bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Growing Threat of Antibiotic Resistance: Addressing the Urgency
Authors: Haque Hania , Imam Syed Irtiza , Fatima Hareer , Zaidi Syeda Dua E. Zehra , Rangwala Burhanuddin Sohail , Rangwala Hussain Sohail
Published: April 2023

Antibiotic resistance has become a critical public health issue due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Despite ongoing efforts to develop stronger antibiotics, bacterial resistance continues to evolve, leading to a global crisis. Effective antibiotics are becoming scarce, and diseases that were once treatable are now becoming uncontrollable. There is a need for new solutions to preserve the current antibiotic arsenal and combat bacterial resistance. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics which do not contribute to multidrug resistance could be a solution instead of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

One potential solution is phage therapy, which uses bacteriophages to target specific bacteria without harming healthy cells. Plants are another potential solution because they contain natural antibacterial compounds like polyphenols and alkaloids. Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) from eukaryotes can also be a good substitute for antibiotics because they do not require a receptor and minimize the chance of bacterial resistance. A clinical trial on women with recurrent UTI was performed. The results of which revealed that overall methenamine hippurate is effective in reducing the intake of antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing is a rapidly evolving method through which resistance pathways are identified to tackle resistance. Developing metallophores is an area of great potential and metal complexes are more likely to advance towards becoming a clinically approved replacement to antibiotics. The development of new solutions is critical to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and ensure that bacterial infections remain treatable.
Limit of viability of extremely preterm infants treated at a university hospital / Limite de viabilidade de prematuros extremos atendidos em um hospital universitário
Authors: Silva de Vasconcelos Rayana Beatriz , Custódio Silva Maria Paula , Vieira de Souza Giselle , Cardoso Alves Cunali Valéria , Bonolo do Amaral Rocha Jesislei , Contim Divanice
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: descrever o perfil de recém-nascidos com prematuridade extrema e identificar fatores associados a mortalidade segundo idade gestacional e o limite de viabilidade destes. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em um hospital universitário do estado de Minas Gerais, desenvolvido de agosto de 2021 a janeiro de 2022. A amostra foi composta por 39 prontuários de prematuros extremos nascidos vivos. Foi realizada a análise descritiva das variáveis quantitativas usando medidas como média, desvio-padrão e valores mínimo e máximo. As variáveis categóricas foram descritas a partir de suas distribuições de frequência absoluta e percentual. Resultados: a maioria das gestantes são mulheres adultos-jovens, realizaram pré-natal e parto cesárea. Dos prematuros prevalece sexo masculino, idade gestacional de 25 semanas, evoluíram para óbito a maioria destes com idade gestacional de 23 e 24 semanas. Conclusão: o limite de viabilidade nesse serviço situa-se em uma idade gestacional igual ou maior que 25 semanas.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Ammirati Enrico , Moslehi Javid J.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Acute myocarditis, defined as a sudden inflammatory injury to the myocardium, affects approximately 4 to 14 people per 100 000 each year globally and is associated with a mortality rate of approximately 1% to 7%.

Observations

The most common causes of myocarditis are viruses, such as influenza and coronavirus; systemic autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus; drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors; and vaccines, including smallpox and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Approximately 82% to 95% of adult patients with acute myocarditis present with chest pain, while 19% to 49% present with dyspnea, and 5% to 7% with syncope. The diagnosis of myocarditis can be suggested by presenting symptoms, elevated biomarkers such as troponins, electrocardiographic changes of ST segments, and echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities or wall thickening. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or endomyocardial biopsy are required for definitive diagnosis. Treatment depends on acuity, severity, clinical presentation, and etiology. Approximately 75% of patients admitted with myocarditis have an uncomplicated course, with a mortality rate of approximately 0%. In contrast, acute myocarditis that is complicated by acute heart failure or ventricular arrhythmias is associated with a 12% rate of either in-hospital mortality or need for heart transplant. Approximately 2% to 9% of patients have hemodynamic instability, characterized by inability to maintain adequate end-organ perfusion, and require inotropic agents, or mechanical circulatory devices, such as extracorporeal life support, to facilitate functional recovery. These patients have an approximately 28% rate of mortality or heart transplant at 60 days. Immunosuppression (eg, corticosteroids) is appropriate for patients who have myocarditis characterized by eosinophilic or giant cell myocardial infiltrations or due to systemic autoimmune disorders. However, the specific immune cells that should be targeted to improve outcomes in patients with myocarditis remain unclear.

Conclusions and Relevance

Acute myocarditis affects approximately 4 to 14 per 100 000 people per year. First-line therapy depends on acuity, severity, clinical presentation, and etiology and includes supportive care. While corticosteroids are often used for specific forms of myocarditis (eg, eosinophilic or giant cell infiltrations), this practice is based on anecdotal evidence, and randomized clinical trials of optimal therapeutic interventions for acute myocarditis are needed.
A pilot study to explore the effect of udenafil on cerebral hemodynamics in older adults
Authors: Wang Qi , Shin Byoung‐Soo , Oh Sun‐Young , Shin Yu Seob , Na Duk L. , Kim Ko Woon
Published: April 2023

Objective

Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) enhance vasodilation. We investigated the effects of PDE5I on cerebral hemodynamics during cognitive tasks using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods

This study used a crossover design. Twelve cognitively healthy men participants (mean age, 59 ± 3 years; range, 55–65 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental or control arm, then the experimental and control arm were exchanged after 1 week. Udenafil 100 mg was administered to participants in the experimental arm once daily for 3 days. We measured the fNIRS signal during the resting state and four cognitive tasks three times for each participant: at baseline, in the experimental arm, and in the control arm.

Results

Behavioral data did not show a significant difference between the experimental and control arms. The fNIRS signal showed significant decreases in the experimental arm compared to the control arm during several cognitive tests: verbal fluency test (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, T = −3.02, p = 0.014; left frontopolar cortex, T = −4.37, p = 0.002; right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, T = −2.59, p = 0.027), Korean‐color word Stroop test (left orbitofrontal cortex, T = −3.61, p = 0.009), and social event memory test (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, T = −2.35, p = 0.043; left frontopolar cortex, T = −3.35, p = 0.01).

Interpretation

Our results showed a paradoxical effect of udenafil on cerebral hemodynamics in older adults. This contradicts our hypothesis, but it suggests that fNIRS is sensitive to changes in cerebral hemodynamics in response to PDE5Is.
Angstrom‐Level Ionic Sieve 2D‐MOF Membrane for High Power Aqueous Zinc Anode
Authors: Cao Ziwei , Zhang Hao , Song Bai , Xiong Dengyi , Tao Shusheng , Deng Wentao , Hu Jiugang , Hou Hongshuai , Zou Guoqiang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

Aqueous Zn‐ion energy‐storage deviceswith metal Zn as anodes, including batteries and capacitors (ZIBs and ZICs), is largely hindered by dendritic growth and low coulombic efficiency since the side reactions between Zn anodes and electrolyte, originating fromthat targeted and efficient isolation of H2O and SO42− is extremely challenging. Herein, inspired by density functional theory (DFT) that the 2D angstrom level metal‐organic framework(2D‐MOF) is highly selective for the passage of ions, simultaneously excluding the SO42− and H2O but allowing Zn2+ selective conduction. Moreover, 2D‐MOF exhibits better mechanical strength compared with 3D‐MOF, which is more conducive to inhibit dendrite growth. Impressively, benefiting from the 2D‐MOFlayer, symmetric Zn cells survived up to 2000 h at 4 mA cm−2,near 20‐times that of bare Zn anodes. Coupling it with cathode for ZICs and ZIBs, excellent electrochemical performances are presented. Importantly, symmetric Na cells with 2D‐MOF as ionic sieve membrane also deliver small polarization and outstanding performance, indicating that this study provides an efficient strategy to develop long‐life metal anode.
CoTe2: A Quantum Critical Dirac Metal with Strong Spin Fluctuations
Authors: Siegfried Peter E. , Bhandari Hari , Qi Jeanie , Ghimire Rojila , Joshi Jayadeep , Messegee Zachary T. , Beeson Willie B. , Liu Kai , Ghimire Madhav Prasad , Dang Yanliu , Zhang Huairuo , Davydov Albert V. , Tan Xiaoyan , Vora Patrick M. , Mazin Igor I. , Ghimire Nirmal J.
Published: April 2023

Quantum critical points separating weak ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases trigger many novel phenomena. Dynamical spin fluctuations not only suppress the long‐range order, but can also lead to unusual transport and even superconductivity. Combining quantum criticality with topological electronic properties presents a rare and unique opportunity. Here, by means of ab initio calculations and magnetic, thermal, and transport measurements, it is shown that the orthorhombic CoTe2 is close to ferromagnetism, which appears suppressed by spin fluctuations. Calculations and transport measurements reveal nodal Dirac lines, making it a rare combination of proximity to quantum criticality and Dirac topology.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazols from N‐Tosylhydrazonyl Chlorides and Nitriles
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Siyu , Tang Meng , Zhang Qi , Xia Yiwen
Published: April 2023

1,2,4‐Triazols represent important heterocyclic compounds which have found extensive application in the pharmaceutical agrochemical and material industries. Herein, we reported an acid‐promoted solvent‐free synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazols from N‐tosylhydrazonyl chlorides and nitriles at room temperature. Various N‐tosylhydrazonyl chlorides and nitriles were examined, and the transformation was suitable for a wide spectrum of substrates. Two simple acid‐promoted cyclization pathways were proposed for the transformation.
meta‐Selektive C−H‐Funktionalisierung von Pyridinen
Authors: Cao Hui , Cheng Qiang , Studer Armido
Published: April 2023

Der Pyridinring ist eine wichtige Kernstruktur für eine Vielzahl von Arzneimitteln, Agrochemikalien, Katalysatoren und funktionellen Materialien. Die direkte Funktionalisierung der C−H‐Bindung in Pyridinen ist ein einfacher und direkter Ansatz, um substituierte Pyridine zu erhalten. Im Vergleich zur direkten ortho‐ und para‐Funktionalisierung ist die meta‐selektive C−H‐Funktionalisierung von Pyridinen aufgrund der inhärenten elektronischen Eigenschaften der Pyridineinheit weitaus schwieriger. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst die derzeit verfügbaren Methoden zur meta‐C−H‐Funktionalisierung von Pyridinen unter Verwendung dirigierender Gruppen, ungerichteter Metallierung und temporärer Dearomatisierungsstrategien zusammen. Die jüngsten Fortschritte bei der Ligandenkontrolle und der temporären Dearomatisierung werden hervorgehoben. Wir analysieren sowohl die Vorteile als auch die Grenzen der aktuellen Strategien und hoffen, weitere Entwicklungen auf diesem wichtigen Gebiet anzuregen.
Boosting the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium‐Rich Cathodes by Oxygen Vacancy Engineering
Authors: Farahmandjou Majid , Lai Wei‐Hong , Safaei Javad , Wang Shijian , Huang Zefu , Marlton Frederick , Ruan Jiufeng , Sun Bing , Gao Hong , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Notten Peter H. L. , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2023

The challenges of voltage decay and irreversible oxygen release for lithium‐rich layered oxide cathode materials have hindered their commercial application despite their high energy density and low cost. Herein, a facile post‐annealing strategy is developed to pre‐introduce oxygen vacancies (OVs) into Li1.2Mn0.457Ni0.229Co0.114O2 cathode materials. The induced OVs modify the local Mn coordination environments, enhance structural stability, and suppress oxygen release. The modified cathode exhibits a discharge capacity of 224.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C after 100 cycles with 97.7 % capacity retention. Even at 2 C, excellent capacity retention of 93.3 % after 300 cycles can be achieved. In situ and ex situ X‐ray diffraction are used to elucidate the reaction mechanisms and crystal structure during cycling tests. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the suppressed oxygen release, enhanced oxygen vacancies and reduced cathode‐electrolyte interfacial layer after cycling for the post‐annealed cathode. Our results show that the presence of oxygen vacancies through thermal expansion diminishes the phase transitions in cathode materials during the heating process. These findings contribute to developing next‐generation Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) by oxygen vacancy engineering for new cathode materials with improved electrochemical performances.
Perception of urinary biomarker tests among patients referred with suspected urological malignancy
Authors: Bullock Nicholas , Mubarak Mohamed , Morris Ceri , Clements Colette , Geere Clare , Tidball Sarah , Bois Elizabeth , Davies Michael , Featherstone Jonathan , Narahari Krishna , Weeks Ian , Kynaston Howard
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the acceptability of a non‐invasive urinary biomarker test in place of conventional flexible cystoscopy for the diagnosis of bladder cancer in patients referred to a Rapid Access Haematuria Clinic (RAHC) with suspected urological malignancy.

Patients and methods

Patients attending a RAHC were recruited to a prospective observational study evaluating a novel urinary biomarker (URO17™) for the detection of bladder cancer and invited to complete a two‐part structured questionnaire. Questions related to demographics, attitudes towards conventional cystoscopy and the minimal acceptable sensitivity (MAS) at which a urinary biomarker would be considered an alternative to flexible cystoscopy both before and after undergoing the procedure.

Results

A total of 250 patients completed the survey; the majority of whom were referred with visible haematuria (75.2%). One hundred seventy‐one (68.4%) would be willing to accept a urinary biomarker in place of cystoscopy, with 59 (23.6%) expressing preference for the biomarker with a MAS as low as 85%. Conversely, 74 patients (29.6%) would not be willing to accept a urinary biomarker, regardless of its sensitivity. A significant number of patients reported a change in MAS after undergoing cystoscopy, with 80 (32.0%) and 16 (6.4%) increasing and decreasing the required value respectively (P = 0.001). The greatest increase was seen in the proportion of patients unwilling to accept a urinary biomarker regardless of its sensitivity, rising from 29.6% to 38.4%.

Conclusions

Although many patients attending a RAHC would be willing to accept a urinary biomarker test in place of conventional flexible cystoscopy for the detection of bladder cancer, effective patient, public and clinician engagement will be necessary at all stages of implementation if it is to become an established component of the diagnostic pathway.
Identification of best testers for heterotic grouping of tropical maize inbred lines using GGE biplot
Authors: Karjagi Chikkappa Gangadhar , Phagna Ramesh Kumar , Neelam Sunil , Sekhar Javaji Chandra , Singh Shyam Bir , Yathish Kondaji R.
Published: April 2023

An understanding of the heterotic pattern in the active germplasm is the first and crucial step in any hybrid breeding program. Diallel and line × tester (L × T) mating designs were extensively followed to understand the heterotic pattern based on the combining ability information. The present study adopted GGE biplots, generated using theL × Tmatrix to understand the tropical maize germplasm's heterotic pattern and identify the best tester combinations for heterotic grouping. TheL × Tmatrix and combining ability information was generated by evaluating 985 testcross, generated by crossing 110 diverse tropical inbred lines with 10 inbred testers at two geographically diverse locations. The stability of combining ability effects, the magnitude and direction of combining ability effects, and also the discrimination and representativeness of testers were considered for the identification of best tester combinations for heterotic grouping. The present investigation has shown the usefulness of GGE biplots’ effectiveness in understanding the heterotic pattern and identifying the best tester combinations for heterotic grouping. The results of the present investigation revealed the existing heterotic pattern in the elite tropical maize inbred lines that were extensively used in hybrid maize breeding. The findings of the present study are of immense practical significance, which not only guides different hybrid maize breeding programs but also helps to identify the best testers in their respective hybrid breeding programs. The study showed that the GGE biplot method can be adopted to understand the active germplasm's heterotic pattern and organize the germplasm into different heterotic groups.
F and N Codoped Bimetallic Oxide‐Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Electrode FN‐NA‐CLDH@RGO for Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Liu Tianxia , Liu Errui , Zhang Yaping
Published: April 2023

Currently, there is considerable interest in developing cost‐effective, high‐performance electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (ECR). Due to their low electrical conductivity and relatively weak catalytic activity, layered bimetallic oxides have rarely been applied in ECR studies. However, they contain a large specific surface area and are rich in Lewis bases, which are favorable for CO2 adsorption. Herein, F and N co‐doped layered bimetallic oxide and reduced graphene oxide composites with precisely controlled morphology are deposited directly on carbon paper using a simple constant current electrodeposition method (FN‐NA‐CLDH@RGO‐X, X denotes the deposition time). Notably, the doping of F helps to suppress the hydrogen precipitation reaction, while the doping of N enhances the adsorption and conversion of CO2. The CO2 reduction study in an H‐type electrolytic cell shows that the FN‐NA‐CLDH@RGO‐100 s electrode‐reduced CO2 to CO at an applied potential of −1.1 V with an efficiency of 87.9% (compared to the reversible hydrogen electrode). In addition, the doping of F favors the reduction of overpotential and the improvement of catalytic activity, while the synergistic effect of F and N enhances the catalytic activity without significant decay in more than 6 h of continuous testing.
Trading labor for experience: The role of unpaid internships in shaping Active Labor Market Policies in Ireland since the Great Recession
Authors: Arlow Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Active Labor Market Policies (ALMPs), which include state‐funded apprenticeships, have long been used as a way of encouraging unemployed youth into skilled and semiskilled trades. However, new forms of “nonstandard” employment are now dominating young people's experience of the labor market. In fact, unpaid internships are becoming a normal part of a modern curriculum vitae and viewed as a necessary rite of passage for a successful school‐to‐work transfer, especially in the middle‐class professions. Through the use of freedom of information requests, policy documents, evaluation reports, and semistructured interviews, this paper examines the role of unpaid internships in shaping the four most recent ALMPs targeted at Irish youth since the Great Recession (2008). It theorizes that the increased prevalence of unpaid internships in the entry‐level jobs market leads to Irish policymakers designing youth unemployment ALMPs based on a private‐sector unpaid internship model. This paper will first situate youth unemployment policy within the literature on ALMPs and unpaid internships. It will then combine process tracing as a within‐case research method with a comparative case study of the four ALMPs. In conclusion, this paper finds that Irish youth unemployment policy designed during periods of economic crisis tends to prioritize the needs of host organizations and mirror employment norms established through unpaid internships. Conversely, during periods of economic growth, the Irish youth unemployment policy reverts to a more regulated model that protects the entry‐level jobs market. Furthermore, this paper recommends that European states should prohibit the use of unpaid internships to avoid further entrenching precarious and discriminatory work patterns.
Cognitive impairment as a comorbidity of epilepsy in older adults: Analysis of global and domain‐specific cognition
Authors: Chai Xinyi , Xiao Zhenxu , Zhao Qianhua , Wang Jianhong , Ding Ding , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between epilepsy and cognitive impairment and to determine the factors associated with cognitive impairment in older people with epilepsy.

Methods

People with epilepsy and controls aged ≥50 years were recruited and their global and domain‐specific cognitive functions were evaluated by a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Clinical characteristics were obtained from medical records. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the difference of cognition between two groups, after adjusting for age, gender, education years, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. A multiple linear regression model was used to explore the potential impact factors of cognitive functions among people with epilepsy.

Results

This study recruited 90 people with epilepsy and 110 controls. The proportion of cognitive impairment among older adults with epilepsy was 62.2%, which was significantly higher than controls (25.5%, p < .001). People with epilepsy performed worse on global cognition (p < .001), especially in domains of memory (p < .001), executive function (p < .001), language (p < .001), and attention (p = .031). Among older adults with epilepsy, age was negatively correlated with the scores of memory (β = −.303, p = .029), executive function (β = −.354, p = .008), and attention (β = −.558, p < .001). Females performed better on executive function (β = −.350, p = .002) than males. Education years had a positive correlation with global cognition (β = .314, p = .004). Number of antiseizure medications was also negatively correlated with scores of spatial construction function (β = −.272, p = .019).

Significance

Our results indicated that cognitive impairment was a major comorbidity of epilepsy. Number of antiseizure medications is suggested as a potential risk factor of impaired cognition in older people with epilepsy.
Competing for perfection: A scoping review evaluating relationships between competitiveness and eating disorders or disordered eating behaviours
Authors: Osborn Kimberly D.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Eating disorders (EDs) impact multiple domains in a person's life including interpersonal interactions. Although a considerable amount of literature has evaluated social comparison and ED pathology, less has focussed on the influence of competitiveness on eating behaviours within ED and community samples. To address this, a systematic scoping review was conducted to evaluate current knowledge on this topic.

Method

PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews were utilised to identify relevant articles in three databases without limits to date or publication type.

Results

A total of 2952 articles were identified. After removing duplicates and books, 1782 articles were evaluated against inclusion criteria, and 91 articles were included. Results were synthesised under six differing conceptualisations of competitiveness: competition in pro‐eating disorder communities (n = 28), general personality competitiveness (n = 20), sexual competition hypothesis (n = 18), interpersonal competitiveness with peers (n = 17), familial competitiveness (n = 8) and competitiveness to avoid inferiority (n = 5).

Conclusion

Varying conceptualisations of competitiveness were identified within the ED literature, and preliminary evidence suggests competitiveness may be associated with ED pathology in ED and community samples, although results were not uniform. Future research is needed to clarify these relationships and to identify possible clinical implications.
Structural architecture and brain network efficiency link polygenic scores to intelligence
Authors: Genç Erhan , Metzen Dorothea , Fraenz Christoph , Schlüter Caroline , Voelkle Manuel C. , Arning Larissa , Streit Fabian , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Güntürkün Onur , Ocklenburg Sebastian , Kumsta Robert
Published: April 2023

Intelligence is highly heritable. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have shown that thousands of alleles contribute to variation in intelligence with small effect sizes. Polygenic scores (PGS), which combine these effects into one genetic summary measure, are increasingly used to investigate polygenic effects in independent samples. Whereas PGS explain a considerable amount of variance in intelligence, it is largely unknown how brain structure and function mediate this relationship. Here, we show that individuals with higher PGS for educational attainment and intelligence had higher scores on cognitive tests, larger surface area, and more efficient fiber connectivity derived by graph theory. Fiber network efficiency as well as the surface of brain areas partly located in parieto‐frontal regions were found to mediate the relationship between PGS and cognitive performance. These findings are a crucial step forward in decoding the neurogenetic underpinnings of intelligence, as they identify specific regional networks that link polygenic predisposition to intelligence.
The effect of topical olive oil application on the symptoms of infantile colic: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mohammadian‐Dameski Maryam , Farhat AhmadShah , Afzal Aghaee Monavar , Nademi Zohreh , Hadianfar Ali , Shirazinia Matin , Motavasselian Maliheh , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Infantile colic is one of the most common disorders in the first months of infants' lives. This condition hurts parents' moods. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the topical use of olive oil on infantile colic symptoms.

Methods

The study was carried out on 80 infants 1–3 months old, randomly allocated into two groups, receiving abdominal massage with olive oil thrice a day in the intervention group (n = 40) and the same procedure with liquid paraffin in the placebo group (n = 40), for 14 successive days. During this period, the parents recorded the episodes of colic, duration of colic, crying intensity, and episodes of defecation. These variables were assessed and compared at the beginning and on the 7th and 14th days.

Results

The mean crying duration changed from 4.05 ± 2.44 to 1.41 ± 1.03 h/day (65% decrease) in the olive oil group and from 3.85 ± 1.37 to 1.60 ± 1.32 h/day (58% decrease) in the paraffin group (p = 0.38). The episodes of crying were reduced from 5.79 ± 4.56 to 2.51 ± 4.93 episodes/day (↓57%) in the olive group and from 6.01 ± 3.40 to 3.01 ± 2.40 episodes/day (↓50%) in the paraffin oil group (p = 0.14). Furthermore, the intensity of crying was decreased from 9.04 ± 1.54 to 4.48 ± 2.17 (p < 0.001) in the olive oil group and from 9.0 ± 1.20 to 4.77 ± 1.68 (p < 0.001) in the paraffin oil group. On the 14th day, the crying intensity showed no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

Abdominal massage with olive oil has the same effect as massage with paraffin oil in reducing the symptoms of infantile colic.
An axisymmetric bioheat transfer analysis through a unified model
Authors: Verma Anil Kumar , Rath Prasenjit , Mahapatra Swarup Kumar , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2023

A unified model is developed for the analysis of heat transfer (radiation and non‐Fourier conduction) in an axisymmetric participating medium. The proposed model includes three different variants of hyperbolic–parabolic heat conduction models, that is, the single phase lag model, dual phase lag model, and the Fourier (no phase lag) model. The radiating‐conducting medium is radiatively absorbing, emitting, and isotropically scattering. Significance of all the above mentioned models on the heat transfer characteristics is investigated in a two‐dimensional axisymmetric geometry. The equation of transfer and the coupled non‐Fourier conduction‐radiation equation are solved via finite volume method. A fully implicit scheme is used to resolve the transient terms in the energy equation. For spatial resolution of radiation information, the STEP scheme is applied. Tri‐diagonal‐matrix‐algorithm is used to solve the resulting set of linear discrete equations. Effects of two important influencing parameters: the scattering albedo and the radiation‐ conduction parameter are studied on the temporal evolution of temperature field in the radiatively participating medium. The non‐Fourier effect of heat transport captured well with the proposed unified model. A good agreement can be found between the proposed model predictions and those available in the literature. It is also found that when the phase lag of the temperature gradient and the heat flux are the same, it reduces to conventional Fourier conduction‐radiation and the wave behavior diminishes. However, the reduction to this Fourier model fails in the presence of constant blood perfusion and metabolic heat generation.
Natural convection heat transfer from upward‐facing plates in saline water
Authors: Pattanayak Bikash , Lal Sarath S. , Kothadia Hardik B.
Published: April 2023

Saltwater or brackish water is used as a coolant in most industries. Therefore, understanding the heat transfer processes and hydrodynamics during the natural convection in saline water is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of a heat exchanger. This study elaborates on the natural convection heat transfer in saline water under atmospheric conditions. A DC power supply is used to regulate the power given to the heater in a liquid pool for thermal analysis. The pool liquid comprises solutions with varying salinity from 0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 2%. The effect of varying salinity on the heat transfer coefficient and the thermal aspects encountered during the desalination process is analyzed. The temperature distribution across the surface of the heater is monitored using an infrared camera. It is studied for the solution of different salinities. The heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number are investigated during natural convection for normal water and salt solution of different concentrations. It is inferred from the study that in the regime of natural convection, there is no significant difference in the Nusselt number for normal water and saltwater for the lower value of temperature difference between the plate and pool. The heat transfer coefficient in 0.2% saline water is higher as compared to the other solutions.
Horizontal motions of a rigid disk placed on a poroelastic soil layer of finite thickness
Authors: Yang Zijian , Zou Xinjun
Published: April 2023

In the previous studies of rigid disk–soil dynamics, the soil under the foundation is usually treated as a poroelastic half‐space medium. However, the waves due to the vibration of rigid disk can reflect and refract back and forth between the finite soil layer and rigid bedrock, which would significantly influence the soil deformation and flow of the rigid disk–soil system. In order to overcome the shortcoming, this paper presents an analytical solution to determine the response of the rigid disk subjected to harmonic horizontal loads resting on poroelastic soil layer overlying rigid bedrock. The displacements and stresses field of the disk and soil are obtained by virtue of the Hankel transform method, dual integral equations method. Furthermore, the rationality and accuracy of the developed solution are confirmed in comparison with the previous studies. Based on the obtained solutions, numerical examples are performed to the effects of the thickness and permeability of poroelastic soil layer on the dynamic response of the rigid disk–soil system in the physical domain.
Perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and post‐traumatic‐growth among healthcare professionals during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Salmani Roghayeh , Kazemi Hasan , Mehrtak Mohammad , Mehraban Sattar , Mousazadeh Yalda
Published: April 2023

Aim

The purpose of this research was to identify the perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and Post‐Traumatic‐Growth (PTG) among Iranian healthcare professionals.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was applied.

Methods

This study was conducted among 402 healthcare professionals in northwestern Iran. Participants completed demographic, perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and PTG questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was employed to identify the predictors of perceived stress and PTG.

Results

The overall score of perceived stress was calculated 30.55 (6.18). The problem‐oriented strategy was the most common stress coping by healthcare professionals (52.66 (8.72)). Also, the total score of PTG was calculated at 45.72 (30.42). Perceived stress, stress coping strategies (except problem‐oriented), and PTG scores were significantly different between hospital and health centres participants (p‐value < 0.05). Previous experience in critical situations, crisis‐related course, degree, age, department, and stress coping strategies were related to the stress level. Moreover, workplace, department, work experiences, and employment status were the predictors of PTG.
Convergence and optimality of an adaptive modified weak Galerkin finite element method
Authors: Yingying Xie , Cao Shuhao , Chen Long , Zhong Liuqiang
Published: April 2023

An adaptive modified weak Galerkin method (AmWG) for an elliptic problem is studied in this article, in addition to its convergence and optimality. The modified weak Galerkin bilinear form is simplified without the need of the skeletal variable, and the approximation space is chosen as the discontinuous polynomial space as in the discontinuous Galerkin method. Upon a reliable residual‐based a posteriori error estimator, an adaptive algorithm is proposed together with its convergence and quasi‐optimality proved for the lowest order case. The primary tool is to bridge the connection between the modified weak Galerkin method and the Crouzeix–Raviart nonconforming finite element. Unlike the traditional convergence analysis for methods with a discontinuous polynomial approximation space, the convergence of AmWG is penalty parameter free. Numerical results are presented to support the theoretical results.
Night‐to‐night variability of polygraphy in children with sleep disordered breathing symptoms
Authors: Yilmaz Yegit Cansu , Erdem Eralp Ela , Gokdemir Yasemin , Ergenekon Pinar , Sabancı Meltem , Ay Pinar , Karadag Bulent , Ersu Refika
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Polygraphy (PG) can be used as an alternative test for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. Night‐to‐night variability of PG in children is not known. Our aim was to determine whether a single night PG was reliable for OSAS diagnosis in children with symptoms of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB).

Materials and Methods

Otherwise healthy children who had been evaluated for symptoms of SDB were included. Two nocturnal PGs were performed 2–7 days apart. Demographic and clinical characteristics, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, and modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale were recorded. OSAS was diagnosed if obstructive apnea–hypopnea index was (oAHI) ⩾ 1/h and classified as mild (oAHI: 1–4.9/h), moderate (oAHI: 5–9.9/h), and severe (oAHI ⩾ 10/h).

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included (37.5% female, age 10.8 ± 3.9 years) to the study. There were no significant differences in oAHI values and other respiratory parameters between the two PGs (p > 0.05). Thirty‐nine children were diagnosed with OSAS if the highest oAHI over any single night was used for diagnosis. Thirty‐three of the 39 children (84.6%) were diagnosed with OSAS with the first PG while 35 of 39 (89.7%) children were diagnosed with OSAS with the second PG. There was an agreement for identifying OSAS and its severity between the two PGs in our study even though there were few individual intra‐subject differences in oAHI.

Conclusion

There was no significant first‐night effect for PG in this study which suggests that a single night PG is adequate for diagnosis of OSAS in children with SDB‐ related symptoms.
Measuring the photostability of agrochemicals on leaves: understanding the balance between loss processes and foliar uptake
Authors: Bronzato Maddalena , Burriss Adam , King Nikita , Donaldson Claire , Sayer Danielle , Baker Christopher M.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Photostability is an important property in agrochemicals, impacting their biological efficacy, environmental fate and registrability. As such, it is a property that is routinely measured during the development of new active ingredients and their formulations. To make these measurements, compounds are typically exposed to simulated sunlight after application to a glass substrate. While useful, these measurements neglect key factors that influence photostability under true field conditions. Most importantly, they neglect the fact that compounds are applied to living plant tissue, and that uptake and movement within this tissue provides a mechanism to protect compounds from photodegradation.

RESULTS

In this work, we introduce a new photostability assay incorporating leaf tissue as a substrate, designed to run at medium throughput under standardized laboratory conditions. Using three test cases, we demonstrate that our leaf‐disc‐based assays provides quantitatively different photochemical loss profiles to an assay employing a glass substrate. And we also demonstrate that these different loss profiles are intimately linked to the physical properties of the compounds, the effect that those properties have on foliar uptake and, thereby, the availability of the active ingredient on the leaf surface.

CONCLUSIONS

The method presented provides a quick and simple measure of the interplay between abiotic loss processes and foliar uptake, supplying additional information to facilitate the interpretation of biological efficacy data. The comparison of loss between glass slides and leaves also provides a better understanding of when intrinsic photodegradation is likely to be a good model for a compound's behaviour under field conditions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Automated quantification of the pulmonary vasculature in pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Zhai Zhiwei , Boon Gudula J. A. M. , Staring Marius , van Dam Lisette F. , Kroft Lucia J. M. , Hernández Girón Irene , Ninaber Maarten K. , Bogaard Harm Jan , Meijboom Lilian J. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Huisman Menno V. , Klok Frederikus A. , Stoel Berend C.
Published: April 2023

The shape and distribution of vascular lesions in pulmonary embolism (PE) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are different. We investigated whether automated quantification of pulmonary vascular morphology and densitometry in arteries and veins imaged by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) could distinguish PE from CTEPH. We analyzed CTPA images from a cohort of 16 PE patients, 6 CTEPH patients, and 15 controls. Pulmonary vessels were extracted with a graph‐cut method, and separated into arteries and veins using deep‐learning classification. Vascular morphology was quantified by the slope (α) and intercept (β) of the vessel radii distribution. To quantify lung perfusion defects, the median pulmonary vascular density was calculated. By combining these measurements with densities measured in parenchymal areas, pulmonary trunk, and descending aorta, a static perfusion curve was constructed. All separate quantifications were compared between the three groups. No vascular morphology differences were detected in contrast to vascular density values. The median vascular density (interquartile range) was −567 (113), −452 (95), and −470 (323) HU, for the control, PE, and CTEPH group. The static perfusion curves showed different patterns between groups, with a statistically significant difference in aorta‐pulmonary trunk gradient between the PE and CTEPH groups (p = 0.008). In this proof of concept study, not vasculature morphology but densities differentiated between patients of three groups. Further technical improvements are needed to allow for accurate differentiation between PE and CTEPH, which in this study was only possible statistically by measuring the density gradient between aorta and pulmonary trunk.
Reliability modeling of dependent competing failure processes based on time‐dependent threshold level δ and degradation rate changes
Authors: Lyu Hao , Ma Li , Qu Hongchen , Yang Zaiyou , Jiang Yuliang , Lu Bing
Published: April 2023

A new reliability model for dependent competing failure processes is proposed. The reliability model uses the generalized Polya process (GPP) to model the arrival of shocks and considers the degradation rate change. Most systems fail due to performance degradation and external environment shocks. On the one hand, soft failure occurs when the total amount of degradation, including continuous degradation and sudden degenerate increment, exceeds the soft failure threshold level. On the other hand, hard failure occurs when the time interval between two successive shocks is less than the recovery time. As time progresses and natural degradation, the time for a system to recover from damage due to shocks tends to increase gradually. However, conventional models usually regard recovery time as a constant, unrealistic in many practical situations. For this purpose, an increment‐dependent shock process is considered. A hard failure reliability model with recovery time is calculated using the GPP to describe the shock arrival process. On this basis, combined with the deduced soft failure function, the analytical solution of the reliability model is obtained. Finally, a numerical example based on the micro‐electro mechanical systems is conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Direct analysis in real‐time tandem mass spectrometry method for the rapid screening of 11 new psychoactive substances in blood and urine
Authors: Ji Jiahua , Zhang Yunfeng , Zhang Ying , Chang Jing , Wang Aihua , Zhou Hong , Liu Yao , Wang Jifen
Published: April 2023

Rationale

With the continuous renewal of new psychoactive substances (NPS), the abuse of NPS has seriously harmed social security and public safety. The number of deaths from the abuse of NPS is increasing year by year. Therefore, there is an immediate need to develop an effective method for detecting NPS.

Methods

Direct analysis in real‐time tandem mass spectrometry (DART‐MS/MS) was used to detect 11 NPS in blood and urine. The temperature of the ion source was optimized and set to 400°C. The mixture solvent of acetonitrile/methanol (4:1, v/v) was used as the precipitant. SKF‐525 (2‐(diethylamino)ethyl 2,2‐diphenylpentanoate) was selected as the internal standard for quantification. After the pretreatment of the analytes in blood or urine, the supernatant was prepared for instrumental analysis.

Results

The results indicated that the correlation coefficients (r2) of all analytes ranged from 0.99 to 1 in the linear range. The recoveries of 11 analytes at three spiked levels ranged between 83.4% and 110.4% in blood and between 81.7% and 108.5% in urine. The matrix effects of 11 analytes ranged between 79.5% and 109.5% in blood and between 85.0% and 109.4% in urine. The relative standard deviations of intra‐day and inter‐day precisions and repeatability were lower than 12.4%, 14.1%, and 14.3% in blood and lower than 11.4%, 13.9%, and 14.3% in urine, respectively.

Conclusion

The method established for the detection of 11 NPS could meet the needs for the rapid screening of NPS samples. The DART‐MS/MS method has the advantages of being efficient, fast, and green. Therefore, it may become a promising technology for the detection of NPS in the future.
Targeting zero hunger to ensure sustainable development: Insights from a panel structure
Authors: Ghosh Shantanu , Sahu Tarak Nath
Published: April 2023

The article aims to estimate the impact of food prices, food production, per capita income and financial inclusion indicators on reducing the prevalence of undernourishment in 61 developing and least developed countries across 2004–2019. Applying panel co‐integration and error correction model it concludes that an increase in food production, income and financial inclusion indicators reduces the pervasiveness of undernourishment, whereas rising food prices exacerbates undernourishment significantly in the long run. The error correction term appears to be negative and significant. Apart from other exogenous variables considered in the model governments' effectiveness and political stability with absence of violence reduces whereas, corruption increases undernourishment significantly in the short run. This study is important for the policymakers in the developing and least developed countries to formulate effective strategies addressing undernourishment, thus achieving the target of zero hunger.
Revisiting the Pharmacological Potential of 3‐Hydroxyflavone Derivatives (3HF) in Transdermal Drug Delivery by Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Nanofiber
Authors: Dayananda B. Sesappa , Sarojini B. Kunhanna , Harshitha K. Ramachandra , Sravani A. Boyina , Lewis S.
Published: April 2023

The unexplored anti‐inflammatory and wound‐scratching assay of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one [3HF(B)] was reported for the first time with the subsequent transdermal drug delivery en route electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber mat. The higher anti‐inflammatory activity of 3HF(B) was revealed by in vitro protein denaturation assay in comparison to Ibuprofen. The wound scratching assay on NIH3T3 cells disclosed the rapid wound healing potential of 3HF(B) in 18 h. The fabricated cellulose acetate nanofiber‘s drug encapsulation efficiency was 82.0±1.0 % whereas drug release ability was 91.29±0.3 % at pH 7.4. The initial rapid release of 37.82±1.3 % of the drug was found to be beneficial for quick recovery from the critical phase of symptoms. These results suggest that the cellulose acetate/3HF(B) composite nanofiber's suitability to be employed as a patch in the transdermal drug delivery system with synergetic anti‐inflammatory activity.