bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Budesonide Inhalation on Asthmatic Child: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Saad Radwa Sameh , Moursi Hazem Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Background: Asthma is a diverse inflammatory airway illness characterized by intermittent respiratory manifestations, and inhaled steroids (ICS) constitute the foundation of all asthma management regimens. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled Budesonide (BUD) regimens for recurrent wheeze treatment in pre-schoolers.

Methods: This retrospective randomized controlled research involved 70 pediatric subjects aged from 6-12 years old, both sexes having four wheezing episodes or more in the last year; and satisfying at least one main condition or two minor of them. Case selection was rigorously regulated by experts who specialize in children’s respiratory disorders diagnosis and treatment, notably asthma. The included children had mild-to-moderate asthma.

Results: After treatment, FEV1, FVC and FEV1: FVC were significantly elevated in group A than group B (P value <0.001). Urgent care visits and hospitalizations because of asthma were significantly lower in group A than group B (P value = 0.003 and 0.008 respectively).

Conclusions: We have shown that the BUD Inhalation is an effective and safe management for long term asthma treatment. Compared to placebo, BUD was related with a higher decrease in asthma manifestations and a rise in the number episode free days.
Factors Associated with Unmet Needs for Family Planning among People Living with HIV/AIDS in the South-South Region of Nigeria
Authors: Ofurum Ifeoma C. , Mba Onyinye G. , Enyindah Cosmos E.
Published: March 2023

Background: Family planning is an important part of reproductive health which assists couples and individuals to make decisions regarding the timing, spacing, as well as the number of desired children. For individuals living with HIV, this can be challenging, as assess to reproductive health services may be hampered by a range of factors, thus causing an unmet need for family planning.

Aim: To investigate the factors associated with unmet needs for family planning among people living with HIV/AIDS in the South-South Region of Nigeria.

Study Design: Facility-based cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the HIV clinics of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa and Otuasega Cottage Hospital (OCH), Ogbia in Bayelsa state.

Methodology: Six hundred (600) participants were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data obtained from the study were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square and Binary logistic regression were used to test for association between variables. Statistical significance was set at p=0.05.

Result: The response rate was 100%. The unmet family planning needs were identified in 43.5% of the study population. Duration of status awareness (X2=9.983, P=0.002), ART duration (X2=10.410, P=0.001), number of sexual partners (X2=36.665, P=0.001) were significantly associated with unmet planning family need. Likewise, age group (X2=22.988, P<0.001), gender (X2=9.327, P=0.002), and religion (X2=17.243, P=0.001) were also significantly associated with unmet family planning needs. Binary logistic regression showed that respondents who were 40 years or more had 2.15 odds of unmet family planning needs compared to those less than 40 years. Also, respondents who had one sexual partner had 2.98 odds of unmet family planning needs when compared to respondents who had multiple sexual partners.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of unmet family planning needs among people living with HIV/AIDS in the South-South region of Nigeria.
Understanding Social Accountability at Rural Local Governance in Bangladesh and the Way Forward: In the Case of Union Parishad
Authors: Jahan Miskat
Published: March 2023

In the 21st Century social accountability has become one of the preconditions to create a more transparent and representative government and aid public institutions in meeting the expectations of the population through empowering citizens which is necessary for effective and sustainable development. Social accountability of the elected representatives at the rural level may help the government increase service quality, empower rural citizens, and promote good governance. At present Bangladesh, mostly known as the “Development Surprise”, has leaped towards lower middle-income country status from a poor developing one within four decades of its decisive victory. In this stage of growth and development, the persistence of social accountability at the rural local government would ensure the attainment of sustainable development through ensuring demand-based service delivery. Against this backdrop, this paper intends to explore the present status of social accountability mechanisms at the Union Parishad which is the lowest tier of rural local governance in Bangladesh. Based on the analysis, several recommendations for the way forward have been summarized. Secondary data analysis and empirical knowledge have been exerted which would refer to a clear view of the current status of social accountability at the grass root level. The first section mentions the importance of social accountability at the union level based on theoretical analysis. Existing mechanisms to ensure social accountability at Union Parishad have been delineated in the second section. The third section develops a compact understanding of the current status of social accountability at the Union Parishad level. The fourth section will share a discussion of the findings, recommendations, and conclusion. This study finds that the lack of interest among Union Parishad Functionaries, avoidance by citizens, irregularities in committee formation, irregular meetings, lack of resources, clientelism and Govt. supervision, etc. have made the social accountability mechanisms at the rural local government ineffective and fruitless. The political willingness of the Government, GO-NGO collaboration, allocation of resources to rural local government, awareness raising among citizens, educating citizens politically, and ensuring proper training for the officials in the Union Parishad can play an important role to revive social accountability through deliberative forums and committees in the rural local government.
Alexina de Magalhães e Lavinia Raymond
Authors: Gomes Angela de Castro , Abreu Martha
Published: March 2023

Este artigo discute como teses interpretativas muito compartilhadas sobre o racismo e o folclore negro podem se transformar a partir do trabalho de pesquisa etnográfica, aqui entendido como uma prática de mediação cultural. Alexina de Magalhães Pinto e Lavinia Costa Raymond foram duas intelectuais brancas, professoras e autoras, que apesar de hoje esquecidas, projetaram-se no mundo letrado e acadêmico de seu tempo. Atuaram em dois momentos decisivos, mesmo que distintos, para os debates sobre a questão racial no Brasil: as décadas de 1900 a 1920 e de 1935 a 1955. Enfrentaram, cada uma a sua maneira, ainda que de forma inicial e ambígua, as teses sobre o desaparecimento das expressões culturais afro-brasileiras, encontrando caminhos para a valorização do patrimônio cultural construído pelos descendentes de escravizados.
Frantz Fanon e a descolonização
Authors: Silveira Renato da
Published: March 2023

Em 1952, um médico martinicano desconhecido chamado Frantz Fanon publicaria uma contundente denúncia do racismo estrutural na região do antigo Império Francês. Seu livro, Pele negra, máscaras brancas, além de ter pela primeira vez traçado um diagnóstico psiquiátrico da alienação causada pelo racismo, introduziria uma série de inovações como a interdisciplinaridade e o processualismo, que seriam em seguida adotadas pelas ciências sociais. Mas também revelaria uma decepção sofrida com o tratamento que recebeu na metrópole e um descontentamento com os temas propostos pelos movimentos de contestação então existentes, concluindo sua obra com mais dilemas do que soluções. Nos anos seguintes, Fanon se tornaria um militante anticolonialista mundialmente respeitado, como dirigente da Frente Nacional de Libertação da Argélia. Publicaria então, meses antes do seu falecimento, Os condenados da terra, uma áspera crítica das soluções políticas estabelecidas na África pós-colonial. Porém, no momento em que o movimento social estava internacionalmente se diversificando e as culturas tradicionais ganhavam destaque na pós-colonialidade, ele promoveria uma depreciação sistemática daquelas culturas e uma superestimação do papel dos partidos revolucionários, os quais, vitoriosos, terminaram decepcionando a humanidade militante, ao instituir uma espécie de neoabsolutismo e criar novos sistemas de exploração e opressão.
Alforrias, relações de gênero e maternidade na Cidade da Bahia em meados do Setecentos
Authors: Hora Raiza Cristina Canuta da
Published: March 2023

Neste artigo analisei inicialmente o perfil dos alforriados na Cidade da Bahia, entre os anos de 1751 e 1766, por meio de 1.026 cartas de liberdade registradas nos cartórios da cidade que alforriaram 1.118 pessoas. Interessou-me conhecer as chances para sair da escravidão dos cativos nascidos no Brasil e daqueles nascidos no continente africano, bem como outros aspectos dessa população, em particular, gênero, nação e cor. Busquei, naturalmente, lançar alguma luz sobre aspectos da história social da escravidão urbana na Salvador da época. Tal esforço teve o intuito de preparar caminho para discussões realizadas num segundo momento, quando questionei quais justificativas para as alforrias foram utilizadas em Salvador nesse período e como isso se relaciona com as questões de gênero e maternidade. A presente investigação permitiu constatar a centralidade das mães no esforço para a conquista da liberdade das novas gerações de escravizados nascidos na América portuguesa.
Epitope analysis of human monoclonal antibodies from a patient with autoimmune factor XIII deficiency reveals their inhibitory mechanisms
Authors: Osaki Tsukasa , Souri Masayoshi , Ozawa Tatsuhiko , Muraguchi Atsushi , Ichinose Akitada
Published: March 2023

Autoimmune coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency (AiF13D) is a bleeding disorder caused by anti‐FXIII autoantibodies. Recently, we generated human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from the peripheral blood of an AiF13D patient and classified them into three groups: FXIII‐dissociation inhibitor, FXIII‐assembly inhibitor, and non‐neutralizing/inhibitory mAbs. However, the epitope region and molecular inhibitory mechanism of each mAb remain unknown. Here, we localized the epitope regions of the representative inhibitory mAbs A69K (dissociation inhibitor) and A78L (assembly inhibitor) to the β‐barrel‐2 domain and boundary of β‐barrel‐1&2 domains, respectively, of the FXIII‐A subunit, by combining a binding assay using its synthesized peptides and a protease‐protection assay. Our findings suggest that A69K inhibits the activation‐related conformational changes and dissociation of FXIII and that A78L competitively inhibits FXIII‐assembly.
Evaluating machine learning enhanced intelligent‐optimization‐engine (IOE) performance for ethos head‐and‐neck (HN) plan generation
Authors: Visak Justin , Inam Enobong , Meng Boyu , Wang Siqiu , Parsons David , Nyugen Dan , Zhang Tingliang , Moon Dominic , Avkshtol Vladimir , Jiang Steve , Sher David , Lin Mu‐Han
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Varian Ethos utilizes novel intelligent‐optimization‐engine (IOE) designed to automate the planning. However, this introduced a black box approach to plan optimization and challenge for planners to improve plan quality. This study aims to evaluate machine‐learning‐guided initial reference plan generation approaches for head & neck (H&N) adaptive radiotherapy (ART).

Methods

Twenty previously treated patients treated on C‐arm/Ring‐mounted were retroactively re‐planned in the Ethos planning system using a fixed 18‐beam intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) template. Clinical goals for IOE input were generated using (1) in‐house deep‐learning 3D‐dose predictor (AI‐Guided) (2) commercial knowledge‐based planning (KBP) model with universal RTOG‐based population criteria (KBP‐RTOG) and (3) an RTOG‐based constraint template only (RTOG) for in‐depth analysis of IOE sensitivity. Similar training data was utilized for both models. Plans were optimized until their respective criteria were achieved or DVH‐estimation band was satisfied. Plans were normalized such that the highest PTV dose level received 95% coverage. Target coverage, high‐impact organs‐at‐risk (OAR) and plan deliverability was assessed in comparison to clinical (benchmark) plans. Statistical significance was evaluated using a paired two‐tailed student t‐test.

Results

AI‐guided plans were superior to both KBP‐RTOG and RTOG‐only plans with respect to clinical benchmark cases. Overall, OAR doses were comparable or improved with AI‐guided plans versus benchmark, while they increased with KBP‐RTOG and RTOG plans. However, all plans generally satisfied the RTOG criteria. Heterogeneity Index (HI) was on average <1.07 for all plans. Average modulation factor was 12.2 ± 1.9 (p = n.s), 13.1 ± 1.4 (p = <0.001), 11.5 ± 1.3 (p = n.s.) and 12.2 ± 1.9 for KBP‐RTOG, AI‐Guided, RTOG and benchmark plans, respectively.

Conclusion

AI‐guided plans were the highest quality. Both KBP‐enabled and RTOG‐only plans are feasible approaches as clinics adopt ART workflows. Similar to constrained optimization, the IOE is sensitive to clinical input goals and we recommend comparable input to an institution's planning directive dosimetric criteria.
Ion‐Conducting Non‐Flammable Liquid Crystal–Polymer Composites for High‐Frequency Soft Actuators
Authors: Liu Chengyang , Cao Siyu , Yoshio Masafumi
Published: March 2023

High‐frequency actuators are reported based on non‐flammable lithium‐ion conducting phosphate liquid crystal–polymer composite electrolytes, which exhibit a bending response at frequencies up to 80 Hz under an AC voltage of 2 V, owing to its high ionic conductivity reaching 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature. An equimolar complex of a phosphate‐containing mesogenic molecule and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide through the ion‐dipole interactions induced a room‐temperature smectic A liquid‐crystalline (LC) phase forming 2D ion‐transport pathways comprising the 2D array of the phosphate moieties. A blend of 80 wt% LC electrolyte and 20 wt% polymers (poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)) formed a flexible, mechanically robust LC–polymer composite film. Scanning electron microscopy and white light interference microscopy revealed a microphase‐segregated structure consisting of a continuous LC phase and a porous polymer matrix. In addition, the continuity of porous structure across the film is confirmed by permeation experiments of solvents thorough the membrane with a homemade filter in a dead‐end filtration mode. The LC–polymer composite film sandwiched between two poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) electrodes is found to simultaneously exhibit high bending strain (0.63%) and high output force (0.35 mN), owing to the high ion migration into the composite electrolyte and electrode.
Engineering of M2 Macrophages‐Derived Exosomes via Click Chemistry for Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Authors: Zeng Junkai , Gu Changjiang , Sun Yanqing , Chen Xiongsheng
Published: March 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most common causes of death and disability. The effective modulation of complicated microenvironment, regeneration of injured spinal cord tissue, and the functional recovery after SCI are still clinical challenges. Recently, macrophages‐derived exosomes have shown great potential for various diseases due to their inflammation‐targeting property. However, further modifications are needed to endow exosomes with the neural regenerative potential for SCI recovery. In the current study, a novel nanoagent (MEXI) is designed for SCI treatment by conjugating bioactive IKVAV peptides to the surface of M2 macrophages‐derived exosomes via an easy and rapid click chemistry method. In vitro, MEXI inhibits the inflammation by reprograming macrophages and promotes neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells. In vivo, engineered exosomes target the injured site of the spinal cord after tail vein injection. Furthermore, histological analysis reveals that MEXI improves motor functional recovery of SCI mice by reducing infiltration of macrophages, downregulating pro‐inflammatory factors, and improving the regeneration of injured nervous tissues. Taken together, this study provides strong evidence for the significance of MEXI in SCI recovery.
Piezoresistive Free‐standing Microfiber Strain Sensor for High‐resolution Battery Thickness Monitoring
Authors: Nazari Pariya , Bäuerle Rainer , Zimmermann Johannes , Melzer Christian , Schwab Christopher , Smith Anna , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo , Lemmer Uli
Published: March 2023

Highly sensitive microfiber strain sensors are promising for the detection of mechanical deformations in applications where limited space is available. In particular for in situ battery thickness monitoring where high resolution and low detection limit are key requirements. Herein, the realization of a highly sensitive strain sensor for in situ lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) battery thickness monitoring is presented. The compliant fiber‐shaped sensor is fabricated by an upscalable wet‐spinning method employing a composite of microspherical core‐shell conductive particles embedded in an elastomer. The electrical resistance of the sensor changes under applied strain, exhibiting a high strain sensitivity and extremely low strain detection limit of 0.00005 with high durability of 10 000 cycles. To demonstrate the accuracy and ease of applicability of this sensor, the real‐time thickness change of a Li‐ion battery pouch cell is monitored during the charge and discharge cycles. This work introduces a promising approach with the least material complexity for soft microfiber strain gauges.
Raddeanin A Enhances Mitochondrial DNA‐cGAS/STING Axis‐Mediated Antitumor Immunity by Targeting Transactive Responsive DNA‐Binding Protein 43
Authors: Yin Mingxiao , Dong Jingwen , Sun Cuicui , Liu Xiaojia , Liu Zhirui , Liu Lu , Kuang Zean , Zhang Na , Xiao Dian , Zhou Xinbo , Deng Hongbin
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint therapies (ICT) have achieved unprecedented efficacy in multiple cancer treatments, but are still limited by low clinical response rates. Identification of immunogenic cell death (ICD)‐inducing drugs that can induce tumor cell immunogenicity and reprogram the tumor microenvironment is an attractive approach to enhance antitumor immunity. In the present study, Raddeanin A (RA), an oleanane class triterpenoid saponin isolated from Anemone raddeana Regel, is uncovered as a potent ICD inducer through an ICD reporter assay combined with a T cell activation assay. RA significantly increases high‐mobility group box 1 release in tumor cells and promotes dendritic cell (DC) maturation and CD8+ T cell activation for tumor control. Mechanistically, RA directly binds to transactive responsive DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) and induces TDP‐43 localization to mitochondria and mtDNA leakage, leading to cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon gene‐dependent upregulation of nuclear factor κB and type I interferon signaling, thereby potentiating the DC‐mediated antigen cross‐presentation and T cell activation. Moreover, combining RA with anti‐programmed death 1 antibody effectively enhances the efficacy of ICT in animals. These findings highlight the importance of TDP‐43 in ICD drug‐induced antitumor immunity and reveal a potential chemo‐immunotherapeutic role of RA in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Cellular response to β‐amyloid neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease and implications in new therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Li Xianghua , Wang Xiaoli , Xu Jiayu , Elefant Felice , Wang Juan
Published: March 2023

β‐Amyloid (Aβ) is a specific pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because of its neurotoxicity, AD patients exhibit multiple brain dysfunctions. Disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) is the central concept in the development of AD therapeutics today, and most DMT drugs that are currently in clinical trials are anti‐Aβ drugs, such as aducanumab and lecanemab. Therefore, understanding Aβ's neurotoxic mechanism is crucial for Aβ‐targeted drug development. Despite its total length of only a few dozen amino acids, Aβ is incredibly diverse. In addition to the well‐known Aβ1‐42, N‐terminally truncated, glutaminyl cyclase (QC) catalyzed, and pyroglutamate‐modified Aβ (pEAβ) is also highly amyloidogenic and far more cytotoxic. The extracellular monomeric Aβx‐42 (x = 1–11) initiates the aggregation to form fibrils and plaques and causes many abnormal cellular responses through cell membrane receptors and receptor‐coupled signal pathways. These signal cascades further influence many cellular metabolism‐related processes, such as gene expression, cell cycle, and cell fate, and ultimately cause severe neural cell damage. However, endogenous cellular anti‐Aβ defense processes always accompany the Aβ‐induced microenvironment alterations. Aβ‐cleaving endopeptidases, Aβ‐degrading ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), and Aβ‐engulfing glial cell immune responses are all essential self‐defense mechanisms that we can leverage to develop new drugs. This review discusses some of the most recent advances in understanding Aβ‐centric AD mechanisms and suggests prospects for promising anti‐Aβ strategies.
Characterization of triglycerides photooxidation under solar radiations: A stepwise Raman study
Authors: Assi Ali , Michael‐Jubeli Rime , Jacques‐Jamin Carine , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette , Duplan Hélène , Tfayli Ali
Published: March 2023

Triglycerides (TGs) are one of the main components of the glycerolipid family. Their main task in cells is to store excess fatty acids. TG energy storage is mainly concentrated in adipocytes. TGs and free fatty acids constitute the majority (57.5%) of the skin surface lipids (SSLs). TGs are essential for the formation of the skin water barrier. This work is the second part of a global study that aims to evaluate the effect of solar radiations on SSLs using vibrational spectroscopy. In the first part of this work, a stepwise characterization of free fatty acids was performed, and different spectral descriptors were used to follow the different structural modifications during the photo‐oxidation process, that is hydrogen abstraction, formation of hydroperoxides and peroxyl radicals as primary oxidation products and the formation of aldehydes, ketones, alcohol as secondary products. In this second part, the photo‐oxidation of TGs was evaluated using Raman spectroscopy. A decrease in the CH2/CH3 stretching bands ratio that confirmed the hydrogen abstraction, an increase in the 1165/1740 cm−1 ((δ(OH) and υ(C–O))/ν(C=O) (ester)) ratio indicated the formation of secondary oxidation products such as hydroperoxides. And finally, an increase in the 1725/1740 cm−1 (υ(C=O) (ald.)/υ(C=O) (ester)) ratio and the trans ν(C=C)/cis ν(C=C) ratio highlighted the formation of aldehydes, alcohols, ketone, trans secondary products and others.
Preparation and characterization of pH and thermally responsive perfluoropolyether acrylate copolymer micelles and investigation its drug‐loading properties
Authors: Xu Dezhong , Li Ao , Lin Weijie , Zou Qiuxia , Wu Shuai , Mondal Ajoy Kanti , Xiao Wangchuan , Huang Fang
Published: March 2023

In this study, pH and thermally responsive P(PFPHM9‐b‐DMAEMA‐b‐PEGMEA480) was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using perfluoropolyether hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PFPHM) as hydrophobic core, 2‐(Dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate as pH and thermal response function segment, and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate480 as hydrophilic shell, respectively. The chemical structure, critical micelle concentration (CMC), lower critical solution temperature (LCST), biological toxicity, stability of micelles, drug‐loading performance and cumulative drug release rate of prepared P(PFPHM9‐b‐DMAEMA‐b‐PEGMEA480) were analyzed by 19F NMR, 1H NMR, FTIR, DLS, UV–Vis, laser confocal microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results show that P(PFPHM9‐b‐DMAEMA‐b‐PEGMEA480) exhibites a CMC of 7.5 g/L, LCST of 37.6°C and excellent micelle stability. Moreover, the analysis of drug‐loading indicates that the polymer displayed drug loading efficiency (DL) is 21.3% and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) is 90.0%. Its cumulative drug release rates at pH = 6.5 (42°C) is almost double of those at pH = 7.4 (42°C), pH = 6.5 (37°C) and pH = 7.4 (37°C). These results suggeste that the P(PFPHM9‐b‐DMAEMA‐b‐PEGMEA480) at pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.4 and temperature ranging from 37 to 42°C are pH and temperature sensitive. It has great potential application as a drug loading for DOX.
Electrochemical and Structural Investigation of ReO3
Authors: Peng Jian , Parker Eleanor , Brand Helen E. A. , Sharma Neeraj
Published: March 2023

The structural evolution with alkali ion insertion, and the subsequent thermal evolution of the alkali‐ion inserted ReO3 electrodes are shown by employing in situ and ex situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD). During Na and K insertion, there is a combination of intercalation into ReO3 and a two‐phase reaction. Interestingly in the case of Li insertion, a more complex evolution is noted, which suggests a conversion reaction takes place at deep discharge (insertion). Following these ion insertion studies, extracted electrodes at various states of discharge (kinetically determined) were examined with variable temperature XRD. The thermal evolution of the AxReO3 phases, where A=Li, Na, or K, are significantly modified from the parent ReO3 thermal evolution. This shows the impact of alkali‐ion insertion on the thermal properties of ReO3.
Feasibility and impact of extra‐vascular ultrasound‐guided endovascular treatment for infrapopliteal artery occlusive disease
Authors: Tokuda Takahiro , Oba Yasuhiro , Kagase Ai , Matsuda Hiroaki , Suzuki Yoriyasu , Murata Akira , Ito Tatsuya , Hirano Keisuke
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the feasibility and impact of extra‐vascular ultrasound (EVUS)‐guided intervention for infrapopliteal (IP) artery occlusive disease.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using data collected from patients who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for IP artery occlusive disease between January 2018 and December 2020 at our institution. A total of 63 consecutive de novoocclusive lesions were compared according to the recanalization method utilized. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of the methods utilized. The prognostic value was analyzed based on the technical success rate, distal puncture rate, radiation exposure, amount of contrast media, postprocedural skin perfusion pressure (SPP), and procedural complication rate.

Results

Eighteen matched pairs of patients were analyzed using propensity score‐matched analysis. Radiation exposure was significantly lower in the EVUS‐guided group than in the angio‐guided group, with 135 and 287 mGy (p = 0.04) exposure on average, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of technical success rate, distal puncture rate, the amount of contrast media, postprocedural SPP, and procedural complication rate.

Conclusion

EVUS‐guided EVT for IP occlusive disease achieved a feasible technical success rate and significantly reduced radiation exposure.
Chemical Recycling of Waste Polypropylene via Thermocatalytic Pyrolysis over HZSM‐5 Catalysts
Authors: Inayat Amer , Inayat Alexandra , Schwieger Wilhelm , Klemencova Katerina , Lestinsky Pavel
Published: March 2023

The present work deals with the chemical recycling of waste polypropylene via thermocatalytic pyrolysis over HZSM‐5 zeolite catalysts. The main aim was to systematically investigate the influence of reactor configuration, zeolite acidity, polypropylene wastes, obtained from different sources, as well as catalyst regeneration on the product distribution. It was demonstrated that the reactor configuration and the acid site density of HZSM‐5 catalysts strongly influence the product yields and distributions. The different types of polypropylene waste, on the other hand, showed a comparatively small yet noticeable effect on the product distribution. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the HZSM‐5 catalysts exhibit good regeneration capacity during regeneration‐reaction cycles.
Interfacial Chemistry Enables Highly Reversible Na Extraction/Intercalation in Layered‐Oxide Cathode Materials†
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Wang Kuan , Ren Meng , Huang Yaohui , Zhang Kai , Liao Changzhong , Shih Kaimin , Yan Pengfei , Li Fujun
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Layered transition‐metal oxides are promising cathode candidates for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the inferior interphase formation and particulate fracture during sodiation/desodiation result in structure degradation and poor stability. Herein, the interface chemistry of P2‐Na0.640Ni0.343Mn0.657O2 in an electrolyte of 1.0 mol/L NaPF6 in diglyme is unveiled to enable highly reversible Na extraction and intercalation. The uniform and robust cathode‐electrolyte interphase layer is in situ formed with decomposition of diglyme molecules and anions in initial cycles. The NaF‐ and CO‐rich CEI film exhibits high mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, which suppresses the reconstruction of its electrode interphase from P2 phase to spinel‐like structure and reinforces its structure integrity without cracks. This favours facile Na+ transport and stable bulk redox reactions. It is demonstrated to show long cycling stability with capacity retention of 94.4% for 180 cycles and superior rate capability. This investigation highlights the cathode interphase chemistry in sodium‐ion batteries.
Combination of S···N and S···Cl Noncovalently Conformational Locks for Constructing High‐Planarity and Low‐Cost Nonfused‐Ring Electron Acceptors†
Authors: Han Ziyang , Li Congqi , Gu Xiaobin , Han Xiao , Wang Sixuan , Wei Yanan , Gao Jinhua , Wei Zhixiang , Cai Yunhao , Zhang Xin , Huang Hui
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

By employing thiazole and 4‐chlorothiazole as the A′ units, two A‐D‐A′‐D‐A type nonfused‐ring electron acceptors (NFREAs) Tz‐H and Tz‐Cl were designed and synthesized. Replacing thiazole in Tz‐H with 4‐chlorothiazole can not only remarkably shorten the synthetic route through C—H direct arylation but also enhance molecular planarity with the simultaneous incorporation of S···N and S···Cl noncovalently conformational locks (NoCLs). The photovoltaic devices based on PM6:Tz‐Cl exhibited a power conversion efficiency as high as 11.10%, much higher than that of PM6:Tz‐H (6.41%), mainly due to more efficient exciton dissociation, better and more balanced carrier mobility, less charge recombination, and more favorable morphology. These findings demonstrate the great potential of NoCLs in achieving low‐cost and high‐performance NFREAs.
Association of eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin levels with asthma control status in patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Ban Ga‐Young , Yang Eun‐Mi , Ye Young‐Min , Park Hae‐Sim
Published: March 2023

Background

The long‐term goals of asthma treatment are to achieve well control of symptoms and to minimize the future risk of asthma exacerbation. Identifying biomarkers for uncontrolled asthma is important for improving the asthma outcome. This study aimed to investigate the association of the levels of eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN) with asthma control status in specific asthma phenotype, aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and aspirin‐tolerant asthma (ATA).

Methods

A total of 136 adult asthmatics, including 47 asthmatics with AERD and 89 asthmatics with ATA, were enrolled. Plasma, sputum, and urine were collected at enrollment and the levels of EDN were measured by the K‐EDN ELISA kit. Urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) level was measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)/MS methods. Asthma control status was evaluated according to the GINA guideline, asthma control test and asthma control questionnaire scores.

Results

In the total study subjects, sputum levels of EDN as well as of urine and plasma EDN showed significantly higher levels in patients with uncontrolled asthma than in those with well‐controlled or partly‐controlled asthma (ANOVA, p < 0.001); in patients with AERD, the sputum EDN levels showed significant correlations with ACT, ACQ, and AQLQ scores (p = 0.010, r = −0.536, p = 0.001, r = 0.665, and p < 0.001, r = −0.691, respectively), while no differences were noted in patients with ATA. Sputum EDN level was the only significant factor for ACT, ACQ, and AQLQ scores in patients with AERD (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) in the multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, peripheral eosinophil count, and urine LTE4. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that sputum EDN can predict uncontrolled asthma with 80% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity for ACT ≤ 19 (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.824, p = 0.019); 71.4% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity for ACQ ≥ 1.5 (AUC = 0.752, p = 0.049) only in AERD patients.

Conclusion

The level of sputum EDN may be a potential biomarker for identifying the asthma control status in patients with AERD.
1‐Phospha‐Butadienes and 1H‐Phospholes via Alkynylation of Acetylenic Phosphaalkenes
Authors: Anwar Shameem Muhammad , Kumar Gupta Arvind , Erdelyi Mate , Orthaber Andreas
Published: March 2023

Carbon‐rich motifs are important building blocks for the fabrication of functional and opto‐electronic materials. Electronic tuning can be achieved by alteration of bonding topologies but also via incorporation of heteroelements, for example phosphorus. Herein we present the palladium/copper mediated formation of branched 1‐phospha‐butadiene derivatives through an unusual alkynylation of a phospha‐enyne fragment. Structural and NMR studies provide mechanistic insights into this alkynylation. Furthermore, we disclose a complex cyclisation of the thus obtained 3‐yne‐1‐phosphabutadiene motifs to give highly substituted phosphole derivatives identified by 2D NMR and SC‐XRD analysis.
Incorporation of Bismuth Increases the Electrocatalytic Activity of Cobalt Borates for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Thomas Belvin , Tang Chaoyun , Ramírez‐Hernández Maricely , Asefa Tewodros
Published: March 2023

The development of durable and efficient electrocatalysts composed of low‐cost, earth‐abundant metals for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for industrial‐scale water splitting to produce green hydrogen on a large scale. Transition metal borates are considered good candidate electrocatalysts for OER due to their low cost, ease of synthesis, and good catalytic activity. In this work, we demonstrate that the incorporation of an oxophilic main group metal, bismuth (Bi), into cobalt borates produces highly effective electrocatalysts for OER. We also show that the catalytic activity of Bi‐doped cobalt borates can be improved further by pyrolyzing them in an argon atmosphere. During pyrolysis, the Bi crystallites formed in the materials melt, transform into amorphous phases, interact better with the Co or B atoms in there, and form more synergistic catalytic sites for OER. By varying the amount of Bi as well as the pyrolysis temperature, different Bi‐doped cobalt borates are synthesized, and the most optimal OER electrocatalyst is identified. Among them, the one with Co : Bi ratio of 9 : 1 and that is pyrolyzed at 450 °C exhibits the best catalytic activity, driving the reaction at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with the lowest overpotential (318 mV) and a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec−1.
A Simple Method for Quantifying Blastema Growth in Regenerating Planarians
Authors: Campillo Natali , Ireland Danielle , Patel Yashvi , Collins Eva‐Maria S.
Published: March 2023

Due to their strong regenerative capabilities, freshwater planarians are a well‐suited model system for studying the effects of chemicals on stem cell biology and regeneration. After amputation, a planarian will regenerate the missing body parts within 1 to 2 weeks. Because planarians have a distinct head morphology that can be easily identified, head and eye regeneration has been a popular qualitative measure of toxicity. However, qualitative measures can only detect strong defects. Here, we present protocols for quantifying the rate of blastema growth to measure regeneration defects for assessment of chemical toxicity. Following amputation, a regenerative blastema forms at the wound site. Over the course of several days, the blastema grows and subsequently re‐forms the missing anatomical structures. This growth can be measured by imaging the regenerating planarian. As the blastema tissue is unpigmented, it can be easily distinguished from the remaining pigmented body using standard image analysis techniques. Basic Protocol 1 provides a step‐by‐step guide for imaging regenerating planarians over several days of regeneration. Basic Protocol 2 describes the necessary steps for the quantification of blastema size using freeware. It is accompanied by video tutorials to facilitate adaptation. Basic Protocol 3 shows how to calculate the growth rate using linear curve fitting in a spreadsheet. The ease of implementation and low cost make this procedure suitable for an undergraduate laboratory teaching setting, in addition to typical research settings. Although we focus on head regeneration in Dugesia japonica, these protocols are adaptable to other wound sites and planarian species. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Imaging planarians during regeneration

Basic Protocol 2: Quantitative analysis of blastema size with ImageJ

Basic Protocol 3: Quantification of blastema growth rate
Systematic review: Exploring the monitoring and reporting of unwanted events in psychotherapy trials for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Kinnaird Emma , Nicholson Meghan , Thomas Amelia , Cooper Myra
Published: March 2023

Objective

If a psychotherapeutic intervention has the capacity to produce positive change, the “deterioration effect” theory holds that it must also have the potential for negative effects. However, the definition, measurement, and reporting of unwanted events in psychotherapy is a topic of ongoing discussion. At present this area is under‐explored in interventions for anorexia nervosa (AN), a severe mental illness associated with high medical and psychiatric risks. The aim of this article was to undertake a systematic review of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating psychotherapeutic interventions for AN, and to assess how unwanted events were defined, monitored, and reported alongside the trial's key findings.

Method

Using a systematic review methodology, this article identified 23 RCTs through database searches meeting eligibility criteria. Results are presented using a narrative summary approach.

Results

Unwanted event reporting varied widely, both regarding definitions of key unwanted events (such as non‐compliance or symptom deterioration) and in the amount of detail captured in each paper.

Discussion

The review identified two key issues: firstly, a lack of consistent definitions and unclear causality made it difficult to distinguish between unwanted events, and adverse events caused by the interventions. Secondly, it highlighted the difficulty of defining unwanted events where different studies have different populations and goals. Recommendations are made around how the area of defining, monitoring, and reporting unwanted events in RCTs for AN can be taken forward.

Public Significance

Whilst psychotherapies can be effective in treating mental health conditions, negative or unwanted events can sometimes occur. This review explored how RCTs examining psychotherapy for AN report how they monitor the safety of participants, and how they report unwanted events. We found that the reporting was often inconsistent or hard to interpret, and we have made recommendations for how this can be improved in the future.
Coronary‐subclavian steal syndrome causing myocardial infarction after arteriovenous fistula creation: a case report
Authors: Hamdan Rémy , Guilleminot Pierre , Leclercq Thibault , Monin Antoine
Published: March 2023

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS) caused by left subclavian artery (LSA) stenosis is a rare cause of myocardial infarction in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and it has also been observed after an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was made. A 79‐year‐old woman who had undergone CABG years earlier and an AVF creation 1 month before experienced a non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). While selective catheterization of the left internal thoracic artery graft was impossible, a computed tomography scanner showed patency of all bypasses and proximal subocclusive LSA stenosis, and the digital blood pressure measurements objectified a haemodialysis‐induced distal ischaemia. LSA's angioplasty and covered stent placement were successfully performed, resulting in symptom remission. A CSSS‐induced NSTEMI due to a LSA stenosis aggravated by a homolateral AVF several years after CABG has been documented only infrequently. If vascular access is required in the presence of CSSS risk factors, the contralateral upper limb should be preferred.
Solid‐State Far‐Ultraviolet C Light Sources for the Disinfection of Pathogenic Microorganisms Using Graphene Nanostructure Field Emitters
Authors: Neo Yoichiro , Hashimoto Gai , Koike Rei , Ohhara Takashi , Matsumoto Takahiro
Published: March 2023

The ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus disease has necessitated the use of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection techniques to reduce viral transmission in public places. The previously used UV wavelength is harmful to the human body, the wavelength range from 200 to 235 nm, often referred to as far‐UVC light, has attracted attention as a novel disinfection wavelength range that can be used in a safe manner. However, the currently used light sources have practical problems, such as an expensive cost, a low efficiency, and short lifetimes. Therefore, environmentally friendly solid‐state light sources with a lower cost, higher efficiency, and longer lifetimes are demanded. Here, an efficient mercury‐free far‐UVC solid‐state light source is presented. This light source demonstrates intense 230 nm emission with a narrow spectral width of 30 nm and a long lifetime of more than 1000 h. These characteristics can be achieved by graphene nanostructure field emitters and wide‐bandgap magnesium aluminate phosphors. By using this light source, the efficient disinfection of Escherichia coli is demonstrated. The light sources presented here facilitate future technologies for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in a safe and convenient manner.
Migration of VNF instances for service continuity
Authors: Siasi Nazli , Jasim Mohammed A.
Published: March 2023

Fog computing computes and stores data locally based upon distributed architectures that extend cloud to the edge of the network. This enables fog paradigms to be suitable for delay‐sensitive applications that demand various network functions (NFs). These NFs here are provided using network function virtualization (NFV) to allow elastic NF deployment on the fog nodes, that is, virtual network functions (VNFs). Now a major challenge for NFV‐based fog architectures is the limited resources, which vulnerate them to premature saturation and load imbalance. Hence resource management schemes are necessary for fog networks, in particular load migration and redistribution. Along this, an efficient migration scheme is proposed here using the coordinated generalized pattern search (CGPS) heuristic method. The scheme migrates excess load from heavily‐loaded (HL) nodes to lightly‐loaded (LL) nodes in proximity. The scheme adopts two criteria, termed as exclusive and common use of VNF instances. Results show that the proposed scheme achieves high migration success at reduced delays, as well as alleviating resources with low migration frequency.
Electrophysiological study as a predictor of mortality in unexplained syncope
Authors: Pinos Javier , De Lima Gustavo Glotz , Sant'Anna Roberto , Kruse Marcelo Lapa , Dall'Agnese Marco Antônio Vinciprova , Tietz Pedro Henrique Torres , Saffi Marco Aurélio Lumertz , Leiria Tiago Luiz Luz
Published: March 2023

Background

Electrophysiological study can help in the diagnosis of arrhythmic syncope. According to the electrophysiological study finding, the prognosis of patients with syncope is still a matter of study.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the survival of patients undergoing electrophysiological study according to their findings and to identify clinical and electrophysiological independent predictors of all‐cause mortality.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included patients with syncope who underwent electrophysiological study from 2009 to 2018. A Cox logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors for all‐cause mortality.

Results

We included 383 patients in our study. During a mean follow‐up of 59 months, 84 (21.9%) patients died. The split His group had the worst survival compared with the control group, followed by sustained ventricular tachycardia and HV interval ≥ 70 ms, respectively (p = .001; p < .001; p = .03). The supraventricular tachycardia group showed no differences compared with the control group (p = .87). In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of all‐cause mortality were Age (OR 1.06; 1.03–1.07; p < .001); congestive heart failure (OR 1.82; 1.05–3.15; p = .033); split His (OR 3.7; 1.27–10.80; p = .016); and sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 1.84; 1.02–3.32; p = .04).

Conclusion

Split His, sustained ventricular tachycardia, and HV interval ≥ 70 ms groups had worse survivals when compared to the control group. Age, congestive heart failure, split His, and sustained ventricular tachycardia were independent predictors for all‐cause mortality.
Applying and reporting relevance, richness and rigour in realist evidence appraisals: Advancing key concepts in realist reviews
Authors: Dada Sara , Dalkin Sonia , Gilmore Brynne , Hunter Rebecca , Mukumbang Ferdinand C.
Published: March 2023

The realist review/synthesis has become an increasingly prominent methodological approach to evidence synthesis that can inform policy and practice. While there are publication standards and guidelines for the conduct of realist reviews, published reviews often provide minimal detail regarding how they have conducted some methodological steps. This includes selecting and appraising evidence sources, which are often considered for their ‘relevance, richness and rigour.’ In contrast to other review approaches, for example, narrative reviews and meta‐analyses, the inclusion criteria and appraisal of evidence within realist reviews depend less on the study's methodological quality and more on its contribution to our understanding of generative causation, uncovered through the process of retroductive theorising. This research brief aims to discuss the current challenges and practices for appraising documents' relevance, richness and rigour and to provide pragmatic suggestions for how realist reviewers can put this into practice.