bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Intensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Program in Acquired Brain Injury Patients using UK FIM+FAM Scale: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Uppal Harleen , Chaudhary Shipra , Rai Siddharth
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can lead to a combination of physical, cognitive, and behavioural impairments and requires comprehensive and structured inpatient rehabilitation program. A multidisciplinary rehabilitation program can deal comprehensively with all these issues together rather than focussing on a single aspect like motor function. Number of people suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in India has been documented to be between 1.5 million to two million per year whereas out of this approximately one million die due to TBI. The rationale of the present study was to document the outcome of multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program objectively using a standard functional outcome measure. Aim: To determine the change in functional outcomes of ABI patients being rehabilitated with a multidisciplinary inpatient neurorehabilitation program using UK version of Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (UK FIM+FAM). Materials and Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted in Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana, India, from September 2017 to June 2018. Retrospective analysis of previously maintained data was done from June 2018 to November 2018. Data was collected from the Department of Neurorehabilitation. Demographic data was collected including age, sex, type of injury, time from injury to admission and duration of stay in the neurorehabilitation unit. Functional outcome measure used in the study was the UK FIM+FAM. Data was collected in paper forms and collated in Microsoft Excel and transferred to IBM® Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)® version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) for analysis. The UK FIM+FAM data was analysed as aggregate total scores and motor and cognitive subscales. Non parametric tests were used as UK FIM+FAM is an ordinal scale. The test used to measure the change in score was Wilcoxon Test. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total number of patients who were analysed in the study were 45. Motor subset of scores showed significant improvement from admission (50) to discharge (72) (p-value=0.001). Similarly, the cognitive subset of scores also showed a significant improvement from admission (58) to discharge (68, p value=0.002). Apart from motor and cognitive subscales of UK FIM+FAM, change in score in sub divisions of self-care and transfers showed the maximum change with p-value=0.001. Other sub divisions of locomotion, sphincter, communication, psychological and cognition also showed a significant difference of p-value <0.05. Conclusion: A physiatrist led intensive interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program for patients with ABI may significantly reduce residual disability and improve functional independence. Such a program is not only effective in high income countries but also in Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC).
Efficacy and Safety of Linagliptin and Insulin in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Grade 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Hameed Saajid , Kumar Pankaj , Prakash Ved , Kumar Manish , Dikshit Harihar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Insulin therapy is preferred as safest for glycaemic control in patients with elevated serum urea/creatinine level. Management of diabetes in grade 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with oral hypoglycaemic is very challenging because most of them cause renal impairment and thus dose adjustment is needed in renal disease. Linagliptin, a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor has only 5% renal excretion; hence its dose adjustment is not needed in patients with CKD. Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of linagliptin with insulin in patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with CKD. Materials and Methods: The present study was a longitudinal study, in which a total of 101 patients of grade 3-5 CKD with T2DM were divided into two groups, insulin group (n=54) and linagliptin group (n=47), based on their drug therapy. All the cases were tested for HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin), Random Blood Sugar (RBS), Creatinine clearance, Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) and different adverse drug events at their first visit (baseline) and then during follow-up at 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month. Statistical analysis was done through GraphPad Instat by unpaired t-test for group comparison and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for intragroup comparison. Results: At the end of study, mean difference of RBS, Creatinine clearance and UPCR in both the groups were not significant. But mean HbA1c level was less in linagliptin group (6.62±0.10) as compared to insulin group (6.82±0.23) on long term therapy and the difference was statistically significant. Hypoglycaemia (33 vs 24), urinary tract infection (6 vs 5) and respiratory tract infection (5 vs 4) were more frequent in insulin group versus linagliptin group. Conclusion: Linagliptin for glycaemic control provides clinically meaningful improvements in long term glycaemic control without unacceptable side effects in CKD like vulnerable group of patients.
The Simulation of One-Step Algorithms for Treating Higher Order Initial Value Problems
Authors: Sabo J. , Ayinde A. M. , Ishaq A. A. , Ajileye G.
Published: November 2021

The simulation of one-step methods using interpolation and collocation for the treatment of higher order initial value problems is proposed in this paper. The new approach is derived using interpolation and collocation as a basic function through power series polynomial, where the basic properties are also analyzed. The derived method is used to treat some highly stiff linear problems. The new approach compute clearly showed that the method is reliable, efficient and gives faster convergence when compared with those in literature.
Standardization, Characterization and Isolation of Trichoderma-Silver Nanoparticle-A Pharmaceutical Approach in Field of Nano-Medicine
Authors: Gupta Bina Pani , Gaur Vikash
Published: November 2021

Silver is a well known antimicrobial agent. It is utilized in many antimicrobial and medication. The Trichoderma and its Metabolites have also been meant for antimicrobial activity against the various bacterial and fungal strain. In the present investigation Nanoparticle of silver is prepared by chemical method, green synthesis using plants and biosynthesis using microbes. Trichoderma secondary metabolite prepared by solvent extraction method from Trichoderma harzianum which act as a capping and reducing agent. The biosynthesised silver Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and TEM. UV-Vis spectra of silver Nanoparticle and trichoderma extract showed absorption spectra at 420nm & 430 nm respectively while the fused nanoparticle with Trichoderma secondary metabolite showed absorption spectra at 415 nm corresponding to the surface Plasmon resonance of silver Nanoparticle. It was determined the nanoparticle showed absorption spectra at 415 nm and morphology as spherical with size range 8 to 24 nm and providing good antimicrobial activity as Trichoderma silver fused nanoparticle against many microbial strain, so it can be prepared for pharmaceutical approach against the infectious disease caused by clinical pathogenic organisms.
The Awareness and Attitudes of the Public toward Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Albassam Ahmed A. , Alonazi Mshari , Abdel-Kader Maged S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is flourishing very fast and the usage of CAM in health care is quickly evolving. The behavior and attitude of the patients towards herbal medicines represents an important concern for policy makers and for regulators.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of natural products use among the public and the Attitudes towards natural health products in Al-kharj

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study design. A questionnaire was prepared using Google drive tool and used to evaluate the pattern of natural products use among the public and the attitudes towards natural health products in Al-kharj governorate. The survey was filled by 442 participants.

Results: Most respondents used a natural health product in the past (only 319 of 442 have been used natural product), the most used products were Vitamins/Minerals (85.57%). Additionally, about 50 % of the respondents agreed that the natural health products are safe because they are made from natural ingredients. The majority of the respondents reported that there isn't enough information on natural health product labels to help them understand the Products. The majority reported that the family and friends were recommended and provided them with the information regarding the use of the natural health product (71.78%).

Conclusion: The present study showed that the use of herbal medicine is a common practice. The legislation is recommended to arrange the using of natural health products. The study results would surely require an active role for the Ministry of Health and Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to insure enough information regard the risks and benefits of NHPs.
Prevalence of Endocrine Abnormalities in Adolescent Girls with Menstrual Disorders in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai
Authors: Shanmuganathan Shiva , Rajalekshmi M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To identify endocrine abnormalities such as hyperandrogensim, thyroid disorders, and hyperprolactinemia in adolescents with menstrual disorders.

Methods: This was a case–control study carried out in adolescent girls aged 10–19 years in the gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. The participants’ demographic details, medical, surgical, family, and personal history was obtained. Data of hormonal evaluation, namely serum T3, T4, TSH, serum prolactin and serum testosterone was also collected. 

Results: The most common menstrual abnormality was oligomenorrhea at 66% followed by menorrhagia at 10%. Primary amenorrhea was seen in 8% cases, metrorrhagia was seen in 4% and polymenorrhea in 4% of cases. Secondary amenorrhea and hypomenorrhea were both seen in 2% of cases. 10% adolescents with menstrual abnormalities had biochemical hyperandrogenism. Only 2% had hyperandrogenism in the control group. Thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent in the adolescents with menstrual disorders (14%) when compared to controls (4%). Among those with oligomenorrhea, only in one case was serum prolactin raised (3.0%).

Conclusion: Immaturity of hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis is considered to be the most common cause of menstrual irregularities in adolescent girls, but endocrine abnormalities may be responsible in some cases. Therefore it is paramount to examine the prevalence endocrine abnormalities among among adolescents with menstrual problems to promote their quality of life, lower her risks for future disease, and ill health.
Evaluation of Comparative Efficacy of Brahmi vs. Haritaki Extract in the Management of Academic Stress in Adolescent Students- A Prakriti based Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pandey Vidya Bhushan , Rathi Renu Bharat , Rathi Bharat , Verma Jitesh
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Prevalence of mental illnesses among adolescents was found 7.3% (N=1191) by NMHS survey 2015-16 whereas the national crime record bureau in 2014 stated 1.8% of students committed suicide due to failure in their exams. The root cause, that is academic stress is often ignored which occurred due to various stressors like physical, mental, family, school, relationship, and social factors of which School factor (56.7%) and academic tests (45.6%) hold maximum association. Proper management can be provided with Ayurveda by Prakriti wise (exploring one physical, physiological and psychological factors) analysis of stress and their coping up strength and effect, when assisted with oral intakes of Ayurveda drugs like Brahmi and Haritaki along with Sattvavajaya Chikitsa having Achar Rasayana, Surya Namaskar, Dharna, and Dhyana practices.

Aim and Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Brahmi extract with Sattvavajaya Chikitsa over the effect of Haritaki extract with Sattvavajaya Chikitsa in the management of Academic Stress among adolescent students of different Prakriti.

Material and Methods: A double-blind reference standard controlled stratified randomized superiority clinical trial is planned. The sample size of 198 participants with 13% dropout consideration will be enrolled after analysis of their Prakriti and stress level between 5-25 according to the SAAS scale. Total 6 subgroups (3 each for trial drug group and 3 for standard control) will have Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshic (V, P & K) dominant Prakriti participants of 10 to 17years of age. Total 33 participants in each subgroup will have the interventions for 90 days.

Observation and Results: Participants will be assessed for changes in salivary cortisol, level of academic stress, IQ, and memory before and after the trial. The standard descriptive and inferential statistical measures will be used to assess the effect of interventions.

Conclusion: Prakriti analysis will help stressed adolescents to know their strengths and interventions provided will be expected to help a stressed one to minimize stress level and also assist in developing their stress-coping mechanism.
Allergic Reaction of the Body to Drugs Used in Dental Practice
Authors: Shefova Anastasiia Vladimirovna , Galustyan Andrey Olegovich , Shershneva Angelina Olegovna , Tyukavina Olga Vladimirovna , Krekova Marina Mikhailovna , Markov Alexander
Published: November 2021

The article examines allergic reactions of the body to drugs used in dental practice. The authors note that adverse or allergic reactions of medicines to the human body are possible with any medications that are prescribed or administered in a dental office. Although most of the pharmacological agents used today have a favorable profile and they are relatively safe, a modern specialist should be aware of potential adverse reactions that may occur and one should be ready to cope with any complications.

Adverse or allergic reactions are possible when working with drugs such as local anesthetics, sedatives, analgesics and antibiotics, for this reason, it is necessary to study the possible reactions of the patient's body to them when administering such drugs to reduce the negative impact on the body. In general, the pharmacological arsenal of a practicing dentist is relatively safe today. However, a prudent clinician should be aware of potential adverse reactions that may occur as a result of taking medications, and be confident in the treatment of such complications.
The Outpatient Prescribing of Silver Sulfadiazine in Al-Kharj
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: November 2021

Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe the outpatient prescription of silver sulfadiazine in Al-Kharj.

Methodology: This study was conducted in a public hospital in Alkharj. The data were collected from the outpatient pharmacy in the hospital and includes outpatients who received silver sulfadiazine in 2018.

Results: All of the silver sulfadiazine prescriptions were prescribed for 7 days. The prescriptions were made mainly by residents (96.67%). Most of the prescriptions were prescribed by emergency department (90.00%).

Conclusion: The use of silver sulfadiazine was uncommon in Alkharj possibly due to the use of effective natural medicines. Silver sulfadiazine could lead to several adverse effects so it is important to increase the awareness about the wise use of silver sulfadiazine and other topical antibiotics.
Incidence of Heart Diseases in Children with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Authors: Deepika . , Manasa . , Bell Framton Retna
Published: November 2021

Introduction:  Cleft lip and cleft palate are one of the most common craniofacial malformations that occur in children. Congenital heart diseases are more prevalent among children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Early intervention is necessary to improve the survival and for proper development of children.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study is conducted at Paediatrics Department in Saveetha medical College for a period of one year. In the present study medical records of patients with cleft lip and palate are evaluated and analysed for the incidence of heart diseases.

Results: In the present study medical records of patients with cleft lip and palate are evaluated and analysed for the incidence of heart diseases. Out of 163 children with cleft lip and cleft palate, 56 children (71.42% male and 28.57% female) had cleft lip, 30 children (66.66% male and 33.33% female) had cleft palate, 77 children (66.23% male and 33.76% female) had both cleft lip and cleft palate.VSD is reported as the most common cardiac anomaly (42.86%) in children with cleft lip and cleft palate.

Conclusion:  There is an increased incidence of congenital heart diseases in children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Echocardiography is an important investigation done for early identification and proper management.
Conservative Management of Cervical Rib- A Case Report
Authors: Agrawal Ayush , Uttamchandani Shivani , Deshmukh Mitushi , Lakhwani Madhu , Wadhokar Om C.
Published: November 2021

Background: An additional rib that develops from the seventh cervical vertebra is known as a cervical rib, a congenital anomaly placed above the typical first rib, affecting 0.2- 0.5 percent of the total population. It may be seen on either the left or right sides. The majority of patients have little or no complaints and are identified by chance during an X-ray or CT scan. Due to the extreme compression on the arteries, veins and nerves caused by the position of the rib, which varies in shape and size, they might develop thoracic outlet syndrome. A cervical rib is a prolonged ossification of the lateral costal segment of the Cervical 7th vertebra.

Clinical Presentation: A 18 years old female patient was diagnosed with cervical rib on X-ray due to persistent pain at right hand. Patient concern with reduced mobility of the right upper limb and unable to lift the hand. The patient went physiotherapy treatment which comprise of exercise and electro therapy for 10 weeks which resulted in improvements in pain and range of motion and functional activities

Conclusion: The case report suggest that a prompt structured physical rehab let to improving the functional goals progressively and significantly which is a measured aspect leading to a successful recovery.
Comparative Bacterial Metagenomics of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I. M. Johnston and Other Leafy Vegetables
Authors: Ogbuji Nkechi Gloria , Ataga Eromosele Anthony
Published: November 2021

Aims: Vegetables provide a favourable habitat for diverse populations of microorganisms. Some vegetables, especially the ones used in salads are ready-to-eat food products and some phyllosphere bacteria might contribute to the prolonged presence of human food-borne pathogens in these vegetables.

Methodology: Phyllosphere bacteria associated with Cnidoscolus aconitifolius were evaluated using a culture-independent approach, Illumina MiSeq platform of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and then compared with publicly available data obtained from Spinacia oleracea (spinach) and Lactuca sativa (lettuce) on GenBank.

Results: The results from this study showed that the three vegetables harbor diverse bacterial organisms. Eighty-three (83) Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) assigned to five phyla were obtained from C. aconitifolius phyllosphere. The most predominant phyla across studied vegetables were: Proteobacteria (74.79%), Actinobacteria (8.69%) and Firmicutes (7.37%). Potential human pathogenic species such as Bacillus spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas spp. were also present in lettuce and spinach. Bacteria with potential for antibiotic production, anti-microbial and antibiotic resistant genes belong to the families Bacillaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Enterococcaceae and Streptococcaceae. The most abundant taxa obtained from this study were Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Brachybacterium, Megasphaera, Janthinobacterium, Sphingomonas and Lactobacillus.

Conclusion: Our result successfully determined the relative abundance of potential human and plant pathogens in the leafy vegetables and also showed the bacterial community structure in the studied vegetables.
INTERNET, NARCISISMO E SUBJETIVIDADE: REFLEXÕES SOBRE A CONSTITUIÇÃO DO SUJEITO NA/PELA REDE SOCIAL
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Paula Grillo , Silveira Luhilda Ribeiro , Correa Cássio Araújo
Published: November 2021

A internet com seu potencial de hiper conectividade trouxe reflexos não só para o estilo de vida das sociedades, mas também para a própria construção do sujeito e modos de subjetivação na contemporaneidade. Nesse cenário, destacamos o uso de redes sociais, como Instagram, que se expandiu rapidamente, se tornando fenômeno mundial, e que faz parte desse novo contexto de construção da subjetividade. O presente artigo constitui-se em um ensaio teórico, que teve como objetivo esboçar um olhar sobre a constituição do sujeito, considerando aqui os aspectos da teoria psicanalítica, vislumbrando possíveis articulações entre essa teoria e os aspectos da hiper conectividade das redes sociais onde esse sujeito está imergindo, especialmente no Instagram.
Partly Covered PProDOT‐Me2 on MoS2 Nanosheets Counter Electrode for High‐Performance Self‐Powered Electrochromic Device
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud A. , Sheng Kai , Wang Zitao , Zheng Jianming , Xu Chunye
Published: November 2021

Developing a low‐cost and transparent counter electrode (CE) for a self‐powered electrochromic device (SP‐ECD) can address the requirements of building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). Herein, a new partly covered poly(3,4‐(2,2‐dimethylpropylenedioxy) thiophene) (PProDOT‐Me2) on MoS2 nanosheets CE is developed for replacing an expensive Pt CE and achieving high‐performance SP‐ECD. The device consists of the proposed CE, an electrolyte containing Br−/Br3− redox pair, and a working electrode made with a dye‐sensitized TiO2 photoanode integrated with PProDOT‐Me2. ECD changes its color between deep blue and colorless by varying the illuminated light on and off. Measurements reveal that the ECD achieves a transmittance modulation of 46% at 580 nm with cycling stability over 500 cycles (4% contrast attenuation) that are about five times stable than that based on Pt or MoS2 CE. In addition, the switching speed between colored and bleached states is fast under a light on and off, with a coloration time of 2.1 s and a bleaching time of 1.5 s. These characteristics result from the unique design of CE and can be beneficial in accelerating the electrochromic process and enhancing the self‐powered performance for good cycling stability. This study reveals a new approach to prepare good CE for efficient SP‐ECD in BIPVs.
Polaron in TiO2 from First‐Principles: A Review
Authors: De Lile Jeffrey Roshan , Bahadoran Ashkan , Zhou Su , Zhang Jiujun
Published: November 2021

Often the choice of semiconductor material for light‐chemical energy conversion in solar cell technology is TiO2 polymorphs. However, quantum‐mechanical phenomena of electron self‐trapping (polaron) in these polar semiconductors present a challenge to optimize their performance for absorption of solar radiation. The electron trapped in the defect site of the lattice may suppress the recombination of charge carriers and improve the efficiency of light‐chemical energy conversion. Therefore, it is crucial to study polarons in transition metal oxides and semiconductors using first‐principles methods to elucidate the nature of charge carriers and trapping sites for ameliorating the performance of energy conversion. In this work, a comprehensive review is presented using selected literature of polaron studies in TiO2 from first‐principles methods. Overview of the Landau–Pekar model to the recent development of ab initio theory of polaron is presented. The popular DFT+U approach and hybrid functional method are discussed to show the general way of studying polaron using ab initio methods. Introduction of electron‐phonon interaction and the ab initio theory of polaron are briefly presented Therefore, this review presents the development of first‐principles methods from Landau theory to the state‐of‐the‐art to study polarons using TiO2 as the toy model. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives are outlined.
Domino 1,4‐ and 1,4‐Addition Reactions of Ketene Silyl Thioacetals to Dialkynyl Imines Promoted by Scandium Triflate: Synthesis of Multifunctionalized δ‐Lactams
Authors: Watanabe Yuya , Isaka Keisuke , Sato Koki , Kokado Shinya , Mizutani Amane , Hachiya Iwao
Published: November 2021

Domino 1,4‐ and 1,4‐addition reactions of ketene silyl thioacetals to dialkynyl imines are disclosed. Scandium triflate promoted domino 1,4‐ and 1,4‐addition reactions of ketene silyl thioacetals to dialkynyl imines to give a variety of alkynyl δ‐lactams in moderate to good yields.
Layered 2D Halide Perovskites beyond the Ruddlesden–Popper Phase: Tailored Interlayer Chemistries for High‐Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Gong Jue , Hao Mingwei , Zhang Yalan , Liu Mingzhen , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: November 2021

Layered halide perovskites (LHPs) with crystallographically 2D structures have gained increasing interest for photovoltaic applications due to their superior chemical stability and intriguing anisotropic properties, which are in contrast to their conventional 3D perovskite counterparts. The most frequently studied LHPs are Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) phases, which suffer from a carrier‐transport bottleneck due to the van der Waals gap associated with their intrinsic organic interlayer structures. To address this issue, Dion–Jacobson (DJ) and alternating‐cation‐interlayer (ACI) LHPs have rapidly emerged, which exhibit unique structural and (opto)electronic characteristics that may resemble those of the 3D counterparts owing to the eliminated or reduced van der Waals gap. Improved photophysical properties have been achieved in DJ and ACI LHPs, leading towards better photovoltaic performance. Here we provide a comprehensive discussion on the merits and promises of DJ and ACI LHPs from a chemistry perspective. Then, we review recent progress on the synthesis and tailoring of DJ and ACI LHP crystals and thin films, as well as their optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performance. Finally, we discuss possible pathways to overcome critical challenges to realize the full potential of DJ and ACI LHPs for high‐performance solar cells and beyond.
Conformational Flexibility of the Protein Insertase BamA in the Native Asymmetric Bilayer Elucidated by ESR Spectroscopy
Authors: Gopinath Aathira , Joseph Benesh
Published: November 2021

The β‐barrel assembly machinery (BAM) consisting of the central β‐barrel BamA and four other lipoproteins mediates the folding of the majority of the outer membrane proteins. BamA is placed in an asymmetric bilayer and its lateral gate is suggested to be the functional hotspot. Here we used in situ pulsed electron‐electron double resonance spectroscopy to characterize BamA in the native outer membrane. In the detergent micelles, the data is consistent with mainly an inward‐open conformation of BamA. The native membrane considerably enhanced the conformational heterogeneity. The lateral gate and the extracellular loop 3 exist in an equilibrium between different conformations. The outer membrane provides a favorable environment for occupying multiple conformational states independent of the lipoproteins. Our results reveal a highly dynamic behavior of the lateral gate and other key structural elements and provide direct evidence for the conformational modulation of a membrane protein in situ.
Correlating Reaction Dynamics and Size Change during the Photomechanical Transformation of 9‐Methylanthracene Single Crystals
Authors: Morimoto Kohei , Kitagawa Daichi , Tong Fei , Chalek Kevin , Mueller Leonard J. , Bardeen Christopher J. , Kobatake Seiya
Published: November 2021

Photomechanical molecular crystals that expand under illumination could potentially be used as photon‐powered actuators. In this study, we find that the use of high‐quality single crystals of 9‐methylanthracene (9MA) leads to more homogeneous reaction kinetics than that previously seen for polycrystalline samples, presumably due to a lower concentration of defects. Furthermore, simultaneous observation of absorbance and shape changes in single crystals revealed that the dimensional change mirrors the reaction progress, resulting in a smooth expansion of 7 % along the c‐axis that is linearly correlated with reaction progress. The same expansion dynamics are highly reproducible across different single crystal samples. Organic single crystals exhibit well‐defined linear expansions during 100 % photoconversion, suggesting that this class of solid‐state phase change material could be used for actuation.
The effect of flow and mussel species traits on the occurrence of rare mussels: A case study within selected rivers of the West Gulf Coastal Plain
Authors: Kiser Alexander H. , Khan Jennifer M. , Robertson Clinton R. , Lopez Roel , Randklev Charles R.
Published: November 2021

Mussel–flow relationships are not well defined and studies linking behavioural, physiological and life‐history traits to hydrological conditions remain scant. This lack of information hinders not only understanding of how flow shapes population and community processes but the development of evidence‐based flow recommendations to mitigate mussel declines.

Mussel–flow relationships were evaluated for Potamilus amphichaenus (Texas heelsplitter), Pleurobema riddellii (Louisiana pigtoe) and Truncilla macrodon (Texas fawnsfoot) from the Sabine, Trinity, Neches and Cypress River basins of East Texas using Indicators of Hydraulic Alteration and random forest models. These species were chosen because all three are currently being evaluated for listing under the US Endangered Species Act.

Analyses were performed on US Geological Survey stream gauge stations and mussel records within 20 km of each other. Only gauges with at least 15 years of continuous data and ≥70% overlap of flow records from 1968 to 2018 were included. For selected 28 gauges, Indicators of Hydraulic Alteration were used to calculate 47 hydrological parameters that describe the magnitude, frequency and duration of high and low flow events. Random forest classification models across species were significant and had low error rates (3.57–21.43%), moderate to high sensitivity (0.81–0.93) and moderate to high specificity (0.71–1.00).

Life‐history theory was useful for explaining how mussel species cope with hydrological variation. Potamilus amphichaenus and T. macrodon/Truncilla donaciformis, considered r‐selected or opportunistic strategists, were more likely to occur in basins characterized by significant changes in flow and land use compared with P. riddellii, considered a K‐selected or equilibrium strategist.

The analytical framework presented in this study should be helpful to managers and conservationists interested in determining how the flow regime is shaping aquatic communities in their region and developing reference points that could serve for ecological research, conservation and management.
The broad emission line asymmetry in a low mass ratio of supermassive binary black holes on elliptical orbits
Authors: Simić Saša , Popović Luka Č. , Kovačević Andjelka , Ilić Dragana
Published: November 2021

We investigate the broad line profiles emitted from a system supermassive binary black hole (SMBBH) having elliptical orbits and a low mass ratio of . Our model assumes a super Eddington accretion flow in the case of a smaller component, whereas the massive component has very small or negligible accretion, therefore supposing that no broad‐line region (BLR) is attached to it. Thus, the proposed SMBBH system contains one moving BLR, associated with the less massive component and one circum‐binary BLR. We study the effect of the different total mass of the system (ranging from 106 to 108 Solar masses) on the line profiles and to the continuum and line light curves. The resulted broad line profiles are asymmetric and shifted, and are varying during the orbital period. The asymmetry in the broad line profiles is discussed in terms of expected differences between the proposed model of the SMBBH with one active component and the scenario of a recoiling black hole. We discuss the periodicity detected in the line and continuum light curves, as well as in the variations of the line asymmetry and shift.
Long‐term outcomes of primary cardiac malignant tumors: Difference between African American and Caucasian population
Authors: Bui Quoc , Ngo Tam N. M. , Mazur Jan , Pham Vy , Palmer Cassady , Truong Binh Q. , Chung Eugene S. , Vuong Huy G. , Truong Vien T.
Published: November 2021

Background

The survival outcome for primary cardiac malignant tumors (PMCTs) based on race has yet to be fully elucidated in previously published literature. This study aimed to address the general long‐term outcome and survival rate differences in PMCTs among African Americans and Caucasian populations.

Methods

The 18 cancer registries database from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program from 1975 to 2016 were utilized. Ninety‐four African American (AA) and 647 Caucasian (CAU) patients from the SEER registry were available for survival analysis. The log‐rank test was used to compare the difference in mortality between two populations and presented by the Kaplan–Meier curves. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the independent predictors of all‐cause mortality.

Results

The overall 30‐day, 1‐year, and 5‐year survival rates were 74%, 44.3%, and 16.6%, respectively, with a median survival of 10 months. There was no significant difference in survival rate between the two races (p‐value = 0.55). The 1‐year survival rate improved significantly during the study timeline in the AA population (13.3% during 1975–1998, 40.9% during 1999–2004, 50% during 2005–2010, and 59.7% during 2011–2016, p‐value = 0.0064). Age of diagnosis, type of tumor, disease stage, and chemotherapy administration are the main factors that predict survival outcomes of PMCT patients. Interactive nomogram was developed based on significant predictors.

Conclusions

PMCTs have remained one of the most lethal diseases with poor survival outcome. Survival rate improved during the timeline in AA patients, but in general, racial differences in survival outcome were not observed.
In Situ Optical Quantification of Extracellular Electron Transfer Using Plasmonic Metal Oxide Nanocrystals**
Authors: Graham Austin J. , Gibbs Stephen L. , Saez Cabezas Camila A. , Wang Yongdan , Green Allison M. , Milliron Delia J. , Keitz Benjamin K.
Published: November 2021

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a critical form of microbial metabolism that enables respiration on a variety of inorganic substrates, including metal oxides. However, quantifying current generated by electroactive bacteria has been predominately limited to biofilms formed on electrodes. To address this, we developed a platform for quantifying EET flux from cell suspensions using aqueous dispersions of infrared plasmonic tin‐doped indium oxide nanocrystals. Tracking the change in optical extinction during electron transfer enabled quantification of current generated by planktonic Shewanella oneidensis cultures. Using this method, we differentiated between starved and actively respiring cells, cells of varying genotype, and cells engineered to differentially express a key EET gene using an inducible genetic circuit. Overall, our results validate the utility of colloidally stable plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals as quantitative biosensors in aqueous environments and contribute to a fundamental understanding of planktonic S. oneidensis electrophysiology using simple in situ spectroscopy.
Total Synthesis and Structural Assignment of (−)‐Fusaequisin A
Authors: Schmidt Ann‐Christin , Hiersemann Martin
Published: November 2021

(−)‐Fusaequisin A is an irregularly assembled polyketide isolated from the ascomycete Fusarium equiseti. Fusaequisin A shares a carbon backbone with curvicollide C from the ascomycete Podospora curvicolla but its absolute configuration remained hitherto unsettled. Herein, we document the total synthesis of (−)‐fusaequisin A and its 4‐O‐desmethyl derivative following a central‐to‐lateral building block strategy. Catalytic asymmetric Claisen rearrangement, Julia‐Kocienski olefination and olefin cross‐metathesis served as key C/C‐connecting transformations. The constitution and absolute configuration of (−)‐fusaequisin A was deduced and the original structural assignment was adjusted.
Implementation Guideline for an Artificial Intelligence‐Based Process Analysis and Optimization Application
Authors: Kisslinger Ferdinand , Hildinger Monica
Published: November 2021

Using predictive and proactive maintenance methods for critical equipment and processes in industry can help reduce unplanned downtimes and improve process availability and stability. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods for process data analysis can provide plant operators with much‐needed insights for decision support and predictive plant maintenance strategies. In this article, a guideline for implementing AI methods in the process industry is provided using the AI‐based application Siemens Predictive Analytics (SiePA) and the results of a SiePA application in a milling process are presented.
How can we create resilient research systems in a pandemic?
Authors: Wolfson Julie A. , Dye Candice C. , Levine Jennifer M
Published: November 2021

Graetz et al provide a qualitative examination of diverse global pediatric oncology health care systems and the features that have helped them effectively face challenges in the face of COVID‐19. With research systems serving as a hallmark of pediatric oncology, the resiliency of the research‐focused systems (and individuals) also require consideration as outlined here.
Mind your words: Oncologists' communication that potentially harms patients with advanced cancer: A survey on patient perspectives
Authors: Westendorp Janine , Evers Andrea W. M. , Stouthard Jacqueline M. L. , Budding Janneke , van der Wall Elsken , Plum Nicole M. F. , Velting Mirjam , Francke Anneke L. , van Dulmen Sandra , olde Hartman Tim C. , Van Vliet Liesbeth M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Many complaints in medicine and in advanced illnesses are about communication. Little is known about which specific communications harm. This study explored the perspectives of patients with advanced cancer about potentially harmful communication behaviors by oncologists and helpful alternatives.

Methods

An online survey design was used that was based on literature scoping and patient/clinician/researcher input. Patients with advanced cancer (n = 74) reflected on the potential harmfulness of 19 communication situations. They were asked whether they perceived the situation as one in which communication could be harmful (yes/no). If they answered “yes,” they were asked whether they perceived the examples as harmful (yes/no) or helpful (yes/no) and to provide open comments. Results were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively (content analysis).

Results

Communication regarding information provision, prognosis discussion, decision‐making, and empathy could be unnecessarily potentially harmful, and this occurred in various ways, such as making vague promises instead of concrete ones (92%), being too directive in decision‐making (qualitative), and not listening to the patient (88%). Not all patients considered other situations potentially harmful (eg, introducing the option of refraining from anticancer therapy [49%] and giving too much [prognostic] information [60%]). Exploring each individual patients' needs/preferences seemed to be a precondition for helpful communication.

Conclusions

This article provides patient perspectives on oncologists' unnecessarily potentially harmful communication behaviors and offers practical tools to improve communication in advanced cancer care. Both preventable pitfalls and delicate challenges requiring an individualized approach, where exploration might help, are described. Although providing difficult and unwelcome news is a core task for clinicians, this study might help them to do so while preventing potentially unnecessary harm.
Urinary estrogen metabolites and gastric cancer risk among postmenopausal women
Authors: Camargo M. Constanza , Song Minkyo , Xu Xia , Zhao Isaac , Sampson Joshua N. , Etemadi Arash , Brenner Hermann , Lee Hwi‐Won , Trabert Britton , Holleczek Bernd , Schöttker Ben , Spaid Kathleen , Dawsey Sanford M. , Lee Sangjun , Shimura Takaya , Park Sue K. , Malekzadeh Reza , Kang Daehee , Rabkin Charles S.
Published: November 2021

Background

The overall incidence of gastric cancer in women is half that in men for most global populations. Sex hormone pathways may be involved in carcinogenesis and estrogens have been postulated to protect women against gastric cancer.

Aim

To evaluate associations of gastric cancer with estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women.

Methods and results

We performed an analysis of 233 gastric cancer cases and 281 age‐matched controls from three prospective cohorts and two case‐control studies of early‐stage gastric cancer, mainly conducted in high‐risk Asian populations. Fifteen estrogen‐parent (estrone and estradiol) and ‐metabolite analytes (2‐hydroxyestrone, 2‐hydroxyestradiol, 2‐hydroxyestrone‐3‐methyl ether, 4‐hydroxyestrone; 4‐methoxyestrone, 4‐methoxyestradiol, 2‐methoxyestrone, 2‐methoxyestradiol, estriol, 16α‐hydroxyestrone, 16‐ketoestradiol, 16‐epiestriol, and 17‐epiestriol) were measured in spot urines using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Odds ratios for association with each marker were estimated by logistic regression. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test. Study‐specific odds ratios were pooled by fixed‐effects meta‐analysis. Urinary levels of estrogen‐related molecules were not associated with gastric cancer (adjusted odds ratios ranged from 0.87 to 1.27; p‐values >.05), with low between‐study heterogeneity (p‐values >.1) for all but two metabolites (2‐hydroxyestrone‐3‐methyl ether and 2‐methoxyestradiol).

Conclusion

To date, this is the first comprehensive assessment of endogenous estrogens with gastric cancer risk in women. Estrogens do not appear to have an etiologic role in gastric cancer risk among postmenopausal women. Given the complex network of sex steroid hormones and their extreme variation over the lifespan, further evaluation of this hypothesis is warranted.
A novel mutual aid Salp Swarm Algorithm for global optimization
Authors: Zhang Huanlong , Feng Yuxing , Huang Wanwei , Zhang Jie , Zhang Jianwei
Published: November 2021

Salp Swarm Algorithm is a new intelligent optimization algorithm. Because of it is fewer control parameters and convenient operation, it has attracted the attention of researchers from all circles. However, due to the lack of complex iterative process, it has some disadvantages, such as low optimization precision and poor population diversity in the late iteration. To solve these problems of Salp Swarm Algorithm, we proposed a Salp Swarm Algorithm based on mutual learning mechanism. In this article, the improved Salp Swarm Algorithm uses the iteration factor of tangent change to update the population position, which balances the global exploration and local development ability of the algorithm. At the same time, the introduction of mutual learning mechanism in the local development stage solves the problem of poor population diversity in the later iteration of Salp Swarm Algorithm, and improves the convergence accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, 23 classical and CEC2014 benchmark functions are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that the improved Salp Swarm Algorithm has better optimization accuracy and stability compared with the algorithm of Salp Swarm, Moth Flame Optimization, Grasshopper Optimization, and Ant Lion Optimization.
Ensuring high reliability and performance with low space overhead for deduplicated and delta‐compressed storage systems
Authors: Zuo Chunxue , Wang Fang , Zheng Mai , Hu Yuchong , Feng Dan
Published: November 2021

Data deduplication is a widely used technique to remove duplicate data to reduce the storage overhead. However, deduplication typically cannot eliminate the redundancy among nonidentical but similar data chunks. To reduce the storage overhead further, delta compression is often applied to compress the post‐deduplication data. While the two techniques are effective in saving storage space, they introduce complex references among data chunks, which inevitably undermines the system reliability and introduces fragmentation that may degrade the restore performance. In this paper, we observe that the delta compressed chunks (DCCs) are much smaller than regular chunks (non‐DCCs). Also, most fragmentation caused by the base chunk of DCCs remain fragmented in consecutive backups. Based on these observations, we introduce a framework called, which combines replication and erasure coding and uses History‐aware Delta Selection to ensure high reliability and restore performance. Specifically,uses a delta‐utilization‐aware filter and a cooperative cache scheme (CCS) to maintain cache locality and avoid unnecessary container reads, respectively. Moreover, the system selectively performs delta compression by historical information to avoid cyclic fragmentation in consecutive backups. Experimental results based on four real‐world datasets demonstrate thatsignificantly improves the restore performance by 58.3%–76.7% with a low storage overhead.
Three‐Dimensional Fruit Tissue Habitats for Culturing Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Guisnet Aurélie , Maitra Malosree , Pradhan Sreeparna , Hendricks Michael
Published: November 2021

Environmental factors influence many traits of biological interest, but reproducing an animal's natural habitat in a controlled laboratory environment is challenging. Environmental enrichment—adding complexity to the usually simplistic conditions under which laboratory animals are raised—offers a potential tool for better understanding biological traits while maintaining controlled laboratory conditions. For the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the contrast between the natural environment and the laboratory conditions in which they are raised is enormous. Although several methods have been developed in an effort to complexify C. elegans laboratory conditions, there is still a need for an enriched controlled laboratory habitat in which C. elegans can be raised over several generations, the bacterial food availability is similar to that in traditional agar plates, and the animals are crawling as opposed to swimming or burrowing. To this end, we describe here a standardized protocol for creating controlled, reproducible, three‐dimensional environments for multigenerational maintenance of C. elegans in the laboratory. These environments are derived from decellularized apple hypanthium tissue and have bacterial food uniformly distributed throughout. We also describe how traditional C. elegans methods of collecting synchronized eggs, cleaning contaminated stocks, and collecting animal populations are adapted to our scaffold environment. These methods can be adapted to host different bacteria or bacterial populations, and the resulting scaffolds can be used in a range of experimental designs for behavioral and phenotypical studies in C. elegans and other nematodes. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Decellularization and storage of apple tissue

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of plates from decellularized apple scaffolds

Basic Protocol 3: Synchronization of eggs or animals and cleaning contaminated stocks from scaffold plates

Alternate Protocol: Collection of non‐synchronized larvae and adults from scaffold plates