bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
超音波検査が診断に有用であった心嚢気腫による心タンポナーデの1例(Ultrasonographic diagnosis of cardiac tamponade due to pneumopericardium: a case report)
Authors: 広登 坂本 , 憲市 新田 , 保瑛 前田 , 雄二朗 濱野 , 通太郎 市川 , 勝徳 望月 , 浩 今村
Published: March 2023

鋭的胸部外傷に伴う心嚢気腫は稀であるが，閉塞性ショックを生じうる緊急性の高い病態である。症例は80歳の男性。自殺企図による頸部刺創，胸部刺創でドクターヘリが要請された。病院前医療で気管損傷，左開放性血気胸に対して，気管挿管，刺創部の3点テーピング，左胸腔ドレナージを施行し当院へ搬送となった。来院後に血圧が低下し超音波検査で心嚢気腫による心タンポナーデを来していると考え，刺創部より用指的に緊急脱気を行い，速やかに血圧の上昇を得た。同日に永久気管孔を作成した。その後，心電図上ST上昇が見られたが，心筋逸脱酵素の上昇はなく冠動脈造影では冠動脈損傷などの所見はなかった。第12病日に胸腔ドレーンを抜去し，第21病日に耳鼻咽喉科へ転科し，第39病日に独歩で自宅退院した。本症例では，鋭的胸部外傷で来院後，超音波検査で心嚢気腫を疑い，心タンポナーデを来したが速やかに用指的に解除できたことが救命につながったと考えられる。
神経学的後遺症を残した電撃型脂肪塞栓症候群の1例～文献レビューと予後調査～(A case of fulminant fat embolism syndrome with neurological deficit: literature review and prognosis research)
Authors: 雄一 齋坂 , 龍一郎 奥田 , 泰明 山川 , 比呂人 伊與田 , 浩平 宮下 , 篤史 盛實 , 朋子 杉村
Published: March 2023

電撃型脂肪塞栓症候群（電撃型FES）は外傷後短時間で発症し，致死的転帰をたどり生命予後も不良と報告されているがまとまった報告はない。神経学的後遺症を残した電撃型FESの1例を生命予後・神経学的予後を調査した文献レビューとともに報告する。症例は18歳の男性。交通事故により受傷し，救出後に当院救急搬送となった。来院時ショックはなく，意識レベルはGCS E3V4M6で軽度の不穏を認めた。顔面挫滅創を認めたがCTで頭蓋内損傷はなく，右肘開放性脱臼骨折および右大腿骨骨幹部骨折を認めた。受傷後8時間で骨折に対する緊急手術を行った。術中より血圧低下あり，術後に低酸素状態・意識レベル不良であり，再挿管・人工呼吸器管理となった。直後に行ったCTで肺野のすりガラス影の出現と脳浮腫を認め，翌日には点状出血の出現を認めたため電撃型FESの診断となった。集学的治療を行ったが，けいれんの出現があり，受傷後22日に撮像した頭部MRIでは多発性の陳旧性脳梗塞像を認めた。受傷後35日の転院時E3VTM3と意思疎通は困難であった。受傷後1年の時点で追視は可能だが意思疎通困難で，随意的な四肢運動は不可能である。文献レビューでは電撃型FESは日本語文献26例，英語文献14例の症例報告があり，死亡率は43～50%で，神経学的後遺症発生率は43～56%であった。
In vitro and in vivo suppression of SARS‐CoV‐2 replication by a modified, short, cell‐penetrating peptide targeting the C‐terminal domain of the viral spike protein
Authors: Kim Dongbum , Kim Jinsoo , An Seungchan , Kim Minyoung , Baek Kyeongbin , Kang Bo Min , Maharjan Sony , Kim Suyeon , Hwang Seok Young , Park In Guk , Park Sangkyu , Suh Jun Gyo , Park Man‐Seong , Noh Minsoo , Lee Younghee , Kwon Hyung‐Joo
Published: March 2023

Peptides are promising therapeutic agents for COVID‐19 because of their specificity, easy synthesis, and ability to be fine‐tuned. We previously demonstrated that a cell‐permeable peptide corresponding to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Spike C‐terminal domain (CD) inhibits the interaction between viral spike and nucleocapsid proteins that results in SARS‐CoV‐2 replication in vitro. Here, we used docking studies to design R‐t‐Spike CD(D), a more potent short cell‐penetrating peptide composed of all D‐form amino acids and evaluated its inhibitory effect against the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 S clade and other variants. R‐t‐Spike CD(D) was internalized into Vero cells and Calu‐3 cells and suppressed the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 S clade, delta variant, and omicron variant with higher potency than the original peptide. In hemizygous K18‐hACE2 mice, intratracheal administration of R‐t‐Spike CD(D) effectively delivered the peptide to the trachea and lungs, whereas intranasal administration delivered the peptide mostly to the upper respiratory system and stomach, and a small amount to the lungs. Administration by either route reduced viral loads in mouse lungs and turbinates. Furthermore, intranasally administered R‐t‐Spike CD(D) mitigated pathological change in the lungs and increased the survival of mice after infection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 S clade or delta variant. Our data suggest that R‐t‐Spike CD(D) has potential as a therapeutic agent against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Excess acute diarrhoea cases attributed to norovirus variants in Beijing, China between 2011 and 2018
Authors: Liu Baiwei , Wang Yu , Wang Xiaoli , Jia Lei , Tian Yi , Yan Hanqiu , Li Weihong , Shen Lingyu , Wang Quanyi , Gao Zhiyong
Published: March 2023

New norovirus (NoV) variants emerge often leading to increased acute gastroenteritis outbreaks and outpatient visits. However, these increases are rarely quantified. Between September 2011 and August 2018, we included a total of 133 131 acute diarrhoea cases in 11 enteric disease outpatient clinics which were open all year round in Beijing. Over the same period, the etiology surveillance for acute diarrhoea was conducted, a total of 13 139 specimens were collected and tested, and 16.84% (2213/13 139) of all specimens were NoV‐positive. The partial VP1 genes were successfully sequenced in 965 NoV strains. GII.4 Sydney, GII.17, and GII.2 predominated in 2012–2013, 2014–2015, and 2016–2017, respectively. We estimated the excess NoV‐associated acute diarrhoea cases using the adjusted Serfling regression model, and three excess periods were found, corresponding to the predominance periods of GII.4 Sydney, GII.17 and GII.2, respectively, represented increases of 180.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 115.0%–246.0%), 114.7% (95% CI: 66.4%–163.1%) and 152.6% (95% CI: 100.2%–205.0%), compared with the baseline level. New NoV variants often caused an excess in their first year of predominance, and the excess periods of NoV‐associated acute diarrhoea cases coincided with the predominance periods of NoV variants.
Impact of drought conditions on air pollution over Turkey
Authors: Baltaci Hakki , Tumay Gozde , Labban Abdulhaleem H.
Published: March 2023

As a natural disaster, drought affects many sectors such as agriculture and hydrology, as well as having an effect on air quality. In terms of air pollution, drought can reduce wet scavenging of pollutants and change their chemical production/loss and lifetime. This study investigates the relationship between drought events and air pollutants in Turkey. As a drought indicator, the Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)‐1 monthly values for dry (SPEI < −0.99), normal (−0.99 < SPEI < 0.99) and wet (SPEI < 0.99) conditions were used to investigate the changes in PM10, PM2.5, O3 concentration levels. Monthly mean PM10 values of 80 stations for the period 2010–2018, PM2.5 and O3 values of 10 and 12 stations, respectively, were used for the analysis throughout the 2014–2018 period. According to the results, while frequency occurrence of normal conditions decreased in the last period (2010–2018) when compared to the first (1901–2009), drought conditions have significantly increased in each region of Turkey in the last decade. Highest increase in drought events occurred in the inner/southern parts of Turkey. In dry events, while PM10 levels of the stations show above‐normal values, highest regional increase in PM10 was found in the Central Anatolia (CAR), Mediterranean (MeR), Aegean (AR) and Marmara (MR) regions of the country. In fall, high daily temperatures and cloudless days in CAR and MeR regions are seen under deep surface low over continental Europe and surface high over Caspian Sea, which result in severe dryness events and associated high PM10 values in the air quality stations. On the other hand, as a consequence of the expanding Asiatic monsoon low to the eastern part of Turkey, significant amount of moisture is transferred from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea surface to the CAR and MeR regions by southerly flows (wetness SPEI conditions in fall) and cause to appear below‐normal PM10 values in the southern stations.
The Role of Substance P Receptor Antagonists in Allergic Rhinitis: Ovalbumin‐Induced Rat Model
Authors: Becerik Çağrı , Karaca Çiğdem T. , Özcan Zühal , Kul Selim , Toros Sema Z.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Substance P is a peptide from the tachykinin family, which is found in peripheral and central nervous systems, causing vasodilation and increased secretion in the nasal mucosa. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the experimental model of allergic rhinitis will cause allergic changes in the larynx and to compare the effects of aprepitant, a substance P antagonist, on nasal symptoms in allergic rhinitis, and histopathological changes in the nasal and laryngeal mucosa with antihistamine and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA).

Study Design

An experimental animal study.

Method

The study was carried out on 34 healthy 8–12 weeks old female Sprague Dawley rats in 5 groups. The rats in which an experimental allergic rhinitis model was created with ovalbumin were scored by observing their nasal symptoms, and nasal and laryngeal mucous membranes included in the study were evaluated histopathologically after medications.

Results

As a result of the analysis of the data obtained from the study, antihistamine and LTRA significantly reduced the symptoms of nose scratching and sneezing, while aprepitant did not affect nasal symptoms. In the histopathological examination of the larynx, effects that would make a significant difference were found in the allergy group when compared to the control group. On the larynx, aprepitant reduced pseudostratification significantly compared to the allergy group.

Conclusion

Aprepitant provides histopathological changes in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, but does not have sufficient effect on nasal symptoms. The effect of aprepitant on the larynx has not been clearly demonstrated.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2891–2897, 2023
Men engage in self‐deceptive enhancement, whereas women engage in impression management
Authors: Lalwani Ashok K. , Lee Hyejin , Shrum L. J. , Viswanathan Madhu
Published: March 2023

Consumer surveys are integral to marketers' understanding of consumers' judgments, preferences, and choices. However, consumers often respond in socially desirable ways, making it difficult to accurately ascertain their true preferences and reactions. In this regard, research has produced conflicting findings on who engages more in socially desirable responding: men or women. Our research is at the intersection of psychology and marketing to understand the effect of gender differences on socially desirable responding. We tested hypotheses regarding the types of socially desirable responding of men versus women and the underlying motivations. Across three studies, we show that men (compared to women) have a greater tendency to engage in self‐deceptive enhancement—the tendency to provide inflated and honestly held self‐descriptions in response to questions—and a promotion focus mediates this relationship. In contrast, women (compared to men) have a greater tendency to engage in impression management—the tendency to distort responses to present themselves most positively to maintain a favorable image—and a prevention focus mediates this relationship. Consequently, gender differences in promotion versus prevention focus are likely to have important theoretical implications for a gender‐based explanation of different behaviors associated with regulatory focus. From a practical standpoint, marketers can utilize priming techniques to temporarily heighten gender identity and influence preferences for products that provide self‐enhancement or image‐protection benefits.
Carbazolic Conjugated Microporous Polymers for Photocatalytic Organic Transformations
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Shu Caihua , Cui Haishuai , Wan Quan , Au Chak‐Tong , Yi Bing , Yang Hai
Published: March 2023

Heterogeneous photocatalysis have been deemed as a versatile and colorful platform for exploring efficient transformation systems. Henceforth, the design of photocatalysts underpins a wide range of research interests. By virtue of synthetic versatility, stability, non‐toxicity, purely organic properties, tunable semiconductive structures, and remarkable visible‐light absorbance, conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have emerged as an attractive new class of semiconductor materials that show great potential for tackling important energy and environmental challenges. Over the past decade, immense efforts have been devoted toward the construction of CMPs‐based photocatalysts for versatile photocatalytic transformations. This review aims to summarize the latest representative advances in the field of carbazolic CMPs, focusing on various design strategies for the construction of tailor‐made skeletons that have direct impact on their charge dynamics and thus photocatalytic performances, especially on their specific photocatalytic efficiency for organic transformations. Scrutinizing the photocatalytic features and elucidating the related design principles, it is fully described how structure modification of polycarbazoles could have an effect on optical properties, and thus on photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the bottlenecks that need to be addressed, and the future research directions of CMPs are identified in the area of photocatalysis.
Convergence of the projection and contraction methods for solving bilevel variational inequality problems
Authors: Thang Tran Van , Anh Pham Ngoc , Truong Nguyen Duc
Published: March 2023

In this work, we analyze some convergent properties of a projection and contraction algorithm for solving a variational inequality problem, where the feasible domain is the solution set of an affine variational inequality problem. We prove that, for solving the problem where the second cost mapping is affine and not necessary for monotone properties, any iterative sequence generated by the algorithm converges to a unique solution provided that the first cost mapping is strongly monotone and Lipschitz continuous. Computational errors of the algorithm are showed. Finally, some preliminary numerical experiences and comparisons are also reported.
The Effect of Inulin‐Type Fructans on Plasma Trimethylamine N‐Oxide Levels in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Xiong Qianqian , Li Li , Xiao Yonghua , He Shuiqing , Zhao Jing , Lin Xuechun , He Yuqin , Wang Jinxue , Guo Xiaolei , Liang Wangqun , Zuo Xuezhi , Ying Chenjiang
Published: March 2023

Scope

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), an important proatherogenic uremic toxin, is oxidized by hepatic‐flavin monooxygenases from gut microbiome‐generated trimethylamine (TMA). The present study aims to explore whether manipulating the gut microbiota by inulin‐type fructans (ITFs) can reduce circulating TMAO levels in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Methods and results

This is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial with 10 g day−1 ITFs intervention for 3 months in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. The gut microbiome is measured, and TMA‐producing gene clusters are annotated using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Fecal and plasma TMA, plasma TMAO, and daily urine excretion and dialysis removal of TMAO are measured. Finally, 22 participants complete the trial. The daily intake of macronutrients and TMAO precursors is comparable during the prebiotics, washout, and placebo interventions. The ITFs intervention increases the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (p = 0.049) of gut microbiome. However, no significant influences are observed on fecal TMA content, circulating TMAO levels, or TMA‐producing gene clusters, including choline TMA‐lyase (CutC/D), carnitine monooxygenase (CntA/B), and betaine reductase (GrdH).

Conclusions

Intervention with 10 g day−1 of ITFs for 3 months is not sufficient to reduce plasma TMAO levels in peritoneal dialysis patients, but it improves the gut microbiome composition.
Technical note: Measurement of the bunch structure of a clinical proton beam using a SiPM coupled to a plastic scintillator with an optical fiber
Authors: García Díez Miguel , Espinosa Rodriguez Andrea , Sánchez Tembleque Victor , Sánchez Parcerisa Daniel , Valladolid Onecha Victor , Vera Sanchez Juan A. , Mazal Alejandro , Fraile Luis Mario , Udias Jose Manuel
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent proposals of high dose rate plans in protontherapy as well as very short proton bunches may pose problems to current beam monitor systems. There is an increasing demand for real‐time proton beam monitoring with high temporal resolution, extended dynamic range and radiation hardness. Plastic scintillators coupled to optical fiber sensors have great potential in this context to become a practical solution towards clinical implementation.

Purpose

In this work, we evaluate the capabilities of a very compact fast plastic scintillator with an optical fiber readout by a SiPM and electronics sensor which has been used to provide information on the time structure at the nanosecond level of a clinical proton beam.

Materials and methods

A 3 × 3 × 3 mm3 plastic scintillator (EJ‐232Q Eljen Technology) coupled to a 3 × 3 mm2 SiPM (MicroFJ‐SMA‐30035, Onsemi) has been characterized with a 70 MeV clinical proton beam accelerated in a Proteus One synchrocyclotron. The signal was read out by a high sampling rate oscilloscope (5 GS/s). By exposing the sensor directly to the proton beam, the time beam profile of individual spots was recorded.

Results

Measurements of detector signal have been obtained with a time sampling period of 0.8 ns. Proton bunch period (16 ns), spot (10 μs) and interspot (1 ms) time structures could be observed in the time profile of the detector signal amplitude. From this, the RF frequency of the accelerator has been extracted, which is found to be 64 MHz.

Conclusions

The proposed system was able to measure the fine time structure of a clinical proton accelerator online and with ns time resolution.
Nomograms for Prediction of High‐Volume Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Feng Jia‐Wei , Ye Jing , Qi Gao‐Feng , Hong Li‐Zhao , Hu Jun , Wang Fei , Liu Sheng‐Yong , Jiang Yong
Published: March 2023

Objective

The coexistence rate between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is quite high. Whether CLT influences metastatic lymph nodes remains uncertain. High‐volume lymph node metastasis is recommended as an unfavorable pathological feature. We aimed to investigate risk factors for high‐volume central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in PTC patients.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Changzhou First People's Hospital.

Methods

Clinicopathological characteristics of 1094 PTC patients who underwent surgery in our center from January 2019 to November 2021 were analyzed.

Results

The number of metastatic lymph nodes in the central compartment and lateral compartment were lower in the CLT group. We demonstrated that age, BRAF V600E, shape, and the number of foci were risk factors for high‐volume CLNM in patients with CLT. For patients without CLT, sex, age, tumor size, number of foci, and margin were risk factors for high‐volume CLNM. Tumor size, number of foci, location, and CLNM were all risk factors for high‐volume LLNM in patients with or without CLT. Body mass index was only associated with high‐volume LLNM in CLT patients. All the above factors were incorporated into nomograms, which showed perfect discriminative ability.

Conclusion

Separate predictive systems should be used for CLT and non‐CLT patients for a more accurate clinical assessment of lymph node status. Our nomograms of predicting high‐volume CLNM and LLNM could facilitate risk‐stratified management of PTC recurrence and treatment decisions.
Predictors of Time Spent in Special Education Among Students With Severe‐to‐Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Epstein Sherise , Ngo LizAnne , Sanders Elizabeth A. , Horn David L.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Determine if students with severe‐to‐profound hearing loss with cochlear implants (CIs) mainstream (transition to general education) more than students with hearing amplification at the population level.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional secondary analysis of data from the National Center of Education Statistics.

Setting

Special education (SpEd) students in the United States who had severe to profound “hearing impairment” and were 6 to 16 years old at enrollment from 2000 to 2001.

Methods

We weighted the data to produce national estimates, performed multiple imputations for missingness, and built a multivariate linear regression model, which was cross‐validated with a multivariate Poisson regression model. We used a theory‐based approach to model‐building using a directed acyclic graph to identify the minimally sufficient adjustment set of variables, which included school district urbanicity, student's age when they started SpEd, other disabilities, home language, and caregiver education.

Results

We identified 7267 students with CIs and 28,794 students with hearing amplification. CI users mainstreamed more than peers using hearing amplification during secondary school (40.29% less daily time in special education, p = .004) but not during primary school (9.19% less daily time in SpEd, p = .155). Additional significant predictors of mainstreaming varied between the primary and secondary school cohorts and included school district urbanicity and the student's age when they started SpEd.

Conclusion

CI status predicts daily time spent in SpEd among a secondary school cohort. These findings do not establish causation. The National Center of Education Statistics should consider linking to clinical databases in future studies.
Private Payer‐Negotiated Rates for FDA‐Approved Head and Neck Cancer Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy Agents
Authors: Talwar Abhinav , Kim Sooyoung , Yu Shun , Samant Sandeep , Tozan Yesim , Givi Babak
Published: March 2023

Objective

To quantify the price that private payers pay hospitals for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatments and identify hospital‐level factors associated with price variation.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Price transparency files.

Methods

Files from the top 50 hospitals in otolaryngology according to the US News and World Report were analyzed between December 2021 and June 2022. This study analyzed the following Food and Drug Administration‐approved HNSCC therapies: pembrolizumab, nivolumab, cetuximab, cisplatin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel.

Results

Twenty‐four (48%) hospitals reported prices for at least 1 medication in our sample. Newer biologics were significantly more expensive than traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Given approved medication regimens, all biologics in our sample have similar annual costs. Price markups over acquisition costs ranged between 109% (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and 530% for carboplatin. Across hospitals, prices varied the most for paclitaxel, the cheapest medication in our sample, and prices varied the least for pembrolizumab the most expensive medication in our sample. Hospital 340B status and geographic location in the northeast/west are associated with lower price markups.

Conclusion

Price nondisclosure remains a significant problem among hospitals. Newer biological medications are more expensive when compared to traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Prices vary significantly across hospitals, with lower price markups observed in 340B hospitals as well as hospitals located in the geographic northeast and west. It remains to be seen if price transparency will lead to more uniform pricing or lower costs of treatments.
Impact of Clinical Factors and Treatments on SMARCB1 (INI‐1)‐Deficient Sinonasal Carcinoma
Authors: Contrera Kevin J. , Shakibai Nasim , Su Shirley Y. , Gule‐Monroe Maria K. , Roberts Dianna , Brahimaj Bledi , Williams Michelle D. , Ferrarotto Renata , Phan Jack , Gunn Brandon , Raza Shaan , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to report outcomes for 19 consecutive patients with SMARCB1 (INI‐1)‐deficient sinonasal carcinoma. Patients were treated from 2014 to 2021 and followed for a median of 22.3 months. The median overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 31.8 and 9.9 months, respectively. Patients with nasal cavity or maxillary sinus tumors had 84% better disease‐specific survival (DSS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.136; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.028‐0.66; p = .005) and 71% better DFS (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.097‐0.84; p = .041) than patients with other sinonasal sites. Patients who received induction chemotherapy were 76% less likely to die of disease (DSS HR, 0.241; 95% CI, 0.058‐1.00; p = .047). In the largest single‐institution study of SMARCB1‐deficient sinonasal carcinoma to date, OS and DFS approached 3 years and 1 year, respectively, but were better for nasal cavity and maxillary sinus tumors. Patients may benefit from induction chemotherapy.
Contradicting Influence of Zn Alloying on Electronic and Thermal Properties of a YbCd2Sb2‐Based Zintl Phase at 700 K
Authors: Kwon Seung‐Hwan , Kim Sang‐il , Shin Weon Ho , Hwang Seong‐Mee , Lee Kiyoung , Seo Won‐Seon , Kim Hyun‐Sik
Published: March 2023

Zintl compounds are promising thermoelectric materials for power generation as their electronic and thermal transport properties can be simultaneously engineered with anion/cation alloying. Recently, a peak thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit, zT, of 1.4 was achieved in a (Yb0.9Mg0.1)Cd1.2Mg0.4Zn0.4Sb2 Zintl phase at 700 K. Although the effects of alloying Zn in lattice thermal conductivity had been studied thoroughly, how the Zn alloying affects its electronic transport properties has not yet been fully investigated. This study evaluates how the Zn alloying at Cd sites alters the band parameters of (Yb0.9Mg0.1)Cd1.6−xMg0.4ZnxSb2 (x=0‐0.6) using the Single Parabolic Band model at 700 K. The Zn alloying increased the density‐of‐states effective mass (md*) from 0.87 to 0.97 m0. Among Zn‐alloyed samples, the md* of the x=0.4 sample was the lowest (0.93 m0). The Zn alloying decreased the non‐degenerate mobility (μ0) from 71 to 57 cm2 s−1 V−1. Regardless of Zn alloying content, the μ0 of the Zn‐alloyed samples were similar (∼57 cm2 s−1 V−1). Consequently, the x=0.4 with the highest zT exhibited the lowest weighted mobility (μW). The lowest μW represents the lowest theoretical electronic transport properties among other x. The highest zT at x=0.4 despite the lowest μW was explained with a significant lattice thermal conductivity reduction achieved with Zn alloying with x=0.4, which outweighed the deteriorated electronic transport properties also due to the alloying.
Cupulolithiasis: A Critical Reappraisal
Authors: Kalmanson Olivia , Foster Carol A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To review the history and pathophysiologic theories for cupulolithiasis and canalith jam in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Data Sources

PubMed, Google Scholar.

Review Methods

Three PubMed and Google Scholar searches were performed, keywords: “cupulolithiasis,” “apogeotropic [and] benign,” and “canalith jam,” resulting in 187 unique full‐text articles in English or with English translation. Figures—Labyrinthine photographs were obtained of fresh utricles, ampullae, and cupulae of a 37‐day‐old mouse.

Conclusions

Freely moving otoconial masses explain most cases (>98%) of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Evidence that otoconia adhere strongly or persistently to the cupula is lacking. Apogeotropic nystagmus in the horizontal canal form is often attributed to cupulolithiasis; however, periampullary canalithiasis explains self‐limited nystagmus, and reversible canalith jam explains prolonged apogeotropic nystagmus. Treatment‐resistant cases can be explained by entrapment of particles in the canals or ampullae, but persistent adherence to the cupula remains theoretical.

Implications for Practice

Apogeotropic nystagmus is usually due to freely moving particles and should not be used in studies of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as the sole method to define entrapment or cupulolithiasis. Caloric testing and imaging may help differentiate jam from cupulolithiasis. Treatment for apogeotropic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo should include maneuvers that rotate the head through 270° to fully clear the canal of mobile particles, using mastoid vibration or head shaking if entrapment is suspected. Canal plugging can be used for treatment failures.
The certified child life specialist: A novel resource in the pediatric primary care clinic for managing children's pain during routine immunizations
Authors: Gregory Seth W. , Aul Andrea J. , Lodermeier Tara M. , Rodemeyer Jennifer L. , Weaver Amy L. , Lynch Brian A.
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the effect of the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) on pediatric pain and pain management during routine immunization administration in the pediatric primary care clinic. Children 4–12 years of age (n = 125) presenting for a well child physical examination at a rural primary care clinic were selected to receive standard nursing care or standard nursing care plus CCLS support during routine immunization administration. Patient reported pain was measured using the Faces Pain Scale‐Revised (FPS‐R), and patient behavioral responses were measured during immunization administration using the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS). The performance of psychosocial interventions and administration of topical pain‐relieving interventions were measured between both groups. CCLS support was associated with fewer negative emotional behaviors during immunization administration among 7‐ to 12‐year‐old children and a significantly higher provision of psychosocial interventions and topical pain‐relieving interventions among all ages. This study demonstrates that the presence of a CCLS can increase the provision of psychosocial and pain‐relieving interventions and reduce distress during immunization administration in a busy pediatric primary care clinic.
Depression, anxiety, and sleep quality of caregivers of children with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ergenekon Almala Pinar , Gümüş Zeynep , Yegit Cansu Yilmaz , Cenk Muruvvet , Gulieva Aynur , Kalyoncu Mine , Selcuk Merve , Karabulut Seyda , Ozturk Gulten , Eralp Ela Erdem , Unver Olcay , Karadag Bulent , Gokdemir Yasemin
Published: March 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep, and associated factors in caregivers of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Materials and Methods

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State (STAI‐S), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐Trait (STAI‐T), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess the anxiety, depression, and sleep quality of the caregivers of children with SMA. Higher scores indicated worse outcome for all three questionnaires.

Results

Fifty‐six caregivers of children with SMA were included in the study. Median age of children was 6 (3.2–10) years and mean age of the caregivers was 37.0 ± 6.5 years. Median scores of the BDI, STAI‐S, STAI‐T, and PSQI were 12 (7.2–17), 35.5 (31–44), 40.5 (35–48), and 7.0 (5.0–10.0), respectively. There was a positive correlation between BDI and PSQI scores (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the age of the caregivers and PSQI, BDI, STAI‐T scores (p = 0.01, r = −0.341; p = 0.006, r = −0.364; p = 0.003, r = −0.395, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the age of the patients and the PSQI scores of the caregivers (p = 0.01, r = −0.33). There was a negative correlation between BDI scores and household income (p = 0.01, r = −0.34).

Conclusion

Caregivers of children with SMA had elevated depression and anxiety levels and they also had decreased sleep quality. Economic and social support resources are needed to help caregivers of those children.
Dissecting the structural heterogeneity of proteins by native mass spectrometry
Authors: Reid Deseree J. , Thibert Stephanie , Zhou Mowei
Published: March 2023

A single gene yields many forms of proteins via combinations of posttranscriptional/posttranslational modifications. Proteins also fold into higher‐order structures and interact with other molecules. The combined molecular diversity leads to the heterogeneity of proteins that manifests as distinct phenotypes. Structural biology has generated vast amounts of data, effectively enabling accurate structural prediction by computational methods. However, structures are often obtained heterologously under homogeneous states in vitro. The lack of native heterogeneity under cellular context creates challenges in precisely connecting the structural data to phenotypes. Mass spectrometry (MS) based proteomics methods can profile proteome composition of complex biological samples. Most MS methods follow the “bottom‐up” approach, which denatures and digests proteins into short peptide fragments for ease of detection. Coupled with chemical biology approaches, higher‐order structures can be probed via incorporation of covalent labels on native proteins that are maintained at the peptide level. Alternatively, native MS follows the “top‐down” approach and directly analyzes intact proteins under nondenaturing conditions. Various tandem MS activation methods can dissect the intact proteins for in‐depth structural elucidation. Herein, we review recent native MS applications for characterizing heterogeneous samples, including proteins binding to mixtures of ligands, homo/hetero‐complexes with varying stoichiometry, intrinsically disordered proteins with dynamic conformations, glycoprotein complexes with mixed modification states, and active membrane protein complexes in near‐native membrane environments. We summarize the benefits, challenges, and ongoing developments in native MS, with the hope to demonstrate an emerging technology that complements other tools by filling the knowledge gaps in understanding the molecular heterogeneity of proteins.
Raychaudhuri Equation in K‐essence Geometry: Conditional Singular and Non‐Singular Cosmological Models
Authors: Das Surajit , Panda Arijit , Manna Goutam , Ray Saibal
Published: March 2023

We investigate how the Raychaudhuri equation behaves in the k‐essence geometry. As far as we are concerned, both the early and current epochs of the universe are relevant to the k‐essence theory. Here, we have studied the k‐essence geometry using the Dirac‐Born‐Infeld (DBI) variety of non‐standard action. The corresponding k‐essence emergent spacetime is not conformally equivalent to the usual gravitational metric. We assume that the background gravitational metric is of the Friedmann‐Lemaitre‐Robertson‐Walker (FLRW) type in this case. We have found that both the conditional singular and non‐singular cosmological models of the universe through the modified Raychaudhuri equation are possible where we have used the spacetime as the flat k‐essence emergent FLRW‐type. We have also addressed the Focusing theorem and conditional caustic universe construction. These conditional effects are caused by the additional interactions that arise as a result of the coupling that exists between gravity and the k‐essence scalar field.
Metal Stop Laser Drilling for Blind via Holes of GaN‐on‐GaN Devices
Authors: Sasaoka Chiaki , Ando Yuji , Takahashi Hidemasa , Ikarashi Nobuyuki , Amano Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

The metal stop laser drilling of GaN‐on‐GaN devices is demonstrated using a UV sub‐nanosecond laser as a light source. By monitoring the Bremsstrahlung emission at the drilling point, metal stops with a precision higher than 1 μm are realized for vias with a depth of 100 μm. From in situ laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements, it is shown that endpoint detection is realized with high signal‐to‐noise ratio owing to the difference in the emission process between the strongly excited semiconductor and the metal. Herein, a through‐substrate electrode with a resistance of less than 5 mΩ on GaN‐on‐GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) wafers is demonstrated. The fabrication of through‐substrate electrodes by this technique provides a simple process that does not require lithography or other complex processes. This process is expected to be useful in the fabrication of future GaN‐on‐GaN devices, including very thin GaN‐on‐GaN HEMTs.
The effect of nuts consumption on circulating oxidized low‐density lipoproteins: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Abbasifard Mitra , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Reiner Željko , Eid Ali H. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2023

This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the effect of nuts in decreasing circulating levels of oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (ox‐LDL). A literature search was performed of major electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) from inception up to November 15th, 2021 to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of different nuts on circulating levels of ox‐LDL. The effect size was determined using standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Evaluation of funnel plot, Begg's rank correlation, and Egger's weighted regression tests were used to assess the presence of publication bias in the meta‐analysis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis included 15 RCTs involving 997 subjects. Meta‐analysis showed that nuts significantly decreased serum levels of ox‐LDL. Besides, meta‐regression results of the association between confounders such as duration of nuts consumption or delta LDL‐cholesterol and levels of ox‐LDL, were not significant. The correlation between nuts type and ox‐LDL levels was significant in subgroup analyses suggesting the most significant effect of pistachios consumption on reducing the circulating concentrations of ox‐LDL. To conclude, nuts consumption decreases the circulating concentrations of ox‐LDL which might be beneficial for the prevention and/or progression of ASCVD.
Hypergraph regularity and random sampling
Authors: Joos Felix , Kim Jaehoon , Kühn Daniela , Osthus Deryk
Published: March 2023

Suppose that a ‐uniform hypergraph satisfies a certain regularity instance (that is, there is a partition of given by the hypergraph regularity lemma into a bounded number of quasirandom subhypergraphs of prescribed densities). We prove that with high probability a large enough uniform random sample of the vertex set of also admits the same regularity instance. Here the crucial feature is that the error term measuring the quasirandomness of the subhypergraphs requires only an arbitrarily small additive correction. This has applications to combinatorial property testing. The graph case of the sampling result was proved by Alon, Fischer, Newman and Shapira.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Carbene Complexesof the Imidazole, Benzimidazole and 1,2,4‐Triazole Series
Authors: Rayenko Gennady F. , Avksentiev Alexandr S. , Saberov Vagiz Sh. , Rusanov Eduard B. , Ryabitsky Alexey B. , Shishkina Svetlana V. , Komarovska‐Porokhnyavets Olena Z. , Lubenets Vira I. , Korotkikh Nikolai I.
Published: March 2023

New carbene complexes of copper (I), silver and palladium, including ionic carbene‐phenanthroline complexes, were synthesized on the basis of imidazole, benzimidazole, 1,2,4‐triazole systems with cetyl and aryl including fluorophenyl substituents. The study of the antimicrobial action of the synthesized compounds revealed high antibacterial and antifungal activities of fluoro‐ and phenanthroline‐containing carbene complexes.
Encapsulation of Diiodo‐BODIPY in Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Stabilized Cellulose Acetate Capsules for Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Production in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Demirel Topel Seda
Published: March 2023

As drug delivery vehicles, polymeric capsules have become highly versatile structures to protect the active substrate from degradation, improve biocompatibility, and provide controlled release. In particular, encapsulation could become an efficient technique to implement these materials in physiological media if the active substrate is an insoluble compound in an aqueous solution. Herein, an iodinated BODIPY derivative as a photosensitizer (PS) was encapsulated in a cellulose acetate (CA) polymer via a precipitation method with 50.8–71.8 % of encapsulation efficiency to enable the singlet oxygen production (1O2) in aqueous media. The prepared PS/CA capsules were stable for 10 days in PBS buffer with PdI values between 0.264–0.698 and produced 1O2 under 532 nm LED light efficiently. This work discusses the size effects of PS‐loaded CA capsules on stability in solution, photophysical property, encapsulation efficiency, thermal stability, leakage behavior, and PDT activity. Additionally, under different UV light doses, the 1O2 generation of the PS/CA capsules were studied systematically.
Intermolecular interactions of cytosine DNA nucleoside base with Gallic acid and its Methylgallate and Ethylgallate derivatives
Authors: Odey Diana O. , Louis Hitler , Ita Dollars K. , Edet Henry O. , Ashishie Providence B. , Gber Terkumbur E. , Akinterinwa Ayodele , Effa Anagbogu G.
Published: March 2023

3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzlic acid (gallic acid) and its derivatives exist mostly as secondary metabolites of the phenol family found in plants. Herein, the interaction of gallic acid (GA), methylgallic acid (MGA), ethylgallic acid (EGA) with cytosine (the most reactive part of DNA) has been studied in detail using first principle density functional theory (DFT). Several interaction configurations between the gallic acid and selected derivatives have been investigated using DFT at the M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d,p) theoretical method, topological analysis based on quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecule (QTAIM), and the noncovalent interaction (NCI) which aid in the understanding of interactions between studied compounds. The results obtained from the interaction energy and energy decomposition analysis (EDA) show that methylgallate (GA) has the largest interaction energy with cytosine, along with the strongest H‐bond interaction and is best suited for drug design due to its lowest value of stabilization energy at the interaction site 1.Similarly, weak interactions were observed between EGA and cytosine of DNA between −0.02 to 0.01 a.u with a sparing trace of H bond with the aid of non‐covalent interaction (NCI). The reactivity of the studied compound depicts GA to be the most reactive. Although gallic acid competes favorably, this study, however, revealed the great potential of its derivatives: EGA and MGA having great potential for drug design. Their applications are vast and mostly hinged on antioxidant properties, especially in the pharmaceutical industry and, hence, form the basis of an effective class of phytomedicines.
Phosphate‐Assisted Remediation of Pb(II) From Jarosite
Authors: Singh Suneeti , Singh Pushplata , Bohidar Himadri B.
Published: March 2023

Jarosite is an essential solid industrial waste material which is generated during the hydrometallurgical processing of zinc in smelters. Besides zinc and iron, Jarosite also contains toxic heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Al, Cr, Cu etc. due to which it is environmentally hazardous. Due to the presence of heavy metals, the useful Zn, Fe components cannot be utilized safely. Therefore, it is necessary to remove Pb(II), a major toxic element, to make it useful. In this report, a green process for immobilization of Pb(II) using phosphate materials (physiochemical adsorption) is discussed. Jarosite was used as a precursor for synthesis of the Zn−Fe binary nano‐composite. Mitigation of Pb(II) by this process was assessed by the batch experiments, which showed significant reduction in leaching of Pb(II). The mechanism of Pb(II) immobilization involve the dissolution of phosphate materials (KH2PO4, NH4H2PO4 and CaH2PO4) to a lower pH≤3 followed by precipitation of Pb(II) in the form of pyromorphite complex. The results indicated that the concentration of Pb(II) was reduced by 90–95 % which was pH dependent with a high uptake (325 ppm) of lead ion in the pH range of 5.5–6.0. This physicochemical process brings new perspectives for reuse of a polluting solid industrial waste.
Effect of Cyano and Tetrazole Side Groups on the Photophysical and Chelating Properties of Anthracene‐Based Polymers
Authors: Hriz Khaled , Teka Safa , Zrida Habiba , Gharbi Samar , El Sofany Walaa Ibrahim , Jebnouni Achref , Majdoub Mustapha
Published: March 2023

This paper covers the conception of new soluble and filmogene conjugated polymers (PAnSCN and PAnSCN‐Tet) for heavy metal sensing application. The prepared materials are based on the highly emissive anthracene chromophore and contain tetrazole and/or cyanide groups in their molecular chain backbones. The effect of the electron withdrawing groups on photophysical properties and the chelating abilities of the elaborated organic materials were investigated. The optical analysis shows that the CN groups reduced slightly the optical band‐gap of the polymer, however the steric hindrance of tetrazole units dominates their electronic effects leading to a blue‐shift of its absorption spectrum. Also, the electrochemical study reveals a considerable electronic affinity increase by 0.84 eV when passing from PAnSCN into PAnSCN‐Tet. DFT calculations has been employed to estimate the optimized macromolecular structure of both polymers and a notable change in geometry in terms of planarity was observed depending on the incorporated withdrawing group. The synthesized polymers were studied as optical sensors. The changes in the photoluminescence intensity were used to evaluate the binding affinity of the two materials to different metal ions. The obtained results showed considerable decrease in photoluminescence (quenching) responses with Mn2+ cations a short time after adding the cations to both polymer solutions with better sensitivity and selectivity in the case of the PAnSCN‐Tet.
Non‐precious Metal Cu‐Ni Alloy Nanoparticles Supported on Porous Boron Nitride Fibers as Catalysts for Dehydrogenation from Methanolysis of Ammonia‐Borane**
Authors: Li Pengxin , Liu Huanzhao , Wang Chunyu , Fang Yi , Guo Zhonglu , Lin Jing , Huang Yang , Yu Chao , Hu Long , Tang Chengchun , Liu Zhenya
Published: March 2023

Dehydrogenation from methanolysis of ammonia borane is a promising strategy for the development of sustainable hydrogen energy. Developing an effective and inexpensive catalyst is essential. In our study, a series of Cu−Ni nanoparticles, in the form of alloy, are supported onto porous boron nitride fibers by impregnation reduction. Cu and Ni synergistically interact through the alloys, Cu0.9Ni0.1/p‐BN demonstrates excellent catalytic effect with high turnover frequency (27.1 min−1) and low activation energy (27.8 kJ/mol) at 298 K. Kinetics indicates that the catalyst concentration follows the quasi‐primary reaction. Moreover, the pores of the p‐BN supporter prevent agglomeration of the metal particles while limiting their size, as well as providing protection to the particles. After passing 8 cycles, the catalyst does not suffer from severe poisoning effects. This work greatly enriches the non‐precious metal catalyst system and plays a very meaningful role in the study of dehydrogenation from methanolysis of AB.
Effect of Morphology on the Performance of Nb2O5 Catalysts for Thioether Oxidation at Room Temperature under Solvent‐free Conditions
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Liu Tujin , Chen Jiazhi , Jia Kangle , Mai Yuliang
Published: March 2023

Nb2O5 catalysts with different morphologies were synthesized and used for thioether oxidation at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions with H2O2 as the oxidant. Selective formation of sulfoxides in good to excellent selectivities was realized using spherical Nb2O5 as the catalysts. Selective formation of sulfones with excellent selectivities was achieved with layered Nb2O5 as the catalysts. Nb2O5 catalysts with different morphologies possessed different surface areas and acid amounts. A non‐radical mechanism with Nb(OO) as the possible reactive oxygen species is proposed for thioether oxidation over spherical or layered Nb2O5 catalysts. Both the spherical and layered Nb2O5 catalysts demonstrated excellent reusability. There were no obvious changes for their catalytic performance after being recycled for ten runs. This study illustrates a means to modulate the catalytic activity for H2O2‐based catalytic reactions by changing the catalyst morphology.