bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uneven impacts of COVID‐19 on the attendance rates of secondary school students from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Australia: A quasi‐experimental analysis of administrative data
Authors: Tomaszewski Wojtek , Zajac Tomasz , Rudling Emily , te Riele Kitty , McDaid Lisa , Western Mark
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes to the growing body of research that demonstrates uneven impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on educational outcomes of students from different socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. We evaluate the early impacts of COVID‐19 on student attendance in secondary school and show how these impacts depend on students' SES. We employ a quasi‐experimental design, using difference‐in‐differences (DiD) estimation extended to incorporate third‐order differences over time between low‐SES and other students, and pre‐ versus during‐COVID‐19, leveraging robust administrative data extracted from the registers of the Tasmanian Department of Education. Using data from multiple cohorts of secondary school students in government schools in Tasmania (N = 14,135), we find that while the attendance rates were similar pre‐ and during‐COVID‐19 for high‐SES students, there was a significant drop in attendance rates during COVID‐19 among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, demonstrating the more pronounced impacts of COVID‐19 for these students. The findings demonstrate that even “relatively short” lockdowns, as those in Tasmania in 2020 (30–40 days of home learning), can significantly affect the learning experiences of students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. We discuss the implications of this for future pandemic planning in educational policy and practice and how this needs to be addressed in Australia's COVID‐19 recovery.
Modulation of Tissue Microenvironment Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Handley Ella‐Louise , Callanan Anthony
Published: May 2022

Significant progress has been made in methods for cardiac repair and regeneration within the past few decades; however, the diseased microenvironment of the infarct remains a limitation in the efficacy of therapies. A breadth of research is currently aiming to reverse this environment, focusing on immunomodulation, scavenging of oxidative species, and increasing oxygen levels within the tissue, either directly using materials or oxygen therapy or secondarily via angiogenesis and neovascularization techniques. Herein, an overview of the current methods for reversal of infarcted cardiac tissue to a less‐diseased state, via biomaterials such as electrospun scaffolds, gels or nanoparticles, stem cells, and derived exosomes, drugs, or bioactive molecules such as growth factors, is provided. Often, combinations of therapies are complementary and induce a superior response. Finally, a brief summation of recent clinical trials is provided.
Spatially Controlled CO2 Conversion Kinetics in Natural Leaves for Motion Generation
Authors: Melvin Ambrose A. , Goudeau Bertrand , Nogala Wojciech , Kuhn Alexander
Published: May 2022

Living systems that can spontaneously exhibit directional motion belong to diverse classes such as bacteria, sperm and plankton. They have fascinated scientists in recent years to design completely artificial or biohybrid mobile objects. Natural ingredients, like parts of plants, have been used to elaborate miniaturized dynamic objects, which can move when they are combined with other, non‐natural, building blocks. Herein, we report that the precise structural tailoring of natural plant leaves allows generating a spatially predefined and confined release of oxygen gas, due to the conversion of carbon dioxide. This constitutes the driving force for generating motion, which is solely due to the respiration of leaves by photosynthesis. The rate of gas evolution can be fine‐tuned by changing the light intensity and the leaf size, allowing ultimately to control the motility of objects with dimensions ranging from the millimeter to the micrometer scale.
Analysis of Anion Binding Effects on the Sensitized Luminescence of Macrocyclic Europium(III) Complexes
Authors: Kiraev Salauat R. , Weber Roza R. , Wells Jordann A. L. , Orthaber Andreas , Kovacs Daniel , Borbas K. Eszter
Published: May 2022

Four triazamacrocyclic and two tetraazamacrocyclic ligands carrying two and three coordinating donor groups, respectively, and a carbostyril light‐harvesting antenna were synthesized. The antenna was linked to a macrocycle either via secondary or tertiary amide. Complexation with europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), and ytterbium (Yb) yielded overall +1 or +2 charged species. Paramagnetic 1H NMR, and steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopies showed that the complexes had 1–3 inner‐sphere water molecules and displayed a variety of coordination geometries in solution. The antennae sensitized Eu(III) and Tb(III) emission with quantum yields of 0.3–4.3 % and 9.9–24.5 %, respectively. The addition of excess fluoride or cyanide to buffered Eu(III) complex solutions resulted in anion‐dependent changes. Fluoride addition increased the Eu(III) luminescence intensity by displacing all inner‐sphere water molecules and stabilizing the +3 oxidation state of Eu. Eu(III) luminescence increased up to 25‐fold for one emitter. Cyanide quenched Eu(III) luminescence in all cases despite partial water ligand displacement.
Silver(I) and gold(I) complexes with bitriazole‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand: Solid state features and behaviour in solution
Authors: Longhi Andrea , Baron Marco , Rancan Marzio , Bottaro Gregorio , Orian Laura , Graiff Claudia , Roverso Marco , Menegazzo Ileana , Armelao Lidia , Bogialli Sara , Tubaro Cristina
Published: May 2022

The coordinating properties of the bis(1,4‐dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) ligand (abbreviated as bitz) towards silver(I) and gold(I) centres have been explored. The bitz behaves as bridging ligand giving both dinuclear [M2(bitz)2](PF6)2 and trinuclear [M3(bitz)3](PF6)3 species, whose formation has been supported by X‐ray diffraction analysis, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry evidences. The dinuclear and trinuclear gold(I) complexes present very similar luminescence properties, emitting in the blue region, at ~450 nm, when excited at 350 nm. Selected experimental aspects dealing with the synthesis of the dinuclear and trinuclear species, as well as with the absorption properties of the gold(I) complexes, have been investigated also through relativistic DFT calculations.
Production of high quality green textile filaments from carboxymethylated cellulose covalently cross‐linked by reactive green 19 dye
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Alam Md Nur , van de Ven Theo. G. M.
Published: May 2022

Huge quantities of wastewaters are produced during dyeing of textile, which is why wastewater treatment plants are required in textile industries in which, in most cases, non‐dyed filaments are produced first and dyeing of these filaments is performed at a later stage. Here, carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) with the COOH group content of 1.3 mmol/g CMC was covalently crosslinked through reactive green 19 dye in the dope solution (0.09 wt% dye with reference to CMC) from which green textile filaments were spun. The incorporation of dye in the dope solution has the advantage of obtaining dyed filaments without using an additional step for dying of the fabricated textile filaments and, moreover, it can be done in such a way that clean, no dye containing wastewater is produced. The filaments also demonstrated an increase in mechanical strength (tenacity ~ 0.96 cN/dtex) and a decrease in water absorbency (water absorbency ~ 0.63 g water/g filament) due to chemical crosslinking of cellulose chains through the dye. Owing to covalent bond formation between the CMC and the dye, excellent color fastness properties were obtained for the fabricated filaments.
Two‐dimensional Transition metal Dichalcogenides as an Emerging Platform for Singlet Fission Solar Cells
Authors: Jang Yu Jin , Kim Ji‐Hee
Published: May 2022

Singlet fission, a rapid exciton doubling process via inverse Auger recombination, is recognized as one of the most practical and feasible means for overcoming the Shockley–Queisser limit. Singlet fission solar cells are generally developed by integrating photon downconversion organic semiconductors into conventional photovoltaic devices to break the maximum photovoltaic response of the host semiconductors by virtue of extra triplet excitons. In this regard, proper matching of two different semiconductors and heterointerface engineering are both crucial for highly efficient singlet fission solar cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the prerequisite conditions for efficient triplet transfer at the heterointerfaces and thus highlight the robust spin and valley degrees of freedom of transition metal dichalcogenides with the ultimate goal of stimulating research into next‐generation singlet fission solar cells.
Sustainable Drug Release Using Nanoparticle Encapsulated Microneedles
Authors: Oh Sin Jin , Jung Jae Hwan
Published: May 2022

Microneedle (MN) is a minimally invasive drug delivery method that is directly inserted into the skin without pain to improve the efficiency of transdermal administration and is a drug delivery system used to treat various diseases. Furthermore, nanoparticle (NP)‐based drug delivery methods suggest therapeutic strategies to improve drug solubility and increase drug delivery efficiency. Therefore, the drug delivery system in which NPs and MNs are integrated is a promising alternative to the existing delivery methods of poorly soluble and hydrophobic drugs and nucleic acid therapeutics. This system can increase the solubility of drugs and biocompatibility in the body and improve the therapeutic efficacy with sustained drug release. In this review, we investigated recent studies of NPs designed for drug delivery, sustained‐release drug delivery MNs based on these NPs, and the applications for clinical treatments.
Plant extract‐based synthesis of metallic nanomaterials, their applications, and safety concerns
Authors: Ullah Aziz , Lim Sung In
Published: May 2022

Nanotechnology has attracted the attention of researchers from different scientific fields because of the escalated properties of nanomaterials (NMs) compared with the properties of macromolecules. NMs can be prepared through different approaches involving physical and chemical methods. The development of NMs through plant‐based green chemistry approaches is more advantageous than other methods from the perspectives of environmental safety, animal, and human health. The biomolecules and metabolites of plants act as reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of metallic green NMs. Plant‐based synthesis is a preferred approach as it is not only cost‐effective, easy, safe, clean, and eco‐friendly but also provides pure NMs in high yield. Since NMs have antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, green NMs synthesized from plants can be used for a variety of biomedical and environmental remediation applications. Past studies have focused mainly on the overall biogenic synthesis of individual or combinations of metallic NMs and their oxides from different biological sources, including microorganisms and biomolecules. Moreover, from the viewpoint of biomedical applications, the literature is mainly focusing on synthetic NMs. Herein, we discuss the extraction of green molecules and recent developments in the synthesis of different plant‐based metallic NMs, including silver, gold, platinum, palladium, copper, zinc, iron, and carbon. Apart from the biomedical applications of metallic NMs, including antimicrobial, anticancer, diagnostic, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine applications, their environmental remediation potential is also discussed. Furthermore, safety concerns and safety regulations pertaining to green NMs are also discussed.
The transition from the biochemistry laboratory to home discovery during COVID‐19
Authors: Desa Shakinaz , Zuhaidi Nabel Darwish , Nordin Nurhusna
Published: May 2022

As a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is crucial for an introductory course in biochemistry to move from in‐person instruction to total remote learning. There are four transferable skills in the course: problem‐solving, laboratory psychomotor skills, data analysis and interpretation skills, and presentation skills. Since all lab buildings were closed for learning activities, we responded quickly to ensure the transferability of the skills. We modified the laboratory activity as a home discovery approach to achieve the desired skills. Students showed confidence and gratitude as they learned in a new way. In summary, modifying the laboratory activity helped students acquire laboratory‐related skills but presented challenges in using laboratory equipment. This suggests that Home Discovery can be considered a hybrid approach to learning biochemistry.
Performance of subjective global nutritional assessment in predicting clinical outcomes: Data from the Brazilian survey of pediatric oncology nutrition
Authors: Afonso Wanélia Vieira , Peres Wilza Arantes Ferreira , de Pinho Nivaldo Barroso , Schilithz Arthur Orlando Corrêa , Martucci Renata Brum , Rodrigues Viviane Dias , Nascimento Barbara Folino , Moreira Carolina Ferraz Figueiredo , de Carvalho Padilha Patricia
Published: May 2022

Background

Methods for assessing nutritional status in children and adolescents with cancer is a difficult in clinical practice. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) in predicting clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with cancer in Brazil.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort multicenter study. It was included 723 children and adolescents with cancer aged 2–18 years between March 2018 and August 2019. Nutritional assessment was performed according to World Health Organization recommendations and using SGNA within 48h of hospitalization. Unplanned readmission, length of hospital stay, and post‐discharge death were analyzed. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to ascertain the agreement between body mass index for age (BMI/A) and SGNA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of SGNA were estimated. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using multiple logistic regression.

Results

The mean patient age was 9.4 ± 4.9 years. SGNA showed that 29.7% (n = 215) and 6.5% (n = 47) patients had moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. Considering the concurrent validity criterion, SGNA had an OR (95% CI) of 6.8 (3.1–14.9) for predicting low and very low weight for age at admission, with a sensitivity and specificity of 72.4% (59%–82.1%) and 72% (64.2%–78.9%), respectively. SGNA could predict death in children with severe/moderate malnutrition, with an accuracy of 63.8% (63%–65.1%). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted effect of death; hematological tumor; living in the northeast, southeast, and midwest regions of Brazil; and older age was associated with malnutrition according to SGNA.

Conclusion

Based on concurrent validity between SGNA and anthropometry, SGNA performed well and had a good ability to predict death in Brazilian children with cancer.
Characterization of RNA modifications in gastric cancer to identify prognosis‐relevant gene signatures
Authors: Chen Qingchuan , Liu Zhouyang , Tan Yuen , Pan Siwei , An Wen , Xu Huimian
Published: May 2022

Background

Most human genes have diverse transcript isoforms, which mainly arise from alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) at 3′ ends. N7‐methylguanosine (m7G) is also an essential epigenetic modification at the 5′ end. However, the contribution of these two RNA modifications to the development, prognosis, regulation mechanisms, and drug sensitivity of gastric cancer (GC) is unclear.

Methods

The expression data of 2412 patients were extracted from 12 cohorts and the RNA modification patterns of 20 marker genes were systematically identified into phenotypic clusters using the unsupervised clustering approach. Following that, we developed an RNA modification model (RMscore) to quantify each GC patient's RNA modification index. Finally, we examined the correlation between RMscore and clinical features such as survival outcomes, molecular subtypes identified by the Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG), posttranscriptional regulation, and chemotherapeutic sensitivity in GC.

Results

The samples were categorized into two groups on the basis of their RMscore: high and low. The group with a low RMscore had a bad prognosis. Moreover, the low RMscore was associated with KRAS, Hedgehog, EMT, and TGF‐β signaling, whereas a high RMscore was related to abnormal cell cycle signaling pathway activation. The findings also revealed that the RMscore contributes to the regulation of the miRNA‐mRNA network. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that RMscore is associated with the response to some anticancer drugs.

Conclusions

The RMscore model has the potential to be a useful tool for prognosis prediction in patients with GC. A comprehensive investigation of APA‐RNA and m7G‐RNA modifications may reveal novel insights into the epigenetics of GC and aid in the development of more effective treatment strategies.
Thermodynamic modelling of hydrogen production in sorbent‐enhanced biochar‐direct chemical looping process
Authors: Cheng Long Bill , Kim Jun Young , Ebneyamini Arian , Li Zezhong John , Lim C. Jim , Ellis Naoko
Published: May 2022

Hydrogen (H2) has been widely considered the clean energy carrier of choice for emerging renewable energy generation technologies. However, H2 is a secondary fuel mainly derived from natural gas. Over the past decades, research on developing H2 production technology that reduces carbon emissions has gained momentum due to increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). This study proposed a new sorption‐enhanced (SE) and biochar‐direct (BD) integrated chemical looping system for hydrogen production from biomass gasification, using iron oxide as an oxygen carrier, calcium oxide (CaO) as a CO2 adsorbent, and biochar as a reducing agent. In this study, a thermodynamic model with the proposed sorbent‐enhanced biochar‐direct (SE‐BD) chemical looping hydrogen production (CLHP) process has been developed using an Aspen Plus simulator. The effect of important process parameters, including the reactor temperature, the syngas composition, and the molar feeding ratios of iron oxide/syngas, biochar/syngas, and CaO/syngas on the performance in terms of product gas composition, iron oxide conversion, H2 yield, H2 purity, and reactor heat demand has been evaluated. The simulation results show that the addition of biochar significantly enhances the overall hydrogen yield compared to the conventional CLHP process; whereas the addition of CaO‐sorbent was found to significantly improve the H2 purity. Moreover, the exothermic lime carbonation further reduced the thermal requirements of the process. In addition, this thermodynamic simulation demonstrates that the sorbent‐enhanced biochar‐direct chemical looping hydrogen production (SE‐BD‐CLHP) process can achieve a wide operating window for complete iron oxide (Fe3O4) reduction by adjusting the CaO and biochar feeding ratio.
17.13% Efficiency and Superior Thermal Stability of Organic Solar Cells Based on a Comb‐Shape Active Blend
Authors: Yin Zhipeng , Wang Qingjie , Zhao Huan , Wang Haiqiao , Li Ning , Song Weijie
Published: May 2022

With rapid progress, organic solar cells (OSCs) are getting closer to the target of real application. However, the stability issue is still one of the biggest challenges that have to be resolved. Especially, the thermal stability of OSCs is far from meeting the requirements of the application. Here, based on the layer‐by‐layer (LBL) process and by utilizing the dissolubility nature of solvent and materials, binary inverted OSCs (ITO/AZO/PM6/BTP‐eC9/MoO3/Ag) with comb shape active morphology are fabricated. High efficiency of 17.13% and simultaneous superior thermal stability (with 93% of initial efficiency retained in ~9:00 h under 85 °C in N2) are demonstrated, showing superior stability to reference cells. The enhancements are attributed to the formed optimal comb shape of the active layer, which could provide a larger D/A interface, thus more charge carriers, render the active blend a more stable morphology, and protect the electrode by impeding ion's migration and corrosion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the best thermal stability of binary OSCs reported in the literature, especially when considering the high efficiency of over 17%.
Electrochemical, EPR, and quantum chemical study of reductive cleavage of cone‐Calix[4]arene nosylates – New electrosynthetic approach
Authors: Liška Alan , Řezanková Markéta , Klíma Jiří , Urban Jiří , Budka Jan , Ludvík Jiří
Published: May 2022

The mechanism of electrochemical reduction of a series of six cone‐calix[4]arene‐bis‐nosylates (4‐nitrophenylsulfonate aryl esters) was investigated on mercury electrodes using DC‐polarography and cyclic voltammetry (CV) combined with in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)‐spectroelectrochemistry in aprotic dimethylformamide. Model compounds – expected fragments and products ‐ were studied for comparison. The experimental results are supported by quantum chemical calculations. All calix[4]arene‐bis‐nosylates are reduced in a first reversible step to bis‐(radical anion) by two simultaneous one‐electron transfers. Each of the two electrons is unpaired and separately localized on two nosylate groups.

In the second reduction step next 2×2 electrons are transferred and both sulfonate ester groups are cleaved to two 4‐nitro‐benzenesulfinate ions and a calixarene bis‐phenolate (95%). This electroreductive generation of arylsulfinate anions is a significant finding from the electrosynthetic point of view. Activated arylsulfinates, the synthesis of which is generally difficult, can be easily prepared by electrochemical reduction of the nosyl esters.
Economic and environmental feasibility of photovoltaic solar energy in industrial processes
Authors: Franco Antonio Carlos , da Silva Sa Ravagnani Mauro Antonio , Silva Franco Luciane
Published: May 2022

Currently, one of the world's concerns, including Brazil, is to obtain answers to reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels. Environmental damage and possible scarcity of fossil fuels highlight the generation of clean energy to reduce environmental degradation. In the present article, it is proposed a model to analyze the economic and environmental feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic systems in an industry. A case study in Brazil was used to test the model. The selected industrial sector chosen for the installation of the photovoltaic system was the parking lot with an estimated area of 187,653 m2. Regarding economic viability, the calculated net present value was $44,730,630.26, the internal rate of return was 14.52% per year, and the payback time was 132 months. The environmental impacts avoided in the use of the photovoltaic solar energy system were analyzed and the amount of carbon dioxide avoided in the atmosphere per kWh generated with the use of this clean energy showed that 25,381 trees would be needed to fix the CO2 that would be emitted into the atmosphere.
Multi‐method collaborative optimization for parallel air cooling lithium‐ion battery pack
Authors: Zhang Furen , Zhang Lin , Lin Aizhen , Wang Pengwei , Liu Peiwen
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the cooling performance of the battery thermal management system (BTMS) was optimized based on the Z‐type parallel air cooling model and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Firstly, the effects of the distributed and convergent plenum angle on the cooling performance of the battery pack were analyzed. An air cooling BTMS experimental system was designed to verify the reliability of the CFD method. The results indicated that the DP with an angle had a positive impact on the heat dissipation performance of the BTMS. Next, the DP was divided into eight parts according to the number of batteries, and the angle of each part of DP was optimized respectively. Compared with the original model, the maximum temperature (Tmax) and maximum temperature difference (ΔTmax) of the optimal model were decreased by 3.81 K (7.50%) and 5.64 K (90.97%), respectively. Furthermore, the influence of the length and height of the manifolds on the heat dissipation effect was studied. Then, the cooling performances of the battery pack were optimized by adjusting the widths of the cooling channels and adding a spoiler in the cooling channel. Compared with the initial model, Tmax and ΔTmax of the optimal condition were decreased by 5.37 K (10.57%) and 5.74 K (92.58%), respectively. And the pressure drop was increased by 16.12 Pa, but it was within an acceptable range. Finally, the effects of different wind speeds and discharge rates on the cooling effect were discussed. The proposed thermal management method in this paper would provide a reference for designing a battery air cooling system in the future.

Novelty Statement

The cooling performance of the battery thermal management system (BTMS) was optimized based on the Z‐type parallel air cooling model and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method.

The optimization strategy of discussing DP angle in sections was proposed, which could accurately control the temperature of each battery.

An air‐cooled BTMS experimental system was designed to verify the reliability of the CFD method.
Seasonal study of the nutritional composition of unexploited and low commercial value fish species from the Portuguese coast
Authors: Duarte Ana M. , Silva Frederica , Mendes Susana , Pinto Filipa R. , Barroso Sónia , Silva Elisabete , Neves Ana , Sequeira Vera , Magalhães Maria Filomena , Rebelo Rui , Assis Carlos , Vieira Ana Rita , Gordo Leonel Serrano , Gil Maria Manuel
Published: May 2022

Target species diversification is essential for fisheries sustainability and fish market revitalization. Fish discards are a widely recognized problem resulting from fisheries worldwide, and are of major concern for all sector players, from administrations, to fishermen, and scientists. However, non‐target species are seldom studied, and information on nutritional profiles and seasonal changes in nutritional properties is generally lacking. This study assessed the seasonal nutritional composition of two unexploited (Serranus cabrilla, Capros aper) and three low commercial value fish species (Trachurus picturatus, Spondyliosoma cantharus, and Trigla lyra), captured on the Portuguese coast over 1 year. Significant seasonal variations were observed in the nutritional composition of all the species studied. Moisture and ash contents varied from 70% to 81% and from 5% to 13%, respectively. The maximum fat contents were 5% for C. aper and 4% for T. picturatus, allowing to classify all studied fishes as lean. The highest protein contents were recorded for C. aper (25%) and S. cantharus (20%). The unexploited and low commercial value fish species studied were shown to be good fat and protein sources, comparable to commonly consumed species, such as cod and salmon, having a great potential to become commonly consumed fish in Portugal.
Impact of microencapsulated Ziziphora tenuior essential oil and orange fiber as natural‐functional additives on chemical and microbial qualities of cooked beef sausage
Authors: Aminzare Majid , Hashemi Mohammad , Afshari Asma , Mokhtari Mohammad Hossein , Noori Seyyed Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2022

The aim of the current study was to investigate the suitability of Ziziphora tenuior essential oil (ZEO) as a preservative. For this purpose, the effect of free and microencapsulated ZEO, combined with orange fiber, was determined on the chemical and microbial qualities of cooked beef sausage. In this study, modified starch was used for encapsulation of essential oil, and subsequently, 0.5% ZEO and 1% orange fiber were used for preparing cooked beef sausages during 60 days of storage at 4°C. To assess the microbial quality of samples, total viable count (TVC), psychrophilic count (PSY), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were analyzed. Furthermore, peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were tested to examine lipid oxidation. The most components of ZEO were pulegone (47.12%), isomenthone (14.57%), and 1,8‐cineole (12.84%) according to GC–MS analysis. The reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging activity, MIC, and MBC of ZEO were 16.44 (EC50), 8.36 (IC50), 0.625–2.5, and 1.25–5 mg/ml, respectively. Moreover, sausage containing 0.5% microencapsulated ZEO in combination with 1% orange fiber showed the best results with the following values (p ≤ .05): TVC (3.69 log CFU/g), PSY (3.51 log CFU/g), LAB (3.1 log CFU/g), PV (10.41 meq/kg lipid), and TBARS (3.1 mg MDA/kg). This is due to the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of microencapsulated essential oil. Therefore, the results of the present study can be applied in the meat industries as a new natural preservation method.
Late toxicity‐related symptoms and fraction dose affect decision regret among patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Köksal Mümtaz , Saur Leonard , Scafa Davide , R Sarria Gustavo , Leitzen Christina , Schmeel Christopher , Far Frederick , Strieth Sebastian , Giordano Frank A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Decision regret reflects patient satisfaction with treatment choice and is associated with quality of life. This study aimed to identify patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and post‐treatment symptoms associated with decision regret among patients with head and neck cancer who underwent surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients completed a questionnaire during a telephone interview. The questionnaire included the Decision Regret Scale (DRS) and several specific symptom‐related items. By the time of data collection, all patients had concluded their radiotherapy a minimum of 2 months and maximum of 3.3 years prior.

Results

Among the 108 patients included, 40.5% reported no regret, 30.1% reported mild regret, and 29.4% reported moderate to strong regret. A higher DRS score was most strongly associated with a lower single fraction dose and more restriction in everyday life. Higher DRS scores were also correlated with trouble speaking, trouble swallowing, pain in irradiated areas, dissatisfaction with one's appearance, feeling sad, and worry over one's future health.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we recommended that patients with head and neck cancer undergoing adjuvant radiation receive psychosocial support and adequate treatment of late toxicity‐related symptoms. When confronted with different therapeutic options, radiotherapy with a higher single fraction dose (i.e., hypofractionation) may be preferred due to its association with lower decision regret.
With warming, spring streamflow peaks are more coupled with vegetation green‐up than snowmelt in the northeastern United States
Authors: Khodaee Mahsa , Hwang Taehee , Ficklin Darren L. , Duncan Jonathan M.
Published: May 2022

In forested watersheds, climate change may have substantial implications for both ecological and hydrological processes by altering the snow and vegetation seasonal dynamics. However, to date, there have been few studies which systematically analysed their combined effects on seasonal streamflow behaviour at the watershed scale. Using long‐term remote‐sensed vegetation data and snowpack measurements, we characterized the long‐term patterns in the timings of green‐up/senescence and subsequent growing season length, as well as snowpack development/disappearance and subsequent snowpack duration. We further investigated the correlations of phenological and snowpack seasonal variations with the cumulative percentiles of daily streamflow over two transition periods: vernal (between snowmelt and green‐up) and autumnal (between senescence and snowpack development) windows. We found growing season significantly lengthened by ~30 days over the last four decades at the study watershed, driven by both earlier green‐up and later senescence. The long‐term snowfall significantly decreased by ~2.4 cm, and the snowpack duration has been shortened by ~25 days, mostly driven by earlier snow disappearance. While there were no significant changes in the lengths of vernal and autumnal windows, the normalized streamflow distributions over the vernal window have widened and the low‐frequency peak flow over the autumnal window has shifted earlier over the study period. Interestingly, although the snow disappearance timing has advanced by ~18 days, there was no evidence of changes in the timing of spring peak discharge. Our results suggest that with long‐term decreases in winter snowfall and snowpack duration, the impacts of snowpack dynamics on seasonal streamflow regimes over the vernal and autumnal windows have weakened. Meanwhile, the seasonal streamflow dynamics are more closely mediated by vegetation green‐up with time. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the phenological responses to climate change for prediction of future seasonal flow regimes in forested watersheds.
The water table: Its conceptual basis, its measurement and its usefulness as a hydrological variable
Authors: Baird Andy J. , Low Rob G.
Published: May 2022

The water table, as used routinely by hydrologists in various disciplines, is seemingly a simple concept: it marks the top of the saturated zone in porous media. But closer inspection reveals that much of the theory and practice concerning the water table are less straightforward than is often assumed. We review departures from the classical definition of the water table and consider the following phenomena: perched and inverted water tables, gas bubbles within the “saturated” zone below the water table, and water tables in dual (and multiple) porosity media. We discuss some of the different methods used for measuring the position of the water table, their relative practicalities, and how to avoid measurement errors, such as those associated with hydrological instrument response times. We question whether the water table remains a useful concept, and conclude that it does, citing the examples of groundwater resource management and the water table's use as an indicator of soil aeration. In the concluding discussion, we identify the precautions that can be taken to ensure water tables are appropriately measured and interpreted.
Exploring the feasibility of validating early developmental screening tools for American Indian and Alaska Native children
Authors: Asdigian Nancy L. , Howley Caitlin Trucksess , Sarche Michelle , Clifford Carrie , Miller Amanda K. , Whitesell Nancy Rumbaugh ,   The Tribal Early Childhood Research Center PEDS Community of Learning
Published: May 2022

Screening children from birth through age 5 is critical to early identification of challenges and referral to intervention to support optimal development. Screening of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children lags behind that of other children, partly due to the lack of screening tools validated for this population. This study tested the feasibility of an online data collection strategy for use in a future study of the validity of existing screening instruments for AIAN children. Parents of AIAN children in four communities were recruited to complete screeners, provide demographic information, and provide feedback on experiences with online data collection. Participants were given the option of receiving screening results from the local early childhood program through which they were recruited. 240 participants began the process, 183 were enrolled in a partner program and reported a birthdate for at least one AIAN child, 157 had an age‐eligible child, 81 began the consent process, 62 consented, and 39 fully completed data collection. Most participants were female and AIAN, the majority reported that online data collection was easy. Collecting screener validation data on a large sample of AIAN children may be able to utilize online data collection tools, with in‐person support to facilitate participation.
Drosophila melanogaster as a dynamic in vivo model organism reveals the hidden effects of interactions between microplastic/nanoplastic and heavy metals
Authors: Demir Eşref , Turna Demir Fatma
Published: May 2022

Plastic waste in different environments has been constantly transforming into microplastic/nanoplastic (MNPLs). As they may coexist with other contaminants, they may behave as vectors that transport various toxic trace elements, including metals. Because the impact of exposure to such matter on health still remains elusive, the abundant presence of MNPLs has lately become a pressing environmental issue. Researchers have been utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a dynamic in vivo model in genetic research for some time. The fly has also recently gained wider recognition in toxicology and nanogenotoxicity studies. The use of nanoparticles in numerous medical and consumer products raises serious concern, since many in vitro studies have shown their toxic potential. However, there is rather limited in vivo research into nanomaterial genotoxicity using mice or other mammalians owing to high costs and ethical concerns. In this context, Drosophila, thanks to its genetic tractability, short life span, with its entire life cycle lasting about 10 days, and distinct developmental stages, renders this organism an excellent model in testing toxic effects mediated by MNPLs. This review therefore aims to encourage research entities to employ Drosophila as a model in their nanogenotoxicity experiments focusing on impact of MNPLs at the molecular level.
Betanin alleviates inflammation and ameliorates apoptosis on human oral squamous cancer cells SCC131 and SCC4 through the NF‐κB/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Zou Xuan , Yu Kaitao , Chu Xiaoyang , Yang Lili
Published: May 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the prime kind of human malignancy with a great mortality ratio and a deprived prognosis due to its high level of relapse and metastasis. Recently reported is that betanin exerts a preventive role and cytotoxic activity on numerous cancer cells. Betanin comprises the betalain group, which is a highly bioavailable antioxidant. However, the precise molecular actions of betanin in the OSCC cells are yet to be elucidated. It may be the first report on the antiproliferative and apoptotic molecular mechanisms of betanin on OSCC. The current study intended to explore the betanin activity and its underlying mechanisms on SCC131 and SCC4 cells. The cytotoxicity assay, intracellular ROS, MMP, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory mediators of betanin activity on SCC131 and SCC4 cells were evaluated by MTT assay, DCFH‐DA, Rh‐123, AO/EB, DAPI, PI, analysis of western blot and RT‐PCR. The upshots indicated that betanin restrains the SCC131 cells proliferation, MMP and inflammation, whereas induces apoptosis via the enhanced ROS level of SCC131 and SCC4 cells in a dose‐dependent mode. Also, betanin‐treated OSCC cells reduce inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways. The above‐mentioned results exposed that betanin can inhibit cell viability, MMP, inflammation and enhanced apoptosis via the expression of NF‐κB/PI3K/Akt pathways. Thus, our current findings provided an innovative vision into the protective effect against OSCC.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after durvalumab treatment for acute myeloid leukemia: A consequence of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome?
Authors: Vinatier Emeline , Poli Caroline , Giltat Aurélien , Nunes‐Gomes Christopher , Orvain Corentin , Hunault‐Berger Mathilde , Jeannin Pascale , Thépot Sylvain
Published: May 2022

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system resulting from the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). PML occurs almost exclusively during profound immune suppression but it can also be observed in immunocompromised subjects as part of an inflammatory immune reconstitution syndrome (IRIS) in patients receiving antiviral therapy. We report a case of PML in a 61‐year‐old patient with acute myeloid leukemia who had developed after discontinuation of durvalumab (anti‐PD‐L1) therapy initiated after multiple treatments. Results suggest that PML may result from two nonexclusive mechanisms: (i) an inhibition of the protective response of JCV‐specific T cells as a consequence of the blockade of the PD1‐PDL1 pathway, associated with a lack of compensatory expression of other inhibitory receptors by T cells and (ii) a neuroinflammatory response (PML‐IRIS) that may have contributed to virus reactivation.
Analysis of transition metal dichalcogenides materials based gas sensor using non‐equilibrium green's function
Authors: Kumar Prateek , Gupta Maneesha , Singh Kunwar , Kumar Naveen
Published: May 2022

Gas sensors play a crucial role in fields extending from environmental to medical sciences. Modern FET‐based gas sensors have their own set of problems, so, in this work, an ultra‐small and highly sensitive TMDC material‐based gas sensor is proposed. Investigated nanowire‐based gas sensor has a radius and length of 4 nm and 20 nm respectively. Catalytic materials Molybdenum and Palladium are used as gate electrodes. MoS2, MoTe2 and WS2 are used as channel materials for the detection of Ammonia and to sense Hydrogen, MoS2 is used. The work function of catalytic materials changes due to the physical adsorption/chemisorption of gases. To include the quantum effects and to enhance the accuracy of results, along with Schrodinger‐Poisson equations, non‐equilibrium Green's function is used as a principle simulation model. Variations in characteristics of the sensor are explained on basis of transmission probability, density of states at source and drain electrode. For the detection of Ammonia, WS2 resulted in the highest ION/IOFF sensitivity of 1523 and MoS2 can detect Hydrogen at ION/IOFF sensitivity of 1137. The device investigated can be used in the future for the detection of the aforementioned gases.
Thermal properties of polymethyl methacrylate vary depending on brand and type
Authors: Stoops Kyle , Brown Jeffrey Mark , Santoni Brandon , Groundland John
Published: May 2022

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used in orthopedic surgery and has several applications, most often for fixation of arthroplasty components. While its overall safety and tolerance are well described, less is known regarding the thermal properties of PMMA as it sets from a liquid to solid state, as well as the potential for osseous thermal necrosis. This study addresses potential variations in the setting time and maximum temperature of PMMA formulations in common use and explores the potential clinical implications of this variability. Seven commercially available formulations of PMMA that varied by brand and/or viscosity were obtained and prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. Peak temperature and duration were measured in controlled settings for each type and compared to previously described thresholds for thermal bone necrosis. Depuy SmartSet (HV), Zimmer Palacos R (HV), and Zimmer Palacos (LV) exceeded the 56°C threshold reported to potentially induce immediate osseous thermal necrosis. Additionally, Biomet Cobalt (MV) and Stryker Simplex P (MV) had lower peak temperatures but exceeded thermal necrosis thresholds due to curing duration. The lowest peak temperature was observed for Smith & Nephew Versabond (MV), which was significantly lower than all types except Depuy SmartSet (MV). Setting time was not significantly different among groups. There are significant differences in the thermal properties of PMMA formulations in current use. Selection of specific PMMA formulations represents an additional route of procedural optimization depending on the needs of the treating surgeon.
Combined laryngeal cleft injection laryngoplasty and salivary botulinum toxin for saliva aspiration
Authors: Nguyen Justin , Ongkasuwan Julina , Anand Grace , Lambert Elton M.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Children with type I laryngeal clefts and sialorrhea can have posterior drooling, aspiration of oral secretions, and respiratory complications. Laryngeal cleft injection laryngoplasty (LCIL) and salivary botulinum injections (Sal‐Bot) have been used separately for short‐term treatment of type I laryngeal clefts and sialorrhea. Our goal was to evaluate combined LCIL and Sal‐Bot and create recommendations for further treatment based on response to initial treatment.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of nine patients who underwent direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy with combined LCIL and Sal‐Bot from 2012 to 2019. Charts were reviewed for patient characteristics, response to treatment, and pre and post‐op hospitalizations. Subsequent procedures were performed depending on efficacy of initial treatments.

Results

Nine patients were identified. All had pre‐existing neurologic conditions, gastrostomy tubes, and a history of coughing and choking on secretions. Only one patient was able to feed orally (purees). 1 U/kg of botulinum toxin per gland was injected into each parotid and submandibular gland. The average units of botulinum toxin injected was 67 U. The mean laryngeal cleft injection volume was 0.35 cc. Subsequent treatment was based on timing of symptomatic improvement and individual patient factors. Five patients had respiratory‐related hospitalizations in year preceding the procedures (median 1.5, range 1–10). Three (60%) had a reduction in respiratory‐related hospitalization 1 year post procedure (median 1, range 1–3). One patient died during the follow up period due to continued chronic respiratory failure.

Conclusions

This is the first study of combined laryngeal cleft injection laryngoplasty and botulinum toxin injections for patients with posterior laryngeal penetration and aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. We highlight strategies for choosing subsequent procedures based on response to initial treatment.

Level of Evidence

4.
Financial burden in adults with chronic liver disease: A scoping review
Authors: Ufere Nneka N. , Satapathy Nishant , Philpotts Lisa , Lai Jennifer C. , Serper Marina
Published: May 2022

The economic burden of chronic liver disease is rising; however, the financial impact of chronic liver disease on patients and families has been underexplored. We performed a scoping review to identify studies examining financial burden (patient/family health care expenditures), financial distress (material, behavioral, and psychological consequences of financial burden), and financial toxicity (adverse health outcomes of financial distress) experienced by patients with chronic liver disease and their families. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science online databases for articles published since the introduction of the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score for liver transplantation allocation in February 2002 until July 2021. Final searches were conducted between June and July 2021. Studies were included if they examined the prevalence or impact of financial burden or distress among patients with chronic liver disease and/or their caregivers. A total of 19 observational studies met inclusion criteria involving 24,549 patients and 276 caregivers across 5 countries. High rates of financial burden and distress were reported within the study populations, particularly among patients with hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation recipients. Financial burden and distress were associated with increased pre‐ and posttransplantation health care utilization and poor health‐related quality of life as well as caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety. None of the included studies evaluated interventions to alleviate financial burden and distress. Observational evidence supports the finding that financial burden and distress are underrecognized but highly prevalent among patients with chronic liver disease and their caregivers and are associated with poor health outcomes. There is a critical need for interventions to mitigate financial burden and distress and reduce financial toxicity in chronic liver disease care.