‐beacon and reinforced nodes) algorithm is based upon the LEACH algorithm which provides accurate location of all the sensor nodes, improves energy consumption and reliability in the underwater environment. The result shows that the proposed algorithm EELBL‐BR, considering both beacon and reinforced nodes, provides the improvement in the number of alive nodes, reduction in the number of dead nodes, reduction in energy consumption and enhances residual energy in the UASN by 68.90%, 51.91%, 51.47%, and 68.12% respectively with respect to the number of rounds as compared to that of the existing algorithm by Rizvi et al. (Wirel Pers Commun. 2022;124(4):3725–3741.) and thus outperforms the existing algorithm (Rizvi HH, Khan SA, Enam RN. Wirel Pers Commun. 2022;124(4):3725–3741.).