bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Rotundic Acid and Its Derivatives as Promising Natural Anticancer Triterpenoids: A Literature‐Based Study
Authors: Bhuia Md. Shimul , Chowdhury Raihan , Sonia Fatema Akter , Biswas Shrabonti , Ferdous Jannatul , El‐Nashar Heba A. S. , El‐Shazly Mohamed , Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: December 2023

Rotundic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene with a multitude of pharmacological activities. The primary emphasis of this study is on summarizing the anticancer properties with the underlying mechanisms of RA and its derivatives, as well as the pharmacokinetic features. Data was collected (up to date as of November 10, 2023) from various reliable and authentic literatures by searching in different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings imply that RA and its synthetic derivatives possess promising anti‐cancer properties against breast, colorectal, liver, and cervical cancers in various preclinical pharmacological test systems. The results also indicate that RA and its derivatives demonstrated anticancer effects via a number of cellular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, inhibition of oxidative stress, anti‐inflammatory effect, cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, anti‐proliferative effect, anti‐angiogenic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion. It has been proposed that RA and its derived compounds have the capability to serve as a hopeful chemotherapeutic agent, so further extensive clinical research is necessary.
Current stage of preclinical and clinical development of guggulsterone in cancers: Challenges and promises
Authors: Ijaz Shumaila , Iqbal Javed , Abbasi Banzeer Ahsan , Tufail Aasma , Yaseen Tabassum , Uddin Siraj , Usman Kiran , Ullah Rafi , Bibi Haseena , Inam Palwasha , Sagindykova Elvira , Gürer Eda Sönmez , Habtemariam Solomon , Calina Daniela , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: December 2023

Throughout human history, the utilization of medicinal herbs has been recognized as a crucial defense against various ailments, including cancer. Natural products with potential anticancer properties, capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, have garnered substantial attention. One such agent under investigation is guggulsterone (GS), a phytosterol derived from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies elucidating the anticancer molecular mechanisms and molecular targets of GS, guiding future research and potential applications as an adjuvant drug in cancer therapy. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have explored the biological activities of the active ingredients in Commiphora mukul. Specifically, GS emerges as a potential cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic agent. The investigations delve into the impact of GS on constitutively activated survival pathways, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB), and PI3‐kinase/AKT signaling pathways. These pathways regulate antiapoptotic and proinflammatory genes, exerting control over growth and inflammatory responses. The findings highlight the potential of GS in disrupting survival pathways crucial for cancer cell viability. The inhibition of JAK/STAT, NF‐kB, and PI3‐kinase/AKT signaling pathways positions GS as a promising candidate for cancer therapy. The review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies, underscoring the multifaceted biological activities of GS in cancer prevention and treatment. To advance our understanding, future clinical and translational studies are imperative to determine effective doses in humans. Additionally, there is a need for the development of new pharmaceutical forms of GS to optimize therapeutic effects. This comprehensive review provides a foundation for ongoing research, offering insights into the potential of GS as a valuable addition to the armamentarium against cancer.
A Functional Electrolyte Containing P‐Phenyl Diisothiocyanate (PDITC) Additive Achieves the Interphase Stability of High Nickel Cathode in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Gao Xiang , Zeng Xueyi , Hu Huilin , Li Haijia , He Xin , Fan Weizhen , Fan Chaojun , Yang Tianxiang , Ma Zhen , Nan Junmin
Published: December 2023

The lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high nickel cathode have high specific energy, but as the nickel content in the cathode active material increases, batteries are suffering from temperature limitations, unstable performance, and transition metal dissolution during long cycling. In this work, a functional electrolyte with P‐phenyl diisothiocyanate (PDITC) additive is developed to stabilize the performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)/graphite LIBs over a wide temperature range. Compared to the batteries without the additive, the capacity retention of the batteries with PDITC‐containing electrolyte increases from 23 % to 74 % after 1400 cycles at 25 °C, and from 15 % to 85 % after 300 cycles at 45 °C. After being stored at 60 °C, the capacity retention rate and capacity recovery rate of the battery are also improved. In addition, the PDITC‐containing battery has a higher discharge capacity at −20 °C, and the capacity retention rate increases from 79 % to 90 % after 500 cycles at 0 °C. Both theoretical calculations and spectroscopic results demonstrate that PDITC is involved in constructing a dense interphase, inhibiting the decomposition of the electrolyte and reducing the interfacial impedance. The application of PDITC provides a new strategy to improve the wide‐temperature performance of the NCM811/graphite LIBs.
PRO‐seq: Precise Mapping of Engaged RNA Pol II at Single‐Nucleotide Resolution
Authors: Mimoso Claudia A. , Goldman Seth R.
Published: December 2023

Gene regulation is dependent on the production of mRNAs and a repertoire of non‐coding RNAs by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Precision run‐on sequencing (PRO‐seq) maps the position of engaged RNAPII complexes at single‐nucleotide resolution and can reveal direct targets of regulation, locations of enhancers, and transcription mechanisms that are difficult or impossible to measure by analysis of total cellular RNA. Briefly, this method first involves permeabilizing cells with mild detergents to remove intracellular NTPs and halt transcription. Transcription is then resumed in the presence of biotin‐NTPs and sarkosyl to allow transcriptional incorporation of a single biotinylated NTP by RNAPII. The biotin moiety is then bound to streptavidin beads to stringently enrich for nascent RNAs. Sequencing libraries are then generated such that the first base read corresponds to the 3′ end of the nascent transcript. Here, we describe our current protocol for generating PRO‐seq libraries from metazoan cells, including adaptations of previously published protocols to incorporate unique molecular identifiers, reduce ligation bias, and improve library yields. Additional commentary describes quality control and processing of PRO‐seq data and references for more advanced downstream analysis such as gene and enhancer identification. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Cell permeabilization for PRO‐seq

Basic Protocol 2: Construction of PRO‐seq libraries

Support Protocol: Adenylation of 3′ adapter
Top Alzheimer's disease risk allele frequencies differ in HABS‐HD Mexican‐ versus Non‐Hispanic White Americans
Authors: Housini Mohammad , Zhou Zhengyang , Gutierrez John , Rao Sumedha , Jomaa Rodwan , Subasinghe Kumudu , Reid Danielle Marie , Silzer Talisa , Phillips Nicole , O'Bryant Sid , Barber Robert Clinton ,   For the HABS‐HD Study Team
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION: Here we evaluate frequencies of the top 10 Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk alleles for late‐onset AD in Mexican American (MA) and non‐Hispanic White (NHW) American participants enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study–Health Disparities Study cohort.

METHODS: Using DNA extracted from this community‐based diverse population, we calculated the genotype frequencies in each population to determine whether a significant difference is detected between the different ethnicities. DNA genotyping was performed per manufacturers’ protocols.

RESULTS: Allele and genotype frequencies for 9 of the 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (two apolipoprotein E variants, CR1, BIN1, DRB1, NYAP1, PTK2B, FERMT2, and ABCA7) differed significantly between MAs and NHWs.

DISCUSSION: The significant differences in frequencies of top AD risk alleles observed here across MAs and NHWs suggest that ethnicity‐specific genetic risks for AD exist. Given our results, we are advancing additional projects to further elucidate ethnicity‐specific differences in AD.
Identification of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens and virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from food samples in the Dhaka University campus of Bangladesh
Authors: Bakshi Progati , Bhowmik Anindita , Ahsan Sunjukta , Alim Sharmin Rumi
Published: December 2023

The presence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens in food is a serious public health concern nowadays. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli and antimicrobial‐resistant pathogens in chicken curry and potato smash samples collected from the canteens and cafeteria of Dhaka University in Bangladesh. Isolates were identified by their cultural, morphological, and biochemical tests (motility indole urease test, Kliger's iron agar test, catalase test, oxidase test, methyl red and Voges‐Proskauer tests). The antibiotic susceptibility test was done by the disk diffusion method. The range of total bacterial count in the potato smash and chicken curry samples was from 1.4 × 104 to 1.6 × 108 CFU/g and from 2.4 × 103 to 2.6 × 106 CFU/g, respectively. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Vibrio, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Proteus, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Bacillus, and Sarcina strains were isolated in both samples. Isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (90.90%) followed by colistin (52.27%), azithromycin (27.27%), and tetracycline 25%. Proteus species had the highest rate of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR; 62.5%), followed by Citrobacter species (50%). The isolated E. coli strains were further analyzed through PCR assay to detect virulent genes (EPEC: eaeA 229 bp, bfpA 450 bp, ETEC elt 322 bp, EHEC hylA 534 bp, and EIEC ial 320 bp). One E. coli isolate had the eaeA target gene under EPEC pathotypes. Escherichia coli, as a fecal indicator, may indicate fecal contamination or poor and unhygienic food handling. The findings recommend further investigations to identify potential mechanisms of contamination and preventive measures to improve the food safety level in the canteens and restaurants.
Evaluation of techniques to break seed dormancy in Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)
Authors: Ahmadnia Fatemeh , Alebrahim Mohammad Taghi , Nabati Souha Leyli , MacGregor Dana R.
Published: December 2023

By identifying the factors that initiate seed dormancy release, we can reliably predict whether a seed will remain dormant within or exit the seed bank and become a seedling. With regard to annual weed species, assessing which factors efficiently break seed dormancy is critical for estimating the number of weed seeds that will develop into problematic weeds. To better understand dormancy breaking in Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), dormant seeds were treated with cold stratification (4°C for 30 days), application of gibberellic acid (at 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 parts per million), ultrasound (for 10, 20, 30, and 40 min), soaking in hot water (90°C for 3, 5, 7, and 10 min), and 98% sulfuric acid (for 1, 2, and 3 min). The results showed that Redroot pigweed seed dormancy was effectively broken by cold stratification, gibberellic acid, and ultrasound. Short treatments with hot water had minimal effect while longer times or treatment with sulfuric acid stopped seed germination. In addition to germination percentage, germination rate, plumule length, radicle length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, and seed vigor index were also measured; similarly, application of gibberellic acid had the most significant effect on these parameters. The results of this study add to our knowledge of what processes effectively or ineffectively break Redroot pigweed seed dormancy and promote growth.
How important are delays in treatment for health outcomes? The case of ambulance response time and cardiovascular events
Authors: Lucchese Elena
Published: December 2023

The cost effectiveness of medical treatments is not precisely known due to the compounding effect of multiple determining factors. Ambulance response time (RT) to emergency calls is exploited to learn more about the effect of the timing of treatment on health outcomes. This causal relation is identified by exploiting rainfall at the time of the ambulance run as a shock to RT. The analysis focuses on patients who have undergone a cardiac event and shows that a one‐minute increase in average RT leads to 105 more deaths each year in one Italian region. Finally, the economic value of the lives that would be saved by reducing RT is quantified to facilitate policymaking.
Habit and persistence
Authors: Bouton Mark E.
Published: December 2023

Voluntary behaviors (operants) can come in two varieties: Goal‐directed actions, which are emitted based on the remembered value of the reinforcer, and habits, which are evoked by antecedent cues and performed without the reinforcer's value in active memory. The two are perhaps most clearly distinguished with the reinforcer‐devaluation test: Goal‐directed actions are suppressed when the reinforcer is separately devalued and responding is tested in extinction, and habitual behaviors are not. But what is the function of habit learning? Habits are often thought to be strong and unusually persistent. The present selective review examines this idea by asking whether habits identified by the reinforcer‐devaluation test are more resistant to extinction, resistant to the effects of other contingency change, vulnerable to relapse, resistant to the weakening effects of context change, or permanently in place once they are learned. Surprisingly little evidence supports the idea that habits are permanent or more persistent. Habits are more context‐specific than goal‐directed actions are. Methods that make behavior persistent do not necessarily work by encouraging habit. The function of habit learning may not be to make a behavior strong or more persistent but to make it automatic and efficient in a particular context.
Does stress make males? An experiment on the role of glucocorticoids in anuran sex reversal
Authors: Bókony Veronika , Kalina Csenge , Ujhegyi Nikolett , Mikó Zsanett , Lefler Kinga Katalin , Vili Nóra , Gál Zoltán , Gabor Caitlin R. , Hoffmann Orsolya Ivett
Published: December 2023

Environmentally sensitive sex determination may help organisms adapt to environmental change but also makes them vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors, with diverse consequences for population dynamics and evolution. The mechanisms translating environmental stimuli to sex are controversial: although several fish experiments supported the mediator role of glucocorticoid hormones, results on some reptiles challenged it. We tested this hypothesis in amphibians by investigating the effect of corticosterone on sex determination in agile frogs (Rana dalmatina). This species is liable to environmental sex reversal whereby genetic females develop into phenotypic males. After exposing tadpoles during sex determination to waterborne corticosterone, the proportion of genetic females with testes or ovotestes increased from 11% to up to 32% at 3 out of 4 concentrations. These differences were not statistically significant except for the group treated with 10 nM corticosterone, and there was no monotonous dose‐effect relationship. These findings suggest that corticosterone is unlikely to mediate sex reversal in frogs. Unexpectedly, animals originating from urban habitats had higher sex‐reversal and corticosterone‐release rates, reduced body mass and development speed, and lower survival compared to individuals collected from woodland habitats. Thus, anthropogenic environments may affect both sex and fitness, and the underlying mechanisms may vary across ectothermic vertebrates.
Design, enantioselective synthesis, and antiviral activities against potato virus Y of axially chiral thiazine derivatives
Authors: Shen Tingwei , Jin Jiamiao , Song Jia , Naz Hira , Jin Zhichao , Chi Yonggui Robin , Wu Xingxing
Published: December 2023

A series of novel thiazine derivatives featuring axial chirality in both (R) and (S) configurations were successfully synthesized by N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed enantioselective [3 + 3] annulations, and their potential as anti‐plant virus agents against potato virus Y (PVY) was evaluated. Biological activity results demonstrated that most of these chiral thiazine derivatives exhibited significant activities against PVY. Notably, compound (S)‐3g displayed a remarkable 58% inactivation effect against PVY at a concentration of 500 μg/mL, slightly surpassing the effectiveness of Ningnanmycin (NNM) at 57%. Additionally, (S)‐3g exhibited curative activity of 57%, which is superior to NNM (53%). Molecular docking studies revealed preliminary insights into the distinct biological properties of the two different enantiomers, (R) or (S)‐3g against PVY, wherein single enantiomer (S)‐3g formed a more stable interaction with PVY‐CP, as indicated by its lower binding free energy (−41.18 kcal/mol) compared to (R)‐3g (−36.9 kcal/mol). The findings in this study with a new class of axially chiral thiazine derivatives shall inspire further development of chiral heterocycles as potential drug candidates for the protection of plant virus infections.
Deep‐Learning‐Based MRI Microbleeds Detection for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease on Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Xia Peng , Hui Edward S. , Chua Bryan J. , Huang Fan , Wang Zuojun , Zhang Huiqin , Yu Han , Lau Kui Kai , Mak Henry K.F. , Cao Peng
Published: December 2023

Background

Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are indicators of severe cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) that can be identified through hemosiderin‐sensitive sequences in MRI. Specifically, quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and deep learning were applied to detect CMBs in MRI.

Purpose

To automatically detect CMB on QSM, we proposed a two‐stage deep learning pipeline.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total number of 1843 CMBs from 393 patients (69 ± 12) with cerebral small vessel disease were included in this study. Seventy‐eight subjects (70 ± 13) were used as external testing.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/QSM.

Assessment

The proposed pipeline consisted of two stages. In stage I, 2.5D fast radial symmetry transform (FRST) algorithm along with a one‐layer convolutional network was used to identify CMB candidate regions in QSM images. In stage II, the V‐Net was utilized to reduce false positives. The V‐Net was trained using CMB and non CMB labels, which allowed for high‐level feature extraction and differentiation between CMBs and CMB mimics like vessels. The location of CMB was assessed according to the microbleeds anatomical rating scale (MARS) system.

Statistical Tests

The sensitivity and positive predicative value (PPV) were reported to evaluate the performance of the model. The number of false positive per subject was presented.

Results

Our pipeline demonstrated high sensitivities of up to 94.9% at stage I and 93.5% at stage II. The overall sensitivity was 88.9%, and the false positive rate per subject was 2.87. With respect to MARS, sensitivities of above 85% were observed for nine different brain regions.

Data Conclusion

We have presented a deep learning pipeline for detecting CMB in the CSVD cohort, along with a semi‐automated MARS scoring system using the proposed method. Our results demonstrated the successful application of deep learning for CMB detection on QSM and outperformed previous handcrafted methods.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Comparing single versus multiple virus detection in pediatric acute gastroenteritis postimplementation of routine multiplex RT‐PCR diagnostic testing
Authors: Hazan Guy , Goldstein Yoav , Greenberg David , Khalde Firas , Mahajna Rofaida , Keren‐Naos Ayelet , Hershkovitz Eli , Faingelernt Yaniv , Givon‐Lavi Noga , Danino Dana
Published: December 2023

Utilizing multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for rapid diagnosis of gastroenteritis, enables simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens. A comparative analysis of disease characteristics was conducted between cases with single and multiple viruses. Rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2010, reaching a 70% coverage in 2 years. All rectal swabs collected from diarrheic children (<5 years) between December 2017 and March 2022 were included. Detection of the same viruses within 2 months was considered a single episode. Episodes with positive stool bacterial PCR were excluded. A total of 5879 samples were collected, revealing 86.9% (1509) with single virus detection and 13.1% (227) with multiple viruses. The most frequent combination was rotavirus and norovirus (27.8%), these infections followed a winter‐spring seasonality akin to rotavirus. Children with multivirus infections exhibited higher immunodeficiency (OR 2.06) rates, but lower food allergy (OR 0.45) and prematurity rates (OR 0.55) compared to single infections. Greater disease severity, evaluated by the Vesikari score, was observed in multivirus episodes (p < 0.001, OR 1.12). Multivirus infections accounted for 13.1% of symptomatic cases in hospitalized young children. Despite vaccination efforts, rotavirus remained prominent, frequently in co‐infections with norovirus. Overall, multivirus infections were linked to more severe diseases than single virus cases.
Increased diurnal temperature range in global drylands in more recent decades
Authors: Daramola Mojolaoluwa T. , Li Renqiang , Xu Ming
Published: December 2023

The diurnal temperature range (DTR) has generally decreased at global scale according to the IPCC reports and previous publications. Here, we examined the change in DTR within the past four decades and found that DTR decreased in wet areas, but it increased in dry areas. This is because the daily minimum air temperature (Tmin) increased at a slower rate than the daily maximum air temperature (Tmax) in the dry areas, while it increased more rapidly in the wet areas. The changes in cloud cover, water vapour and moisture flux were observed to have contributed to the observed change in DTR. The change in moisture flux largely contributed to this change through the indirect effect on the change in water vapour across the aridity gradient. The significant impact of moisture flux is linked to the differential change in moisture flux between the dry and wet zones.
Addressing diagnostic dilemmas in eosinophilic esophagitis using esophageal epithelial eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin
Authors: Thomas Jessina , Hopson Puanani , Deb Chirajyoti , Bornstein Jeffrey , Mehta Devendra , Bittar Khaled , Smadi Yamen
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN) is a viable marker of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) disease activity. We studied the utility of measuring EDN from esophageal epithelial brushings for diagnosing EoE, focusing on two scenarios: (1) cases of exclusive distal eosinophilia and (2) cases of discrepancy between endoscopy and histology.

Methods

Records of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with EDN measured via esophageal brushings at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida from January 2014 to October 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data were collected.

Results

We reviewed 231 patient records (66.7% male, mean age 10.3 years, range 1–22 years). EDN values correlated with endoscopic reference score (EREFS) and peak eosinophil count (PEC) (Spearman's rho = 0.756 (p < 0.001) and 0.824 (p < 0.001) respectively). Average PEC, EREFS, and EDN concentrations were higher in patients with active EoE than in controls or patients with EoE in remission (inactive). When grouping patients based on esophageal eosinophilia distribution, EDN mirrored PEC, and EREFS. Patients with exclusive distal eosinophilia had lower EDN concentrations than those with eosinophilia in >1 level of the esophagus (23.8 ± 46.1 mcg/mL vs. 171.3 ± 205.8 mcg/mL respectively, p < 0.001). EDN values were more consistent with EREFS in cases of discrepancies between endoscopic findings and pathology (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

EDN measured in esophageal brushing samples reflects disease activity objectively and accurately. It also offers significant value in cases of exclusive distal esophageal eosinophilia and when discrepancies exist between endoscopy and histology.
Anti‐infliximab antibodies and low infliximab levels correlate with drug discontinuation in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zitomersky Naamah , Chi Lisa , Liu Enju , Bray Kurtis R. , Papamichael Konstantinos , Cheifetz Adam S. , Snapper Scott B. , Bousvaros Athos , Silvester Jocelyn A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Infliximab (IFX) use is limited by loss of response often due to the development of anti‐IFX antibodies and low drug levels.

Methods

We performed a single center prospective observational cohort study of pediatric and young adult subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on IFX with over 3 years of follow‐up. Infliximab levels (IFXL) and antibodies to infliximab (ATI) were measured throughout the study. Subjects were followed until IFX was discontinued.

Results

We enrolled 219 subjects with IBD (184: Crohn's disease; 33: Ulcerative colitis; and 2 Indeterminant colitis; 84 female, median age 14.4 years, 37% on concomitant immunomodulator). Nine hundred and nineteen serum samples (mean 4.2 ± 2.1 per patient) were tested for IFXL and ATI. During the study, 31 (14%) subjects discontinued IFX. Sixty patients had ATI. Twenty‐two of those 60 patients with ATI discontinued IFX; 14 of 31 patients who discontinued IFX had detectable ATI at study onset. The combination of ATI and IFXL < 5 µg/mL at study entry was associated with the highest risk of drug discontinuation (hazard ratios [HR] ATI 4.27 [p < 0.001] and IFXL < 5 µg/mL [HR]: 3.2 p = 0.001). Patients with IFXL 5–10 µg/mL had the lowest rate of discontinuation (6%). IFX dose escalation eliminated ATI in 21 of 60 subjects.

Conclusions

ATI is a strong predictor of needing to stop IFX use and inversely correlates with IFXL. Detection of ATI during therapeutic drug monitoring postinduction but also periodically during maintenance therapy identifies individuals who may benefit from IFX dose escalation and/or the addition of an immunomodulator, as these interventions may reduce or eliminate ATI.
Management patterns of multiple magnet ingestion reported to New Jersey Poison Information and Education System
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet‐Anh T. , Calello Diane P. , Ruck Bruce , Loughran David E. , Greller Howard A. , Meaden Christopher W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Ingestion of multiple high‐powered neodymium rare‐earth magnets poses a significant risk for gastrointestinal (GI) injury such as bowel perforation or ischemia. Given the rising incidence of rare earth magnetic ingestions and the corresponding increase in serious injuries in children, published guidelines recommend urgent endoscopic removal of all magnets within endoscopic reach in cases involving ingestions of two or more magnets.

Research Question

Do management patterns for multiple magnet ingestion align with current practice guidelines, and does hospital length of stay (LOS) differ based on the initial emergency department (ED) approach?

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive patient encounters reported to the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) between January 2021 and April 2022 involving multiple magnet ingestion. Potential cases were retrieved from the NJPIES TOXICALL® database, using substance codes relating to magnet or foreign body ingestion. Two‐sample T tests were used to determine the statistical difference in the hospital LOS between the group of patients receiving early emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) versus those receiving expectant management on initial presentation.

Results

There was a difference in the average LOS of 2.7 days (p = 0.023) longer in the expectant management group with no medical complications in either group. Twenty‐five percent or 2 out of 8 cases deviated from guidelines.

Conclusion

The initial ED decision to pursue expectant management instead of attempting emergent EGD removal of magnets may result in prolonged hospitalization, increased risk for readmission, and delayed definitive removal of magnets due to nonprogression along the GI tract.
Symptomatic hypercalcemia in an infant secondary to excessive consumption of almond milk as a formula alternative
Authors: Gulledge Whitney C. , Gerald Brittany M. , Sumpter Kathryn M. , Rogers Nathaniel G.
Published: December 2023

A 4‐month‐old previously healthy female presented with persistent nonbloody, nonbilious emesis, decreased urine output, weight loss, fussiness, and lethargy. Serum levels of calcium were increased at 14.1 mg/dL, serum phosphate decreased at 1.6 mg/dL, and serum parathyroid hormone decreased at <4 pg/mL. The patient had been consuming unsweetened almond milk due to inability to find infant formula during a national infant formula shortage. Milk alternatives including almond milk are calorie‐poor, low fat, low protein, and too high in free water and calcium to safely be the primary nutrition source for infants.
Kinetic solubility: Experimental and machine‐learning modeling perspectives
Authors: Baybekov Shamkhal , Llompart Pierre , Marcou Gilles , Gizzi Patrick , Galzi Jean‐Luc , Ramos Pascal , Saurel Olivier , Bourban Claire , Minoletti Claire , Varnek Alexandre
Published: December 2023

Kinetic aqueous or buffer solubility is important parameter measuring suitability of compounds for high throughput assays in early drug discovery while thermodynamic solubility is reserved for later stages of drug discovery and development. Kinetic solubility is also considered to have low inter‐laboratory reproducibility because of its sensitivity to protocol parameters [1]. Presumably, this is why little efforts have been put to build QSPR models for kinetic in comparison to thermodynamic aqueous solubility. Here, we investigate the reproducibility and modelability of kinetic solubility assays. We first analyzed the relationship between kinetic and thermodynamic solubility data, and then examined the consistency of data from different kinetic assays. In this contribution, we report differences between kinetic and thermodynamic solubility data that are consistent with those reported by others [1, 2] and good agreement between data from different kinetic solubility campaigns in contrast to general expectations. The latter is confirmed by achieving high performing QSPR models trained on merged kinetic solubility datasets. The poor performance of QSPR model trained on thermodynamic solubility when applied to kinetic solubility dataset reinforces the conclusion that kinetic and thermodynamic solubilities do not correlate: one cannot be used as an ersatz for the other. This encourages for building predictive models for kinetic solubility. The kinetic solubility QSPR model developed in this study is freely accessible through the Predictor web service of the Laboratory of Chemoinformatics (https://chematlas.chimie.unistra.fr/cgi‐bin/predictor2.cgi).
Pregnancy planning may impact maternal and neonatal outcomes in people with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Anabusi Saja , Izenberg Aaron , Barnett Carolina , Berndl Anne
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune condition commonly diagnosed in young people of reproductive age resulting in neuromuscular junction dysfunction. The course of MG during pregnancy and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes is vary in the literature. Pregnancy planning is a known strategy and modifiable risk factor in obstetric practice to decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity. We aim to assess if planning a pregnancy impacts maternal and neonatal outcomes, MG exacerbation, and pregnancy‐related complications.

Methods

This study utilized data from an online, North American survey entitled “A Patient Centered study on Pregnancy in People with Myasthenia Gravis”, distributed with the assistance of MG advocacy groups in the United States and Canada. It included individuals with MG who had at least one pregnancy in the last 10‐years. Key maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between planned and unplanned pregnancies.

Results

Out of 156 survey participants, 58 had a pregnancy following MG diagnosis, totaling 90 reported pregnancies. Of these, 56 (62.2%) were planned and 34 (37.8%) were unplanned pregnancies.

The unplanned pregnancies were associated with more MG exacerbations, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admission (37.7% vs. 13.7%, 26.5% vs. 11%, and 17.6% vs. 8.9%, respectively, p ≤ .05). The neonatal outcomes did not significantly differ between the groups.

Discussion

Planned pregnancies in people with MG may be associated with a reduced gestational and post‐partum risk of MG exacerbation, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. Larger studies are required to confirm this association and account for potential contributing variables.
A limit analysis approach to uplift bearing capacity of shallow plate anchors in marine environments
Authors: Forcelini Mateus , Maghous Samir , Schnaid Fernando
Published: December 2023

Offshore oil and gas exploration activities involve the installation of various subsea infrastructures on the ocean floor, often supported by shallow foundations such as anchor plates or mudmats. These foundations must be designed to withstand applied service loads along the structure lifecycle, including decommissioning loads required for subsequent removal. In this context, this work is dedicated to the evaluation of uplift bearing capacity of shallow anchors within the theoretical framework of limit analysis and its related kinematic approach. Based on the implementation of 3D failure mechanisms, rigorous upper bound estimates for the uplift force viewed as ultimate load for the material system are derived from either total or effective stress analyses. In that respect, emphasis is given to the formulation of limit analysis problem in the context of effective stresses, showing how the effect of seepage flow may be accounted for by means of driving body forces derived from the gradient of excess pore pressure distribution and how suction forces arise from pore pressure difference between upper and lower anchor surfaces. Evaluation of suction forces developed during anchor lifting is addressed by resorting to a simplified modeling applied to circular and rectangular anchors. The accuracy of the upper bound predictions derived for uplift force is assessed by comparison with available experimental data. Several numerical results are also provided to investigate the effects of relevant problem parameters on the uplift bearing capacity.
Student employment program delivers more than just a job
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2023

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.
Transient erythroblastopenia due to a GATA1 variant in an infant female
Authors: Yamashita Motoi , Tomoda Takahiro , Mizuo Ami , Isoda Takeshi , Egawa Makiko , Yoshida Masayuki , Toki Tsutomu , Kudo Ko , Terui Kiminori , Ito Etsuro , Morio Tomohiro , Takagi Masatoshi
Published: December 2023

Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital anemia with erythroid cell aplasia. Most of the causative genes are ribosomal proteins. GATA1, a hematopoietic master transcription factor required for erythropoiesis, also causes DBA. GATA1 is located on Xp11.23; therefore, DBA develops only in males in an X‐linked inheritance pattern. Here, we report a case of transient erythroblastopenia and moderate anemia in a female newborn infant with a de novo GATA1 variant. In this patient, increased methylation of the GATA1 wild‐type allele was observed in erythroid cells. Skewed lyonization of GATA1 may cause mild transient erythroblastopenia in a female patient.
Antisocial personality traits relationship with behaviours and beliefs on COVID‐19 containment measures: Investigation in a large Brazilian sample
Authors: de Francisco Carvalho Lucas , Koich Miguel Fabiano , Machado Gisele Magarotto , de Oliveira Cibelle , Pianowski Giselle
Published: December 2023

In the COVID‐19 context, traits associated with antisociality can decrease concern and awareness about the potential harmfulness of the virus. This study investigated associations of pathological traits of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) with behaviours and beliefs linked to COVID‐19 containment measures. The sample consisted of 2230 Brazilian adults who answered ASPD‐related facets of the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 and a questionnaire regarding adherence to COVID‐19 containment measures. We applied the DSM‐5 ASPD criteria to divide the sample into antisocial and non‐antisocial groups. Our findings suggest that individuals meeting the criteria for ASPD tend to exhibit reduced compliance with pandemic control measures and lower adherence to hygiene practices. Moreover, sex, income, and age should be considered potential covariates in research investigating the relationship between antisocial traits and adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures. Altogether, our findings highlight ASPD traits' role in the predisposition to lack of prosocial behaviours of adherence to COVID‐19 containment measures.
Trajectories of fear of cancer recurrence and its influence factors: A longitudinal study on Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients
Authors: Chen Furong , Ou Meijun , Xiao Zhirui , Xu Xianghua
Published: December 2023

Objective

The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is an ongoing and common psychological problem faced by cancer patients. The objective of this study was to explore the variation trend of FCR and its influencing factors in Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients from admission to 2 months after discharge. Demographic and tumor characteristics, as well as experiential avoidance (EA), were used as predictors.

Method

A longitudinal design and a consecutive sampling method were used to select 266 newly diagnosed cancer patients admitted to a tertiary cancer hospital in China from July to December 2022. Measurements of FCR and EA were obtained at admission (T1), 1 month after discharge (T2), and 2 months post‐discharge (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with FCR for longitudinal data analysis.

Results

A total of 266 participants completed the follow‐up. Both FCR and EA scores of patients with newly diagnosed cancer showed a significant trend of first increasing and then decreasing at baseline and follow‐up (p < 0.001). The junior secondary and less education level, rural residence, advanced tumor and high EA level were risk factors for higher FCR.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the FCR levels of most newly diagnosed cancer patients in China are different at the three time points and affected by different factors, with the highest level at 1 month after discharge. These results have significant implications for future identifying populations in need of targeted intervention based on their FCR trajectories.
Factors affecting cervical screening using the health belief model during the last decade: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Ani Abdallah , Hammouri Muhammad , Sultan Hala , Al‐Huneidy Leen , Mansour Asem , Al‐Hussaini Maysa
Published: December 2023

Aims

To examine the utility of the health belief model (HBM) and other socioeconomic factors in shaping cervical screening behaviors. Also, to provide recommendations on improving screening uptake.

Methodology

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for articles reporting on the factors associated with cervical screening using the HBM within the period from January of 2002 to January of 2023. Effect sizes for the various HBM constructs were pre‐determined using the log odds ratio (logOR) and expressed with their confidence intervals. All reporting was in line with the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 21 studies were included in the final analysis comprised of 15,365 participants. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that perceived susceptibility (OR: 1.40, 95% CI, 1.03–1.89), perceived benefits (OR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13–1.50), and self‐efficacy (OR: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05–1.17) were significantly associated with both the uptake of and intention to adopt preventive measures against cervical cancer. Conversely, women with higher perceptions of barriers were less likely to adopt any measure for cervical cancer screening or prevention (OR: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57–0.91). In terms of sociodemographic effectors, older age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01–1.19), graduate/post‐graduate education (OR: 2.80; 95% CI, 1.46–5.37), higher knowledge of cervical cancer (OR: 2.21; 95% CI, 1.27–3.84), and being married (OR: 3.89; 95% CI, 1.38–10.92) were all associated with altering preventive behaviors and intentions toward cervical cancer.

Conclusion

This review delineates the most important and effective cognitive components that should be targeted within interventions aiming to promote cervical cancer prevention.
Spatiotemporal evolution and its impact on the deposition behavior of atmospheric TEOS/O2/Ar plasma: A numerical study
Authors: Chang Jiaxin , Dai Dong , Zhang Cheng , Shao Tao
Published: December 2023

Atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a promising approach for large‐area deposition, whose spatiotemporal evolution determines the deposition rate and film chemistry. To investigate the relationship between the discharge and deposition behavior of tetraethoxysilane/oxygen/argon (TEOS//Ar) DBD, a one‐dimensional (1D) fluid model was constructed and experimentally verified. The calculation results reveal that TEOS mainly affects the discharge behavior via Penning ionization, while mainly affects discharge via attachment reaction. Penning ionization reduces the excited Ar and the attachment reaction reduces the number of discharges in half voltage cycles. As a result, merely increasing the concentration of TEOS or may not proportionally increase the deposition rate of relevant reactive species.
Isotope effects accompanying δ2H, δ18O and δ17O analyses of aqueous saline solutions using cavity ring‐down laser spectroscopy
Authors: Dulinski Marek , Rozanski Kazimierz , Pierchala Anna , Gorczyca Zbigniew
Published: December 2023

Rationale

The presence of substantial amounts of dissolved salts creates serious difficulties in isotope analyses of water samples using conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Although nowadays laser‐based instruments are increasingly used for this purpose, a comprehensive assessment of isotope effects associated with direct analyses of aqueous saline solutions using this technology is lacking.

Methods

Here we report the results of laboratory experiments aimed at quantifying isotope effects associated with direct, δ2H, δ18O and δ17O analyses of single‐salt solutions and double‐salt mixtures prepared with a water of known isotopic composition. Three single‐salt solutions (NaCl, CaCl2 and MgSO4) and two double‐salt mixtures (NaCl + CaCl2 and NaCl + MgSO4) were prepared and investigated for a wide range of molalities. The triple‐isotope composition of the prepared solutions was analysed with the aid of a Picarro L2140‐i Cavity Ring‐Down Spectroscopy analyser.

Results

The NaCl and CaCl2 solutions revealed small negative salt effects, independent of molality and comparable with measurement uncertainty. The MgCl2 solution showed the highest salt effects, reaching saturated solution ca. +2.7‰ (2H), −3.5‰ (18O) and −1.7‰ (17O). Salt effects for the double‐salt mixtures generally mirrored the effects observed for the single‐salt solutions. The observed salt effects are discussed in the context of processes occurring during the injection of the salt solutions into the vaporizer unit of the CRDS analyser.

Conclusions

The presented study has demonstrated feasibility of direct, triple‐isotope analyses of aqueous salt solutions using a Picarro L2140‐i CRDS analyser for a broad range of salinities up to saturated conditions. Large uncertainties of 17O‐excess determinations for solutions forming hydrated salts preclude the use of this parameter for interpretation purposes.
High‐throughput mass spectrometry analysis using immediate drop‐on‐demand technology coupled with an open port sampling interface
Authors: Kertesz Vilmos , Carper Dana L. , Cahill John F.
Published: December 2023

Rationale

The sampling throughput of immediate drop‐on‐demand technology (I.DOT) coupled with an open port sampling interface (OPSI) is limited by software communication. To enable much‐needed high‐throughput mass spectrometry (MS) analysis capabilities, a novel software was developed that allows for flexible sample selection from a 96‐well plate and for maximized analysis throughput using I.DOT/OPSI‐MS coupling.

Methods

Wells of a 96‐well I.DOT plate were filled with propranolol solution and were used to test maximum sampling throughput strategies to minimize analysis time. Demonstration of chemical reaction monitoring was done using acid‐catalyzed ring closure of 2,3‐diaminonaphthalene (DAN) with nitrite to form 2,3‐naphthotriazole (NAT). Analytes were detected in positive electrospray ionization mode using selected reaction monitoring.

Results

A maximum throughput of 1.54 s/sample (7.41 min/96‐well plate with three technical replicates) was achieved, and it was limited by the peak width of the MS signal resulting in an occasional slight overlap between the peaks. Relative standard deviation was 10 ± 1% with all tested sampling strategies. Chemical reaction monitoring of DAN to NAT using nitrite was successfully accomplished with 2 s/sample throughout showing almost complete transformation in 10 min with no signal overlap.

Conclusions

This work illustrates the development of a noncontact, automated I.DOT/OPSI‐MS system with improved throughput achieved through an optimized software interface. Its achievable analysis time and precision make it a viable approach for drug discovery and in situ reaction monitoring studies.