bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of systemic AL amyloidosis with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy
Authors: Oka Satoko , Ono Kazuo
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

AL patients develop the unique toxicities of fluid retention and non‐cardiogenic pulmonary edema during the course of stem cell mobilization. We propose mobilization with CART as effective and safe treatment for AL patients with refractory anasarca.

We describe a 63‐year‐old male with systemic immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis with cardiac, renal, and liver involvement. After four courses of CyBorD, mobilization with G‐CSF at 10 μg/kg was initiated and CART was simultaneously performed for fluid retention. No adverse events were observed during collection or reinfusion. Anasarca gradually disappeared and he underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The complete remission of AL amyloidosis has been maintained, and the condition of the patient has remained stable for 7 years. We propose mobilization with CART as an effective and safe treatment option for AL patients with refractory anasarca.
Simultaneously Incorporating Atomically Dispersed Co‐Nx Sites with Graphitic Carbon Layer‐Wrapped Co9S8 Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction in Acidic Electrolyte
Authors: Wu Jun , Gong Mengjun , Zhang Wuyi , Mehmood Asad , Zhang Jinfeng , Ali Ghulam , Kucernak Anthony
Published: May 2023

A facile yet robust synthesis is reported herein to simultaneously incorporate atomically dispersed Co‐Nx sites with graphitic layer‐protected Co9S8 nanoparticles (denoted as Co SACs+Co9S8) as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in acidic solution. The Co SACs+Co9S8 catalyst shows low H2O2 selectivity (∼5 %) with high half‐wave potential (E1/2) of ∼0.78 VRHE in 0.5 M H2SO4. The atomic sites of the catalyst were quantified by a nitrite stripping method and the corresponding site density of the catalyst is calculated to be 3.2×1018 sites g−1. Besides, we also found the presence of a reasonable amount of Co9S8 nanoparticles is beneficial for the oxygen electrocatalysis. Finally, the catalyst was assembled into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for evaluating its performance under more practical conditions in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system.
Bora‐alkenes: Metal Coordination and Reactions with BH‐boranes
Authors: Chen Chaohuang , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: May 2023

The neutral N‐heterocyclic carbene stabilized bora‐alkene1, conveniently prepared by a BH borenium/hydroboration route, forms stable copper, gold or palladium π‐complexes. The polar bora‐alkene B=C system undergoes regioselective hydroboration reactions with the (C6F5)2BH or C6F5BH2 ⋅ SMe2boranes. The latter reaction involves a subsequent rearrangement that leads to internal hydride vs. isothiocyanate substituent exchange at the borane pair.
Carborane‐Based Tebufelone Analogs and Their Biological Evaluation In Vitro
Authors: Braun Sebastian , Paskaš Svetlana , Laube Markus , George Sven , Hofmann Bettina , Lönnecke Peter , Steinhilber Dieter , Pietzsch Jens , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović‐Ivanić Danijela , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: May 2023

The presence of inflammatory mediators in the tumor microenvironment, such as cytokines, growth factors or eicosanoids, indicate cancer‐related inflammatory processes. Targeting these inflammatory mediators and related signal pathways may offer a rational strategy for the treatment of cancer. This study focuses on the incorporation of metabolically stable, sterically demanding, and hydrophobic dicarba‐closo‐dodecaboranes (carboranes) into dual cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)/5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) inhibitors that are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of eicosanoids. The di‐tert‐butylphenol derivative tebufelone represents a selective dual COX‐2/5‐LO inhibitor. The incorporation of meta‐ or para‐carborane into the tebufelone scaffold resulted in eight carborane‐based tebufelone analogs that show no COX inhibition but 5‐LO inhibitory activity in vitro. Cell viability studies on HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells revealed that the observed antiproliferative effect of the para‐carborane analogs of tebufelone is enhanced by structural modifications that include chain elongation in combination with introduction of a methylene spacer resulting in higher anticancer activity compared to tebufelone. Hence, this strategy proved to be a promising approach to design potent 5‐LO inhibitors with potential application as cytostatic agents.
Drug–Drug Cocrystals: A Promising Approach to Overcome Barriers in Pain Management
Authors: Saindane Rupesh A. , Thombre Nilima A.
Published: May 2023

Pain is one of the critical health issues in the world. While almost everyone experiences acute pain at some point, around 27.5% of the population suffer from its more persistent and chronic form. The current medication regimen is yet to meet expectations and provides suboptimal treatment. Cocrystals are solid forms in which two or more chemically distinct molecules are present in a single crystal lattice. Co‐crystallization offers solutions to the limitations of many drugs in pain treatment. Drug–drug cocrystals (DDC) improve the physicochemical properties of their components and offer a chance to use the synergistic effects of multimodal therapy. DDC have been widely investigated in the field of pain management. Literature on DDC reports improvement in physicochemical properties such as hygroscopicity, solubility, bioavailability, stability, and compressibility. DDC have attracted many researchers, and as a result, a drug product containing cocrystals of tramadol hydrochloride and celecoxib has been successfully commercialized in the United States. Further, one more multidrug cocrystal for pain management has entered advanced clinical trials. This review discusses the applications of DDC in pain management.
‘Snake Oil’ or ‘Viper Lipid'? How to Get the Most Out of Your Biostimulant
Authors: Sible Connor , Below Fred
Published: May 2023

Biostimulants have much variation in the types of products that fit this group of crop inputs as well as variability within their respective categories. These differences induce many challenges in consistency of product performance and thus skepticism to the class of inputs as a whole. With so many products available on the market, it is challenging to know if these products were developed with adequate science and research or tossed together quickly to take advantage of the momentum this sector currently has. In the latter case, these products are often referred to as “snake oil”; while in the former case, the products could be referred to as “viper lipid” with a place to increase yield or return on investment. Only with a proper understanding of how a product works can a producer then properly place and use it to optimize crop performance, and as importantly, know when not to use it. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Lexical prosodic representation and access in Japanese children with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Iwata Michiru , Hashimoto Ryusaku , Seki Ayumi
Published: May 2023

Recent research indicates that awareness of the prosodic information present in spoken language could be an important factor for literacy development, and that adults with developmental dyslexia show impaired awareness of lexical prosodic information, while the phonological representations remain intact. We investigated lexical prosodic representation and awareness in Japanese children with and without developmental dyslexia. Lexical prosodic representation was investigated using a cross‐modal fragment priming task, and awareness was examined using a fragment identification task. The task was modified for children by selecting words with higher familiarity and fewer trials. As a result, the same pattern of prosodic priming effects was observed between groups; lexical decision time was faster in the prosodic congruent condition than in the incongruent condition. In addition, accuracy and reaction time did not show group differences in the fragment identification task. Relationship between prosody and literacy development may differ between languages but the sample size were small in both groups. Further investigation with larger sample size is required.
Sustainable energy generation – Scenario development for Pakistan in the context of WWF's 2050 vision
Authors: Shah Salman , Aized Tauseef , Sumair Muhammad , Rehman Syed Muhammad Sohail
Published: May 2023

Pakistan is fighting a long‐standing energy crisis with an unbalanced, fossil‐fuel dominated energy mix mired with climatic catastrophes. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), in its fight against climate change, has proposed a global energy model that illustrates a shift to renewable energy completely by the year 2050. In this study, we have scaled down that energy model for Pakistan to demonstrate country level implementation of WWF's vision. Scenario‐based energy model of Pakistan is developed in this research using LEAP Software. Four scenarios namely, Business‐As‐Usual (BAU), Alternative and Renewable Energy (ARE), Green Energy (GE) and Advanced Sustainable Energy (ASE) are developed. The BAU scenario is based on government's existing policies and plans, and ASE scenario shows the crux of WWF's Global vision on Pakistan's scale. ARE and GE are intermediate scenarios reflecting a transition from BAU to ASE. Simulation results demonstrated the demand in ASE is halved as compared to BAU and its energy mix is homogeneous and completely renewable. In conclusion, ASE gave country‐level insights into WWF's vision towards the ways to contend climate change. This work inspires country‐scale modeling of WWF's vision for other countries as well.
Assessing the Sustainability Development Goals on Climate and Energy Financing Policies: A Bibliographic Analysis
Authors: Subburayan Baranidharan
Published: May 2023

Financial policy and sustainability can play a critical role in reducing the harmful effects of climate change and hastening the shift to a low‐carbon, more sustainable economy. Monetary policy can be used to encourage the creation of new technologies that can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as research and development (R&D) tax credits, government grants, and other types of financial assistance. These include targeted lending, green bonds, loan guarantees, weather‐indexed insurance, tax credits, feed‐in tariffs (FiT), national development banks (NDBs), national climate funds, and disclosure regulations. This evidence review examines the effects of financial policy on climate change and energy transitions. Careful design and implementation are crucial for the success of loan guarantee programs. Nations have used a variety of policy tools to support climate change and sustainable energy initiatives. The success of these programs must be understood to determine the best approaches for designing and implementing loan guarantee policies. The studies reviewed classified climate finance policies into seven categories based on their functions: regulation and guidelines, market‐based incentives, financial measures, information and capacity, de‐risking, domestic and international public finance, and other. National development banks have a clear public policy mission to support low‐carbon development in a particular nation.
Scaling and Sustaining Innovations: No Turning Back
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: May 2023

History shows that innovations in technology and the businesses that bring them to market radically change economies, societies, and cultures. New businesses and industries form around the innovations to commercialize and scale innovations—making them commonplace. New businesses and business models and supply chains supporting commercialization of innovative technologies have revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. And with technological breakthroughs new products and services are created, requiring new ecosystems to support them.
Ravages: An R package for the simulation and analysis of rare variants in multicategory phenotypes
Authors: Bocher Ozvan , Marenne Gaëlle , Génin Emmanuelle , Perdry Hervé
Published: May 2023

Current software packages for the analysis and the simulations of rare variants are only available for binary and continuous traits. Ravages provides solutions in a single R package to perform rare variant association tests for multicategory, binary and continuous phenotypes, to simulate datasets under different scenarios and to compute statistical power. Association tests can be run in the whole genome thanks to C++ implementation of most of the functions, using either RAVA‐FIRST, a recently developed strategy to filter and analyse genome‐wide rare variants, or user‐defined candidate regions. Ravages also includes a simulation module that generates genetic data for cases who can be stratified into several subgroups and for controls. Through comparisons with existing programmes, we show that Ravages complements existing tools and will be useful to study the genetic architecture of complex diseases. Ravages is available on the CRAN at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/Ravages/ and maintained on Github at https://github.com/genostats/Ravages.
Fundamental Physics with the Thermodynamically Stable Diatomic Trication UF3+
Authors: Zülch Carsten , Gaul Konstantin , Berger Robert
Published: May 2023

Highly‐charged UF3+, established by Helmut Schwarz and colleagues as the first thermodynamically stable diatomic trication, is investigated theoretically as a messenger for violations of fundamental symmetries, complementing the neutral, isoelectronic ThO, which experimentally gave one of the tightest bounds on violation of parity and time‐reversal symmetry. Electronic levels of UF3+ are analysed in comparison to the isoelectronic ions PaF2+ and ThF+. Non‐relativistic complete active space self‐consistent field calculations with scalar‐relativistic effective core potentials and a state‐optimized all‐electron two‐component complex Generalized Hartree‐Fock approach are employed to determine electronic states and properties relevant for tests of fundamental physics with these systems.
Maximum isotope accumulation in the retrosplenial cortex during amnesia attack and its temporal change suggest cortical spreading depression as a pathophysiology of patients with transient global amnesia
Authors: Watanabe Yoshio , Taniguchi Akira , Tomimoto Hidekazu
Published: May 2023

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a clinical syndrome that is characterized by the sudden onset of anterograde amnesia and a less prominent impairment in retrograde memory lasting up to 24 h. Although several etiologies have been proposed, including migraine, epilepsy, ischemia, venous congestion, and glutamate toxicity, none sufficiently explain the disorder in its entirety. We retrospectively investigated images obtained using single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), performed with 99mtechnetium hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime, from 11 patients with TGA divided into the following groups based on the timing of SPECT: during TGA (n = 2, Group 1), at the start of the attenuation of memory impairments (n = 2, Group 2), and after TGA (n = 7, Group 3). Regional isotope accumulation was examined using a three‐dimensional stereotactic surface projection (3D‐SSP) analysis. After calculating the mathematical product of the mean severity and extent ratio, unique comparable bar graphs were prepared with respect to Brodmann's areas (B). Increases in isotope accumulation were the largest in the retrosplenial cortex (B29, B30), posterior cingulate cortex (B23, B31), and precuneus (B7) in Groups 1 and 2, whereas decreases were noted in the same regions in Group 3. This is the first study to identify cerebral sites and describe changes consistent with the completion of amnesia as a symptom using an image analysis, such as a 3D‐SSP analysis. We consider cortical spreading depression (CSD) to be the etiology of TGA based on maximum isotope accumulation in the above sites and a literature review on CSD.
The mitochondrial calcium signaling, regulation, and cellular functions: A novel target for therapeutic medicine in neurological disorders
Authors: Bagheri‐Mohammadi Saeid , Farjami Mohammad , Suha Ali Jaafari , Zarch Seyed Mohsen Aghaei , Najafi Sajad , Esmaeili Ali
Published: May 2023

Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) dynamics play critical roles in regulating vital physiological conditions in the brain. Importantly, Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes serve different cellular functions including Ca2+ signaling, bioenergetics, phospholipid biosynthesis, cholesterol esterification, programmed cell death, and communication between the two organelles. Several Ca2+‐transport systems specialize at the mitochondria, ER, and their contact sites that provide tight control of mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling at the molecular level. The biological function of Ca2+ channels and transporters as well as the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling in cellular homeostasis can open new perspectives for investigation and molecular intervention. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormalities in ER/mitochondrial brain functions and dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis are neuropathological hallmarks of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, but little evidence is available to demonstrate their relationship to disease pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches. In recent years, the detection of the molecular mechanism regulating cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and also mitochondrial functions have expanded the number of targeted treatments. The main experimental data identify beneficial effects, whereas some scientific trials did not meet the expectations. Together with an overview of the important function of mitochondria, this review paper introduced the possible tested therapeutic approaches that target mitochondria in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Since these treatments in neurological disorders have shown different degrees of progress, it is essential to perform a detailed assessment of the significance of mitochondrial deterioration in neurodegenerative diseases and of a pharmacological treatment at this stage.
Assortative mating and mate‐choice contributes to the maintenance of a developmental dimorphism in Streblospio benedicti
Authors: Ruskie Erika L. , Zakas Christina
Published: May 2023

Assortative mating, where individuals non‐randomly mate with respect to phenotype or genotype, can occur when preferences between potential mates have evolved. When such mate preferences occur in a population it can drive evolutionary and phenotypic divergence. But the extent to which assortative mating, mate preference, and development are evolutionarily linked remains unclear. Here we use Streblospio benedicti, a marine annelid with a rare developmental dimorphism, to investigate if mate‐choice could contribute to developmental evolution. For S. benedicti two types of ecologically and phenotypically similar adults persist in natural populations, but they give rise to distinctly different offspring with alternative life‐histories. This dimorphism persists despite the absence of post‐zygotic reproductive barriers, where crosses between the developmental types can produce phenotypically intermediate offspring. How this life‐history strategy evolved remains unknown, but assortative mating is a typical first step in evolutionary divergence. Here we investigate if female mate‐choice is occurring in this species. We find that mate preferences could be contributing to the maintenance of alternative developmental and life‐history strategies.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Bronchial Anomalies
Authors: Kao Derek D. , Fuu‐Kou Yann , Wang Cynthia S. , Lehenbauer David , Zak Sara , Benscoter Dan , Morales David LS , de Alarcon Alessandro , Rutter Michael J
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Bronchial anomalies are rare but challenging conditions to treat in children, encompassing a variety of structural abnormalities that could compromise airway patency. This includes complete rings, absent cartilage, traumatic avulsions, bronchoesophageal fistulas, and cartilaginous sleeves. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and outcomes of a series of pediatric cases of bronchial anomalies that were treated by slide tracheobronchoplasty.

Methods

This is a single‐institution retrospective case series of pediatric patients with bronchial anomalies who underwent surgical treatment between February 2004 and April 2020. Data extracted from electronic medical records included patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical outcomes.

Results

There were a total of 29 patients included in the study, of which 14 had complete bronchial rings, 8 had absent bronchial rings, 4 had traumatic bronchial avulsions, 2 had bronchoesophageal fistulas, and one had a cartilaginous sleeve. Median follow‐up time was 13 months (with a range of 0.5–213 months). The overall mortality rate was 17.2% (5 patients), all of whom had complete bronchial rings. Patients with complete bronchial rings also had a higher rate of not only cardiac (85.7%) and pulmonary comorbidities (85.7%) but also secondary airway lesions (78.6%).

Conclusion

This is the largest series to date describing surgical treatment for bronchial anomalies. Complete bronchial rings were the most common anomaly treated, followed by absent rings and trauma. Surgical treatment can be successful but mortality rates are higher in patients with complete bronchial rings, possibly due to higher rates of pulmonary and cardiac comorbidities.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3334–3340, 2023
Unlocking the flow experience in apps: Fostering long‐term adoption for sustainable healthcare systems
Authors: Gómez‐Rico Mar , Santos‐Vijande María Leticia , Molina‐Collado Arturo , Bilgihan Anil
Published: May 2023

Mobile health apps are increasingly being recognized as effective tools for improving the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems. However, a major challenge faced by the industry is achieving long‐term adoption of Apps. This is a critical issue because many apps are abandoned after only a few uses, and low adoption rates limit the potential impact of these apps on healthcare outcomes. In this paper, we examine this issue by integrating the Customer Value Theory and the Person‐Artifact‐Task model to study how the functional experience of app users, derived from technology features such as perceived ease of use, personalization, and usefulness, enables a state of flow through the users’ hedonic and social experiences of recognition and attractiveness. We comprehensively measure the impact of the psychological state of flow in terms of users’ cognitive, emotional, and conative responses. Our results indicate that the functional experience of users is central to achieving flow through hedonic and social experiences, while other antecedents of flow, such as health severity and health empowerment, have a lower impact on app use. Developing a positive psychological response towards Apps is also essential to improve users’ perception of health improvement, satisfaction, and loyalty. By understanding the factors that contribute to long‐term adoption of apps, we can better design and promote these apps to improve healthcare outcomes and promote sustainable healthcare systems.
Quality differentiation and e‐tailer's choice between reselling and agency selling
Authors: Wang Le , He Zhen , He Shuguang
Published: May 2023

Many manufacturers sell products through both the e‐retail and direct channels, which may lead to channel conflicts. To alleviate this, quality differentiation becomes an important marketing strategy for the manufacturer. However, few studies investigate how the form of the e‐tailer's selling contract affects the manufacturer's distribution strategy. Here, we investigate this by establishing a game model in which a manufacturer sells two products with similar functions, but different quality levels, through the direct channel and an e‐tailer. The manufacturer may distribute high‐ and low‐quality products through the direct and e‐tailer channels, respectively, or vice versa. The e‐tailer can choose either the reselling or agency selling contracts. We find that the impact of quality differentiation on equilibria depends on the distribution strategy, contract form, and level of product competition. Under the reselling contract, the manufacturer (he) should distribute high‐quality products directly if the relative efficiency of low‐ to high‐quality products is low. Under the agency selling contract, he should distribute low‐quality products directly if the relative efficiency is moderate. Finally, the e‐tailer (she) should choose the agency selling contract if the production cost is moderate, regardless of the manufacturer's distribution strategy.
The influence of child pain catastrophizing and parent behavior on health‐related quality of life in pediatric sickle cell disease
Authors: Shneider Caitlin E. , Cohen Lindsey L. , Shih Sharon W. , Sil Soumitri
Published: May 2023

Background

Literature suggests that a child's appraisal of pain and parent responses to pain are critical in predicting health‐related outcomes. In youth with sickle cell disease (SCD), few investigations have examined child pain catastrophizing, and even fewer have examined the role that parents play in responding to SCD pain within the family context. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between pain catastrophizing, parent response to child SCD pain, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Procedure

The sample (N = 100) included youth with SCD (ages 8–18) and their parent. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire and the Adult Responses to Child Pain Symptoms; youth completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory—SCD Module.

Results

Findings indicated that pain catastrophizing, parent minimization, and parent encouragement/monitoring significantly predicted HRQoL. Minimizing and encouragement/monitoring parent responses moderated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and HRQoL, such that parent minimizing weakened the relationship and parent encouragement/monitoring strengthened the relationship.

Conclusions

Paralleling pediatric chronic pain literature, findings suggest that pain catastrophizing predicts HRQoL in youth with SCD. However, findings from moderation analyses diverge from the chronic pain literature; data suggest that encouragement/monitoring responses strengthen the negative relationship between child pain catastrophizing and HRQoL. Child pain catastrophizing and parent response to SCD pain may be appropriate targets for clinical intervention to improve HRQoL. Future studies should strive to better understand parent responses to SCD pain.
Evaluation of the change in efficacy of erenumab when used long‐term for migraine prevention after initial established benefit in a veteran population
Authors: Martin Alison W. , Cubellis Mara
Published: May 2023

Introduction

With the increased use of erenumab and other calcitonin gene‐related peptide antagonists for migraine prevention, increased evidence on long‐term efficacy and real‐world effectiveness is needed. Some reports of a wearing‐off effect or waning efficacy over time have been observed with erenumab use.

Objective

This study evaluated the change in efficacy of erenumab after initial established benefits for migraine prevention in a veteran population.

Methods

This retrospective chart review evaluated patients who were prescribed erenumab for migraine prevention at a Veterans Affairs neurology clinic between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2021. Patients with an initial 50% or greater reduction in mean monthly headache days (MHDs) by 12 weeks after erenumab 70 mg initiation were then followed forward to determine the change in MHDs until erenumab dose was increased, changed to galcanezumab, or by November 30, 2021, to ensure a minimum 6‐month follow‐up for all patients.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were included for analysis. A significant reduction in mean MHDs from 16.1 to 5.7 days was found by 12 weeks after erenumab 70 mg initiation (p < 0.0001). Following this initial response to erenumab, 69% of patients experienced a significant increase in MHDs over an average time of 7.8 months and required a subsequent dose increase to erenumab 140 mg or change to galcanezumab. The remaining 31% of patients continued erenumab 70 mg monthly with a further nonstatistically significant decline in MHDs.

Conclusions

A decrease in efficacy with the long‐term use of erenumab was observed for the majority of patients evaluated in this analysis. This suggests that patients with initial benefits on lower dose erenumab should be monitored for change to effectiveness.
A selectivity‐enhanced colloidal crystal array for ribavirin sensing based on the synergistic effect of covalent and non‐covalent interactions
Authors: Chen Wei , Sun Yi , Zhang Lirui , Fu Min , Wang Kunhua , Gao Meng
Published: May 2023

Ribavirin is an important antiviral with demonstrated activity against coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and coronavirus disease 2019 virus. However, abuse of ribavirin will cause great environmental damage and threaten human health owing to its reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity. Therefore, an innovative detection method is demanded for simple and sensitive detection of ribavirin. This work reports an imprinted colloidal crystal array (ICCA) for ribavirin sensing. The building blocks of the ICCA are ribavirin imprinted spheres, which possess superior binding efficiency toward ribavirin. Benefiting from the highly ordered structure, the ICCA exhibits optical properties which change upon binding ribavirin. The changes in reflectance wavelength enable a fast and label‐free detection of ribavirin between 21 and 245 μmol L−1. Moreover, the sensor shows excellent selectivity for ribavirin detection in river water. Overall, all the results reported in this work demonstrate that the ICCA should be a promising detection tool for antivirals. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Condensation of the β‐cell secretory granule luminal cargoes pro/insulin and ICA512 RESP18 homology domain
Authors: Toledo Pamela L. , Vazquez Diego S. , Gianotti Alejo R. , Abate Milagros B. , Wegbrod Carolin , Torkko Juha M. , Solimena Michele , Ermácora Mario R.
Published: May 2023

ICA512/PTPRN is a receptor tyrosine‐like phosphatase implicated in the biogenesis and turnover of the insulin secretory granules (SGs) in pancreatic islet beta cells. Previously we found biophysical evidence that its luminal RESP18 homology domain (RESP18HD) forms a biomolecular condensate and interacts with insulin in vitro at close‐to‐neutral pH, that is, in conditions resembling those present in the early secretory pathway. Here we provide further evidence for the relevance of these findings by showing that at pH 6.8 RESP18HD interacts also with proinsulin—the physiological insulin precursor found in the early secretory pathway and the major luminal cargo of β‐cell nascent SGs. Our light scattering analyses indicate that RESP18HD and proinsulin, but also insulin, populate nanocondensates ranging in size from 15 to 300 nm and 10e2 to 10e6 molecules. Co‐condensation of RESP18HD with proinsulin/insulin transforms the initial nanocondensates into microcondensates (size >1 μm). The intrinsic tendency of proinsulin to self‐condensate implies that, in the ER, a chaperoning mechanism must arrest its spontaneous intermolecular condensation to allow for proper intramolecular folding. These data further suggest that proinsulin is an early driver of insulin SG biogenesis, in a process in which its co‐condensation with RESP18HD participates in their phase separation from other secretory proteins in transit through the same compartments but destined to other routes. Through the cytosolic tail of ICA512, proinsulin co‐condensation with RESP18HD may further orchestrate the recruitment of cytosolic factors involved in membrane budding and fission of transport vesicles and nascent SGs.
Consent for gynaecological imaging in Australian and New Zealand adolescent patients: A discussion of legal considerations in sonography
Authors: Humphries‐Hart Ffion , Bethune Michael , Donnan Alexander , Stone Kate , Lee Anna , Grover Sonia
Published: May 2023

A gynaecological ultrasound on an adolescent patient can involve a transabdominal (TAUS), transvaginal (TVUS), trans‐perineal (TPUS) or transrectal (TRUS) approach. Following TAUS a TVUS or TRUS may be suitable on an adolescent patient if they are determined to be a ‘mature minor’/Gillick competent and provide informed consent. Legal information on adolescent consent to medical treatment is difficult for sonographers to obtain as current professional guidelines are not sufficiently detailed on the laws of consent to medical treatment and workplace policies are often not specific to adolescent patients. This manuscript provides information on informed consent to medical treatment, ‘mature minor’/Gillick competence determination, Australian and New Zealand legislation for ‘mature minors’ to consent to medical treatment, adolescent psychology and avoiding coercion when obtaining consent.
Characterization of Starch Nanocrystals from Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet and Its Application as a Stabilizer in Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Iswalal Micael , Mellem John J.
Published: May 2023

Pickering emulsions is a concept developed to address the weaknesses of conventional colloidal systems. The stabilization of Pickering emulsions by starch nanocrystals (SNCs) is proposed due to their small size, in this study the physicochemical properties of SNCs extracted from Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet starch and its role as a pickering emulsifier are evaluated. SNCs are obtained using two conventional hydrolysis methods (acid hydrolysis [AH] and enzymatic hydrolysis [EH]) and characterized based on their structural, thermal, and crystallinity properties. The particle diameter of nanocrystals ranges from 92 to 135 nm with highly stable zeta‐potential values. FTIR analysis confirms that there are higher peak intensities observed for L. purpureus SNCs compared to native starch. Water and oil binding capacity results show that hydrophobic and hydrophilic capacities of native starch are altered significantly after EH and AH. For application and stability evaluation, emulsions are prepared by utilizing SNCs concentrations from 0.1 to 1.5% w/v. The 1.5% concentration of SNCs AH and EH shows the best physical, thermal, and storage stability compared to lower concentrations. Findings from this study show that this natural‐based nanocrystal has high potential for use as a stabilizer or emulsifier in colloidal systems.
Several Remarks on Norm Attainment in Tensor Product Spaces
Authors: Zoca Abraham Rueda
Published: May 2023

The aim of this note is to obtain results about when the norm of a projective tensor product is strongly subdifferentiable. We prove that if $$X\widehat{\otimes }_\pi Y$$

X

⊗
^

π

Y

is strongly subdifferentiable and either X or Y has the metric approximation property then every bounded operator from X to $$Y^*$$

Y
∗

is compact. We also prove that $$(\ell _p(I)\widehat{\otimes }_\pi \ell _q(J))^*$$

(

ℓ
p

(
I
)

⊗
^

π

ℓ
q

(
J
)

)

∗

has the $$w^*$$

w
∗

-Kadec-Klee property for every non-empty sets I, J and every $$2<p,q<\infty $$

2
<
p
,
q
<
∞

, obtaining in particular that the norm of the space $$\ell _p(I)\widehat{\otimes }_\pi \ell _q(J)$$

ℓ
p

(
I
)

⊗
^

π

ℓ
q

(
J
)

is strongly subdifferentiable. This extends several results of Dantas, Kim, Lee and Mazzitelli. We also find examples of spaces X and Y for which the set of norm-attaining tensors in $$X\widehat{\otimes }_\pi Y$$

X

⊗
^

π

Y

is dense but whose complement is dense too.
Associations between clinical and psychosocial factors and HbA1c in adult insulin pump users with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Schmidt Signe , Madsen Kristoffer Panduro , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Rytter Karen , Hommel Eva , Cleal Bryan , Willaing Ingrid , Andersen Henrik Ullits , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: May 2023

Aims

Many adults with type 1 diabetes do not achieve recommended glycemic goals despite intensive insulin therapy using insulin pumps. The aim of this study was to explore associations between clinical and psychosocial factors and HbA1c in insulin pump users to identify and prioritize areas for potential intervention.

Methods

A questionnaire-based survey covering clinical and psychosocial aspects of life with type 1 diabetes was distributed to all adult (≥ 18 years) insulin pump users in the Capital Region of Denmark. Responses were combined with data from medical records and national registries. Associations with HbA1c were modeled using regression-based machine learning.

Results

Of 1,591 invited individuals, 770 (48.4%) responded to the survey. Mean HbA1c among responders was 7.3% (56 mmol/mmol), and 35.6% had an HbA1c < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Six factors were significantly associated with HbA1c: diabetes duration (0.006% (0.1 mmol/mol) lower HbA1c per 1-year increase in diabetes duration); education (0.4% (4.3 mmol/mol) lower HbA1c with long higher education vs. primary school); insulin type (0.2% (2.2 mmol/mol) lower HbA1c with ultra-rapid-acting insulin vs. rapid-acting insulin); hypoglycemia awareness status (0.2% (2.2 mmol/mol) lower HbA1c with complete unawareness vs. full awareness); insulin device satisfaction (0.2% (2.7 mmol/mol) lower HbA1c per 1-point increase in Insulin Device Satisfaction Survey score); and diabetes distress (0.3% (3.1 mmol/mol) higher HbA1c per 1-point increase in Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale score).

Conclusions

This study identified several associations between clinical and psychosocial factors and HbA1c that may be considered when developing interventions targeted people with type 1 diabetes.
Bestimmungsfaktoren für landwirtschaftliche Bewässerungsbedarfe und regionale Governance-Ansätze zur Konfliktreduktion in Niedersachsen und Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: Schulz Elisabeth , Scharun Christina
Published: May 2023

Zunehmende Trockenheit erhöht landwirtschaftliche Bewässerungsbedarfe. Erstmalige Grundwasserentnahmeanträge sowie Erweiterungsanträge nehmen zu. Damit verändern sich langjährige Gleichgewichte unter den Grundwassernutzern (Trinkwassergewinnung, Ökosystemschutz, Gewässerunterhaltung, Forstwirtschaft, Landwirtschaft, Verwaltung, Öffentlichkeit). Widerstände gegen Behördenentscheidungen könnten anwachsen. Um diesbezüglich potenzielle ressourcenzehrende Reibungsverluste zu verringern und stattdessen kooperatives Handeln anzustoßen, erprobten Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachen und Landesamt für Bergbau, Energie und Geologie mit ausgewählten Landkreisen in zwei Projekten (Netzwerke Wasser) neuartige governance-basierte Handlungsansätze. Runde Tische mit Stakeholdervertretern wurden eingerichtet zwecks Kennenlernens, Kompetenzerweiterung und Vertrauensbildung. Während ganztägiger „Netzwerktreffen“ wurden regionalspezifische Fachinformationen einschließlich der Bestimmungsfaktoren für landwirtschaftliche Wassernachfrage vermittelt. Insbesondere fehlten objektive Informationen über aktuelle sowie zukünftige landwirtschaftliche Bewässerungsbedarfe. Deshalb wurden die örtlichen potenziellen Beregnungsbedürftigkeiten auf Basis hochaufgelöster Bodendaten, Ackerkulturartenanteilen und Klima(projektions)daten ermittelt. Eindeutige Trends zu steigenden potenziellen Beregnungsbedarfen von bis zu 31 % im Gebietsmittel bis Jahrhundertende wurden festgestellt. Besonders wichtig waren die Möglichkeiten für informellen Austausch der Handelnden. Abschließend überwog deutlich der Wunsch nach Verstetigung der Stakeholder-Plattformen.
Trends and issues in clinical research on satisfaction and quality of life after mastectomy and breast reconstruction: a 5-year scoping review
Authors: Saiga Miho , Nakagiri Ryoko , Mukai Yuko , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Kimata Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

Breast reconstruction (BR) aims to improve the satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors. Clinical studies using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can therefore provide relevant information to the patients and support decision-making. This scoping review was conducted to analyze recent trends in world regions, methods used, and factors investigated. The literature search was conducted in August 2022. Databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched for relevant English-language studies published from 2017 to 2022. Studies involving women with breast cancer who underwent BR after mastectomy and investigated PROs after BR using BR-specific scales were included. Data on the country, publication year, study design, PRO measures (PROMs) used, time points of surveys, and research themes were collected. In total, 147 articles met the inclusion criteria. BREAST-Q was the most widely used, contributing to the increase in the number and diversification of studies in this area. Such research has been conducted mainly in North America and Europe and is still developing in Asia and other regions. The research themes involved a wide range of clinical and patient factors in addition to surgery, which could be influenced by research methods, time since surgery, and even cultural differences. Recent BR-specific PROMs have led to a worldwide development of research on factors that affect satisfaction and QOL after BR. PRO after BR may be influenced by local cultural and social features, and it would be necessary to accumulate data in each region to draw clinically useful conclusion.
Automated microparticle positioning using a pair of ultrasound-actuated microbubbles for microfluidic applications
Authors: Bakhtiari Amirabas , Kähler Christian J.
Published: May 2023

We present an advanced single-particle positioning technique that uses ultrasound-driven microstreaming induced by two microbubbles to position microparticles across the width of a microchannel or to direct them to desired exits of a Y-shaped microchannel. An open-loop control algorithm has been devised to facilitate the automatic detection, tracking, and precise positioning of microparticles in the presence of two microbubbles. Our control system is capable of performing particle positioning in multiple steps, individually for each microparticle, with arbitrary starting positions without requiring prior particle focusing or flow conditioning. We have also evaluated the accuracy enhancement of particle positioning using two microbubbles, in comparison to the system’s results using only one microbubble.
Premenopausal women with breast cancer in the early post-partum period show molecular profiles of invasion and are associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Nimbalkar Vidya P. , Snijesh V. P. , Rajarajan Savitha , Alexander Annie , Kaluve Rohini , Ramesh Rakesh , Srinath B. S. , Prabhu Jyothi S.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Young premenopausal women develop breast cancer (BC) within 5–10 years of the last childbirth, known as post-partum breast cancers (PPBC), often present with aggressive disease. The exact mechanisms that lead to poor prognosis in these patients are largely unknown.

Methods

We have evaluated the association of clinical and reproductive factors with BC in a cohort of women ≤ 45 years (N = 155) with long-term follow-up. Based on duration since last childbirth (LCB), grouped patients into PPBC1 (LCB ≤ 5 years), PPBC2 (LCB between 6 and 10 years), PPBC3 (LCB > 10 years), and NPBC (age-matched nulliparous BC patients). We compared disease-free survival and hazard associated with recurrence/metastasis between the groups. RNA sequencing of tumor samples was performed from three parous groups (n = 10), and transcriptomic data were analyzed for differentially expressed genes and altered pathways.

Results

Women in the PPBC1 group had an early menarche and late age at first and last childbirth compared to other groups. Survival analysis within lymph node-positive tumors showed that PPBC1 tumors had a worse prognosis than PPBC2 and NPBC tumors (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively). Clustering of the differentially expressed genes between the groups showed distinct expression in early PPBC (E-PPBC) tumors. Pathway analysis revealed upregulation of invasive-related pathways along with T cell exhaustion, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in E-PPBC tumors.

Conclusion

Early PPBC is a unique subtype with aggressive clinical features and distinct biology. Further research is needed to accurately project the risk of recurrence and optimal treatment strategies in these young patients.
Integrating Motivation and Instruction: Towards a Unified Approach in Educational Psychology
Authors: Martin Andrew J.
Published: May 2023

Motivation and instruction are two major substantive domains in educational psychology. Theory and research relevant to each of these domains tend to be diffuse and fragmented. This presents challenges for scholars and practitioners seeking to implement parsimonious and cohesive approaches to help students to learn. This review articulates a two-step integration process that is an illustrative effort towards tackling these challenges and unifying two psycho-educational domains:intra-domain integration (within each of motivation and instruction) andinter-domain integration (between motivation and instruction). With respect to motivation, the Motivation and Engagement Wheel (Martin, 2007) is presented as an example ofintra-domain integration of key facets of motivation (Step 1a). With respect to instruction, Load Reduction Instruction (LRI; Martin, 2016; Martin & Evans, 2018) is an example ofintra-domain integration of explicit instruction and guided independent learning (Step 1b). The review then proposes aninter-domain integration of motivation and instruction (Step 2), arguing that each domain is tied to the other. The joint operation ofintra- andinter-domain integration of motivation and instruction holds potential for more coherent theorizing, measurement, and practical application.
Assessment of Hg pollution in stream waters and human health risk in areas impacted by mining activities in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Mestanza-Ramón Carlos , Jiménez-Oyola Samantha , Montoya Alex Vinicio Gavilanes , Vizuete Danny Daniel Castillo , D’Orio Giovanni , Cedeño-Laje Juan , Straface Salvatore
Published: May 2023

Illegal gold mining activities have contributed to the release and mobilization of Hg and environmental degradation in many parts of the world. This study aims to determine the concentration of Hg in five provinces of the Amazon Region of Ecuador, in addition to assessing the risk to human health of exposed populations, applying deterministic and probabilistic methods. For this purpose, 147 water samples were collected in rivers and streams crossing and/or located near mining areas. As a result, 100% of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) according to the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life of the Ecuadorian regulations, while 7% of the samples exceeded the MPL for drinking water. On the other hand, considering the European Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for surface water bodies, in our study, 100% of the samples exceed the maximum permissible limit (0.07 µg/L), and with respect to the Canadian water quality guidelines, 35% of the samples exceed the permissible limit (0.001 mg/l) for drinking water, and 100% of the samples exceed the limit for life in water bodies (0.0001 mg/l). The risk assessment revealed that the probability of developing adverse health effects from exposure to Hg is below the recommended limits according to the probabilistic assessment; this is in relation to the criterion of residential and recreational use of water resources. However, it was identified that the child population doubles the acceptable systemic risk level according to the results of the deterministic assessment in the residential scenario. This information can be used by decision-makers to implement strategies to reduce Hg contamination and exposure of the population in Ecuadorian Amazonian rivers.