bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Patients' Satisfaction with Pharmaceutical Care Services in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Ofili Samuel Chijioke , Okenwa Samuel Chukwuemeka , Iyi Chidera Lawrencia , Ekweozor Chika Augusta , Uwaezuoke Princess Chidiebube , Onuzulike Ifeoma Joy , Nwajiobi Somtochukwu Maria-regina , Igbokwe Wisdom Joe , Odo Chinaza Linda
Published: May 2023

Objective: Pharmaceutical Care (PC) services have come to be the cornerstone of pharmacy practice all over the world. PC has been linked to better clinical and humanistic outcomes for patients. In Nigeria, only a few studies have analyzed pharmacists' pharmaceutical care services in hospitals. This study aims to ascertain patients' satisfaction with pharmaceutical care services and evaluate pharmacists' practices in Nigerian hospitals.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire among inpatients and outpatients visiting five clinics in the hospital. The questionnaire was interviewer-administered. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between respondents' sociodemographic variables and their satisfaction towards pharmacists' medication counselling.

Results: Five hundred and three patients participated in the study. Females that participated in the study formed 58.6% of the total population. Approximately 71.4% of the respondents were satisfied with the pharmaceutical care services provided by pharmacists in the hospital. Most participants (70.8%) completed tertiary education, and the majority (63.4%) of the visits were follow-ups. There was no statistically significant correlation between the sociodemographic factors and patients' satisfaction, except for age and patronage, which showed a positive association.

Conclusion: Patients at the University of Nigeria teaching hospital were satisfied with the pharmaceutical care services offered by the pharmacists. However, some of the respondents noted some level of dissatisfaction with the willingness of pharmacists to re-counsel patients upon request. An effective policy and strategy would address the issue and raise satisfaction.
An Economic Analysis of Marketing of Maize and Constraints Faced by the Maize Growers in Production and Marketing in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu in India
Authors: Inbathamizhan M. , Tiwari Madhusudan , Kumar Sanjay
Published: May 2023

The present study was conducted in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. Totally 100 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed from the district. The data was gathered in the form of pre-structured interview schedule. The study shows that different marketing channels with their marketing efficiency and major constraints faced by the maize growers in production and marketing of maize in the district. Totally three channels are shown in the study channel I with marketing efficiency 10.15, channel II with marketing efficiency 6.72 and channel III with marketing efficiency 3.84.  For production the major constraints were eccentric rainfall, high input cost required for cultivation, high wage rate for labours, drastic pest occurrence and birds that eats the crop in budding stage, especially peacocks. From the above constraints, disturbance of birds was a major constraint. While discussing about marketing constraints, price fluctuation, distant market location, commission for middlemen, lack of timely credits and high transport cost. From the above marketing constraints, price fluctuations were a major constraint identified in Ariyalur district.
Effect of Vermicompost and Seaweed Extract on Growth and Yield on Local Small Pod Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Variety
Authors: Yashvardhan Vidyasagar
Published: May 2023

The investigation was carried out during the rabi season of 2022-23, from 20 November 2022 to 4 March 2023, at the Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology's research station in Kalyanpur, Kanpur, India. The cultivar was a dwarf pod pea type, which is one of the cheapest seeds available  in the North Indian Plain. The influence of organic fertilizer vermicompost and Sea weed extract on several aspects of crop physiological growth, development, and economical production was studied.

The experiment was conducted in Simple Block Design on the total area of 100m2 area divided in 20 sub plots of 5m2 area with total 6.25kg of vermicompost and seaweed extract spray at the post flowering stage at 100ml in required quantity of water.

Considerable positive effect recorded after the application of the above two organic supplements on parameters like Number of pods, number of seeds per pod , length of plant, number of primary branches, Length of pods, number of root nodules in roots as this was very important for the nitrogen fixation of atmosphere, number of flowers , green mass production. All the major parameters recorded had shown considerable increment at the particular life stages of the crop.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil in Mechanic Workshops at Nekede and Orji, Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Bridget Diagi E. , Okorondu Justin N. , Susan I. Ajiere , V. Ekweogu Chinonye , Edokpa David O. , Acholonu Chidinma , Edeh Steven
Published: May 2023

Assessment of heavy metal contamination of soils in mechanic workshop at Nekede and Orji, Imo State was carried out using triplicate soil samples at depths of 0 – 15 cm from three sampling points and a control sample - sample point 1 (SP) 20m away from (SP2) and 40m from (SP 3), control point, 1km away from each of the automobile workshops. A total of twelve (12) solil samples were collected using a soil auger. The soil samples were analysed for the following heavy metals (Lead, Copper, Zinc and Nickel) using AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis such as means and Standard deviation using least significant difference (LSD). Results showed lower concentrations of the heavy metals in soil from control point as compared to soil samples collected from mechanic workshops. Across the sampling point, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni had concentrations 1.75-89 mg/kg, 1.15-51.15 mg/kg, 0.55-29.35 mg/kg and 0.3-4 mg/kg respectively. Mean concentrations of Zn (49.27 mg/kg), Pb (23.70 mg/kg), Cu (18.25 mg/kg) and Ni (3.58 mg/kg) were higher in the soil samples from   auto workshops of Orji compared to Nekede. Across the different sampling points, both Zn (89 mg/kg) and Pb (15.36 mg/kg) were higher in Nekede SP 1 whereas Cu (29.35 mg/kg) and Ni (4 mg/kg) were higher in Orji SP 1 and SP 2 respectively. Assessment of the extent of lead contamination / pollution showed that Zn contamination ranged from very slight  Pb varied from very slight, moderate, Cu ranged from low- very low concentration, while Ni varied from very slight’ slight. The study therefore, recommends the control and supervision in the use of land allocated as mechanic workshop to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals.
Extrapharmacological Safety Topics in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Authors: Calder Abigail , Hasler Gregor
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint proposes methods for optimizing patient and therapist safety during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Negligible Bowing Effect of Bandgap and Lattice Constant in a Variety of Compositions using Large Tilt Distortion in a Cesium–Lead Mixed‐Halide System
Authors: Nam Yujin , Kim Maengsuk , Kim Se‐Yun , Jung Jina , Kumar Gunasekaran Rajendra , Lee Joon‐Hyung , Lee Sangwook , Park Chul‐Hong , Heo Young‐Woo
Published: May 2023

Halide perovskites have broad bandgap tunability, making them suitable for diverse applications in optoelectronics and photovoltaics. The optical bandgap of halide perovskites varies almost linearly with the halide ionic size, and therefore, it can be controlled through compositional engineering. However, the mechanism underlying this low‐bandgap variation is not yet fully understood. Thus, this study comprehensively investigates the bandgap bowing of cesium–lead mixed‐halide perovskites using compositional engineering and demonstrates that bandgap bowing is extremely small in a variety of compositions including Cl, Br, and I. Subsequently, through density functional theory calculations, it is suggested that the antibonding character of the valence band maximum, tilt distortion of halide ions, and entropy effect leading to equal participation of various halide ions around Pb are collectively responsible for the small bandgap bowing.
Oxidative Cascade Sulfonylation/Cyclisation of N‐Propargylindoles with Hantzsch Esters via Sulfur Dioxide Insertion
Authors: Sui Jia‐Li , Fan Jian‐Hong , Xiong Bi‐Quan , Tang Ke‐Wen , Liu Yu
Published: May 2023

An oxidative sulfonylation/cyclisation of N‐propargylindoles with Hantzsch esters through sulfur dioxide insertion has been developed. The method uses Na2S2O5 as sulfur dioxide source along with 4‐alkyl‐substituted Hantzsch esters as radical precursors for accessing sulfonyl radicals, and allows for the synthesis of 2‐sulfonated 9H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles.
Rethinking Antigen Source: Cancer Vaccines Based on Whole Tumor Cell/tissue Lysate or Whole Tumor Cell
Authors: Diao Lu , Liu Mi
Published: May 2023

Cancer immunotherapies have improved human health, and one among the important technologies for cancer immunotherapy is cancer vaccine. Antigens are the most important components in cancer vaccines. Generally, antigens in cancer vaccines can be divided into two categories: pre‐defined antigens and unidentified antigens. Although, cancer vaccines loaded with predefined antigens are commonly used, cancer vaccine loaded with mixed unidentified antigens, especially whole cancer cells or cancer cell lysates, is a very promising approach, and such vaccine can obviate some limitations in cancer vaccines. Their advantages include, but are not limited to, the inclusion of pan‐spectra (all or most kinds of) antigens, inducing pan‐clones specific T cells, and overcoming the heterogeneity of cancer cells. In this review, the recent advances in cancer vaccines based on whole‐tumor antigens, either based on whole cancer cells or whole cancer cell lysates, are summarized. In terms of whole cancer cell lysates, the focus is on applying whole water‐soluble cell lysates as antigens. Recently, utilizing the whole cancer cell lysates as antigens in cancer vaccines has become feasible. Considering that pre‐determined antigen‐based cancer vaccines (mainly peptide‐based or mRNA‐based) have various limitations, developing cancer vaccines based on whole‐tumor antigens is a promising alternative.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Facial‐Selective Hydroalkylation of Cyclopropenes
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Lin , Li Zhen , Xu Yuan‐Tai , Yu Lu , Kuang Jian , Li Yan , Wang Jia‐Wang , Tian Changlin , Lu Xi , Fu Yao
Published: May 2023

Cyclopropene hydrofunctionalization has been a promising strategy for accessing multi‐substituted cyclopropanes; however, cyclopropene hydroalkylation remains underdeveloped. Herein, we report a low‐valent CoH‐catalyzed facial‐selective cyclopropene hydroalkylation to access multi‐substituted cyclopropanes. This reaction exhibits a broad substrate scope of alkyl halides and cyclopropenes and tolerates many functional groups. Moderate‐to‐good facial‐selectivity is obtained without any directing groups. Mechanism studies provide evidence that alkyl radicals are generated from alkyl halides and irreversible CoH insertion is responsible for the facial‐selectivity. Our preliminary exploration demonstrates that asymmetric cyclopropene hydroalkylation can be realized without conspicuous auxiliary groups.
Conformationally Locked Cyclo[2]Dipyrrins Linked with Anthracene Subunits: Synthesis and Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Prasad Nambiar Anjana , Nag Probal , Mariam Ipe Ruth , Reddy Vennapusa Sivaranjana , Gokulnath Sabapathi
Published: May 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis of anthracene‐containing twisted cyclo[2]dipyrrin 1 by utilizing a non‐planar building block, 1,5‐dipyrrylanthracene (1,5‐DPA). The non‐planar nature of the macrocycle enhanced the solubility and helped in structural characterization. Macrocycle 1 adopts a twisted ‘figure of eight’ conformation stabilized by strong intramolecular H‐bonding interactions and exists as a pair of helical enantiomers, as revealed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. More importantly, the sterically locked structure enabled facile optical resolution using chiral HPLC. The (P,P) and (M,M) enantiomers show moderate chiroptical properties, such as absorption dissymmetry factors |gabs| in the order of 10−3, and luminescence dissymmetry factors |glum| of 3.8×10−3 and 2.9×10−3 at 702 nm, respectively.
Inhibitory effects of 190 compounds against SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro protein: Molecular docking interactions
Authors: Souza Gabriella B. , Sens Larissa , Hammerschmidt Stefan J. , de Sousa Natália F. , de Carvalho Maryelle A. G. , Dos Santos Carlos V. D. , Tizziani Tiago , Moreira Monalisa A. , Pollo Luiz A. E. , Martin Erlon F. , Neto José S. S. , Biavatti Maique W. , de Assis Francisco F. , Ngadjui Bonaventure T. , Simo Ingrid K. , Ambassa Pantaléon , Scotti Marcus T. , Scotti Luciana , Braga Antonio L. , Schirmeister Tanja , Sandjo Louis P.
Published: May 2023

COVID‐19 has caused many deaths since the first outbreak in 2019. The burden on healthcare systems around the world has been reduced by the success of vaccines. However, population adherence and the occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants are still challenging tasks to be affronted. In addition, the newly approved drug presents some limitations in terms of side effects and drug interference, highlighting the importance of searching for new antiviral agents against SARS‐CoV‐2. The SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro) represents a versatile target to search for new drug candidates due to its essential role in proteolytic activities responsible for the virus replication. In this work, a series of 190 compounds, composed of 27 natural ones and 163 synthetic compounds, were screened in vitro for their inhibitory effects against SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro. Twenty‐five compounds inhibited Mpro with inhibitory constant values (Ki) between 23.2 and 241 µM. Among them, a thiosemicarbazone derivative was the most active compound. Molecular docking studies using Protein Data Bank ID 5RG1, 5RG2, and 5RG3 crystal structures of Mpro revealed important interactions identified as hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding and steric interactions with amino acid residues in the active site cavity. Overall, our findings indicate the described thiosemicarbazones as good candidates to be further explored to develop antiviral leads against SARS‐CoV‐2. Moreover, the studies showed the importance of careful evaluation of test results to detect and exclude false‐positive findings.
Exosomes derived from rapamycin‐treated 4T1 breast cancer cells induced polarization of macrophages to M1 phenotype
Authors: Ghalavand Majdedin , Moradi‐Chaleshtori Maryam , Dorostkar Ruhollah , Mohammadi‐Yeganeh Samira , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: May 2023

M2 macrophages are the most prevalent type in the tumor microenvironment and their polarization to M1 type can be used as a potential cancer immunotherapy. Here, we investigated the role of tumor microenvironment and particularly purified exosomes in M2 to M1 macrophage polarization. Rapamycin treatment on triple‐negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) was performed. Tumor cells‐derived exosomes (called texosomes) were isolated and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, high‐performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared, and Western blot assays. M2 mouse peritoneal macrophages were treated with rapamycin or rapamycin‐texosome. Then, M1/M2 phenotype‐specific marker genes and proteins were measured to assess the degree of M2 to M1 polarization. Finally, nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, and efferocytosis assays were assessed to verify the functionality of the polarized macrophages. Purified rapamycin‐texosomes significantly increased the expression of the M1 markers (Irf5, Nos2, and CD86) and decreased M2 markers (Arg, Ym1, and CD206). In addition, the levels of M1‐specific cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) were increased, whereas the levels of M2 specific cytokines IL‐10 and transforming growth factor beta were declined. Furthermore, texosome treatment increased NO concentration and phagocytosis and decreased efferocytosis indicating M1 polarization. These findings suggest rapamycin‐texosomes can induce M2 to M1 macrophages polarization as a potential immunotherapy for TNBC.
Using artificial neural networks to accelerate flowsheet optimization for downstream process development
Authors: Keulen Daphne , Hagen Erik van der , Geldhof Geoffroy , Le Bussy Olivier , Pabst Martin , Ottens Marcel
Published: May 2023

An optimal purification process for biopharmaceutical products is important to meet strict safety regulations, and for economic benefits. To find the global optimum, it is desirable to screen the overall design space. Advanced model‐based approaches enable to screen a broad range of the design‐space, in contrast to traditional statistical or heuristic‐based approaches. Though, chromatographic mechanistic modeling (MM), one of the advanced model‐based approaches, can be speed‐limiting for flowsheet optimization, which evaluates every purification possibility (e.g., type and order of purification techniques, and their operating conditions). Therefore, we propose to use artificial neural networks (ANNs) during global optimization to select the most optimal flowsheets. So, the number of flowsheets for final local optimization is reduced and consequently the overall optimization time. Employing ANNs during global optimization proved to reduce the number of flowsheets from 15 to only 3. From these three, one flowsheet was optimized locally and similar final results were found when using the global outcome of either the ANN or MM as starting condition. Moreover, the overall flowsheet optimization time was reduced by 50% when using ANNs during global optimization. This approach accelerates the early purification process design; moreover, it is generic, flexible, and regardless of sample material's type.
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and propensity score matching analysis of postoperative radiotherapy for non‐malignant meningioma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Yong’an , Chen Peng , Liang JiaWei , Cai JiaHong , Zhang Yi , Fan HengYi , Yuan RaoRao , Zheng Wenxin , Cheng ShiQi , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2023

Background

The clinical effect of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in non‐malignant meningioma (NMM) has not been well explored.

Methods

A total of 8629 patients with NMM (surgery alone group: n = 7716, postoperative radiotherapy group: n = 913) were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patient profiles were matched by 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with PORT versus surgery alone (SA). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses determined prognostic variables with overall survival (OS) in NMM. Subgroup analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

All the SA (n = 7716) and PORT (n = 913) groups were included. Women with PORT (66.3%) and SA (70.9%) were almost twice as likely as men, and tumors with benign behaviors in the SA group were almost seven times more frequent than those with malignant characteristics. We explored the demographic, clinical characteristics, and prognostic factors in NMM. Laterality, surgery, tumor size, diagnosis year, age, and tumor behavior were associated with PORT versus SA. Patients treated with PORT had better OS than those treated with SA (p = 0.03). After PSM, PORT remained comparable to SA (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.88, p = 0.013). In the subgroup analysis of PORT treatment, borderline malignant behavior increased the death risk by 23%, while other variables did not have a significant clinical benefit (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Borderline malignant behavior should be considered seriously, and the PORT regimen should be actively implemented for patients with benign meningiomas.
Short‐term outcomes between robot‐assisted and open pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with high body mass index: A propensity score matched study
Authors: Li Jingfeng , Qian Lihan , Shi Yusheng , Shen Baiyong , Peng Chenghong
Published: May 2023

Background

High body mass index was considered as a risk factor for minimally invasive surgery. The short‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) remain controversial. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and advantage of RPD in patients with high body mass index compared to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD).

Methods

Clinical data of 304 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 2016 to December 2019 in Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine was collected. Patients with BMI >25 kg/m2 were included and divided into RPD and OPD group. After PSM at a 1:1 ratio, 75 patients of OPD and 75 patients of RPD were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The RPD group showed advantages in the estimated blood loss (EBL) (323.3 mL vs. 480.7 mL, p = 0.010), the postoperative abdominal infection rate (24% vs. 44%, p = 0.010), the incidence of Clavien‐Dindo III‐V complications (14.7% vs. 28.0%, p = 0.042) over OPD group.

Conclusion

RPD shows advantages in less EBL, lower incidence rate of Clavien‐Dindo III‐V complications over OPD in overweight and obese patients. RPD was confirmed as a safe and feasible surgical approach for overweight or obsess patients.
Comparing technologies for conveying emotions through realistic avatars in virtual reality‐based metaverse experiences
Authors: Visconti Alessandro , Calandra Davide , Lamberti Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

With the development of metaverse(s), industry and academia are searching for the best ways to represent users' avatars in shared virtual environments (VEs), where real‐time communication between users is required. The expressiveness of avatars is crucial for transmitting emotions that are key for social presence and user experience, and are conveyed via verbal and non‐verbal facial and body signals. In this paper, two real‐time modalities for conveying expressions in virtual reality (VR) via realistic, full‐body avatars are compared by means of a user study. The first modality uses dedicated hardware (i.e., eye and facial trackers) to allow a mapping between the user's facial expressions/eye movements and the avatar model. The second modality relies on an algorithm that, starting from an audio clip, approximates the facial motion by generating plausible lip and eye movements. The participants were requested to observe, for both the modalities, the avatar of an actor performing six scenes involving as many basic emotions. The evaluation considered mainly social presence and emotion conveyance. Results showed a clear superiority of facial tracking when compared to lip sync in conveying sadness and disgust. The same was less evident for happiness and fear. No differences were observed for anger and surprise.
Study of the Biological Activity and Phenolic Content of the Ethanol Extract of Phyllogonium viride Brid. (Phyllogoniaceae, Bryophyta)
Authors: Klegin Christchellyn , Miranda Ethur Eduardo , Buhl Bárbara , Caroline Giacomin Ana , Bordin Juçara , Fernandes de Moura Neusa , Henrique Oliveira de Sousa Matheus
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to examine the phenolic content and evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of ethanol extracts from the moss species Phyllogonium viride Brid. on the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, and the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The antimicrobial activity was determined from Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). Antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method. Folin‐Denis reagent was used for the content of total phenolics and flavonoids and HPLC‐DAD for identification of phenolic compounds. The results showed that bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities occurred at concentrations ranging from 9.76 μg/mL–78.13 μg/mL among all evaluated microorganisms. These values, considering the criteria used, suggest the P. viride extract as a potent antimicrobial. For antioxidant activity, P. viride extract was considered weak. Analysis of the phenolic content showed a wide range of compounds, with Kaempferol (0.41 mg/g) being the major compound, followed by t‐cinnamic acid and caffeic acid (0.17 mg/g). Although P. viride is a species of moss not yet referenced in scientific publications of biotechnological interest, it has shown promising potential for further studies and possible application as an antimicrobial of natural origin.
Interleukin 6 acutely increases gluconeogenesis and decreases the suppressive effect of insulin on cAMP‐stimulated glycogenolysis in rat liver
Authors: Biazi Giuliana R. , Uemura Isabele G. F. , Miksza Daniele R. , Ferraz Laura S. , Diaz Brenda F. , Bertolini Gisele L. , de Souza Helenir M.
Published: May 2023

Interleukin 6 (IL6) is an multifunctional cytokine that modulates several biological responses, including glucose metabolism. However, its acute effects on hepatic glucose release are still uncertain. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of IL6 on gluconeogenesis from several glucose precursors (alanine, pyruvate and glutamine) and on the suppressive action of insulin on cAMP‐stimulated glycogen catabolism in rat liver. IL6 effect on insulin peripheral sensitivity was also evaluated. IL6 was injected intravenously into rats and, 1 h later, gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis were assessed in liver perfusion and peripheral insulin sensitivity by insulin tolerance test (ITT). IL6 intravenous injection increased hepatic glucose production from alanine, without changing pyruvate, lactate and urea production. IL6 injection also increased hepatic glucose production from pyruvate and glutamine. In addition, IL6 decreased the suppressive effect of insulin on cAMP‐stimulated glucose and lactate production and glycogenolysis, without affecting pyruvate production. Furthermore, IL6 reduced the plasma glucose disappearance constant (kITT), an indicator of insulin resistance. In conclusion, IL6 acutely increased hepatic glucose release (gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis) by a mechanism that likely involved the induction of insulin resistance in the liver, as evidenced by the reduced suppressive effect of insulin on cAMP‐stimulated glycogen catabolism. In consistency, IL6 acutely induced peripheral insulin resistance.
Preparation of starch‐lipid complexes under wet grinding and its mechanism analysis
Authors: Dong Ying , Xing Fu , Dai Yangyong , Hou Hanxue , Wang Wentao , Wang Bin , Zhang Hui , Li Cheng
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective

Starch‐lipid complexes prepared by using partially gelatinized starch were more helpful in reducing the digestibility of starchy foods. Wet grinding (WG) could improve grinding homogeneity and avoid dust explosions. Moreover, as an excellent plasticizer, water could promote the movement of starch molecules during grinding. Therefore, this paper investigated the effect of WG on the structure and properties of corn starch with and without lauric acid. And the formation mechanism of starch‐lipid complexes under WG was explored.

Findings

WG caused continuous hydration and even partial gelatinization of the starch. After 30 min of WG, the relative crystallinity, resistant starch (RS) content, and ΔH of the starch were all reduced to the minimum which were 25.82%, 21.55%, and 0.99 J/g, respectively. When lauric acid was added, WG promoted the formation of starch‐lipid complexes, and the RS content of starch reached the maximum (35.61%) after 30 min of WG.

Conclusion

Appropriate WG could promote the formation of more starch‐lipid complexes with low swelling, low solubility, high thermal stability, and high antidigestibility.

Significance and Novelty

This study provided a theoretical basis for future research on the preparation of high‐quality modified starch by WG.
Blood culture‐negative infective endocarditis presenting with atypical dermatologic manifestation: A rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Najafizadeh Maedeh , Dashti Fatemeh , Pahlevani Hamed , Kamalizad Farzad , Mirazimi Seyed Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2023

Infective endocarditis (IE) rarely presents with cutaneous manifestations due to earlier diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of middle‐aged male patient presenting with an erythematous papular rash in the upper extremities and left knee, further progressing into painful ulcers with crusted and necrotic center in the arms and fingers. These cutaneous lesions were further followed by shaking chills and fever, which brought the patient to our hospital. Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and C‐reactive protein. Blood cultures taken were negative. Biopsy of the skin lesions were consistent with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and the gram smear revealed gram‐positive cocci. The patient developed dyspnea and chest pain, which raised suspicion for IE. TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) demonstrated mild LV diastolic dysfunction, 1+ tricuspid valve regurgitation, mild mitral regurgitation, and vegetation‐like lesions on the surface of mitral valve leaflets, consequently IE was confirmed. In conclusion, clinicians must look carefully for skin manifestations in cases with high likelihood of IE, even when other typical symptoms are absent.
Traumatic pneumorrhachis associated with cerebral fluid leakage evaluated with magnetic resonance myelography
Authors: Sugaya Kazuki , Iseki Ken
Published: May 2023

Attention should be paid to cerebrospinal fluid leakage in patients with pneumorrhachis associated with vertebral body trauma. If pneumorrhachis is detected, further imaging investigation and bed rest should be considered as appropriate.
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood from Eastern Africa
Authors: Chipongo Hilary , Rajan Shaffin , Sarkar Abizer , Mclarty Ronald , Sangey Esmail
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy leads to devastating neurological sequelae and even death. Clinician should try not to miss this diagnosis especially in the pediatrics whenever there are neurological symptoms due to viral infection.

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare disease affecting the central nervous system. It leads to devastating neurological sequelae with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. Clinicians should have high suspicion whenever there is neurologic deficit and history of viral infections especially involving upper respiratory tract in the pediatric age group.
Atomic Scale Observation of the Structural Dynamics of Supported Gold Nanocatalysts under 1,3‐Butadiene byin situEnvironmental Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Nassereddine Abdallah , Delannoy Laurent , Ricolleau Christian , Louis Catherine , Alloyeau Damien , Wang Guillaume , Wang Qing , Guesmi Hazar , Nelayah Jaysen
Published: May 2023

Supported gold catalysts have been reported to exhibit exceptional selectivity towards the desirable product, an alkene, in chemoselective hydrogenation of highly unsaturated alkynes and alkadienes. However, insights on the interactions between the gold nanoparticles and the 1,3‐butadiene adsorbates are lacking. In this work, using atomic scalein situETEM with the support of DFT‐based calculations, the reactivity of TiO2supported gold nanoparticles below 7 nm towards 1,3‐butadiene is investigated by monitoring their structure and dynamics under 105 Pa of 0.46 % C4H6/He during cooling at 300 °C and 200 °C. For sizes larger than 5 nm, the initial truncated octahedron morphology of gold nanoparticles is found to evolve towards a rounded morphology, with the growth of more open (110) surfaces and higher index facets at the expense of the initially present (100) and (111) facets, reflecting the adsorption of butadiene on low coordination sites at 300 °C. The morphology changes are shown to be accompanied by nucleation and glide of dislocations. At 200 °C, 1,3‐butadiene adsorption is shown to predominateon (111) facets, with the nanoparticles reverting to a faceted morphology while maintaining their fcc structure. For smaller particle size, Au fcc structure is also maintained under 1,3‐butadiene.
A Luminescence Assay in the Red for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose Based on Metal Coordination Polyelectrolyte‐Induced Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Alkynylplatinum(II) Complexes
Authors: Chan Calford Wai‐Ting , Law Angela Sin‐Yee , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: May 2023

A new sensing strategy towards hydrogen peroxide based on metal coordination polyelectrolyte‐driven self‐assembly of alkynylplatinum(II) 2,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2′‐yl)pyridine (bzimpy) complex was demonstrated. The cationic in situ‐generated Ag(I)–thiocholine coordination polyelectrolytes were shown to induce the supramolecular self‐assembly of anionic low‐energy red‐emissive alkynylplatinum(II) bzimpy complexes via non‐covalent Pt(II)⋅⋅⋅Pt(II), electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions. The presence of hydrogen peroxide was shown to inhibit the formation of coordination polyelectrolytes and the coordination polyelectrolyte‐induced self‐assembly of platinum(II) complexes. The weakening of Pt(II)⋅⋅⋅Pt(II), electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions was supported by UV‐vis absorption, emission, and resonance light scattering (RLS) studies. The present assay was also applied to probe glucose indirectly based on the enzymatic reaction of glucose oxidase on the substrate. Operating in a label‐free manner, together with the low‐energy red emission and large Stokes shift of alkynylplatinum(II) complexes, these features render the proposed design attractive for biological applications.
Leaching kinetics of magnesium extraction from boron mud in ammonium bisulphate solutions
Authors: Chang Jingjing , Ning Zhiqiang , Xie Hongwei , Song Qiushi
Published: May 2023

In this study, the leaching kinetics of magnesium of boron mud (BM) is evaluated using NH4HSO4 solution. The effects of leaching temperature, leaching time, ammonium bisulphate solution concentration and liquid–solid ratio on the extraction ratio of magnesium are investigated. Optimum leaching parameters are determined through an orthogonal test based on single factor experiments. Under the optimum leaching temperature (333 K), leaching time (40 min), NH4HSO4 concentration (2.8 mol · L−1), and liquid–solid ratio (9:1 mL · g−1), the extraction ratio of magnesium was 76.73%. In addition, the leaching kinetics data of magnesium from BM are analyzed through graphical and statistical approaches, which reveal that the leaching process conforms to the grain model. The leaching process is diffusion‐controlled with an activation energy of 41.67 kJ · mol−1.
Survival rates of adult patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who underwent ABVD versus escalated BEACOPP in a resource‐limited country: An observational study
Authors: Suwanban Tawatchai , Chamnanchanunt Supat , Thungthong Pravinwan , Nakhahes Chajchawan , Iam‐arunthai Kunapa , Akrawikrai Tananchai , Bunworasate Udomsak
Published: May 2023

Background

The survival rate of adult patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) depends on the responses to standard chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combined therapy. Resource‐limited countries face numerous obstacles in supporting patients with HL who undergo chemotherapy, especially in advanced stages.

Aim

To analyze the survival outcomes of adult patients with HL after combined‐modality treatment (CMT) with involved‐field or non‐involved‐field radiotherapy.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 90 adult patients with HL who received CMT at Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok between 2007 and 2021. Patients with stage I‐IV disease received different therapies depending on their risk group. The risk groups were evaluated according to initial response, bulky disease, and B symptoms. Patients (n = 90) who underwent CMT were followed up for 34.7 months (range, 1–141 months). The median follow‐up periods of early and advanced‐stage patients were 53.1 months and 23.5 months, respectively. The estimated 5‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates of patients with advanced‐stage diseases were 85% and 62%, respectively. There was a difference in the 3‐year overall survival among advance‐stage patients who underwent ABVD (94%) compared to those administered BEACOPPesc (50%), and the 3‐year PFS (84%) among patients who underwent ABVD was higher than that among those administered BEACOPPesc (66%). Radiotherapy increased toxicity but did not improve the survival rate.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy administered to patients with advanced‐stage adult HL was more effective than BEACOPPesc when ABVD was administered. Our findings are relevant for hospitals with limited resources.
Principles of Self‐Repairing Ability of Tripodal Ligand‐Stabilized Hybrid Cobalt Hydroxide Nanosheets for Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Nakajima Ritsuki , Taniguchi Tatsuya , Sasaki Yuta , Nishiki Yoshinori , Awaludin Zaenal , Nakai Takaaki , Kato Akihiro , Mitsushima Shigenori , Kuroda Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2023

Self‐repairing catalysts are promising new materials for achieving long lifetime of alkaline water electrolyzers powered by renewable energy. Catalytic nanoparticles dispersed in an electrolyte were deposited on the anode to repair a catalyst layer by electrolysis. A hybrid cobalt hydroxide nanosheet modified with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane on the surface (Co‐ns) was used as a catalyst. Assuming a pseudo‐first‐order process, the rate constant of an electrochemical deposition was linearly correlated with the electrode potential during electrolysis. Thus, it is expected that the repair of the catalyst is automatically controlled by changes in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential. The essential step of the electrochemical deposition was the anodic oxidation of Co2+ to Co3+. Surface modification of Co‐ns protects Co2+ against the autooxidation of Co2+ caused by the dissolved oxygen. The redox properties and organic modification of Co‐ns make them well‐suited for the self‐repairing of anode catalysts.
Fe and Mo Co‐Modulated Coral‐like Nickel Pyrophosphate in situ Derived from Nickel‐Foam for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Guo Wen , Yang Tao , Zhang Hongyan , Zhou Hao , He Maoshuai , Wei Wenxian , Liang Wenjie , Zhou Yilin , Yu Tingting , Zhao Hong
Published: May 2023

A highly active catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical to achieve high efficiency in hydrogen generation from water splitting. Direct conversion of nickel foam (NF) into nickel‐based catalysts has attracted intensive interest due to the tight interaction of the catalysts to the substrate surface. However, the catalytic performances are still far below expectation because of the problems of low catalyst amount, thin catalyst layer, and small active area caused by the limitations of the synthesis method. Herein, we develop a Fe3+‐induced synthesis strategy to transform the NF surface into a thicker catalyst layer. In addition to the excellent conductivity and high stability, the as‐prepared FeMo‐Ni2P2O7/NF catalysts expose more active sites and facilitate mass transfer due to their thicker catalyst layer and highly dense coral‐like micro‐nano structure. Furthermore, the Mo, Fe co‐modulation optimizes the adsorption free energies of the OER intermediates, boosting catalytic activities. Its catalytic activity is among the highest, and it exhibits a small Tafel slope of 34.71 mV dec−1 and a low overpotential of 161 mV for delivering a current density of 100 mA cm−2 compared to reported Ni‐based catalysts. The present strategy can be further used in the design of other catalysts for energy storage and conversion.
Designing online teaching curriculum to optimise learning for all students in higher education
Authors: Sheridan Lynn , Gigliotti Amanda
Published: May 2023

Disruptions to higher education teaching have raised significant concerns over the best curriculum design for teaching online and for the inclusion of all students. Universal design for learning (UDL) together with curriculum research models – taxonomy of significant learning and integrated curriculum design (ICD), provides a curriculum approach to optimising students' learning and building engagement with learning online. This paper outlines the redesign process and decisions made to improve the curriculum design in an online sociology course in teacher education. The goals of the redesign were to optimise all student learning, engagement and perceived satisfaction. Data collection included student responses (pre and post), course evaluation, analytics and reflections from an expert reviewer. Analysis was guided by the UDL curriculum design principles of engagement, representation and action/expression. Emerging from this research is the need to ensure that online learning redesign is user‐friendly and engaging, with multiple supported learning opportunities for the students. This redesign strengthens the quality of online learning, with learning becoming more meaningful and learning activities incorporating elements that are reflective, instructional and social. One interesting aspect that emerged was the importance of the partnership between the academic and the instructional designer in the redesign process.
Problem solving in the mathematics curriculum: From domain‐general strategies to domain‐specific tactics
Authors: Foster Colin
Published: May 2023

Problem solving is widely regarded as a fundamental feature within the school mathematics curriculum. However, there is considerable disagreement over what exactly problem solving is, and if and how it can be taught. In this article, I define problems as non‐routine tasks and propose the explicit teaching of domain‐specific problem‐solving tactics that are applicable over narrow ranges of mathematical content. This is in contrast to the widespread practice of attempting to teach domain‐general strategies that are supposedly applicable across diverse content areas. The proposed approach here systematically introduces students to a well‐defined set of high‐leverage content‐specific tactics, presented in a purposeful order and taught explicitly through the use of carefully chosen problems which those tactics dramatically unlock. I argue that this sequenced approach to teaching problem‐solving addresses concerns widely reported about the apparent unteachability of domain‐general problem‐solving strategies and has the potential to enable all students to benefit from a powerful problem‐solving mathematics curriculum.
Non‐verbal behaviour of professional soccer players performing in the absence or presence of fans
Authors: Furley Philip , Riedl Nina , Lobinger Babett
Published: May 2023

The present research tested the impact of score line, spectator presence and game location on athletes’ non‐verbal behaviour (NVB). Two studies (N = 240; N = 160) tested whether the NVB of soccer players differed as a function of score line, spectator‐presence and game location by asking participants to guess the current score, the dominance, pride and confidence of soccer players in videos. Results demonstrated that NVB ratings were more negative when the athletes were trailing (less dominant, less proud, and less confident) compared to leading. Study 1 showed more non‐verbal expressiveness (social facilitation) of pleasant feelings (being in a high lead) and lower expressiveness (social inhibition) of negative feelings (trailing) in the presence of spectators. Study 2 indicated that leading at away games led to higher non‐verbal expressiveness, whereas leading at home games led to less non‐verbal expressiveness in the presence of a supportive audience.
Distinct invasive patterns in situ between estrogen receptor‐positive and triple‐negative breast cancer through the intraductal tracking of carbon nanoparticles
Authors: Kuang Xinwen , Luo Zixuan , Sun Zhihong , Hu Jiawei , Liu Jianhua , Kong Deguang , Wang Guannan , Guo Liantao , Luo Lan , Zheng Weijie , Sun Shengrong , Rao Yan , Chen Chuang
Published: May 2023

Given that the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer (BC) is crucial during the BC progression, the mechanism involved in the invasion transition behind triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and estrogen receptor‐positive (ER‐positive) subtype has remained elusive. This article detected distinct invasion patterns of BC cells between the ER‐positive and TNBC using intraductal murine models with intraductal administration of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). First, the feasibility of the utility of CNPs as a tracer was proved. The area ratio of CNPs and tumor cells invading the stroma at the late stage was found significantly higher than that in the early stage in MNU‐induced ER‐positive BC. However, opposite results were obtained in the triple‐negative model. Consequently, we proposed that the ER‐positive phenotype cells behave differently between different stages during tumor progression while there is no such difference in the invasion process of TNBC cells. The analysis regarding the duct integrity along with immunohistochemical characteristics further explained the distinct invasion features between the ER‐positive and triple‐negative subtypes. Last, the relationship between the duct thickness and the duct integrity suggested that ER‐positive tumors gradually increased in size within the lumen before the invasion. Overall, this study suggested the different invasion characteristics of ER‐positive BC and TNBC in vivo.
Nature's Blueprint: Chelation‐Assisted C−H Functionalization for Selective and Efficient Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Wang Yini , Zhang Xiandie , Zhang Jian , Zhong Guofu
Published: May 2023

Efficient and sustainable strategies for C−H functionalization are crucial in organic synthesis. Bioinspired catalytic systems have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional synthetic methods. These systems draw inspiration from nature‘s ability to selectively functionalize complex molecules in water‐based environments. Among these, chelation‐assisted C−H functionalization stands out due to its ability to guide the substrate towards the active site of the catalyst, thereby controlling the selectivity of the reaction. This review focuses on the use of chelation assistance to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of bioinspired C−H functionalization reactions in aqueous media. We cover aliphatic, aromatic, and alkenyl C−H functionalization, as well as tandem C−H activation/cyclization, utilizing metallocycle intermediates. Additionally, we highlight the underlying mechanisms of these reactions for a deeper understanding and development of novel methodologies.