bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep eutectic solvent as the acceptor phase in three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction for the determination of pyrethroid insecticides from environmental water samples prior to HPLC
Authors: Ezoddin Maryam , Naraki Karim , Abdi Khosrou , Rahimi Kakavandi Nader , Ghazi‐Khansari Mahmoud , H. S. Javadi Mahdiyeh , Pirooznia Nazanin
Published: July 2022

In this study, a deep eutectic solvent as the acceptor phase was applied in three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction for the microextraction of two pyrethroids (permethrin as well as deltamethrin) from environmental water samples prior to HPLC–UV. A deep eutectic solvent was synthesized of tetrabutylammonium bromide–decanoic acid (in a ratio of 1:2) as an acceptor phase and 1‐decanol was applied as a supported liquid membrane. Some main variables affecting the extraction recoveries, comprising the types/contents of extraction solvent and acceptor phase, stirring speed, sample phase pH and extraction time, were checked and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the detection limits and limits of quantitation determined were 0.09–0.12 and 0.29–0.39 μgl−1for deltamethrin and permethrin, respectively. The enrichment factors were 627 and 613, while the relative standard deviations (n = 5) were 4.8 and 5.7%, for deltamethrin and permethrin, respectively. The created technique was assessed as satisfactory to ascertain the two pyrethroid poisons (permethrin and deltamethrin) in environmental water samples.
Genetic variants in RNA m5C modification genes associated with survival and chemotherapy efficacy of colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Silu , Cao Xiangming , Ben Shuai , Zhu Lingjun , Gu Dongying , Wu Yuan , Li Shuwei , Yu Qiang
Published: July 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant digestive tract tumors with a poor prognosis. RNA 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) is an important posttranscriptional widespread modification involved in many biological processes. However, the association between genetic variations of m5C modification genes and the prognostic value of colorectal cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the association between candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 m5C modification genes and colorectal cancer overall survival (OS) after chemotherapy by the Cox regression model. The combined effect of selected SNPs on OS, progression‐free survival (PFS), and disease control rate (DCR) was assessed by the number of risk alleles (NRA). The GTEx and TCGA database were used to perform expression qualitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis.

Results

We identified that two SNPs in YBX1 were associated with OS after chemotherapy (HR = 1.43, p = 0.001 for rs10890208; HR = 1.36, p = 0.025 for rs3862218). A striking dose–response effect between NRA and OS after chemotherapy was found (ptrend = 0.002). The DCR of patients receiving oxaliplatin chemotherapy in the 3–4 NRA group was markedly reduced in comparison to that in the 0–2 NRA group (OR = 1.49, p = 0.036). Moreover, YBX1 mRNA expression was significantly overexpressed in tumor tissues (p < 0.05) in the TCGA database, and eQTL analysis demonstrated that the two SNPs were associated with YBX1 (p = 0.003 for rs10890208 and p = 0.024 for rs3862218).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that genetic variants in m5C modification genes may mediate changes in YBX1 mRNA levels and affect the chemotherapeutic efficacy of colorectal cancer patients.
Controlling Electronic Events Through Rational Structural Design in Subphthalocyanine–Corrole Dyads: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Mariñas Víctor , Platzer Benedikt , Labella Jorge , Caroleo Fabrizio , Nardis Sara , Paolesse Roberto , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: July 2022

Porphyrinoids are considered perfect candidates for their incorporation into electron donor–acceptor (D–A) arrays due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties and low reorganization energies. For the first time, a series of subphthalocyanine (SubPc) and corrole (Cor) were covalently connected through a short‐range linkage. SubPc axial substitution strategies were employed, which allowed the synthesis of the target molecules in decent yields. In this context, a qualitative synthetic approach was performed to reverse the expected direction of the different electronic events. Consequently, in‐depth absorption, fluorescence, and electrochemical assays enabled the study of electronic and photophysical properties. Charge separation was observed in cases of electron‐donating Cors, whereas a quantitative energy transfer from the Cor to the SubPc was detected in the case of electron accepting Cors.
Water Reduction and Dihydrogen Addition in Aqueous Conditions With ansa‐Phosphinoborane
Authors: Sorochkina Kristina , Chernichenko Konstantin , Zhivonitko Vladimir V. , Nieger Martin , Repo Timo
Published: July 2022

Ortho‐phenylene‐bridged phosphinoborane (2,6‐Cl2Ph)2B‐C6H4‐PCy2 1 was synthesized in three steps from commercially available starting materials. 1 reacts with H2 or H2O under mild conditions to form corresponding zwitterionic phosphonium borates 1‐H2 or 1‐H2O. NMR studies revealed both reactions to be remarkably reversible. Thus, when exposed to H2, 1‐H2O partially converts to 1‐H2 even in the presence of multiple equivalents of water in the solution. The addition of parahydrogen to 1 leads to nuclear spin hyperpolarization both in dry and hydrous solvents, confirming the dissociation of 1‐H2O to free 1. These observations were supported by computational studies indicating that the formation of 1‐H2 and 1‐H2O from 1 are thermodynamically favored. Unexpectedly, 1‐H2O can release molecular hydrogen to form phosphine oxide 1‐O. Kinetic, mechanistic, and computational (DFT) studies were used to elucidate the unique “umpolung” water reduction mechanism.
Removal of Bisphenol A Using Laccase‐Catalyzed Electrooxidation in the Presence of Humic Acid
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Hoang , Dao Van‐Duong , Ngo Thi Thuy Huong , Nguyen Thi Hanh Tien , Nguyen Quoc Tuan , Le Thanh Thao
Published: July 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine‐disrupting chemical that has caught a lot of attention recently due to its toxicity and ubiquitous presence in the environment. Therefore, removal of BPA from contaminated environments such as water is of high importance. In this study, an alginate/pectin anode containing immobilized laccase is prepared, and the anode is applied in an electroenzymatic oxidation system for BPA degradation. After 4 h, the laccase–alginate/pectin system demonstrates a much higher BPA removal efficiency (95%) than the similar system without immobilized laccase (50%, control system). The effects of humic acids (HA) on BPA degradation are also observed. HA may have accelerated the laccase‐catalyzed coupling reaction between BPA and reactive radical intermediates, which results in increased BPA removal efficiency (92% after 150 min). It is demonstrated that laccase immobilization on an alginate/pectin electrode can greatly enhance BPA removal via electrooxidation. Humic acids which are abundantly present in nature can also make this removal process faster. Overall, this study highlights the great application potential of laccase‐immobilized bioelectrodes for BPA removal in conditions close to real‐life scenarios.
The relative proportion of comorbidities among rhinitis and rhinosinusitis patients and their impact on visit burden
Authors: Nuutinen Mikko , Lyly Annina , Virkkula Paula , Hytönen Maija , Saarentaus Elmo , Mäkitie Antti , Palotie Aarno , Torkki Paulus , Haukka Jari , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim was to evaluate the relative proportion of Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) and other comorbidities, and their impact on the burden of outpatient visits due to allergic rhinitis (AR), non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP).

Methods

We used hospital registry data of a random sample of 5080 rhinitis/rhinosinusitis patients diagnosed during 2005–2019. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD10) diagnoses, visits, and other factors were collected from electronic health records by using information extraction and data processing methods. Cox's proportional hazards model was used for modeling the time to the next outpatient visit.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) age of the population was 33.6 (±20.7) years and 56.1% were female. The relative proportion of AR, NAR, ARS, CRSsNP and CRSwNP, were 33.5%, 27.5%, 27.2%, 20.7%, and 10.9%, respectively. The most common other comorbidities were asthma (44.4%), other chronic respiratory diseases (38.5%), musculoskeletal diseases (38.4%), and cardiovascular diseases (35.7%). Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease existed in 3.9% of all patients, and 17.7% of the CRSwNP group. The relative proportion of subjects having 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4 other diseases were 18.0%, 17.6%, 17.0%, 37.0%, respectively. All diseases except AR, ARS, and mouth breathing, were associated with a high frequency of outpatient visits.

Conclusions

Our results revealed a high relative proportion of NERD and other comorbidities, which affect the burden of outpatient visits and hence confirm the socioeconomic impact of upper airway diseases.
Comparative analysis of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex of primates: Insights into the evolution of human brain energetics
Authors: Munger Emily L. , Edler Melissa K. , Hopkins William D. , Hof Patrick R. , Sherwood Chet C. , Raghanti Mary Ann
Published: July 2022

Astrocytes are the main homeostatic cell of the brain involved in many processes related to cognition, immune response, and energy expenditure. It has been suggested that the distribution of astrocytes is associated with brain size, and that they are specialized in humans. To evaluate these, we quantified astrocyte density, soma volume, and total glia density in layer I and white matter in Brodmann's area 9 of humans, chimpanzees, baboons, and macaques. We found that layer I astrocyte density, soma volume, and ratio of astrocytes to total glia cells were highest in humans and increased with brain size. Overall glia density in layer I and white matter were relatively invariant across brain sizes, potentially due to their important metabolic functions on a per volume basis. We also quantified two transporters involved in metabolism through the astrocyte‐neuron lactate shuttle, excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). We expected these transporters would be increased in human brains due to their high rate of metabolic consumption and associated gene activity. While humans have higher EAAT2 cell density, GLUT1 vessel volume, and GLUT1 area fraction compared to baboons and chimpanzees, they did not differ from macaques. Therefore, EAAT2 and GLUT1 are not related to increased energetic demands of the human brain. Taken together, these data provide evidence that astrocytes play a unique role in both brain expansion and evolution among primates, with an emphasis on layer I astrocytes having a potentially significant role in human‐specific metabolic processing and cognition.
Mechanochemistry: New Tools to Navigate the Uncharted Territory of “Impossible” Reactions
Authors: Cuccu Federico , De Luca Lidia , Delogu Francesco , Colacino Evelina , Solin Niclas , Mocci Rita , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: July 2022

Mechanochemical transformations have made chemists enter unknown territories, forcing a different chemistry perspective. While questioning or revisiting familiar concepts belonging to solution chemistry, mechanochemistry has broken new ground, especially in the panorama of organic synthesis. Not only does it foster new “thinking outside the box”, but it also has opened new reaction paths, allowing to overcome the weaknesses of traditional chemistry exactly where the use of well‐established solution‐based methodologies rules out progress. In this Review, the reader is introduced to an intriguing research subject not yet fully explored and waiting for improved understanding. Indeed, the study is mainly focused on organic transformations that, although impossible in solution, become possible under mechanochemical processing conditions, simultaneously entailing innovation and expanding the chemical space.
An Integrated Design of Electrodes for Flexible Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Wen‐Hao , Li Yue‐Ming , Yang Jia‐Lin , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: July 2022

Due to the widespread employment of carbon materials in novel dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) with high energy density, they possess the potential for large‐scale energy storage and are inexpensive and environmentally friendly. However, drawbacks such as Al current collector corrosion and significant self‐weight, as well as lithium metal abuse and poor deposition reversibility, impair the energy density and cycle performance of lithium–graphite DIBs (Li−G DIBs), severely limiting their application potential. Therefore, an integrated electrode structure design was proposed. That is, the flexible graphite and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) composite cathode (GSC), which is light‐weight and self‐supporting, and the self‐supporting lithium metal anode, which is loaded on the flexible carbon cloth (CC) derived from waste mask (Li@CC), were prepared. Not only were the impacts of current collector corrosion and active material exfoliation avoided on the electrochemical performance, but the areal loading of Li metal was also regulated and its reversibility of deposition enhanced. At a current density of 200 mA g−1, the constructed Li@CC//GSC full cell could release a specific capacity of 100.5 mAh g−1, and the capacity retention rate after 300 cycles was greater than 80 %. Moreover, the fabricated flexible Li@CC//GSC full cell is not only recyclable and produces less environmental pollution but also has potential applications in wearable devices.
Performance estimation of image transmission in indoor visible light communication system based on variable pulse position modulation
Authors: Priyanka  , Singh Maninder Lal , Singh Mandeep , Gill Harpuneet Singh , Kaur Sehajpal , Kaur Hardeep , Singh Gurpreet
Published: July 2022

The dimming control feature of light‐emitting diode (LED) makes it a viable candidate for indoor lighting applications. In this study, the performance of variable pulse position modulation (VPPM) based visible light communication (VLC) system is investigated in detail for an office room of 5 × 5 × 3‐m3 dimensions. A total of four LED lamps having Lambertian radiation patterns are mounted over the ceiling of the room. Several receiver locations are chosen over the three different trajectories to evaluate the error performance of the proposed system. The height of the receiver plane is also varied to find the optimum height where error‐free data reception is achieved. Moreover, an effort is made to optimize the dimming percentage of the transmitted signal using VPPM in terms of bit error rate (BER), where the illumination requirements over the receiver plane are also as per the International Standards of Organization (ISO). The results show that the duty cycle of 50% is optimum for efficient system performance. Furthermore, a colored image is transmitted through the proposed system and the computed results reveal that satisfactory BER performance and good quality of the image is received at receiver heights ranging from 0.85 to 1.7 m, that is, approximately 2.75 to 5.6 ft above the ground plane.
Titanium(IV) Alkoxide‐Carbamate Complexes: Synthesis and Catalytic Potential in H2O2‐Oxidation of Organic Sulfides
Authors: Bresciani Giulio , Bortoluzzi Marco , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido
Published: July 2022

Novel titanium alkoxide‐carbamate complexes, i. e. [Ti(OiPr)2(O2CNR2)2]m (R=Et, 1; R=iPr, 2; R=Bn=CH2Ph, 3), were synthesized in 87–94 % yields by using two distinct synthetic approaches, i. e. the reaction of [Ti(OiPr)4] with [Ti(O2CNR)4] (1 : 1 molar ratio) in dichloromethane solution, and the addition of [Ti(OiPr)4] to amine/CO2 mixture in toluene (amine/Ti ratio=2). The liquid products 1–3 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of 1 was optimized by DFT calculations. Combined, experimental and theoretical outcomes suggest a trinuclear structure for 1–3, with the carbamates acting as bridging bidentate ligands. Compound 2 revealed the most effective of the series in promoting the oxidation of a series of organic sulfides into the corresponding sulfones, working generally better than 1 and 3 and the homoleptic counterparts [Ti(OiPr)4] or [Ti(O2CNEt2)4]. However, [Ti(OiPr)4] exhibited the best performance in the conversion of tetrahydrothiophene to tetrahydrothiophene 1,1‐dioxide, instead [Ti(O2CNEt2)4] was the most suitable catalyst for the mono‐oxygenation of dibenzylsulfide. NMR and DFT studies indicate that mononuclear bis‐methanol adducts, bearing the solvent molecules trans‐located with respect to the isopropoxides, are plausible active species in the catalytic cycle.
Defect‐Rich Heterostructured Bi‐Based Catalysts for Efficient CO2 Reduction Reaction to Formate in Wide Operable Windows
Authors: Ren Jiazheng , Long Xia , Wang Xiaoting , Lin Zedong , Cai Rongming , Ju Min , Qiu Yongfu , Yang Shihe
Published: July 2022

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate is believed to be one of the most promising technologies for producing clean fuels and valuable chemicals and for tackling the global warming problem. Herein, a novel synthesis strategy is presented for Bi‐based catalyst in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). With the addition of acetic acid into the mother solution, heterostructured Bi/Bi2O3 nanoplates with abundant O vacancies (Bi/Bi2O3–Ov) and tailored coordination environments of the Bi ions are successfully synthesized, which exhibit excellent catalytic activity for CO2RR and high selectivity for formate generation with wide operable windows of pH (neutral to alkaline) and potential. In particular, the faradic efficiency (HCOOH) reaches ≥90% in a wide potential range of −0.7–−1.35 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in neutral media, which dwarf most of the state‐of‐the‐art Bi‐based catalysts for CO2RR reported to date. Combined experimental and theoretical results show that the abundant O vacancies create frustrated Lewis pairs at the heterointerfaces with favorable adsorption characteristics, thereby facilitating the CO2RR process. This work opens up a new approach to promoting the catalytic activity and selectivity of Bi‐based materials for CO2RR by combining coordination and heterointerface engineering.
The influence of insulin on anticipation and consummatory reward to food intake: A functional imaging study on healthy normal weight and overweight subjects employing intranasal insulin delivery
Authors: Wingrove Jed , O'Daly Owen , De Lara Rubio Alfonso , Hill Simon , Swedroska Magda , Forbes Ben , Amiel Stephanie , Zelaya Fernando
Published: July 2022

Aberrant responses within homeostatic, hedonic and cognitive systems contribute to poor appetite control in those with an overweight phenotype. The hedonic system incorporates limbic and meso‐limbic regions involved in learning and reward processing, as well as cortical regions involved in motivation, decision making and gustatory processing. Equally important within this complex, multifaceted framework are the cognitive systems involved in inhibitory control and valuation of food choices. Regions within these systems display insulin receptors and pharmacologically increasing central insulin concentrations using intranasal administration (IN‐INS) has been shown to significantly reduce appealing food cue responsiveness and also food intake. In this work we describe a placebo‐controlled crossover pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study that looks at how IN‐INS (160 IU) affects anticipatory and consummatory responses to sweet stimuli and importantly how these responses differ between healthy normal weight and overweight male individuals. This work shows that age matched normal weight and overweight (not obese) individuals respond similarly to both the anticipation and receipt of sweet stimuli under placebo conditions. However, increased central insulin concentrations produce marked differences between groups when anticipating sweet stimuli within the prefrontal cortex and midbrain as well as observed differences in the amygdala during consummatory responses.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in women of reproductive age
Authors: Maldonado Stephanie S. , Grab Joshua , Wang Connie W. , Huddleston Heather , Cedars Marcelle , Sarkar Monika
Published: July 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in approximately 10% of all reproductive‐age women, with over 50% of these patients having imaging‐confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Whether PCOS increases the risk for more clinically relevant disease, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is unclear. Such findings are relevant to prognosticating risk of progressive liver disease in the growing population of young adults with NAFLD. Using weighted discharge data from the United States National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2018, we evaluated the association of PCOS with the presence of NASH among reproductive‐age women with NAFLD. The association of PCOS with NASH was assessed by logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and comprehensive metabolic comorbidities. Other causes of hepatic steatosis and chronic liver diseases were excluded. Our analysis included 189,440 reproductive‐age women with NAFLD, 9415 of whom had PCOS. Of those with PCOS, 1390 (15%) had a distinct code for NASH. Women with PCOS were younger (median age, 33 vs. 40 years; p < 0.001) and more likely to have diabetes (37.0% vs. 34.0%), obesity (83.0% vs. 58.0%), dyslipidemia (26.0% vs. 21.0%), and hypertension (38.0% vs. 35.0%) (all p ≤ 0.01). On adjusted analysis accounting for these metabolic comorbidities, PCOS remained independently associated with an increased prevalence of NASH (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.42; p = 0.008). Conclusions: Among reproductive‐age women with NAFLD, metabolic risk factors were more common in those with PCOS. Despite adjustment for these metabolic comorbidities, PCOS remained associated with a 22% higher odds of having NASH. These findings support efforts to increase NAFLD screening in young women with PCOS and highlight the potential “head start” in progressive liver disease among young women with PCOS.
Speech patterns and enunciation for encephalopathy determination—A prospective study of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Moon Andrew M. , Kim Hannah P. , Cook Sarah , Blanchard Renee T. , Haley Katarina L. , Jacks Adam , Shafer Jennifer S. , Fried Michael W.
Published: July 2022

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of cirrhosis that benefits from early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to characterize speech patterns of individuals with HE to investigate its potential to diagnose and monitor HE. This was a single‐center prospective cohort study that included participants with cirrhosis with HE (minimal HE [MHE] and overt HE [OHE]), cirrhosis without HE, and participants without liver disease. Audio recordings of reading, sentence repetition, and picture description tasks were obtained from these groups. Two certified speech‐language pathologists assessed speech rate (words per minute) and articulatory precision. An overall severity metric was derived from these measures. Cross‐sectional analyses were performed using nonparametric Wilcoxon statistics to evaluate group differences. Change over time in speech measures was analyzed descriptively for individuals with HE. The study included 43 total participants. Speech results differed by task, but the overall pattern showed slower speech rate and less precise articulation in participants with OHE compared to other groups. When speech rate and precision ratings were combined into a single speech severity metric, the impairment of participants with OHE was more severe than all other groups, and MHE had greater speech impairment than non‐liver disease controls. As OHE improved clinically, participants showed notable improvement in speech rate. Participants with OHE demonstrated impaired speech rate, precision, and speech severity compared with non‐liver disease and non‐HE cirrhosis. Participants with MHE had less pronounced impairments. Speech parameters improved as HE clinically improved. Conclusion: These data identify speech patterns that could improve HE diagnosis, grading, and remote monitoring.
Implementation and evaluation of a preceptor educational development programme involving the health cluster colleges at Qatar University
Authors: Mukhalalati Banan , Elshami Sara , Awaisu Ahmed , Al‐Jayyousi Ghadir , Abu‐Hijleh Marwan , Paravattil Bridget , Almahasneh Randa , Bawadi Hiba , Al‐Amri Kristen , Al‐Khal Abdullatif
Published: July 2022

Background

‘The Practice Educators' Academy Programme’ is an innovative educational intervention developed following a preceptor‐focussed needs assessment. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the programme's effect on self‐efficacy and knowledge amongst multi‐disciplinary clinical preceptors who precept students across the Health Cluster in Qatar University. The secondary aim was to assess the preceptors' satisfaction with the programme's comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and relevance.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study, with the same participants followed at different time points (i.e., pretest‐posttest interventional design). The sample size was calculated to represent 10% of the sample expected for the main study, utilising a stratified convenience sampling technique. Preceptor self‐efficacy was assessed using the Preceptor Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire, a validated 21‐item questionnaire. Preceptor knowledge was assessed through a 25‐item multiple‐choice question test. Satisfaction with programme content and delivery was assessed through a 14‐item questionnaire with open comments.

Results

Thirty pretest‐posttest respondents for the PSEQ assessment, and 26 pretest‐posttest respondents for the knowledge assessment were appropriately matched and analysed. Participation in the self‐efficacy questionnaire resulted in a statistically significant increase in their posttest median score (pretest‐to‐posttest: 3.3‐to‐3.6, p = 0.001). Participation in the knowledge assessment resulted in a statistically significant increased posttest mean score (pretest‐to‐posttest: 10.2‐to‐15.7, p < 0.001). Participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the programme (average score = 4.42/5).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the programme is effective as demonstrated through a significant improvement in preceptors' self‐efficacy and knowledge. Recommendations for future iterations include placing greater focus on active learning strategies, and inter‐disciplinary interactions.
Clinical presentation, pregnancy complications, and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID‐19 during the Omicron‐dominant third wave in Mumbai, India
Authors: Mahajan Niraj N. , Kesarwani Shweta , Salunke Chetna , Kumbhar Padmaja , Yenkure Piyusha , Shaikh Juvairiya , Shikhare Shrutika , Mahale Smita D. , Sachdeva Geetanjali , Gajbhiye Rahul K.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To study clinical presentation, disease severity, pregnancy complications, and maternal outcomes in women affected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) during the third wave compared with the first and second waves of COVID‐19.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted among 2058 pregnant and postpartum women with COVID‐19 admitted during three wave periods at a tertiary care COVID‐19‐dedicated hospital.

Results

The number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) ‐infected pregnant and postpartum women with symptoms of COVID‐19 was four times higher during the third wave compared with the first (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5–6.0, P < 0.001). There was a significantly lower proportion of pregnant and postpartum women with moderate to severe COVID‐19 during the third wave (0.6%, 2/318) compared with those during the first wave (2.4%, 27/1143, P < 0.001) and second wave (14.4%, 86/597, P < 0.001). The intensive care/high dependency unit admissions during the third wave were significantly lower (2.5%, 8/318) than during the second wave (14.7%, 88/597; OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.3, P < 0.001) but similar to the first wave (2.4%, 27/1143).

Conclusions

Decreased severity of COVID‐19, reduced maternal mortality, and morbidity were reported in the third wave compared with the first wave and second wave of COVID‐19 in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India.

Trial Registration

The study is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (Registration no: CTRI/2020/05/025423).
Error analysis driven network modification for surgical tools detection in laparoscopic frames
Authors: Yin Bohan , Wang Shengsheng , Lu Shuzhen , Wang Guangyao , Dong Liyan
Published: July 2022

In minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, accurate detection of the location and specific category of surgical tools assists the surgeon in making a correct objective judgment of the current surgical outcome and alerts to these possible adverse medical events. In this paper, an analyzing error method is proposed for revealing the specific sources of error in previous work. Then we confirm the main bottlenecks of the current methods with a high level of missing error and localization error. To reduce these errors, we render the backbone with a three‐dimensional attention mechanism and adopt a double‐headed detection head design to replace the single detection head. Moreover, we propose an enhanced multilayer perceptron called Mconv to enhance the localization branch of the double‐headed detection head. Our experiments evaluate our improved approach by our proposed error analysis method on a pubic dataset m2cai16‐tool‐locations, showing that our method yield remarkable detection accuracy than others.
Product sales and unintentional name association with the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Zheng Yuqing , Wang Lingxiao , Zhao Shuoli , Hu Wuyang
Published: July 2022

Corona beer inadvertently shares part of its name with the cause of the COVID‐19 pandemic, known as the coronavirus. Using Nielsen data of the U.S. beer retail purchases, we treat the pandemic as a natural experiment to test the effect of negative name association on Corona beer sales. Results reveal that each confirmed case of COVID‐19 led to a $5.3 increase in weekly Corona beer sales compared with the other major beer brands. Results suggest heterogeneous impacts of the pandemic on producers of different sizes. Analysis using synthetic control and various identification strategies for the pandemic corroborates the main conclusion.
Distinguishing tumor from healthy tissue in human liver ex vivo using machine learning and multivariate analysis of diffuse reflectance spectra
Authors: Reistad Nina , Sturesson Christian
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work was to evaluate the capability of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to distinguish malignant liver tissues from surrounding tissues and to determine whether an extended wavelength range (450‐1550 nm) offers any advantages over using the conventional wavelength range. Furthermore, multivariate analysis combined with a machine learning algorithm, either linear discriminant analysis or the more advanced support vector machine, was used to discriminate between and classify freshly excised human liver specimens from 18 patients. Tumors were distinguished from surrounding liver tissues with a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 100%, classification rate of 100% and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 100% using the extended wavelength range and a combination of principal component analysis and support vector techniques. The results indicate that this technology may be useful in clinical applications for real‐time tissue diagnostics of tumor margins where rapid classification is important.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Bone Mineral Density in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Boyle Rebecca L , Psoter Kevin J , Merlo Christian A , Sidhaye Aniket R , Lechtzin Noah , Patel Shivani , Montemayor Kristina , Horne Alexandra , West Natalie E
Published: July 2022

Single‐center studies have suggested that up to 70% of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have lower than expected bone mineral density (BMD), substantially higher than the 25% prevalence reported from national registries. We determined the prevalence of low BMD in CF adults at our center and assessed risk factors for low BMD. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in all CF patients ≥18 years of age who had a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan performed at the Johns Hopkins Adult Cystic Fibrosis center between 2010 and 2018. Prevalence and incidence of low BMD during the study period were determined. Poisson regression based on generalized estimating equations and robust standard errors were used to evaluate selected risk factors and risk of disease progression. A total of 234 individuals underwent an initial DXA scan. At this scan, prevalence of low BMD was 52.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 46.0–59.1). A total of 43.6% were at risk for CF‐related low BMD (AR‐CFLBMD) (95% CI 37.1–50.2) and 9.0% had CF‐related low BMD (CFRLBMD) (95% CI 5.6–13.4). Of the 25 with normal BMD at initial scan and a subsequent follow‐up scan, 8 (32.0%) progressed to AR‐CFLBMD. Of the 53 with AR‐CFLBMD on initial scan and a subsequent scan, 6 (11.3%) progressed to CFLBMD, 9 (17.0%) returned to normal BMD, and 38 (71.7%) remained AR‐CFLBMD. Older age (relative risk [RR] = 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.01) and male sex (RR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.04–1.66) were associated with increased risk of low BMD, while higher forced expiratory volume over 1 second (FEV1%) predicted (RR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.99–1.00) and body mass index (BMI; RR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.94–1.00) were associated with lower risk for low BMD. The fact that more than half of all individuals were found to have lower than expected BMD suggests that the actual prevalence may be higher than currently reported in national registries. This supports the importance of universal bone health screening of all CF adults. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles: Chemical and green synthesis, characterization, and comparative evaluation of their effects on caprine testis in vitro
Authors: Sharma Rajnesh K. , Bareja Sneha
Published: July 2022

The present research was designed to investigate the potential effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by both chemical and green method in caprine testis. In this study, rod‐shaped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with diameter less than 100 nm were prepared by chemical and green method using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as stabilizing agents respectively. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, LCMS, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and EDX were utilized to characterize the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles. The histomorphological alterations of both chemically synthesized and biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were evaluated after administration of two doses (10 µg/ml and 20 µg/ml) for exposure duration of 4 h and 8 h. Chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles induced significant damage in testicular cells in dose and time‐dependent manner. The Histomorphological changes included desquamation in germinal epithelium, pyknosis in germ cells, increased vacuolization, loss of mature spermatozoa from lumen and wide interstitial space between seminiferous tubules. Protective effects of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were recorded at lower dose whereas some alterations were observed when treated with 20 µg/ml for 4 h and 8 h culture duration. The results confirmed that phytochemicals present in leaf extract of O. sanctum mitigated the zinc oxide nanoparticles induced toxicity, proving biosynthesized nanoparticles are better than chemically synthesized nanoparticles.
Oxidation of 3,7‐dichloro‐8‐(chloromethyl)quinolone to quinclorac by oxygen
Authors: Long Xiang‐li , Song Lin‐peng , Guo Feng , Wen Di
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Quinclorac (3,7‐dichloro‐8‐quinolinecarboxylic acid) is commercially produced from the partial oxidation of 3,7‐dichloro‐8‐(chloromethyl)quinolone by nitric acid in 98% sulfuric acid. Such technology suffers from some shortcomings, such as the discharge of NOx and wastewater, and the formation of nitro compounds. Oxygen is a clean, cheap oxidant. The key to realizing the production of quinclorac by oxidizing 3,7‐dichloro‐8‐(chloromethyl)quinolone with oxygen is the development of an efficient catalyst.

RESULTS

The transformation of 3,7‐dichloro‐8‐(chloromethyl)quinolone to quinclorac oxidized by O2 molecule in acetic acid solution can be accomplished under a homogeneous catalyst system composed of H3PMo12O40/Ce/Co/Br. Experiments show that the optimal catalytic system consists of 0.209 (wt)% phosphomolybdic acid, 0.022 (wt)% Ce(III), 0.027 (wt)% Co(II) and 0.0161 (wt)% Br−.

CONCLUSION

Temperature is an important parameter affecting reaction rate. The influence of oxygen concentration in the gas phase on quinclorac yield and 3,7‐dichloro‐8‐(chloromethyl)quinolone conversion is great. The activation energy of this catalytic reaction is 57.6 kJ mol−1. The reaction orders for oxygen and 3,7‐dichloro‐8‐(chloromethyl)quinolone are 0.26 and 0.93, respectively. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Rapid and universal detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza A virus using a reusable dual‐channel optic fiber immunosensor
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhao Rongtao , Wang Yule , Song Dan , Jiang Bo , Guo Xudong , Liu Wanying , Long Feng , Song Hongbin , Hao Rongzhang
Published: July 2022

Establishment of rapid on‐site detection technology capable of concurrently detecting SARS‐Cov‐2 and influenza A virus is urgent to effectively control the epidemic from these two types of important viruses. Accordingly, we developed a reusable dual‐channel optical fiber immunosensor (DOFIS), which utilized the evanescent wave‐sensing properties and tandem detection mode of the mobile phase, effectively accelerating the detection process such that it can be completed within 10 min. It could detect the nucleoprotein of multiple influenza A viruses (H1N1, H3N2, and H7N9), as well as the spike proteins of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron and Delta variants, and could respond to 20 TCID50/ml SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus and 100 TCID50/ml influenza A (A/PR/8/H1N1), presenting lower limit of detection and wider linear range than enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The detection results on 26 clinical samples for SARS‐CoV‐2 demonstrated its specificity (100%) and sensitivity (94%), much higher than the sensitivity of commercial colloidal gold test strip (35%). Particularly, DOFIS might be reused more than 80 times, showing not only cost‐saving but also potential in real‐time monitoring of the pathogenic viruses. Therefore, this newly‐developed DOFIS platform is low cost, simple to operate, and has broad spectrum detection capabilities for SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations and multiple influenza A strains. It may prove suitable for deployment as a rapid on‐site screening and surveillance technique for infectious disease.
Effects of electron beam irradiation treatment on the structural and functional properties of okara insoluble dietary fiber
Authors: Feng Xumei , Chen Hua , Liang Yaru , Geng Mengjie , He Mingyu , Huang Yuyang , Li Yang , Teng Fei
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) has beneficial physiological effects, such as the promoting of intestinal peristalsis, the improving of intestinal flora, and the absorbing of some harmful substances. Okara, a byproduct of soybean processing, is a potential source of IDF. But the larger particle size and poor water solubility of okara IDF have adverse effects on sensory properties and functional characteristics. Therefore, we used an emerging type of physical method is electron beam irradiation (EBI) to modify okara, and investigated that the effects of EBI doses on the structure and functional properties of okara IDF.

RESULTS

It was found that the electron beam treatment damaged the crystalline structure of IDF. Observation of the surface of EBI‐treated IDF revealed a loose and porous morphology rather than the typical smooth structure. At a dose of 6 kGy, a smallest particle size and largest specific surface area of IDF was obtained, and these factors increased the apparent viscosity of an IDF dispersion. The water holding capacity, swelling capacity and the oil holding capacity upon irradiation at 6 kGy increased 74.13%, 84.76% and 41.62%, respectively. In addition, the capacity for adsorption of cholesterol, sodium cholate, glucose and nitrite ion were improved after electron beam treatment.

CONCLUSION

The modified okara IDF showed improved particle sizes and hydration properties, and these changes correlated with an improvement to the rough taste of IDF and improvements to the texture and storage period upon supplementation into food. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mid‐Infrared Dynamic Wavefront Transformer Based on a Two‐Degrees‐of‐Freedom Control System
Authors: Deng Wenjun , Jiang Shibin , Shi Yuzhi , Liu Zhijun , Zang Guanxing , Qin Jin , Zhu Shiyu , Zhu Weiming
Published: July 2022

Vast tunable optical components are realized based on dynamic reconfigurations of the incident wavefronts, such as beam steering and tunable lens. However, the dominant paradigm of current wavefront reconfiguration technologies relies on complex control systems with degrees of freedom much larger than output wavefronts, e.g., beam steering based on spatial light modulator or phased array antennas. Here, a new paradigm for dynamic reconfiguration of arbitrary output wavefronts using control systems with the same degrees of freedom is proposed. As an example, a wavefront transformer is demonstrated using an in‐plane two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2DOF) mechanical actuation system of metasurface doublet for semi‐omnidirectional beam steering, which measures a 6‐kHz modulation speed and a 131.2° × 131.2° field of view. This paradigm can be applied to metasurface transformers for dynamic wavefront reconfiguration with any control system for vast applications, such as tunable lens, beam steering, and dynamic beam profiler, just to name a few.
A Robust and Thermally Stable Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Elastomer with Reprocessability Based on Dynamic Silyl Ether Linkages
Authors: Feng Bingwei , Bai Lu , Yan Xingxing , Liu Xiaofei , Zheng Junping
Published: July 2022

Polysiloxane elastomers have drawn considerable attention especially benefitting from their excellent thermal stability. Nevertheless, as commercial polysiloxane elastomers possess permanently crosslinked networks, they are generally unrecyclable and thus detrimental to environment at the end of service life. Although introducing reversible covalent bonds into polysiloxane networks can achieve reprocessability, the thermal stability is declined as many reversible bonds are thermally unstable. Herein, in order to combine the desirable attributes of reprocessability and thermal stability, polydimethylsiloxane elastomers are prepared by incorporating thermally stable silyl ether linkages into networks as dynamic crosslinks for the first time. The elastomer exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, excellent solvent resistance, and even largely enhanced thermal stability (the initial degradation temperature is increased by 33 °C). Moreover, the elastomer is able to reshuffle the network topology through trans‐oxyalkylation reactions of silyl ethers, thus capable of distinguished reprocessability at high temperatures. In a word, this work provides a facile strategy for integrating reprocessability into thermosetting materials without sacrificing their thermal stability.
The molecular pathophysiology of depression and the new therapeutics
Authors: Tian Haihua , Hu Zhenyu , Xu Jia , Wang Chuang
Published: July 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling disorder. Despite the many hypotheses proposed to understand the molecular pathophysiology of depression, it is still unclear. Current treatments for depression are inadequate for many individuals, because of limited effectiveness, delayed efficacy (usually two weeks), and side effects. Consequently, novel drugs with increased speed of action and effectiveness are required. Ketamine has shown to have rapid, reliable, and long‐lasting antidepressant effects in treatment‐resistant MDD patients and represent a breakthrough therapy for patients with MDD; however, concerns regarding its efficacy, potential misuse, and side effects remain. In this review, we aimed to summarize molecular mechanisms and pharmacological treatments for depression. We focused on the fast antidepressant treatment and clarified the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ketamine and its metabolites for the MDD treatment, along with a review of the potential pharmacological mechanisms, research challenges, and future clinical prospects.
18F‐Florzolotau Tau Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Patients with Multiple System Atrophy–Parkinsonian Subtype
Authors: Liu Feng‐Tao , Li Xin‐Yi , Lu Jia‐Ying , Wu Ping , Li Ling , Liang Xiao‐Niu , Ju Zi‐Zhao , Jiao Fang‐Yang , Chen Ming‐Jia , Ge Jing‐Jie , Sun Yi‐Min , Wu Jian‐Jun , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Luo Jian‐Feng , Zuo Chuantao , Wang Jian ,   the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Neuroimage Initiative (PSPNI)
Published: July 2022

Background

Anecdotal evidence suggests that patients diagnosed with the parkinsonian subtype of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P) may show uptake of the second‐generation tau positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 18F‐Florzolotau (previously known as 18F‐APN‐1607) in the putamen.

Objectives

This study systematically investigated the localization and magnitude of 18F‐Florzolotau uptake in a relatively large cohort of patients with MSA‐P.

Methods

18F‐Florzolotau PET imaging was performed in 31 patients with MSA‐P, 24 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 20 age‐matched healthy controls. 18F‐Florzolotau signal in the striatum was analyzed by visual inspection and classified as either positive or negative. Regional 18F‐Florzolotau binding was also expressed as standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) to assess whether it was associated with core symptoms of MSA‐P after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

By visual inspection and semiquantitative SUVR comparisons, patients with MSA‐P showed elevated 18F‐Florzolotau uptake in the putamen, globus pallidus, and dentate—a finding that was not observed in PD. This increased signal was significantly associated with the core symptoms of MSA‐P. In addition, patients with MSA‐P with cerebellar ataxia showed an elevated 18F‐Florzolotau uptake in the cerebellar dentate.

Conclusions

18F‐Florzolotau tau PET imaging findings may reflect the clinical severity of MSA‐P and can potentially discriminate between this condition and PD. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.