bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the application of the blended BOPPPS based on an online and offline mixed teaching model in the course of fermentation engineering in applied universities
Authors: Li Siqiang , Liu Quanlan , Guo Shuang , Li Yun , Chen Fujia , Wang Chunhong , Wang Mingcheng , Liu Junhe , Liu Xianli , Wang Duanhao , Li Enzhong
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate the teaching effect of the blended BOPPPS based on an online and offline mixed teaching model (“B + BOPPPS”) in the course of fermentation engineering in applied universities. The participants were 142 undergraduates majoring from the course of fermentation engineering in Food Science and Engineering in 2019 and 2020 in Huanghuai University, Zhumadian city, Henan province, China. The students in the control group (68 students) were taught in 2019, and the students in the experimental group (74 students) were taught in 2020. The traditional teaching method and “B + BOPPPS” were implemented, respectively. The teaching effect was evaluated using the questionnaire survey of course satisfaction and theoretical knowledge test. The results showed that the scores of the theoretical knowledge test in the experimental group adopting “B + BOPPPS” were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The students had a good evaluation of the “B + BOPPPS” in many aspects, which included achieving learning goals, providing in‐depth understanding of knowledge points, stimulating interest in learning, training in the ability to analyze and think about problems, and so on. The results suggested that “B + BOPPPS” could stimulate students' interest in learning and improve their subjective initiative. They could also improve students' ability to master and apply knowledge, which was conducive to improving the theoretical teaching quality of the course of fermentation engineering.
Corporate waste disclosure, risk‐taking and foreign ownership: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Wulansari Winda , Adhariani Desi
Published: February 2023

The role of corporations in waste management can reflect the superior performance in innovation and the risk a company is willing to take to engage in the circular economy. The superior performance of corporate waste management can be reflected in the corporate disclosure as a media of accountability and transparency. This research investigates the association between waste disclosure and corporate risk‐taking and the moderating role of foreign ownership in companies in Indonesia as an emerging country struggling to find an effective solution toward environmental problems, including waste. The observation was performed on non‐financial companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the period 2018–2021. Panel regression was used to find the answers to the research questions of the direct and moderate associations among corporate waste disclosure, risk‐taking and foreign ownership. The results show that waste disclosure encourages increased corporate risk‐taking, which means that companies that disclose waste are companies with good accountability and environmental performance and tend to take risks that can increase value. Foreign ownership was not found to statistically strengthen the relationship between waste disclosure and corporate risk‐taking, which is different from the expectation that improving the transparency of waste information can attract a greater inflow of foreign investor resources. This brings implication that investors need to increase attention to the issue of corporate waste management and put pressure on companies to provide information on corporate waste performance for investment decision‐making. Furthermore, the results of the study also found that waste disclosure in Indonesia is still low compared to the international disclosure standard. This research contributes to the sustainability accounting literature in developing countries by outlining the role of waste disclosure.
Bridging the valley of death in the EU renewable energy sector: Toward a new energy policy
Authors: Muscio Alessandro , Simonelli Felice , Vu Hien
Published: February 2023

The European Union (EU) has committed to becoming a global leader in renewable energy. Reaching this target implies fostering innovation activity to maximize the competitiveness of the European renewable industry. By relying on a case study approach based on a small number of in‐depth interviews with selected stakeholders, this paper illustrates one of the main factors hindering technological development in the renewable energy sector in Europe. More specifically, the paper focuses on the so‐called “valley of death,” which traps promising technologies in a “limbo.” While ready to be deployed from a technical standpoint, these technologies are not cost competitive and, paradoxically, only their widespread commercialization would allow to drive their cost down. The paper also identifies a mix of policy solutions that can effectively support the competitiveness of the EU renewable energy industry. While more public funding to deploy promising renewable energy technologies is certainly needed, EU policymaker should also improve synergies between EU funding programs at all stages of the research and innovation process. In addition, introducing an EU risk insurance and guarantee fund would ultimately allow to reduce deployment costs and boost commercialization of new technologies.
Screening for DAX1/EWS‐FLI1 functional inhibitors identified dihydroorotate dehydrogenase as a therapeutic target for Ewing's sarcoma
Authors: Watanabe Miwa , Kosaka Hiromichi , Sugawara Masamori , Maemoto Michihiro , Ono Yoko , Uemori Takeshi , Shizu Ryota , Yoshinari Kouichi
Published: February 2023

Objective

EWS‐FLI1 is the most common oncogenic fusion protein in Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs). DAX1, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is up‐regulated by EWS‐FLI1 and plays a key role in the transformed phenotype of ESFTs.

Methods

To discover a functional inhibitor of DAX1 and EWS‐FLI1, we screened small‐molecular inhibitors using a DAX1 reporter assay system.

Results

K‐234 and its derivatives, which were dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors, showed inhibitory effects in the reporter assay. K‐234 inhibited the growth of Ewing's sarcoma with various fusion types, and K‐234 derivatives altered the expression of EWS‐FLI1‐regulated genes. The DAX1 expression had no effect on the growth inhibitory effect of the K‐234 derivatives, while DHODH overexpression or uridine treatment attenuated their inhibitory effects, suggesting that inhibition by K‐234 derivatives occurs through DHODH inhibition. An in vivo study showed that a K‐234 derivative clearly inhibited tumor growth in an Ewing's sarcoma xenograft mouse model.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present results suggest that DHODH inhibitors can inhibit the function of DAX1/EWS‐FLI1 in ESFTs and might be a therapeutic agent with potent anti‐tumor activity for Ewing's sarcoma patients.
Metal Complexes in Cancer Treatment: Journey So Far
Authors: Kumar Singh Ankit , Kumar Adarsh , Singh Harshwardhan , Sonawane Pankaj , Pathak Prateek , Grishina Maria , Pal Yadav Jagat , Verma Amita , Kumar Pradeep
Published: February 2023

Metal complexes in cancer therapy have attracted much interest mainly because metals exhibit unique characteristics, such as redox activity, metal‐ligand interaction, structure and bonding, Lewis acid properties etc. In 1965, Barnett Rosenberg serendipitously discovered the metal‐based compound cisplatin, an outstanding breakthrough in the history of metal‐based anticancer complexes and led to a new area of anticancer drug discovery. Many metal‐based compounds have been studied for their potential anticancer properties. Some of these compounds have FDA approval for clinical use, while others are now undergoing clinical trials for cancer therapy and detection. In the present study, we have highlighted the primary mode of action of metallic complexes and all FDA‐approved/under clinical trial drugs with reference to cancer treatment. This review also focuses on recent progress on metal‐based complexes such as platinum, ruthenium, iron, etc. with potential anticancer activities.
Buprenorphine opens up for easier access, but what about adolescents?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2023

Late last year when President Biden signed the “omnibus” spending bill eliminating the X‐waiver and the patient caps for buprenorphine, prescribers were thrilled. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), which had fought hard for the changes, claimed that the X‐waiver, formerly required by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), was a barrier to prescribing.
Children and Climate Change
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: February 2023

I was fortunate to grow up on a pond in New England, the site of many enjoyable days of ice skating in the winter. On weekends there were bonfires, hot chocolate, and pick‐up hockey. After a snowfall, enterprising neighbors shoveled off rinks, and sometimes we were still skating as the spring crocuses started to bloom. Summer weather was equally lovely — warm days contrasted with cool nights. We had just a few 90‐degree days every July when my siblings and I fought to sleep closest to the fan. These were days before climate change when seasons kept pace with expectations based on the geographic area. These days are no more.
Free‐radical propagation rate coefficients
Authors: Buback Michael
Published: February 2023

The pulsed laser polymerization‐size‐exclusion chromatography (PLP‐SEC) technique has become the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)‐recommended method for the accurate determination of propagation rate coefficients, kp, for radical polymerization. The fundamental insight provided by Heuts, Gilbert, and Radom into the relevance of transition state dynamics allows for an adequate understanding of the dependence of kp on radical chain length, solvent environment, and monomer conversion. The associated entropic effects are particularly pronounced in aqueous solution, but are also found in less polar media and with non‐polar monomers. Moreover, these arguments are applicable towards the interpretation of copolymerization reactivity ratios. The addition of sodium hydroxide to aqueous solutions of (meth)acrylic acid yields partially and even fully ionized systems with clearly reduced kp, which indicates the action of repulsive forces between the equally charged monomer and radical species. Increasing the concentration of monomer as well as the addition of salts may reverse this effect and increase kp due to counterion activity.
Single Modification at the N‐Terminus of Norvancomycin to Combat Drug‐Resistant Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Guan Dongliang , Chen Feifei , Shi Wei , Lan Lefu , Huang Wei
Published: February 2023

In the arsenal of glycopeptide antibiotics, norvancomycin, which differs from vancomycin by a single methyl group, has received much less attention. Facing the risks of serious antibiotic resistance and even the collapse of last‐line defenses, we designed and synthesized 40 novel norvancomycin derivatives to combat the threat. 32 compounds are single N‐terminally modified derivatives generated through simple and efficient methods. Diversity at the N‐terminus was greatly enriched, mainly by lipophilic attachment and strategies for the introduction of lipo‐sulfonium moieties for extensive structure–activity relationship analysis. The first incorporation of a sulfonium moiety into the norvancomycin structure gave rise to compounds that exhibited 4‐ to 2048‐fold higher activity against vancomycin‐resistant bacteria VISA and VRE. This N‐terminal modification for norvancomycin provides an alternatively useful and promising strategy to restore the antibacterial activity of glycopeptide antibiotics against resistant bacteria, highlighting the same importance of the N‐terminal site as well as the vancosamine position, which is worth further study and development.
Double BAC and Triple BAC: A Systematic Analysis of the Disinfectant Properties of Multicationic Derivatives of Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)
Authors: Toles Zachary E. A. , Wu Alice , Sanchez Christian A. , Michaud Marina E. , Thierer Laura M. , Wuest William M. , Minbiole Kevin P. C.
Published: February 2023

Over the past decades, the shortcomings of established quaternary ammonium disinfectants have become increasingly clear. Although benzalkonium chloride (BAC) has enjoyed nearly a century of significantly protecting human health through surgical preparation, home use, and industrial applications, increasing levels of bacterial resistance have rendered it decreasingly effective. In light of more recent efforts that have informed us that multicationic amphiphilic disinfectants show both higher activity as well as diminished susceptibility to resistance, we embarked on the preparation of 27 multicationic QACs in an attempt to clearly document structure‐activity relationships of next‐generation BAC structures. Select biscationic BAC derivatives demonstrate single‐digit micromolar activity against all seven bacteria tested and MIC values of 2‐ to 32‐fold better than BAC. Particularly notable is the improvement against the more concerning bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which pose a modern threat to legacy disinfectants like BAC. With simple synthetic paths, consistently high yields (averaging ∼80 %), and strong biological activity, potent structures with clear SAR trends and strong therapeutic indices have been established.
On the Reactivity of Mes*P(PMe3) towards Aluminum(I) Compounds – Evidence for the Intermediate Formation of Phosphaalumenes
Authors: Nees Samuel , Beer Henrik , Just Philip , Teichmeier Leon M. , Christoffer Leif E. , Guljam Ailina , Kushik  , Braunschweig Holger , Hering‐Junghans Christian
Published: February 2023

Phosphaalumenes are the heavier isoelectronic analogs of alkynes and have eluded facile synthesis until recently. We have reported that the combination of a phosphinidene transfer agent, ArTerP(PMe3) (ArTer=2,6‐Ar2‐C6H3), with (Cp*Al)4 (Cp*=C5(CH3)5) afforded the phosphaalumenes ArTerPAlCp* as isolable, violet, thermally stable compounds. In here we describe attempts to utilize Mes*P(PMe3) (Mes*=2,4,6‐tBu3‐C6H2) as a phosphinidene source in combination with different Al(I) precursors, namely DipNacnacAl (DipNacnac=HC[C(Me)NDip]2, Dip=2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3), (Cp*Al)4 and Cp3tAl (Cp3t=1,2,4‐tBu3‐C5H2). In all cases the formation of phosphaalumenes was not observed, however, their intermediate formation is indicated by formation of the dimer [Cp*Al(μ‐PMes*)]2 (2) and C−H‐bond activation products along the putative P=Al bond, giving unusual 1,2‐P,Al‐tetrahydronaphtalene derivatives 1 and 4, clearly underlining the role the sterically demanding group on phosphorus plays in these transformations. The reactivity studies are supported by theoretical studies, demonstrating a thermodynamic preference for the C−H activation products. Additionally, we show that there are potential pitfalls in the synthesis of Cp*2AlH, the precursor to make (Cp*Al)4 and give recommendations how to circumvent these.
High‐throughput measurement of double strand break global repair phenotype in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after long‐term cryopreservation
Authors: Bacon Bezalel , Repin Mikhail , Shuryak Igor , Wu Hui‐Chen , Santella Regina M. , Terry Mary Beth , Brenner David J. , Turner Helen C.
Published: February 2023

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a useful model for biochemical assays, particularly for etiological studies. We describe here a method for measuring DNA repair capacity (DRC) in archival cryogenically preserved PBMCs. To model DRC, we measured γ‐H2AX repair kinetics in thawed PBMCs after irradiation with 3 Gy gamma rays. Time‐dependent fluorescently labeled γ‐H2AX levels were measured at five time points from 1 to 20 h, yielding an estimate of global DRC repair kinetics as well as a measure of unrepaired double strand breaks at 20 h. While γ‐H2AX levels are traditionally measured by either microscopy or flow‐cytometry, we developed a protocol for imaging flow cytometry (IFC) that combines the detailed information of microscopy with the statistical power of flow methods. The visual imaging component of the IFC allows for monitoring aspects such as cellular health and apoptosis as well as fluorescence localization of the γ‐H2AX signal, which ensures the power and significance of this technique. Application of a machine‐learning based image classification improved flow cytometry fluorescent measurements by identifying apoptotic cells unable to undergo DNA repair. We present here DRC repair parameters from 18 frozen archival PBMCs and 28 fresh blood samples collected from a demographically diverse cohort of women measured in a high‐throughput IFC format. This thaw method and assay can be used alone or in conjunction with other assays to measure etiological phenotypes in cryogenic biobanks of PBMCs.
Removal of Duckbill‐type laser‐cut anti‐reflux metal stents: Clinical evaluation and in vitro study
Authors: Yamada Yuto , Sasaki Takashi , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Okamoto Takeshi , Mie Takafumi , Yonekura Chinatsu , Furukawa Takaaki , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Matsuyama Masato , Ozaka Masato , Matsuda Takahisa , Igarashi Yoshinori , Sasahira Naoki
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Duckbill‐type metal stent (DMS) was the first laser‐cut biliary metal stent with an anti‐reflux valve. Removal of DMS is believed to be difficult and relevant reports are scarce. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of DMS removal.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent DMS removal between June 2019 and March 2022 to evaluate success rates and factors affecting outcomes. In addition, six different methods of DMS removal were reproduced in vitro, varying removal devices, angle of applied force, and grasped location. Extraction resistance, the distance of forceps stroke, and stent length after removal were compared.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled, and DMS removal was successful in 31 cases (78%). No adverse events were observed. Tumor ingrowth was evident in 78% (7/9) of failed cases. Patients receiving biliary metal stents for the first time (naïve cases), long indwelling time, longer stent, and stent tearing during removal were associated with unsuccessful stent removal. In the in vitro study, a larger force was required to remove the stent at an extraction angle of 120° than at 0°. Among cases in which force was applied at 120°, the load tended to be lower when rat‐tooth forceps were applied horizontally across the stent.

Conclusions

Stent removal was possible in a majority of cases. Deployment of additional stents inside DMS may be preferable to forceful removal in the presence of factors associated with difficult stent removals, such as tumor ingrowth, naïve cases, longer stents, long indwelling time, and stent tearing during removal.
Comparative cardiovascular effects of GLP‐1 agonists using real‐world data
Authors: Wallia Amisha , O’Brien Matthew , Hakimian Stephanie , Kang Raymond , Cooper Andrew , Lancki Nicola , Stephen John J. , Aikman Cassandra , Liss David , Parker Emily , Ackermann Ronald T.
Published: February 2023

Aims

There is limited research using real‐world data to evaluate protective cardiovascular effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) early in treatment.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective, active comparator cohort study using 2011–2015 administrative claims data to compare cardiovascular disease (CVD) event rates following initiation of exenatide extended‐release (E‐ER), exenatide immediate‐release (E‐IR) or liraglutide in T2D adults who previously received no other antidiabetic medication (ADM) except metformin. The primary outcome was time to first major adverse CVD event (ischaemic heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure or peripheral arterial disease) after starting GLP‐1. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the association between index GLP‐1 and CVD events, adjusting for baseline patient, prescriber and plan characteristics. Primary analyses included all patients with ≥2 prescription fills for the index GLP‐1, regardless of subsequent refill adherence or initiation of other ADM after index date.

Results

Compared with liraglutide, neither E‐ER nor E‐IR was associated with risk of composite major CVD events (hazard ratios [HRs] for E‐ER and E‐IR: 1.33 [95% C.I. 0.73–2.39] and 1.30 [0.81–2.09]). No associations were observed between event rates for individual CVD components. The HR for an ischaemic event with E‐IR relative to liraglutide was 1.85 (95% C.I. 0.97–3.53). Adjusting for time‐varying exposure to other ADM and CVD medications after index date produced similar results.

Conclusions

Initiating either immediate or extended‐release exenatide rather than liraglutide was not associated with significant differences in CVD risk in this observational real‐world study.
Improving dynamic stability of wind integrated system by incorporating magnetic energy storage
Authors: Sonia  , Dahiya Anil Kumar
Published: February 2023

The need to incorporate renewable energy sources in the present grid due to energy demand and environmental issues has led the power industry to face new challenges and unexpected transformations. This new epitome to build a flexible power system with coordination of increasing intermittent renewable energy resources and delivering power efficiently with reliability demand new technologies. This work investigates the coupling of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) with the most exclusive superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device designed for the improved functioning of a grid network that is incorporated with a wind farm. The widespread integration of intermittent wind generators in the grid is disturbing its stability and reliability. The SMES is interlinked with the grid system via a power electronic interface and chopper for the energy exchange. This work suggests STATCOM as a power electronic interface and a three‐level chopper configuration with novel control scheme for enhancing the functioning of the test system. This integrated controller (STAT‐SMES) has been analyzed for grid‐connected doubly fed induction generator wind farm under different fault conditions and time durations. The results have been compared without any controller, with STATCOM only, and with the proposed STAT‐SMES controller using MATLAB. The simulation outcomes prove that coupled control scheme is effective and better in handling wind farm integration issues.
Combining In Vitro and In Silico New Approach Methods to Investigate Type 3 Iodothyronine Deiodinase Chemical Inhibition Across Species
Authors: Mayasich Sally A. , Goldsmith Michael R. , Mattingly Kali Z. , LaLone Carlie A.
Published: February 2023

New approach methodologies (NAMs) are being developed to reduce and replace vertebrate animal testing in support of ecotoxicology and risk assessment. The US Environmental Protection Agency's Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility (SeqAPASS) bioinformatic tool was used to evaluate amino acid sequence conservation of the type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO3) enzyme across species to demonstrate NAM applications for understanding effects of chemical interactions with a specific protein target. Existing literature was used to identify critical amino acids for thyroid hormone binding and interaction with a reducing cofactor. The SeqAPASS tool identifies whether known critical amino acids involved in ligand binding are exact, partial, or not matches across species compared with a template species based on molecular weight and side chain classification. This evaluation guided the design of variant proteins representing critical amino acid substitutions found in various species. Site-directed mutagenesis of the wild-type (WT) human DIO3 gene sequence was used to create six variant proteins expressed in cell culture, which were then tested in vitro for chemical inhibition. Significant differences in in vitro median inhibitory concentration results were observed among variants for potential competitive inhibitors. A molecular model representing the WT human DIO3 was constructed using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software and mutated in silico to create the six variants. The MOE Site Finder tool identified the proposed catalytic and cofactor sites and potential alternative binding sites. Virtual docking did not provide affinity scores with sufficient resolution to rank the potency of the chemical inhibitors. Chemical characteristics, function and location of substituted amino acids, and complexities of the protein target are important considerations in developing NAMs to evaluate chemical susceptibility across species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1032–1048. © 2023 University of Wisconsin-Madison. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Liquid urbanisms: Framing the intrinsic fluidity of the urban
Authors: McArdle Rachel
Published: February 2023

Cities are lived and made and constantly in a state of flux, and the same urban spaces can be used by a variety of people in very different ways. I propose the concept of ‘liquid urbanisms’ to understand these provisional uses of urban space. Liquid urbanisms are provisional places and spaces, connected through the loose and flexible networks of people and projects, that are not immediately obvious but which solidify around a certain project or topic, then become liquid again, until another time in the future. Liquid urbanisms was a helpful concept for me in my research, but also has a wider resonance in how we think about and conceptualise provisional locations in the city. Liquid urbanisms builds on and adds to work in urban studies, focusing attention on the spatial practices of urban actors at the local scale and acknowledging the importance of the temporal in understanding space and place and acknowledging the fluidity of cities. My research conducted in 2013–17 in Dublin initially looked at so‐called ‘temporary spaces’ but quickly grew to include parks, squats, art spaces, urban gardens, autonomous social centres, networking groups and direct actions. I created the conceptual framework of liquid urbanisms to be able to discuss these projects together, as empirically from my research I could see that the projects I was researching had two main shared characteristics: a looser understanding of temporality than existed in mainstream urban planning understandings of the city, and a shared network of people, places and resources, but no body of literature encompassed both of these characteristics. The focus of this article is the concept of liquid urbanisms and how the framework of liquid urbanisms can highlight the different temporalities, spatialities and networks that exist in city spaces, reminding scholars to pay attention to the diverse fluidity of cities.
Smallholder cashew production and household livelihoods in the transition zone of Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Patrick Ateah , Guba Bismarck Yelfogle , Derbile Emmanuel K.
Published: February 2023

Although the adoption of cash crops among smallholder farmers is meant to increase the commercialisation and profitability of agriculture, it is still unclear if cashew farmers are better off or worst off from cashew farming in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The study investigated the overall effects of cashew production on household livelihoods among smallholder farmers in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The study employed a mixed research methods design for data collection and analysis. These methods included focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a survey of 239 cashew‐farming households. The results revealed both positive and negative outcomes for farmers and their households. First, the positive outcomes included increased income, enhanced social status, improved food and nutrition, housing and education. Second, the negative outcomes included increased theft, high cost of goods and services, high cost of living, and a rise in physical health problems among farmers. The study concludes that, overall, cashew farmers and their households experienced improved livelihoods despite the negative effects arising from cashew farming. To maximise the livelihood outcomes of smallholder cashew farmers, we underscore the importance of a multi‐stakeholder approach to development planning that promotes innovations in training, extension support, and sound financial and business management.
A closer look at the resection margins of buccal mucosa cancer: Their influence on local recurrence free survival
Authors: Adriaansens Carleen M. E. M. , Noorlag Rob , Visscher Wouter P. , de Bree Remco , Breimer Gerben E. , van Es Robert J. J.
Published: February 2023

Background

The adequate surgical margin for local control of buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC) is under debate. This study investigates surgical margins and other factors associated with local recurrence free survival (LRFS) in a large cohort of BMSCC patients.

Methods

Multiple factors were evaluated retrospectively in 97 patients with BMSCC. Cox‐regression and Kaplan–Meier curves were used for analysis.

Results

The local recurrence rate was 23%. The tumor‐free margin was <5.0 mm in 89% of the patients and the deep margin was significantly more often inadequate. Multivariate analysis associated pT3‐classification, former smokers, tumor‐free margin status, and postoperative (chemo)radiation (PO(ch)RT) with local recurrence. Re‐resections did not improve LRFS in patients with <5.0 mm tumor‐free margins.

Conclusions

Adequate tumor‐free margins are pivotal for LRFS of BMSCC. PO(ch)RT, not re‐resection, can improve LRFS in patients with <5.0 mm tumor‐free margins.
Role of transoral robotic surgery in surgical treatment of early‐stage supraglottic larynx carcinoma
Authors: Papazian Michael R. , Chow Michael S. , Jacobson Adam S. , Tran Theresa , Persky Mark S. , Persky Michael J.
Published: February 2023

Background

There are several options for primary surgical treatment of early‐stage supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), including transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of TORS to open partial laryngectomy and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

Methods

Patients with clinical classification T1‐2 supraglottic SCC diagnosed 2010–2019, treated with TORS, open partial laryngectomy, or TLM in the National Cancer Database were selected.

Results

One thousand six hundred three patients were included: 17% TORS, 26.5% TLM, 56.5% open. TORS patients had the lowest rates of adjuvant treatment (28.4% vs. TLM: 45.0%, open: 38.5%, p < 0.001), and lower positive margin rates than TLM (16.9% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001). Thirty‐day and ninety‐day post‐operative mortality did not differ between the approaches. Five‐year survival was higher following TORS compared to open surgery (77.8% vs. 66.1%, p = 0.01); this difference persisted following matched‐pair analysis.

Conclusions

TORS may be a safe and effective surgical approach for early‐stage supraglottic SCC in appropriate patients.
Factors associated with follow‐up attendance of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Shun‐Ji , Lin Bo , Shen Shi‐Yue , Lin Jian‐Lin , Zhang Tian‐Wen , Yang Hong‐Yu
Published: February 2023

Background

This study examined the postoperative follow‐up attendance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, evaluated some of the factors associated with it, and assessed its relationship with early detection of postoperative disease progression.

Methods

An exploratory retrospective cohort study of 430 OSCC patients was conducted. We examined associations of follow‐up attendance within the first year after surgery with selected demographic and clinical factors, and with early detection of disease progression.

Results

The mean number of follow‐up visits within the first year after surgery was 3.9 out of the 12 recommended at our center; few patients were fully adherent. Age ≥70 years, unmarried status, high education level, and negative history of surgery for premalignant or malignant lesions from oral cavity or other sites were significantly associated with lower follow‐up attendance. Greater follow‐up attendance was significantly associated with early detection of disease progression during the first year after surgery (p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Adherence to follow‐up visits was poor. Several sociodemographic and clinical factors were related to follow‐up attendance, greater follow‐up attendance was significantly associated with early detection of disease progression, and these should be further explored in future research.
Assessment of health equity consideration in Cochrane systematic reviews and primary studies on urolithiasis
Authors: Basirat Reyhane , Soleimani Sevim , Shakiba Behnam , Maghsoudi Robab
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Health injustice is defined as “unnecessary, preventable, unjustified and unfair health differences.” One of the most important scientific sources on the prevention and management of urolithiasis are Cochrane reviews in this field. Given that the first step in eliminating health injustice is to identify the causes, the aim of the present study was to evaluate equity considerations in Cochrane reviews and the included primary studies on urinary stones.

Methods

Cochrane reviews on kidney stones and ureteral stones were searched through the Cochrane Library. The included clinical trials in each of the reviews published after 2000 were also collected. Two different researchers reviewed all the included Cochrane reviews and primary studies. The researchers reviewed each PROGRESS criteria independently (P: place of residence, R: race/ethnicity/culture, O: occupation, G: gender, R: religion, E: education, S: socioeconomic status, S: social capital and networks). The geographical location of the included studies was categorized as low‐income, middle‐income and high‐income countries, based on the World Bank income criteria. Each PROGRESS dimension was reported for both the Cochrane reviews and the primary studies.

Results

In total, 12 Cochrane reviews and 140 primary studies were included in this study. None of the included Cochrane reviews had specifically mentioned the PROGRESS framework in the Method section whereas gender distribution and place of residence were reported in two and one reviews, respectively. In 134 primary studies at least one item of PROGRESS was reported. The most frequent item was gender distribution, followed by place of residence.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, the authors of Cochrane systematic reviews on urolithiasis, and researchers who have conducted such trials, have rarely considered health equity dimensions when designing and performing their studies. Therefore, researchers worldwide should be motivated to study populations from low‐income countries with low socioeconomic status in addition to different cultures, ethnicities, and so forth. Furthermore, RCT reporting guidelines such as CONSORT should include health equity dimensions and the editors and reviewers of scientific journals should encourage researchers to further emphasize on health equity in their studies.
Fractional analysis of radiative blood transport through a porous channel containing multishaped cobalt nanoparticles: An application to hemodynamics
Authors: Asifa  , Anwar Talha , Kumam Poom , Suttiarporn Panawan , Swadchaipong Notsawan
Published: February 2023

In this work, impacts of dispersing nonspherical shaped cobalt nanoparticles in the blood are analyzed for magnetohydrodynamic radiative transport of blood inside a vertical porous channel. An Oldroyd‐B model is used to feature flow characteristics of blood along with Fourier's principle of heat transmission for the mathematical modeling of the problem. A fractional system is constructed by employing the idea of the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative on subsequent differential equations. The Laplace transform method is adopted to solve the fractional flow and energy equations subject to generalized boundary conditions, which involve time‐dependent functions and , respectively. Instead of promoting the analytic velocity and energy expressions, Zakian's numerical algorithm is operated to achieve the reverse transformation purpose of Laplace domain functions. To certify the obtained solutions, two additional numerical algorithms named Stehfest's algorithm and Durbin's algorithm are inculcated in this study, and comparative illustrations are drawn. For the extensive investigation of shear stress and heat transfer phenomenon, numerical simulations for the coefficient of skin friction and Nusselt number are performed, and outcomes are communicated through various tables. The impacts of shape‐dependent viscosity and other significant parameters on flow patterns are investigated through graphs for multiple motion types of the left channel wall. Meanwhile, the thermal performance of nanofluid is examined for platelet, brick, cylinder, and blade shape nanoparticles, along with other thermal parameters. In addition, some recently reported results and flow profiles for Maxwell, second‐grade, and viscous fluids are deduced graphically as special cases of the current study.
Best practices for addressing missing data through multiple imputation
Authors: Woods Adrienne D. , Gerasimova Daria , Van Dusen Ben , Nissen Jayson , Bainter Sierra , Uzdavines Alex , Davis‐Kean Pamela E. , Halvorson Max , King Kevin M. , Logan Jessica A. R. , Xu Menglin , Vasilev Martin R. , Clay James M. , Moreau David , Joyal‐Desmarais Keven , Cruz Rick A. , Brown Denver M. Y. , Schmidt Kathleen , Elsherif Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2023

A common challenge in developmental research is the amount of incomplete and missing data that occurs from respondents failing to complete tasks or questionnaires, as well as from disengaging from the study (i.e., attrition). This missingness can lead to biases in parameter estimates and, hence, in the interpretation of findings. These biases can be addressed through statistical techniques that adjust for missing data, such as multiple imputation. Although multiple imputation is highly effective, it has not been widely adopted by developmental scientists given barriers such as lack of training or misconceptions about imputation methods. Utilizing default methods within statistical software programs like listwise deletion is common but may introduce additional bias. This manuscript is intended to provide practical guidelines for developmental researchers to follow when examining their data for missingness, making decisions about how to handle that missingness and reporting the extent of missing data biases and specific multiple imputation procedures in publications.
Effectiveness of prophylactic carbetocin versus oxytocin following vaginal delivery for preventing severe postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Korb Diane , Lopez Remi , Hörlin Anne Laure , Schmitz Thomas , Borie Constance , Sibony Olivier
Published: February 2023

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of prophylactic carbetocin with prophylactic oxytocin for preventing severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) following vaginal delivery.

Methods

This before and after cohort study took place between 2020 and 2021 in a university maternity hospital. In 2021, the protocol for PPH prevention immediately after vaginal delivery changed: intravenous oxytocin (5 IU) was replaced by intravenous carbetocin (100 μg). All patients with vaginal births were included, with two groups compared: patients who received prophylactic oxytocin in 2020 and those who received prophylactic carbetocin in 2021. The primary outcome was severe PPH, defined as one or more of the following: estimated blood loss ≥1500 mL, transfusion ≥4 units of red blood cells, Bakri balloon use, embolization, vascular ligation, hysterectomy, and maternal death.

Results

Among 4832 women included, 2417 received oxytocin and 2415 received carbetocin. The rate of severe PPH was similar in both groups (0.5% vs. 0.6%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 0.8 [95% confidence interval, 0.4–1.8]). The rate of PPH ≥500 mL was lower in the carbetocin group (4% vs. 5.8%; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Although prophylactic carbetocin was associated with a reduction in the rate of PPH ≥500 mL, carbetocin is no different to oxytocin in preventing severe PPH caused by atony after vaginal delivery.
Pharmacy student involvement in population health management of statin quality measures
Authors: Fakourfar Neeloufar , Rao Hindu
Published: February 2023

Background

Pharmacists have demonstrated their value in population health management (PHM). With appropriate training, advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students are also well positioned to participate in PHM.

Methods

At Providence Medical Foundation, a PHM workflow was remodeled to be more standardized and incorporate APPE students into the statin quality measure improvement process. This was driven by institutional goals for quality improvement in patient care and creating a better experiential teaching opportunity. APPE students underwent three training sessions and completed clinical review of patient charts, determined statin eligibility, and completed patient outreach. Rates of statin initiation and student feedback were collected. The rates of statins initiated or declined with this new workflow were retrospectively compared to a previous year's workflow, which was pharmacist‐led.

Intervention

Review pharmacy student involvement with PHM, including statin initiation rates for quality measure improvement as well as student feedback and learning.

Results

Among the 543 patients included in the remodeled workflow, students started statins for 75 (13.8%) patients while 114 (21%) patients declined statins. Among the 829 patients included in the previous year's traditional workflow, pharmacists started statins for 102 (12.3%) patients while 167 (20.1%) patients declined statins. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of statins started (odds ratio [OR] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–1.22; p = 0.41) and statins declined (OR 0.95; CI 0.72–1.25; p = 0.73) between the two groups. Student feedback on this activity was positive with self‐reported improvement in confidence, clinical knowledge, and communication skills.

Conclusions

Incorporating pharmacy students into PHM was a valuable learning experience for students and effective for initiating statins to assist with quality measures. Students can be an asset to the team in PHM and help ease resource shortages.
Comparison of the effects of earnings management on the financial cost between companies in developed and emerging European countries
Authors: González‐Sánchez Mariano , Segovia San Juan Ana I. , Ibáñez Jiménez Eva M.
Published: February 2023

Empirical studies found that earnings management (EM) explains firms’ cost of capital both in companies in emerging and developed countries, but until now, it has not been analyzed whether the effect of EM on the financial cost is different among emerging countries inside or outside an economic area (Eurozone). Our results show that the cost of debt and the idiosyncratic component of the cost of equity are related to discretionary accruals and abnormal values of operating cash‐flows, that the emerging country effect is more relevant on the cost of debt, that there is a Eurozone effect that makes discretionary accruals more relevant than abnormal values of operating cash‐flow and that firms in emerging countries inside the Eurozone benefit from a lower EM penalty on the cost of debt than firms in other emerging European countries.
Statistical challenges for achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Some reflections on Indicator 14.7.1
Authors: Liu Suyu
Published: February 2023

Statistics is considered as a tool to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and it is also a component of the SDGs. However, statistical challenges for supporting the effective achieving the SDGs remain. Via a case study of SDG Indicator 14.7.1, this article finds that the two main statistical challenges are the incompatibility between the SDGs and statistics, and the disparity in statistical capacity across countries, which are particularly significant during the pandemic. The analysis shows several reasons for these statistical challenges and provides some scientific and practical implications.
Impact of wavelength and spot size on laser depth of focus: Considerations for mass spectrometry imaging of non‐flat samples
Authors: Joignant Alena N. , Xi Ying , Muddiman David C.
Published: February 2023

Biospecimens with nearly flat surfaces on a flat stage are typically required for laser‐based mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques. However, sampling stages are rarely perfectly level, and accounting for this and the need to accommodate non‐flat samples requires a deeper understanding of the laser beam depth of focus. In ablation‐based MSI methods, a laser is focused on top of the sample surface, ensuring that the sample is at the focal point or remains within depth of focus. In general, the depth of focus of a given laser is related to the beam quality (M2) and the wavelength (λ). However, because laser is applied on a biological sample, other variables can also impact the depth of focus, which could affect the robustness of the MSI techniques for diverse sample types. When the height of a sample ranges outside of the depth of focus, ablated area and the corresponding ion abundances may vary as well, increasing the variability of results. In this tutorial, we examine the parameters and equations that describe the depth of focus of a Gaussian laser beam. Additionally, we describe several approaches that account for surface roughness exceeding the depth of focus of the laser.
The CARS microscopy application for determination of the deacetylation degree in chitin and chitosan species
Authors: Dementjev Andrej , Dudoitis Vadimas , Gelzinis Andrius , Gylienė Ona , Binkienė Rima , Jasinevičienė Dalia , Ulevičius Vidmantas
Published: February 2023

The raw material for the production of chitosan, which has a wide application in science and industry, is chitin, one of the most abundant natural polymers. The transformation of chitin into chitosan is carried out by the substitution of the acetamide functional group for the amine one, and is quantified by the deacetylation degree (DD). In order to determine the DD of the chitin and chitosan samples, the coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) has been applied in this study. The changes in the intensity of the resonant bands, related to the vibrations of acetamide group, were utilised as an indicator of the DD. By measuring the chitin/chitosan samples of different DD, with the values ranging from 8% to 95%, we were able to obtain the calibration curve of the CARS response. In such a way, the CARS microscope has been prepared for the characterisation of the chitin/chitosan species of unknown origin and for their structural imaging. The shell of the larvae of the Hermetia illucens, also known as the black soldier fly, was chosen as the subject of testing. It is one of the promising sources of raw material for chitosan production. The CARS microscopy capabilities were demonstrated by imaging the black soldier fly's shell and depicting the structural distribution of the DD within the larvae's shell.