bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving performance of SYCL applications on CPU architectures using LLVM‐directed compilation flow
Authors: Ghiglio Pietro , Dolinsky Uwe , Goli Mehdi , Narasimhan Kumudha
Published: May 2023

The wide adoption of SYCL as an open‐standard API for accelerating C++ software in domains such as HPC, automotive, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other areas necessitates efficient compiler and runtime support for a growing number of different platforms. Existing SYCL implementations provide support for various devices like CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, FPGAs and so forth, typically via OpenCL or CUDA backends. While accelerators have increased the performance of user applications significantly, employing CPU devices for further performance improvement is beneficial due to the significant presence of CPUs in existing data‐centers. SYCL applications on CPUs, currently go through an OpenCL backend. Though an OpenCL backend is valuable in supporting accelerators, it may introduce additional overhead for CPUs since the host and device are the same. Overheads like a run‐time compilation of the kernel, transferring of input/output memory to/from the OpenCL device, invoking the OpenCL kernel and so forth, may not be necessary when running on the CPU. While some of these overheads (such as data transfer) can be avoided by modifying the application, it can introduce disparity in the SYCL application's ability to achieve performance portability on other devices. In this article, we propose an alternate approach to running SYCL applications on CPUs. We bypass OpenCL and use a CPU‐directed compilation flow, along with the integration of whole function vectorization to generate optimized host and device code together in the same translation unit. We compare the performance of our approach—the CPU‐directed compilation flow, with an OpenCL backend for existing SYCL‐based applications, with no code modification for BabelStream benchmark, Matmul from the ComputeCpp SDK, N‐body simulation benchmarks and SYCL‐BLAS (Aliaga et al. Proceedings of the 5th International Workshop on OpenCL; 2017.), on CPUs from different vendors and architectures. We report a performance improvement of up to on BabelStream benchmarks, up to on Matmul, up to on the N‐body simulation benchmark and up to 16% on SYCL‐BLAS.
SSHS: SDN seamless handover system among LAN access points
Authors: Abbas Shatha O. , Alenazi Mohammed J.F.
Published: May 2023

In recent years, artificial intelligence techniques, such as software‐defined networks (SDNs), machine learning classification (ML classification), and mobility models (MMs), have become vital in developing networks. Furthermore, communication methodologies, such as handover, directly affect network performance. In this paper, we propose a new system named SSHS, SDN Seamless Handover System, that combines SDN with an ML classifier to administer the network connection of mobile nodes. Through the SSHS system, the SDN will centralize the control to enable comprehensive management over the network, coupled with a decision tree (DT) classifier in the RYU controller to bring intelligence to the SDN application by enabling data analysis and prediction among mobile nodes generated by the RSSGM model. We present the SSHS model's effectiveness in providing a seamless communication handover among multiple access points (APs). The results of this study revealed that the SSHS provided a seamless handover among APs by improving the throughput by 26%, and decreasing the delay of arriving packets by 73% to standard SDN handover system.
Corals adapted to extreme and fluctuating seawater pH increase calcification rates and have unique symbiont communities
Authors: Tanvet Clément , Camp Emma F. , Sutton Jill , Houlbrèque Fanny , Thouzeau Gérard , Rodolfo‐Metalpa Riccardo
Published: May 2023

Ocean acidification (OA) is a severe threat to coral reefs mainly by reducing their calcification rate. Identifying the resilience factors of corals to decreasing seawater pH is of paramount importance to predict the survivability of coral reefs in the future. This study compared corals adapted to variable pHT (i.e., 7.23–8.06) from the semi‐enclosed lagoon of Bouraké, New Caledonia, to corals adapted to more stable seawater pHT (i.e., 7.90–8.18). In a 100‐day aquarium experiment, we examined the physiological response and genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae from three coral species (Acropora tenuis, Montipora digitata, and Porites sp.) from both sites under three stable pHNBS conditions (8.11, 7.76, 7.54) and one fluctuating pHNBS regime (between 7.56 and 8.07). Bouraké corals consistently exhibited higher growth rates than corals from the stable pH environment. Interestingly, A. tenuis from Bouraké showed the highest growth rate under the 7.76 pHNBS condition, whereas for M. digitata, and Porites sp. from Bouraké, growth was highest under the fluctuating regime and the 8.11 pHNBS conditions, respectively. While OA generally decreased coral calcification by ca. 16%, Bouraké corals showed higher growth rates than corals from the stable pH environment (21% increase for A. tenuis to 93% for M. digitata, with all pH conditions pooled). This superior performance coincided with divergent symbiont communities that were more homogenous for Bouraké corals. Corals adapted to variable pH conditions appear to have a better capacity to calcify under reduced pH compared to corals native to more stable pH condition. This response was not gained by corals from the more stable environment exposed to variable pH during the 100‐day experiment, suggesting that long‐term exposure to pH fluctuations and/or differences in symbiont communities benefit calcification under OA.
Parasite infection and the movement of the aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum along a depth cline
Authors: Feijen Frida , Buser Claudia , Klappert Kirsten , Jokela Jukka
Published: May 2023

Parasite species that use two or more host species during their life cycle depend on successful transmission between these species. These successive host species may have different habitat requirements. For example, one host species may be aquatic while the other is terrestrial. To overcome this complicating factor in transmission, a wide diversity of parasite species have adaptations that alter the habitat preference in one host species to facilitate transmission to the next host species.

Two common trematode parasites in New Zealand, Atriophallophorus winterbourni and Notocotylus spp., both have a life cycle with two host species. The aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum is the intermediate host, from which the parasites require transmission to dabbling ducks or other waterfowl. Of these parasites, A. winterbourni is most frequently found in snails from the shallow‐water margin. This may indicate parasite‐induced movement of infected snails into the foraging habitat of dabbling ducks.

To test whether the parasites manipulate the snails to move into shallow water, we stretched tubular mesh cages across depth‐specific ecological habitat zones in a lake. Both infected and healthy snails were released into the cages. After 11 days, significantly higher infection frequencies of A. winterbourni were retrieved from the shallowest end of the cages, while Notocotylus spp. frequencies did not vary with depth.

The hypothesis that A. winterbourni induces its snail host to move into the shallow‐water habitat cannot be rejected based on the experimental results. Although further research is needed to address alternative explanations, the depth preference of infected snails may be due to a parasite adaptation that facilitates trophic transmission of parasites to dabbling ducks.
Molecular evolution and phylogenomic analysis of complete chloroplast genomes of Cotinus (Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Liu Qiaoyun , Yang Nan , Dong Wenpan , Zhao Liangcheng
Published: May 2023

Cotinus is an oligo‐specific ornamentally valuable genus with a disjunct distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, the taxonomy of Cotinus was mainly based on leaf morphological characteristics. However, the limited availability of genomic information greatly hindered the study of molecular evolution and phylogeny of this genus. This study sequenced the chloroplast (cp) genomes of all currently recognized taxa of Cotinus, including three species and four varieties. A comparative analysis was performed to investigate their cp genome characteristics and evolution. Furthermore, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships of Cotinus based on whole cp genomes, protein‐coding genes, and nuclear ITS data. All cp genomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure with genome sizes ranging from 158,865 to 160,155 bp. A total of 113–114 genes were identified in the genomes. Seven non‐coding and four coding regions were identified as the most divergent hotspots for potential molecular barcodes and phylogenetic markers. Selection pressure analysis showed that there had been positive selection on genes matK and rps8 in the Cotinus cp genomes. Phylogenetic results confirmed that Cotinus is a monophyletic group but the widely distributed species Cotinus coggygria is not monophyletic. The divergence‐time analysis suggested that Cotinus underwent an evolutionary divergence from the middle Eocene and rapid adaptive radiation from the middle Miocene. This study revealed new insights into the cp genome evolution and phylogeny of Cotinus and related taxa.
Highly Efficient Conversion of Homocoupling and Heterocoupling of Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by AuCu24/AC‐200
Authors: Sun Ningning , Yun Yapei , Li Kaikai , Ni Xin , Qin Yao , Yang Xiaofei , Sheng Hongting , Zhu Manzhou
Published: May 2023

Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Bimetallic nanoclusters with synergistic effect exhibit better stability and activity than monometallic nanoclusters in catalytic applications. However, the large number of ligands on the surface of nanoclusters obscure the active sites, thus reducing the catalytic activity. Here, AuCu24/AC−X (X=0, 200, 300, 500, 800) catalysts were fabricated by removing the partial ligands on the surface of AuCu24H22((p‐FPh)3P)12nanoclusters (short for AuCu24NCs), and investigated the influence of calcination temperature on catalytic performance of AuCu24/AC in homocoupling and heterocoupling of terminal alkynes. The results showed that the catalytic activity of AuCu24/AC−X exhibited a volcanic trend with the increase of X (heat treatment temperature) and the content of Cu2+also changed with the increase of X. Compared with Au25/AC‐200 and Cu25/AC‐200 catalysts, the AuCu24/AC‐200 bimetallic catalyst showed the highest catalytic activity in homocoupling and heterocoupling of terminal alkynes under mild conditions with TOF values reaching 478.7 h−1and 114.1 h−1respectively, which are higher than most reported catalysts. This work provides a research idea for the design of bimetallic nanoclusters with superior performance.
Tris(benzophenoneimino)phosphane and Related Compounds
Authors: Pikma Marta‐Lisette , Lõkov Märt , Tshepelevitsh Sofja , Saame Jaan , Haljasorg Tõiv , Toom Lauri , Selberg Sigrid , Leito Ivo , Kütt Agnes
Published: May 2023

A new group of bases with benzophenoneiminyl (bpi) moiety has been synthesized and characterized in this work. The title compound tris(benzophenoneimino)phosphane (P(bpi)3) 1 was prepared with a convenient one‐pot approach: benzophenone imine was deprotonated using MeMgCl and reacted with PBr3 in diglyme. The method could be considered as a method of choice for preparing other (amino)phosphanes in case lithio‐intermediates and/or protonated phosphane is out of consideration. Phosphane 1 is further used to prepare a range of related phosphonium cations and phosphazenes. Phosphonium cations were deprotonated to assess the stability of the resulting phosphonium ylides. In some cases, the bulky substances were capable of forming P−N heterocycles. Experimental (MeCN) and computational (MeCN, THF, gas‐phase) basicities of benzophenone imine, phosphane 1, phosphonium ylides, and phosphazenes, as well as some representative XRD structures, are presented and discussed.
Energy transition through bioelectricity in Pakistan: Implications for limiting global mean temperature below 1.5°C
Authors: Raza Muhammad Amir , Aman Muhammad Mohsin , Tunio Nadeem Ahmed , Soomro Shakir Ali , Shahid Muhammad , Ara Darakhshan , Jumani Touqeer Ahmed , Haider Raza
Published: May 2023

Climate change threats demand unprecedented economic shifts around the world, including a fundamental transformation of the global energy system. An energy transition is underway in most regions, predominantly in the power sector. This research depicts the energy transition pathway for achieving 100% renewable energy systems through bioenergy in Pakistan. The growth rate of 20%, 30%, and 40% in biomass projects were considered for the study period 2023 to 2053 using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) software. It presents a technology‐rich, multi‐sectoral and cost‐optimal energy transition pathway for limiting global mean temperature below 1.5°C. The results revealed that Pakistan's electricity generation undergoes a rapidly evolving transition from predominantly fossil fuels 62.1% in 2023 to 81.3% renewables in 2053, and entirely zero CO2 emissions by 2060. Hydro source is costly, wind and solar sources are seasonal so biomass emerges as the major electricity supply source in a cost optimal energy transition of Pakistan. Share of biomass is increasing from a mere 0.81% in 2023 to around 9.44% by 2053 under the 20% growth rate, which then increase to 39.67% by 2053 under the 30% growth rate and further increases to 78.33% by 2053 under the 40% growth rate. Pakistan contributes 0.8% of the global carbon footprint, but we are among the 10 most climate‐stressed countries on the planet in 2023 so this study helps to reduce cumulative CO2 emissions from 151.63 million metric tons to 8.90 million metric tons from 2023 to 2053 across the power, heat, transport, and desalination sectors.
Techno‐economic analysis of PV–wind–diesel–battery hybrid power systems for industrial towns under different climates in Spain
Authors: Abbaspour Aria , Jahed Amin , Ahmadi Abolfazl
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to provide a techno‐economic analysis of hybrid energy systems, including wind turbines, photovoltaic systems (PV) panels, diesel generators, and batteries, for selected cities in five different climate zones in Spain to meet the load requirements of industrial towns. Homer software was used to determine the most efficient configuration for supplying the average load of the industrial sector, with a value of 1500 kWh/day and a peak load of 114.58 kW, and the residential sector, with a value of 150 kWh/day and a peak load of 27.85 kW. Optimization is carried out to minimize the evaluation parameters of net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE). According to the software outputs, it appears that the system utilizes a variety of renewable energies. The priority is to use all hybrid system components, and the wind–PV–diesel–battery configuration has performed best in all cities. The cities of A Coruña, Bilbao, Ponferrada, Almería, Barcelona, Salamanca, Seville, Zaragoza, and Madrid, respectively, with NPC values of 1.39, 1.67, 1.76, 1.92, 2.23, 2.29, 2.39, 2.55, 2.61 M$ and COE values of 0.199, 0.24, 0.252, 0.276, 0.32, 0.329, 0.343, 0.366, 0.374 $/kWh have economic efficiency from the highest to the lowest. Reducing pollution production is one of the key reasons for approaching hybrid technologies. In this regard, A Coruña has the lowest carbon emissions among the selected cities, with 25,190, and 95.5% of its energy production is renewable. On the other hand, Madrid, which uses 89% renewable energy, has the highest carbon dioxide production with a value of 59,242. The system analysis in different cities of Spain provides insight into the conditions necessary for establishing such systems in different climate zones, which can serve as a road map for other places in the country.
Conjoint transcriptomic and proteogenomic analysis of quality formation in various Porphyra dentata harvests: Photosynthesis acts as a stressor
Authors: Yang Mingchang , Ma Lizhen , Yang Xianqing , Li Laihao , Chen Shengjun , Qi Bo , Wang Yueqi , Li Chunsheng , Wei Ya , Wang Di , Zhao Yongqiang
Published: May 2023

Porphyra dentata is widely cultivated for its rich nutritional value and superior palatability. However, its quality varies with harvest time and there is a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanism of quality differences. Photosynthesis is a key factor in human‐mediated plant development and quality formation and changes. To explore the quality impact of photosynthesis on P. dentata, we compared transcriptomic and proteogenomic data of the first and fifth harvests. Of the 53,580 genes detected in this study, 7073 were identified as differentally expressed genes by RNA‐seq, and 462 showed differential expression between genes and proteins in proteogenomics. The results show that quality differences between harvest periods were regulated by proteins and genes from the allophycocyanin, Lhca1, chloroplast processing enzyme, and phycocyanin families. Generated cell tissue passivated continuously, the blades gradually became thicker and darker and had an increased degree of lignification, decreased protein levels, increased carbohydrate levels, and decreased quality. Our results demonstrate the complementary power of transcriptomics and proteogenomics and provide a rich database for quality improvement or evolutionary function analysis of P. dentata.
Systematic review on oral microbial dysbiosis and its clinical associations with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ting Haaron S. L. , Chen Zigui , Chan Jason Y. K.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The relationship between head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the oral microbiome has been drawn in various studies. Microbial diversities, microbiome profiles, metagenomic analysis, and host–pathogen interactions were collected from these studies to highlight similarities and account for inconsistencies. We also evaluate the possible clinical applications of the microbiome regarding screening and diagnosis of HNSCC.

Methods

Systematic analysis of studies regarding HNSCC and the microbiome was done according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Articles were retrieved from four databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CUHK Full‐Text Journals, and Cochrane database) and were screened using predefined criteria.

Results

Twenty studies were chosen after screening for full‐text review. α‐diversity comparison was inconsistent whereas β‐diversity between HNSCC and normal samples showed distinct clustering. Microbial dysbiosis characterized by change in the relative abundances of several bacterial species were also seen in HNSCC patients. At a phylum level, inconsistencies were seen between studies using HNSCC tumor tissue samples and saliva samples. At a genus level, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Alloprevotella, Capnocytophaga, Catonella, and Prevotella were differentially enriched in HNSCC while Streptococcus, Actinomyces Veillonella, and Rothia were differentially depleted. Co‐occurrence network analysis revealed a positive correlation of HNSCC with periodontal pathogens and a negative correlation with commensal bacteria. Metagenomic analysis of microbiota revealed a differential enrichment of pro‐inflammatory genomic pathways which was consistent across various studies. Microbial dysbiosis was applied in clinical use as a tool for HNSCC screening. Random‐forest analysis was adopted to differentiate between tumor and normal tissue, at 95.7% and 70.0% accuracies respectively in two studies. Microbial dysbiosis index was also used to predict prognosis.

Conclusions

Oral microbial dysbiosis could be a promising tool for HNSCC screening and diagnosis. However, more research should be conducted pertaining to clinical applications to improve diagnostic accuracy and explore other clinical uses.
Euthanasia in Africa: A scoping review of empirical evidence
Authors: Amzat Jimoh , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Ismail Abbas , Egbedina Eyinade Adeduntan
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

The core ethical perplexity is that physician‐assisted suicide and euthanasia (PAS/E) contradicts the core value of medical practice which is about the duty of care to preserve life. While most arguments for and against euthanasia emerge from other continents, no African country legalizes or decriminalizes PAS/E. The essence of this scoping review is to collate evidence and scientific voices on euthanasia in Africa by synthesizing empirical articles on the subject in Africa.

Methods

In this scoping review, a systematic search of five electronic research databases—PubMed, SCOPUS, CINHAL Complete, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), and APA PsycInfo—was conducted to identify relevant articles conducted in Africa on euthanasia. After deduplication with the Rayyan software, the retrieved literature were screened for eligibility, and only eligible articles were included in the review. Relevant data from these articles were extracted and analyzed using narrative synthesis.

Results

Only 14 articles reporting empirical studies, conducted in Africa, and published in English, were included in the review after a rigorous screening process. The review shows a wide rejection of euthanasia, but there is not much resistance to passive euthanasia, that is, withholding/withdrawing life‐saving medical care from a terminally ill patient, mostly due to advanced age of the patient and the incurability of the illness. Many factors, such as religion, profession, and age help in shaping the way an individual view and understand PAS/E. Professionals take the patient's clinical condition and sociocultural context into consideration when making decisions about end‐of‐life care. The sociocultural context did not favor PAS/E.

Conclusion

Euthanasia will continue to be a subject of controversy and debate in Africa and elsewhere. The majority of Africans hold the duty of care and preservation of life as the hallmark of medical practice, which informs the wide rejection of PAS/E.
Stop, collaborate, and listen: Encouraging interprofessional education through critical care simulations for pharmacy students
Authors: Shah Kaanan R. , McKeefer Haley J. M. , Wieters Matthew D. , Babalola R. Oluwafunmito , Hodge Crystal K.
Published: May 2023

The ability to work effectively on an interprofessional team is a key skill for pharmacy students, especially in the critical care setting. Successful interprofessional teamwork between pharmacists and the health care team has been shown to improve patient outcomes. Subsequently, early exposure to interprofessionalism in the critical care setting may benefit student pharmacist confidence and performance prior to advanced hospital rotations. Simulation training offers an ideal, low‐risk educational methodology for student pharmacists to practice key skills. To describe changes in student pharmacist confidence in pharmacotherapy interventions and interprofessional skills using team‐based critical care simulations. Teams of two student pharmacists and six student physicians executed two simulated cases of myocardial infarction and emergent hypertension under the auspices of a physician resident or senior student physician. After diagnosis by the student physicians, student pharmacists consulted on treatment decisions including drug selection, dose, and frequency. Confidence in clinical skills and interprofessionalism were assessed via an unvalidated, pre‐ and post‐simulation survey unique to each profession. Questions were a combination of free responses and a five‐point Likert scale. A total of 105 students participated in the simulations with 26 student pharmacists and 79 student physicians. After the simulations, student pharmacist confidence in their pharmacotherapy knowledge of emergent hypertension and myocardial infarctions (p < 0.02) improved; however, their confidence in effectively communicating with their physician counterparts did not increase significantly (p = 0.06). Student physician confidence in the pharmacist's role during codes increased (p < 0.001), which coincided with student pharmacists' feeling respected and included by the physician team. Interprofessional simulations can supplement critical care exposure and pharmacotherapy education for student pharmacists and student physicians. The simulation design discussed in this report can provide pharmacy educators with a model for implementing team‐based critical care scenarios within pharmacotherapy or foundational professional skills curricula.
Examining the associations between physical activity, self‐esteem, perceived stress, and internalizing symptoms among older adolescents
Authors: Wright Laura J. , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J. C. S. , Williams Sarah E.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In older adolescence, stress has been found to be prevalent. It has been seen that higher physical activity (PA) relates to lower stress levels, which, in turn, relates to fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms (internalizing symptoms). However, how these associations function is not fully understood. PA is strongly associated with greater self‐esteem in adolescents. As greater self‐esteem is thought to aid better coping with stress and has been seen as beneficial for mental health in adolescents, PA may be associated with lower stress and better mental health through self‐esteem and more adaptive stress appraisals. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the relationships between PA, self‐esteem, stress, and mental health.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was employed, and path analysis was implemented. PA, self‐esteem, stress appraisals, distress tolerance, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using online questionnaires from 244 adolescent participants from the United Kingdom (aged 15–19, M = 16.75 [SD = 0.82], 145 female).

Results

Path analysis revealed that PA was associated with lower perceived stress through increased self‐esteem, adaptive appraisals, and higher distress tolerance (total standardized indirect effect; p = .007 (−0.25 to −0.11). Moreover, lower perceived stress was associated with lower anxiety (standardized direct effect; p < .001 [2.65–4.0] and depressive symptoms (standardized direct effect; p < .001 [0.33–0.63]).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that higher PA could be effective in improving mental health among older adolescents, due to its association with perceived stress through higher self‐esteem and more adaptive appraisals of stress.
CUL4A‐mediated ZEB1/microRNA‐340‐5p/HMGB1 axis promotes the development of osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Hongliang , Zheng Qiang , Lv You , Yang Zhongfeng , Fu Qin
Published: May 2023

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoclast differentiation provides insights into bone loss and even osteoporosis. The specific mechanistic actions of cullin 4A (CUL4A) in osteoclast differentiation and resultant osteoporosis is poorly explored. We developed a mouse model of osteoporosis using bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and examined CUL4A expression. It was noted that CUL4A expression was increased in the bone marrow of OVX mice. Overexpression of CUL4A promoted osteoclast differentiation, and knockdown of CUL4A alleviated osteoporosis symptoms of OVX mice. Bioinformatic analyses were applied to identify the downstream target genes of microRNA‐340‐5p (miR‐340‐5p), followed by interaction analysis. The bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were isolated from femur of OVX mice, which were transfected with different plasmids to alter the expression of CUL4A, Zinc finer E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), miR‐340‐5p, and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). ChIP assay was performed to detect enrichment of ZEB1 promoter by H3K4me3 antibody in BMMs. ZEB1 was overexpressed in the bone marrow of OVX mice. Overexpression of CUL4A mediated H3K4me3 methylation to increase ZEB1 expression, thus promoting osteoclast differentiation. Meanwhile, ZEB1 could inhibit miR‐340‐5p expression and upregulate HMGB1 to induce osteoclast differentiation. Overexpressed ZEB1 activated the TLR4 pathway by regulating the miR‐340‐5p/HMGB1 axis to induce osteoclast differentiation, thus promoting the development of osteoporosis. Overall, E3 ubiquitin ligase CUL4A can upregulate ZEB1 to repress miR‐340‐5p expression, leading to HMGB1 upregulation and the TLR4 pathway activation, which promotes osteoclast differentiation and the development of osteoporosis.
Application of phyto‐fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles to diminish brown spot of pear whilst maintaining its quality
Authors: Jabeen Hira , Haroon Urooj , Bilal Aatra , Anjum Lubna , Kamal Asif , Bibi Hasna , Anar Maryam , Ahmed Junaid , Farhana  , Saleem Hira , Akbar Mahnoor , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain
Published: May 2023

Pyrus communis is a common fruit of temperate region, its domestication and origin is at two different points, Asia and China. Pear fruits bearing brown spot symptoms were picked, and pathogen was isolated and poured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. On basis of molecular and molecular analyses, this isolated pathogen was identified as Alternaria alternata. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were prepared from Theveti peruviana leaf extract and were characterized through various techniques Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of prepared ZnO NPs depicted the presence of agents responsible for stabilization and reduction such as alkenes, alkynes, nitro compounds, alkyl halides, aromatic compounds and aliphatic amines. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the size (27 nm) and crystalline nature of ZnO NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted the irregular shape of the prepared ZnO NPs. Mass percentage of zinc (79.84%) and oxygen (20.16%) was depicted using Energy Dispersive X‐Ray (EDX) analysis. The in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity (A.F) of prepared NPs against A. alternata was confirmed by poisoned food technique and wound inoculation method. On the basis of which it was concluded that 1.0 mg/mL concentration of ZnO NPs could effectively inhibit A. alteranata growth and minimize the risk of brown spot of pear. SEM images of A. alternata under 1 mg/mL NPs showed the deformation in morphology of A. alternata. ZnO NPs also aided in the preservation of its various organoleptic and biochemical properties. The high percentage of soluble solids, firmness, ascorbic acid and sugars demonstrated its high quality. It has been concluded that 1 mg/mL ZnO NPs can effectively control brown spot of pear while maintaining its quality. In addition, the method might be applied to control emerging diseases in an ecofriendly way to meet the global food demand.

Research Highlights

Isolation and characterization of pathogen causing brown spot in pear.

Pathogenicity of A. alternata was checked on healthy fruits.

Thevetia peruviana leaf extract was used for the synthesis, characterization and antifungal assay of ZnO Nanoparticles.

Green synthesized nanoparticles can be economically effective alternative fungicide for the large scale in agriculture fields
Modulation Effects of the CEP128 Gene on Radiotherapy‐Related Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Structural Study Using Multi‐Parametric Brain MR Images
Authors: Lin Shiwei , Lv Xiaofei , Lin Xiaoshan , Chen Shengli , Li Yanqing , Xu Manxi , Qiu Yingwei , Tang Linquan
Published: May 2023

Background

The promoter variant rs17111237 in the CEP128 closely relates to radiotherapy (RT)‐related brain necrosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Purpose

To explore RT‐related dynamic alterations in brain morphology and their potential genetic mechanism, and to explore the modulatory effects of CEP128 genetic variants on RT‐related brain morphological alterations in NPC patients.

Study Type

Prospective, longitudinal.

Population

One hundred one patients with histopathologic ally‐proven NPC (age 41.64 ± 9.63, 46 male), analyzed at baseline (pre‐RT), 3‐months post‐RT and 6 months post‐RT, and 19 sex‐, age‐ and education‐matched healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D gradient echo brain volume (3D‐BRAVO) and diffusion‐weighted single‐shot spin‐echo echo‐planar sequences at 3.0 T.

Assessment

rs17111237 in CEP128 was detected by Sanger sequencing. Structural and diffusion images were processed with FreeSurfer and FSL. Morphometric similarity network (MSN) was constructed with nine cortical indices derived from structural and diffusion images.

Statistical Tests

One‐way ANOVA, chi‐square test. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to measure the relationship between CEP128 gene‐expression level in human brain and MSN alterations. Repeated analysis of variance performed to assess group differences in MSN and the modulatory effects of the CEP128 gene within patients. Significance level: P < 0.05, false‐discovery rate correction.

Results

RT‐related significant widespread MSN alterations were observed in the cortices of NPC patients. Notably, regional MSN alterations had a weak but significant negative correlation with the cortical pattern of CEP128 gene expression (r = −0.152). Furthermore, rs17111237 in the CEP128 had significant modulatory effects on the observed MSN alterations in NPC patients, with the modulatory effects being most obvious at 3 months post‐RT.

Conclusions

MSN has potential to serve as a sensitive biomarker to detect RT‐related brain injury. Inter‐brain regional and inter‐patient variability of RT‐related brain injuries may be attributed to the cortical expression of the CEP128 gene and the modulatory effects of the promoter variant rs17111237 in CEP128.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
What is the most cost‐beneficial way to prepare micafungin for paediatric oncology patients?
Authors: Li Erica , Smith Evonne
Published: May 2023

Background

A recent change in local paediatric antifungal guidelines resulted in an increase in micafungin use. Micafungin is an expensive medicine costing AUD $80 per vial. The pharmacy aseptic production unit (APU) has the ability to compound doses to share vials of micafungin to minimise wastage.

Aim

To determine whether aseptically compounded and individually prepared doses of micafungin would be more cost‐beneficial than nurses using whole vials prepared on the ward, and to determine which dose and numbers of doses would be most cost‐beneficial to compound.

Method

A time and motion study of 20 patients determined how long it took for nurses and the pharmacy APU to prepare doses. An economic analysis of time, cost of labour, and consumables outlined the cost to make one to seven doses with doses ranging from 10 to 200 mg.

Results

On average, it took the pharmacy APU 42 min and nurses 9 min to prepare a single dose. Aseptically compounding one dose, whole vials (doses of 50 mg increments), and doses near whole vials had no cost‐benefit. Aseptically compounding five doses or more had would result in a cost‐benefit.

Conclusion

Depending on the dose required, cost savings could be obtained when the pharmacy APU prepared multiple doses, with a maximum saving of $350.10 for a 7‐day course. Determining baseline costs of micafungin preparation is relevant if there are future requests to compound medicines as the data could be extrapolated and applied to the new request.
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma: Canadian practices and outcomes
Authors: Deban Melina , Taqi Kadhim , Knapp Gregory C. , Soucisse Mikael , Curry Matt , Sidéris Lucas , Dubé Pierre , Khaldi Maher Al , Jedrzejko Nicole , Porter Geoff , Giacomantonio Carman , Hamilton Trevor , MacNeill Andrea , Mack Lloyd , Bouchard‐Fortier Antoine
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is a rare malignancy originating from the peritoneal lining. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the standard‐of‐care for patients with isolated PM. Due to a paucity of prospective data there are several different HIPEC protocols. The aims of this study are to describe the CRS and HIPEC protocols for PM and patient outcomes across Canada.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed and treated for PM with CRS and HIPEC in four major peritoneal disease centers in Canada between 2000 and 2021. Data on patient characteristics, treatment patterns, postoperative morbidity, recurrence, and survival were collected.

Results

A total of 72 patients were identified. Mean age was 52 years (17–75) and 37.5% were male. Epithelioid (70.1%) and multicystic (13%) mesothelioma were the most common subtypes. Twenty‐one patients (30%) were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CRS and HIPEC was performed in 64 patients (91.4%). Of these, the mean PCI was 22 (2–39) and cisplatin+doxorubicin was the most common HIPEC regimen (n = 33, 51.6%). A semi‐closed coliseum technique was used in 68.8% of HIPECs and the mean duration of surgery was 486 min (90–1052). Clavien‐Dindo III or IV complications occurred in 12 patients (16.9%). With a median follow‐up of 24 months (0.2–104.4), we found a 5‐year overall survival of 61% and a 5‐year recurrence‐free survival of 35%.

Conclusion

CRS and HIPEC is a safe and effective treatment modality for well‐selected patients with PM, with some achieving prolonged survival.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Intraconal Orbital Tumors: Outcomes and Lessons Learned
Authors: Sindwani Raj , Sreenath Satyan B. , Recinos Pablo F.
Published: May 2023

Background

Lesions involving the intraconal space of the orbit are rare and challenging to manage. Operative techniques and outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to tumors in the medial intraconal space (MIS) remain poorly characterized.

Objective

We present our experience with a wide range of isolated intraconal pathology managed via an EEA.

Methods

A retrospective review of all cases (2014–2021) performed by a single skull base team in which the EEA was employed for the management of an intraconal orbital lesion.

Results

Twenty patients (13 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 59 years (range, 40–89 years) were included. All lesions were isolated to the MIS, pathology addressed included: cavernous hemangioma (6), schwannoma (4), lymphoma (4), inflammatory pseudotumor (2), chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (2), and metastatic disease (2). Either a biopsy (10/20) or a complete resection (10/20) was performed. In all cases, the MIS was accessed via an endonasal corridor between the medial and inferior rectus muscles. Retraction and safe, intra‐orbital dissection of the lesion was performed using a two‐surgeon, multi‐handed technique. Gross total resection of benign lesions was achieved in 90% (9/10) of cases; a pathologic diagnosis was achieved in 100% (10/10) of biopsy cases. No orbital reconstruction was required. Visual acuity returned to normal in 80% (8/10) of planned resection cases and postoperative diplopia resolved by 3 months in 90%. Mean follow‐up was 15 months.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the EEA is safe and effective for accessing lesions in the MIS. This technique affords very favorable outcomes with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:47–55, 2024
Difficult Tracheal Intubation and Airway Outcomes after Radiation for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Alice E. , Camiré Daenis , Hwang Peter H. , Nekhendzy Vladimir
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to characterize the incidence and management of difficult tracheal intubations (DTIs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after primary radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

The study was a retrospective review of airway assessment and outcomes in post‐RT NPC patients. Primary analysis was performed on patients who underwent post‐RT procedures, who were split into non‐DTI and DTI groups. Patients were classified as DTI if they (i) required >1 attempt to intubate, (ii) failed to be intubated, or (iii) experienced complications attributed to airway management. Secondary analysis was performed between patients who underwent post‐RT procedures (procedure group) and those who did not (control group).

Results

One‐hundred and fifty patients were included, and 71.3% underwent post‐RT procedures, with no differences in characteristics between the procedure and control groups. One‐hundred and fifty procedures were identified, and 28.0% were categorized as DTI. There was no difference in patient characteristics or airway assessment measures between DTI and non‐DTI groups. Regression analysis revealed concurrent cervical mobility restriction, and trismus increased DTI incidence by 7.1‐fold (p = 0.011). Being non‐White was an independent predictor of DTI. The incidence of high‐grade intraoperative laryngoscopic view was lower in the non‐DTI compared to the DTI group (20.4% vs. 64.3%, p < 0.0001). Failure to intubate occurred in 2.0% of cases, and 6.0% cases had perioperative complications. Based on preoperative assessment, sensitivity of predicting DTI was 54.8% and specificity was 63.9%.

Conclusion

NPC patients frequently undergo post‐RT procedures requiring complex airway management. Rates of DTI and failed intubation are significantly higher than those in the general surgical population, and the ability to predict DTI with standard preoperative airway measures is poor.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:120–126, 2024
A Degradable Sustained‐Release Drug Delivery System for Bleb‐Forming Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: van Mechelen Ralph J.S. , Wolters Jarno E.J. , Fredrich Sebastian , Bertens Christian J.F. , Gijbels Marion J.J. , Schenning Albert P.H.J. , Pinchuk Leonard , Gorgels Theo G.M.F. , Beckers Henny J.M.
Published: May 2023

Fibrosis of the filtering bleb is one of the main causes of failure after bleb‐forming glaucoma surgery. Intraoperative application of mitomycin C (MMC) is the current gold standard to reduce the fibrotic response. However, MMC is cytotoxic and one‐time application is often insufficient. A sustained‐release drug delivery system (DDS), loaded with MMC, may be less cytotoxic and equally or more effective. Two degradable (polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA)) MMC‐loaded DDSs are developed. Release kinetics are first assessed in vitro followed by rabbit implants in conjunction with the PRESERFLO MicroShunt. As a control, the MicroShunt is implanted with adjunctive use of a MMC solution. Rabbits are euthanized at postoperative day (POD) 28 and 90. The PLGA and PCL DDSs release (on average) 99% and 75% of MMC, respectively. All groups show functioning blebs until POD 90. Rabbits implanted with a DDS show more inflammation with avascular thin‐walled blebs when compared to the control. However, collagen is more loosely arranged. The PLGA DDS shows less inflammation, less foreign body response (FBR), and more complete degradation at POD 90 when compared to the PCL DDS. Further optimization with regard to dosage is required to reduce side effects to the conjunctiva.
The cofinality of the strong measure zero ideal for κ inaccessible
Authors: Schürz Johannes Philipp
Published: May 2023

We investigate the cofinality of the strong measure zero ideal for κ inaccessible and show that it is independent of the size of 2κ.
Hedonic objects and utilitarian experiences: The overriding influence of hedonism in driving consumer happiness
Authors: Kousi Sofia , Halkias Georgios , Kokkinaki Flora
Published: May 2023

The experience recommendation prescribes a disadvantage to material purchases, suggesting that spending on experiential rather than material purchases makes people happier. This study challenges this idea by examining the hedonic/utilitarian nature of purchases. The results of a qualitative study and four experiments (one preregistered) show that the happiness advantage of experiential (vs. material) purchases is contingent on pronounced hedonic properties. Our results indicate that hedonism asymmetries override the distinction between purchase type, such that there is no happiness advantage in buying experiences over material objects when purchases are equally (non)hedonic. Importantly, we find that hedonism is more instrumental for material purchases and that hedonic materials are equally effective as experiential purchases, altogether, and even outperform utilitarian experiences in eliciting happiness. Our findings encourage consumers to focus on the properties, rather than the type, of purchases to increase purchase‐related happiness. Our results further suggest that marketers of material goods, in particular, can considerably increase customer value by using design components, product features, and brand imagery that leverage hedonic qualities.
Underscoring flavor or healthiness? The effectiveness of different communication appeals in promoting local food and the moderating role of individual construal
Authors: Pichierri Marco , Peluso Alessandro M.
Published: May 2023

One way for local economies to foster sustainable development is to encourage the consumption of local food products. Thus, there is value in understanding which marketing strategies would be useful in this regard, especially in service settings such as restaurants. Through four experimental studies, the present research shows that centering a communication message on healthy (vs. tasty) properties can increase consumers' intention to promote local food products (e.g., traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients) by spreading positive word‐of‐mouth about them (Studies 1A and 1B). Yet, consumers' construal level (low [concrete mindset] vs. high [abstract mindset]) moderates this effect in such a way that the message focused on tastiness (vs. health) is more effective in enhancing word‐of‐mouth intention (Studies 2 and 3) for consumers with a concrete (vs. abstract) mindset. These findings add to scholars' understanding on how message framing and consumers' cognitive styles interact to influence consumers' intentions. Food marketers are therefore encouraged to carefully consider the focus of their communications and their interplay with the way in which individuals interpret actions or events (i.e., their construal) to develop more effective strategies for promoting local food products.
Night‐Time Apomorphine Infusion: Who Are the Best Candidates?
Authors: Cochen De Cock Valérie , Dodet Pauline , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Aerts Cécile , Abril Beatriz , Castelnovo Giovanni , Landragin Nicolas , Drapier Sophie , Olivet Hélène , Corbillé Anne‐Gaëlle , Leclair‐Visonneau Laurène , Anheim Mathieu , Vidailhet Marie , Arnulf Isabelle , Doulazmi Mohamed , Roze Emmanuel ,   Post‐hoc analysis of the APOMORPHEE study
Published: May 2023

Background

We recently demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial (APOMORPHEE, NCT02940912) that night‐time only subcutaneous apomorphine infusion improves sleep disturbances and insomnia in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease and moderate to severe insomnia.

Objectives

To identify the best candidates for receiving night‐time only subcutaneous apomorphine infusion in routine care.

Methods

In this post‐hoc analysis of APOMORPHEE, we compared the characteristics of patients according to whether they chose to continue night‐time only subcutaneous apomorphine infusion at the end of the study period or not.

Results

Half of the patients (22/42) chose to continue the treatment. Off duration (day or night), painful Off dystonia, and insomnia severity at baseline were associated with night‐time only apomorphine continuation. Multivariate analysis retained only Off duration as an independent predictor of continuation.

Conclusions

The best candidates for night‐time only apomorphine are patients with severe and prolonged Off periods (day or night) and severe insomnia.