bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uptake and continuation of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis among women of reproductive age in two health facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Ogolla Mercelline , Nyabiage Omoto Lennah , Musingila Paul , Gachau Susan , Odero Theresa M. A. , Odoyo‐June Elijah , Ochanda Boniface , Appolonia Aoko , Katiku Elizabeth , Joseph Rachael , Ogolla Cirrilus , Otieno Linda , Odhiambo Francesca , Truong Hong‐Ha M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In 2020, Kenya had 19,000 new HIV infections among women aged 15+ years. Studies have shown sub‐optimal oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among sub‐populations of women. We assessed the uptake and continuation of oral PrEP among women 15–49 years in two health facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 262 women aged 15–49 years, initiated into oral PrEP between 12 November 2019 and 31 March 2021, was identified from two health facilities in the urban setting of Kisumu County, Kenya. Data on baseline characteristics and oral PrEP continuation at months 1, 3 and 6 were abstracted from patient records and summarized using descriptive statistics. Missing data in the predictor variables were imputed within the joint modelling multiple imputation framework. Using logistic regression, we evaluated factors associated with the discontinuation of oral PrEP at month 1.

Results

Of the 66,054 women screened, 320 (0.5%) were eligible and 262 (82%) were initiated on oral PrEP. Uptake was higher among women 25–29 years as compared to those 15–24 years (77% vs. 33%). Oral PrEP continuation declined significantly with increasing duration of follow‐up; 37% at month 1, 21% at month 3 and 12% at month 6 (p<0.05). In the adjusted analysis, women 15–24 years had lower adjusted odds of continuing at month 1 than women ≥25 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21–0.82). There was no association between being sero‐discordant and continuation of oral PrEP at month 1 (aOR; 1.21, 95% CI 0.59–2.50). Women from the sub‐county hospital were more likely to continue at month 1 of follow‐up compared to women enrolled in the county referral hospital (aOR 5.11; 95% CI 2.24–11.70).

Conclusions

The low eligibility for oral PrEP observed among women 15–49 years in an urban setting with high HIV prevalence calls for a review of the screening process to validate the sensitivity of the screening tool and its proper application. The low uptake and continuation among adolescent girls and young women underscores the need to identify and address specific patient‐ and facility‐level barriers affecting different sub‐populations at risk for HIV acquisition.
Smallholder farmers' willingness to pay for two‐wheel tractor‐based mechanisation services in Zambia and Zimbabwe
Authors: Ngoma Hambulo , Marenya Paswel , Tufa Adane , Alene Arega , Chipindu Lovemore , Matin Md Abdul , Thierfelder Christian , Chikoye David
Published: March 2023

Mechanisation is back among top development policy priorities for transforming African smallholder agriculture. Yet previous and ongoing efforts ubiquitously suffer from lack of scientific information on end‐user effective demand for different types of mechanical innovations to inform public investment or business development programmes. We assess smallholder farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for two‐wheel tractor (2WT)‐based ripping, direct seeding and transportation using a random sample of 2800 smallholder households in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Applying the Becker–DeGroot–Marschak Mechanism (BDM) experimental auctions, we find that at least 50% of sample households in Zambia and Zimbabwe were willing to pay more than the prevailing market prices for ripping. In nominal terms, sample households in Zimbabwe were willing to pay more than those in Zambia for the different services. Empirical results suggest that wealth is the strongest driver of WTP for tillage and seeding 2WT services while labour availability and using animal draft power reduce it. These findings imply a need to (i) raise awareness and create demand for 2WT‐based services in an inclusive business manner that does not create perverse incentives and (ii) better target mechanisation to operations with comparative advantage, using approaches that bundle 2WT‐based and other mechanisation services with asset‐agnostic credit schemes or other interventions meant to overcome asset‐mediated barriers.
Modulation of autophagy and mTOR signaling pathway genes in respiratory epithelium by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Shuchi Sarjana , Ratho Radha Kanta , Mohi Gursimran Kaur , Kumar Angurana Suresh , Sarkar Subhabrata , Jangra Isheeta
Published: March 2023

The study was planned to carry out the molecular characterization of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating strains and to elucidate the gene expression of autophagy and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI). Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) samples (n = 145) from children suffering from ALRTI were subjected to the detection of RSV. Of them, 31 RSV positive strains were subjected for sequencing. Semi‐quantitative gene expression analysis for mTOR signaling and autophagy pathway genes was performed in respiratory tract epithelial cells using 25 RSV positive cases, and 10 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. Five representative genes were selected for each pathway and subjected to SYBR green real‐time polymerase chain reaction. RSV was positive in 69 (47.6%) samples and the representative (n = 31) RSV strains belonged to RSV‐A. Thirty‐one strains of RSV‐A on phylogenetic analysis clustered with the novel ON1 genotype having 72 bp nucleotide duplicationby targeting the ecto‐domain portion of the G gene. Further, the stains belonged to lineage 1 (51.6%), followed by lineage 3 (29%) and lineage 2 (19.4%). Autophagy gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation in NPC1 and ATG3 autophagy genes. mTOR, AKT1, and TSC1 genes of the mTOR pathway were significantly downregulated in RSV positive patients. Thus, RSV infection inducing autophagy pathway genes (NPC1 and ATG3) and suppressing mTOR signaling pathway genes (AKT1, mTOR, and TSC1) to possibly evade the host immune system through dysregulating these pathways for its way of survival within the host.
BART‐D2 subtype of EBV encoded BART miRNA cluster 1 region is strongly associated with endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qiaoyi , He Huijing , Ji Xinqiang , Liu Yang , Li Haoyan , Wang Yun
Published: March 2023

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded BamHI A rightward transcript (BART) microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in viral infection and tumorigenesis. The association of sequence variations in the BART miRNA cluster 1 region with diseases remains unclear. Herein, 6 types and 11 subtypes of BART cluster 1 were identified in 354 tumors and healthy donors (HDs) from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)‐endemic and nonendemic China (genotyped data), and 905 EBV genomes retrieved from GenBank from diseased and normal people from around the world (archived data). The distributions of BART cluster 1 types/subtypes between NPC‐endemic and nonendemic China; between Asian regions and Africa/Europe & Australia & United States; and among Asian regions (NPC‐endemic China, NPC‐nonendemic East Asia and Southeast Asia) were significantly different (p < 0.001). The subtype BART‐D2 was not found outside Asia and was only common in NPC‐endemic China. More importantly, BART‐D2 had a higher frequency in NPCs than in HDs in NPC‐endemic China (genotyped data, 78.0% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.001; achieved data, 89.3% vs. 43.7%, p < 0.001), and was also more frequent in NPCs than in HDs, gastric carcinomas, and lymphomas in NPC‐nonendemic China (genotyped data, 27.9% vs. 1.9%, 2.4%, and 0.0%, p < 0.001). BART‐D2 was preferentially linked with the high‐risk subtypes for NPC previously reported, 162476C or 163364T, in the BALF2 gene, and was associated with NPC risk (p < 0.01). In vitro experiments showed that BART‐D2 affected the expression of some mature BART miRNAs. These findings demonstrate geographically restricted variations of BART cluster 1 and identify distinct subtype that is confined to NPC‐endemic China and is associated with NPC.
Statistical shape modeling of the large acetabular defect in hip revision surgery
Authors: De Angelis Sara , Henckel Johann , Bergiers Sean , Hothi Harry , Di Laura Anna , Hart Alister
Published: March 2023

The assessment of three‐dimensional bony defects is important to inform the surgical planning of hip reconstruction. Mirroring of the contralateral side has been previously used to measure the hip center of rotation (CoR). However, the contralateral side may not be useful when diseased or replaced. Statistical Shape Models (SSMs) can aid reconstruction of patient anatomy. Previous studies have been limited to computational models only or small patient cohorts. We used SSM as a tool to help derive landmarks that are often absent in hip joints of patients with large acetabular defects. Our aim was to compare the reconstructed pelvis with patients who have previously undergone hip revision. This retrospective cohort study involved 38 patients with Paprosky type IIIB defects. An SSM was built on 50 healthy pelvises and used to virtually reconstruct the native pelvic morphology for all cases. The outcome measures were the difference in CoR for (1) SSM versus diseased hip, (2) SSM versus plan, and (3) SSM versus contralateral healthy hip. The median differences in CoR were 31.17 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 43.80–19.87 mm), 8.53 mm (IQR: 12.76–5.74 mm), and 7.84 mm (IQR: 10.13–5.13 mm), respectively. No statistical difference (p > 0.05) was found between the SSM versus plan and the SSM versus contralateral CoRs. Our findings show that the SSM model can be used to reconstruct the absent bony landmarks of patients with significant lysis regardless of the defect severity, hence aiding the surgical planning of hip reconstruction and implant design.
Mechanism of human chorionic gonadotropin in endometrial receptivity via the miR‐126‐3p/PI3K/Akt/eNOS axis
Authors: Wang Wei , Ge Liang , Zhang Li‐Li , Wang Li‐Rong , Lu Yong‐Yan , Gou Li , Gou Rui‐Qiang , Xu Tong‐Yu , Ma Xiao‐Ling , Zhang Xue‐Hong
Published: March 2023

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) might affect endometrial receptivity, exerting integral roles in embryo implantation. This study explored the action of hCG in endometrial receptivity via the miR‐126‐3p/PIK3R2/PI3K/Akt/eNOS axis. The embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) mouse models were established by administrating mifepristone and human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) were used for in vivo experiments, both followed by hCG treatment. Expression level of CD105 and protein levels of cadherin CD144 and CD146 in mice were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The levels of miR‐126‐3p and PIK3R2 mRNA and PIK3R2, p‐PI3K p85 α, PI3K p110 α, p‐Akt, Akt, p‐eNOS, and eNOS protein levels were measured. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK‐8 and EdU assays. The binding sites of miR‐126‐3p and PIK3R2 were predicted and verified. hCG‐treated EECs were further transfected with miR‐126‐inhibitor for functional rescue experiments. hCG ameliorated endometrial receptivity in EID mice. Moreover, hCG promoted miR‐126‐3p and suppressed PIK3R2 in EID mice and EECs. miR‐126‐3p targeted PIK3R2. EEC proliferation was enhanced after hCG treatment but inhibited by miR‐126‐3p downregulation. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments validated that hCG activated the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway through the miR‐126‐3p/PIK3R2 axis. Collectively, hCG improves endometrial receptivity by activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway via regulating miR‐126‐3p/PIK3R2.
Tough and Thermostable Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)/Vitrimer Blend with Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Cui Chenhui , Jin Chenyu , Li Xiuzhao , Zhou Yifan , Shao Yizhe , Ma Li , Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Tiejun
Published: March 2023

Polymer blending is an efficient way to obtain extraordinary polymeric materials. However, once permanently cross‐linked thermosets are involved in blending, there are challenges in designing and optimizing the structures and interfacial compatibility of blends. Vitrimer with dynamic covalent polymer networks provides an innovative opportunity for blending thermoplastics and thermosets. Herein, a reactive blending strategy is proposed to develop thermoplastic‐thermoset blend with enhanced compatibility on the basis of dynamic covalent chemistry. Specifically, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polymerized epoxy vitrimer can be directly melt blended to obtain tough and thermostable blends with desirable microstructures and interfacial interaction. Bond exchange facilitates the grafting of PBT and epoxy vitrimer chains, thus enhancing the interfacial compatibility and thermal stability of blends. The obtained blend balances the strength and stretchability of PBT and epoxy vitrimer, resulting in enhanced toughness. This work offers a new way of designing and fabricating new polymeric materials by blending thermoplastics and thermosets. It also suggests a facile direction towards upcycling thermoplastics and thermosets.
The Influence of GBA and LRRK2 on Mood Disorders in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: DeBroff Jake , Omer Nurit , Cohen Batsheva , Giladi Nir , Kestenbaum Meir , Shirvan Julia C. , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Gana‐Weisz Mali , Goldstein Orly , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Mirelman Anat , Thaler Avner
Published: March 2023

Background

Mood disorders have emerged as major non‐motor comorbidities in Parkinson's disease (PD) even at the prodromal stage of the disease. Mutations in the LRRK2 and GBA genes are common among Ashkenazi Jews, with more severe phenotype reported for GBA‐PD.

Objective

To explore the association between genetic status and mood related disorders before and after diagnosis of PD and the association between mood‐related medications, phenotype, and genetic status.

Methods

Participants were genotyped for mutations in the LRRK2 and GBA genes. State of depression, anxiety and non‐motor features were evaluated using validated questionnaires. History of mood disorders prior to diagnosis of PD and use of mood‐related medications were assessed.

Results

The study included 105 idiopathic PD (iPD), 55 LRRK2‐PD and 94 GBA‐PD. Scores on mood related questionnaires and frequency of depression and anxiety before diagnosis were similar between the groups (p>0.05). However, more GBA‐PD patients used mood related medications before PD diagnosis than LRRK2‐PD and iPD (16.5% vs 7.1% and 8.2%, p=0.044). LRRK2‐PD and GBA‐PD receiving mood‐related medications at time of assessment had worse motor and non‐motor phenotype compared to those that did not (p<0.05). LRRK2‐PD receiving mood related‐medications at time of assessment, scored higher on mood‐related questionnaires compared to LRRK2‐PD not receiving such medications (p<0.04).

Conclusions

Prodromal GBA‐PD are more frequently treated with mood related‐medications despite equal rates of reported mood‐related disorders, while LRRK2‐PD with mood‐related disorders experience high rates of anxiety and depression despite treatment, attesting to the need of more precise assessment and treatment of these genetic subgroups.
𝒮‐asymptotically 𝓌‐periodic mild solutions for noninstantaneous impulsive integro‐differential equations with state‐dependent delay
Authors: Wang Yinuo , Li Chuandong , Deng Hao , Wu Hongjuan
Published: March 2023

A kind of nonlinear noninstantaneous impulsive equation with state‐dependent delay is studied here. By utilizing suitable fixed point theorem and the theory of semigroup in Banach space, the uniqueness and existence results of 
‐asymptotically 
‐periodic mild solutions are obtained, respectively. In the end, two examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the obtained results.
Mathematical modeling and vibration analysis of rotating functionally graded porous spacecraft systems reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Zhao Tian Yu , Wang Yu Xuan , Chen Long
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the theoretical modeling and coupled free vibration behaviors of a rotating double‐bladed shaft assembly resting on elastic supports in a spacecraft system. According to the Kirchhoff plate theory and the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the theoretical model is established. The presented rotor is considered to be made of porous foam metal matrix and graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) reinforcement. Nonuniform distributions of porosity and GPLs are taken into account, which leads to the functionally graded (FG) structure. The effective material properties of the double‐bladed shaft assembly are varying along the radius and thickness directions of the shaft and blade, respectively. Moreover, the rule of mixture, the Halpin–Tsai model, and the open‐cell scheme are employed to determine its material properties. Considering the gyroscopic effect, the Lagrange equation is utilized to derive the coupled equations of motion. Then the traveling wave frequencies of the double‐bladed shaft assembly are obtained by applying the assumed modes method and substructure modal synthesis method. A detailed parametric analysis is conducted to examine the effects of the rotating speed, GPL weight fraction, GPL distribution pattern, GPL length‐to‐thickness ratio, GPL length‐to‐width ratio, porosity coefficient, porosity distribution pattern, shaft length‐to‐radius ratio, blade length‐to‐thickness ratio, support stiffness and support location on the free vibration behaviors of the double‐bladed shaft assembly.
Feasibility of free‐breathing 19F MRI image acquisition to characterize ventilation defects in CF and healthy volunteers at wash‐in
Authors: Chung Sang Hun , Huynh Khoi Minh , Goralski Jennifer L. , Chen Yong , Yap Pew‐Thian , Ceppe Agathe S. , Powell Margret Z. , Donaldson Scott H. , Lee Yueh Z.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of measuring ventilation defect percentage (VDP) using 19F MRI during free‐breathing wash‐in of fluorinated gas mixture with postacquisition denoising and to compare these results with those obtained through traditional Cartesian breath‐hold acquisitions.

Methods

Eight adults with cystic fibrosis and 5 healthy volunteers completed a single MR session on a Siemens 3T Prisma. 1H Ultrashort‐TE MRI sequences were used for registration and masking, and ventilation images with 19F MRI were obtained while the subjects breathed a normoxic mixture of 79% perfluoropropane and 21% oxygen (O2). 19F MRI was performed during breath holds and while free breathing with one overlapping spiral scan at breath hold for VDP value comparison. The 19F spiral data were denoised using a low‐rank matrix recovery approach.

Results

VDP measured using 19F VIBE and 19F spiral images were highly correlated (r = 0.84) at 10 wash‐in breaths. Second‐breath VDPs were also highly correlated (r = 0.88). Denoising greatly increased SNR (pre‐denoising spiral SNR, 2.46 ± 0.21; post‐denoising spiral SNR, 33.91 ± 6.12; and breath‐hold SNR, 17.52 ± 2.08).

Conclusion

Free‐breathing 19F lung MRI VDP analysis was feasible and highly correlated with breath‐hold measurements. Free‐breathing methods are expected to increase patient comfort and extend ventilation MRI use to patients who are unable to perform breath holds, including younger subjects and those with more severe lung disease.
Evaluation of a continuous‐time random‐walk diffusion model for the differentiation of malignant and benign breast lesions and its association with Ki‐67 expression
Authors: Du Mu , Zou Da , Gao Peng , Yang Zhongxian , Hou Yanzhen , Zheng Liyun , Zhang Na , Liu Yubao
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the performance of a continuous‐time random‐walk (CTRW) diffusion model for differentiating malignant and benign breast lesions and to consider the potential association between CTRW parameters and the Ki‐67 expression. Sixty‐four patients (46.2 ± 11.4 years) with breast lesions (29 malignant and 35 benign) were evaluated with the CTRW model, intravoxel incoherent motion model, and diffusion‐weighted imaging. Echo planar diffusion‐weighted imaging was conducted using 13 b‐values (0‐3000 s/mm2). Three CTRW model parameters, including an anomalous diffusion coefficient Dm, and two parameters related to temporal and spatial diffusion heterogeneity, α and β, respectively, were obtained, and had MRI b‐values of 0–3000 s/mm2. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CTRW parameters for differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions. In malignant breast lesions, the CTRW parameters Dm, α, and β were significantly lower than the corresponding parameters of benign breast lesions. In the malignant breast lesion group, the CTRW parameter Dm was significantly lower in high Ki‐67 expression than in low Ki‐67 expression. In ROC analysis, the combination of CTRW parameters (Dm, α, β) demonstrated the highest area under the curve value (0.985) and diagnostic accuracy (94.23%) in differentiating malignant and benign breast lesions. The CTRW model effectively differentiated malignant from benign breast lesions. The CTRW diffusion model offers a new way for noninvasive assessment of breast malignancy and better understanding of the proliferation of malignant lesions.
Dark Energy Star: Physical Constraints on the Bounds
Authors: Das Krishna Pada , Debnath Ujjal , Ray Saibal
Published: March 2023

In the present article, we explore a new solution to the Einstein‐Maxwell field equations to describe spherically symmetric, charged and anisotropic dark energy stars. The interior of such stars containing two non‐interacting fluids like dark and normal matter with a relation that the dark energy density is proportional to the energy density of a isotropic matter. We have used modified chaplygin gas equation to define the dark energy part. Also we have defined the interior space‐time through Krori‐Barua (KB) space‐time and matched it with the exterior Reissner‐Nordström space‐time. The well‐behaveness of the physical attributes have been discussed by plotting graphs for three specific compact objects with respect to our solutions. We conclude that all the physical attributes satisfy the required conditions for viability as well as stability and hence our model can be used to characterize dark energy stars for a set of parametric values belong to the present study.
A mechanistic modeling platform of SGLT2 inhibition: Implications for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Sokolov Victor , Yakovleva Tatiana , Stolbov Leonid , Penland Robert C. , Boulton David , Parkinson Joanna , Tang Weifeng
Published: March 2023

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormally high blood glucose concentrations due to dysfunction of the insulin‐producing beta‐cells in the pancreas. Dapagliflozin, an inhibitor of renal glucose reabsorption, has the potential to improve often suboptimal glycemic control in patients with T1DM through insulin‐independent mechanisms and to partially mitigate the adverse effects associated with long‐term insulin administration. In this work, we have adapted a systems pharmacology model of type 2 diabetes mellitus to describe the T1DM condition and characterize the effect of dapagliflozin on short‐ and long‐term glycemic markers under various treatment scenarios. The developed platform serves as a quantitative tool for the in silico evaluation of the insulin‐glucose‐dapagliflozin crosstalk, optimization of the treatment regimens, and it can be further expanded to include additional therapies or other aspects of the disease.
Did court dismiss student's due process claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2023

A University of Georgia graduate student was required to complete an examination known as the DrPH Comprehensive Examination Course to complete his Doctoral of Public Health program. A citizen of Sierra Leone, the student didn't speak English as his first language. The student failed his first attempt at the exam. He took the exam again the next semester and enlisted the help of a proofreader.
Pyridinic Nitrogen Doped Carbon Dots Supply Electrons to Improve Photosynthesis and Extracellular Electron Transfer of Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Huang Xiaoman , Lin Junjie , Liang Jiarong , Kou Erfeng , Cai Wenxiao , Zheng Yinjian , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Yingliang , Li Wei , Lei Bingfu
Published: March 2023

Optimizing photosynthesis is imperative for providing energy and organics for all life on the earth. Here, carbon dots doped with pyridinic nitrogen (named lev‐CDs) are synthesized by the one‐pot hydrothermal method, and the structure–function relationship between functional groups on lev‐CDs and photosynthesis of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) is proposed. Pyridinic nitrogen plays a key role in the positive effect on photosynthesis caused by lev‐CDs. In detail, lev‐CDs act as electron donors to supply photo‐induced electrons to P680+ and QA+, causing electron transfer from lev‐CDs to the photosynthetic electron transport chain in the photosystems. In return, the recombination efficiency of electron–hole pairs on lev‐CDs decreases. As a result, the electron transfer rate in the electron transport chain, the activity of photosystem II, and the Calvin cycle are enhanced. Moreover, the electron transfer rate between C. pyrenoidosa and external circumstances enhanced by lev‐CDs is about 50%, and electrons exported from C. pyrenoidosa can be used to reduce iron(III). This study is of great significance for engineering nanomaterials to improve photosynthesis.
High Chemical Potential Driven Amorphization of Pd‐based Nanoalloys
Authors: Jiang Qiaorong , Dong Yongdi , Lü Linzhe , Zheng Zhiping , Nan Zi‐Ang , Ye Jinyu , Lin Haixin , Jiang Zhiyuan , Xie Zhaoxiong
Published: March 2023

Amorphous metals and alloys are promising candidates for superior catalysts in many catalytic and electrocatalytic reactions. It is of great urgency to develop a general method to construct amorphous alloys and further clarify the growth mechanism in a wet‐chemical system. Herein, inspired by the conservation of energy during the crystallization process, amorphous PdCu nanoalloys have been successfully synthesized by promoting the chemical potential of the building blocks in solution. Benefiting from the abundant active sites and enhanced corrosion resistance, the synthesized amorphous PdCu nanostructures exhibit superior catalytic activity and durability over the face‐centered cubic one in formic acid decomposition reaction. More importantly, the successful fabrications of amorphous PdFe, PdCo, and PdNi further demonstrate the universality of the above strategy. This proposed strategy is promising to diversify the amorphous family.
Green Chitosan‐Flaxseed Gum Film Loaded with ZnO for Packaging Applications
Authors: Hasanin Mohamed , Abdel Kader Amal H. , Abd El‐Sayed Essam S. , Kamel Samir
Published: March 2023

The possibility of manufacturing edible packaging materials with tailored properties and low cost has attracted much interest. This work presents a new material for edible packaging made from flaxseed gum (FSG) and chitosan (Ch) loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs). ZnO‐NPs are synthesized in situ during the preparation of the edible film. The Ch/FSG/ZnO‐NPs films are prepared by casting Ch in different ratios of FSG (12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%). The resulting films are evaluated for their physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier properties to determine their suitability for coating or packaging food or bioproducts. By studying the antimicrobial activities of the ZnO‐NPs loaded films, we can see that ZnO‐NP's concentration highly affects these activities. In addition, the FSG improves mechanical properties. Films developed by incorporating ZnO‐NPs are proposed to be appropriate for low‐moisture food and pharmaceutical products, which can reduce environmental problems associated with synthetic packaging. Consequently, Ch/FSG composite films have the potential to replace conventional packaging.
Syntheses and Synthetic Applications of Functionalized Propargylic and Allylic Fluorides
Authors: Arimitsu Satoru
Published: March 2023

This account presents the synthesis and application of propargylic and allylic fluorides containing hydroxy or carbonyl functional groups. In particular, the Barbier‐type reaction of difluoropropargyl bromides with aldehydes or chloroformates provides versatile propargylic fluorides, and the organocatalytic fluorination of dienamine intermediates has been demonstrated as an effective method to obtain allylic fluorides stereoselectively. Additionally, mechanistic insights into such reactions are discussed with the aid of density functional theory calculations. The report also describes the preparation of fluorinated 1,7‐diyne or 1,7‐enyne derivatives of these compounds. These propargylic and allylic fluorides can be used as building blocks for fluorinated heterocycles, such as fluorinated furans, tetrahydrofurans, and lactams. Additionally, fluorinated bi‐ or tri‐heterocyclic compounds can be synthesized via transition‐metal‐catalyzed reactions with fluorinated 1,7‐diyne or 1,7‐enyne derivatives.
Two different procedures for managing ocular melanosis presenting scleral pigmentation with glaucoma in a Shih‐Tzu dog: A case of definitive diagnosis in one eye and a presumed diagnosis in the contralateral eye
Authors: Lee Eunji , Jeong Dajeong , Jeong Youngseok , Susanti Lina , Go Du‐Min , Seo Kangmoon , Kang Seonmi
Published: March 2023

A 12‐year‐old castrated male Shih‐Tzu dog was referred for uncontrolled glaucoma and uveitis with highly pigmented sclera, in both eyes (OU). On ophthalmic examination, the menace response, dazzle reflex and pupillary light reflex were negative OU. The intraocular pressure was 27 mmHg in the right eye (OD) and 70 mmHg in the left eye (OS) despite the administration of antiglaucoma eyedrops. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a closed ciliary cleft OU. Ocular ultrasonography revealed hyperechoic materials in the vitreous OU and retinal detachment OS. When presented for recheck, an extensive malacic corneal ulcer was observed OS. To relieve pain in the blind eyes, enucleation OS and pharmacologic ciliary body ablation (CBA) OD were performed. Histologically, ocular melanosis, which is an inherited disease in the Cairn Terrier breed, was identified in the enucleated eye. The uvea was heavily pigmented. The iris and ciliary body were mildly distorted by a single population of large, round, nonneoplastic cells with pigmented cytoplasm. There was no evidence of an intraocular mass or metastasis before and after intravitreal CBA. This is the first report of bilateral ocular melanosis in a Shih‐Tzu dog. Ocular melanosis is a possible differential diagnosis for globe presenting scleral pigmentation with glaucoma in even non‐Cairn Terrier breeds and pharmacologic CBA could be considered as a treatment for ocular melanosis with end‐stage glaucoma.
Effect of phytase and xylanase enzymes on growth performance and Mucin2 gene expression in broiler chickens
Authors: Noormohammadi Arefeh , Varkoohi Sheida , Seyedabadi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2023

Background

Development of exogenous enzymes is one of the most important discoveries in animal nutrition. The supplementation of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets allows for supplying nutrient deficiencies and to decrease endogenous losses.

Objectives

The effects of phytase (Hostazym and Phyzyme) and xylanase (Ronozyme) enzymes were investigated on growth performance and Mucin2 gene expression in broilers.

Methods

A completely randomized design was applied, including 7 treatments, 4 replicates and 25 birds per replicates. A total of 700 male Ross (308) broiler chickens were fed with similar diets supplemented by Hostazym and Phyzyme (500 and 1000 FTU/kg) and Ronozyme (100 and 200 EXU/kg). Weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined for three phases and entire rearing period. On 42 days of age, four birds per replicate were slaughtered. Total RNA was extracted from jejunum samples, and Mucin2 gene expression was measured by real‐time PCR.

Results

Phytase and xylanase enzymes had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on traits (WG and FCR) in grower and finisher phases and whole rearing period, but FI was not affected by enzymes (p > 0.05). Carcass (74.13 g) and breast (27.76 g) weights by Hostazym (1000 FTU/kg) were higher than other treatments (p < 0.05). Weight of liver, bursa and spleen were significantly influenced by enzymes (p < 0.05). Likewise, bursa and spleen weights in Hostazym (1000 FTU/kg feed) and Ronozyme (200 EXU/kg feed) were significantly higher than other treatments (p < 0.05). Mucin2 gene expression was affected by enzymes in whole treatments. The lowest amount of Mucin2 gene expression belonged to Ronozyme (200 and 100 EXU/kg), and the highest was belonging to Hostazym (1000 FTU/kg).

Conclusions

Phytase enzymes have higher effect on broiler performance and Mucin2 gene expression compared to xylanase. High doses of Hostazym (1000 FTU/kg feed) could be supplemented in broiler chicken diets to improve optimum growth and feed efficiency.
Thoracic transversus plane block as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy
Authors: Pérez Bartolome Rico , Martínez Cristina Parra , Jiménez Carolina Palacios
Published: March 2023

A 12‐year‐old, neutered, male, domestic shorthair cat presented for investigation of acute‐onset respiratory distress and cough. Computed tomography scan showed bilateral pleural effusion and dorsal elevation of the trachea compatible with a mass effect. A median sternotomy was performed. Anaesthetic protocol consisted of premedication with intravenous methadone (0.2 mg/kg), induction with alfaxalone to effect and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen. Transversus thoracic muscle plane block was performed injecting 0.4 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine per side. Fentanyl (2 μg/kg) was administered as rescue analgesia once during surgery. The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale was assessed postoperatively. Methadone was given as rescue analgesia postoperatively when Glasgow pain score was greater than 5/20. The first administration of methadone was required at 8 hours after the transversus thoracic muscle plane block was performed. This case showed that the ultrasound‐guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block is a feasible technique in feline patients as part of a multimodal analgesia plan in a cat undergoing sternotomy.
Mechanochemical Loading: An Alternative Route to form Spiropyran@MOF Composite Materials
Authors: Greussing Victoria , Kremer Stephane , Ober Isabell , Küssner Kira , Rödl Markus , Huppertz Hubert , Schwartz Heidi A.
Published: March 2023

Exploring synthesis methods fosters new ways to design materials in faster and cheaper ways. In this fundamental study, we present mechanochemical loading of photoactive dye molecules into porous metal‐organic frameworks (=MOFs) as an alternative and promising strategy to form hybrid switch@MOF systems. Six different spiropyrans were inserted into the two MOFs MOF‐5 and MIL‐68(In) in varying compositions. By this, the concentration‐dependent enclosure characteristics were determined. This fast and simple synthesis strategy has never been reported so far, and thus provides completely new possibilities for the formation of two‐ or even multi‐component systems.
Nordic Student Teachers’ Evaluation of Educational Theory, Subject Didactics, Practice Training, Time on Task and Turnover Intentions
Authors: Elstad Eyvind , Christophersen Knut-Andreas Abben , Turmo Are
Published: March 2023

This chapter compares the quality of aspects of teacher education in the Nordic countries. Scandinavian countries employ nationwide surveys in higher education that provide essential information for education authorities of each country; these measurements are used in public sector debates concerning teacher education, and in individual teacher education environments. The results from these measurements can be used for benchmarking.

This chapter compares the quality of various aspects of teacher across Nordic countries via a survey of student teachers. We collected data from all Nordic countries using similar surveys that were translated into the various Nordic languages by native speakers. All student teachers who participated in the study were in the final phase of their teacher education programme. Student teachers’ evaluations of educational theory, subject didactics, practice training, time-on-task, as well as several motivation categories were examined. The analyses show several similarities. However, the biggest difference between average scale values is found between the Danish and Finnish data sets. There is a standard deviation in difference in favour of Denmark between the relevance of educational theory teaching experienced in Denmark and Finland. Further, the time on task in Danish teacher education is far higher than in the other Nordic countries.
Bringing a Global Teacher Education Model to Scandinavia: Examining Teach First in Norway
Authors: Nesje Katrine
Published: March 2023

Teach For All (TFAll) represents a unique private–public partnership model of fast-track teacher education. This chapter explores TFAll’s expansion to the Scandinavian countries and uses Teach First Norway (TFN) as the context for examining this employment-based route into teaching, focusing on individual participant perspectives. Contemporary career choices can be understood as fluid and negotiable, which has implications for the design of programmes that aim to effectively recruit competent professionals. Traditionally, research on the motivation for choosing teaching as a profession has been based on the assumption that people will commit to teaching as a long-term career. The relevance of this analysis may be decreasing, as many people seem to consider and pursue a range of career possibilities. This study used a multi-method approach to examine TFN participants’ initial motivations for entering the programme and the development of their professional identities throughout. The findings show that the motivations for participating are complex, and the programme is perceived by many as an opportunity for self-development and resume-building. Participation in TFAll programmes might be viewed as part of a self-development project in which the candidates are given the opportunity to ‘try out’ teaching.
Back-to-the-Future Whois: An IP Address Attribution Service for Working with Historic Datasets
Authors: Streibelt Florian , Lindorfer Martina , Gürses Seda , Gañán Carlos H. , Fiebig Tobias
Published: March 2023

Researchers and practitioners often face the issue of having to attribute an IP address to an organization. For current data this is comparably easy, using services like whois or other databases. Similarly, for historic data, several entities like the RIPE NCC provide websites that provide access to historic records. For large-scale network measurement work, though, researchers often have to attribute millions of addresses. For current data, Team Cymru provides a bulk whois service which allows bulk address attribution. However, at the time of writing, there is no service available that allows historic bulk attribution of IP addresses. Hence, in this paper, we introduce and evaluate our ‘Back-to-the-Future whois’ service, allowing historic bulk attribution of IP addresses on a daily granularity based on CAIDA Routeviews aggregates. We provide this service to the community for free, and also share our implementation so researchers can run instances themselves.
Sample size determination for training set optimization in genomic prediction
Authors: Wu Po-Ya , Ou Jen-Hsiang , Liao Chen-Tuo
Published: March 2023

Key message

A practical approach is developed to determine a cost-effective optimal training set for selective phenotyping in a genomic prediction study. An R function is provided to facilitate the application of the approach.

Genomic prediction (GP) is a statistical method used to select quantitative traits in animal or plant breeding. For this purpose, a statistical prediction model is first built that uses phenotypic and genotypic data in a training set. The trained model is then used to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for individuals within a breeding population. Setting the sample size of the training set usually takes into account time and space constraints that are inevitable in an agricultural experiment. However, the determination of the sample size remains an unresolved issue for a GP study. By applying the logistic growth curve to identify prediction accuracy for the GEBVs and the training set size, a practical approach was developed to determine a cost-effective optimal training set for a given genome dataset with known genotypic data. Three real genome datasets were used to illustrate the proposed approach. An R function is provided to facilitate widespread application of this approach to sample size determination, which can help breeders to identify a set of genotypes with an economical sample size for selective phenotyping.
Development of high-copy number plasmids in Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125
Authors: Calvanese Marzia , Balestra Cecilia , Colarusso Andrea , Lauro Concetta , Riccardi Christopher , Fondi Marco , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Tutino Maria Luisa
Published: March 2023

The Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 (PhTAC125) is considered an interesting alternative host for the recombinant protein production, that can be explored when the conventional bacterial expression systems fail. Indeed, the manufacture of all the difficult-to-express proteins produced so far in this bacterial platform gave back soluble and active products. Despite these promising results, the low yield of recombinant protein production achieved is hampering the wider and industrial exploitation of this psychrophilic cell factory. All the expression plasmids developed so far in PhTAC125 are based on the origin of replication of the endogenous pMtBL plasmid and are maintained at a very low copy number. In this work, we set up an experimental strategy to select mutated OriR sequences endowed with the ability to establish recombinant plasmids at higher multiplicity per cell. The solution to this major production bottleneck was achieved by the construction of a library of psychrophilic vectors, each containing a randomly mutated version of pMtBL OriR, and its screening by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The selected clones allowed the identification of mutated OriR sequences effective in enhancing the plasmid copy number of approximately two orders of magnitude, and the production of the recombinant green fluorescent protein was increased up to twenty times approximately. Moreover, the molecular characterization of the different mutant OriR sequences allowed us to suggest some preliminary clues on the pMtBL replication mechanism that deserve to be further investigated in the future.

Key points

• Setup of an electroporation procedure for Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125.

• Two order of magnitude improvement of OriR-derived psychrophilic expression systems.

• Almost twenty times enhancement in Green fluorescent protein production.
Evaluation of the 1R6F certified reference cigarette for proficiency testing of mainstream smoke parameters
Authors: Slone Stacey , McNees C. Ruth , Craft Matt , Ji Huihua , Shearer Andrew , Shelton Brent , Yuan Ling , Chambers Orlando
Published: March 2023

A goal of the cooperative agreement between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Tobacco Reference Products (CTRP) at the University of Kentucky was to produce a standard reference cigarette for researchers to further tobacco science. The 1R6F certified reference cigarette for analytical testing was developed to be typical of an American blend cigarette. The cigarettes have been used in proficiency testing (PT) schemes under the supervision of the CTRP since 2016 for a variety of parameters. Data were compared from 8 rounds of PT schemes submitted by participating laboratories, which include various international stakeholders comprised of academic institutions, federal research/regulatory laboratories, tobacco product manufacturers, and independent contract testing laboratories. Evaluation of the datasets for harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) within the mainstream smoke of the 1R6F certified reference cigarette included tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide (TNCO), and Benzo[α]pyrene (BαP). Of the datasets evaluated, less than 5 % resulted in either a warning or alert, and less than 2 % resulted in an alert. Comparisons across multiple PT rounds revealed no significant differences in the consensus means of the tested parameters. Evaluation of data submitted by participating laboratories for multiple proficiency test rounds shows that the 1R6F certified reference cigarette is an acceptable material as a control reference for the analysis of HPHCs which is imperative since some stakeholders may be required to participate in, and receive satisfactory results, from PT for accreditation purposes.
Olfaction and gustation in blindness: a state of the art of the literature
Authors: Ricatti Maria Jimena , Savazzi Silvia , Cesari Paola , Cecchini Maria Paola
Published: March 2023

To date, there are quite a few studies assessing olfaction and gustation in blindness, with great variability in sample size, participants’ age, blindness onset and smell and taste evaluation methods. Indeed, the evaluation of olfactory and gustatory performance can differ depending on several factors, including cultural differences. Therefore, here we analysed through a narrative review, all the works reporting a smell and taste assessment in blind individuals during the last 130 years, trying to summarize and address the knowledge in this field.
Cinnamon Oil Encapsulated with Silica Nanoparticles: Chemical Characterization and Evaluation of Insecticidal Activity Against the Rice Moth, Corcyra cephalonica
Authors: Attia Radwa G. , Khalil Mostafa M. H. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Fattah Hoda M. Abdel , Rizk Salwa A. , Ma’moun Shireen A. M.
Published: March 2023

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) essential oil has vast potential as an antimicrobial but is limited by its volatility and rapid degradation. To decrease its volatility and prolong the efficacy of the biocide, cinnamon essential oil was encapsulated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The characterization of MSNs and cinnamon oil encapsulated with silica nanoparticles (CESNs) was estimated. Additionally, their insecticidal activity against the rice moth Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) larvae was evaluated. The MSN surface area decreased from 893.6 to 720 m2 g−1 and the pore volume also decreased from 0.824 to 0.7275 cc/g after loading with cinnamon oil. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and N2 sorption by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) confirmed the successful formation and evolution of the synthesized MSNs and CESN structures. The surface characteristics of MSNs and CESNs were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with the sub-lethal activity values, the order of toxicity after 6 days of exposure was MSNs ˃ CESN ˃ cinnamon oil ˃ silica gel ˃ peppermint oil. The efficacy of CESNs gradually increases its toxicity more than MSN after the 9th day of exposure.