bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization behavior analysis and reducing thermal shrinkage of poly(lactic acid) miscibilized with poly(butylene succinate) film for food packaging
Authors: Jariyasakoolroj Piyawanee , Makyarm Kanyanut , Klairasamee Kanyapat , Sane Amporn , Jarupan Lerpong
Published: April 2023

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) incorporated with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) through in situ reactive blending is proposed to retard thermal shrinkage. Succinic anhydride (SA) with varied contents (0.01–0.5 phr) was used as a reactive compatibilizer to enhance miscibility between PLA and PBS phases. The success of PLA chemically bound with PBS chains through simple esterification to form PLA‐SA‐PBS phase is confirmed and quantified using an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique. The binding energy intensity ratio of ester and hydrocarbon in the PLA/PBS/SA blend with 0.5 phr SA increases for two‐fold, as compared to the PLA/PBS blend. The good interfacial adhesion of PLA and PBS phases is achievable with SA content up to 0.1 phr. In addition, the PLA‐SA‐PBS molecules preferentially support crystallization of PBS phase with increased degree of crystallinity (Xc,PBS) by ~15%. These enhanced homogeneity of PLA/PBS/SA blend and high Xc,PBS trigger the increased tensile strength to 50 MPa, and substantially reduced oxygen permeation coefficient approximately 10 times. Remarkably, the interpenetration of PLA‐SA‐PBS phase in amorphous PLA region coexisting with uniformly dispersed PBS crystals inhibits the PLA chain relaxation and deformation at elevated temperatures, leading to maintaining dimensional stability of PLA/PBS/SA films without shrinkage at 100°C.
Review of β‐carboline and its derivatives as selective MAO‐A inhibitors
Authors: Benny Feba , Kumar Sunil , Jayan Jayalakshmi , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Kumar Ashok , Manoharan Amritha , Susan Reshma , Sudevan Sachithra T. , Mathew Bijo
Published: April 2023

As flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)‐dependent enzymes, monoamine oxidases (MAOs) catalyze the oxidative deamination of various endogenous and exogenous amines. MAO‐A inhibitors are thought to be effective therapeutic agents for treating neurological diseases including depression and anxiety. Due to the academic challenge of developing new human (h) MAO‐A inhibitors and the potential for discovering substances with remarkable properties compared to existing MAO‐A inhibitors, numerous research groups are looking into novel classes of chemical compounds that may function as selective hMAO‐A inhibitors. β‐Carbolines are reported to be a prominent class of bioactive molecules exhibiting MAO‐A inhibition. Chemically, β‐carboline is a tricyclic pyrido‐3,4‐indole ring. It has only recently been discovered that this chemotype has highly effective and specific MAO‐A inhibitory activity. In this review, structure–activity relationship studies included in particular research publications from the 1960s to the present are discussed with regard to β‐carboline and its analogs. This comprehensive information helps to design and develop a new family of MAO‐A inhibitors for the management of depressive disorders.
Deep learning models for inflation forecasting
Authors: Theoharidis Alexandre Fernandes , Guillén Diogo Abry , Lopes Hedibert
Published: April 2023

We propose a hybrid deep learning model that merges Variational Autoencoders and Convolutional LSTM Networks (VAE‐ConvLSTM) to forecast inflation. Using a public macroeconomic database that comprises 134 monthly US time series from January 1978 to December 2019, the proposed model is compared against several popular econometric and machine learning benchmarks, including Ridge regression, LASSO regression, Random Forests, Bayesian methods, VECM, and multilayer perceptron. We find that VAE‐ConvLSTM outperforms the competing models in terms of consistency and out‐of‐sample performance. The robustness of such conclusion is ensured via cross‐validation and Monte‐Carlo simulations using different training, validation, and test samples. Our results suggest that macroeconomic forecasting could take advantage of deep learning models when tackling nonlinearities and nonstationarity, potentially delivering superior performance in comparison to traditional econometric approaches based on linear, stationary models.
An idea to explore: Augmented reality and LEGO® brick modeling in the biochemistry and cell biology classroom‐two tactile ways to teach biomolecular structure—Function
Authors: Agrawal Swati , Austin Shane
Published: April 2023

We present here two accessible ways for enhanced understanding of complex biological structures and their function in undergraduate Biology and Biochemistry classrooms. These methods can be applied for in‐class instruction as well as for remote lessons, as they are cheap, easily available and easy to implement. LEGO® bricks and MERGE CUBE based augmented reality can be applied to make three‐dimensional representation for any structure available on PDB. We envisage these techniques to be useful for students when visualizing simple stereochemical problems or complex pathway interactions.
The COVID‐19 Pandemic's impact on sustainability and expansion of a Pediatric Early Warning System in resource‐limited hospitals
Authors: Wiphatphumiprates Parima P. , Graetz Dylan E. , Ferrara Gia , Puerto‐Torres Maria , Gillipelli Srinithya R. , Elish Paul , Muniz‐Talavera Hilmarie , Gonzalez‐Ruiz Alejandra , Armenta Miriam , Barra Camila , Carpio Zulma , Hernandez Cinthia , Juarez Susana , de Jesus Loeza Jose , Mendez Alejandra , Montalvo Erika , Penafiel Eulalia , Pineda Estuardo , McKay Virginia , Agulnik Asya
Published: April 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted healthcare delivery worldwide, including pediatric cancer care, with a disproportionate effect in resource‐limited settings. This study evaluates its impact on existing quality improvement (QI) programs.

Methods

We conducted 71 semi‐structured interviews of key stakeholders at five resource‐limited pediatric oncology centers participating in a collaborative to implement Pediatric Early Warning System (PEWS). Interviews were conducted virtually using a structured interview guide, recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Two coders developed a codebook of a priori and inductive codes and independently coded all transcripts, achieving a kappa of 0.8–0.9. Thematic analysis explored the impact of the pandemic on PEWS.

Results

All hospitals reported limitations in material resources, reduction in staffing, and impacts on patient care due to the pandemic. However, the impact on PEWS varied across centers. Identified factors that promoted or limited ongoing PEWS use included the availability of material resources needed for PEWS, staff turnover, PEWS training for staff, and the willingness of staff and hospital leaders to prioritize PEWS. Consequently, some hospitals were able to sustain PEWS; others halted or reduced PEWS use to prioritize other work. Similarly, the pandemic delayed plans at all hospitals to expand PEWS to other units. Several participants were hopeful for future expansion of PEWS post‐pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic created challenges for sustainability and scale of PEWS, an ongoing QI program, in these resource‐limited pediatric oncology centers. Several factors mitigated these challenges and promoted ongoing PEWS use. These results can guide strategies to sustain effective QI interventions during future health crises.
Pharmacological therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Duan Ruirui , Li Baicun , Yang Ting
Published: April 2023

In recent years, emphasis has shifted from preventing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to early prevention, early treatment, and disease stabilization, with the main goal of improving patients’ quality of life and reducing the frequency of acute exacerbations. This review summarizes pharmacological therapies for stable COPD.
Direct C−H Arylation of Dithiophene‐Tetrathiafulvalene: Tuneable Electronic Properties and 2D Self‐Assembled Molecular Networks at the Solid/Liquid Interface**
Authors: Ribeiro Catarina , Valente Gonçalo , Espinosa Miguel , Silva Rafaela A. L. , Belo Dulce , Gil‐Guerrero Sara , Arisnabarreta Nicolás , Mali Kunal S. , De Feyter Steven , Melle‐Franco Manuel , Souto Manuel
Published: April 2023

Tetrathiafulvalene is among the best known building blocks in molecular electronics due to its outstanding electron‐donating and redox properties. Among its derivatives, dithiophene‐tetrathiafulvalene (DT‐TTF) has attracted considerable interest in organic electronics, owing to its high field‐effect mobility. Herein, we report the direct C−H arylation of DT‐TTF to synthesise mono‐ and tetraarylated derivatives functionalised with electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups in order to evaluate their influence on the electronic properties by cyclic voltammetry, UV‐vis spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Self‐assembly of the DT‐TTF‐tetrabenzoic acid derivative was studied by using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) which revealed the formation of ordered, densely packed 2D hydrogen‐bonded networks at the graphite/liquid interface. The tetrabenzoic acid derivative can attain a planar geometry on the graphite surface due to van der Waals interactions with the surface and H‐bonding with neighbouring molecules. This study demonstrates a simple method for the synthesis of arylated DT‐TTF derivatives towards the design and construction of novel π‐extended electroactive frameworks.
Co2+ Doped Biotinylated Carbon Dot: A Theranostic Agent for Target Specific Killing of Cancer Cells via Hypoxia Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Chowdhury Monalisa , Pal Sudeshna , Ghosh Aparajita , Kumar Das Prasanta
Published: April 2023

Conventional cancer treatments have systematic side effects that stand against its desirable therapeutic efficacy. Alternative strategies using biochemical features of cancer cells to promote apoptosis are finding notable significance. One such important biochemical feature of malignant cells is hypoxia, alteration of which can lead to cell death. Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) has the key role in hypoxia generation. Herein, we synthesized biotinylated Co2+‐integrated carbon dot (CoCDb) that specifically diagnose and selectively killed cancer cells with 3–3.1‐fold higher efficiency over non‐cancer cells by hypoxia induced apoptosis in absence of traditional therapeutic intervention. Immunoblotting assay in CoCDb treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells confirmed the increased expression of HIF‐1α that was responsible for efficient killing of cancer cells. In 2D cells and 3D tumor spheroid, CoCDb treated cancer cells showed significant apoptosis that make CoCDb a potential theranostic agent.
Optimum design of morphing flaps for improving horizontal axis wind turbine performance
Authors: Najafian Arezoo , Jahangirian Alireza
Published: April 2023

This study presents a conceptual design of optimum deformable blades as a function of wind speed. In this design, at any speed of wind flow, the blade sections have their optimal shape. Accordingly, the wind turbine performance will increase at different speeds. The WindPACT 1.5‐MW wind turbine is used as the base turbine, which has three different sections at the root, middle, and tip of the blade. The proposed deformation method, due to its simplicity, is suitable for the use of actuators. Different deflection angles are obtained at various wind speeds for each section through a controllable flap deformation method. The blade element momentum theory is used to calculate the performance of the morphing flaps. The results of this design are then validated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using three‐dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations together with the k–w turbulence model. The CFD results show that using optimum flap angles between 2° and 8° in the root, middle, and tip parts of the blade leads to a promising power increase of about 1.2%, 3.7%, and 13.5% at wind speeds of 4, 8, and 11.5 m/s.
Grid‐Scale Electric Energy Storage in a Net‐Zero Emissions Energy System
Authors: Zeitler Elizabeth L.
Published: April 2023

The electric system in the US is expected to become larger and more pervasive as the existing energy system transitions to net‐zero emissions, alongside a transition to new forms of generation that are less dispatchable, being governed by the temporal and spatial variability of renewable energy. In addition to decarbonization drivers of change in the electric system, there are also likely to be increases in grid‐edge generation and energy management, efforts to reduce energy injustice, and global developments in innovation and trade. In this context, electricity storage for the electric grid, commercial and residential buildings, industrial facilities, and vehicles will increase to manage meeting electricity demand with supply. This article examines the technologies that may play a role in grid‐scale energy storage in the US energy system.
Catastrophic health‐care payments and multidimensional poverty: Are they related?
Authors: Pinilla‐Roncancio Mónica , Amaya‐Lara Jeannette Liliana , Cedeño‐Ocampo Gustavo , Rodríguez‐Lesmes Paul , Sepúlveda Carlos
Published: April 2023

The negative impact of health‐related out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments is a well‐known problem in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Cross‐sectional analysis reveals that households use different coping mechanisms to mitigate or overcome the effect of OOP payments, but little is known from a longitudinal perspective. We explore this link using panel data for Colombia, Mexico, India, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania. Using a fixed‐effect model, we computed the association between multidimensional poverty (MP) and facing catastrophic health payments (CHP) using a capacity‐to‐pay approach. We estimated different heterogeneous effects, including variables such as area of residence, facing CHP, being poor in the first wave, and facing CHP in period two. While using cross‐sectional data, we found that the association between CHP and MP is present for six of the seven countries; it is not the case for the time variation in most of them. The results provide evidence that OOP induce a long‐term impact on MP only in Colombia, India and Nigeria. In the last two countries, the levels of poverty and CHP were the highest of all seven, and the association between both situations was found by using different poverty cutoffs and thresholds to define CHP.
Immunomagnetic‐bead enriched culturomics (IMBEC) for isolating pathobionts from feces of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Huang Ziran , Chang Yuxiao , Hao Kun , Tan Yafang , Ding Lei , Wang Likun , Wang Zhen , Pan Zhiyuan , Gao Hong , Wu Jiahong , Zhu Yubing , Gao Qi , Bi Yujing , Yang Ruifu
Published: April 2023

Culturomics employs various cultivating conditions to obtain different types of bacteria and new species. However, current culturomics lacks a highly efficient method for isolating specific pathobionts. Immunomagnetic bead technology, which uses magnetic beads conjugated with antibodies for capturing the antigen to realize enrichment of the targets, has been employed as an alternative method. In this study, we developed a novel method, immunomagnetic bead‐enriched culturomics (IMBEC), in which magnetic bead‐conjugated antibodies purified from the fecal samples of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) were used to enrich and isolate potential pathobionts. A protocol for enriching potential pathobionts via immunomagnetic capture was developed by optimizing the concentrations of coupling reagents, NaCl, and detergent. The efficacy of pathobiont enrichment was compared between antibody‐coated magnetic beads (antibody group) and nonconjugated blank magnetic beads (blank group). To determine the proinflammatory potential of isolates from both groups, we investigated their ability to induce cytokine production in THP‐1 macrophages. This protocol was employed for isolating bacteria from 10 fecal samples of patients with CRC, which were simultaneously compared with those isolated from the blank group. A total of 209 bacterial species were isolated from both groups, including 173 from the antibody group, 160 from the blank group, and 124 from both groups. Bacteria isolated from the antibody group produced more proinflammatory cytokines than those isolated from the blank group. IMBEC is a promising method for relatively specific isolation of potential pathobionts for a particular disease of interest.
“One Belt One Road” and women development
Authors: Zhu Mingying , Hu Zhiren
Published: April 2023

Women have become “the source of prosperity and vitality” through their active participation in national economic development. This paper provides the first study to explore the impact of the “One Belt One Road” initiative (Belt and Road Initiative [BRI]) on women's development, which is mainly indicated by gender inequality index (GII). We adopt the difference‐in‐difference method for Asia–Europe regions from 2010 to 2019, and the propensity score matching method is further supplemented for refining the control group. The result suggests a robust negative effect of the BRI on gender inequality, and the decrease in GII caused by the BRI accounts for 33.01%. In addition, a deeper analysis is performed on subindices from multiple dimensions. We find that there has been a significant decrease in maternal mortality due to the policy. Besides, the female population has a larger increase in secondary education compared with men. Moreover, a clear labour shift has been found from family and agricultural labour to high‐value‐added industries and services. The BRI also helps improve the unfavourable condition in backward countries, which is conducive to narrowing the gap in women's development among countries along the route.
Development of serum substitute medium for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Ansari Sana , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra
Published: April 2023

In tissue engineering, cells are grown often on scaffolds and subjected to chemical/mechanical stimuli. Most such cultures still use fetal bovine serum (FBS) despite its known disadvantages including ethical concerns, safety issues, and variability in composition, which greatly influences the experimental outcomes. To overcome the disadvantages of using FBS, chemically defined serum substitute medium needs to be developed. Development of such medium depends on cell type and application—which makes it impossible to define one universal serum substitute medium for all cells in any application. Here, we developed a serum substitute medium for bone tissue engineering (BTE) in a step‐by‐step process. Essential components were added to the medium while human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs, osteoblast progenitor cells) were cultured in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional substrates. In a 3‐week culture, the developed serum substitute medium worked equally well as FBS containing medium in term of cell attachment to the substrate, cell survival, osteoblast differentiation, and deposition of extracellular matrix. In the next step, the use of serum substitute medium was evaluated when culturing cells under mechanical loading in the form of shear stress. The outcomes showed that the application of shear stress is essential to improve extracellular matrix formation while using serum substitute medium. The developed serum substitute medium could pave the way in replacing FBS for BTE studies eliminating the use of controversial FBS and providing a better‐defined chemical environment for BTE studies.
Anatomical and histochemical characterization of Syzygium travancoricum Gamble (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Smitha P. S. , Anto P. V.
Published: April 2023

Syzygium travancoricum Gamble popularly known as “Kulavettimaram” or “Kulirmaavu” is a least explored endemic endangered taxa of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala. The species is often misidentified due to its close resemblance with allied species and no other studies have been reported on the anatomical and histochemical characters of this species. This article aims to evaluate the anatomical and histochemical characteristics of various vegetative parts of S. travancoricum. Anatomical and histochemical characters of bark, stem, and leaf were analyzed using standard microscopic and histochemical procedures. S. travancoricum possessed distinct anatomical characters such as, paracytic stomata, arc shaped midrib vasculature, continuous sclerenchymatous sheath around the midrib vascular region, single layer of adaxial palisade layer, presence of druses, and quadrangular cross section contour of stem which could be combined with additional morphological and phytochemical characteristics, relevant for species identification. The bark showed the presence of lignified cells, isolated groups of fibers and sclereids, starch depositions and druses. Stem has quadrangular outline with well‐defined periderm. The petiole and the leaf blade have abundance of oil glands and druses with paracytic stomata. The anatomical and histochemical characterization are potential tools for the delineation of confusing taxa and provide substantial evidence to their quality control.
Coffee and conversation: A genuine dialogue on authentic professional learning between genetic counselor educators
Authors: Randall Armel Susan , Davis Claire
Published: April 2023

Lifelong learning is a term frequently referred to in the training and continuing professional development of genetic counselors. It implies the ability to continuously engage in self‐motivated reflection to identify knowledge gaps and develop a learning plan to address identified needs or interests. In contrast to this definition, the path to continuing professional development for most genetic counselors involves attendance at conferences; yet much data suggest that other forms of learning are more effective at leading to practice change and improved patient or quality outcomes. These conflicting ideas beg the question: what is professional learning? A dialogue between two genetic counselor educators, both with advanced training in health professional education, shares personal beliefs regarding lifelong learning in the genetic counseling profession. This discourse represents an authentic conversation that was audio‐recorded and transcribed with minimal editing to improve clarity and readability. The views presented in this dialogue are highly personal, yet grounded in educational theory. References are provided to those that desire further reading on the topics discussed. Several authentic learning strategies are described, including communities of practice, peer supervision, and personal learning projects. The authors consider ways to increase knowledge acquisition from conference attendance and discuss how learning on the job becomes embedded in practice. As a result of this discourse, the authors hope to inspire genetic counselors to reflect over their continuing professional development and consider their job as a learning environment that presents rich, ongoing, and unique opportunities for growth. The authors invite and challenge readers to identify learning needs and set goals for themselves to address those needs. For those with interest in education, it is hoped that the conversation sparks new or invigorated interest that will lead to novel or more effective learning opportunities with improved outcomes for patients, students, and colleagues alike.
Bestatin as a treatment modality in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Kaminska Marta , Benedyk‐Machaczka Malgorzata , Adamowicz Karina , Aliko Ardita , Drzazga Kamila , Słysz Klaudia , Bielecka Ewa , Potempa Jan , Mydel Piotr
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic periodontitis (CP), the most prevalent dysbiotic bacteria‐driven chronic inflammatory disease, is an underestimated global health problem in itself, and due to a causative relationship with other disorders such as cardiovascular diseases or Alzheimer disease. The CP pathogenesis is primarily driven by Porphyromonas gingivalis in humans, and Porphyromonas gulae in dogs. These microorganisms initiate a pathogenic shift in the composition of the tooth‐surface microflora. Our objective was to evaluate antimicrobial effects of bestatin, a potential CP drug candidate.

Methods

We evaluated bestatin bacteriostatic efficiency against periodontopathogens in planktonic cultures via microplate assay, and mono‐ and multispecies oral biofilm models. Neutrophil bactericidal activities, such as phagocytosis, were investigated in vitro using granulocytes isolated from the peripheral blood. The therapeutic efficacy and the immunomodulatory function of bestatin was assessed in a murine model of CP.

Results

Bestatin exhibited bacteriostatic activity against both P. gingivalis and P. gulae, and controlled the formation and species composition of the biofilm. We demonstrated that bestatin promotes the phagocytosis of periodontopathogens by neutrophils. Finally, we found that providing bestatin in the animal feed prevented alveolar bone resorption.

Conclusions

We show that in a murine model of CP bestatin not only shifted the biofilm species composition from pathogenic to a commensal one, but also promoted bacteria clearance by immune cells and alleviated inflammation. Taken together, these results suggest that bestatin is a promising drug choice for the treatment and/or prevention of periodontitis and clinical trials are required to fully evaluate its potency.
Synaptic Loss in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Revealed by SV2A Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Chen Zhao , Liao Guang , Wan Na , He Zhiyou , Chen Daji , Tang Zhichao , Long Zhe , Zou Guangdong , Peng Linliu , Wan Linlin , Wang Chunrong , Peng Huirong , Shi Yuting , Tang Yongxiang , Li Jian , Li Yulai , Long Tingting , Hou Xuan , He Lang , Qiu Rong , Chen Dengming , Wang Junling , Guo Jifeng , Shen Lu , Huang Yiyun , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Klockgether Thomas , Tang Beisha , Zhou Ming , Hu Shuo , Jiang Hong
Published: April 2023

Background

Severe reduced synaptic density was observed in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) in postmortem neuropathology, but in vivo assessment of synaptic loss remains challenging.

Objective Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3

The objective of this study was to assess in vivo synaptic loss and its clinical correlates in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) patients by synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A)‐positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Methods

We recruited 74 SCA3 individuals including preataxic and ataxic stages and divided into two cohorts. All participants received SV2A‐PET imaging using 18F‐SynVesT‐1 for synaptic density assessment. Specifically, cohort 1 received standard PET procedure and quantified neurofilament light chain (NfL), and cohort 2 received simplified PET procedure for exploratory purpose. Bivariate correlation was performed between synaptic loss and clinical as well as genetic assessments.

Results

In cohort 1, significant reductions of synaptic density were observed in cerebellum and brainstem in SCA3 ataxia stage compared to preataxic stage and controls. Vermis was found significantly involved in preataxic stage compared to controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves highlighted SV2A of vermis, pons, and medulla differentiating preataxic stage from ataxic stage, and SV2A combined with NfL improved the performance. Synaptic density was significantly negatively correlated with disease severity in cerebellum and brainstem (International Co‐operative Ataxia Rating Scale: ρ ranging from −0.467 to −0.667, P ≤ 0.002; Scale of Assessment and Rating of Ataxia: ρ ranging from −0.465 to −0.586, P ≤ 0.002). SV2A reduction tendency of cerebellum and brainstem identified in cohort 1 was observed in cohort 2 with simplified PET procedure.

Conclusions

We first identified in vivo synaptic loss was related to disease severity of SCA3, suggesting SV2A PET could be a promising clinical biomarker for disease progression of SCA3. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Pedicled double‐paddle conjoined medial sural artery perforator flap for popliteal defect coverage after skin tumor excision: A case report
Authors: Fritz Caroline , Meroni Matteo , Scaglioni Mario F.
Published: April 2023

Defect coverage in the popliteal region represents a challenging task because of its peculiar features. The tissue here has to be thin and pliable, to enable proper function, but also resistant to the high stress forces typical of this region. In addition, the adjacent skin is limited in availability and mobility. Therefore, complex reconstruction procedures are usually required to cover defects in the popliteal region. The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a thin and pliable flap, with a long arc of rotation provided by its pedicle length, which makes it a suitable procedure for local and regional defects reconstruction. In the present work, we report the use of a pedicled double‐paddle conjoined MSAP flap to reconstruct a 7 cm × 7 cm soft tissue defect after resection of a basal cell carcinoma in the popliteal fossa. The MSAP flap was based on two perforators of the medial sural artery. Therefore, the cutaneous island could be split into two islands, which were rearranged to cover the defect side by side in a so‐called “kissing flap” technique. The further postoperative course was uneventful. Despite the complex perforator dissection, which can be challenging because of its intramuscular dissection, we believe that the MSAP flap represents a valid solution for local defect coverage in the popliteal region, providing a sufficient amount of tissue and meeting the “like‐with‐like” criteria.
The probabilistic uncapacitated open vehicle routing location problem
Authors: Averbakh Igor , Yu Wei
Published: April 2023

Suppose that mobile service units are located at a base station (depot) in a transportation network with nodes. On any day, the nodes of the network may generate calls for service independently with known probabilities. The calls are centrally allocated to the service units who then visit the allocated customers on shortest open tours, that is, for each service unit, the way back to the depot from the last served customer is not counted towards the length of the tour. It is required to find an optimal location for the depot to minimize the expected travel distance. We obtain bounds on the approximation ratios for two simple and fast heuristics for the problem on a general network. For the problem on a tree, we present an exact algorithm.
Systematic approach in enhancing the selectivity of titanium tetrabutoxide towards high molecular weight poly(butylene succinate) synthesis
Authors: Savitha K. S. , Senthil Kumar M. , Jagadish R. L.
Published: April 2023

Chemo‐selectivity of titanium tetrabutoxide towards trans‐esterification reaction during polycondensation step in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) synthesis has been improved by activating the free terminal carboxylic acids in PBS oligomer using trialkyl borates. It is anticipated that the addition of trialkyl borates converts the free terminal carboxylic acid groups in PBS oligoner into a highly reactive acyloxy boron intermediate, which in turn enhances the selectivity of titanium tetrabutoxide towards trans‐esterification reaction to give the corresponding relatively high molecular weight PBS.
Patient selection for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Vardeny Orly , Houle Hailee
Published: April 2023

The mineralocorticoid receptor is a steroid hormone receptor that contributes to cardiac tissue inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction and plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) are an important component of guideline‐directed medical therapy for heart failure to improve clinical outcomes. Clinical trial evidence in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) informed a strong guideline recommendation for use of MRA in symptomatic patients, barring contraindications. In heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), data are less robust, and this drug class received a weaker recommendation in the heart failure treatment guidelines. Thus, careful selection of patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF who are most likely to benefit from MRA is paramount to better optimize use of these medications. The purpose of this narrative review is to outline the rationale for the use of MRA in heart failure, summarize the clinical trial evidence for MRA in HFmrEF/HFpEF, discuss clinical considerations for their use, and describe investigations of nonsteroidal MRA in HFmrEF/HFpEF.
Highly efficient silicon heterojunction solar cells with ZnO:Al transparent electrode and transition metal doped indium oxide interfacial layer
Authors: Dong Gangqiang , Li Jia , Zhao Yu , Ran Xiaochao , Peng Chen‐Wei , He Daliang , Jin Chuanhong , Wang Qi , Jiang Hao , Zhang Yongsheng , Cao Xinmin , Yu Cao
Published: April 2023

Indium consumption is the roadblock for terawatt‐scale silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. Here, we report that M6 wafer scale SHJ cells reached an efficiency of 24.94% using room temperature DC sputtering deposited ZnO:Al (AZO) transparent electrode. Compared with indium tin oxide (ITO) standard cells, interfacial contact and smaller bandgap are observed to be the main factors that limit the AZO solar cell performance. By introducing a transition metal doped indium oxide (IMO) interfacial layer, significantly higher SHJ cell performance is achieved owing to better interface and AZO quality. With increasing IMO thickness, the conversion efficiency of SHJ cells surpasses that of the ITO reference cell when only about 50% of indium is consumed. The certified efficiency of the SHJ cells with stacked transparent electrodes reached 25.62%, which is one of the best results for low‐indium SHJ cells. The present work provides a novel and practical solution to overcome the shortage of indium resources for terawatt‐scale SHJ cells.
Do scores ‘define’ us? Adolescents' experiences of wellbeing as ‘welldoing’ at school in England
Authors: Clarke Tania
Published: April 2023

Research exploring the educational relevance of wellbeing only tentatively confronts the ‘tension’ of expecting educators to nurture pupils' wellbeing while school effectiveness is evaluated by metrics of academic performance. Complete wellbeing includes hedonia (feeling) and eudaimonia (doing) well. Accordingly, school ‘happiness agendas’ overlook the latter, despite psychologists suggesting eudaimonia (‘welldoing’) is foundational for wellbeing, particularly in adolescence. Rooted in Aristotlean ideas of ‘living and doing well’, philosophers underline eudaimonia's educational significance. However, high‐stakes testing undermines eudaimonia, with England's performativity culture representing a barrier. Recently scholars have called for ‘stronger evidence’ documenting links between adolescent mental illness and academic pressures. The present study therefore explored 18 adolescents' (14–15 years' old) lived experiences of wellbeing in one English state school. Although existing studies document adolescents' conceptualisations of ‘wellbeing’, adolescents' lived experiences, particularly of eudaimonia and specifically in school, are comparatively absent. Interviews adopting a phenomenological approach therefore investigated (1) how adolescents experience wellbeing, and (2) what ‘doing well’ at school means to adolescents. Adolescents' welldoing experiences did not resemble eudaimonia, which involves individuals connecting with personal purpose through cultivation of their unique abilities. Instead, welldoing at school was instrumentalised as obtaining good grades. Although hedonia was reflected in adolescents' experiences, hedonia was intrinsically connected to welldoing, with mental health attributed to achieving ‘good’ or ‘bad’ grades, respectively. Recommendations include the need for wholescale integration of wellbeing into education in England, which requires (1) overhauling educational aims to focus on supporting individual flourishing as opposed to academic standards, and (2) de‐emphasising harmful performativity culture.
Implications of potential clinically relevant interactions between COVID‐19 vaccines and concomitant medications
Authors: Badary Osama A.
Published: April 2023

COVID‐19 was announced as a global pandemic in 2020. Several types of COVID‐19 vaccines are available such as mRNA vaccines, adenovirus vector vaccines, and protein subunit or inactivated virus vaccines. Vaccines are often administered in patients with chronic diseases who are likely to be treated with several drugs. A growing number of clinical observations indicated the possibility of interactions between COVID‐19 vaccines and drugs. A hyperinflammatory state may spark significant imbalances in drug metabolism that may result in the alteration of drug pharmacokinetics and therapeutic response. Furthermore, interactions may result in additive or antagonistic or synergistic vaccine immune response. Information about COVID‐19 vaccine–drug interactions is needed by physicians and pharmacists to make rational drug‐use decisions. In this review, several individual and categorical evidence‐based potential COVID‐19 vaccine–drug interactions of clinical importance are described. Vigilance is needed to detect previously unreported COVID‐19 drug interactions and to further assess known interactions. The clinical significance of which is not fully determined. Evidence suggests that adverse events to some drugs are rare after COVID‐19 vaccination and their possibility should not affect vaccination of patients at risk. Clinicians prescribing medications should be aware of the likely risk of interaction with COVID‐19 vaccines and may benefit from taking into account present recommendations of the best measures to avoid consequences of such interactions to preserve vaccine efficacy and patient safety.
Electrochemical Oxidation Encapsulated Ru Clusters Enable Robust Durability for Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Hou Zhiqian , Cui Chenghao , Yang Yanan , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2023

Electrochemical oxidization and thermodynamic instability agglomeration are a primary challenge in triggering metal‐support interactions (MSIs) by immobilizing metal atoms on a carrier to achieve efficient oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Herein, Ru clusters anchored to the VS2surface and the VS2nanosheets embedded vertically in carbon cloth (Ru‐VS2@CC) are deliberately designed to realize high reactivity and exceptional durability. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that the Ru clusters are preferentially electro‐oxidized to form RuO2chainmail, both affording sufficient catalytic sites and protecting the internal Ru core with VS2substrates for consistent MSIs. Theoretical calculations elucidate that electrons across the Ru/VS2interface aggregate toward the electro‐oxidized Ru clusters, while the electronic coupling of Ru 3p and O 2p orbitals boosts a positive shift in the Fermi energy level of Ru, optimizing the adsorption capacity of the intermediates and diminishing the migration barriers of the rate‐determining steps. Therefore, the Ru‐VS2@CC catalyst demonstrated ultra‐low overpotentials of 245 mV at 50 mA cm−2, while the zinc–air battery maintained a narrow gap (0.62 V) after 470 h of reversible operation. This work has transformed the corrupt into the miraculous and paved a new way for the development of efficient electrocatalysts.
Point‐and‐shoot Strategy based on Enzyme‐assisted DNA “Paper‐Cutting” to Construct Arbitrary Planar DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Yuan Junjie , Liu Jiajia , Zou Haixia , Yang Lin , Chen Hong , Qu Xiangmeng
Published: April 2023

DNA self‐assembly provides a “bottom‐up” route to fabricating complex shapes on the nanometer scale. However, each structure needs to be designed separately and carried out by professionally trained technicians, which seriously restricts its development and application. Herein, a point‐and‐shoot strategy based on enzyme‐assisted DNA “paper‐cutting” to construct planar DNA nanostructures using the same DNA origami as the template is reported. Precisely modeling the shapes with high precision in the strategy based on each staple strand of the desired shape structure hybridizes with its nearest neighbor fragments from the long scaffold strand. As a result, some planar DNA nanostructures by one‐pot annealing the long scaffold strand and selected staple strands is constructed. The point‐and‐shoot strategy of avoiding DNA origami staple strands’ re‐designing based on different shapes breaks through the shape complexity limitation of the planar DNA nanostructures and enhances the simplicity of design and operation. Overall, the strategy's simple operability and great generality enable it to act as a candidate tool for manufacturing DNA nanostructures.
Rare complex fistulations of frontal sinus, occulo‐nasal and oro‐nasal passages due to nasal form of canine transmissible venereal tumour
Authors: Palanisamy Selvaraj , Devaraju Sumathi , Margandan Venkatesan , Mahalingam Gomatheeswari
Published: April 2023

Unusual manifestations in commonly occurring diseases often mislead the diagnostic approaches of general veterinary practitioners. A 2.5‐year‐old male Spitz dog was evaluated for frequent episodes of nasal discharges. With no resolution of signs with treatments, the dog was brought to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital. On presentation, the dog had purulent nasal discharge from the right nostrils, right eye and from an opening in the right frontal sinus region along with mild swelling on the right nasal region and stertor. Anterior rhinoscopy confirmed the concurrent presence of frontal sinus, oculo‐nasal and oro‐nasal fistula. Endoscopic aspirations and washing confirmed an extra genital form of canine transmissible venereal tumour. Interestingly no genital lesions were seen. Treatment with vincristine resulted in complete remission with no further relapses over the last 8 years. Chronic nasal signs should be taken as warning signs and nasal washings should be evaluated for possible tumour cells, as observed in this study.
The inapplicability of variational methods in the cohesive crack problem for initially rigid traction‐separation relation and its solution using integral equations
Authors: Singh Gaurav
Published: April 2023

A cohesive crack problem with initially rigid traction‐separation relation has been considered here. It has been shown that the total potential energy is not differentiable at the crack‐tip. This makes the application of a variational operator over this total potential energy theoretically incorrect in the general sense. It further implies that variational methods are not applicable in this situation. One way to overcome this problem is to introduce a penalty of initial stiffness in the traction‐separation relationship. However, this means modifying the material property of a solid. To avoid variational operator, an integral equation form of this problem has been numerically solved. The results thus obtained conform to the present understanding of cohesive stresses. This method is theoretically more accurate to solve a cohesive crack problem whenever the total potential energy is non‐differentiable.
Traditional Malay Marriage Ceremonies in Brunei Darussalam: Between Adat and Syariah
Authors: Samad Nur E’zzati Rasyidah
Published: April 2023

Brunei Darussalam is an Islamic Malay state well known for its local cultural heritage and adat (customs and traditions) that have been steadfastly maintained to this day. Adat is considered to be one of the most significant practices that reflects the unique identity and foundation of Brunei Malay society and culture. It is part of what is referred to as ‘calak Brunei’, the Brunei mould or way, and has been practised and passed down from one generation to another. Adat functions as a social, political and cultural marker of Brunei Malay society. However, with increasing Islamisation, there has been a decline in the performance and practice of adat, especially in traditional Malay marriage customs which are in part regarded as religiously incompatible with adat. This chapter explores the tensions and contestations between adat and Islam in the practices of marriage customs, and documents the various changes and negotiations made to accommodate adat within Islamic practices and values.
Development and first results of a national databank on care and treatment outcome after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Younsi Alexander , Unterberg Andreas , Marzi Ingo , Steudel Wolf-Ingo , Uhl Eberhard , Lemcke Johannes , Berg Florian , Woschek Mathias , Friedrich Michaela , Clusmann Hans , Hamou Hussam Aldin , Mauer Uwe Max , Scheer Magnus , Meixensberger Jürgen , Lindner Dirk , Schmieder Kirsten , Gierthmuehlen Mortimer , Hoefer Christine , Nienaber Ulrike , Maegele Marc ,   for The TBI Databank Expert Group, Wolf Stefan , Behmanesh Bedjan , Watzlawick Ralf , Bender Michael , Howaldt Hans-Peter , Rohde Veit , Tanrikulu Levent , Czorlich Patrick , Emami Pedram , Wild Florian , Esmaeilzadeh Majid , Prajsnar-Borak Anna , Firsching Raimund , Luchtmann Michael , Holling Markus , Strowitzki Martin , Reuter Felix , Yousif Miron , Lefering Rolf , Westermaier Thomas , Stetter Christian , Sommer Björn , Bullinger Yannik
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In absence of comprehensive data collection on traumatic brain injury (TBI), the German Society for Neurosurgery (DGNC) and the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) developed a TBI databank for German-speaking countries.

Methods

From 2016 to 2020, the TBI databank DGNC/DGU was implemented as a module of the TraumaRegister (TR) DGU and tested in a 15-month pilot phase. Since its official launch in 2021, patients from the TR-DGU (intermediate or intensive care unit admission via shock room) with TBI (AIS head ≥ 1) can be enrolled. A data set of > 300 clinical, imaging, and laboratory variables, harmonized with other international TBI data collection structures is documented, and the treatment outcome is evaluated after 6- and 12 months.

Results

For this analysis, 318 patients in the TBI databank could be included (median age 58 years; 71% men). Falls were the most common cause of injury (55%), and antithrombotic medication was frequent (28%). Severe or moderate TBI were only present in 55% of patients, while 45% suffered a mild injury. Nevertheless, intracranial pathologies were present in 95% of brain imaging with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages (76%) being the most common. Intracranial surgeries were performed in 42% of cases. In-hospital mortality after TBI was 21% and surviving patients could be discharged after a median hospital stay of 11 days. At the 6-and 12 months follow-up, a favorable outcome was achieved by 70% and 90% of the participating TBI patients, respectively. Compared to a European cohort of 2138 TBI patients treated in the ICU between 2014 and 2017, patients in the TBI databank were already older, frailer, fell more commonly at home.

Conclusion

Within five years, the TBI databank DGNC/DGU of the TR-DGU could be established and is since then prospectively enrolling TBI patients in German-speaking countries. With its large and harmonized data set and a 12-month follow-up, the TBI databank is a unique project in Europe, already allowing comparisons to other data collection structures and indicating a demographic change towards older and frailer TBI patients in Germany.