bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration analysis of symmetrically laminated thick rectangular plates using the higher-order theory and p-Ritz method
Authors: Chen C. C. , Liew K. M. , Lim C. W. , Kitipornchai S.
Published: July 2002

The free vibration analysis of symmetrically laminated thick rectangular plates is examined. The p-Ritz method is employed in which sets of uniquely defined polynomials are used as the admissible trial displacement and rotation functions. The energy integral expressions of the laminates are derived by incorporating the shear deformation using Reddy’s higher-order plate theory [J. Appl. Mech. ASME 51, 745–752 (1984)]. The formulation is basically applicable to rectangular laminates with any combination of free, simply supported, and clamped boundary conditions. To evaluate the validity and to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, a series of free vibration analyses of laminated composite plates is reported. Wherever possible, the accuracy of this analysis is validated through comparison with available results. Efforts are made to interpret the results to provide physical insight to the problem.
Simulation of ultrasonic pulse propagation through the abdominal wall
Authors: Mast T. Douglas , Hinkelman Laura M. , Orr Michael J. , Sparrow Victor W. , Waag Robert C.
Published: July 2002

Ultrasonic pulse propagation through the human abdominal wall has been simulated using a model for two-dimensional propagation through anatomically realistic tissue cross sections. The time-domain equations for wave propagation in a medium of variable sound speed and density were discretized to obtain a set of coupled finite-difference equations. These difference equations were solved numerically using a two-step MacCormack scheme that is fourth-order accurate in space and second-order accurate in time. The inhomogeneous tissue of the abdominal wall was represented by two-dimensional matrices of sound speed and density values. These values were determined by processing scanned images of abdominal wall cross sections stained to identify connective tissue, muscle, and fat, each of which was assumed to have a constant sound speed and density. The computational configuration was chosen to simulate that of wavefront distortion measurements performed on the same specimens. Qualitative agreement was found between those measurements and the results of the present computations, indicating that the computational model correctly depicts the salient characteristics of ultrasonic wavefront distortion in vivo. However, quantitative agreement was limited by the two-dimensionality of the computation and the absence of detailed tissue microstructure. Calculations performed using an asymptotic straight-ray approximation showed good agreement with time-shift aberrations predicted by the full-wave method, but did not explain the amplitude fluctuations and waveform distortion found in the experiments and the full-wave calculations. Visualization of computed wave propagation within tissue cross sections suggests that amplitude fluctuations and waveform distortion observed in ultrasonic propagation through the abdominal wall are associated with scattering from internal inhomogeneities such as septa within the subcutaneous fat. These observations, as well as statistical analysis of computed and observed amplitude fluctuations, suggest that weak fluctuation models do not fully describe ultrasonic wavefront distortion caused by the abdominal wall.
First in vitro experiments using a new reflector to concentrate shock waves for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Loske Achim M. , Prieto Fernando E.
Published: July 2002

Electrohydraulic lithotripters to perform extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatments use symmetrical reflectors in order to concentrate the energy generated in one of their foci (F1). The new reflector presented here was designed in an attempt to increase the efficiency of ESWL. It is obtained by combining sectors of two rotationally symmetric ellipsoidal reflectors with different separations between their foci F1 and F2. These sectors are joined together in such a way that the F1 foci coincide, creating a separation between the F2 foci. The purpose is to temporally and spatially dephase the shock wave generated at F1. This is achieved because the initial shock wave is divided, by reflection, into two shock fronts converging toward two, rather than one, F2 foci. Pressure measurements, and in vitro experiments using kidney-stone models and dog kidneys, indicate that the new design could be more efficient in breaking up renal stones, without producing more tissue damage. The performance of the new reflector was compared with one having the geometry of a Dornier HM3 (nonmodified) reflector. Both reflectors were installed separately in an electrohydraulic experimental shock wave generator (MEXILIT II). [Work supported by DGAPA IN502694, UNAM.]
Discrimination of frequency steps linked by glides of various durations
Authors: Sek Aleksander , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: July 2002

Thresholds were measured for detecting steps in frequency linked by glides of various durations. The goals were to assess the relative importance of place and temporal information for this task, and to determine whether there is a mechanism for detecting dynamic frequency changes per se, as opposed to comparing the initial and final frequencies of the stimuli. Subjects discriminated a 500-ms sinusoid of constant frequency from a sinusoid with three parts: an initial part with constant frequency, a downward frequency glide, and a final part with constant frequency. The overall duration was 500 ms, and the glide duration was varied from 5 to 500 ms. In one special case, the portion of the stimuli when a glide might occur was replaced by a brief silent interval. The center frequency was fixed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 6 kHz (condition 1), or varied randomly from one stimulus to the next over a 4-ERB range around the nominal center frequency (condition 2). The randomization impaired performance, but thresholds remained lower than the best that could be achieved by monitoring either the initial or final frequency of the stimuli. Condition 3 was like condition 2, but for each stimulus a glide in level was added at the time when a frequency glide might occur, so the initial and final levels differed; the glides in level varied randomly in extent and direction from one stimulus to the next over the range ±20 dB. This impaired performance, but thresholds remained lower than the best that could be achieved by monitoring changes in excitation level on only one side of the excitation pattern. Excitation-pattern models of frequency discrimination predict that thresholds should not vary across center frequency when expressed as the change in ERB number, ΔE. For all conditions, ΔE values increased at 6 kHz, suggesting a role for temporal information at lower frequencies. The increase was smallest for the longest glide duration, consistent with a greater relative role of place information when there was no steady state portion. Performance was better when a brief glide was present than when no glide was present, but worsened with increasing glide duration. The results were fitted well by a model based on the assumption that information from the steady parts of the stimuli (perhaps extracted mainly using temporal information) was combined with information from the glides (perhaps extracted mainly using place information).
A perturbation technique for the prediction of the displacement of a line-driven plate with discontinuities
Authors: DiPerna Daniel T. , Feit David
Published: July 2002

A novel technique is presented for obtaining approximate analytic expressions for an inhomogeneous line-driven plate. The equation of motion for the inhomogeneous plate is transformed, and the transform of the total displacement is written as a sum of the solution for a homogeneous line-driven plate plus a term due to the inhomogeneity. The result is an integral equation for the transform of the inhomogeneous contribution. This expression may in general be solved numerically. However, by introducing a small parameter into the problem, it may be solved approximately using perturbation techniques. This series may not be convergent, but its convergence may be improved using Padé approximation. Results are presented for the case of a single mass discontinuity, and a distribution of mass discontinuities.
Sperm whales (Physeter catodon L. 1758) do not react to sounds from detonators
Authors: Madsen P. T. , Møhl B.
Published: July 2002

A number of observations show that sperm whales (Physeter catodon L. 1758) react to various man-made pulses with moderate source levels. The behavioral responses are described to vary from silence to fear. Click rates of five submerged male sperm whales were measured during the discharge of eight detonators off Andenes, northern Norway. In addition, the behavioral response of a surfaced specimen was observed. Click rates of the submerged whales and the behavior of the surfaced specimen did not change during the discharges with received sound levels of some 180 dB re 1 μPa peRMS. The apparent lack of response to the discharges could be due to similarity between sperm whale clicks and detonations. Accordingly, it can be speculated that the discharges may have been perceived as isolated clicks from conspecifics.
Rheological Equations from Molecular Network Theories
Authors: Carreau Pierre J.
Published: July 2002

Lodge's molecular network theories are quite successful in describing the linear viscoelastic behavior of polymer solutions and melts, but cannot account for the rate-of-strain dependence of various material functions. By allowing the junction-creation rate and the probability of loss of junctions to depend on the second invariant of the rate-of-strain tensor, more realistic constitutive equations were obtained. Two rheological models are proposed by assuming two different mechanisms for the effect of the rate of strain on the kinetics of the network. The experimental data on three fluids (representative of eight viscoelastic fluids) are used to test the models in various flow situations. For steady simple shearing and small-amplitude, sinusoidal simple shearing, both model A and model B are capable of fitting the four functions η, −(τ11−τ22), η′, and G′ rather well over many decades of shear rate or frequency. For suddenly changing flow experiments model A is inadequate. Model B however appears to be the only rheological equation which can fit simultaneously the steady shear, complex viscosity, stress growth, and stress relaxation functions. For stress growth, the agreement with the experimental data is remarkable, especially after the other models were shown to fail drastically. Finally, an interpretation of the stress growth and relaxation phenomena is given in the light of the modified theory.
Axial Stress in Elongational Flow of Fiber Suspension
Authors: Kizior T. E. , Seyer F. A.
Published: July 2002

Stress levels in elongational flow of suspensions of long fibers have been determined experimentally using a jet thrust apparatus. Stress levels for fibers with an axis ratio of 340 and a volume fraction of 0.001 exhibit stresses nearly an order of magnitude above values for a pure Newtonian fluid. A recent theory by Batchelor is shown to give the correct dependence of stress on axis ratio and concentration, but the predicted magnitude of stress is generally lower than the experimental values.
A filament stretching device for measurement of extensional viscosity
Authors: Tirtaatmadja V. , Sridhar T.
Published: July 2002

A filament stretching device for measuring the extensional viscosity of low-viscosity liquids is presented. The fluid sample is held between two disks which move apart at an increasing velocity so that the extension rate, based on the filament midpoint diameter, is constant. The device was used to measure the extensional stress growth coefficients of three ideal elastic solutions, including the model fluid M1 and a shear-thinning model fluid A1. The results indicate that all solutions containing high molecular weight polymer exhibit significant strain hardening as the fluid is extended. For the ideal elastic fluids, steady state in extensional stress was observed at strain above 4.5 and the steady Trouton ratio obtained for the fluids range from 2 to 5×103. For the fluid M1 the extensional viscosities obtained are higher than the apparent extensional viscosity obtained by other methods. This is the first time that the steady extensional viscosity has been measured for polymer solutions. The results obtained enable one to evaluate the numerous constitutive equations that have been proposed for polymer solutions.
Factors Associated With Patients Not Receiving Oral Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Doshi Sahil D. , Lichtenstein Morgan R. L. , Beauchemin Melissa P. , Raghunathan Rohit , Lee Shing , Law Cynthia , Accordino Melissa K. , Elkin Elena B. , Wright Jason D. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: October 2022

Importance

Oral anticancer drugs (OACDs) are increasingly prescribed for cancer treatment and require significant coordination of care. Retrospective studies suggest that 10% to 20% of OACD prescriptions are never received by the patients, but the reasons behind this are poorly understood.

Objectives

To estimate the rate of failure to receive OACD prescriptions among patients with cancer and to examine the underlying reasons for this failure.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective cohort study was conducted among patients with cancer who were prescribed a new OACD from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, at an urban academic medical center. Data analysis was conducted between 2021 and 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient demographic, clinical, and insurance data and OACD delivery dates were collected. The reasons for a failure to receive a prescribed OACD within 3 months were confirmed by manual review of medical records and were classified into 7 categories: clinical deterioration, financial access, clinician-directed change in decision-making, patient-directed change in decision-making, transfer of care, loss to follow-up, and unknown or other. A multivariable random-effects model was developed to identify factors associated with failure to receive a prescribed OACD.

Results

The cohort included 1024 patients (538 men [53%]; mean [SD] age, 66.2 [13.9] years; 463 non-Hispanic White patients [45%], 140 non-Hispanic Black patients [14%], and 300 Hispanic patients [29%]), representing 1197 new OACD prescriptions. Of the 1197 prescriptions, 158 (13%) were categorized as having not been received by the patient. The most common reason for the failure to receive a prescribed OACD was due to patient and clinician decision-making (73 of 158 [46%]), and 20 cases (13%) in which prescriptions were not received were associated with financial access issues. In multivariable analysis, patients with a nonmetastatic solid malignant neoplasm were significantly less likely to not receive their OACDs than those with a hematologic malignant neoplasm (odds ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.33-1.00]; P = .048).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of patients prescribed a new OACD found that 13% of prescriptions were not received. The failure to receive a prescribed OACD was most frequently due to a change in clinical decision-making or patient choice. Ultimately, the reasons for the failure to receive a prescribed OACD were multifactorial and may have been appropriate in some cases.
A Pigmented Epiretinal Membrane in the Eighth Decade of Life
Authors: Borges Silva André , Figueira João , Fonseca Cristina
Published: October 2022

A 75-year-old woman who presented with decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia in the right eye was referred for further evaluation of a pigmented epiretinal membrane. She had a history of cutaneous nodular melanoma in the right arm. What would you do next?
Hierarchically Assembled Counter Electrode for Fiber Solar Cell Showing Record Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Kang Xinyue , Zhu Zhengfeng , Zhao Tiancheng , Zhai Weijie , Xu Jianchen , Lin Zhengmeng , Zeng Kaiwen , Wang Bingjie , Sun Xuemei , Chen Peining , Peng Huisheng
Published: October 2022

Fiber solar cells have attracted significant interest as a promising wearable power supply solution for their merits of high flexibility, lightweight, and good compatibility with textile configuration and weaving process. However, because of the limited ion diffusion and charge transfer in the fiber counter electrode, the poor photovoltaic performances have long been one obstacle to hinder their real applications. Herein, in mimicking the efficient mass transport and exchange through the vascular tissue of plants like pine needle, a hierarchically assembled carbon nanotube (HCNT) fiber counter electrode is fabricated by a scalable process. The designed hierarchically aligned channels with large sizes of micrometers and small sizes of tens of nanometers in the HCNT fiber offers high‐flux pathways for rapid ion diffusion and abundant active area for charge transport, thus endowing the fiber dye‐sensitized solar cell with a record power conversion efficiency of 11.94%. By weaving such fiber solar cells in a scalable way, a flexible and breathable large photovoltaic textile (17 cm × 22 cm) is made to present a power output of 22.7 mW. These fiber solar cells are further integrated with fiber lithium‐ion batteries to efficiently power wearable electronics.
Perpendicular Magnetization Switching Driven by Spin‐Orbit Torque for Artificial Synapses in Epitaxial Pt‐Based Multilayers
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Zhao Yunchi , He Congli , Huo Yuping , Cui Baoshan , Zhu Zengtai , Zhang Guangyu , Yu Guoqiang , He Bin , Zhang Yi , Lyu Haochang , Guo Yaqin , Qi Jie , Shen Shipeng , Wei Hongxiang , Shen Baogen , Wang Shouguo
Published: October 2022

Perpendicular magnetization switching driven by spin‐orbit torque (SOT) exhibits nonvolatility and adjustability, which has great potential applications in magnetic random‐access memory and neuromorphic computing. In this work, the SOT efficiency in the Pt (001)/NiFe (Py) and Pt (111)/Py bilayers is first investigated, where the single crystal Pt films and polycrystalline Py films are grown by molecular beam epitaxy and magnetron sputtering, respectively. The (001)‐oriented Pt sample shows a larger SOT efficiency than that of the (111)‐oriented one, which is mainly attributed to the facet‐dependent intrinsic spin Hall effect of the Pt layer related to the Berry curvature of the electrical band structure. Then, the epitaxial Pt (001)‐based perpendicularly magnetized multilayers are designed to study the perpendicular magnetization switching driven by SOT. A continuous and stable reversal is successfully achieved, providing a conceivable candidate for reliable and variable imitation of the artificial synapses. The magneto–optical Kerr effect imaging proves that the sustainable change of magnetization state originates from the multiple site domain nucleation and growth in the ferromagnetic layer. This work provides an efficient method to enhance the SOT efficiency, as well as employs the epitaxial thin films in artificial synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing.
The correlation between different ultrasound planes and computed tomography measures of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Hill Brigid G , Holloway Rossi , Lim Joyce , Clifford Kari , Lesche Sarah , Letts James , Krysa Jolanda
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Ultrasound measurements of the aorta are typically taken in the axial plane, with the transducer perpendicular to the aorta, and diameter measurements are obtained by placing the callipers from the anterior to the posterior wall and the transverse right to the left side of the aorta. While the ‘conventional’ anteroposterior walls in both sagittal and transverse plains may be suitable for aneurysms with less complicated geometry, there is controversy regarding the suitability of this approach for complicated, particularly tortuous aneurysms, as they may offer a more challenging situation. Previous work undertaken within our research group found that when training inexperienced users of ultrasound, they demonstrated more optimal calliper placement to the abdominal aorta when approached from a decubitus window to obtain a coronal image compared to the traditional ultrasound approach.

Purpose

To observe the level of agreement in real‐world reporting between computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound measurements in three standard planes; transverse AP, sagittal AP and coronal (left to right) infra‐renal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter.

Methodology

This is a retrospective review of the Otago Vascular Diagnostics database for AAA, where ultrasound and CT diameter data, available within 90 days of each other, were compared. In addition to patient demographics, the infrarenal aorta ultrasound diameter measurements in transverse AP and sagittal AP, along with a coronal decubitus image of the aorta was collected. No transverse measurement was performed from the left to the right of the aorta.

Results

Three hundred twenty‐five participants (238 males, mean age 76.4 ± 7.5) were included. Mean ultrasound outer to the outer wall, transverse AP and sagittal AP diameters were 48.7 ± 10.5 mm and 48.9 ± 9.9 mm, respectively. The coronal diameter measurement of the aorta from left to right was 53.9 ± 12.8 mm in the left decubitus window. The mean ultrasound max was 54.3 ± 12.6 mm. The mean CT diameter measurement was 55.6 ± 12.7 mm. Correlation between the CT max and ultrasound max was r2 = 0.90, and CT with the coronal measurement r2 = 0.90, CT and AP transverse was r2=0.80, and CT with AP sagittal measurement was r2 = 0.77.

Conclusion

The decubitus ultrasound window of the abdominal aorta, with measurement of the coronal plane, is highly correlated and in agreement with CT scanning. This window may offer an alternative approach to measuring the infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and should be considered when performing surveillance of all infra‐renal AAA.
The role of mitochondrial genome abundance in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Harerimana Nadia V. , Paliwali Devashi , Romero‐Molina Carmen , Bennett David A. , Pa Judy , Goate Alison , Swerdlow Russell H. , Andrews Shea J.
Published: October 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early and prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with impaired energy metabolism preceding the onset of clinical symptoms. Here we propose an update to the mitochondrial dysfunction hypothesis of AD based on recent results examining the role of mitochondrial genome abundance in AD. In a large post mortem study, we show that lower brain mitochondrial genome abundance is associated with a greater odds of AD neuropathological change and worse cognitive performance. We hypothesize that lower mitochondrial genome abundance impairs mitochondrial function by reducing mitochondrial bioenergetics, thereby impacting neuronal and glial cell function. However, it remains to be determined if mitochondrial dysfunction causes, mediates, or is a by‐product of AD pathogenesis. Additional support for this hypothesis will be generated by linking peripheral blood mitochondrial genome abundance to AD and establishing clinical trials of compounds that upregulate total mitochondrial genome abundance or boost mitochondrial mass.
Green synthesis of Zn nanoparticles and in situ hybridized with BSA nanoparticles for Baicalein targeted delivery mediated with glutamate receptors to U87‐MG cancer cell lines
Authors: Gharbavi Mahmoud , Johari Behrooz , Ghorbani Roghayeh , Madanchi Hamid , Sharafi Ali
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant tumor of the brain. It has different glutamate receptor types. So, these receptors can be a suitable target for GBM treatment. The current study investigated the anticancer effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐Baicalein @Zn‐Glu nanostructure mediated‐GluRs in human glioblastoma U87 cells. BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were set and considered transporters for Baicalein (Ba) active compound delivery. BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu NPs were synthesized by a single‐step reduction process. The successful production was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and hemolysis test. The cytotoxic efficacy and apoptosis rate of the nanostructures on U87 glioblastoma cells were investigated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthialzol‐a‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The synthesized BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu nanostructures with a diameter of 142.40 ± 1.91 to 177.10 ± 1.87 nm andzetapotential of −10.57 ± 0.71 to −35.77 ± 0.60 mV are suitable for extravasation into tumor cells. The drug release from the BSA‐Ba@Zn NPs showed controlled and pH‐dependent behavior. In vitro results indicated that the BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu NPs significantly reduce cell viability and promote apoptosis of U87 cancer cells. It revealed the cytotoxic effect of the Baicalein and an increase in cellular uptake of nanoparticles by Glu receptors. Zn NPs were synthesized based on a green synthesis method. BSA NPs were used as a nano‐platform for Glu conjugation and Ba drug delivery. BSA‐Ba@Zn‐Glu NPs induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human brain cancer cells (U87) in a dose‐dependent manner. Finally, this nanostructure could be served in targeted drug delivery in vivo studies and applied along with other strategies such as X‐ray irradiation as combinational therapies in future studies.
Ozone‐3,6‐dihydroxynaphtha‐2,7‐disulphonate chemiluminescence system is used for online ozone detection
Authors: Xiong Yalin , Wang Zhuqing , Tang Lianbo , Chen Qi , Feng Yangrun , Xie Zhijin , Fu Dayou
Published: October 2022

The chemiluminescence (CL) reaction between ozone and 3,6‐dihydroxynaphtha‐2,7‐disulphonate (DNDS) was found under alkaline conditions. Therefore, a novel CL system for ozone detection was established. The CL signal of the CL system is weak, and the CL signal is enhanced by adding nonionic surfactants. It was found that adding 16.4 g/l Triton X‐100 can enhance the CL signal. The CL reagent activated by ultraviolet (UV) light produced a CL signal was nearly 10 times stronger than the CL reagent not activated by UV light; the CL signal was enhanced by adding 8 g/l NaHCO3 to the CL reagent irradiated by UV light. Through the optimization of these test conditions, a high‐selectivity, high‐sensitivity online detection method for ozone CL was established. The linear range was 0.5–150 ppbv, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.092 ppbv (S/N = 3).
Fertility discussions and concerns in childhood cancer survivors, a systematic review for updated practice
Authors: El Alaoui‐Lasmaili Karima , Nguyen‐Thi Phi Linh , Demogeot Nadine , Lighezzolo‐Alnot Joëlle , Gross Marie José , Mansuy Ludovic , Chastagner Pascal , Koscinski Isabelle
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To provide ways to improve the clinical practice of fertility preservation (FP) for children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) with cancer.

Design

A systematic research of online databases was undertaken in March 2020 following the PRISMA criteria, including Medline and Web of Science.

Results

Fifty‐nine articles were included. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups were used to collect data from patients, parents, and health care providers (HCPs). Four themes worth exploring emerged: (a) what do patients and professionals think of and know about FP? (b) what makes the fertility discussion happen or not? (c) what, retrospectively, led to FP being pursued or not? and (d) how do patients and HCPs feel about fertility issues?

Conclusion

A minority of AYAs preserve their fertility (banking assay for 45% of boys and 23% of girls). Yet fertility concerns have a significant impact on the quality of life of young cancer survivors. Although recommendations and guidelines regarding FP are available internationally, there are no specific guidelines as to how to conduct fertility counseling for children and adolescents. Some barriers are not removable, such as a poor prognosis of an obvious severe disease, time constraints for starting treatment, and cultural and religious beliefs. In response to aspects hindering patients and families to be receptive to any discussion at the time of diagnosis, psychological support could reduce the level of emotional distress and help restore a degree of open‐mindedness to open a window for discussion. Moreover, as the lack of knowledge of professionals about fertility is frequently pointed out as a limiting factor for fertility discussion, reinforcing professional training regarding FP could be proposed to promote fertility discussion and eventually referral for FP.
Perspectives surrounding fertility preservation and posthumous reproduction for adolescent and young adults with terminal cancer: Survey of allied health professionals
Authors: Barrett Francesca , Sutter Megan E. , Campo‐Engelstein Lisa , Sampson Amani , Caplan Arthur , Lawrence Morgan , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Published: October 2022

Background

While all reproductive‐aged individuals with cancer should be offered fertility preservation (FP) counseling, there is little guidance over offers to adolescent and young adults (AYA) with terminal diagnoses, especially when considering posthumous assisted reproduction (PAR). The Enriching Communication skills for Health professionals in Oncofertility (ECHO/ENRICH) trains Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) to improve communication with AYAs with cancer. Little is known about AHPs' role in assisting in FP and PAR decisions.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional survey of ECHO/ENRICH trainees' attitudes and experience with FP and PAR in AYA with terminal cancer.

Results

The response rate was 61% (365/601). While 69% felt comfortable discussing FP with terminal AYA after ECHO/ENRICH training, 85% desired further education. The majority (88%) agreed FP should be an option for AYA with cancer, though some agreed offering FP provided false hope (16%) or was a waste of resources (7%). Most shared that avoidance of FP discussions was common practice, especially in the medically fragile, late‐stage disease, or among minors. Many attributed lack of conversations to oncology team goals. Only 9% had prior experience with PAR. Many were conflicted about how PAR reproductive material should be gifted and who should be permitted to use PAR. Several raised moral concerns for PAR, or discomfort advising family. Many voiced desire for additional PAR‐specific education.

Conclusion

ECHO/ENRICH trainees had varied levels of exposure to FP in terminal AYA and limited experiences with PAR. Many expressed uncertainties with PAR, which may be alleviated with further training and transparent institutional policies.
Open trial of a brief, web‐assisted behavioural intervention to reduce thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation among adolescents: The Supporting Grieving Teens intervention
Authors: Hill Ryan M. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , King Cheryl A. , Kaplow Julie B.
Published: October 2022

Background

Bereavement during childhood is associated with elevated rates of suicide‐related behaviours among youth. However, no interventions explicitly address suicidal ideation among bereaved youth. The Supporting Grieving Teens (SGT) programme was created as a preventive intervention to reduce suicide risk among bereaved youth.

Methods

This preliminary open trial evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of the SGT intervention among a sample of bereaved adolescents. Participants were 32 adolescents, 12–17 years of age (M = 14.44, SD = 1.56; 87.5% female, 31.3% Hispanic, 31.3% African American/Black and 25.0% non‐Hispanic White), seeking bereavement‐related services at a trauma and grief speciality outpatient clinic. Participants completed a two‐session web‐assisted intervention prior to enrolling in standard outpatient therapy.

Results

There was a high rate of completion of the intervention, with 93.8% of those who provided assent completing both intervention sessions. Youth reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. Preliminary evaluation of outcomes demonstrated that the intervention was associated with small but significant reductions in thwarted belongingness and suicide ideation over the course of treatment and follow‐up. However, reliable change indices indicated reliable improvements for only a subset of participants.

Limitations

This study utilised an open trial design without a control group, and so causality cannot be inferred. Additional limitations include the small sample size and limited variability in suicidal ideation in the sample.

Conclusions

The intervention shows promise as a brief, web‐assisted psychosocial intervention for activating youths' existing social support networks. Further research is needed to more rigorously evaluate the intervention.
Antidepressant‐Like Effect and Phenolic Profile of Brazilian Native and Exotic Species from Psidium Genus
Authors: Cavichioli Natalia , Dalmagro Ana Paula , Sasse Otto Rodolfo , Junges Lucas Henrique , Rebelo Andrey Martinez , Reinke Cássia Katrin , Zeni Ana Lúcia Bertarello
Published: October 2022

Depression is one of the disorders involving mental health that most affects the population worldwide. Considering the available pharmacological therapies for the treatment of depression are ineffective in most patients, the search for new alternatives is crucial. In line with this, we investigated the phenolic profile, antidepressant‐like, and antioxidant effects triggered by the administration of aqueous extracts from Psidium guajava L. (GUA), Psidium cattleianum Sw. (CAT), and Psidium guineense Sabine (GUI) leaves in mice. Our results show that quercetin is the major compound of GUA and GUI, and o‐coumaric acid in CAT extracts. The acute and subchronic administrations of the three plant extracts exerted an antidepressant‐like effect in mice exposed to the tail suspension test, without changes on locomotor performance evaluated by the open field test. Furthermore, the GUI and CAT decreased oxidative stress markers, mainly lipid peroxidation and nitrites in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, liver, and plasma. Notably, GUA and CAT increased non‐protein thiols in all tissues. Therefore, the Psidium extracts demonstrated an antidepressant‐like effect in mice, and the antioxidant capacity of the extracts seems to underlie the behavioral effect.
The Effect of Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) on Stomach Energy Metabolism and the Related Mechanism in Rats Based on Metabonomics
Authors: Chen Limei , Wang Hui , Chen Zhao , Zhuo Wenhao , Xu Ruixiang , Zeng Xin , He Qirui , Guan Yongmei , Li Hui , Liu Hongning
Published: October 2022

Dried ginger is a commonly used stomachic. Dried ginger is often used as a gastric protector to treat stomach‐related diseases. However, the effect of dried ginger on energy metabolism in stomach tissue of rats under physiological condition has not been studied. In this study, different doses of water extract of dried ginger were given to rats for 4 weeks. The activity of Na+‐K+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase, SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) enzyme, ATP content, mitochondrial metabolic rate and mitochondrial number in stomach tissue of rats were measured. Analysis of potential biomarkers related to the effect of dried ginger on energy metabolism in stomach tissue of rats by metabonomics, and their metabolic pathways were also analyzed. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in Na+‐K+‐ATPase in high‐dose group (GJH), medium‐dose group (GJM) and low‐dose group (GJL) compared to the Control group. The Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase activity was significantly increased in stomach tissue of GJH group and GJM group, but there were no significant changes in stomach tissue of GJL group. The SDH activity and the ATP levels were significantly increased in stomach tissue of GJH group, GJM group and GJL group. The mitochondrial metabolic rate was significantly increased in GJL group, but there was no significant change in GJM group and was inhibited in GJH group. These effects might be mediated by arginine biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, purine metabolism pathway.
Microencapsulation of Phenolic Extract from Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera L.) with Antimutagenic Activity
Authors: Calderón‐Santoyo Montserrat , González‐Cruz Elda Margarita , Iñiguez‐Moreno Maricarmen , Ramos‐Martínez Osvaldo , Burgos‐Hernández Armando , Ragazzo‐Sánchez Juan Arturo
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to microencapsulate the sea grape ethanolic extract by the spray drying process, characterizing the obtained powder, and evaluating its antimutagenicity activity. Microparticles showed a mean size of 6.28 μm and a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The powder had a low moisture content (4.02±0.92 %) and water activity (0.27±0.01), and high solubility (76±3.60 %). Moreover, hygroscopicity (14.75±2.63 g/100 g of powder) and bulk density (0.63±0.03 g/cm3) values suggested that this powder can be easily handled at a pilot or industrial scale. In addition, microencapsulation protected the extract against oxidation by ultraviolet light, improved its thermal stability, and its antimutagenicity activity was similar to fresh sea grape extract. In conclusion, the microencapsulation with maltodextrin by spray drying technique is an alternative to protect bioactive compounds from sea grapes against environmental conditions, maintaining their antimutagenic activity.
A case of left foot drop as initial symptom of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: Triggered by COVID‐19 disease?
Authors: Weynand Marjolaine , Raftakis Ioannis , Chérif Mohammad Yassine , Lecomte Sophie , Badot Valérie
Published: October 2022

In Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), involvement of the peripheral nervous system is frequent but its occurrence as an initial presentation is unusual. This case highlights the importance of this occurrence to permit an early diagnosis. Moreover, GPA started after a coronavirus disease 2019 infection and could have been induced by this.
Guillain–Barré syndrome following COVID‐19 vaccine: A case report
Authors: Fakhari Mohammad Sadegh , Poorsaadat Leila , Mahmoodiyeh Behnam
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease is a viral infection affecting different organs with various morbidities and mortality. Vaccines are used to control the disease. COVID‐19 vaccines have brought many benefits but their adverse effects should not be ignored. Here, we report a case of Guillain–Barré Syndrome Following Sinopharm COVID‐19 Vaccine.
A case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis following Graves' disease
Authors: Oueslati Ibtissem , Salhi Salma , Yazidi Meriem , Chaker Fatma , Chihaoui Melika
Published: October 2022

Graves' disease is characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor, inducing hyperthyroidism and goiter. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease leading to thyroid tissue destruction by cell and antibody‐mediated immune processes. The occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis following Graves' disease has been rarely reported. Its pathogenesis is not clear. Herein, we report the case of a 40‐year‐old woman who was referred to our department for thyrotoxicosis. Laboratory tests revealed overt hyperthyroidism. Thyroid scintigraphy showed an enlarged gland with diffusely increased tracer uptake, confirming the diagnosis of Graves's disease. The patient was treated with propranolol and thiamazole. Two months later, she received radioactive iodine therapy. Three years and 9 months later, the patient presented with hypothyroidism and very high levels of thyroperoxidase antibodies consistent with the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. She was treated with levothyroxine. The shift from Graves' disease to Hashimoto's thyroiditis was reported in the literature. However, its pathogenesis has not been clearly elucidated.
Unlocking G‐Quadruplexes as Targets and Tools against COVID‐19
Authors: Qin Geng , Zhao Chuanqi , Yang Jie , Wang Zhao , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The applicability of G‐quadruplexes (G4s) as antiviral targets, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is currently being evaluated, which has drawn the extensive attention of the scientific community. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, research in this field is rapidly accumulating. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the use of G4s as antiviral targets, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools for COVID‐19, particularly using G4 ligands. Finally, strength and weakness regarding G4s in anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 field are highlighted for prospective future projects.
A Framework for Assessing Peaola Land and Nutrient Use Efficiency in the Field
Authors: Madsen Isaac
Published: October 2022

Canola and pea intercropping (peaola) promises a number of benefits that could improve the efficiency and resilience of dryland agricultural systems. Using the correct methods for assessing these intercropping systems is important for determining whether or not an intercropping method is suitable in a particular instance. This article describes methods to assess two of the most common resource use efficiencies: land and nutrients. Earn 1 CEU in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Optimal soybean maturity group selection is influenced by planting date in northern production systems
Authors: Siler Thomas B. , Singh Maninder P.
Published: October 2022

Changing climate conditions have resulted in a shift towards longer growing seasons in Michigan and other northern U.S. states, providing soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.] growers an opportunity to achieve early planting dates (PDs). However, increasingly variable spring precipitation may result in a wide range of PDs. Current soybean maturity group (MG) recommendations are based only on optimal PD and may not fully utilize the available growing season. To determine how MG selection should be adjusted based on PD, six varieties ranging from MG 1.0 to 3.5 were planted on four PDs (from late April to late June) during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons at two locations in Michigan. Seed yield increased by an average of 286, 171, and 73.0 kg ha−1 for each 0.5‐MG increase when planting was conducted on day of year (DOY) 120, 140, and 160, respectively. When planting was delayed to DOY 180, there was a yield reduction of 51.4 kg ha−1 for each 0.5‐MG increase. The increase in yield from using a late MG in early planting was correlated with an increase in seeds m−2 which was mainly driven by a consistent increase in cumulative growing degree days during pod and seed set. Results from this study indicate that soybean growers can increase seed yield and profitability by adjusting MG selection based on PD such that the maximum available growing season is utilized. Specifically, using a late MG when planting early and an early MG in late‐season planting can maximize yield and profits.
Sexually mediated phenotypic variation within and between sexes as a continuum structured by ecology: The mosaic nature of skeletal variation across body regions in Threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.)
Authors: Schutz Heidi , Anderson Rebecca J. , Warwick Ethan G. , Barry Tegan N. , Jamniczky Heather A.
Published: October 2022

Ecological character displacement between the sexes, and sexual selection, integrate into a convergent set of factors that produce sexual variation. Ecologically modulated, sexually mediated variation within and between sexes may be a major contributor to the amount of total variation that selection can act on in species. Threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) display rapid adaptive responses and sexual variation in many phenotypic traits. We examined phenotypic variation in the skull, pectoral and pelvic girdles of threespine stickleback from two freshwater and two coastal marine sites on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada, using an approach that avoids a priori assumptions about bimodal patterns of variation. We quantified shape and size of the cranial, pectoral and pelvic regions of sticklebacks in marine and freshwater habitats using 3D geometric morphometrics and an index of sexually mediated variation. We show that the expression of phenotypic variation is structured in part by the effects of both habitat marine vs freshwater and the effects of individual sites within each habitat. Relative size exerts variable influence, and patterns of phenotypic variation associated with sex vary among body regions. This fine‐grained quantification of sexually mediated variation in the context of habitat difference and different anatomical structures indicates a complex relationship between genetically inferred sex and environmental factors, demonstrating that the interplay between shared genetic background and sexually mediated, ecologically based selective pressures structures the phenotypic expression of complex traits.
Visceral fat loss by whole‐body electromyostimulation is attenuated in male and absent in female older Non‐Insulin‐Dependent diabetes patients
Authors: Houdijk Alexander P. J. , Bos Nanneke F. J. M. E. , Verduin Wouter M. , Hijdendaal Mick M. , Zwartkruis Michiel A. L.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes and its reversal correlate with increases and decreases in visceral fat (VF). Resistance exercise reduces VF in healthy persons, but little is known in type 2 diabetes. Muscle contractions induced by whole‐body electromyostimulation (WB‐EMS) provide a very effective form of resistance training. We hypothesized that WB‐EMS reduces VF and improves plasma glucose measures in older non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) males and females.

Methods

A four‐arm age‐matched case control study was done on WB‐EMS twice a week in older NIDDM patients (27 males, 18 females) compared with controls (15 males, 15 females). VAT area (VAT, cm2), total fat mass (TFM, kg) and lean body mass (LBM, kg) were assessed by DEXA‐scanning. HbA1c, fasting glucose and plasma lipoproteins were measured at baseline and after 4 months.

Results

Baseline control VAT was higher in males than females (140.5 ± 35.6 vs. 96.7 ± 42.3, p < .001). In NIDDM, VAT was higher with no significant sex difference (206.5 ± 65.0 vs. 186.5 ± 60.5). In controls, WBEMS reduced VAT in males and females to similar extent (−16.9% and −16.4%, p < .001 vs. baseline) and in preference to TFM (−9.2% and −3.6%) or body weight loss (−2.8 and −2.1%). In NIDDM, VF loss was attenuated in males (−7.3%, p < .01) but completely absent in females. WBEMS reduced HbA1c and cholesterol and increased HDL levels (all p < .05) only in male NIDDM

Conclusions

WBEMS induced VF loss in healthy older males and females an effect strongly attenuated in male and completely absent in female NIDDM patients. This questions the effectiveness of muscle contraction‐induced VF lipolysis in NIDDM. Sex differences may dictate the success of resistance training in NIDDM, a subject that needs to be addressed in future studies.
A review of scenario planning for emissions in environmental assessments
Authors: Samanaseh Venmathy , Noor Zainura Zainon , Norasyiqin Siti , Hafizan Che , Mazlan Muhammad Amani , Michael Florianna Lendai
Published: October 2022

Various scenario classifications apply in an attempt to make the field of future studies easier to outline. This paper discusses the appropriateness of various creating, coordinating, and consistency procedures for creating specific emission scenarios in environmental assessments. The intuitive logics, story and simulation (SAS), social, technological, economic, environmental and political (STEEP), and La prospective models approaches are the five emission scenarios discussed in the paper analytically with their stages, storylines, steps, and building analysis. Every scenario method was examined and sorted into its separate benefits and limitations. Subsequently, the study selected the appropriate technique of emission scenario in environmental assessment with fulfilled scenario planning to deliver constructive scenarios. The study helps the aspiring designers by providing the fundamental guidance on the extensive change toward a sustainable environment.