bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Determining the Consumers Behavior of Branded Milk and Milk Products in Tirupati City of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Devi Ch. Rama , Sunanda N. , Kishore N. T. Krishna , Naidu G. Mohan
Published: January 2023

The study was conducted with an objective to is analyze the factors determining the consumers behavior of branded milk and milk products in Tirupati City of Andhra Pradesh during 2020-21. Tirupati city was purposively selected for the study being an important Tier-II city in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh with metro population accounting to 3,73,000 in 2021 (census2011.co.in)Twelve wards were selected based on the criteria of highest population recorded during 2021 in descending order. 10 consumers were selected from each ward that constituteda sample size of 120 consumers. The factors determining the consumers behavior of branded milk and milk products was collected using a well-defined schedule through personal interview method during the year 2020-21. The empirical findings of the study revealed that Heritage is most preferred brand both in milk and milk products among the consumers. The statistical tools employed Principal Component Analysis (Analysis of data using SPSS software). The results of Principal Component Analysis inferred that the consumer behavior of branded milk and milk products was influenced by five factors namely Consumer preference factor (Family, Advertisement, Quality, Offers, Package Design, Hygiene in production and Fat content), Product attributes factor (Price, Flavor, brand Image) Perishable factor (Freshness, appearance), Referral factor (Friends and Relatives , Wide Product Range and Product Availability) and Convenience factor (Packs in suitable quantities and Texture).
Perspectives in the Measurement of Poverty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez Omar Yván Horna
Published: January 2023

Poverty research is controversial by researchers and institutions; In Peru since 2010, the Advisory Committee for the Estimation of Poverty and Other Related Indicators is created; however, the country's official monetary method persists as an official measure, even though many countries in the region have changed their official poverty measurements. This review article allows us to share current information on poverty and develop the bibliographic review table, which will allow us to develop the topic and conclude that the official method for measuring poverty in Peru remains monetary; the Advisory Committee on the Estimation of Poverty and other indicators is inactive; measuring poverty by the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MMA) has proven to be the most reliable and used method; rural people are at a disadvantage of suffering from poverty relative to the inhabitants of the cities; several researchers agree that poverty is intimately associated with the level of education, age and occupation of the head of the household; the objective well-being represented by the multidimensional poverty index does not necessarily correlate with the subjective well-being represented by happiness; and finally, there is a shortage of research and publication on poverty in Peru.
Hyaluronic Acid Enriched Fat Graft versus Cartilage Perichondrium for Repair of Medium Size Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: El-Far Doaa Hassan , Mandour Mahmoud Fawzy , El-Aziz Mahmoud Abd , El-Sheikh Mohamed Nasser
Published: January 2023

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) enriched fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) has many advantages compared with conventional MP using temporalis fascia and cartilage perichondrium, as it is short, easy, economical, and with minimum invasion and initiate a more rapid and complete healing process. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fat plug MP, enriched with HA for closure of medium size tympanic membrane perforations (TMP) (25-50% of TM surface area) and to compare it with classical cartilage perichondrium MP.

Methods: This prospective randomized control study was conducted on 50 cases with TMP. Cases were allocated into 2 groups: group I: tympanoplasty was done using fat graft enriched with HA. In group I hyaluronic was applied as gel foam soaked with commercially available HA and group II: tympanoplasty was done using cartilage perichondrium. All cases were subjected to ENT examination and pre-operative audiological evaluation including pure tone audiometry (PTA) and tympanometry.

Results: Graft taking was statistically insignificant after 3 months compared to 1 month follow ups in both groups. Air bone gap (ABG) was insignificantly different in the pre and postoperative ABG in both groups. Hearing was significantly improved postoperatively compared to preoperatively in both groups (P value<0.001).  There was no significant difference in distribution of side of perforation in both groups. Hearing gain was statistically insignificant between both groups (P value=0.256). Hearing was significantly improved postoperatively compared to preoperatively in both groups (P value <0.001). 

Conclusion: In cases with TMP, the TM HA enriched Fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) is an effective procedure with minimal invasion in management of the medium sized TMP. Also, it is safe and feasible procedure. Hearing was significantly improved postoperatively compared to preoperatively in both groups: HA enriched FGM group and MP with cartilage perichondrium group respectively.
Clinical Algorithms, Antidiscrimination Laws, and Medical Device Regulation
Authors: Goodman Katherine E. , Morgan Daniel J. , Hoffmann Diane E.
Published: January 2023

This Viewpoint discusses recent legal directives by the DHHS and FDA that could increase health care entities’ liability for possible discriminatory biases of clinical algorithms and the need for additional legal clarity to avoid adverse effects on algorithm development and use.
Physician Men Leaders in Emergency Medicine Bearing Witness to Gender-Based Discrimination
Authors: Iyer Maya S. , Wilson Kalah , Draucker Claire , Hobgood Cherri
Published: January 2023

Importance

Approximately 60% of women physicians in emergency medicine (EM) experience gender-based discrimination (GBD). Women physicians are also more likely to experience GBD than men physicians, particularly from patients, other physicians, or nursing staff.

Objective

To describe the responses of men who are academic department chairs in EM to GBD directed toward a woman colleague.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study was a secondary data analysis drawn from interviews of men EM academic department chairs at 18 sites who participated in a qualitative descriptive study between April 2020 and February 2021 on their perceptions of the influence of gender and leadership in academic medicine. Narrative data related to GBD were extracted and coded using conventional content analysis. Codes were clustered into themes and subthemes and summarized. Data were analyzed from November to December 2021.

Exposure

Semistructured interviews conducted via teleconferencing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Qualitative findings identifying experiences witnessing or learning about incidents of GBD against women colleagues, the impact of these observations, and personal or leadership actions taken in response to their observations.

Results

All 18 men participants (mean [SD] age, 52.2 [7.5] years; mean [SD] time as a department chair, 7.2 [5.1] years) discussed witnessing or learning about incidents of GBD against women colleagues. The participant narratives revealed 3 themes: emotional responses to GBD, actions they took to address GBD, and reasons for not taking action to address GBD. When witnessing GBD, participants felt anger, disbelief, guilt, and shame. To take action, they served as upstanders, confronted and reported discrimination, provided faculty development on GBD, or enforced “zero-tolerance” policies. At times they did not take action because they did not believe the GBD warranted a response, perceived a power differential or an unsupportive institutional culture, or sought self-preservation.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study of men physician leaders, we found all participants reported feeling troubled by GBD against women colleagues and, if possible, took action to address the discrimination. At times they did not take action because of unsupportive workplace cultures. These findings suggest that institutional culture change that supports the interventions of upstanders and does not tolerate GBD is needed.
Modulation of the Oxidation End‐Product Toward Polysulfides‐Free and Sustainable Lithium‐Pyrite Thermal Batteries
Authors: Jin Yang , Lu Hongfei , Lyu Nawei , Zhang Di , Jiang Xin , Sun Bin , Liu Kai , Wu Hui
Published: January 2023

The FeS2 has abundant reserves and a high specific capacity (894 mAh g−1), commonly used to fabricate Li‐FeS2 primary batteries, like LiMx‐FeS2 thermal batteries (working at ≈500 °C). However, Li–FeS2 batteries struggle to function as rechargeable batteries due to serious issues such as pulverization and polysulfide shuttling. Herein, highly reversible solid‐state Li‐FeS2 batteries operating at 300 °C are designed. Molten salt‐based FeS2 slurry cathodes address the notorious electrode pulverization problem by encapsulating pulverized particles in time with e− and Li⁺ flow conductors. In addition, the solid electrolyte LLZTO tube serves as a hard separator and fast Li+ channel, effectively separating the molten electrodes to construct a liquid–solid–liquid structure instead of the solid–liquid–solid structure of LiMx‐FeS2 thermal batteries. Most importantly, these high‐temperature Li–FeS2 solid‐state batteries achieve FeS2 conversion to Li2S and Fe at discharge and further back to FeS2 at charge, unlike room‐temperature Li‐FeS2 batteries where FeS and S act as oxidation products. Therefore, these new‐type Li‐FeS2 batteries have a lower operating temperature than Li‐FeS2 thermal batteries and perform highly reversible electrochemical reactions, which can be cycled stably up to 2000 times with a high specific capacity of ≈750 mAh g−1 in the prototype batteries.
Directly‐Deposited Ultrathin Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Enhanced CO2 Electrolysis
Authors: Adnan Muflih A. , Shayesteh Zeraati Ali , Nabil Shariful Kibria , Al‐Attas Tareq A. , Kannimuthu Karthick , Dinh Cao‐Thang , Gates Ian D. , Kibria Md Golam
Published: January 2023

The economic viability of carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2R) relies on improved performance accompanied by scalable system design. Membranes are commonly used for the separation of reduction and oxidation products as well as to provide a suitable micro‐environment for CO2R. Commercial membranes often address only one of the key challenges in CO2R: either they offer a suitable micro‐environment for CO2R (e.g., anion exchange membrane) or suppress carbonate cross‐over (e.g., cation exchange membrane and bipolar membrane). This work presents a cation‐infused ultrathin (≈3 µm) solid polymer electrolyte (CISPE) that concomitantly addresses both challenges via a bidirectional ion transport mechanism and suppressed cathode flooding. This directly‐deposited CISPE (that substitutes the commonly used pre‐made membrane) enables record high full‐cell energy efficiency of 28% at 100 mA cm−2 for one‐step CO2 electrolysis to ethylene (C2H4) with ≈110 h of stable operation. This translates into a record low energy cost of 290 GJ per ton C2H4 for the end‐to‐end process (i.e., CO2 capture and electroreduction, carbonate regeneration, CO2 separation from anode and cathode streams) in a membrane electrode assembly CO2R. The present work offers a versatile design paradigm for functional polymer electrolytes, opening the door to stable, and efficient electrolysis of high‐value feedstock chemicals and fuels using low‐cost catalysts.
Photo‐Triggered Synthesis of Sulfonamides in a Sustainable SolventviaElectron Donor‐Acceptor Complex
Authors: Kamal Arsala , Singh Himanshu Kumar , Maury Suresh Kumar , Kushwaha Ambuj Kumar , Srivastava Vandana , Singh Sundaram
Published: January 2023

A visible‐light‐triggered synthesis of sulfonamide was developed via an electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex in the more environmentally friendly green solvent 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF). This method offers a novel strategy for synthesizing sulfonamide in high yields at room temperature, without the need of a base, any additional photocatalyst, or transition metals. Simple operation, mild reaction conditions, excellent atom economy, and excellent functional group compatibility are the main advantages of this reaction.
Immobilized Pd metal‐complex on polymeric resin with high surface areas for recyclable catalyst: Effect of the immobilization method on nature of palladium species
Authors: Mella Claudio , Pecchi Gina , Godard Cyril , Claver Carmen , Márquez Abdiel , Campos Cristian H.
Published: January 2023

A critical query on literature is the approach used to immobilize homogeneous catalysts to improve their efficiency and recyclability. This work aims to compare the immobilization level of a kind of Pd‐N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐o‐phenylenediamine complex on high surfaces of polymeric resins to provide heterogenous catalysts for Mizorocki‐Heck reaction. The preparation method involves two strategies: (i) polymerization of the ligand before the complex‐synthesis in a “multi‐step (MS)” approach and (ii) a direct “one‐step” (OS) immobilization by polymerization of the metal‐containing monomers (MCMs) as co‐monomer. Both approaches effectively yield polymers with a larger surface area, over 700 m2 g−1, and suitable thermic properties to use in the proposed reaction. In addition, the characterization of the polymers by XRD, XPS, and TEM demonstrates notable differences in Pd species on polymer support associated with the methodological approach to immobilizing the metal complex.
Selective enrichment and extraction of trace dibutyl phthalate by photo‐controlled molecularly imprinting polymers based on SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Junliang , Jiang Pengfei , Chen Ting , Ding Hua , Huang Weihong , Yang Wenming
Published: January 2023

With the increasing use of plastic product, there is a large amount of plastic waste containing plasticizer, especially dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which would pollute the water and soil, and even cause diseases to humans and wildlife. Normally, the DBP in soil or water is trace, making it hard to be detected exactly. To solve this case, core‐shell structured molecularly imprinting polymers (P‐MIPs) were synthesized. Combing with photoresponsive monomer 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy) phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid (MAPASA), the prepared P‐MIPs can be controlled by light to specifically absorb (440 nm or darkness condition) and release (365 nm) DBP, with the absorption capacity of 4.45 mg g−1 and imprinting factor of 3.56. More important, the P‐MIPs exhibit excellent reusability and practicability by applied to enrich and extract DBP in river water samples. In conclusion, the proposed P‐MIPs offer an idea for the detection of trace pollutants.
Sulfur‐Composites Derived from Poly(acrylonitrile) and Poly(vinylacetylene) – A Comparative Study on the Role of Pyridinic and Thioamidic Nitrogen
Authors: Kappler Julian , Klostermann Sina V. , Lange Pia L. , Dyballa Michael , Veith Lothar , Schleid Thomas , Weil Tanja , Kästner Johannes , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: January 2023

Sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile) (SPAN) is a prominent example of a highly cycle stable and rate capable sulfur/polymer composite, which is solely based on covalently bound sulfur. However, so far no in‐depth study on the influence of nitrogen in the carbonaceous backbone, to which sulfur in the form of thioketones and poly(sulfides) is attached, exists. Herein, we investigated the role of nitrogen by comparing sulfur/polymer composites derived from nitrogen‐containing poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) and nitrogen‐free poly(vinylacetylene) (PVac). Results strongly indicate the importance of a nitrogen‐rich, aromatic carbon backbone to ensure full addressability of the polymer‐bound sulfur and its reversible binding to the aromatic backbone, even at high current rates. This study also presents key structures, which are crucial for highly cycle and rate stable S‐composites.
A highly sensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe based on fluorescein coumarin for detecting hydrazine in actual water and biological samples
Authors: Lv Linlin , Luo Weiwei , Zhou Yixiao , Li Tiechun , Diao Quanping , Ma Pinyi , Song Daqian
Published: January 2023

Hydrazine (N2H4) is a highly toxic and harmful chemical reagent. Fluorescent probes are simple and efficient tools for sensitive monitoring of N2H4 enrichment in the environment, humans, animals, and plants. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescent probe (FP‐1) containing coumarin was used for hydrazine detection. The proposed FP‐1 probe had a linear detection range of 0–250 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.059 μM (1.89 ppb). A large red Stokes shift was observed in fluorescence and UV–vis absorption spectra due to the hydrolysis of ester bonds between FP‐1 and hydrazine. The hydrazine detection mechanism of FP‐1 was also investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, FP‐1 could sensitively and selectively monitor hydrazine in actual water samples and BEAS‐2B cells. Therefore, it has great application potential in environmental monitoring and disease diagnosis.
Green synthesis of naphthyl derivative as an optical sensor for the detection of l‐carnitine in food samples
Authors: Raja Lavanya , Venkatesan Srinivasadesikan , Lin Ming‐Chang , Vediappen Padmini
Published: January 2023

An economical and green approach to the synthesis of naphthyl derivative for detection of l‐carnitine (3‐hydroxy‐4‐N‐trimethyl‐aminobutyrate) is practically important. We developed a naphthyl derivative as a probe showing ‘turn‐on’ response towards l‐carnitine selectively at pH 7.2 through ICT mechanism with a good limit of detection (LOD) of 0.126 μM. Using Job's plot for determining the binding stoichiometry, it was found that probe could form a more stable complex (1:1) with carnitine. The binding constant (K) between probe and carnitine was calculated as 8 × 107 M−1 using the Benesi–Hildebrand plot. The binding interaction of the probe with l‐carnitine was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance titrations, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, photo physical studies and density functional theory calculations. Meanwhile, the probe can be used to quantitatively detect carnitine in food samples.
The link between psychological distress and survival in solid tumor patients: A systematic review
Authors: Roche Kayla N. , Cooper Diane , Armstrong Terri S. , King Amanda L.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Research has demonstrated that solid tumor patients experience high levels of psychological distress at the time of diagnosis. While distress has been associated with many adverse clinical outcomes, little is known about how this symptom may influence the disease trajectory for cancer patients, affecting outcomes such as progression, recurrence, and survival. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the literature linking distress with survival in solid tumor patients, which may guide future work exploring clinical outcomes as a function of distress.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines with predefined eligibility criteria. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review.

Results

Findings from this review demonstrated a weak‐to‐moderate relationship between cancer patients' experience of distress and overall survival, with most included studies (11/13) finding at least one predictive analysis to be significant when controlling for confounders. However, significant heterogeneity in the literature, particularly with study sample characteristics and varying methodologies, made direct comparisons across studies challenging.

Conclusion

Findings from this review suggest that psychological distress may have an impact on disease‐related outcomes, including (but not limited to) survival. Future work should consider performing disease‐specific analyses controlling for key prognostic factors to better understand the nuanced relationship between distress and clinical outcomes, which may allow further understanding of the biological underpinnings of this relationship and enable the development of targeted interventions for improving distress.
A long‐term archival analysis of social influence on online wine evaluations: Effects of consensus and expertise
Authors: Gokcekus Omer , Gokcekus Samin , Hewstone Miles
Published: January 2023

When forming opinions, people often rely on the behaviours and beliefs of others; this phenomenon has been understood by social psychologists as ‘social influence’. Online evaluations of goods provide a naturalistic context in which to investigate social influence. We collected information from 20,397 notes about 209 wines posted on a wine social networking site over the course of 10 years to examine the social influence on wine evaluations. Our analyses provide evidence for both normative and informational social influence on online wine evaluations. However, normative influence outweighs the effect of judgements made by experts. The influence of prior evaluations is strongest for the first few individuals who post their notes, and social influence increases as a function of source uniformity. Furthermore, expert members' evaluations are not more influential than other individuals' evaluations. Our results provide evidence for significant effects of social influence in an applied setting, impacting wine consumers that are exposed to the opinions of others, and have implications for how goods are advertised online. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Perylene Diimide Incorporated Polyurethane Polymer as Potential Colour Filter Material with Non‐fluorescent Property†
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Yi , Tian Kai‐Li , Liu Jie , Ngeontae Wittaya , Zhao Ai‐Juan , Bermeshev Maxim V. , Wong Shi‐Qing , Traskovskis Kaspars , Chen Zhijian , Ren Xiang‐Kui
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

A novel polyurethane polymer containing perylene diimide (PDI) unit and aniline segment, denoted as PU‐PDI, was designed and synthesized. Their tensile property and photophysical characteristic were investigated using various experimental and theoretical techniques. It is found that the elongation of PU‐PDIs can reach more than 1000%, indicating good tensile performance. Moreover, based on the photoinduced electron transfer mechanism, the aniline segments in polyurethane can quench the auto‐fluorescence of PDI unit to a negligible value, which overcomes the intractable fluorescence drawbacks of conventional colour filters. The non‐emissive characteristic, in combination with the good thermal stability and tensile property of PU‐PDI, provides a feasible design strategy to fabricate optical filters with high display quality.
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening despite recent tarnish
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: January 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, we take a closer look at the confusion surrounding a recent study that seemed to indicate that colonoscopies are not as effective as commonly thought at detecting colorectal cancer. In addition, new research provides a better understanding of the role of type XII collagen in the biology and progression of breast cancer, and results of a recent phase 1 study examine the feasibility, safety, and therapeutic potential of “off‐the‐shelf” chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy for children with aggressive leukemia.
A Tetranuclear Copper(II)/Calcium(II) Complex as Dual Chemosensor for Colorimetric and Fluorescent Detection of Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Macedi Eleonora , Giorgi Luca , Formica Mauro , Rossi Patrizia , Paderni Daniele , Paoli Paola , Fusi Vieri
Published: January 2023

The tetranuclear Cu2+/Ca2+/Ca2+/Cu2+ complex based on Malten ligand has been investigated as a platform for anion binding. Simple organic carboxylates and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been tested, revealing the ability of the platform to bind them. The receiving platform hosts at least two guests in solution although a third anion can be bound, as suggested by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The addition of the anions is accompanied by a color change of the solution, making the system a colorimetric sensor for carboxylates (LOD values comprised between 3.6 and 20.7 ppm). A fluorescent system consisting of the 2‐(3‐oxido‐6‐oxoxanthen‐9‐yl)benzoate (fluorescein anion) linked to the tetranuclear platform has been also prepared and used in a chemosensing ensemble approach to signal the presence of the selected anions (Log K between 2.6 and 5.6 for the addition of two guests). The latter also works in a paper strip test, offering the chemosensor a possible practical application.
How objectifiers are granted power in the workplace
Authors: Zhang Bibi , Wisse Barbara , Lord Robert G.
Published: January 2023

Objectification often has profound negative consequences for its victims, yet we argue that objectification may have positive ancillary implications for the perpetrators. Drawing from system justification theory, we posit that, especially in organizations characterized by higher power distance, objectifying supervisors would be afforded more power by their subordinates because they would deem such behaviour as more typical (i.e., descriptive justification) and more desirable (i.e., prescriptive justification). The results of two experiments (N = 443 and N = 211) showed that high (vs. low) power distance subordinates afforded less power to a non‐objectifying supervisor (but not more power to an objectifying supervisor), and that prescriptive justification (but not descriptive justification) mediated the interaction effect of objectification and power distance on power affordance. In a field survey with dyads of supervisors and subordinates (N = 122), we found that subordinates with relatively high power distance orientations afforded power to their objectifying supervisors through prescriptive justification. Our research contributes to objectification literature by demonstrating when and how supervisor objectification can be rationalized and perpetuated through granting objectifiers power.
More green, fewer problems: landcover relates to perception of environmental problems
Authors: Suchy Amanda K , Anderson Elsa C , Fork Megan L , Lin Laurence , Locke Dexter H , Groffman Peter M , Grove J Morgan , LaDeau Shannon L , Rosi Emma J
Published: January 2023

The relationship between (a) the structure and composition of the landscape around an individual's home and (b) environmental perceptions and health outcomes has been well demonstrated (eg the value of vegetation cover to well‐being). Few studies, however, have examined how multiple landscape features (eg vegetation and water cover) relate to perceptions of multiple environmental problems (eg air or water quality) and whether those relationships hold over time. We utilized a long‐term dataset of geolocated telephone surveys in Baltimore, Maryland, to identify relationships between residents’ perceptions of environmental problems and nearby landcover. Residents of neighborhoods with more vegetation or located closer to water were less likely to perceive environmental problems. Water quality was one exception to this trend, in that people were more likely to perceive water‐quality problems when nearby water cover was greater. These trends endured over time, suggesting that these relationships are stable and therefore useful for informing policy aimed at minimizing perceived environmental problems.
Effect of nutritional status before radiotherapy on radiation‐induced acute toxicities in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Song Xiurong , Su Li , Lin Qiaojing , Liu Shiping , Zhang Weijian , Hong Jinsheng
Published: January 2023

Background

To investigate the effect of nutritional status on radiation‐induced acute toxicities in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients before radiotherapy.

Methods

Nutritional status of 228 patients with NPC who received intensity‐modulated radiotherapy was retrospectively analyzed by modified nutrition index (m‐NI). Cumulative grading score of six common acute toxicities were defined as total score for acute toxicities.

Results

M‐NI ≤6 is a risk factor for xerostomia (p = 0.016, OR = 0.208, 95% CI 0.058–0.743), oral mucositis (p = 0.016, OR = 0.287, 95% CI 0.104–0.793), dysgeusia (p = 0.001, OR = 0.028, 95% CI 0.004–0.217), and dysphagia (p = 0.015, OR = 0.251, 95% CI 0.083–0.764) as well in patients with NPC. Total score of radiation‐induced acute toxicities of patients with malnutrition (13.6 ± 1.7) was significantly higher than that of patients with normal nutrition (12.0 ± 2.4) (t = −5.464, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

NPC patients with malnutrition before radiotherapy develop more serious dysgeusia, oral mucositis, dysphagia, and xerostomia after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy.
Ecological dynamics imposes fundamental challenges in community‐based microbial source tracking
Authors: Wang Xu‐Wen , Wu Lu , Dai Lei , Yin Xiaole , Zhang Tong , Weiss Scott T. , Liu Yang‐Yu
Published: January 2023

Quantifying the contributions of possible environmental sources (“sources”) to a specific microbial community (“sink”) is a classical problem in microbiology known as microbial source tracking (MST). Solving the MST problem will not only help us understand how microbial communities were formed, but also have far‐reaching applications in pollution control, public health, and forensics. MST methods generally fall into two categories: target‐based methods (focusing on the detection of source‐specific indicator species or chemicals); and community‐based methods (using community structure to measure similarity between sink samples and potential source environments). As next‐generation sequencing becomes a standard community‐assessment method in microbiology, numerous community‐based computational methods, referred to as MST solvers hereafter have been developed and applied to various real datasets to demonstrate their utility across different contexts. Yet, those MST solvers do not consider microbial interactions and priority effects in microbial communities. Here, we revisit the performance of several representative MST solvers. We show compelling evidence that solving the MST problem using existing MST solvers is impractical when ecological dynamics plays a role in community assembly. In particular, we clearly demonstrate that the presence of either microbial interactions or priority effects will render the MST problem mathematically unsolvable for MST solvers. We further analyze data from fecal microbiota transplantation studies, finding that the state‐of‐the‐art MST solvers fail to identify donors for most of the recipients. Finally, we perform community coalescence experiments to demonstrate that the state‐of‐the‐art MST solvers fail to identify the sources for most of the sinks. Our findings suggest that ecological dynamics imposes fundamental challenges in MST. Interpretation of results of existing MST solvers should be done cautiously.
Cortical hemodynamic response and networks in children with cerebral palsy during upper limb bilateral motor training
Authors: Zhang Tengyu , Xu Gongcheng , Huo Congcong , Li Wenhao , Li Zengyong , Li Wei
Published: January 2023

Understanding the characteristics of functional brain activity is important for motor rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Using the functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology, the cortical response and networks of prefrontal (PFC) and motor cortices (MC) were analyzed for children with CP and typical development (CTD). Compared with CTD, the resting cortical response of dominant MC in children with CP increased, and the functional connectivity between cerebral areas decreased. In the motor state of children with CP, the coupling strength started from dominant MC increased compared with resting state, and the hemispherical autonomy index (HAI) of the dominant MC was higher than that in the CTD, which reflected the leading role of dominant MC in brain regulation during motor. The functional connectivity between bilateral MC was positively correlated with motor performance. This study provided effective indices for evaluating the motor function and real‐time impact of motor on brain networks.
Efficient removal of imidacloprid from sewage by Scenedesmus sp. TXH and the effects of environmental factors on its removal
Authors: Li Diantong , Li Jiayu , Yeerhazi Balijiang , Cheng Yongtao
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

With the rapid development of modern industry and agriculture, large amounts of sewage of various types are being discharged into water bodies every year, causing huge environmental pressure and posing a threat to organisms. Amongst different solutions to this problem, microalgae can remove pollutants including pesticides and antibiotics from water. In this work, an algal strain designated as Scenedesmus sp. TXH. was isolated from the Tangxun Lake Sewage Treatment Plant (Wuhan, China) and used to remove imidacloprid (IMI) from sewage. The removal efficiency, degradation products, removal of conventional contaminants [total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP)], the biochemical response of the microalgae, and the effects of environmental factors such as light intensity and temperature were investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that: (i) the highest IMI removal efficiency of ≈60% was achieved under 80 μmol m−2 s−1 at 25 °C; (ii) the removal of NH4+‐N, TDP and TDN in the sewage reached 90%, 90% and 65%, respectively; (iii) there was a significant linear relationship between the concentration of total chlorophyll and the removal of IMI in the sewage; and (iv) finally, based on the analysis of degradation products by mass spectrometer, three potential IMI degradation pathways were proposed.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our results showed that Scenedesmus sp. TXH can remove IMI and conventional nutrients efficiently from sewage, implying a potential application in sewage treatment in the near future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Biallelic TET2 mutations and canonical ASXL1 mutations are frequent and cooccur in Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN): An institutional experience and review of literature
Authors: Zhang Xi , Hsi Eric D. , Crane Genevieve M. , Cheng Yu‐Wei
Published: January 2023

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is recurrently mutated in epigenetic pathway genes. We studied the myeloid‐related genetic mutations in a cohort of five patients with BPDCN and one paired relapse case at our institution and identified a high frequency of biallelic TET2 and canonical ASXL1 (c.1934dupG) mutations. The number of cases is small, but the variant allele fraction (VAF) sums of the TET2 mutations, as well as the persistence of TET2 mutations in a case of relapsed BPDCN, suggest an ancestral/founder nature of TET2 clones in the cases. Further literature review shows a high frequency of biallelic TET2 mutations in reported cases of BPDCN.
Real‐world effectiveness of sotrovimab and remdesivir for early treatment of high‐risk hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: A propensity score adjusted retrospective cohort study
Authors: Koh Lin Pin , Chua Siang Li , Vasoo Shawn , Toh Matthias Paul Han Sim , Cutter Jeremy Nicholas , Nah Puay Hoon , Leo Yee‐Sin , Tay Jun Xin , Young Barnaby Edward , Lye David C. , Ong Sean W. X.
Published: January 2023

Early treatment of high‐risk COVID‐19 patients may prevent disease progression. However, there are limited data to support treatment of hospitalized or fully vaccinated patients with mild‐to‐moderate disease. In this retrospective cohort study, we studied the effect of early use of sotrovimab and remdesivir in high‐risk hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. We included PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases who presented within the first 5 days of illness, and who were not requiring oxygen or ICU care at presentation. Sotrovimab‐ and remdesivir‐treated groups were compared with control (no early treatment). A multiple propensity‐score adjusted multivariable regression analysis was conducted with a composite primary endpoint of in‐hospital deterioration (oxygen requirement, ICU admission, or mortality). Of 1118 patients, 841 were in the control group, 106 in the sotrovimab group and 169 in the remdesivir group. The median age was 63 years (IQR 46–74 years) and 505 (45.2%) were female. In unvaccinated patients, both remdesivir and sotrovimab treatment were protective (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.19, 95% CI 0.064–0.60 and 0.18 [95% CI 0.066–0.47]), respectively. Contrarily, among the vaccinated patients there was no significant treatment effect with early remdesivir treatment (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 0.83–7.57, p = 0.10). Remdesivir and sotrovimab treatment, given early in the disease course to unvaccinated high‐risk patients, was effective in reducing the risk of in‐hospital deterioration and severe disease. This effect was not seen in fully vaccinated patients, which may be due to a small sample size or residual confounding.
Annual forecasting of high‐temperature days in China through grey wolf optimization‐based support vector machine ensemble
Authors: Ren Yijia , Shi Guowei , Sun Wei
Published: January 2023

With the intensification of anthropogenic warming and urbanization, high‐temperature weather poses an enormous threat to socio‐economic and human healthy. However, the studies on annual high‐temperature days forecasting based on machine learning are relatively deficient. This study proposes a support vector machine (SVM) ensemble model based on grey wolf optimization (GWO) to predict annual high‐temperature days in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing of China. Atmospheric circulation indices during 1959–2013 were utilized as inputs to train and validate models. The fivefold cross validation was used to expand the sample data and evaluate the performance of the member and ensemble models. The optimal ensemble model for Guangzhou has the highest average R (0.8939) and the lowest average root mean square error (RMSE; 3.3771), followed by the optimal ensemble models for Beijing (0.8871 and 3.6059) and Shanghai (0.7578 and 3.9968). Furthermore, compared with the typical SVM and optimal member models, the average validation RMSE of the optimal ensemble model was improved by 32.6 and 10.0% for Guangzhou, by 29.8 and 9.1% for Shanghai, and by 41.3 and 15.1% for Beijing, respectively. This study demonstrates that the GWO‐based SVM ensemble model can be a promising tool for annual high‐temperature days forecasting due to the nonlinear fitting power of the SVM, the hyperparameters tuning capability of the GWO algorithm, and the integration ability of ensemble learning.
The integro‐differential operators of infinite order on the half line related to the Legendre operator
Authors: Van Hoang Pham
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we introduce certain integro‐differential operators of Legendre type of infinite order. Some properties of these operators are obtained. Moreover, we establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for a class of integro‐differential operators of infinite order being unitary on
. Some classes of related integro‐differential equations are also considered.
A Xanthan‐Gum‐Stabilized PEG‐Conjugated Nanocurcumin Complex: Telescoping Synthesis for Enhanced Permeation Potential
Authors: Pandey Prem , Chaturvedi Supriya , Gumathannavar Rutuja , Shirolkar Mandar M. , Kanuru Vijay , Kulkarni Atul , Moh Sang Hyun
Published: January 2023

We report a facile room temperature telescoping synthesis of a nanocurcumin complex with 17.5‐fold permeation enhancement as determined by comparative in vitro permeation study with raw curcumin. The permeation results were further validated with in silico drug absorption prediction using ADMET predictors.
Turner syndrome‐omphalocele association: Incidence, karyotype, phenotype and fetal outcome
Authors: Bedei Ivonne , Gloning Karl‐Philipp , Joyeux Luc , Meyer‐Wittkopf Matthias , Willner Daria , Krapp Martin , Scharf Alexander , Degenhardt Jan , Heling Kai‐Sven , Kozlowski Peter , Trautmann Kathrin , Jahns Kai M. , Geipel Annegret , Tekesin Ismail , Elsässer Michael , Wilhelm Lucas , Gottschalk Ingo , Baumüller Jan‐Erik , Birdir Cahit , Schröer Andreas , Zöllner Felix , Wolter Aline , Schenk Johanna , Gehrke Tascha , Spaeth Alicia , Axt‐Fliedner Roland
Published: January 2023

Objective

Omphalocele is known to be associated with genetic anomalies like trisomy 13, 18 and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, but not with Turner syndrome (TS). Our aim was to assess the incidence of omphalocele in fetuses with TS, the phenotype of this association with other anomalies, their karyotype, and the fetal outcomes.

Method

Retrospective multicenter study of fetuses with confirmed diagnosis of TS. Data were extracted from a detailed questionnaire sent to specialists in prenatal ultrasound.

Results

680 fetuses with TS were included in this analysis. Incidence of small omphalocele in fetuses diagnosed ≥12 weeks was 3.1%. Including fetuses diagnosed before 12 weeks, it was 5.1%. 97.1% (34/35) of the affected fetuses had one or more associated anomalies including increased nuchal translucency (≥3 mm) and/or cystic hygroma (94.3%), hydrops/skin edema (71.1%), and cardiac anomalies (40%). The karyotype was 45,X in all fetuses. Fetal outcomes were poor with only 1 fetus born alive.

Conclusion

TS with 45,X karyotype but not with X chromosome variants is associated with small omphalocele. Most of these fetuses have associated anomalies and a poor prognosis. Our data suggest an association of TS with omphalocele, which is evident from the first trimester.
Dosage exploration of meloxicam according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms based on a population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model
Authors: Jang Ji‐Hun , Jeong Seung‐Hyun , Lee Yong‐Bok
Published: January 2023

Background

Meloxicam, used for treating inflammatory diseases, shows large differences in metabolism according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms; however, there are few studies on dose regimen setting based on quantitative predictions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate meloxicam dose regimen for each genotype through population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modeling of meloxicam by considering CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms.

Methods

For modeling, previously reported pharmacokinetic (plasma concentration)‐pharmacodynamic (inhibition of thromboxane B2 generation) data of meloxicam were collected for CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms (n = 43). And these data were mainly used in the modeling process. Through simulations of the established models, steady‐state pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic profiles were obtained according to meloxicam multiple exposures for each CYP2C9 genotype, and predictions were made based on dose regimen changes.

Results

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C9 were identified as key covariates that significantly affected pharmacokinetic variability of meloxicam between individuals. The developed meloxicam population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model predicted pharmacokinetic results of the 7.5 mg meloxicam administration groups (n = 26) for CYP2C9*1/*1 and *1/*3 as an external validation. The results of model simulation revealed that the differences were 2.39–5.42 times for steady‐state mean plasma concentrations and 1.21–1.71 times for the degree of inhibition of thromboxane B2 generation following multiple exposures for CYP2C9*1/*1 versus *1/*13, *1/*3, and *3/*3. This suggested that thromboxane B2 inhibition following increased plasma exposure to meloxicam differed significantly according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms. The dose of meloxicam in CYP2C9*1/*13, *1/*3, and *3/*3 was randomly adjusted to 1.6–15 mg to approximate the mean thromboxane B2 inhibition for CYP2C9*1/*1 at steady state, the dose intervals varied from 24 h to 48 h.

Conclusions

The results suggested that clinical dose adjustment of meloxicam would be necessary to account for CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms and reduce side effects. This study suggests a clearer direction for setting up clinical therapy based on personalized medicine and quantitative predictions for meloxicam.
Effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities on runoff change of the Weihe River basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wu Changxue , Xie Jian , Qiu Dexun , Xie Zhibo , Gao Peng , Mu Xingmin
Published: January 2023

The Weihe River has experienced a significant runoff decline in the past few decades, but the detailed and systematic analysis of different sub‐regions of the Weihe River basin (WRB) for a long time is insufficient. Based on the data of five hydrological stations from 1957 to 2018, this study investigated the variation of annual runoff both in the whole Weihe River basin (WWRB) and its sub‐regions: the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Weihe River (URWR, MRWR, LRWR, respectively), the Jing River basin (JRB), and the Beiluo River basin (BLRB). Moreover, the contribution of climate change and anthropogenic activities on runoff change was quantified by double mass curve (DMC) and hydrological sensitivity analysis (HSA) methods. The results showed that runoff of the URWR, MRWR, JRB, BLRB, and WWRB showed significant downward trends, and with the change‐point years of 1993, 1990, 1996, 1994, and 1993, respectively. Both results of DMC and HSA showed that anthropogenic activities were the main factors for runoff reduction. The contribution of human activities was largest in the JRB and BLRB, whereas lowest in the MRWR. Over the study period, land use has changed significantly in the basin, mainly manifested in the reduction of farmland, and the increase of construction land and grassland, indicating that intense anthropogenic activities have taken place. Moreover, the total water consumption of the WWRB increased evidently, which exacerbated the contradiction between supply and demand of water resources. The results of HSA showed that runoff was more sensitive to precipitation than to Ep. Precipitation reduced the runoff, while Ep increased runoff in the basin. The results of this study are helpful for understanding the regional hydrological situation in more detail, and can act as a reference for formulating reasonable water resources allocation schemes.
Strategic urban design for sustainable development: A framework for studio and practice
Authors: Ziafati Bafarasat Abbas
Published: January 2023

Urban design seeks to apply the goals of sustainable development in the physical design of cities. It involves complex efforts to explore and address a whole range of urban issues in accordance with the goals of sustainable development. However, it faces challenges to consider the feelings of local communities about unsustainabilities in their environment and to impact the actual urban development. Deploying strategy, which is the science of making the most effective use of a situation to achieve goals, to urban design helps overcome these challenges. This study recommends an interdiscipline of strategic urban design. It proposes a framework of strategic urban design for participative, timely and implementable physical design for sustainable urban development. A cyclic framework of strategic urban design is proposed that comprises four steps: (i) set a goal for urban sustainability, (ii) explore unsustainabilities from citizens' perspective, (iii) explore unsustainabilities that are source of other unsustainabilities, and (iv) design multi‐projects to tackle source unsustainabilities. These steps are explained with methods and templates for application in urban design studio and practice.