bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Shengmai San and Radix puerariae ameliorates depression‐like symptoms in diabetic rats at the nexus of PI3K/BDNF/SYN protein expression
Authors: Ahmed Ayaz , Zeng Guirong , Azhar Mudassar , Wang Fengzhong , Wang Jingru , Fan Bei , Liu Xinmin , Jiang Dejiang , Wang Qiong
Published: June 2023

Background

Hyperglycemia is a characteristic feature of diabetes that often results in neuropsychological complications such as depression. Diabetic individuals are more vulnerable to experience depression compared to the normal population. Thus, novel treatment approaches are required to reduce depressive symptoms among diabetic individuals. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) such as Shengmai San (SMS) and Radix puerariae (R) are usually widely used to treat ailments such as neurological complications since ancient time.

Methods

In this study, SMS was combined with R to prepare an R‐SMS formulation and screened for their antidepressant activity in diabetic rats. The antidepressant potential of the prepared combination was evaluated behaviorally using open field test, novelty‐induced hypophagia, and forced swim test in diabetic rats with biochemical and protein expression (PI3K, BDNF [brain‐derived neurotrophic factor], and SYN [presynaptic vesicle protein]) analysis.

Results

Diabetic rats (streptozotocin, 45 mg/kg) showed elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) >12 mM with depressive symptoms throughout the study. Treatment with R‐SMS (0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 g/kg) significantly reverted depressive symptoms in diabetic rats as evinced by significantly (p < 0.05) reduced immobility time with an increased tendency to eat food in a novel environment. Treatment with R‐SMS also significantly increased the protein expression of PI3K, BDNF, and SYN protein, which play a crucial role in depression.

Conclusion

This study showed that R‐SMS formulation antagonized depressive symptoms in diabetic rats; thus, this formulation might be studied further to develop as an antidepressant.
Patterned Mussel‐Inspired Freestanding Membranes as Efficient Delivery Device of Therapeutic Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair
Authors: Sousa Maria P. , Passos Catarina T. , Fürsatz Marian , Lee Haeshin , Patrício Sónia G. , Mano João F. , Nürnberger Sylvia
Published: June 2023

Articular cartilage injuries are currently one of the world's top health concerns owing to its limited capacity of self‐renewal, thus raising to the economic burden in the healthcare system. Cell implantation strategies resorting to a suitable delivery platform hold a great promising approach to increase cell retention to be further supplied in a sufficient amount to the cartilage defects. So far, macromolecular engineering toolboxes for designing cell‐carrier devices with on‐demand cell delivery efficiency are rarely reported. Herein, anisotropically patterned mussel‐inspired membranes, comprising oppositely charged marine‐origin biopolymers (e.g., chitosan and alginate) combined in a multilayered fashion with catechol‐functionalized hyaluronic acid (DOPA‐HA), through electrostatically driven layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly approach, are developed. The seamless combination of nanotopography and catechol molecular cues in one single platform significantly augments ASC/TERT1 adhesion at the patterned DOPA‐HA membrane surface. These highest cell density membranes are further applied onto human chondral discs ex vivo models to evaluate their capability to act as cell delivery vehicles. Results show the successful cell migration and retention at cartilage surface, wherein they spread to inhabit both superficial empty lacunae and furrows. Therefore, the present study supplies an important strategy for designing cell delivery vehicles to be applied on cell‐based therapies.
Asymmetric Catalytic Ring‐Expansion of 3‐Methyleneazetidines with α‐Diazo Pyrazoamides towards Proline‐Derivatives
Authors: Wang Kaixuan , Yang Longqing , Li Yi , Li Hongye , Liu Zhili , Ning Lichao , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: June 2023

We realized a highly efficient formal [1,2]‐sigmatropic rearrangement of ammonium ylides generated from 3‐methylene‐azetidines and α‐diazo pyrazoamides. The employ of readily available chiral cobalt(II) complex of chiral N,N′‐dioxide enabled the ring‐expansion of azetidines, affording a variety of quaternary prolineamide derivatives with excellent yield (up to 99 %) and enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) under mild reaction condition. For the rearrangement of ammonium ylides, the installation of a pyrazoamide group as a masked brick to build chiral scaffolds proved successful. The enantioselective ring expansion process was elucidated by DFT calculations.
N‐Doped Nonalternant Nanoribbons with Excellent Nonlinear Optical Performance
Authors: Song Ying , Sun Jibin , He Xi , Liao Miaoli , Zhao Jie , Zeng Weixuan , Zhou Shuyun , Chen Huajie
Published: June 2023

Two novel N‐doped nonalternant nanoribbons (NNNR‐1 and NNNR‐2) featuring multiple fused N‐heterocycles and bulky solubilizing groups were prepared via bottom‐up solution synthesis. NNNR‐2 achieves a total molecular length of 33.8 Å, which represents the longest soluble N‐doped nonalternant nanoribbon reported to date. The pentagon subunits and doping of N atoms in NNNR‐1 and NNNR‐2 have successfully regulated their electronic properties, achieving high electron affinity and good chemical stability enabled by the nonalternant conjugation and electronic effects. When applied a laser pulse of 532 nm, the 13‐rings nanoribbon NNNR‐2 shows outstanding nonlinear optical (NLO) responses, with the nonlinear extinction coefficient of 374 cm GW−1, much higher than those of NNNR‐1 (96 cm GW−1) and the well‐known NLO material C60 (153 cm GW−1). Our findings indicate that the N‐doping of nonalternant nanoribbons is an effective strategy to access another type of excellent material system for high‐performance NLO applications, which can be extended to construct numerous heteroatom‐doped nonalternant nanoribbons with fine‐tunable electronic properties.
Limit risk, liability by derailing pathway to violence
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: June 2023

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — When higher education leaders take a proactive rather than reactive approach to active assailants, they can limit the risks and liabilities for their institutions.
Impact of pre‐ and post‐diagnosis physical activity on the mortality of patients with cancer: Results from the Health Examinees‐G study in Korea
Authors: Choi Jaesung , Park Joo‐Yong , Kim Ji‐Eun , Lee Miyoung , Lee Kyuwan , Lee Jong‐Koo , Kang Daehee , Shin Aesun , Choi Ji‐Yeob
Published: June 2023

Background

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to improve the survival of cancer patients. However, the prognostic impact of specific PAs is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the associations of the duration, type, intensity, and number of PAs one participates in pre‐ and post‐diagnosis with mortality in Korean patients with cancer.

Methods

Among the participants aged 40–69 years recruited from the Health Examines study, those diagnosed with cancer after baseline (n = 7749) and within 10 years before baseline (n = 3008) were included in the analyses for pre‐ and post‐diagnosis PA, respectively. Duration, intensity, type, and number of leisure‐time physical activities participated in were assessed using questionnaires. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to characterize the association between PA and cancer‐specific mortality, adjusting for demographics, behaviors, comorbidities, and cancer stage based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.

Results

Pre‐diagnosis, patients participating in vigorous‐intensity activities (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61–0.82), walking (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.97), climbing (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55–0.77), sports (HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25–0.61), and more than two activities (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63–0.86) had significantly lower all‐cause mortality. Importantly, these associations were only found in patients with colorectal cancer participating in vigorous‐intensity activities (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23–0.70). Post‐diagnosis, only patients who performed more than two activities (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.95) had significantly lower all‐cause mortality. Similar associations were found for cancer mortality, both pre‐ and post‐diagnosis.

Conclusion

Specific characteristics of PA pre‐ and post‐diagnosis may influence the survival of cancer patients.
Analyses of Elaeocarpus sphaericus Extract for Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and Gene Repression Activities against HIF‐1α and VEGF
Authors: Joshi Swati , Painuli Sakshi , Misra Kshipra , Kumar Navin , Bachheti Rakesh Kumar , Rai Nishant , Singab Abdel Nasser B.
Published: June 2023

The study presents antioxidant, phytochemical, anti‐proliferative, and gene repression activities against Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF‐1) alpha and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus extract. Elaeocarpus sphaericus dried and crushed plant leaves were extracted using water and methanol by ASE (Accelerated Solvent Extraction) method. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were used to measure the extracts′ phytochemical activity (TFC). Antioxidant potential of the extracts was measured through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and TRP. Methanolic extract of the leaves of E. sphaericus has shown a higher amount of TPC (94.666±4.040 mg/gm GAE) and TFC value (172.33±3.21 mg/gm RE). The antioxidant properties of extracts in the yeast model (Drug Rescue assay) showed promising results. Ascorbic acid, gallic acid, hesperidin, and quercetin were found in the aqueous and methanolic extracts of E. sphaericus at varying amounts, according to a densiometric chromatogram generated by HPTLC analysis. Methanolic extract of E. sphaericus (10 mg/ml) has shown good antimicrobial potential against all bacterial strains used in the study except E. coli. The anticancer activity of the extract in HeLa cell lines ranged from 77.94±1.03 % to 66.85±1.95 %, while it ranged from 52.83±2.57 % to 5.44 % in Vero cell lines at varying concentration (1000 μg/ml–31.2 μg/ml). A promising effect of extract was observed on the expression activity of HIF‐1 and VEGF gene through RT‐PCR assay.
Secondary Metabolite Analysis of Phomopsis sp. LGT‐5 Based on the Dual Guidance of Whole‐Genome Sequencing and HPLC‐Q‐ToF‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhu Jia‐Jia , Xi Na , Liu Cheng , Ma Ping‐Yang , Wu Xin‐Yuan , Zhou Li , An Zhen‐Yu , Jiang Zhi‐Bo , Wu Xiu‐Li , Wang Jian‐Huan
Published: June 2023

Microorganisms produce a wealth of structurally diverse specialized metabolites with a remarkable range of biological activities. The Phomopsis sp. LGT‐5 was obtained through tissue block and repeatedly crossed methods from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. The antibacterial experiments of LGT‐5 showed that it has high inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and moderate inhibitory activity against Candida albicans. To research the generation of the antibacterial phenomenon of LGT‐5 and provide support for further research and application, the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of LGT‐5 was obtained by single‐molecule real‐time DNA sequencing platform Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) sequencing and Illumina paired‐end sequencing. The final assembled LGT‐5 genome is 54.79 Mb with a contig N50 of 290.07 kb; in addition, its secondary metabolites were detected through HPLC‐Q‐ToF‐MS/MS. By comparing its MS/MS data, the secondary metabolites were analyzed based on visual network maps obtained on the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The analysis results showed that the secondary metabolites of LGT‐5 were triterpenes and various cyclic dipeptides.
Insights into the Structural and Energetic Descriptions of Ubiquitin Specific Protease 7 (USP7) Catalytic Mechanisms by Hybrid QM/MM Simulations.
Authors: Velázquez‐Libera José Luis , Caballero Julio , Alzate‐Morales Jans , Ruiz‐Pernía J. Javier , Tuñón Iñaki
Published: June 2023

We have reported the first computational study about USP7 reaction mechanism with the substrate Ubiquitin‐Rhodamine 110‐G (Ub‐Rho) using a robust methodology that integrated homology modeling, classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, protein‐protein interaction fingerprints (IFPs) analysis, principal components analysis (PCA) and clustering, and the hybrid QM/MM simulations using the adaptive string method (ASM). The results presented in this work could be useful to understand the dynamic nature of USP7 enzyme‐substrate complexes. In this sense, we have provided a detailed structural description of the most relevant conformational changes observed in our simulations, which could be used as reference for modeling more complicated USP7’s enzyme‐substrate complexes. On the other hand, our descriptions of the protein‐protein interactions of Ub‐Rho's residues at P5 to P1’ positions with the CD's active site, and the geometries of the stationary states located along the MFEP could be considered for designing new potent and selective inhibitors for USP7’s activity.
Coordination Behavior of the Tellurium Incorporated Mercuraazametallamacrocycle and Investigation of d10⋅⋅⋅d10 Interactions between Closed Shell (Ag+ Hg2+) Metal Ions
Authors: Raju Saravanan , Singh Harkesh B. , Kumar Sangit , Butcher Ray J.
Published: June 2023

Herein, a new tellurium and mercury containing mercuraazametallamacrocycle has been prepared via (2+2) condensation of bis(o‐aminophenyl)telluride and bis(o‐formylphenyl)mercury(II). The isolated bright yellow solid of mercuraazametallamacrocycle has adopted unsymmetrical figure‐of‐eight conformation in the crystal structure. To study the metallophilic interactions between closed shell metal ions, the macrocyclic ligand has been treated with two equiv. of AgOTf (OTf=trifluoromethansulfonate) and AgBF4, which afforded greenish‐yellow bimetallic silver complexes. The isolated silver complexes displayed intramolecular Hg⋅⋅⋅Ag, Te⋅⋅⋅Ag interactions as well as intermolecular Hg⋅⋅⋅Hg interactions and formed an extended 1D molecular chain by directing six atoms to interact as TeII⋅⋅⋅AgI⋅⋅⋅HgII⋅⋅⋅HgII⋅⋅⋅AgI⋅⋅⋅TeII in a non linear fashion. The Hg⋅⋅⋅Ag, Te⋅⋅⋅Ag interactions have also been studied in solution by 199Hg, 125Te NMR spectroscopy, absorption, and emission spectroscopy. In DFT calculations, the Atom in Molecule (AIM) analysis, non‐covalent interactions (NCI), natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis strongly supported for experimental evidences and revealed that the intermolecular Hg⋅⋅⋅Hg interaction is stronger than the intramolecular Hg⋅⋅⋅Ag interactions.
The French approach to entrepreneurial failure: A profound paradigm shift
Authors: Lemercier Karine
Published: June 2023

From the long‐standing disapproval attached to the "bankruptcy" of the entrepreneur, through the contested recognition of the right not to pay his debts, the French law of insolvency has evolved to gradually take into account the fate of the man in entrepreneurial failure. Thus, the objective of the rebound of the entrepreneur is part of the reforms of the law of companies in difficulty for several years: introduction of professional recovery leading to the cancellation of debts, acceleration of the judicial liquidation procedure, limitation of the scope of the guarantees offered to creditors and reduction of the weight of sanctions. Beyond the measures, the evolution of the law of companies in difficulty reflects a real mutation in the French perception of entrepreneurial failure. A paradigm shift is taking place where the culture of failure gradually gives way to a culture of rebound, so that the entrepreneur can be entitled to a "second chance". The article focuses on the legal mechanisms of the rebound of the individual entrepreneur after a judicial liquidation under French law. The objective is to demonstrate that a paradigm shift is taking place where the culture of failure is gradually giving way to a culture of rebound. If the change has appeared for 30 years, it appears more blatantly for 3 years, whether in European or French law. However, many economic stigmas persist, such as indicators in the banking file of companies or data on judicial liquidation that remain publicly available. In order to promote the rebound of the entrepreneur, we propose in particular the establishment of a right to be forgotten.
The surrogate scaffold method for quantifying molecular release kinetics from drug delivery systems
Authors: Borges Fernando T. P. , Papavasiliou Georgia , Teymour Fouad
Published: June 2023

The accurate determination of kinetics of therapeutic release from drug delivery vehicles is an essential step in the optimized design of such systems for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Most methods in current use for quantifying therapeutic release rates are developed to provide consistency, reproducibility, and ease of usage in a laboratory setting. These methods, however, do not necessarily mirror the release conditions when the drug delivery system comes into contact with the target tissue environment during application. As a result, the findings from these studies provide only comparative guidelines about the drug delivery rates and duration. Successful optimization of a drug delivery system requires complete, and accurate, knowledge about the release profile over an extended period of time to determine the initial release rate—including burst release if present, the rate of change of the release kinetics, and the maximum duration of delivery at a minimum therapeutic concentration level. We have developed an indirect method for the quantification of release kinetics suitable for nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems that utilizes a hydrogel scaffold as a tissue surrogate to better emulate therapeutic delivery into a target tissue environment. Details of the method and its application to the release of an angiogenic peptide from a nanoparticle emulsion are provided in this communication.
Integrated metabolic and genetic analysis reveals distinct features of human differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Cararo Lopes Eduardo , Sawant Akshada , Moore Dirk , Ke Hua , Shi Fuqian , Laddha Saurabh , Chen Ying , Sharma Anchal , Naumann Jake , Guo Jessie Yanxiang , Gomez Maria , Ibrahim Maria , Smith Tracey L. , Riedlinger Gregory M. , Lattime Edmund C. , Trooskin Stanley , Ganesan Shridar , Su Xiaoyang , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih , De Subhajyoti , Chan Chang S. , White Eileen
Published: June 2023

Background

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) affects thousands of lives worldwide each year. Typically, DTC is a treatable disease with a good prognosis. Yet, some patients are subjected to partial or total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy to prevent local disease recurrence and metastasis. Unfortunately, thyroidectomy and/or radioiodine therapy often worsen(s) quality of life and might be unnecessary in indolent DTC cases. On the other hand, the lack of biomarkers indicating a potential metastatic thyroid cancer imposes an additional challenge to managing and treating patients with this disease.

Aim

The presented clinical setting highlights the unmet need for a precise molecular diagnosis of DTC and potential metastatic disease, which should dictate appropriate therapy.

Materials and methods

In this article, we present a differential multi‐omics model approach, including metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatic models, to distinguish normal glands from thyroid tumours. Additionally, we are proposing biomarkers that could indicate potential metastatic diseases in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), a sub‐class of DTC.

Results

Normal and tumour thyroid tissue from DTC patients had a distinct yet well‐defined metabolic profile with high levels of anabolic metabolites and/or other metabolites associated with the energy maintenance of tumour cells. The consistency of the DTC metabolic profile allowed us to build a bioinformatic classification model capable of clearly distinguishing normal from tumor thyroid tissues, which might help diagnose thyroid cancer. Moreover, based on PTC patient samples, our data suggest that elevated nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutational burden, intra‐tumour heterogeneity, shortened telomere length, and altered metabolic profile reflect the potential for metastatic disease.

Discussion

Altogether, this work indicates that a differential and integrated multi‐omics approach might improve DTC management, perhaps preventing unnecessary thyroid gland removal and/or radioiodine therapy.

Conclusions

Well‐designed, prospective translational clinical trials will ultimately show the value of this integrated multi‐omics approach and early diagnosis of DTC and potential metastatic PTC.
Rectovaginal endometriosis with nodular smooth muscle metaplasia diagnosed via transrectal ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology: An underused minimally invasive diagnostic technique?
Authors: Molina Mariel , Moreno Gustavo A. , Singh Reena , Hunt Bryan , Giorgadze Tamar A.
Published: June 2023

Rectovaginal endometriosis is a severe variant of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Laparoscopic assessment with tissue sampling remains the gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis. However, transvaginal (TVUS) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) have been shown to be especially helpful in the diagnosis of deep endometriosis. We present the case of a 49‐year‐old female with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and constipation. Upon pelvic examination, an incidental mass was palpated. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an anterior rectal wall mass and colonoscopy was non‐diagnostic. Further work‐up with MRI showed a 3.9 cm mass centered within the upper rectovaginal septum. TRUS guided fine‐needle aspiration (TRUS‐FNA) revealed cohesive epithelial cell groups without significant cytologic atypia and a second population of bland spindle cells. Cell block slides showed glandular epithelium with associated stroma that exhibited endometrial morphology and immunophenotype. Nodular fragments of spindle cells with smooth muscle immunophenotype and fibrosis were also present. The overall morphologic findings were consistent with rectovaginal endometriosis with nodular smooth muscle metaplasia. Medical management with nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor with radiologic follow‐up was selected. Rectovaginal endometriosis represents a type of deep endometriosis usually associated with severe pelvic symptoms. Metaplastic smooth muscle cells are a frequent component of endometriosis in the rectovaginal pouch with nodular growth and may present diagnostic challenges. TRUS‐FNA is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis, even in this variant of deep infiltrating disease.
Computational fluid dynamic analysis of hydrogen‐injected natural gas for mixing and transportation behaviors in pipeline structures
Authors: Yan Shuangjie , Jia Guanwei , Xu Weiqing , Li Rui , Lu YangHui , Cai Maolin
Published: June 2023

The transportation of hydrogen is a weak link in the large‐scale development of the hydrogen energy industry. Injecting hydrogen into the natural gas pipeline network for transportation is an efficient way to achieve the large‐scale, long‐distance, and low‐cost transportation of hydrogen. Hydrogen can lead to hydrogen embrittlement in natural gas pipelines and cause safety incidents if hydrogen and natural gas are not mixed uniformly. Therefore, it is necessary to study the blending process and blending uniformity of hydrogen and natural gas. In this study, a three‐dimensional model of the hydrogen‐injected natural gas pipeline was constructed. The effects of hydrogen injection inlet and turbulator configuration on the mixing process of hydrogen and natural gas were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics approach. The results show that increasing the number of hydrogen injection inlets shortens the distance L98% of uniform mixing of hydrogen and natural gas. Increasing the radial distance r from the initial hydrogen mixing positions to the center of the pipeline will shorten the distance for uniform gas mixing in the pipeline. The addition of turbulator configurations in the pipeline significantly reduces the distance to uniform gas mixing. Changing the distance Lturb from the turbulator to the initial mixing position further shortens the distance between hydrogen and natural gas mixing uniformly. The results of this study provide a reference for the structural design of the hydrogen–natural gas mixing pipeline and the gas distribution state during the mixing process.
Waste heat recovery of the hydrogen–water mixture from high‐temperature water electrolysis by cascade heat pump for steam generation
Authors: Fang Zhicong , Chen Zhiguang , Yang Zekun , Zhang Shuhao
Published: June 2023

Waste heat recovery is common in high‐temperature water electrolysis production, but the latent heat from the hydrogen–water mixture is not fully utilized, and the electric heater to generate steam consumes much energy. In this research, a cascade heat pump is proposed to recover the latent heat from electrolysis products and generate steam. The heat pump can save as much as 65% electric energy compared with a single electric heater. Although in some cases, the latent heat is not enough to generate sufficient steam, it can still save 46.1% of energy. Also, this research emphasizes the significant influence of hydrogen and water proportion in electrolysis products. Compared with 80% water proportion, 50% water proportion can save 1.67 MW energy just in the water vaporization process for a 10 MW electrolyzer. The payback period is 3.43 years, which makes it worth investing.
Exploring magnetic capture to improve the detection of human norovirus in strawberries
Authors: Bai Yalong , Pu Chunmin , Suo Yujuan , Zhang Xufu , Qu Yang , Feng Bo , Huang Liujuan , Shao Yi , Dai Yingchun
Published: June 2023

Human norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, and its detection in foods remains a challenge due to the difficulty of eluting and enriching trace amounts of viral particles. In this study, we developed porcine gastric mucin–labeled magnetic capture probes and optimized the conditions for their binding with norovirus, elution of viral particles, and RNA isolation based on the previous research. We evaluated the magnetic capture‐based pretreatment method in artificially contaminated strawberry samples and compared it with the conventional polyethylene glycol precipitation–based method using reverse transcriptional‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). The results revealed that Tris·HCl (pH 9.5) was the optimal buffer for the binding of magnetic probes with viral particles, and RNA recovery rate obtained by heating‐based release was significantly higher than that obtained by a commercial kit, with only active virus being captured. This buffer was similar to the RT‐qPCR buffer, which facilitated the sensitivity of RT‐qPCR. Furthermore, the buffer was an effective solution for eluting viral particles from foods in previous research and was optimized to ensure maximum elution and no inhibitory effect on viral capture. We explored multiple factors or steps to ensure that the sensitivity of our method was three orders of magnitude higher than that of the conventional method. Our findings suggest that magnetic capture‐based detection has great potential for the sensitive detection of human norovirus.
An investigation on the prevalence of microplastic in commercial and open pan salts obtained from Cox's Bazar and Maheshkhali region of Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh)
Authors: Mazumder Debapriya , Quader Md. Fahad Bin , Saha Suvanker , Islam Md. Ashraful , Sarker Rakha Hari , Chowdhury Arpan Mitra
Published: June 2023

Unrestrained utilization of plastic has reached an intemperate state, menacing environment and human lives. The preliminary focus of this research was to investigate and divulge the contemporary status of microplastics (MPs) in commercialized and open pan salts from Cox's Bazar and Maheshkhali channels. A total of 27 samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed for the prevalence of MPs by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy (RS); the prevailing amount, color, size, and shapes were analyzed by stereomicroscope and SEM. The abundance of high‐density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were detected by FTIR, meanwhile exuberance of cellulose acetate, polypropylene, PET, LDPE, and Nylon 6 were identified by RS. The average quantifications of MPs in Cox's Bazar, Maheshkhali, and packaged salts were found to be 6851.11 ± 538.18, 5638.89 ± 1001.18, and 3405.56 ± 638.57 per kg, respectively. ANOVA resulted in highly significant association between MPs and sampling sites (p = .001*). Post hoc Tukey's test revealed prominent link between commercialized and open pan salts based on the amount of MPs (p = .001*). The most prevalent colors were purple (28%) and blue (27%). The most frequent shapes were fibrous (79%) and fragmented (19.9%) MPs. The smallest MP was detected in commercial salt (1.55 μm), nearly identical and closer to the size of nanoplastics.
The correlation among residual nitrites, biogenic amines, N‐nitrosamine formation, and degradation occurrence of punicalagin α/β, rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid in extract‐treated sausage during storage
Authors: Abedi Elahe , Tavakoli Atefeh , Zamanizadeh Simin , Maleki Shahrzad , Jassbi Amir Reza
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between residual α‐ and β‐punicalagin in Punica granatum L.; PPE and rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid in Salvia eremophila (SE) with residual nitrites, biogenic amines (cadaverine, putrescine, and histamine), N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), microbial counts, lipid oxidation indices, and color values in extract‐treated sausage over 14 days of storage. Sausage containing SE + nitrite 60 ppm (SSN) showed minimum levels of the residual nitrites (13.14 mg/kg), NDMA (0.74 ± 0.05 μg/kg), and biogenic amine (histamine, 1.8 mg/kg; cadaverine, 3.7 mg/kg; and putrescine, 4.3 mg/kg) due to retarded degradation rate of 285.84–216.44 mg/kg; rosmarinic acid, 41.62–33.16 mg/kg; carnosol, and 88.70–76.73 mg/kg; carnosic acid over storage time. The first‐order kinetic model fitted well for the degradation of rosmarinic acid and carnosol acid in SSN sample. TBA value remained below the threshold limit (0.32 mg kg−1) through 14 days for SSN. Second‐order and zero‐order reaction models had the best agreement with sausages' PV and TBA values, respectively. After 2 weeks of storage, E. coli and Cl. perfringens counts in the SN120 (sausage containing 120 ppm nitrite) and SSN were significantly lower than the other samples (p < .05), with the values 2.1 and 1.5 log cfu/g for SN120 and 2.2 and 1.6 log cfu/g for SSN formulation. Conversely, oxidation indices, residual nitrites, NDMA, and biogenic amine increased in sausage samples containing PPE extracts (SPN) owing to total degradation of α‐ and β‐punicalagin during storage. The results indicated that SE can be used as potential co‐preservative by reducing the levels of required nitrite in food industry.
Adherence to iron supplement intake during pregnancy and associated factors in Ethiopia: Further analysis of a national population‐based study
Authors: Demie Takele Gezahegn , Gessese Getachew Tilahun , Woldeamanuel Berhanu Teshome , Biratu Tolesa Diriba , Handebo Simegnew
Published: June 2023

Iron deficiency during pregnancy is a risk factor for anemia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Poor adherence to iron supplement intake remains a problem in many countries including Ethiopia. This analysis aimed at determining the proportion of adherence to iron supplement intake and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. We used the data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS), which is a cross‐sectional and nationally representative survey. A weighted sample of 3927 pregnant women was included in the study. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adherence to iron supplement intake. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p‐value <.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Our analysis revealed that out of 2356 (60.0%) pregnant women who took iron supplements during their most recent pregnancy, only 417 (17.7%; 95% CI: 0.162–0.193) adhered to the WHO‐recommended iron intake for 90 days or more. The subnational regions, level of education, literacy, the timing of first antenatal care booking, and past place of delivery were significantly associated with iron supplement intake. Interventions to enhance the uptake of iron supplementation better focus on improving women's education and literacy, early initiation and frequency of ANC visits, and institutional delivery. Raising community awareness through educating pregnant women is also recommended to improve adherence to iron supplement intake.
Different regulatory framework for medical devices and drugs in the European Union: Impact on clinical research and health technology assessments
Authors: Albuquerque de Almeida Fernando , Ricardo Mariana
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Understanding whether the regulatory framework in the European Union creates different standards for medical devices and drugs, assessing whether there is evidence on the impact of those standards on clinical and HTA research, and reflecting on findings in order to propose legislative changes for promoting a more efficient allocation of resources in the healthcare systems.

Methods

Reviewing and comparing the legal framework for the approval of medical devices and drugs in the EU, with a particular focus on the changes brought by Regulation (EU) 2017/745. Investigating the available information on manufacturer sponsored clinical studies and HTA‐supported recommendations for medical devices and drugs.

Results

The review of the legislation identified different standards for approval of devices and drugs on their quality, safety, and performance/efficacy dimensions and fewer manufacturer sponsored clinical studies and HTA‐supported recommendations for medical devices versus drugs.

Conclusions

Policy changes could be implemented in order to promote an integrated evidence‐based assessment system for a better allocation of resources in healthcare, namely: a consensual classification of medical devices from an HTA perspective, which could be used as a guide for generating outcomes in clinical investigation, and the adoption of conditional coverage practices including mandatory post‐approval evidence development for performing periodic technology assessments.
Lifestyle assessment in individuals with spinal cord injuries caused by accidents and disasters in qualitative studies published from 1990 to 2020: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative study
Authors: Nazari Saeed , Moradi Maryam , Danyali Zeinab , Ahmadi Marzaleh Milad , Hadi Vahid , Hadi Saeid
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

As a debilitating disorder, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can bring about a range of physical, psychological, and social consequences in individuals and even have effects on their lifestyle indicators. The present study was thus to reflect on lifestyles among people with SCIs developing from accidents and disasters.

Methods

Using a meta‐synthesis of qualitative research, all articles recruiting qualitative methods to examine patients with SCIs, published from 1990 to 2020, were retrieved by the researchers, good at the Persian and English languages, from the databases of ScienceDirect, MD Consult, Pedro, ProQuest, PubMed, SID, MedLib, Magiran, Scopus, Google Scholar, Iranmedex, the Cochran Library, CINAHL, and Blackwell, tapping the keywords of “spinal cord injury, SCI, manmade disaster, natural disaster, content analysis, concept analysis, thematic analysis, lifestyle, quality of life, QoL, grounded theory, meta‐synthesis, mixed‐methods research, historical research, ethnography, and phenomenology” in both languages for their inclusion in this study and further analyses.

Results

With reference to the inclusion criteria, 18 articles were extracted, and after all 10 studies in line with the research topic were reviewed and analyzed. Ultimately, six main themes, namely, compromise, self‐reliance, income‐generating activities, mental status, inability, and issues of sexuality were extracted, demonstrating their importance to individuals suffering from SCIs.

Conclusion

During the initial stages following SCIs, the abilities to engage in participatory practices and individual's power of decision‐making diminish because of physical, social, psychological, and environmental constraints. It was accordingly recommended to have a holistic perspective and respect all aspects of life in individuals with SCIs.
Performance optimization of solar‐powered heat engine using a multiobjective accelerated algorithm
Authors: El Moudden Mustapha , Hssikou Mohamed
Published: June 2023

In this study, a multiobjective optimization approach was used to conduct a thermodynamic investigation of a solar Brayton and endoreversible heat engine. The thermo‐economic performance capabilities of such machines with hybrid input power, solar‐fuel, are examined numerically. Throughout this study, three performance indicators of the cycle, including the power output, the thermo‐economic performance function, and the thermal efficiency are optimized concurrently employing a multiobjective steepest descent method, named the Accelerated Diagonal Steepest Descent algorithm. Furthermore, to properly analyze the error, three strategies are employed in the decision‐making step to identify the optimal compromise solution, and the deviation indices under these strategies are analyzed. The numerical experiments reveal that the present algorithm outperforms the two popular multiobjective algorithms: the multiobjective particle swarm optimization method and the elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm. The relevance of the presented algorithm with respect to the previous ones is examined by means of a deviation index. Finally, these experiments show the optimal design parameters which lead to the best performance of the heat engine.
Presence of EBV antigens detected by a sensitive method in pediatric and adult Diffuse Large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Mangiaterra Tamara S. , De Dios Soler Marcela , Oviedo Noelia , Colli Sandra , Preciado Maria V. , Soria Marcela , Galluzo Laura , De Matteo Elena , Chabay Paola
Published: June 2023

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a new entity, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) + Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS). Traces of EBV transcripts were described in lymphomas, including DLBCL, that were diagnosed as EBV negative by conventional methods. The aim of this study was to detect viral genome by qPCR, as well as LMP1 and EBNA2 transcripts, with a more sensitive method in DLBCL cases from Argentina. Fourteen cases originally considered as EBV negative expressed LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts. In addition, LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts were also observed in bystander cells. However, EBERs+ cells cases by conventional ISH showed higher numbers of cells with LMP1 transcripts and LMP1 protein. In the cases that were EBERS− in tumor cells but with expression of LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts, the viral load was below the limit of detection. This study provides further evidence that EBV could be detected in tumor cells by more sensitive methods. However, higher expression of the most important oncogenic protein, LMP1, as well as increased viral load, are only observed in cases with EBERs+ cells by conventional ISH, suggesting that traces of EBV might not display a key role in DLBCL pathogenesis.
Long‐term survival and renal outcomes of thrombotic microangiopathy in pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Yu , Shih Jin‐Chung , Tsai Meng‐Han , Chung Ching‐Hu
Published: June 2023

Objective

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in pregnancy can rapidly progress, leading to severe morbidities. This study aimed to compare baseline demographics and clinical outcomes between pregnant women with and without TMA.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, 207 patients with pregnancy‐related TMA from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015 were enrolled. Their data were compared with a 1:4 propensity score–matched cohort of 828 pregnant women without TMA to evaluate mortality and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) risks. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 1035 participants were included. The risks of mortality and ESRD were 4.46 and 5.97 times higher for the TMA cohort, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed higher mortality and ESRD risks in patients with TMA aged >40 years with a history of hypertension, stroke, cancer, concomitant stroke, malignant hypertension, or gastroenterocolitis than in the matched cohort.

Conclusion

Pregnant patients with TMA, especially those older and with comorbidities and organ involvement, faced increased mortality and ESRD risks. Physicians should collaborate with obstetricians throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods for these patients.
Corporate teamwork culture and management earnings forecast quality
Authors: Tang Wenye , Xu Chunhao , Gai Lili
Published: June 2023

We examine the relationship between corporate teamwork culture and firms’ voluntary disclosure, specifically management earnings forecast quality. A new measure of corporate teamwork culture is used, which was calculated using a machine learning approach to analyze earnings call transcripts through a novel word embedding model. We find that firms with stronger corporate teamwork culture are more likely to issue earnings forecasts and file 8‐K forms. Further analysis reveals that the corporate teamwork culture score is positively associated with the quality of management earnings forecast. It implies that firms with a stronger teamwork culture issue more accurate earnings forecasts as human harmony cooperation and strong employee responsibility help reduce errors in earnings forecasts. Our new empirical results contribute to the voluntary disclosure and corporate culture literature.
Mixed results for exposure and response prevention therapy in mixed reality for patients with contamination‐related obsessive‐compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Miegel Franziska , Jelinek Lena , Moritz Steffen , Lohse Luzie , Yassari Amir H. , Bücker Lara
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Technology‐supported exposure and response prevention (ERP) for patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) as tested in clinical research, holds promise but also has limitations. The present study aims to overcome these limitations by using mixed reality for ERP (MERP). The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and acceptance of MERP and to identify possible obstacles.

Methods

Twenty inpatients with contamination‐related OCD were recruited and randomized to two conditions: MERP (six sessions in 3 weeks) and care as usual treatment. Patients were assessed before treatment (baseline), after the 3‐week intervention period (post), as well as 3 months after post assessment (follow‐up) regarding symptomatology (Y‐BOCS).

Results

Results showed a similar reduction in symptomatology in both groups from baseline to post. Regarding safety, no clinically significant deterioration was detected in the MERP group. Patients' evaluation of the MERP was heterogeneous. The qualitative feedback provided helpful indications for further development of the software. Sense of presence was below the midpoint of the scales.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating a MERP for patients with OCD that shows cautious evidence for the acceptance and safety of MERP. The results of the subjective evaluation suggest revisions of the software.
Physiologic Changes During Pregnancy and Impact on Small‐Molecule Drugs, Biologic (Monoclonal Antibody) Disposition, and Response
Authors: Eke Ahizechukwu C. , Gebreyohannes Rahel D. , Fernandes Maria Fernanda Scantamburlo , Pillai Venkateswaran C.
Published: June 2023

Pregnancy is a unique physiological state that results in many changes in bodily function, including cellular, metabolic, and hormonal changes. These changes can have a significant impact on the way small‐molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies (biologics) function and are metabolized, including efficacy, safety, potency, and adverse effects. In this article, we review the various physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy and their effects on drug and biologic metabolism, including changes in the coagulation, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, hepatic, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, we discuss how these changes can affect the processes of drug and biologic absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (pharmacokinetics), and how drugs and biologics interact with biological systems, including mechanisms of drug action and effect (pharmacodynamics) during pregnancy, as well as the potential for drug‐induced toxicity and adverse effects in the mother and developing fetus. The article also examines the implications of these changes for the use of drugs and biologics during pregnancy, including consequences of suboptimal plasma drug concentrations, effect of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of biologics, and the need for careful monitoring and individualized drug dosing. Overall, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physiologic changes during pregnancy and their effects on drug and biologic metabolism to improve the safe and effective use of drugs.
Informing a Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Infant Drug Exposure From Human Milk: Application of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Lactation Model for Sotalol
Authors: Pressly Michelle A. , Schmidt Stephan , Guinn Daphne , Liu Zhichao , Ceresa Carrie , Samuels Sherbet , Madabushi Rajanikanth , Florian Jeffry , Fletcher Elimika Pfuma
Published: June 2023

Characterization of infant drug exposure through human milk is important and underexplored. Because infant plasma concentrations are not frequently collected in clinical lactation studies, modeling and simulation approaches can integrate physiology, available milk concentrations, and pediatric data to inform exposure in breastfeeding infants. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was built for sotalol, a renally eliminated drug, to simulate infant drug exposure from human milk. Intravenous and oral adult models were built, optimized, and scaled to an oral pediatric model for a breastfeeding‐relevant age group (<2 years). Model simulations captured the data that were put aside for verification. The resulting pediatric model was applied to predict the impacts of sex, infant body size, breastfeeding frequency, age, and maternal dose (240 and 433 mg) on drug exposure during breastfeeding. Simulations suggest a minimal effect of sex or frequency on total sotalol exposure. Infants in the 90th percentile in height and weight have predicted exposures ≈20% higher than infants of the same age in the 10th percentile due to increased milk intake. The simulated infant exposures increase throughout the first 2 weeks of life and are maintained at the highest concentrations in weeks 2‐4, with a consistent decrease observed as infants age. Simulations suggest that breastfeeding infants will have plasma concentrations in the lower range observed in infants administered sotalol. With further validation on additional drugs, physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approaches could use lactation data to a greater extent and provide comprehensive information to support decisions regarding medication use during breastfeeding.