bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical, Botanical and Medicinal Perspectives on Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Adewale Adetutu , Ifeoluwa Adegbola Peter , Olusoji Owoade Abiodun , Bukunmi Aborisade Abiodun , Simeon Oyekunle Olubunmi
Published: November 2021

Ginger is one of the most valuable culinary medicinal spice with inestimable economic uses. Because it is, a well acknowledged plant both in folkloric and advanced medicine, there are no paucity of information on the many important uses of ginger in the literature. In this review, we conveyed important details on the chemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and clinical uses of ginger. Our review of over 171 articles showed that ginger use has a worldwide coverage. Randomized clinical trial studies on ginger are most prominent on the alleviation of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting with fascinating outcome. In addition, the prospective use as anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, and anti-diabetic agent were well noticed. Although the dependent on plant as source of drug in the search for disease remedy is premised on their acclaimed effectiveness and safety, available data have showed plants may possess some toxic potential, overall, our review showed that ginger might be safe with no adverse effects when investigated in normal rodent and human.
Phytochemical Constituents and Comparative Antioxidative Effects of Some Medicinal Plants
Authors: Owoade Abiodun Olusoji , Adetutu Adewale , Ogundipe Olufemi Ogundeji , Owoade Akinade William
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to compare the in-vitro antioxidant potentials, antidiabetic and phytochemical constituents of methanolic leaf extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis, Chrysophyllum albidium, Bauhinia thonningii, Daniellia oliveri, and Cola nitida. The results of this study show that all the plant extracts have strong antioxidant potentials against various radicals. The extracts scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals, in a concentration-dependent manner and scavenged nitric oxide radicals with IC50 values of 152.39, 186.36, 213.40, 303.58 and 355.53 µg/ml for C. albidium, D. oliveri, C. nitida, A. djalonensis and B. thonningii, respectively. All the extracts also inhibited the induction of lipid peroxidation and α-amylase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, while the degree of ferric reducing power by the extracts was of the order C. albidium > D. oliveri > B. thonningii > C. nitida > A. djalonensis. Phytochemical and gas chromatography analyses carried out on the extracts revealed the presence of known chemical constituents. The amounts of total phenolics in A. djalonensis, C. albidium, B. thonningii, D. oliveri, and C. nitida were 68.39 mg/g, 95.11 mg/g, 61.03 mg/g, 103.74 mg/g, and 63.31 mg/g, respectively, in gallic acid equivalents. In all cell-free assays, C. albidium and D. oliveri, the two plants with higher amounts of phenolic compounds, were found to be more effective as antioxidants than other plant extracts with lower phenolic contents under the same experimental conditions. Therefore, the effectiveness of the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of these plant extracts may be related to their phenolic content. The presence of phenolics and various antioxidant compounds in the plants may explain the strong pharmacological potentials of these plants.
Review on Coexistence of Hypertension with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Saharan Nargis
Published: November 2021

The coexistence of both diabetes mellitus and hypertension affect the some major target organs. Their common target organ is heart and kidney. The primary goal in the management of the hypertensive diabetic patients is lowering blood pressure to less than 130/80mm Hg Beta- blockers have been reported to adversely affect the overall risk factor profile in the diabetic patient. Initially ACE inhibitors and ARB are initially can be given to diabetic hypertensive. Beta blockers also show great effects in preventing further cardiovascular diseases in diabetic hypertensive. Although combined drug therapy is usually required to achieve goal but in addition to drug therapy some other precautions should also plays effective role like exercise، low sodium chloride intake, lower lipids in diet, maintaining glucose level, stress less patients environment.

Calcium channels blockers and diuretics in combination with ACE inhibitors and antidiabetic drugs will also exerts beneficial effects.
Neck Pain among Medical Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: Otaibi Bader Dubian Al , Alamri Rayan Dhafer , Alzahrani Mujahed Abdullah , Albalawi Rana Mohammed , Alzhrani Khlood Abdullah , Alzahrani Khames T.
Published: November 2021

Aims: To determine the relationship between distant learning and neck pain during COVID-19 pandemic especially among medical students, thus we aim to assess prevalence of neck pain for specific Group and time.                     

Study Design: An observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Saudi Arabia, between July 2020and October 2021.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational descriptive study that started in July 2020. Our target population include all medical students either male or female suffering from neck pain in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period of distant learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Sample size: Total Number of medical students in KSA (26126), Confidence level 95% and margin of error 5%. The sample size 379 was estimated using the Qualtrics calculator.

Results: A total of 2071 participants were a part of study. Most of them are female n=1509(72.9%) and least of them are male n=562(27.1%). The minimum age of participant was 18 years old n=61(2.9%), And the maximum age was 30 years old n=10(0.5%). Most of medical students noticed increase of neck pain during the period of pandemic. Most of them had noticed exacerbation of neck pain during COVID-19 pandemic n=1002(72.3%), where n=384(27.7%) had same pain before and during pandemic. Majority of them were completely relying on electronic devices for their education.

Conclusion:A high Pervasiveness of neck pain in the medical students during COVID-19 pandemic has been observed. Most of medical students noticed increase of neck pain during the period of pandemic. Majority of them were completely relying on electronic devices for their education.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Streptomyces sps Isolated from Muthupettai Mangrove Soil
Authors: Nivetha C. , Deepika T. , Arjunan A. , Sivalingam P. , Revathi N. , Muthuselvam M.
Published: November 2021

Muthupet mangrove forest soil sediment was the abundant resource of the actinomycetes with distinct nature of bioactive compounds. The soil sediment was collected at 1-3meter away from bank. The present study was focused on isolation, identification and antimicrobial activity of the actinomycetes from Muthupet mangrove soil samples. Totally 32 actinomycetes strains was isolated and screened for antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Among 32 isolates 16 have antibacterial activity and 10 have antifungal activity but MG-3 and MG-4 showed maximum activity against both all the test pathogens. These two strains are gram-positive, rod-shaped, MG-3 possessing an earthy characteristic odour and MG-4 produce purple color pigment. The isolates were confirmed as Streptomyces sp. based on morphological, cultural, biochemical and physiological observations, as well as identification using the 16S rRNA gene sequence, it showed 98% similarity with Streptomyces parvus for MG-3 and Streptomyces californicus for MG-4. Bioactive compounds were extracted from Streptomyces using different solvents such as ethyl acetate, methanol, chloroform, hexane and antibacterial activities were assayed against test pathogens, ethyl acetate extract showed maximum zone of inhibition when compared with other solvents. The Minimum inhibitory concentration of ethyl acetate extract was found ranged between 1.96-3.9 μg/ml. The invitro antioxidant capacity of the crude extract was estimated by DPPH, ferric reducing power assay, H202 radical scavenging assay, phosphomolybdenum assay and total antioxidant activities. The characterization of crude extracts was analyzed by FTIR and GC-MS. From the results, it is clear that the ethyl acetate crude extract of S.parvus MG-3 and S.californicus MG-4 possesses high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and suggested that the isolated strains could be a potential for the nature resource of pharmaceutical.
Reliability, Validity, Responsiveness, and Minimum Important Change of the Stair Climb Test in Adults With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sharma Saurab , Wilson Ross , Pryymachenko Yana , Pathak Anupa , Chua Jason , Gwynne‐Jones David , Bennell Kim L. , Metcalf Ben , Hinman Rana S. , Hunt Michael A. , Lim Boon‐Whatt , Abbott J. Haxby
Published: November 2021

Objective

The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) recommends assessment of physical function using a performance‐based test of stair negotiation but was unable to recommend any specific test. We assessed the reliability, validity, responsiveness, measurement error, and minimum important change (MIC) of the 6‐step timed Stair Climb Test (SCT).

Methods

We used pooled data from 397 participants with hip or knee osteoarthritis (54% women) from 4 clinical trials (86% retained at 12‐week follow‐up). Construct validity was assessed by testing 6 a priori hypotheses against other OARSI‐recommended physical function measures. A self‐reported Global Rating of Change scale was used to classify participants as worsened, improved, and stable. Participants who worsened in physical function were excluded from all analyses. Responsiveness and MIC were assessed using multiple anchor‐based and distribution‐based approaches. Test–retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were assessed on stable participants.

Results

Five of 6 hypotheses (83%) for construct validity were met. Test–retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient2,1 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.71–0.90). The SEM and SDC values were 0.44 and 1.21 seconds, respectively. We did not find adequate support for responsiveness. The MIC values ranged from 0.78 to 1.95 seconds using different approaches (median 1.37 seconds).

Conclusion

The 6‐step timed SCT adequately assesses the construct of physical function in individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis with excellent 12‐week test–retest reliability. However, support for its responsiveness was inadequate to recommend its use as an outcome measure in people with osteoarthritis for research and clinical practice.
Implementation of Rheumatology Health Care Transition Processes and Adaptations to Systems Under Stress: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Chang Joyce C. , Sears Cora , Bitencourt Nicole , Peterson Rosemary , Alperin Risa , Goh Y. Ingrid , Overbury Rebecca S. , Sadun Rebecca , Smitherman Emily , White Patience H. , Lawson Erica F. , Carandang Kristine
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Despite poor health care transition outcomes among young adults with pediatric rheumatic diseases, adoption of transition best practices is low. We sought to understand how structured transition processes were operationalized within pediatric rheumatology practices and what factors were perceived to enable adaptations during a global pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods study of team leaders' experiences during an interim analysis of a pilot project to implement transition policy discussions at sites in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Transition Learning Collaborative. We combined quantitative assessments of organizational readiness for change (9 sites) and semistructured interviews of team leaders (8 sites) using determinants in the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment Framework.

Results

Engagement of nursing and institutional improvement efforts facilitated decisions to implement transition policies. Workflows incorporating educational processes by nonphysicians were perceived to be critical for success. When the pandemic disrupted contact with nonphysicians, capacity for automation using electronic medical record (EMR)–based tools was an important facilitator, but few sites could access these tools. Sites without EMR‐based tools did not progress despite reporting high organizational readiness to implement change at the clinic level. Lastly, educational processes were often superseded by acute issues, such that youth with greater medical/psychosocial complexity may not receive the intervention.

Conclusion

We generated several considerations to guide implementation of transition processes within pediatric rheumatology from the perspectives of team leaders. Careful assessment of institutional and nursing support is advisable before conducting complex transition interventions. Ideally, new strategies would ensure interventions reach youth with high complexity.
Quantitative Correlation of Triplet Exciton Management in Host with the Device Lifetime of Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Jae‐Min , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: November 2021

The improvement of the device stability of blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) has proven to be a challenging issue in terms of enhancing the efficiency of blue organic light‐emitting diodes in practical applications. This work comprehensively investigates the exciton dynamics of electroplex hosts and quantitatively correlates the steady‐state triplet excitons in the host with the device lifetime of state‐of‐the‐art blue PhOLEDs. The kinetic processes of electrically generated singlet excitons, triplet excitons, and polarons explored via transient electroluminescence and numerical modeling reveal that the triplet exciton density in the host is governed by reverse intersystem crossing and the triplet–triplet annihilation rates. A degradation modeling that takes into account the simultaneous material degradation due to the triplet excitons in the host and the dopant is newly established. The results indicate that the suppressed host degradation due to the reduction (1.5×) in host triplet excitons leads to enhanced operational stability. The characterization method and the numerical modeling in this work facilitate the determination of the exciton and polaron behavior of the host and allow for predicting the host‐dependent device lifetime of PhOLEDs for specific host materials.
A Novel In Situ High‐Temperature Magnetometry Method for Radiofrequency Heating Applications
Authors: Noble Jonathan P. P. , Bending Simon J. , Sartbaeva Asel , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Hill Alfred K.
Published: November 2021

Radiofrequency heating of magnetic particles promises highly efficient and direct heating of catalytic reactors for coupling of low carbon electricity with energy intensive chemical transformations. In this work, a novel real‐time and in situ magnetometry method is developed to measure minor and major hysteresis loops of soft magnetic nanopowders. It is applied to measure the magnetic properties and hysteresis power absorption of magnetite and maghemite powders up to 500 °C. An arctangent model for saturation magnetization is adapted for minor hysteresis loops. It produces an excellent fit for hysteresis loop power across field strengths up to 18.5 kA m−1 and allows prediction of heating power, remanence, and susceptibility. Samples of magnetite and maghemite are shown to heat rapidly from room temperature at more than 25 °C s−1, with maghemite giving the strongest heating response. The peak heating power occurs at the transition beyond the ellipsoidal Rayleigh law region. These findings suggest that the properties of magnetic powders, coupled with variable magnetic field strengths and frequencies, can be tuned to optimize the heating power for a variety of applications.
Can foods produced with new plant engineering techniques succeed in the marketplace? A case study of apples
Authors: Marette Stéphan , Beghin John , Disdier Anne‐Célia , Mojduszka Eliza
Published: November 2021

We present a model for research and development (R&D) investment in food innovations based on new plant engineering techniques (NPETs) and traditional hybridization methods. The framework combines uncertain and costly food innovation with consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for the new food. The framework is applied with elicited WTP of French and US consumers for new improved apples. NPETs may be socially beneficial under full information and when the probability of success under NPETs is relatively high. Otherwise, the traditional hybridization is socially optimal. A probable collapse of conventional apples raises the social desirability of new apples generated by NPETs and traditional hybridization.
Explaining autonomous drones: An XAI journey
Authors: Stefik Mark , Youngblood Michael , Pirolli Peter , Lebiere Christian , Thomson Robert , Price Robert , Nelson Lester D. , Krivacic Robert , Le Jacob , Mitsopoulos Konstantinos , Somers Sterling , Schooler Joel
Published: November 2021

COGLE (COmmon Ground Learning and Explanation) is an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) system where autonomous drones deliver supplies to field units in mountainous areas. The mission risks vary with topography, flight decisions, and mission goals. The missions engage a human plus AI team where users determine which of two AI‐controlled drones is better for each mission. This article reports on the technical approach and findings of the project and reflects on challenges that complex combinatorial problems present for users, machine learning, user studies, and the context of use for XAI systems. COGLE creates explanations in multiple modalities. Narrative “What” explanations compare what each drone does on a mission and “Why” based on drone competencies determined from experiments using counterfactuals. Visual “Where” explanations highlight risks on maps to help users to interpret flight plans. One branch of the research studied whether the explanations helped users to predict drone performance. In this branch, a model induction user study showed that post‐decision explanations had only a small effect in teaching users to determine by themselves which drone is better for a mission. Subsequent reflection suggests that supporting human plus AI decision making with pre‐decision explanations is a better context for benefiting from explanations on combinatorial tasks.
Updates on the psychological and psychiatric aspects of the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders
Authors: Bulbena‐Cabré Andrea , Baeza‐Velasco Carolina , Rosado‐Figuerola Silvia , Bulbena Antonio
Published: November 2021

The field of the psychiatric and psychological aspects of Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) has been understudied and neglected for many years. People with EDS are often classified as “somatizers” by untrained clinicians. However, research on the biological basis of EDS is improving our understanding of the physiology and psychopathology of the disorder. In this article, we consider the literature on the psychopathological dimensions associated with EDS as well as the EDS symptoms in psychiatric conditions since our review in 2017. Literature confirms that psychological processes (i.e., fear, emotional distress, or negative emotions) in EDS have a significant impact on the outcomes of EDS. Common systemic associations are found between anxiety disorders and EDS as well as significant correlations with neurodevelopmental, eating, mood, and sleep disorders. There is limited but increasing evidence of an association between EDS and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, which should be further explored. The broad spectrum of human anxiety and associated somatic symptoms (beyond anxiety disorders) appears to be the core of the psychopathology in EDS and therefore, detecting and assessing EDS might be a new opportunity for psychiatric nosology to develop more inclusive phenotypes like the Neuroconnective Phenotype that include both somatic and psychological manifestations.
Implication of proliferation gene biomarkers in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yan Yi , Jiang Rong , Yuan Ping , Wen Li , Pang Xiao‐Bin , Jing Zhi‐Cheng , He Yang‐Yang , Han Zhi‐Yan
Published: November 2021

Objective/Background

Proliferation is a widely recognized trigger for pulmonary hypertension (PH), a life‐threatening, progressive disorder of pulmonary blood vessels. This study was aimed to identify some proliferation associated genes/targets for better comprehension of PH pathogenesis.

Methods

Human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) were cultured in the presence or absence of human recombinant platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF)‐BB. Cells were collected for metabolomics or transcriptomics study. Gene profiling of lungs of PH rats after hypoxia exposure or of PH patients were retrieved from GEO database.

Results

90 metabolites (VIP score >1, fold change >2 or <0.5 and p < .05) and 2701 unique metabolism associated genes (MAGs) were identified in rhPDGF‐BB treated hPASMCs compared to control cells. In addition, 1151 differentially expressed genes (313 upregulated and 838 downregulated) were identified in rhPDGF‐BB treated hPASMCs compared to control cells (fold change >2 or <0.5 and p < .05). 152 differentially expressed MAGs were then determined, out of which 9 hub genes (IL6, CXCL8, CCL2, CXCR4, CCND1, PLAUR, PLAU, HBEGF and F3) were defined as core proliferation associated hub genes in protein proten interaction analysis. In addition, the hub gene‐based LASSO model can predict the occurrence of PH (AUC = 0.88). The expression of CXCR4, as one of the hub genes, was positively correlated to immune cell infiltrates.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed some key proliferation associated genes in PH, which provide the crucial information concerning complex metabolic reprogramming and inflammatory modulation in response to proliferation signals and might offer therapeutic gains for PH.
Dynamische Strukturänderung und Thermodynamik von Phasentrennprozessen eines Proteinmodells mit intrinsisch ungeordneter/geordneter Struktur
Authors: Lüdeke Steffen , Lohner Philipp , Stühn Lara G. , Betschart Martin U. , Huber Matthias C. , Schreiber Andreas , Schiller Stefan M.
Published: November 2021

Elastin‐artige Proteine (ELPs) haben neben ihrer biologischen Funktion auch Bedeutung als Modelle für intrinsisch ungeordnete Proteine und dynamische Strukturübergänge, die mit Koazervation und Flüssig‐flüssig‐Phasenübergängen einhergehen. Über den Konformerenzustand direkt unter‐ und oberhalb der Koazervationstemperatur und dessen Rolle im Phasentrennprozess ist allerdings nach wie vor wenig bekannt. Durch globales Matrix‐kleinste‐Quadrate‐Boltzmann‐Fitting der Zirkulardichroismus‐Spektren dreier ELPs deckten wir auf, dass es unmittelbar zur Koazervation kommt, wenn eine bestimmte Anzahl von Wiederholungseinheiten β‐Turn‐Konformation angenommen hat (hier etwa 20 Wiederholungseinheiten). Der Charakter der differenziellen Streuung der Koazervat‐Suspensionen wies darauf hin, dass dieser Anteil an β‐Turn‐Struktur auch nach der Zusammenlagerung der Polypeptide erhalten bleibt. Möglicherweise spielen derartige “Konformationsschwellenwerte” auch in anderen Protein‐Zusammenlagerungsprozessen eine Rolle.
Design of a Metallacycle‐Based Supramolecular Photosensitizer for In Vivo Image‐Guided Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacteria
Authors: Xu Yuling , Tuo Wei , Yang Liang , Sun Yan , Li Chonglu , Chen Xiaoqiang , Yang Wenchao , Yang Guangfu , Stang Peter J. , Sun Yao
Published: November 2021

Bacterial infection is one of the greatest threats to public health. In vivo real‐time monitoring and effective treatment of infected sites through non‐invasive techniques, remain a challenge. Herein, we designed a PtII metallacycle‐based supramolecular photosensitizer through the host‐guest interaction between a pillar[5]arene‐modified metallacycle and 1‐butyl‐4‐[4‐(diphenylamino)styryl]pyridinium. Leveraging the aggregation‐induced emission supramolecular photosensitizer, we improved fluorescence performance and antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation. In vivo studies revealed that it displayed precise fluorescence tracking of S. aureus‐infected sites, and in situ performed image‐guided efficient PDI of S. aureus without noticeable side effects. These results demonstrated that metallacycle combined with host‐guest chemistry could provide a paradigm for the development of powerful photosensitizers for biomedicine.
Design and Development of a Bioorthogonal, Visualizable and Mitochondria‐Targeted Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Delivery System
Authors: Chen Yinghan , Zhao Ruohan , Tang Cheng , Zhang Chun , Xu Wenyuan , Wu Luyan , Wang Yuqi , Ye Deju , Liang Yong
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important endogenous gasotransmitter, but the targeted delivery and real‐time feedback of exogenous H2S are still challenging. With the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we designed a new 1,3‐dithiolium‐4‐olate (DTO) compound, which can react with a strained alkyne via the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and the retro‐Diels–Alder reaction to generate carbonyl sulfide (COS) as the precursor of H2S, and a thiophene derivative with turn‐on fluorescence. Moreover, the diphenylamino substituent in DTO greatly increases the mitochondrial targeting of this H2S delivery system. Such a bioorthogonal click‐and‐release reaction has integrated three functions in one system for the first time: (1) in situ controllable H2S release, (2) concomitant fluorescence response, and (3) mitochondria‐targeted delivery. In addition, we investigated the mitochondrial membrane potential loss alleviation by using this system in H9c2 cells under oxidative stress.
Dynamic Structural Changes and Thermodynamics in Phase Separation Processes of an Intrinsically Disordered–Ordered Protein Model
Authors: Lüdeke Steffen , Lohner Philipp , Stühn Lara G. , Betschart Martin U. , Huber Matthias C. , Schreiber Andreas , Schiller Stefan M.
Published: November 2021

Elastin‐like proteins (ELPs) are biologically important proteins and models for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and dynamic structural transitions associated with coacervates and liquid–liquid phase transitions. However, the conformational status below and above coacervation temperature and its role in the phase separation process is still elusive. Employing matrix least‐squares global Boltzmann fitting of the circular dichroism spectra of the ELPs (VPGVG)20, (VPGVG)40, and (VPGVG)60, we found that coacervation occurs sharply when a certain number of repeat units has acquired β‐turn conformation (in our sequence setting a threshold of approx. 20 repeat units). The character of the differential scattering of the coacervate suspensions indicated that this fraction of β‐turn structure is still retained after polypeptide assembly. Such conformational thresholds may also have a role in other protein assembly processes with implications for the design of protein‐based smart materials.
New simple La‐Ni complexes as efficient precursors for functional LaNiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Gavrikov Andrey V. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Belova Ekaterina V. , Yapryntsev Alexey D. , Khrushcheva Alena V. , Loktev Alexey S.
Published: November 2021

Perovskite LaNiO3 is of immense significance in a range of fields such as heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, new convenient approach for preparing LaNiO3 via thermolysis of new simple complexes, [Ni (bpy)3] [La (NO3)5(MeCN)] (1, bpy is 2,2'‐bipyridine) and [Ni (phen)3] [La (NO3)5(H2O)]·2MeCN (2, phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline), is reported. These first examples of unambiguously characterized LaNiO3 precursors are chemically stable and can be synthesized rapidly in good yields. While virtually monophasic LaNiO3 can be prepared from 2 via only 3‐h annealing on air at 800°C, there are always minor admixtures in oxide samples prepared from 1. Peculiarities of intrinsic thermal transformations of 1 and 2 affecting such difference have been revealed. Thus, 1 and 2 are the first series of compositionally related heterometallic La‐Ni complexes studied as precursors for LaNiO3‐based ceramics. Comparatively high surface areas of LaNiO3‐based ceramics produced from 1 and 2 at 800°C determine its high catalytic activity towards dry reforming of methane (DRM) to syngas. Nearly quantitative CH4 and CO2 conversions as well as CO and H2 yields were achieved in 800–900°C range without preliminary reduction to Ni/La2O3 composites. Thus, LaNiO3‐based ceramics prepared from 1 and 2 are good precursors for in situ production of efficient catalysts for DRM.
Identification of risk factors for postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hip fractures by a risk stratification index model: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Ye , Zhao Lin , Zhang Changsheng , An Qi , Guo Qianqian , Geng Jie , Guo Zhenggang , Guan Zhengpeng
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Postoperative delirium is one of the most common and dangerous psychiatric complications after hip surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery and to identify risk factors for such, as part of developing a risk stratification index (RSI) system to predict a patient's risk of postoperative delirium.

Methods

Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) with hip fractures who had received surgical treatment in our hospital between March 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively included. Clinical data were collected, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relevant risk factors of postoperative delirium. An RSI system was developed based on factors identified in the regression analysis.

Results

Of 272 patients included, 52 (19.12%) experienced postoperative delirium. Drinking history (> 3/ week), the perioperative lactic acid level (Lac > 2 mmol/L), postoperative visual analog score (VAS) > 3, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status > II, application of the bispectral index, and preoperative diabetes were independent risk factors of postoperative delirium. When RSI ≥ 5, the rate of postoperative delirium significantly increased (p < .05).

Conclusion

The RSI system developed here can safely guide postoperative outcomes of elderly patients with hip fractures, and RSI ≥ 5 may be able to predict the onset of postoperative delirium.
An ensembling model for early identification of at‐risk students in higher education
Authors: Gupta Anika , Garg Deepak , Kumar Parteek
Published: November 2021

Audience Response Systems like clickers are gaining much attention for early identification of at‐risk students as quality education, student success rate and retention are major concerning areas, as evidenced in this COVID scenario. Usage of this active learning strategy across the varying strength of classrooms are found to be much effective in retaining the attention, retention and learning power of the students. However, implementing clickers for large classrooms incur overhead costs on instructor's part. As a result, educational researchers are experimenting with various lightweight alternatives. This paper discusses one such alternative: lightweight formative assessments for blended learning environments. It discusses their implementation and effectiveness in early identification of at‐risk students. This study validates the usage of lightweight assessments for three core pedagogically different courses of large computer science engineering classrooms. It uses voting ensemble classifier for effective predictions. With the usage of lightweight assessments in early identification of at‐risk students, accuracy range of 87%–94.7% have been achieved along‐with high ROC‐AUC values. The study also proposes the generalized pedagogical architecture for fitting in these lightweight assessments within the course curriculum of pedagogically different courses. With the constructive outcomes, the light‐weight assessments seem to be promising for efficient handling of scaling technical classrooms.
A 1‐year and 4‐month‐old child with mucopolysaccharidoses type II: A clinical case report from Ethiopia
Authors: Deribessa Solomie Jebessa , Bisrat Mekdes Endale , Terefework Zewdu , Quinonez Shane C.
Published: November 2021

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a class of lysosomal storage disorders resulting in progressive disease manifestations and are caused by pathogenic variants in genes coding for enzymes needed to degrade glycosaminoglycans. While most of the seven MPSs are autosomal recessive disorders, MPS II, also known as Hunter syndrome, is inherited in an X‐linked recessive manner and is the most common MPS. Here, we report a 1‐year and 4‐month‐old boy who presented with delayed developmental milestones, back deformity, and left scrotal swelling noticed by parents at one year of age. He has coarse facial appearance with macrocephaly, widened wrists, congenital dermal melanocytosis on his back, kyphotic deformity in the thoracolumbar area and left‐sided inguinal hernia all consistent with a suspected MPS II diagnosis. The MPS II diagnosis was subsequently confirmed with genetic testing of the IDS gene. To our knowledge, this is the first case of MPS II reported from Ethiopia. This case shows the importance of early clinical recognition of genetic conditions and the utility of genetic testing for confirmation. The diagnosis provided important surveillance and natural history information for the patient's providers and family.
A Systematic Study of the Influence of Electrolyte Ions on the Electrode Activity
Authors: Ding Xing , Scieszka Daniel , Watzele Sebastian , Xue Song , Garlyyev Batyr , Haid Richard W. , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: November 2021

Efficient electrocatalysis is most likely an answer to recent energy related challenges. Countless studies have been trying to find the links between the electrode/electrolyte interface structure, its composition, and the resulting activity in order to improve the performance of numerous devices, such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and certain types of batteries. However, this scientific field currently meets serious complications associated with the prediction and explanation of an unexpected influence of seemingly inert electrolyte components on the observed activity. Herein, we investigate various electrocatalytic systems using a unique laser‐induced current transient technique to answer a long‐lasting fundamental question: How can “inert” electrolytes change the activity so drastically? Different metal electrodes in contact with various aqueous solutions and two energy important reactions were used as model systems. We experimentally determine the potential of maximum entropy of the electrodes and find the connections between its position and the electrocatalytic performance.
Disparities and trends in the participation of minorities, women, and the elderly in breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer clinical trials
Authors: Javier‐DesLoges Juan , Nelson Tyler J. , Murphy James D. , McKay Rana R. , Pan Elizabeth , Parsons J. Kellogg , Kane Christopher J. , Kader A. Karim , Derweesh Ithaar H. , Nodora Jesse , Patel Sandip P. , Martinez Maria Elena , Rose Brent S.
Published: November 2021

Background

This study was done to determine the representation of minorities, women, and the elderly in National Cancer Institute (NCI) clinical trials.

Methods

This is an analysis in the NCI Clinical Data Update System. Patients were evaluated in breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer trials from 2000 to 2019. Representation in a trial was determined by race/ethnicity, sex, and age. Secondarily, the change in trial participation by multivariable analysis by comparing years 2000 through 2004 to 2015 through 2019 was evaluated.

Results

The cohort included 242,720 participants: 197,320 Non‐Hispanic White (81.3%), 21,190 Black (8.7%), 11,587 Hispanic (4.8%), and 6880 Asian/Pacific Islander (2.8%). Black and Hispanic patients were underrepresented for colorectal (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50‐0.67; P < .001 and OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.87; P < .001, respectively), lung (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76‐0.91; P < .001 and 0.66; 95% CI, 0.57‐0.77; P < .001, respectively), and prostate cancer trials (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79‐0.92; P < .001 and OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.66; P < .001) between 2015 and 2019. The odds of participation in 2015 to 2019 increased among Black patients in breast (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 2.07‐%2.32; P < .001), lung (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.38‐1.73; P < .001), and prostate cancer trials (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.26; P < .001). The odds of participation in a trial among Hispanic patients increased for breast (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 3.09‐3.56; P < .001), colorectal (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 2.04‐2.96; P < .001), lung (OR, 3.88; 95% CI, 3.20‐4.69; P < .001), and prostate cancer (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.42‐2.04; P = .005).

Conclusions

This study identified that Black and Hispanic patients remain underrepresented in trials, but in recent years, participation has increased. These findings indicate that minority participation has increased over time, but further efforts are needed.
Nanospace Engineering of Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Wang Qi , Yang Guoxiang , Fu Yangjie , Li Ningyi , Hao Derek , Ma Shengqian
Published: November 2021

The structural advantages of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) can facilitate wide applications in the field of catalysis, including oxidation, hydrogenation, acetalization, transesterification, catalytic cracking, and so on. The efficiency of catalysis is closely related to the synergy between active center, auxiliary center, and microenvironment. Researchers can customize MOFs according to the needs of catalytic reactions, and many strategies were established for boosting catalytic performance. In this review, we aim to summarize and illustrate recent progress in the nanospace engineering of MOFs. Generally, MOFs were engineered mainly from the following aspects: 1) Regulation of pore size, including micropores, mesopores, and macropores. 2) Engineering of encapsulated active species, such as metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, polyoxometalates, enzymes, etc. 3) Engineering of MOFs morphology from zero dimension to three‐dimension. 4) Controllable integration of MOFs with multi‐strategies. 5) Construction of multivariate MOFs via introducing multiple or mixed organic functional groups into the existing framework. Besides, for further low cost and practical applications, challenges for MOFs as green and sustainable catalysts are also discussed.
Sheathless acoustic based flow cell sorter for enrichment of rare cells
Authors: Wang Ce , Ma Yuting , Pei Zhiguo , Song Feifei , Zhong Jinfeng , Wang Yao , Yan Xintao , Dai Pu , Jiang Yi , Qiu Jianping , Shi Mengdie , Wu Xiaodong
Published: November 2021

Cell enrichment is a powerful tool in many kinds of cell research, especially in applications with low abundance cell types. In this work, we developed a microfluidic fluorescence activated cell sorting device that was able to perform on‐demand, low loss cell detection, and sorting. The chip utilizes three‐dimensional acoustic standing waves to position all cells in the same fluid velocity regime without sheath. When the cells pass through a laser interrogation region, the scattering and fluorescent signals are detected, translated and transported to software. The target cells are then identified by gating on the plots. Short bursts of standing acoustic waves are triggered by order from PC to sort target cells within predefined gating region. For very low abundance and rare labeled lymphocytes mixed with high concentration unlabeled white blood cells (WBCs), (1–100 labeled lymphocytes are diluted in 106 WBCs in 1 ml volume fluid), the device is able to remove more than 98% WBCs and recover labeled lymphocytes with efficiency of 80%. We further demonstrated that this device worked with real clinical samples by successfully isolating fetal nucleated red blood cells (FNRBCs) in the blood samples from pregnant women with male fetus. The obtained cells were sequenced and the expressions of (sex determining region Y) SRY genes were tested to determine fetal cell proportion. In genetic analysis, the proportion of fetal cells in the final picked sample is up to 40.64%. With this ability, the device proposed could be valuable for biomedical applications involving fetal cells, circulating tumor cells, and stem cells.
Correlation between a 10‐color flow cytometric measurable residual disease (MRD) analysis and molecular MRD in adult B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Singh Jasmine , Gorniak Malgorzata , Grigoriadis George , Westerman David , McBean Michelle , Venn Nicola , Law Tamara , Sutton Rosemary , Morgan Sue , Fleming Shaun
Published: November 2021

Background

Measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an important predictive factor for patient outcome and treatment intensification. Molecular monitoring, particularly with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure immunoglobin heavy or kappa chain (Ig) or T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements, offers high sensitivity but accessibility is limited by expertise, cost, and turnaround time. Flow cytometric assays are cheaper and more widely available, and sensitivity is improved with multi‐parameter flow cytometry at eight or more colors.

Methods

We developed a 10‐color single tube flow cytometry assay. Samples were subject to bulk ammonium chloride lysis to maximize cell yields with a target of 1 × 106 events. Once normal maturation patterns were established, patient samples were analyzed in parallel to standard molecular monitoring.

Results

Flow cytometry was performed on 114 samples. An informative immunophenotype was identifiable in all 22 patients who had a diagnostic sample. MRD analysis was performed on 87 samples. The median lower limits of detection and quantification were 0.004% (range 0.0005%–0.028%) and 0.01% (range 0.001%–0.07%) respectively. Sixty‐five samples had concurrent molecular MRD testing, with good correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Results were concordant in 52 samples, and discordant in 13 samples, including one case where impending relapse was detected by flow cytometry but not Ig/TCR qPCR.

Conclusions

Our 10‐color flow cytometric MRD assay provided adequate sensitivity and good correlation with molecular assays. This technique offers rapid and affordable testing in B‐ALL patients, including cases where a suitable molecular assay cannot be developed or has reduced sensitivity.
Research on handover strategy of heterogeneous networks based on user service quality
Authors: Wang Shaoqiang , Tang Yanfeng , Du Jingyi
Published: November 2021

In view of the handover problem of visible light communication (VLC) and WiFi, most of existing works focus on optimization of vertical handover algorithm of heterogeneous network. However, cooperative handover strategy of horizontal handover (HHO) and vertical handover (VHO) was rarely studied. In the situation, this paper proposes a cooperative horizontal VHO (CHVHO) strategy for heterogeneous network based on quality of experience (QoE). This strategy mainly coordinates the HHO and VHO of the network from the aspects of building servers and the simplification of indoor movement model, which improves the QoE allocated to users. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with traditional immediate VHO (IVHO) and dwell VHO (DVHO), this strategy can be adaptive to user movement and get higher average QoE.
Development of a microchip capillary electrophoresis method for determination of the purity and integrity of mRNA in lipid nanoparticle vaccines
Authors: Raffaele Jessica , Loughney John W. , Rustandi Richard R.
Published: November 2021

Messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based vaccines are advantageous because they can be relatively quicker and more cost efficient to manufacture compared to other traditional vaccine products. Lipid nanoparticles have three common purposes: delivery, self‐adjuvanting properties, and mRNA protection. Faster vaccine development requires an efficient and fast assay to monitor mRNA purity and integrity. Microchip CE is known to be a robust technology that is capable of rapid separation. Here, we describe the development and optimization of a purity and integrity assay for mRNA‐based vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles using commercial microchip‐based separation. The analytical parameters of the optimized assay were assessed and the method is a stability indicating assay.
Energy efficient routing in IOT based UWSN using bald eagle search algorithm
Authors: Kapileswar Nellore , Phani Kumar P.
Published: November 2021

The underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN) faces many problems such as limited bandwidth, large path loss, high attenuation, and limited battery power. In recent times, different routing protocols have been proposed in the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled UWSN (IoT‐UWSNs) to explore the underwater environment for different purposes, that is, scientific and military purposes. However, high energy consumption (EC), end to end (E2E) delay, low packet delivery ratio (PDR) and minimum network lifetime make the energy efficient communication a challenging task in UWSN. The high E2E delay, EC, and reliable data delivery are the critical issues, which play an important role to enhance the network throughput. For effective achievement of EC, proposed a new routing algorithm called bald eagle search (BES). It is a nature‐inspired optimization algorithm that copied bald eagle hunting behavior. The proposed routing protocol includes three stages: initialization stage, construction stage, and the data transmission phase. The nodes identify the location and the sector during the initialization process. The construction phase includes two steps, neighbor node selection, and identification of energy efficient path. Then the last phase includes the transmission, in this the broadcasting node chooses the nodes with high residual energy (RE) in comparison to the average RE of the entire network. The proposed method is implemented in MATLAB. The outcomes of simulation confirm that the BES algorithm has better performance on EC, average RE, and network lifetime than the three existing algorithm in UWSN.